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24/7 playback

How Much Does It Cost to Play YouTube 24/7 on a Beelink Mini PC?

A tested Beelink EQi13 Pro setup used 32–34.3 W during YouTube playback—about 280–300 kWh a year if run continuously. Calculate the cost at your local electricity rate.

By DocumentaryTube Team 3 min read
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In a published test of a Beelink EQi13 Pro, YouTube 8K/60 playback in Firefox drew 32–34.3 watts at the wall. If that setup ran continuously at the measured draw, it would use about 280–300 kWh in a year. Multiply that annual energy use by your electricity rate per kWh to estimate the bill. The estimate is specific to the tested model and setup; it is not a result for every Beelink mini PC.

What the Beelink power test measured

CNX Software’s 2025 review measured an EQi13 Pro at 32–34.3 W while playing YouTube at 8K/60 in Firefox. The tested setup included Wi-Fi 6, a USB RF keyboard-and-mouse dongle, and a GAOMON PD2200 pen display connected over HDMI. The reading describes that complete tested setup, not a bare-PC measurement or a universal figure for Beelink computers. CNX Software (2025)

Your result can differ with another Beelink model, browser, video resolution, display, peripherals, network connection, or playback conditions. The measured workload was continuous video playback, not encoding or broadcasting a live stream.

Estimate the annual electricity cost

Use average wall power in watts, not the power adapter’s maximum rating:

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  • Annual kWh = average watts × 8.76
  • Annual electricity cost = annual kWh × your electricity price per kWh

At the measured 32–34.3 W, continuous playback works out to approximately 280–300 kWh per year. For illustration only, at $0.15/kWh that is about $42–$45 per year; at $0.30/kWh, about $84–$90. Those example rates are not current tariff claims. Use the rate shown on your own electricity bill.

This estimate covers the electricity represented by the review’s measured setup. It does not separately account for internet service, equipment purchase, cooling, or other household costs. Because a display was connected during the reported measurements, it should not be treated as an isolated bare-PC result.

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Why the idle reading gives a different answer

The same review measured 10.9–12.3 W at idle, equivalent to roughly 96–108 kWh over a year if maintained continuously. Idle power is not the right input for estimating a mini PC that is actively playing video. CNX Software also gives an approximate Germany-specific example of 100 kWh and €40 per year for idle 24/7 operation at €0.40/kWh; those figures apply to that stated rate and context, not other locations. CNX Software (2025)

Measure your own setup for a better estimate

  1. Connect a plug-in electricity usage monitor between the wall outlet and the complete setup you want to account for.
  2. Run the Beelink with the display and peripherals you normally use, playing YouTube at your usual resolution and in your usual browser.
  3. Read average watts during representative playback rather than relying on a brief peak or the adapter label.
  4. Multiply the measured average watts by 8.76 for an annual kWh estimate, then multiply by your local price per kWh.

A wall-meter reading reflects the connected equipment included in that measurement. CNX Software reports using a wall power meter for its test but does not identify or endorse a particular meter model.

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If by “stream” you mean broadcasting live

This playback estimate does not establish the cost of running a YouTube live broadcast. Live broadcasting is a different workload, and its power use depends on the specific streaming method and setup; a playback measurement cannot be applied to it as though the two were equivalent.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Or let it run in the cloud

If your goal is to keep uploaded videos playing as a YouTube live stream, StreamNeo is a cloud alternative rather than a mini-PC playback setup. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. The cloud keeps the stream running, so nothing has to stay powered on at home. It streams your upload as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot, and automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly pricing is $9.99 per month. See StreamNeo or start the free day.

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