Laptop vs. desktop computer: running cost
A laptop is cheaper to run: about $16 a year versus $38 for a desktop computer at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $21 difference.
| Laptop | Desktop computer | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 40 W | 90 W |
| Watt range | 15–200 W | 40–250 W |
| Typical use | 6 hours a day | 6 hours a day |
| Energy per year | 91 kWh | 210 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 0.7¢ | 1.6¢ |
| Cost per day | 4.5¢ | 10¢ |
| Cost per month | $1.36 | $3.15 |
| Cost per year | $16 | $38 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $40 | $92 |
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What drives the difference
- Laptop: Laptops draw 15-60 W from the wall while working and charging; gaming laptops draw 100-230 W under load. Chargers left plugged in with nothing attached draw under 0.5 W.
- Desktop computer: A typical desktop tower without a discrete gaming GPU draws 50-120 W in use; sleep mode draws 1-3 W. Monitor not included.
Ways to cut either cost
GaN USB-C charger
More efficient and lower standby than older brick chargers.
See options on Amazon Mini PC
Small PCs do office work at 10-25 W instead of 60-120 W.
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 laptop or a desktop computer?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), a desktop computer costs about $38 a year versus $16 for a laptop. That's $21 more, or 2.3× as much.
How many watts do laptop and desktop computer use?
A laptop typically draws 40 W (range 15–200 W). A desktop computer draws 90 W (range 40–250 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.