Most Energy Efficient TVs in the UK (2025 Guide)

Energy-efficient TVs can help reduce household power use and help you save money with lower electricity bills, but what type of TVs cost the least amount of electricity to run?

Electricity prices in the UK have gradually become more expensive than in other EU countries in recent years. According to a UK Parliament research briefing, electricity prices were 19% above the EU average in the second half of 2024.

With electricity prices still well above pre-‘energy crisis’ levels in 2025, many households are monitoring the energy their everyday appliances consume, and the TV is a surprisingly significant one. Whether it’s streaming shows, watching live sport, or gaming for hours, televisions can quietly become one of the more costly items on your electricity bill.

In 2025, choosing an energy-efficient TV means more than just picking a smaller screen. Newer models vary significantly in power consumption, depending on screen size, panel type (such as LED or OLED), and even settings like brightness or energy-saving modes.

Understanding TV efficiency is one of the easiest ways to save money without sacrificing picture quality. To help you cut through the noise, we’ll explain how energy labels work, compare the most efficient TVs by type and size, and show you how to estimate the cost of running your current TV using today’s electricity rates.

Quick Takeaways on Energy Efficient TVs UK

TVs can quietly raise your electricity bill, especially larger screens, bright HDR content, or older models.
Energy use is measured in kWh/1000h, so check this figure on the energy label, not just the A–G rating.
LED TVs are the most energy-efficient, while OLED and Mini-LED offer premium visuals but use more power.
Smart features like Eco Mode and Auto Brightness can cut energy use by up to 30%.
Mid-sized efficient models cost under £20/year to run, while larger premium sets may cost £30 or more.
Top models for 2025 include LG, Samsung, Hisense, and Sony, and feature built-in energy-saving tools and low standby power consumption.
Buying the right-sized TV for your space and adjusting your settings can reduce your energy footprint without compromising picture quality.

Why TV Energy Efficiency Matters

Televisions might not be the first appliance you think of when it comes to energy costs, but they run for hours each day, often silently draining electricity in the background. For many UK homes, a TV is on for three to five hours a day, every day. That adds up over a year.

The cost of powering it depends entirely on the type of TV you own. The Energy Saving Trust notes that TVs can be the most power-hungry of all entertainment equipment, particularly the largest ones.

With the average price of electricity per kWh in the UK capped at 25.73 pence from 1 July to 30 September 2025, every kWh matters.

It’s not just about new purchases, either. If your current TV is more than five years old, it’s likely using far more electricity than today’s models. That makes upgrading not just a picture-quality decision, but also an energy one.

How TV Power Consumption Is Measured

When comparing TV energy efficiency, the key figure to look for is kWh per 1,000 hours, written on the energy label as kWh/1000h. This indicates the amount of electricity a television consumes over 1,000 hours, which is roughly equivalent to watching for three hours a day for a year.

Unlike washing machines or tumble dryers, which are rated per cycle, TVs are measured by the amount of energy they use while displaying content. This doesn’t include standby mode, which is calculated separately and is often listed as a second figure (typically 0.3–1 watt per hour).

TV energy labels in the UK were revised in 2021 and now range from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). Don’t be alarmed if even high-end TVs carry a “D” or “E” rating — the scale was reset to accommodate future advances. The new energy label also includes the screen size and resolution in pixels.

Here’s how to decode what you’re looking at:

kWh/1000h = how much energy it uses when on
Standby draw (W) = how much energy it uses when off or idle
Screen size and resolution both impact energy use, even between two TVs of the same tech

TV Electricity Cost Calculator (Size vs Annual Cost)

To calculate the electricity cost of running a TV, you need just two numbers:

1. The TV’s energy consumption in kWh/1000h

2. The cost of electricity in the UK — currently £0.2573 per kWh or 25.73p per kWh (July 2025 Ofgem rate)

Let’s assume you use your TV for an average of 3 hours per day.

The hours used per year = 1,095 (3 × 365).

To calculate the annual electricity cost, we used the following:

1. Annual Usage (kWh)

Annual kWh = (kWh per 1000h × hours used per year)/1000

2. Cost/Year (£)

Annual Cost = Annual kWh × Electricity price (per kWh)

Example: 32″ LED TV

1. Energy Use: 35 kWh/1000h

2. Annual kWh: (35×1095)/1000=38.325 kWh/year

3. Cost/Year: 38.325 × 0.2573 = £9.86

Here’s how the annual cost compares for different TV sizes:

TV Size	Panel Type	Energy Use (kWh/1000h)	Annual Use (kWh)	Estimated Cost/Year
32″	LED	35	38.3	£9.86
43″	LED	54	59.1	£15.21
50″	QLED	75	82.1	£21.14
55″	OLED	97	106.3	£27.36
65″	Mini-LED	120	131.4	£33.83

These figures assume factory settings, but real-world usage can vary:

Eco mode can cut costs by up to 30%
Gaming and HDR content often increase power draw
Standby mode adds £2–£6 per year, depending on your TV

If you want to reduce your electricity costs, switching to a modern LED or OLED TV with efficient settings can make a noticeable difference.

Best Energy Efficient TVs by Category

Not all TVs are created equal when it comes to electricity use. Even within the same size range, differences in panel type, brightness settings, and built-in power-saving tech can make a noticeable impact on your yearly bill.

Here are some of the most energy-efficient models available in the UK, categorized by screen size.

Best 32–43″ Small TVs (Compact and Low-Power)

Samsung UE43CU8000 43″ 4K Crystal UHD LED TV

Energy Rating: F
Energy Use: 54 kWh/1000h
Estimated Annual Cost: £15.21
Why It’s Efficient:
This LED TV strikes a good balance between picture quality and low power draw. Samsung’s “Eco Sensor” adjusts screen brightness based on room lighting, reducing unnecessary usage.
Smart Features: Built-in voice assistant, slim design, energy-saving mode

LG 32LQ63006LA 32″ HD Ready Smart LED TV

Energy Rating: E
Energy Use: 35 kWh/1000h
Estimated Annual Cost: £9.86
Why It’s Efficient:
For small spaces, this 32” LG model is highly efficient and well-suited for bedrooms or kitchens. Despite its size, it supports LG’s ThinQ AI and includes a standby power reduction feature.
Smart Features: WebOS, HDR10 Pro, AI Brightness Control

Best 50–55″ Mid-Range TVs (Balanced Performance & Efficiency)

LG OLED55C3 55″ 4K OLED evo TV

Energy Rating: F
Energy Use: 97 kWh/1000h
Estimated Annual Cost: £27.36
Why It’s Efficient:
OLED panels tend to consume more energy due to their self-illuminating pixels, but the C3 series improves efficiency by utilizing LG’s OLED evo technology, which limits brightness where unnecessary.
Smart Features: Dolby Vision IQ, AI Picture Pro, pixel-level dimming, energy saver modes

Hisense 55A6KTUK 55″ 4K Smart TV

Energy Rating: E
Energy Use: 70 kWh/1000h
Estimated Annual Cost: £19.56
Why It’s Efficient:
This budget-friendly 4K TV from Hisense utilizes a direct-lit LED panel and offers adjustable contrast and local dimming, which helps reduce power consumption in darker scenes.
Smart Features: VIDAA OS, voice control, Auto Low Latency Mode (for gamers)

Best 65″+ Large TVs (Premium Size Without Excess Power Use)

Samsung QE65Q80C 65″ QLED 4K HDR Smart TV

Energy Rating: F
Energy Use: 120 kWh/1000h
Estimated Annual Cost: £33.83
Why It’s Efficient:
One of the more efficient 65″ QLED models on the market, the Q80C uses local dimming, an ambient light sensor, and a variable refresh rate to optimise energy use during both dark and bright scenes.
Smart Features: Quantum HDR+, Energy Saving Mode, Tizen OS, SolarCell remote (no batteries)

Sony XR-65X90L 65″ Full Array LED TV

Energy Rating: E
Energy Use: 110 kWh/1000h
Estimated Annual Cost: £31.09
Why It’s Efficient:
Sony’s Cognitive Processor XR dynamically adjusts brightness and contrast to minimize unnecessary power consumption, while full-array local dimming ensures that only the necessary areas of the screen are illuminated.
Smart Features: Google TV, XR Contrast Booster, motion smoothing, Auto Power Saving Mode

Energy Efficient TVs Summary Table:

Model	Size	Tech	kWh/1000h	Est. Annual Cost
LG 32LQ63006LA	32″	LED	35	£9.86
Samsung UE43CU8000	43″	LED	54	£15.21
Hisense 55A6KTUK	55″	LED	70	£19.56
LG OLED55C3	55″	OLED	97	£27.36
Sony XR-65X90L	65″	LED	110	£31.09
Samsung QE65Q80C	65″	QLED	120	£33.83

OLED vs. LED vs. QLED vs. Mini-LED: Which TV Technology Uses the Least Energy?

The type of panel your TV uses plays a huge role in how much electricity it consumes. OLEDs and QLEDs are similar to LED screens in that they both utilize LCDs.

The difference between OLED and QLED is that you don’t require backlighting – each pixel lights itself. Both types boast high performance in picture quality, but this comes at an added cost.

Even if two models are the same size, an OLED panel will often draw more power than a standard LED, especially if you’re watching in bright settings or using HDR features.

Here’s a breakdown of how the major TV panel types compare in terms of power usage, efficiency, and performance.

LED (Light Emitting Diode)

Most efficient option overall
Backlit panel lights up the whole screen
Found in most budget and mid-range TVs
Excellent for general home use

Average Energy Use: 35–70 kWh/1000h
Typical Annual Cost: £9–£18
Best For: Bedrooms, kitchens, casual viewing

QLED (Quantum Dot LED)

Brighter and more vibrant than standard LED
Still uses a backlight but adds a quantum filter
More efficient than OLED, less efficient than LED

Average Energy Use: 70–95 kWh/1000h
Typical Annual Cost: £18–£25
Best For: Sports, bright rooms, colour-rich content

OLED (Organic LED)

Self-lighting pixels (no backlight)
Exceptional contrast and deep blacks
Less efficient overall — especially at higher brightness
Uses more energy during HDR/gaming

Average Energy Use: 90–120 kWh/1000h
Typical Annual Cost: £23–£31
Best For: Home cinema, film lovers, high-end visuals

Mini-LED

Newer tech combining LED backlighting with tiny precision dimming zones
More efficient than full-array LED in some cases
Competes with OLED in contrast, while being brighter

Average Energy Use: 90–125 kWh/1000h
Typical Annual Cost: £23–£32
Best For: Large screens, premium HDR content, bright environments

Panel Type Energy Use Comparison Table:

Tech Type	Avg. kWh/1000h	Estimated Annual Cost	Energy Efficiency	Performance Highlights
LED	35–70	£9–£18	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	Simple, efficient, low brightness
QLED	70–95	£18–£25	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Colour-rich, very bright
OLED	90–120	£23–£31	⭐⭐⭐	Deep blacks, high contrast
Mini-LED	90–125	£23–£32	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Premium detail, great brightness control

A mid-sized LED or QLED TV with eco settings enabled is your best bet if you want to keep electricity bills low. If you’re buying OLED or Mini-LED, prioritise models with ambient light sensors and auto brightness adjustment to reduce energy use without sacrificing image quality.

Settings That Affect TV Energy Use (and How to Optimise Them)

Even the most efficient TV can end up wasting energy if it’s running on high-brightness presets or left idling for hours. Many modern televisions are shipped with vivid settings designed to stand out on showroom floors, rather than to conserve electricity in your living room.

Here are the key settings that affect your TV’s power consumption, and how to adjust them to reduce your annual electricity costs.

Brightness and Backlight

Most TVs default to either “Standard” or “Vivid” mode, which sets the brightness to maximum levels.
Lowering the backlight (not just brightness) can reduce energy consumption by up to 30%.
Look for “Energy Saver,” “Eco,” or “Movie” picture modes — these are typically less demanding on power.

Ambient Light Sensor

Also known as Auto Brightness, this feature automatically adjusts the screen’s brightness according to the room’s lighting conditions.
Helps avoid over-lighting in dark rooms and saves energy without any noticeable drop in picture quality.
Found on most TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, and Panasonic.

Sleep Timers and Auto-Off

If your TV is often left on overnight or as background noise, a sleep timer can help reduce wasted energy.
Auto power-off features will turn the TV off after a period of inactivity (usually 2–4 hours).
Smart TVs may also pause or dim the screen when no motion is detected.

Standby Mode and Quick Start

While modern TVs only draw 0.3–1 watt/hour in standby, that adds up over time. According to the Energy Saving Trust, switching devices off standby can help you save £45 in Great Britain and £55 in Northern Ireland.
Disabling Quick Start+ (used to power on faster) can halve standby energy use.
For maximum savings, consider switching off at the wall or using a smart plug that cuts power completely.

AI and Dynamic Modes

Premium TVs offer AI Picture Modes that automatically optimise brightness and contrast based on content.
While convenient, these modes can fluctuate energy usage. Set to a consistent eco profile instead if you’re aiming for savings.

Most modern TVs allow you to create a custom “Eco Mode,” where you can adjust the backlight, contrast, and motion settings. Spend five minutes in your settings menu, and you could save £5–£15 per year without noticing any difference in quality.

How to Find Energy-Efficient TVs Online or In-Store

If you’ve ever tried comparing TV models online, you’ll know it’s not always obvious which ones are energy efficient. Retailers tend to highlight resolution, HDR, or smart features but rarely mention power consumption or estimated running costs.

Here’s how to cut through the noise and identify low-energy TVs with confidence.

What to Look for on the Energy Label

All TVs sold in the UK are legally required to display an energy efficiency label, either in-store or on the product listing on the retailer’s website. Here’s what to focus on:

Energy Rating (A–G):
Newer, stricter appliance energy ratings mean even efficient TVs often fall in the D–F range. Don’t expect to find many As.
Energy Consumption (kWh/1000h):
This is the most useful number. It indicates the amount of energy the TV consumes per 1,000 hours of normal viewing. Lower = better.
HDR Usage (if listed):
Some labels include an additional figure for HDR usage. This can be much higher than standard viewing, especially on OLEDs and QLEDs.

Tips for Buying Online

You can often filter by energy efficiency rating.
Look in the “Specifications” or “Product Details” tab — this is where you’ll find kWh/1000h info.
Watch for the phrase “Energy consumption in SDR/HDR mode” — it’s a clue the model has had recent energy labelling applied.

Buying In-Store

Ask to see the energy label — it’s usually printed on the shelf tag or the box.
Compare models side by side, especially within the same screen size.
Ask staff about features like ambient light sensors or power-saving modes.

Quick Checklist for Buying Energy-Efficient TVs

Feature	Why It Matters
kWh/1000h < 80	Low running cost for standard usage
Eco Mode or Ambient Sensor	Reduces backlight energy
Auto Power-Off Enabled	Cuts energy waste from overnight use
43–55″ Screen Size	Best balance of size and energy use
Standby Draw < 1W	Minimises idle power usage

Don’t rely on the A–G rating alone. Two F-rated TVs could differ by 40 kWh/year. Always check the actual kWh/1000h value for a more accurate sense of energy use, especially when comparing similar models.

Energy Saving Tips for TV Owners

You don’t need to buy a brand-new TV to start saving energy. Many of the most effective ways to reduce your TV’s electricity usage are already available in your settings menu or your day-to-day usage.

Here are some simple and practical tips to reduce your TV running costs without sacrificing picture quality or convenience.

1. Enable Eco or Power-Saving Mode

Most smart TVs include a power-saving or eco mode. This adjusts brightness, contrast, and sometimes turns off unnecessary features like motion smoothing. It can help reduce energy use, especially on high-brightness settings. Eco modes are often hidden under “General,” “System,” or “Picture Settings.”

2. Use an Ambient Light Sensor

This feature automatically dims the screen when the room is dark and boosts it in bright daylight. It maintains good visibility while avoiding excessive brightness that drains power.

3. Set a Sleep Timer or Auto Power-Off

If you often fall asleep with the TV on, a sleep timer is an easy way to avoid overnight energy waste. Similarly, enable the auto power-off function to turn the screen off after a period of inactivity, typically 2 to 4 hours.

4. Reduce Standby Drain

While modern TVs use less than 1W on standby, the cost adds up over time. Turn off Quick Start+ or Instant On features to lower standby usage, or use a smart plug to cut power fully overnight.

5. Right-Size Your Screen

Larger TVs generally use more power. The Energy Saving Trust emphasizes that the larger a television screen, the more energy it will consume, regardless of its energy rating. Choosing a 43″ instead of a 55″ model can save around 30–40% on running costs over the year, especially if you’re in a small or mid-sized room.

6. Be Mindful of HDR and Gaming Modes

Gaming and HDR picture presets push your TV to maximum brightness and contrast, which increases power draw. Use these modes only when necessary, and switch back to Eco or Standard mode for everyday content.

Summary of the Most Energy Efficient TVs in the UK (2025)

Buying a television in 2025 isn’t just about screen size or picture resolution. With household electricity costs still high, energy performance has become a key part of the value equation. The most efficient TVs now combine smart panel technology with intelligent features that actively reduce power usage in real time without affecting how the screen looks or feels to use.

Efficiency doesn’t mean downgrading. Some of the most advanced models on the market use less power than mid-range sets from just a few years ago. If you aren’t upgrading yet, a few adjustments to your settings can still lead to a noticeable difference in energy use.

Televisions are always on in the background, but that doesn’t mean they should be quietly draining your wallet. Choosing a low-energy model, or fine-tuning the one you already own, is one of the simplest ways to lower your bills while still enjoying everything your screen has to offer.

Before buying a new TV, check the kWh/1000h figure on the energy label (the lower the better), and look for models with eco modes, ambient sensors, and auto power-off features. Bigger isn’t always more efficient, so match your screen size to your room. Also, ensure you adjust brightness, disable quick-start, use a smart plug if needed, and prioritise energy performance as part of the long-term cost, not just the upfront price.

FAQs on the Most Energy Efficient TVs in the UK

Which Are the Most Energy-Efficient TVs in the UK?

The most energy-efficient TVs in the UK are typically mid-sized LED models, measuring between 32 and 43 inches in size. These use the least electricity per hour and often cost under £15 per year to run. Models from LG, Samsung, and Hisense, which feature energy-saving technologies and low kWh/1000h ratings, consistently rank among the most efficient.

Is QLED or OLED More Energy-Efficient

QLED is generally more energy-efficient than OLED, especially in larger sizes. QLED TVs use a backlight system that consumes less power overall. OLED panels light each pixel individually and often require more electricity to maintain brightness in bright or HDR scenes.

Why Are OLED TVs Not Energy Efficient?

OLED TVs are less energy-efficient because their self-lit pixels consume more power during high-brightness content, especially when displaying HDR or vivid colours. Unlike LED or QLED panels, OLEDs don’t use a fixed backlight, which means overall power usage can vary significantly depending on what’s on screen.

Do TVs Use a Lot of Electricity in the UK?

Most modern TVs don’t use a large amount of electricity, but the cost can still add up over time, especially for larger models or older sets. A newer 55″ LED or QLED TV might cost between £20 and £30 per year to run, based on current UK electricity prices and average daily usage.

How to Know Which TV Has Better Energy Efficiency?

To compare energy efficiency, look at the kWh/1000h rating on the TV’s energy label. This indicates the amount of electricity used per 1,000 hours of viewing. Lower numbers indicate better efficiency. You can also check for features like eco modes, ambient sensors, and auto power-off settings.

Sources and References

UK Parliament – Gas and electricity prices during the ‘energy crisis’ and beyond

Energy Saving Trust – Home appliances and energy efficiency ratings

Ofgem – Energy price cap

Energy Saving Trust – What appliances use the most electricity?

Label 2020 – Label Guide