How Long Will a Portable Power Station Run a TV?

Have you ever thought about what would happen if your power goes out during your favorite show?

You certainly wouldn't want to miss the climax, would you?

The good news is that portable power stations are here to help.

But the question that immediately pops up is: how long can it actually run your TV before it taps out?

What Makes a TV Run?

First off, let’s talk about the essentials: how TVs use power.

Every TV, whether it’s an LED, plasma, or OLED model, consumes power at a rate measured in watts.

The average 32-inch LED TV consumes about 30 to 50 watts, while a larger 55-inch TV can use up to 150 watts.

Meanwhile, the latest ultra-high-definition (4K) or smart TVs can consume anywhere from 100 to 300 watts, depending on the brand and features.

And, if you’re using an older CRT-style TV, it may still consume a lot more power than newer, sleeker LED models.

So, how does this affect your portable power station?

Can a Portable Power Station Run a TV?

When you look at a portable power station, you'll typically see a number listed in watt-hours (Wh).

The bigger the number, the more energy it can store, and therefore, the longer it can run your devices.

But you’ve got to consider both the battery capacity and the output power of your portable power station.

A power station’s output power – measured in watts – needs to match or exceed the wattage your TV uses.

Most portable power stations can output anywhere from 300W to 2000W, with some higher-end models even going up to 4000W.

So, if you're plugging in a TV that uses 100W, and your power station can output 300W, you’re good to go.

If your portable power station has a 500Wh capacity, it will theoretically run a 100W TV for around 5 hours (500Wh ÷ 100W).

However, in real life, you might find the actual runtime to be a little less.

Learn More: How Long Does a Portable Power Station Last?

Can a Power Station Run a TV

To get an accurate estimate of how long your portable power station will run your TV, you can use a simple formula:

Runtime = (Battery Capacity in Wh) ÷ (TV Power Consumption in Watts)

For example, if you have a 500 Wh portable power station and your 32-inch TV uses 50 watts per hour, it would look like this:

500 Wh ÷ 50W = 10 hours of runtime

This means that, in theory, your power station could run that TV for 10 hours before it needs to be recharged.

Now, factor in a few small drains—standby power, inverter losses, maybe ambient temperature—and you might land closer to 8 hours.

Still, that’s enough for a long movie marathon or a full evening of football coverage with room to spare.

Should You Go Bigger?

If you’re planning to use your portable power station for more than just the TV—say, you want to run a fan or charge your phone at the same time—it’s a good idea to go with a larger power station.

A 1000Wh or 1500Wh model will give you more flexibility and time to enjoy your TV without worrying about running out of juice too quickly.

But remember: There’s always a balance between size and portability. Larger power stations are heavier, and they take longer to recharge.

So, if you need the flexibility of powering multiple devices, go for the bigger one—but be prepared to carry a bit more weight.

Can I Run My TV All Day on a Portable Power Station?

Good question! It really depends on the size of the power station and the size of your TV.

If you’re using a small 500 Wh power station and have a larger TV, you’re probably looking at just a few hours of viewing before the battery runs out.

For those longer viewing sessions—say, a full day of TV watching—look for a portable power station with a larger capacity, like 2000 Wh or more. This will give you significantly more runtime.

If you need to run your TV for days on end, you might also want to consider pairing your power station with a solar panel to keep it topped off.

Solar charging can extend your power station’s life, especially if you're off the grid.

How to Extend Your TV’s Runtime

If you're aiming for a longer TV marathon, there are a few tricks to keep your portable power station running for as long as possible.

Lower the Brightness: It might sound simple, but reducing your TV’s brightness can drastically reduce power consumption.

Unplug Other Devices: If you’re charging other gadgets, consider unplugging them. The more things running off your power station, the faster your battery will drain.

Use Energy-Efficient TVs: If you’re buying a new TV specifically for your outdoor adventures, look for models that are energy-efficient.

Conclusion

So—how long will a portable power station run a TV?

It depends on the TV’s power draw, the station’s capacity, the environment, and what else you’re running alongside it.

But in general, most portable power stations can run a small to medium-sized TV for several hours—sometimes even all night.

That’s long enough for a cozy night in, a weekend escape, or a moment of calm when the grid goes dark.