12 Volt TV Currys: Can You Buy One? Guide & Where to Shop
Anyone who’s tried to find a 12V TV at Currys already knows the frustration: a quick search on the retailer’s site returns mostly mains-powered sets with no clear way to filter. The reality is that Currys doesn’t stock a dedicated range of 12-volt televisions, while specialist brands like Avtex, Cello, and Jensen offer smart models designed for caravans, motorhomes, and boats.
Power consumption: 30-60W ·
Screen sizes: 15-32 inches ·
Price range (new): £150-£400 ·
Input voltage: 12V DC (10.5-15V range) ·
Average lifespan: 5-7 years
Quick snapshot
- 12V TVs exist and are widely sold by Avtex, Cello, and Jensen (Cello Electronics (specialist TV manufacturer))
- Currys has no dedicated category for 12V TVs (YouTube motorhome review channel)
- Most suitable screen size for caravans is 19-24 inches (Maxview (caravan accessory specialist))
- Exact Currys stock varies by store and time period
- Best-value 12V TV model available at the time of reading (2025)
- 1990s: First portable CRT 12V TVs appear
- 2010s: LED 12V TVs become common in caravans
- 2020s: Smart 12V TVs with streaming enter the market
- More 12V smart TVs expected with built-in streaming
- Currys may eventually list 12V sets as consumer demand for vanlife grows
Six key specifications that define a 12V TV’s suitability for off-grid use, one pattern: power flexibility and screen size are the biggest deciding factors for caravan and motorhome buyers.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Power consumption | 30-60W (varies by size) |
| Screen sizes available | 15 to 40 inches (most common 19-24″) |
| Input voltage range | 10.5V – 15V DC |
| Typical new price | £150 – £400 |
| Freeview tuner | Yes, built-in (HD on recent models) |
| Smart features | Available on mid/high-end models (2020+) |
Can you get a 12-volt smart TV?
Yes, 12V smart TVs exist and are widely available from specialist brands. They come with Freeview and streaming apps (Netflix, iPlayer) just like a standard household TV, but they run directly from a 12V battery system without needing a power inverter. According to Maxview (caravan accessory specialist), a caravan smart TV needs two things: a power supply and Wi-Fi connectivity — without Wi-Fi it functions as a regular TV.
What types of 12V TVs exist?
- Standard LED models (basic Freeview, lowest price)
- Smart models with built-in streaming apps (mid-range, £200-£350)
- Models with integrated DVD players (popular for off-grid use)
- Ruggedised units with moisture resistance (for boat use)
RV Online (caravan equipment retailer) specifically recommends considering DVD or USB ports for entertainment without internet access. Specialist brands like Avtex offer premium smart models, while Cello provides mid-range options and Jensen covers the budget segment.
Do 12V TVs have smart features?
- Mid-range and high-end models (2020 onwards) include Freeview HD, iPlayer, Netflix
- Lower-cost models may only have Freeview and USB media playback
- Smart features require Wi-Fi; offline alternatives include DVD players and USB sticks
Maxview notes that smart TVs for caravans may be used for live TV, Freeview, Sky, streaming services, DVDs, and Blu-rays depending on the user’s programming needs.
Is a 12V TV worth it?
For frequent travellers and off-grid users, a 12V TV is a solid investment. It draws power directly from a leisure battery without the energy loss of a mains inverter. RV Online frames 12V caravan TVs as specifically suited to battery-powered setups.
Upsides
- Low power consumption (30-60W) — ideal for battery operation
- Direct 12V connection — no inverter needed
- Durable designs suited to mobile use
- Built-in Freeview and smart features on many models
Downsides
- Smaller screen sizes than equivalent mains TVs
- Higher price compared to a 240V TV of the same size
- Limited model selection — fewer brands and retailers
- Not useful if you never take the TV off-grid
If you mostly use mains power and rarely go off-grid, a standard 240V TV with a cheap mains-to-12V inverter costs less. The 12V TV premium is only worth it for genuine mobile use.
What are the best brands of 12-volt TVs?
Choosing a brand means picking your trade-offs between picture quality, reliability, and price. Samsung and LG do not manufacture dedicated 12V televisions.
Brand comparison
Three brands, one pattern: Avtex leads on quality and price, Cello offers balance, Jensen covers the budget tier.
| Brand | Position | Screen size range | Smart features | Typical price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avtex | Premium | 15-24 inches | Freeview HD, Netflix, iPlayer | £250-£400 |
| Cello | Mid-range | 19-32 inches | Freeview, some smart models | £180-£300 |
| Jensen | Budget | 15-22 inches | Freeview, basic | £100-£180 |
| Bush | Entry | 19-24 inches | Freeview only | £80-£130 |
Cello Electronics (specialist TV manufacturer) markets 12V TVs for motorhomes and campervans through its buyer’s guide. Consumer reviews on Amazon frequently praise Avtex for picture quality and low power draw, particularly for motorhome use.
Which brands are most reliable?
- Avtex: Highest reliability ratings, longest warranty (3 years on most models)
- Cello: Good reliability, 2-year warranty
- Jensen: Mixed reviews, basic warranty
- Bush: Low price but short lifespan reported in forums
What is the lifespan of a 12-volt TV?
A typical 12V TV lasts between 5 and 7 years with moderate use. The LED backlights that illuminate the screen are rated for 30,000–50,000 hours — that’s roughly 8-14 years of daily use at 10 hours a day. Best Buy (consumer electronics retailer) provides general TV specs that apply across the board.
What components typically fail?
- Power supply units — the most common failure point in 12V TVs
- External 12V adapters — frequently damaged by voltage spikes
- Internal batteries (where present) — wear out after 2-3 years
- Screen backlight — long-lasting but expensive to replace
Maxview identifies security and sound system choice as important caravan TV purchase considerations, noting that the TV’s power system is often the first thing to degrade.
A 12V TV’s power supply typically fails before the screen. Buy a model with a detachable power brick — it’s far cheaper to replace than an integrated unit.
Should you buy a second hand 12V TV?
Second hand 12V TVs can save 30-50% off the new price, but only if you know what to check. The biggest risks are a worn-out internal battery (if present) and a corroded 12V power port from exposure to damp conditions in a caravan or boat.
What to check when buying used
- Built-in digital tuner — older models may lack Freeview HD
- Screen condition — check for burn-in, dead pixels, or pressure marks
- Original power adapter — aftermarket adapters may not supply stable voltage
- Internal battery health (if model has one) — swollen or dead batteries are common
- Corrosion on 12V DC input port — green residue indicates damp damage
Are older models still usable?
- Freeview HD: Models from 2015 onwards usually support it
- Smart features: Models before 2020 often lack streaming apps
- 12V compatibility: Most 12V TVs from 2010 onwards still work fine
For a caravan used mainly for Freeview and DVD playback, a 2015-era 12V TV with a working screen and clean power port is a solid second-hand buy. If you need Netflix, look for a 2020-or-later model.
Second hand 12V TV buyers save money but face shorter remaining lifespan. For a £50-£80 used TV that lasts 2-3 more years, the cost per year beats new — for the same £300 as a mid-range Avtex, new is better value over 5-7 years.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a 12V TV with a solar panel?
Yes. A 12V TV draws 30-60W, which a 100W solar panel can easily supply during daylight hours. You’ll still need a leisure battery to store power for evening use. RV Online confirms that 12V TVs are designed for battery-powered off-grid setups.
Do 12V TVs have a built-in Freeview tuner?
Yes, virtually all 12V TVs sold in the UK since 2010 include a built-in Freeview tuner. Recent models (2020+) support Freeview HD. Maxview confirms that Freeview is standard on caravan smart TVs.
What voltage do 12V TVs actually operate at?
Most 12V TVs accept a range of 10.5V to 15V DC. This allows them to work with a typical 12V leisure battery that reads 12.8V fully charged and drops to around 11V when depleted.
Are 12V TVs energy efficient?
Yes. A 19-inch 12V TV typically draws 30-40W — significantly less than a 55-inch mains TV that might use 150W. Best Buy notes that smaller screens inherently use less power regardless of voltage type.
How to connect a 12V TV to a leisure battery?
Use a 12V cigarette lighter plug or directly wire to the battery via a fused DC line. Avoid using a mains inverter — it wastes 10-20% of the power converting from 12V to 240V and back.
Can I buy a 12V TV at Currys in-store?
Possibly, but it’s inconsistent. Currys does not maintain a dedicated 12V TV category. A YouTube motorhome review channel shows a Currys comparison where the presenter argues that some clearance or portable models run on 12V, but this varies by store and season.
What is the difference between 12V TV and 240V TV with a power inverter?
A 12V TV connects directly to the battery. A 240V TV needs an inverter that converts 12V DC to 240V AC. Inverters waste 10-20% of your battery capacity as heat, so a 12V TV can run 15-25% longer on the same battery charge.
Do 12V TVs work on a boat?
Yes, but choose a model with moisture-resistant electronics. Some 12V TVs are rated for marine environments and can run on 12V or 24V systems. Check for an anti-glare screen if the TV will be in direct sunlight.
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