Is an Efficient Wi-Fi Router Worth It in the UK? (2026)
With electricity at 26.3p per kWh in the UK, replacing a working Wi-Fi router takes 3.6 years to pay back, which is slow. When yours needs replacing anyway, the extra cost of the efficient model comes back in 3.6 years.
An efficient Wi-Fi router cuts electricity by 60%: about 105 kWh, worth £27.64 a year in the UK. Worth it when replacing
- From
- Old modem plus separate router, about 20 W, about 175 kWh a year
- To
- Current combined gateway, about 8 W, about 70 kWh a year
- Usage
- Always on
| Scenario | You pay | Payback | Net over its life |
|---|---|---|---|
| Replace a working Wi-Fi router now | £100.00 | 3.6 years | £65.82 |
| Replacing anyway: choose the efficient one | £100.00 | 3.6 years | £65.82 |
Prices are typical figures; type your own quotes above. Net over its life is the total saving over the years it lasts minus what you pay. It ignores inflation, interest and changes in electricity prices, which is conservative while prices are rising.
Our take
Marginal. Worth it only if the equipment is old enough to be replaced for other reasons, or if your provider gives you a new gateway for free.
How the two models compare
| Inefficient | Efficient | |
|---|---|---|
| Model | Old modem plus separate router, about 20 W | Current combined gateway, about 8 W |
| Electricity per year | 175 kWh | 70 kWh |
| Cost per year here | £46.06 | £18.42 |
| Over 6 years | £276.36 | £110.54 |
Usage behind these figures: always on. Basis: Typical measured draw of older separate units versus a current combined gateway, 24 hours a day. The Wi-Fi Router page prices the appliance at its own typical hours, which you can change there.
The same upgrade in other countries
| Country | Saving per year | Payback, replacing now | Payback, replacing anyway | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States (average) | $19.26 | 5.2 years | 5.2 years | Worth it when replacing |
| United Kingdom | £27.64 | 3.6 years | 3.6 years | Worth it when replacing |
| Germany | €38.85 | 2.6 years | 2.6 years | Worth it now |
| France | €21.01 | 4.8 years | 4.8 years | Worth it when replacing |
| Australia | A$36.75 | 2.7 years | 2.7 years | Worth it now |
| Canada (average) | C$14.70 | 6.8 years | 6.8 years | Worth it when replacing |
Local electricity prices, with the same purchase price read in local currency, which is a simplification. The saving column is what matters: the higher the price of electricity, the faster any upgrade pays back.
Other upgrades in the UK, fastest payback first
- LED Light Bulbsaves £24.74 a year · worth it now
- Dehumidifiersaves £142.13 a year · worth it now
- Electric Water Heatersaves £806.97 a year · worth it now
- Pool Pumpsaves £369.53 a year · worth it now
- Electric Sauna Heatersaves £446.65 a year · worth it when replacing
- Chest Freezersaves £81.59 a year · worth it when replacing
- Hot Tubsaves £672.48 a year · worth it when replacing
- Clothes Dryersaves £118.44 a year · worth it when replacing
- Air Conditionersaves £65.80 a year · worth it when replacing
- Refrigeratorsaves £113.18 a year · worth it when replacing
- Desktop Computersaves £80.80 a year · not for the electricity
- Space Heatersaves £236.88 a year · not for the electricity
- Electric Stovesaves £38.43 a year · not for the electricity
- Dishwashersaves £36.85 a year · worth it when replacing
- Washing Machinesaves £25.00 a year · worth it when replacing
- Televisionsaves £19.21 a year · not for the electricity