Streaming device vs. TV: running cost
A streaming device is cheaper to run: about $3 a year versus $27 for a TV at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $24 difference.
| Streaming device | TV | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 3 W | 80 W |
| Watt range | 2–15 W | 25–250 W |
| Typical use | 5 hours a day | 5 hours a day |
| Energy per year | 16 kWh | 150 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 0.05¢ | 1.4¢ |
| Cost per day | 0.8¢ | 7.4¢ |
| Cost per month | $0.24 | $2.24 |
| Cost per year | $3 | $27 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $7 | $65 |
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What drives the difference
- Streaming device: Sticks draw 2-4 W while streaming; most stay at 1-3 W when 'off'. Even year-round they use under 25 kWh.
- TV: Typical LED-LCD 4K TVs draw 60-120 W in standard picture mode; HDR and vivid modes can nearly double that. Five hours a day is close to the US household average.
Ways to cut either cost
Streaming stick
Replaces 25-70 W cable boxes and consoles for most viewing.
See options on Amazon ENERGY STAR certified TV
Certified TVs use about 25% less power than standard models at the same size.
See options on AmazonWe may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. It never changes the numbers we show. Disclosure.
Frequently asked questions
Which costs more to run, a streaming device or a TV?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), a TV costs about $27 a year versus $3 for a streaming device. That's $24 more, or 9.4× as much.
How many watts do streaming device and TV use?
A streaming device typically draws 3 W (range 2–15 W). A TV draws 80 W (range 25–250 W). Watts alone don't decide cost. Hours of use, cycling and standby matter just as much.
Rates: EIA, 12 months ending 2026-07. Methodology.