What Does Digital Signage Actually Cost? We Did the Math

The Short Answer

One screen, up and running: €230-370 total for the first year, then ~€60/year after that. But that number changes a lot depending on what you’re working with, so let’s break it down.

Hardware Costs

This is the upfront part. You buy it once.

Item	Budget Option	Mid-Range	Notes
Screen/TV	€180 (43“ basic)	€350 (55“ commercial)	A regular consumer TV works fine indoors
Player device	€20 (Onn box)	€60 (Fire TV Stick 4K Max)	This runs the signage software
Wall mount	€15 (fixed)	€40 (tilting)	Skip the full-motion arm, it’s overkill
HDMI cable	€5	€5	You probably have one in a drawer somewhere
Total hardware	€220	€455

A few things worth noting:

• You might already have a TV. Lots of people start with a screen they already own. That drops the cost significantly.
• Consumer TVs vs. commercial displays. Commercial screens are designed for longer operating schedules and may offer higher brightness or service options. Check the manufacturer’s duty-cycle guidance and warranty for the exact model rather than assuming a consumer TV is suitable.
• Don’t buy a smart TV thinking it replaces the player. Some smart TVs can run signage apps directly (Samsung Tizen, LG webOS), but a dedicated player device gives you more flexibility and is easier to replace if something goes wrong.

Software Costs

The figures below use an illustrative software budget of €5 per screen per month, excluding VAT. For current ScreenLoom pricing, see the pricing page. Hardware, installation and operating costs are separate estimates.

Planning example	Screens	Monthly estimate	Listed unit price
Single screen	1	€5	€5
Small rollout	10	€50	€5
Larger rollout	25	€125	€5
Multi-site model	100	€500	€5

For a useful comparison, request current quotes for the same screen count and requirements. Include setup fees, hardware, storage, support, add-ons, taxes, discounts, and contract length rather than comparing headline prices alone.

Installation Costs

If you’re handy (or know someone who is), installation is basically free. Wall mount + 20 minutes with a drill.

If you’re hiring someone:

• Handyman: €50-100 per screen for basic wall mount
• AV installer: €150-300 per screen (includes cable management, setup)
• Running power to the wall: €100-200 if you need an electrician

Most offices and churches have someone on staff or in the community who can handle a wall mount. It’s the same as hanging a TV at home.

The Hidden Cost Nobody Mentions

Electricity. A 43“ TV uses about 50-80 watts. Running it 12 hours a day, that’s roughly €25-40 per year. Not nothing, but not a dealbreaker either.

Internet. Your screens need WiFi. If your building already has it (most do), there’s no extra cost. If you’re adding screens somewhere without WiFi, budget €30-50/month for a mobile hotspot or basic internet plan.

Real-World Examples

Small coworking space (3 screens) (full coworking guide):

• 1 lobby TV (already owned) + Fire TV Stick: €60
• 2 meeting room tablets (Fire HD 10): €300
• Illustrative software budget: €180/year, excluding VAT
• Year 1 total: ~€540. Year 2: €180.

Church (2 screens) (full church guide):

• 2 × 43“ TVs: €360
• 2 × Fire TV Sticks: €120
• Wall mounts + volunteer install: €30
• Illustrative software budget: €120/year, excluding VAT
• Year 1 total: ~€630. Year 2: €120.

Conference booth (1 portable screen):

• 1 × 32“ portable monitor: €200
• 1 × Fire TV Stick: €60
• Total: €260 upfront. Software estimate: €5/month.

Bottom Line

Digital signage isn’t expensive. The hardware is a one-time purchase, and the monthly software cost scales with what you actually use. The expensive part used to be the software — some enterprise platforms charge €200+/month for features most people don’t need. That’s what we’re trying to fix.

Start with one screen and a device you already have. You can always add more later. If you want to understand whether signage makes financial sense for your specific situation, our ROI guide walks through the calculation step by step.