Energy Efficiency Showdown: E-Paper Displays vs LED Screens

Digital signage is everywhere now. Offices, train stations, retail, even street furniture. But as it spreads, so does the need to keep it energy-efficient. Power costs aren’t going down. Neither is the pressure to lower emissions.

That’s why more businesses are asking: which display technology is more efficient?

Two options lead the race: E-Paper displays & LED screens. Both have benefits. Both have trade-offs. This article compares their power usage, how they handle different content types, and what that means for long-term costs and sustainability.

The Basics: How Each Digital Signage Technology Works

In short, E-Paper & LED screens are built differently. One’s designed for stillness. The other, for motion. Let’s break down how these digital signage technologies actually function.

(1) E-Paper Displays

E-Paper displays work a bit like digital paper. They only use electricity when the content changes. If the message stays still, the power draw is basically nothing. That’s why they’re great for menus, maps, shelf labels, or timetables. It’s a great choice for anything that doesn’t change constantly.

(2) LED Screens

LED screens, on the other hand, use light-emitting diodes to display moving content. That includes video loops, real-time info, animations. Whatever grabs attention. But to keep those visuals running, they draw continuous power.

Power Consumption: The Real Numbers

Now let’s talk about usage. How much energy do these display technologies really consume?

A typical 32-inch E-Paper display uses less than 1 watt per day. It’s incredibly low, especially for outdoor or solar-powered applications.

Compare that to a similar LED screen. Depending on brightness, resolution, and usage, it might use anywhere from 50 to 200 watts per hour. That adds up fast, especially in 24/7 environments.

Take bus stop signage, for example. Swapping an always-on LED screen with an e paper display for static route info could save hundreds of kilowatt-hours each year. And that means real savings financially and for the environment.

Best Use Cases Based on Energy Needs

Different digital signage screens serve different purposes. Here’s how to know which one fits.

E-Paper displays work best for static or rarely updated content. Room signs, meeting schedules, digital menus, product specifics. They also shine outdoors, especially when paired with solar panels. No backlight needed. No glare in sunlight. Just clean visibility and extreme energy savings.

LED screens, though, are better for motion-heavy content. If you need to run ads, videos, or fast-changing data like flight info or emergency alerts, LED is the only choice. But that comes with a trade-off: higher energy use and running costs.

Environmental and Operational Cost Implications

Using E-Paper & LED screens in the right way helps cut down carbon emissions. E-Paper’s low draw extends battery life in off-grid or solar installations. And because it doesn’t produce heat, there’s no need for extra cooling equipment.

LEDs, on the flip side, consume more energy and tend to generate heat. That means higher electricity costs, more frequent cooling, and increased maintenance. Over time, those add up. Especially across multiple locations or large-scale deployments.

If your business has sustainability targets, choosing lower-consumption display technologies like E-Paper for static content can help hit those goals faster.

Choosing the Right Option: Energy vs Performance Trade-Off

So which one should you pick?

It depends on what you’re displaying. If your content is dynamic, LED screens are still essential.

But if you’re after clarity, simplicity, and efficiency, especially for text-based or slow-moving content, an e paper display is the smarter move.

Many businesses now use both. Hybrid setups combine E-Paper & LED screens to cover all use cases, saving power without sacrificing performance.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, both E-Paper and LED screens have their place. But if you’re looking at energy efficiency, especially for static content, E-Paper displays come out on top. They cost less to run, last longer off-grid, and support broader sustainability goals. 

Now, it’s time to evaluate your digital signage setup. Ask what really needs motion, and what doesn’t. And where you can save, consider E-Paper as your go-to.

Ready to rethink your digital signage? Get in touch with Engagis.