Understanding TV ownership and screen size preferences in UK homes

Television remains a key feature of many households with 76% of adults watching TV daily. But what do Brits prefer when it comes to screen size and the number of TVs at home? New research data from YouGov Profiles sheds light on the most common TV sizes, how many screens people own, and what they look for when buying a new set.

What’s the screen size of the main TV in a household?

About 66% of British households have a main TV screen that is less than 50 inches. Of these, 17% have a screen up to 32 inches, 27% have one between 43 and 50 inches, and 23% have a TV between 34 and 42 inches. Meanwhile, one in five Brits (20%) say their TV screen is more than 50 inches.

Higher-income households are the most likely to have a TV larger than 50 inches (30%), compared to 22% of middle-income and 14% of lower-income households. Conversely, smaller screens (up to 32 inches) are more common in lower-income households (23%) than in higher-income ones (12%). Homeownership also plays a role, with 22% of homeowners having a TV over 50 inches, compared to 16% of renters.

How many screens per household?

About 29% of British adults (29%) have one TV in their household, while another 31% have two TVs. Three in 10 households (31%) have three or more TVs, with 18% reporting ownership of three TVs and 13% having four or more screens.

Higher-income households tend to have more TVs, with 18% owning four or more, compared to just 9% in lower-income households.

The rise of Smart TVs

Smart TVs are now the dominant choice in British households, with 62% of adults owning one. Adoption rates increase with income, as 70% of higher-income households own a Smart TV, compared to 56% of lower-income groups. Meanwhile, traditional HD Ready TVs are still found in 22% of homes, while 3D TVs (3%) and analogue-only TVs (4%) are now less common. Premium 4K Ultra HD TVs are present in 9% of homes, with higher-income households showing greater adoption (16%).

Preferred TV screen size for future purchases

Just 4% prefer to purchase a TV screen less than 32 inches in size. Some 23% would choose to buy 32-43 inches. The most desired screen sizes are between 44 and 55 inches, preferred by 35% of British adults. One-fifth prefer a TV between 56 and 65 inches (21%), and 8% want a screen over 65 inches.

Screen size preferences vary across demographics. Men are more likely to opt for TVs larger than 65 inches (11%), while women prefer moderate sizes, with 24% choosing 32-43 inches. Among different age groups, younger adults (18-24) show the least interest in larger TVs, whereas middle-aged and older adults are more inclined toward screens exceeding 44 inches.

Methodology: 

YouGov Profiles is based on continuously collected data and rolling surveys, rather than from a single limited questionnaire. Profiles data for Great Britain is nationally representative and weighted by age, gender, education, region, and race.

YouGov Surveys: Serviced provide quick survey results from nationally representative or targeted audiences in multiple markets. This study was conducted online on March 3, 2025, with a nationally representative sample of 2,020 adults (aged 18+ years) in Great Britain, using a questionnaire designed by YouGov. Data figures have been weighted by age, gender, education and social grade to be representative of all adults in Great Britain (18 years or older) and reflect the latest ONS population estimates.