OLED vs QLED Power Consumption
Which TV Costs Less to Run?
Updated April 2026
The Headline
OLED TVs typically draw 100-150W during mixed content viewing. QLED TVs draw 150-250W. On a US average electricity rate of $0.16/kWh at 5 hours daily, the annual difference is roughly $8-$15 per year. It is a real savings but unlikely to influence your buying decision. OLED is more energy efficient because pixels that display black use zero power, while QLED backlights run constantly (even dimmed).
How OLED Saves Power
Each OLED pixel only uses power when it is lit. Dark scenes use almost no power because black pixels are completely off. Bright HDR highlights are brief and localised. Average power consumption across mixed content is significantly lower than QLED. A typical 65-inch OLED draws 100-130W during normal viewing.
Why QLED Uses More
The LED backlight runs constantly, even during dark scenes. Mini-LED zones dim but do not turn off completely. High-brightness Mini-LED models with 2,000+ zones running at 3,000-4,000 nits can draw 200-280W during HDR content. Typical mixed content viewing draws 150-180W for a 65-inch Mini-LED.
Power Consumption by Model
Annual cost assumes US average $0.16/kWh at 5 hours daily viewing.
| Model (65") | Typical | HDR Peak | Standby | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OLEDLG G5 65" | 130W | 180W | 0.5W | $19 |
| OLEDLG C5 65" | 110W | 150W | 0.5W | $16 |
| OLEDSamsung S95F 65" | 120W | 170W | 0.5W | $18 |
| OLEDLG B5 65" | 95W | 130W | 0.5W | $14 |
| QLEDSamsung QN90F 65" | 180W | 280W | 0.5W | $27 |
| QLEDHisense U8N 65" | 170W | 260W | 0.5W | $25 |
| QLEDTCL Q7C 65" | 150W | 220W | 0.5W | $22 |
| QLEDHisense U6N 65" | 120W | 160W | 0.5W | $18 |
Annual Electricity Cost Calculator
Estimated annual electricity cost
$37.96
5 hours/day at $0.16/kWh with 130W typical draw
Environmental Note
OLED's lower power consumption means a smaller carbon footprint over the TV's lifetime. A 65-inch OLED using 130W versus a QLED using 180W saves roughly 91 kWh per year at 5 hours daily. Over a 10-year lifespan, that is 910 kWh saved. At the US average grid emission factor, that is roughly 400 kg less CO2. A modest but genuine environmental benefit.
Power Cost FAQ
Does OLED or QLED use more electricity?
QLED uses more electricity due to its always-on backlight. A typical 65-inch QLED draws 150-180W versus 100-130W for OLED. The annual cost difference is roughly $8-$15.
How much does it cost to run a TV per year?
At US average electricity rates ($0.16/kWh) with 5 hours daily viewing, a 65-inch OLED costs about $14-$19 per year. A 65-inch QLED costs about $22-$27 per year.
Does screen brightness affect power consumption?
Yes, significantly. Running a QLED at maximum brightness (3,000+ nits) draws much more power than at standard brightness. HDR content with bright highlights causes power spikes on both technologies.