Wi-Fi Router Electricity Cost Guide

Measure input at the wall over a representative full period. Do not classify a router that is providing connectivity as avoidable standby merely because nobody is actively browsing.

Three illustrative power-input cases

Three published Wi-Fi router electricity-cost scenarios
Scenario	Visible inputs	Annual energy	Annual cost
6 W continuous input	6 W; 24 h/day; 7 days/week; 100% duty; 0 W standby; $0.18/kWh	52.560 kWh	$9.46
10 W continuous input	10 W; 24 h/day; 7 days/week; 100% duty; 0 W standby; $0.18/kWh	87.600 kWh	$15.77
15 W continuous input	15 W; 24 h/day; 7 days/week; 100% duty; 0 W standby; $0.18/kWh	131.400 kWh	$23.65

These are input-sensitivity cases, not a market range. $0.18/kWh is an illustrative comparison rate, not a national or current market price.

How the estimate works

annual kWh = operating watts × 24 hours/day × 365 days ÷ 1000

Use the wall-input reading for the router and any power adapter included in the measurement. A short watt reading can miss mode changes; a multi-day kWh reading can better represent traffic, radios, attached storage, and updates.

Continuous service is not standby waste

Scheduled disconnection and smart-plug economics are blocked. Loss of power can interrupt internet service and dependent calling, security, automation, monitoring, remote access, or update functions. The router remains excluded even if a user edits its standby watts.

For this reference model, `disconnectPolicy` and `smartPlugPolicy` both remain not allowed. The site presents operating cost only—not router standby savings or payback.

Calculate your router’s operating cost

Sources: Berkeley Lab standby FAQ distinguishes low-power modes and continuous functions; DOE measurement guidance supports representative energy-over-time measurement. Neither validates the three input cases.

Last reviewed: August 14, 2026

How much electricity does a Wi-Fi router use?

Three illustrative power-input cases

How the estimate works

Continuous service is not standby waste