A typical 55-inch LED TV uses about 60-100 watts while on, roughly 80 W on average. Smaller sets can use 50 W or less; large or OLED sets with bright HDR can reach 150-200 W. There is no startup surge.
- Running watts
- 80 WTypical; 50–200 W across models
- Starting watts
- NoneNo motor surge
- Per day
- 0.4 kWh5 h of use
- Current
- 0.7 AAt 120 V while running
Figures checked against DOE, ENERGY STAR and manufacturer data on . Your model's label is the final word.
Watts by model and setting
Most tv models draw between 50 and 200 W while running; a typical one draws about 80 W. 80 W x 5 h/day (the FTC EnergyGuide basis for TVs). A 2024 Samsung 55-inch Crystal UHD (UN55DU7200) is labeled 120 kWh/yr, about 66 W on average; OLED, larger and brighter HDR sets use more.
- Screen size: power rises roughly with screen area
- Panel type and brightness: OLED and bright HDR content draw more than an LED-LCD at normal brightness
- Picture mode: 'Vivid' or 'Dynamic' modes use noticeably more than eco or standard modes
- ENERGY STAR models average about 34% less energy and must use 0.5 W or less in sleep
- Connected soundbars, streaming boxes and consoles add their own load
Running a TV on a generator or power station
- Generator: at least 80 running watts. A generator rated 1,000 W or more covers it with room to spare.
- Power station: continuous output of at least 80 W. Pure sine wave output is the safe choice for motors and electronics.
| Power station capacity | Estimated runtime |
|---|---|
| 500 Wh | 5.3 h |
| 1,000 Wh | 10.6 h |
| 2,000 Wh | 21.2 h |
| 3,000 Wh | 31.9 h |
Based on 80 W average draw and 85% usable capacity.
- Easy load for even a small portable power station; a 500 Wh unit can run a typical 55-inch TV for roughly 5 hours
- Use an inverter generator or pure sine wave power station; modern TVs have switching supplies that dislike rough power
- Run any generator outdoors, well away from doors, windows and vents; never in a garage or basement, because of carbon monoxide.
- Don't forget the router or streaming box if you want to watch online content
Add it to the generator calculator
Questions people ask
How many watts does a 65-inch TV use?
Usually about 90-150 W for an LED model, more for OLED or very bright HDR. Check the EnergyGuide label: divide annual kWh by 1.825 to get average watts at 5 hours a day.
Does a TV use power when turned off?
Yes, a little. ENERGY STAR TVs must stay at 0.5 W or less in sleep, though quick-start or always-listening features can raise it.