Home security system vs. video doorbell: running cost
A video doorbell is cheaper to run: about $6 a year versus $13 for a home security system at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $6 difference.
| Home security system | Video doorbell | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 8 W | 4 W |
| Watt range | 3–20 W | 1–8 W |
| Typical use | 24 hours a day | 24 hours a day |
| Energy per year | 70 kWh | 35 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 0.1¢ | 0.07¢ |
| Cost per day | 3.5¢ | 1.7¢ |
| Cost per month | $1.05 | $0.53 |
| Cost per year | $13 | $6 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $31 | $15 |
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What drives the difference
- Home security system: A security system's control panel, keypad and sensors typically draw 4-15 W continuously, including battery charging.
- Video doorbell: Wired video doorbells draw about 2-5 W continuously, plus a small loss in the doorbell transformer; battery models use under 10 kWh a year in recharging.
Ways to cut either cost
Battery video doorbell
Uses only a few kWh a year in charging.
See options on Amazon DIY wireless alarm system
Low-power base stations draw a few watts.
See options on AmazonWe may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. It never changes the numbers we show. Disclosure.
Frequently asked questions
Which costs more to run, a home security system or a video doorbell?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), a home security system costs about $13 a year versus $6 for a video doorbell. That's $6 more, or 2.0× as much.
How many watts do home security system and video doorbell use?
A home security system typically draws 8 W (range 3–20 W). A video doorbell draws 4 W (range 1–8 W). Watts alone don't decide cost. Hours of use, cycling and standby matter just as much.
Rates: EIA, 12 months ending 2026-07. Methodology.