To include router and modem power in a 24/7 YouTube stream estimate, calculate each device’s daily energy use as watts ÷ 1,000 × 24, then multiply the resulting kilowatt-hours (kWh) by your electricity rate per kWh. Add separate devices together, but count an all-in-one router/modem gateway only once. Keep this network-equipment subtotal separate from the computer and other streaming gear.
Calculate router and modem electricity use
Watts measure power at a point in time; kilowatt-hours measure energy used over time. For a device left on continuously, use:
Daily energy (kWh) = device watts Ă· 1,000 Ă— 24
Daily cost = daily kWh Ă— your electricity price per kWh
For a different period, replace 24 with the number of operating hours. For a year of continuous use, use 8,760 hours (365 Ă— 24). For a monthly estimate, state the assumed number of days or use the actual number of days in the billing period.
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Work out the network subtotal
- Find the router’s power draw in watts and calculate its kWh for the period.
- Find the modem’s power draw and calculate its kWh for the same period, unless it is part of an integrated gateway.
- Add the separate devices’ kWh, then multiply by your local electricity price per kWh. Alternatively, calculate each device’s cost and add the costs.
For example, Greater Shepparton City Council’s energy guide uses a 10 W router: 10 ÷ 1,000 × 24 = 0.24 kWh per day. At an electricity rate of R currency units per kWh, that example costs 0.24 × R per day. The 10 W figure is illustrative, not a typical or guaranteed draw for every router. Greater Shepparton City Council’s Energy Efficient Toolkit Instruction Guide
Use device-specific wattage, not a universal assumption
Router and modem power varies by model and operating state. Avoid assigning one standard wattage to all network equipment. If you use a published figure, identify the model and whether it describes idle, ready, or active operation.
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TP-Link’s 2025 small network equipment information lists these manufacturer-reported idle figures for particular routers:
| Router model | Reported idle power |
|---|---|
| Archer A54 | 2.86 W |
| Archer AX20 | 6.64 W |
| Archer AXE300 | 17.83 W |
These are model-specific idle figures under the voluntary-agreement procedures described by TP-Link, not measurements of every unit during an active stream and not modem figures. TP-Link small network equipment idle power information
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Comcast also publishes ready-state power information for residential internet equipment, notes that an individual device’s use can vary, and says its table is updated quarterly. Treat a ready-state figure as the condition it represents rather than as a universal active-stream measurement. Comcast: Energy usage of your internet equipment
Find or measure the watts
Check the equipment’s manufacturer information or packaging for input power or consumption details. Input power can help estimate running cost, though a label or specification may not describe the device’s draw in every operating state. Australia’s Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water describes estimating annual running cost by multiplying annual kWh by the electricity rate. Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water: Energy Ratings
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- 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
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If the documentation does not give a useful wattage, a plug-in electricity usage monitor is an optional way to measure a simple, fairly consistent load. Record the device and conditions measured; distinguish a measured value from a manufacturer-published figure. The council guide discusses measuring simple devices in watts. Greater Shepparton City Council’s measurement guidance
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Apply your own electricity rate
There is no single cost that applies to every household: the currency and price per kWh depend on location and tariff. Use the rate on your current bill or the applicable tariff, and keep the currency explicit. Avoid using an unlabeled sample rate as though it were universal.
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- 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.
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When comparing setups, make the comparison meaningful by using the same operating period and electricity rate, and by noting whether the wattage is measured or published and whether it represents idle, ready, or active use.
Keep the network subtotal distinct from the full stream setup
If you want the cost of the entire 24/7 streaming setup rather than only its internet equipment, calculate the computer and each other continuously powered device separately, then add their energy use or costs to the router/modem subtotal. Do not fold those loads into a number labeled “router and modem.”
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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.
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