Nearly 96% of American households own at least one television. Most now own a Smart TV, with 15% of homes having canceled cable but kept their sets for streaming services.
Key Takeaways
- 15% of U.S. households have cancelled cable but still own a TV for streaming
- The average American household spends 3.1 hours per day watching TV
- 23% of UK TV owners exclusively use On-Demand services
- Modern Energy Star certified TVs use 60% less energy than models from 2010
- 30 million televisions are disposed of annually in the United States alone
- TVs account for 4% of a typical household’s annual electricity bill
- Approximately 96.2% of all U.S. households own at least one television set
- There are approximately 123.8 million TV households in the United States for the 2023-2024 season
- Over 1.7 billion households worldwide owned at least one television by the end of 2023
- The average price of a 55-inch TV has dropped by 40% since 2015
- TV advertising revenue worldwide reached $160 billion in 2023
- The global television market size was valued at $195 billion in 2022
- Over 87% of U.S. households now own at least one Smart TV
- 54% of U.S. TV households own a 4K-capable television set
- Global Smart TV shipments reached 225 million units in 2023
TV ownership keeps shifting toward streaming and smart features, with cord cutters still watching daily.
Related reading
01 · Category
Cord-Cutting & Consumer Behavior30 stats
01
15% of U.S. households have cancelled cable but still own a TV for streaming
02
The average American household spends 3.1 hours per day watching TV
03
23% of UK TV owners exclusively use On-Demand services
04
Households with children are 40% more likely to own multiple televisions
05
68% of Americans believe having a TV in the living room is "essential"
06
TV ownership in the bedroom has declined by 10% as tablets gain popularity
07
Subscription Video on Demand (SVOD) is used by 83% of TV owners in the US
08
47% of TV owners have a "second screen" (phone) active while watching
09
The average lifespan of a modern LED TV before replacement is 7 to 10 years
10
22% of TV owners upgraded their television specifically for a major sporting event
11
Households earning over $100k are 50% more likely to own a 4K TV
12
35% of Gen Z TV owners use their TV primarily for YouTube
13
18% of US households rely on an over-the-air (OTA) antenna for TV viewing
14
High-income households own an average of 2.8 televisions per home
15
61% of TV owners say they "binge-watch" content at least once a week
16
9% of TV owners still have a CRT (cathode-ray tube) television in use
17
29% of broadband households own a "dumb" TV connected to a streaming stick
18
The kitchen is the least common room for TV ownership, at only 5% of homes
19
TV owners over 65 watch 40% more linear TV than those under 30
20
56% of TV owners prefer to watch movies on their TV rather than in a theater
21
40% of millennials predominantly use their TV for gaming consoles
22
12% of TV owners have their television professionally calibrated
23
Black Friday accounts for 18% of annual television units sold in the US
24
75% of cord-cutters cited cost as the main reason to stop cable while keeping their TV
25
30% of TV owners use localized news as their primary live TV content
26
Retailers see a 30% spike in TV sales during the week leading to the Super Bowl
27
5% of households keep a TV mainly for background noise
28
Average TV owners check their remote batteries once every 12 months
29
In the US, 10% of households are "broadband only" and do not own a TV
30
88% of people watch TV with at least one other person regularly
Interpretation
Cord-Cutting & Consumer Behavior Interpretation
The TV is no longer the household's sole command center but remains its essential social hub, now serving as a customizable screen for everything from streaming binges to gaming, all while the remote’s dying batteries remind us that our devotion is deep but not always attentive.
02 · Category
Energy & Environmental Impact30 stats
01
Modern Energy Star certified TVs use 60% less energy than models from 2010
02
30 million televisions are disposed of annually in the United States alone
03
TVs account for 4% of a typical household’s annual electricity bill
04
Only 18% of old TV sets are properly recycled according to global standards
05
An 85-inch 8K TV can consume up to 400 watts of power during operation
06
OLED TVs consume 20% less energy on average compared to traditional LED backlighting
07
Lead and mercury in older CRT TVs pose significant hazardous waste risks
08
"Standby mode" in TVs accounts for 1% of total global CO2 emissions
09
25% of new TVs sold utilize recycled plastics in their chassis
10
California has the strictest energy efficiency standards for televisions in the US
11
Plasma TVs, once popular, were phased out largely due to high energy consumption
12
Efficient TV manufacturing has reduced water usage by 15% per unit
13
European Union "Right to Repair" laws aim to extend TV lifespans by 3 years
14
Solar-powered TVs are being deployed in 500,000 off-grid homes in Africa
15
Packaging for a 65-inch TV creates 5 lbs of cardboard and foam waste
16
Automatic brightness control on TVs can save $20per year in electricity
17
60% of consumers prefer TVs with "eco-friendly" certification
18
Electronic waste (e-waste) from TVs is growing by 2.5 million tons annually
19
Carbon footprint of a 55-inch TV is roughly 350kg of CO2 over its life
20
TV shipments utilize 10% of the world's protective polystyrene production
21
40% of television buyers cite "energy efficiency" as a top 5 purchase factor
22
Retailer "take-back" programs for old TVs have seen a 5% increase in participation
23
Mercury-free LCD display ownership became the industry standard in 2013
24
15% of a TV's weight consists of glass that can be recycled into new panels
25
Use of FSC-certified wood in TV stands has risen by 10% in high-end models
26
Smart TVs with "Eco-Mode" enabled use 30% less power on average
27
5 countries account for 75% of the world's TV-related electronic waste
28
Repairing a cracked screen costs 80% of the price of a new television
29
TV manufacturers have reduced chemical emissions in labs by 25% since 2015
30
80% of TV owners do not realize their TV draws power when "off"
Interpretation
Energy & Environmental Impact Interpretation
While our televisions keep getting bigger and smarter, their environmental footprint tells a cautionary tale of hidden energy costs and a growing mountain of e-waste, reminding us that the most sustainable feature might just be the off button.
03 · Category
Global & Regional Penetration30 stats
01
Approximately 96.2% of all U.S. households own at least one television set
02
There are approximately 123.8 million TV households in the United States for the 2023-2024 season
03
Over 1.7 billion households worldwide owned at least one television by the end of 2023
04
Desktop and laptop TV viewing ownership has declined by 12% among UK adults as mobile screens rise
05
Sub-Saharan Africa is projected to reach 100 million TV households by 2025
06
In India, TV penetration reached 66% of households in 2021, accounting for 210 million homes
07
95% of households in the United Kingdom own a working television set
08
In China, TV ownership in urban areas exceeds 102 sets per 100 households
09
Brazil reports that 96.3% of homes have a digital TV signal capability
10
TV ownership in rural India grew by 9% between 2018 and 2021
11
Japanese households own an average of 1.96 color television sets
12
Canada sees a TV ownership rate of 94% among those aged 55 and older
13
85% of Australian households remain TV-accessible despite the rise of smartphones
14
Nigeria has seen a 15% increase in flat-panel TV ownership over the last five years
15
Germany reports that 92.4% of private households own at least one television
16
In South Korea, television ownership among single-person households is roughly 82%
17
TV penetration in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is estimated at 92%
18
Mexico has a TV ownership rate of 91.2% in urban residential areas
19
Russia's television ownership rate stands at 95% of the total population
20
Indonesia’s TV ownership in metropolitan areas has reached 98% in 2023
21
Egypt identifies TV ownership at 93% across both urban and rural regions
22
In France, 91.8% of households are equipped with at least one television screen
23
Italy reports that 97% of households have at least one TV set used for traditional broadcasting
24
The ownership rate for televisions in Philippines’ urban centers is 92%
25
TV ownership in rural areas of Vietnam has surged to 88% due to electrification
26
Pakistan reports a TV ownership rate of 62% in rural communities
27
Approximately 80% of households in Turkey have more than one television set
28
Spain maintains a 98.4% television penetration rate across its territory
29
In Thailand, 95.7% of households report owning a color television
30
TV ownership among US Latino households is approximately 97%
Interpretation
Global & Regional Penetration Interpretation
While the smartphone may be the new pocket-sized hearth, the television remains the undisputed, large-screen altar of global domestic life, stubbornly glowing in nearly every corner of the world.
More related reading
04 · Category
Market Economics & Pricing30 stats
01
The average price of a 55-inch TV has dropped by 40% since 2015
02
TV advertising revenue worldwide reached $160 billion in 2023
03
The global television market size was valued at $195 billion in 2022
04
TCL and Hisense now represent over 20% of the US budget TV market
05
4K TV prices dropped below $300for the first time in 2022
06
Smart TVs generate an average of $30per year in ARPU via data and ads
07
The luxury TV market (sets > $2,500) grew by 8% in 2023
08
70% of TVs sold globally are manufactured in China
09
Vietnam has become the second-largest exporter of TV components to the US
10
TV ownership increases by 5% in regions where electricity costs decrease significantly
11
Shipping costs account for approximately 10% of a large-screen TV's retail price
12
Discount retailers like Walmart sell 1 in 4 televisions in the United States
13
The profit margin for manufacturers on a $500TV is typically less than 5%
14
Refurbished TV sales have grown by 12% annually as sustainable options
15
60% of TV manufacturing costs are attributed to the display panel alone
16
Subscription services on TVs are projected to be a $100 billion industry by 2025
17
High-end MicroLED TVs can cost upwards of $100,000for 110-inch models
18
Rental-to-own TV services are used by 4% of low-income US households
19
TV warranties generate over $1.5 billion in annual revenue for retailers
20
Counterfeit or "grey market" TVs account for 3% of sales in emerging markets
21
Seasonal discounts in November reduce TV prices by an average of 25%
22
LG Display produces roughly 90% of the world's large-format OLED panels
23
Export duties can add up to 35% to the price of a TV in some South American countries
24
Smart TV data monetization is expected to grow 20% by 2026
25
The average consumer spends $550when purchasing a new primary TV
26
Second-hand TV ownership is rising in the UK via platforms like eBay
27
Component shortages in 2021 caused a 15% temporary hike in TV prices
28
20% of TV buyers use financing or monthly payment plans
29
Advertising on Smart TV home screens has a 3x higher engagement than banner ads
30
The replacement cycle for TVs in commercial spaces (hotels/bars) is every 5 years
Interpretation
Market Economics & Pricing Interpretation
Television ownership has become a fascinating paradox where the luxury market thrives and a budget 4K set can be cheaper than a smartphone, yet this mass affordability hinges on razor-thin manufacturing profits, relentless data harvesting from smart screens, and a global supply chain so delicate that a shipping delay or component shortage can upend the entire equation.
05 · Category
Smart TV & Technology Adoption30 stats
01
Over 87% of U.S. households now own at least one Smart TV
02
54% of U.S. TV households own a 4K-capable television set
03
Global Smart TV shipments reached 225 million units in 2023
04
Samsung maintains a 30.1% global market share in Smart TV ownership by brand
05
LG Electronics holds an 18.5% share of the Smart TV market internationally
06
74% of televisions sold in 2023 featured built-in streaming capabilities
07
In the UK, 70% of households now own a Smart TV
08
Only 25% of TV owners in 2012 owned a Smart TV, compared to the majority today
09
40% of Smart TV owners use the built-in apps exclusively for streaming
10
OLED TV ownership grew by 15% year-on-year in the premium market segment
11
QLED TV ownership is most prevalent in North America and Western Europe
12
32% of U.S. households own three or more Smart TVs
13
Android TV OS is found in 25% of all Smart TVs worldwide
14
Roku TV OS ownership accounts for 38% of Smart TVs sold in the US
15
Tizen OS (Samsung) is the most widely owned Smart TV platform globally
16
15% of TVs owned globally are now 55 inches or larger in size
17
In Australia, 66% of televisions owned are connected to the internet
18
8K TV ownership remains below 1% of the total global market
19
60% of consumers who own a Smart TV use it for gaming
20
Voice-assistant enabled TV ownership has risen by 20% in two years
21
45% of households in Japan have a TV that supports 4K broadcasting
22
High Dynamic Range (HDR) feature ownership is present in 80% of new TV purchases
23
12% of US households own a TV with a screen size larger than 75 inches
24
10% of global TV owners use a projector as their primary TV screen
25
Curved TV ownership has dropped to less than 2% of new sales
26
28% of TV owners integrated their set with a smart home ecosystem like Alexa
27
Sony holds a 7% global market share in premium TV ownership
28
3D TV ownership has effectively phased out, appearing in less than 0.5% of homes
29
Direct-lit LED TVs still account for 55% of the global installed base
30
Households with a Smart TV are 3x more likely to cut the cord with cable
Interpretation
Smart TV & Technology Adoption Interpretation
While we've clearly swapped the boob tube for a data-hungry oracle in our living rooms, the true picture is a hilariously fragmented landscape where three Samsung screens argue with a lonely LG over which streaming service to bankrupt us with next, all while the vast majority of us still can't tell you what 8K actually looks like.
Reference
Cite This Report
This report is designed to be cited. We maintain stable URLs and versioned verification dates. Copy the format appropriate for your publication below.
APA
David Kowalski. (2026, February 13). Television Ownership Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/television-ownership-statistics
MLA
David Kowalski. "Television Ownership Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/television-ownership-statistics.
Chicago
David Kowalski. 2026. "Television Ownership Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/television-ownership-statistics.
Sources & references
94 datasets cited across this report · attribution is report-level
amazon.com