How much does it cost to run a wi-fi router?
A Wi-Fi router is a small networking device that broadcasts wireless internet throughout your home and maintains a constant connection to your internet service provider. Because it must remain powered and listening 24/7 to keep your devices connected, it consumes electricity continuously, though at a minimal level compared to most household appliances.
Wi-Fi Router running cost calculator
- Per day
- $0.04
- Per month
- $1.24
- Per year
- $14.89
- CO₂ / year
- 35 kg
Based on 87.6 kWh per year. Adjust the price per kWh to match your latest electricity bill for an exact figure.
At 10 watts used 24 hours a day, a wi-fi router costs about $0.04 per day, $1.24 per month and $14.89 per year on an average rate of 17¢ per kWh — roughly 87.6 kWh and 35 kg of CO₂ over a year. Enter your own electricity rate and usage in the calculator above for a figure matched to your bill.
Wi-Fi routers operate on surprisingly little power—roughly equivalent to a nightlight. The device's primary energy demand comes from keeping its radio transmitters active and its processor running to manage network traffic, even when no one is actively using it. Modern routers typically draw between 5 and 15 watts depending on the model, how many bands they transmit on (single-band, dual-band, or tri-band), and whether features like MU-MIMO or beamforming are enabled. Because most households keep their routers on continuously throughout the year, a small power draw adds up to a steady baseline consumption that's almost always billed at the same rate regardless of time of day or season.
The actual power consumption of your specific router depends heavily on its age and design. Older routers from a decade ago often used 10–20 watts; newer efficient models optimized for low power can operate at 5–8 watts. The difference between a budget router and a high-end gaming or mesh system router can easily be 5–10 watts, so choosing a more efficient model when upgrading will reduce your annual running cost noticeably. Check the power adapter specifications on the back of your router or in the manual—it will list the output in watts or VA, which gives you a baseline, though actual consumption is usually lower than the adapter's maximum capacity.
One of the biggest advantages of a router's minimal power draw is that it barely contributes to cooling load in summer or heating load in winter, unlike larger appliances. This means you won't see a noticeable spike in air conditioning costs when your router runs all day. However, this also makes it easy to overlook router efficiency when choosing which device to buy—people rarely factor power consumption into a purchase decision. If you use a mesh Wi-Fi system instead of a single router, you're essentially running multiple routers simultaneously, which multiplies the electricity use. A three-node mesh system might draw 20–30 watts total, which is still tiny but worth considering if you're comparing options.
Many people mistakenly believe turning off their router overnight will significantly reduce their bill, but the savings are minimal given how little it consumes. A more practical approach is simply choosing a newer, efficient model if your current router is more than five years old, as you'll gain both better performance and lower power draw. If you do turn off your router intentionally, remember that your devices will lose internet access, which may defeat the purpose if you rely on smart home automations, security cameras, or remote access that needs the connection always on. The sweet spot for most households is leaving the router powered on but considering enabling any low-power or sleep modes in the settings if they don't disrupt your connectivity needs.
Frequently asked questions
- Should I unplug my router when I'm not home or at night?
- Unless you have no need for internet during those times, the energy savings won't be meaningful. A router consumes so little power that even unplugging it for eight hours every night will only reduce your annual cost slightly. However, if you want to do it anyway for security reasons (disconnecting from the internet) or out of habit, the impact on your electricity bill will be negligible.
- Do Wi-Fi routers use more power when they're transmitting data?
- Yes, but the difference is small. A router uses slightly more power when actively streaming or handling heavy traffic than when idle, but the increase is typically only 1–2 watts. Since a router is constantly in a ready state anyway, the overall difference between moderate and heavy use is minimal compared to appliances like air conditioners or water heaters.
- Is a mesh Wi-Fi system more expensive to run than a single router?
- Yes, because a mesh system uses multiple units (usually two to three or more), each drawing power continuously. Depending on the system and number of nodes, you could be using double or triple the electricity compared to a single traditional router. If you only need coverage in one area, a single efficient router will cost less to operate than any mesh system.
- What should I look for in a router if I want to minimize power consumption?
- Check the power adapter specifications (listed on the device or in the manual) and choose models rated for 5–10 watts if possible. Newer routers tend to be more efficient than older ones. Avoid overkill models designed for gaming or very large homes unless you genuinely need them, as they consume more power. Reading professional reviews that mention energy efficiency can also help you identify models known for lower consumption.
- Will my router use more power in summer or winter?
- No, a router's power consumption is constant year-round. It doesn't have a heating element or refrigeration cycle like other appliances, so seasonal temperature changes don't affect how much electricity it draws. Your monthly cost will be the same whether it's summer or winter.
- How old should my router be before I consider replacing it for efficiency?
- If your router is five years or older, it was likely designed with less efficient components than current models. Replacing an old router with a modern equivalent could reduce its power draw by 2–5 watts. Combined with improved Wi-Fi range and speed, upgrading an aging router often makes sense. However, if your current router works well and is only a few years old, there's no urgent reason to replace it purely for energy savings.