Gaming Console (PS5, Xbox) vs Streaming Stick or Box: Which Costs More to Run? (2026)
For watching video, the streaming stick uses 15 to 25 times less electricity than a console. A console draws 50 to 70 watts to stream a film that a stick plays at 3 watts. If your console is your main streaming device, adding a stick pays for itself in a year or two in many regions.
At the hours shown, Gaming Console (PS5, Xbox) costs about $35.48 per year and Streaming Stick or Box about $1.05 in United States (average).
| Appliance | Typical watts | Hours / day | Per hour | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gaming Console (PS5, Xbox) | 180 W | $0.032 | $2.92 | $35.48 | |
| Streaming Stick or Box | 4 W | $0.001 | $0.086 | $1.05 |
Edit the hours to match your own use. Costs use the typical wattage of each appliance.
When the gaming console (ps5, xbox) makes sense
- You are playing games
- You want one remote and one device
- The console is already on
When the streaming stick or box makes sense
- You are streaming video or music
- The TV is on for hours a day as background
- You want the lowest standby draw
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