Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallShort answer: electricity for a MacBook Air running a 24/7 YouTube stream is likely to cost only a few dollars a year, but the exact amount depends on its actual power draw and your electricity rate. Apple’s 2024 test measured a 13-inch M3 MacBook Air at about 3.1 watts in an “Idle—Display On” state—not during YouTube playback. Using that figure as a proxy, the laptop would use about 27.159 kWh in a year, or roughly $4.07 at $0.15 per kWh.
Estimate the electricity cost
Use this formula:
Cost = power in watts Ă· 1,000 Ă— hours Ă— electricity price per kWh.
Apple’s March 2024 environmental report measured the 13-inch M3 MacBook Air at 3.09 W at 100 V, 3.12 W at 115 V and 3.13 W at 230 V during its defined “Idle—Display On” test. That test had Wi-Fi connected and display brightness set according to ENERGY STAR requirements, with Auto-Brightness off; it was not a YouTube playback test. Using 3.1 W as a proxy gives these energy estimates:
| Period | Estimated energy at 3.1 W |
|---|---|
| 24 hours | 0.0744 kWh |
| 30 days | 2.232 kWh |
| 365 days | 27.159 kWh |
Multiply the relevant kWh figure by your marginal electricity rate—the price you pay for each additional kWh. Rates vary by location and plan.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
| Illustrative rate | Estimated annual electricity cost at 27.159 kWh |
|---|---|
| $0.15 per kWh | About $4.07 |
| $0.30 per kWh | About $8.15 |
These are illustrative calculations based on the idle-test proxy, not measured costs for a MacBook Air playing YouTube continuously. Your result may differ with the model, display brightness, playback workload, connected accessories and power settings.
Why the actual streaming cost can differ
Idle figures are not playback measurements
Decoding and playing video may use a different amount of power from an idle state. The cited sources do not quantify that difference for a 24/7 YouTube stream, so the 3.1 W estimate should not be treated as a guaranteed upper or lower bound.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Published MacBook Air figures describe different states
ENERGY STAR’s US certification listing for the 13-inch M4 MacBook Air (A3240) gives 3.6 W for short idle, 0.7 W for long idle, 0.3 W in sleep and 0.1 W when off. These are separate test states, not video playback results. The record lists availability from March 5, 2025, and certification on October 24, 2025.
Apple’s current specifications for the cited 13-inch configuration state up to 18 hours of video streaming and a 53.8 Wh battery. Those figures do not establish continuous wall power while plugged in: battery runtime is not an outlet measurement, and test conditions and adapter losses matter.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Likewise, the listed 40 W Dynamic Power Adapter, with 60 W maximum output, describes adapter capacity—not the Mac’s continuous electricity use. Do not use the adapter rating as the laptop’s streaming draw.
Measure your own setup for a closer estimate
A plug-in electricity usage monitor can measure the complete setup at the outlet. Measure while the stream is running under the conditions you actually use, including the video, screen brightness, sound and connected peripherals. Then multiply the meter’s kWh over a representative period by your marginal electricity rate.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
- Connect the MacBook Air’s power adapter to the electricity monitor and plug the monitor into the outlet.
- Run the intended YouTube playback with your usual brightness, sound and accessories.
- Record the monitor’s accumulated kWh over a representative period. A longer measurement can make small changes easier to distinguish.
- Multiply that kWh reading by the price per kWh on your electricity plan. For an annual estimate, scale the measured energy to a year only if the measured period reflects your normal use.
Measure the whole plugged-in setup rather than relying on the adapter’s printed wattage. If you want to reduce consumption, Apple recommends lowering display brightness; macOS also offers Low Power Mode and battery-use information.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Does leaving it plugged in change the calculation?
For the electricity estimate, use the measured wall consumption while the laptop is plugged in; battery capacity and advertised runtime do not substitute for that measurement. Apple Support says the battery charges whenever the MacBook Air is connected to power. Optimize Battery Charging can delay charging beyond 80% when the Mac predicts it will remain plugged in for an extended period, then charge before you unplug it.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Or let it run in the cloud
If the goal is to keep an uploaded video or playlist live on YouTube around the clock, StreamNeo runs the stream in the cloud, so no computer or home internet connection has to stay on. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. It loops uploaded video; it does not stream from a camera, and it streams to YouTube only.
Quick Recap
- One flat price per slot for any uploaded quality up to 4K 60fps, with no re-encode or quality tiers.
- Automatic recovery if YouTube drops the stream.
- The first day is free, with no card required; one free day per account.
- Monthly billing is $9.99 per month.
See StreamNeo or start the free day.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
