Desktop Computer vs Laptop: Which Costs More to Run? (2026)
A laptop uses a third or less of the electricity of an equivalent desktop plus monitor. Most laptops sit at 20 to 45 watts, while a desktop with a monitor idles at 80 to 150 watts and far more under load. For office work and browsing, the laptop is cheaper by a wide margin. Desktops earn their draw for gaming, video editing, and workloads that need a powerful graphics card.
At the hours shown, Desktop Computer costs about $78.84 per year and Laptop about $23.65 in United States (average).
| Appliance | Typical watts | Hours / day | Per hour | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Desktop Computer | 150 W | $0.027 | $6.48 | $78.84 | |
| Laptop | 45 W | $0.008 | $1.94 | $23.65 |
Edit the hours to match your own use. Costs use the typical wattage of each appliance.
When the desktop computer makes sense
- You game or render video
- You need multiple large monitors
- You want to upgrade components over time
When the laptop makes sense
- You mostly browse, write, and use web apps
- You work from different rooms or places
- You want the machine on all day without worrying about the bill
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