How much does it cost to run a smart home security camera?
Smart home security cameras are among the lowest-energy devices you can run continuously because they draw just 3-10 watts during operation. Most modern models stay powered 24/7 to provide around-the-clock monitoring, yet their minimal power consumption makes them one of the cheapest devices to operate on an annual basis.
Smart Home Security Camera running cost calculator
- Per day
- $0.02
- Per month
- $0.62
- Per year
- $7.45
- CO₂ / year
- 17.5 kg
Based on 43.8 kWh per year. Adjust the price per kWh to match your latest electricity bill for an exact figure.
At 5 watts used 24 hours a day, a smart home security camera costs about $0.02 per day, $0.62 per month and $7.45 per year on an average rate of 17¢ per kWh — roughly 43.8 kWh and 17.5 kg of CO₂ over a year. Enter your own electricity rate and usage in the calculator above for a figure matched to your bill.
The energy profile of a security camera is fundamentally different from devices like refrigerators or air conditioners because it has no heating or cooling elements, no motor, and no mechanical work to do. Instead, it's primarily a passive sensor constantly capturing or processing video and transmitting data over your network. The camera's processor, image sensor, and wireless radio consume power steadily, but the total is surprisingly modest—typically less than what a single LED lightbulb draws. This is why security cameras rarely show up as noticeable contributors to your electricity bill, even when running nonstop for a year.
WiFi-connected models tend to draw slightly more than wired alternatives because maintaining a wireless connection requires continuous radio operation, though the difference is usually just 1-2 watts. Battery-powered security cameras avoid this by design, but they must be recharged periodically, which shifts the energy cost to different times and places. Hardwired cameras that draw power from an existing doorbell transformer or low-voltage security system sometimes use even less because they can operate more efficiently without managing a battery. When choosing between connection types, consider your installation location and whether you want to eliminate recharging tasks entirely.
Many people overestimate the cost to run security cameras because they assume constant video streaming drains significant power. In reality, most modern cameras stream only when motion is detected or when someone accesses the feed—idle operation consumes far less. Some models are intelligent about recording: they store footage locally on an SD card or NVR (network video recorder) rather than streaming continuously to the cloud, which reduces data transmission and can lower power draw. If you're comparing models, check the idle power consumption as well as active power; a camera that consumes 3 watts at rest versus 8 watts at rest will make a measurable difference over months of continuous operation.
The 24/7 operational pattern of security cameras means energy efficiency compounds over time in ways that daily-use appliances don't. A device running even 100 hours per year might save money through efficiency upgrades, but a camera running 8,760 hours per year makes every watt matter. The good news is that most reputable manufacturers have already optimized camera designs for low power consumption because battery drain and heat management are major consumer complaints. Checking for eco-mode features, adjustable frame rates, and resolution settings allows you to further tune energy use to your actual monitoring needs without sacrificing security coverage.
Frequently asked questions
- Does a security camera use more power when it's recording?
- Not significantly. A camera uses roughly the same amount of power whether it's recording locally to an SD card or simply capturing live video. The real jump comes if the camera is continuously streaming high-resolution video over WiFi to the cloud; smart motion detection prevents this from happening constantly. Most modern cameras avoid draining extra power during recording by recording locally first, then uploading highlights or motion clips later when data is cheaper or more efficient to send.
- Are wired security cameras cheaper to run than WiFi ones?
- Slightly, but usually not by much. Hardwired cameras powered by a doorbell transformer or 12V power supply draw marginally less because they don't maintain a WiFi radio connection. The difference is often 1-2 watts, which adds up, but you're trading convenience—WiFi cameras are easier to install and relocate. If your camera is hardwired anyway for other reasons, you'll see a modest cost advantage over time, but the difference won't typically justify rewiring an installation.
- What happens to power consumption if I leave my security camera on all day and all night?
- Your operating cost scales directly with continuous use. Since security cameras are designed for 24/7 operation, running one continuously is normal and doesn't damage the device or spike power draw in any special way. The figures above assume full-year, round-the-clock operation, so you're already seeing the realistic annual cost. If you want to reduce that cost, you could power off the camera during times when you're home and don't need surveillance, though this defeats the primary purpose of most home security setups.
- Do outdoor security cameras use more power than indoor ones?
- Not inherently. Power consumption depends on the camera's processor, sensor, and radio, not its physical location. However, outdoor models often include weatherproofing, more robust housings, and sometimes higher resolution sensors or IR (infrared) lighting for night vision, any of which can increase power draw slightly. If your outdoor camera includes an active infrared light or heated lens cover for winter, that can add several watts during operation. Check the spec sheet for actual power ratings rather than assuming location determines energy use.
- Will a battery-backed security camera cost more to run than a plugged-in one?
- Not necessarily over the long term, but the cost structure is different. A battery-powered camera shifts energy consumption to recharging cycles rather than continuous draw. The annual electricity cost depends on how often you recharge and your local electricity rates. If you recharge monthly or quarterly, the total cost might be comparable or even lower than a continuously powered camera because you're not paying for 24/7 standby power. However, you lose the guaranteed uptime and must remember to recharge regularly.
- Can I reduce the power consumption of my security camera by adjusting settings?
- Yes, within limits. Lowering video resolution, reducing frame rate, disabling night vision when not needed, and turning off continuous cloud uploads all reduce power draw. However, these changes often compromise security value—lower resolution makes it harder to identify faces or license plates. The most effective approach is to leave basic monitoring enabled full-time but use motion detection to control resource-intensive features like high-resolution streaming or cloud uploads. Read your camera's manual to find power-saving modes that don't sacrifice your security needs.