Choosing the most energy-efficient TV involves more than comparing OLED, QLED, Mini LED, and LED technology. Screen size, brightness, picture settings, viewing habits, and the specific model all affect how much electricity a television uses. A larger TV with a bright display can consume considerably more power than a smaller, less powerful model.
To find an energy-efficient TV, compare its power consumption in watts, estimated annual electricity use in kWh, screen size, and energy label. If you're shopping in Europe, the EU Energy Label and European Product Registry for Energy Labelling (EPREL) can help you compare registered models. In the United States, ENERGY STAR certification is another useful reference, where applicable.
In this guide, we'll compare energy-efficient TV options, explain how display technology affects electricity consumption, and show you how to estimate running costs. Whether you're looking for a compact TV for a bedroom or a large screen for your living room, the best choice is the model that meets your viewing needs while using less electricity.
A straightforward smart TV for everyday viewing, streaming, and smaller living spaces. We look at screen size, picture resolution, smart features, practical usability, and overall value to help you decide whether this Roku model fits your needs.
The Roku Select Series is worth considering if you want a relatively compact smart TV with Full HD resolution and access to streaming entertainment. Its 40-inch screen can work well in bedrooms, apartments, guest rooms, and other spaces where a larger display may be unnecessary. Check the exact listing for supported apps, connectivity, included features, and product condition before purchasing.
The Roku Select Series 40-inch Full HD TV is a practical choice for buyers seeking affordability, simplicity, and potentially lower energy consumption than larger TVs. Its 1080p LED display, 60Hz refresh rate, and built-in Roku platform make it ideal for bedrooms, guest rooms, and smaller living spaces. While it lacks 4K resolution and premium gaming features, it offers convenient everyday streaming. Actual electricity consumption depends on brightness, settings, and usage time.
Are you looking for a TV that keeps electricity use in check while still delivering excellent picture quality? Here is our comparison across display technologies and sizes, with official energy data for both US and EU buyers.
The LG OLED evo C4 delivers vibrant colours and deep blacks using self-lit OLED technology. Power use depends heavily on brightness and content, and bright HDR viewing roughly doubles the draw compared with standard content. LG has since released newer C-series models.
The Samsung S90D combines OLED picture quality with a compact screen. The US model is ENERGY STAR certified, which makes it worth considering for buyers who want strong image performance while watching their electricity use.
A 32-inch screen is a practical choice for bedrooms, kitchens and other compact spaces where keeping electricity use down is a priority. Screen size is the biggest single driver of a TV’s consumption, and sets this small draw only a fraction of what a 55-inch OLED does.
The Samsung Q60D uses QLED technology and offers a balance of colour, brightness and screen size. Among the 55-inch sets here it has the lowest HDR figure on the EU label. Actual consumption still varies with picture settings and viewing habits.
The LG B4 is designed for viewers who want OLED picture quality, gaming features and strong contrast. The figures below are for the 55-inch size, and larger sizes will use more. LG’s newer B5 has since replaced it, so check the generation on your listing.
The Sony BRAVIA XR90 (sold as Bravia 9 in many markets) is a high-brightness Mini LED television built for strong HDR performance. On the EU label it sits at a similar level per hour to the 55-inch OLEDs despite its 65-inch screen, but high brightness settings will raise real-world use. Sony has since launched a successor, the Bravia 9 II.
Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission if you purchase through links on this page, at no additional cost to you. Product details, condition, price, and availability may change. Check Amazon’s listing for the latest information.
Consumers seeking information on the energy efficiency of appliances, particularly TVs, often turn to energy efficiency labels. In the United States, the U.S. Department of Energy establishes guidelines for databases like Energy Star, an internationally recognized voluntary labeling program encompassing a broad spectrum, including energy-efficient products, homes, buildings, and manufacturing plants.
Co-managed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Energy Star plays a crucial role in guiding consumers toward more sustainable and energy-efficient choices.
In contrast, the European Union Energy Labels system is an EU-led initiative established through EU Directive 92/75/EC (1992), putting in place an energy consumption labeling scheme for EU countries. This system helps consumers make more informed decisions about the energy performance of their products.
Here are some key points about the Energy Star program:
- Energy Star Program: Administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), promoting energy efficiency through standardized methods.
- Purpose of Energy Star: Established to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and pollutants by encouraging energy-efficient products and practices.
- Energy Star Label: ENERGY STAR certification identifies products that meet applicable energy-efficiency requirements. When comparing televisions, check certification status alongside the manufacturer's power-consumption figures and any applicable energy label.
- Optimizing Power Settings: Recommended for those prioritizing energy efficiency, the Energy Star program helps optimize power settings, reducing energy consumption for long-term savings and a smaller environmental footprint.
- Global Implementation: The Energy Star service mark is found on certified energy-efficient products, homes, commercial buildings, and industrial plants, with elements implemented in countries such as Japan, Taiwan, Switzerland, and Canada.
- Energy Rating of Appliances: Appliances use a 1- to 5-star system to indicate their efficiency, with a higher star rating denoting greater energy efficiency based on design and technology.
Energy Star is the main energy label for devices electricity consumption tracking in North America
For consumers interested in purchasing energy-efficient televisions, it’s important to understand the various standards and ratings available. The U.S. Department of Energy provides comprehensive guidance on selecting televisions that meet energy efficiency criteria. This ensures you not only save on energy bills but also contribute to environmental sustainability.
Additionally, for a broader understanding of U.S. appliance standards, you can find detailed information on energy efficiency regulations and standards for various appliances by visiting the U.S. Department of Energy’s Appliance Standards Program. This resource helps consumers make informed decisions while shopping for energy-efficient appliances.
The EU energy labeling and ecodesign legislation play a pivotal role in promoting enhanced energy efficiency across various products, significantly impacting televisions. These regulations help consumers make informed choices by providing clear information about a product’s energy consumption and efficiency. For more details on the EU energy labeling system, visit the European Commission’s Energy Labels page.
Additionally, the ecodesign directive sets minimum energy performance requirements for various products, ensuring that manufacturers prioritize sustainability in their designs. To learn more about ecodesign regulations and their implications for energy efficiency, check out the Ecodesign Directive page on the European Commission’s website. To understand how these requirements fit into the wider regulatory framework, read our guide to minimum energy performance standards.
Energy Labels For TV in the EU typically display electricity consumption in kWh/1000h with a letter rating (A-G).
Ecodesign standards establish minimum criteria, while energy labels serve as indicators of efficiency, empowering consumers to make energy-conscious choices. The projected energy savings of approximately 230 million tonnes of oil equivalent (Mtoe) by 2030 carry broader implications, potentially saving consumers up to €285 annually on household energy bills, extending beyond television use.
The evolution of energy labels for TVs, introduced in 1994 and expanded in 2004, entails a scale from A to G and has become a significant influencer. Recognized by 93% of consumers in 2019, it shapes purchasing decisions toward energy-efficient TVs. The ongoing transition to a new label generation, simplifying the scale to A–G, helps consumers more easily identify the most energy-efficient TVs and fosters innovation as manufacturers strive for higher efficiency ratings.
The rescaling initiative in 2021, specifically targeting electronic displays, including televisions, seeks to distinguish more effectively between energy-efficient models, encouraging innovation for enhanced energy efficiency in televisions. The introduction of new EU energy labels, effective from March 1, 2021, further simplifies categorization, facilitating consumer choices with the A–G scale and incorporating QR codes for additional product details, accessible through the European Product Registry for Energy Labelling (EPREL).
For more information on the energy labeling system, visit the European Commission’s Energy Labels page.
Energy Labels were revised in 2021 (making requirements higher, thereby lowering grades for many TVs)
Ecodesign measures for TVs underscore the commitment to improved environmental performance, with a focus on reparability, recyclability, and ensuring spare parts availability, aligning with principles of a circular economy. This sustained emphasis on sustainability in television technology underpins the EU's encouragement for manufacturers to develop more sustainable and energy-efficient TV models. The shift to simpler labels not only streamlines consumer decision-making but also serves as a catalyst for ongoing innovation within the television industry, further aligning with broader environmental and energy efficiency goals.
For more information, you can visit the Energy Label and Ecodesign page, or check the European Commission’s press release regarding the new EU energy labels applicable from 1 March 2021.
Energy efficiency in TVs depends on various settings, such as watching HDR or 4K content and adjusting brightness levels. Consumption can vary based on these factors, influencing overall energy usage and performance.
The size of the TV plays a crucial role, with larger screens generally consuming more energy.
Additionally, the type of television, especially for 55-inch screens or larger, may reveal lower energy efficiency.
The panel composition, particularly for older LCD panels, also influences energy consumption. LCD displays use less power than OLEDs when showing bright or white scenes due to the constant backlight that remains active regardless of brightness.
However, when displaying dark or black scenes, OLEDs consume less power because they can turn off individual pixels, whereas LCDs still require the backlight to be on, even if less light passes through.
This makes it challenging to determine which panel is more energy efficient overall, as LCDs may be less efficient in bright scenes, while OLEDs are generally more efficient in dark scenes.
Choosing a TV involves balancing size and picture quality.
Larger TVs typically provide a clearer image, smoother motion, and higher refresh rates, which greatly enhance the overall viewing experience.
However, smaller TVs with less advanced panels tend to be more energy-efficient, making them ideal for consumers prioritizing lower electricity consumption.
For example, a 32-inch 60Hz LCD screen uses significantly less energy than a larger OLED display, highlighting the tradeoff between screen size, performance, and power usage.
Choosing a smaller, energy-efficient TV helps reduce power consumption. You can further lower your home’s energy footprint by pairing it with other efficient upgrades, like Most Energy Efficient Light Bulbs: An Overview, which are ideal for cutting electricity use without compromising brightness. You can build on these savings with other practical ways to improve your home's energy efficiency, from reducing unnecessary electricity use to making smarter choices about everyday household equipment.
Implementing energy-saving tips can significantly enhance the energy efficiency of your TV choice.
Reducing your TV's power consumption benefits both the environment and your wallet. To achieve optimal energy efficiency, it’s important to understand how TVs consume power and what steps you can take to minimize it. For more ways to reduce household electricity consumption, explore these energy-saving devices for your home and discover practical ways to cut energy waste.
- Adjust Brightness and Contrast: Lowering these settings can significantly reduce energy consumption and extend your TV’s lifespan.
- Use Energy-Saving Modes: Many modern TVs offer built-in modes to optimize power usage without sacrificing picture quality.
- Employ Sleep Timers or Standby: Set the TV to turn off automatically, or use standby mode if you need quick startup.
- Switch to Picture-Off Mode: Some TVs allow you to turn off the display while keeping audio active, further saving power.
- Automate Usage: Smart home systems and timers ensure the TV operates only when needed.
- Optimize Power Settings on New TVs: Adjust settings like “Off,” “Low,” or “High” for the best balance between performance and energy efficiency.
- Turn Off or Unplug When Not in Use: Power down your TV when it is idle to reduce unnecessary standby consumption. If you want to manage several connected devices together, energy-saving power strips can help you disconnect equipment when it is not in use.
Flatpanelshd evaluates TVs using a detailed methodology that helps consumers compare energy usage across models:
- Out-of-Box Consumption: Energy usage straight from the box, with only light sensor adjustments.
- Calibrated Consumption: Average consumption after picture calibration to standardize brightness levels. Calibration can significantly affect power usage.
- Power per Area: Normalizes energy use for comparison across different screen sizes.
- Annual Cost: Estimated yearly cost based on 5 hours of daily usage at $0.14 per kWh (standby excluded).
For EU energy labels, it’s important to distinguish between standard energy consumption and energy use with HDR, which more accurately reflects typical streaming conditions.
Among TV brands, LG, Samsung, and Sony consistently rank at the top for balancing performance and energy efficiency. These brands are the primary focus for our review of energy-efficient televisions.
Choosing an energy-efficient TV can help lower your electricity bill and reduce your environmental impact. Two things make the biggest difference in how much power a TV uses: screen size and LED backlighting. In general, larger TVs and brighter screens use more energy.
OLED TVs can have an energy-efficiency advantage when displaying darker content because individual pixels can switch off. However, bright HDR scenes can substantially increase OLED power consumption, so the most efficient choice depends on the specific model, screen size, brightness, and usage pattern. If your electricity tariff changes throughout the day, understanding peak electricity hours can also help you plan when to run other flexible household appliances.
TVs around 55 inches are popular, but energy ratings vary. Look for models with high energy-efficiency ratings to minimize electricity use.
Energy ratings don’t always reflect real-world usage. Read reviews and user reports to confirm a TV’s efficiency.
Adjusting brightness and contrast can significantly impact energy consumption. Choose TVs with customizable brightness settings for the best balance of picture quality and power use.
TV energy use has an environmental impact. Some energy is emitted as heat, which could help in colder rooms, but the goal is to reduce unnecessary power consumption. Your TV’s energy footprint is just one part of household consumption. Optimizing heating, cooling, and ventilation can complement your eco-friendly TV setup. For more ways to lower your home’s energy use, explore our guide to the most energy-efficient HVAC systems. For a wider approach to reducing household consumption, explore these sustainable home energy solutions, which cover practical ways to improve efficiency and manage energy use.
Pairing your TV with renewable energy or green electricity can greatly reduce your carbon footprint.
Check the latest energy ratings, as older TVs may no longer be top performers in efficiency.
Newer TVs usually offer better energy performance. Rather than choosing a TV based only on its release year, compare the model's actual energy consumption, screen size, brightness, display technology, and available energy label.
One of the most important factors in identifying the most energy-efficient TV is the presence of reputable energy efficiency labels, especially for popular sizes like 32-inch LED/LCD screens. High-end technologies such as OLED and Mini LED TVs offer superior picture quality while maintaining impressive energy efficiency. However, their advantage can be tempered by larger screen sizes and higher brightness levels compared to entry-level LED TVs. Mini LED and OLED TVs can differ considerably in power consumption depending on screen size, brightness, picture settings, and the content being displayed. Rather than assuming one technology is always more efficient, compare the actual energy-consumption figures of similarly sized models.
When choosing the ideal TV, it is important to consider both hourly and yearly energy consumption metrics. Energy efficiency alone does not fully determine the environmental impact of a TV; the carbon footprint from manufacturing and the energy source powering it also play a critical role. Striking a balance between a high-quality viewing experience and lower power consumption is key for a more sustainable choice.
We strive to keep this guide to the most energy-efficient TVs updated as models and technologies evolve. However, newer TVs are not always more efficient than older ones. Before buying, compare screen size, actual power consumption, energy ratings where available, and your typical viewing habits to find a TV that balances picture quality with lower electricity use.
