Is a smart speaker expensive to run?

Always-on doesn't mean expensive at single-digit watts; the microwave clock keeps similar company. At typical use it adds about $0.60 to a monthly electric bill at the US-average rate, but that swings from $0.42 in the cheapest states to $1.56 in the most expensive.

How many watts does a smart speaker use?

Smart Speaker typically draws about 5 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 smart speaker use?

At typical use (5 W for 24 hours a day), a smart speaker uses about 0.1 kWh per day — roughly 4 kWh per month, or about 1% 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 smart speaker?

Always-on doesn't mean expensive at single-digit watts; the microwave clock keeps similar company. 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 Smart Speaker?

A smart speaker listens all day on about 5 watts — a whole house of them costs a few dollars a year. At the US-average rate of 16.5¢/kWh, running a smart speaker costs about $0.60/month ($7.22/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 smart speaker

$7/yr

Per day: $0.02
Per month: $0.60
Energy per year: 44 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 smart speaker use?

At 5 W for 24 hours a day, a smart speaker uses about 0.1 kWh per day — roughly 4 kWh per month and 44 kWh per year. That's about 1% 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 smart speaker draws.

Cost to run a smart speaker by electricity rate

Same 5 W appliance, 24 h/day — the bill changes with where you live.

Scenario	Rate	Per month	Per year
Cheapest states (North Dakota)	11.5¢	$0.42	$5.04
US average	16.5¢	$0.60	$7.22
Most expensive (Hawaii)	42.9¢	$1.56	$18.77

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 smart speaker drawing 5 watts for about 24 hours a day costs roughly $0.02 per day, $0.60 per month, and $7.22 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.

Ask AI about this

Open an AI assistant with a question grounded in this page.

ChatGPT Claude Perplexity Google AI Grok

Electricity cost calculator Estimate your whole bill All appliances

How Much Does It Cost to Run a Smart Speaker?

How much electricity does a smart speaker use?

Cost to run a smart speaker by electricity rate

Frequently asked questions