Is a cable box expensive to run?

Streaming devices idle at a tenth of a cable DVR's draw — cutting the box often cuts a hidden always-on load too. At typical use it adds about $3.01 to a monthly electric bill at the US-average rate, but that swings from $2.10 in the cheapest states to $7.82 in the most expensive.

How many watts does a cable box use?

Cable Box typically draws about 25 running watts. It's a resistive load, so its startup and running wattage are the same. Check the nameplate or label on your specific unit for its exact rating.

How much electricity (kWh) does a cable box use?

At typical use (25 W for 24 hours a day), a cable box uses about 0.6 kWh per day — roughly 18 kWh per month, or about 2% of what the average US home uses in a month (863 kWh). Energy used doesn't depend on your electricity rate — only the bill does.

How can I lower the cost of running a cable box?

Streaming devices idle at a tenth of a cable DVR's draw — cutting the box often cuts a hidden always-on load too. You can also cut the cost by lowering your electricity rate — many utilities offer cheaper off-peak hours — or simply by running it fewer hours. The calculator on this page shows how changing hours per day or your electricity rate moves the number.

How Much Does It Cost to Run a Cable Box?

A DVR cable box barely powers down: it draws nearly the same watts at 3 a.m. as during prime time, all year. At the US-average rate of 16.5¢/kWh, running a cable box costs about $3.01/month ($36.09/year) at typical use. Adjust the watts, hours, and your rate below for your exact number.

Power (watts)

Hours per day: 24

Days per week: 7

Your state (sets the rate)

Electricity rate ($/kWh)

Cost to run a cable box

$36/yr

Per day: $0.10
Per month: $3.01
Energy per year: 219 kWh

Cost = power (kW) × hours × days × your rate. Defaults are typical values — enter your appliance's actual watts (often on a label) and your real rate for a precise figure.

How much electricity does a cable box use?

At 25 W for 24 hours a day, a cable box uses about 0.6 kWh per day — roughly 18 kWh per month and 219 kWh per year. That's about 2% of the 863 kWh the average US home uses in a month. Energy use is the same everywhere — only the price per kWh changes your bill.

Wondering about the circuit instead? See how many amps a cable box draws.

Cost to run a cable box by electricity rate

Same 25 W appliance, 24 h/day — the bill changes with where you live.

Scenario	Rate	Per month	Per year
Cheapest states (North Dakota)	11.5¢	$2.10	$25.21
US average	16.5¢	$3.01	$36.09
Most expensive (Hawaii)	42.9¢	$7.82	$93.86

Find your state's rate on the electricity rates by state page, or see the appliance wattage chart for more devices.

Frequently asked questions

At the US-average residential rate of 16.5¢/kWh, a cable box drawing 25 watts for about 24 hours a day costs roughly $0.10 per day, $3.01 per month, and $36.09 per year. Your actual cost depends on your electricity rate and how much you use it, and the calculator on this page adjusts for both.

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How Much Does It Cost to Run a Cable Box?

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Cost to run a cable box by electricity rate

Frequently asked questions