PS5 vs. gaming PC: running cost
A PS5 is cheaper to run: about $28 a year versus $67 for a gaming PC at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $39 difference.
| PS5 | Gaming PC | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 200 W | 400 W |
| Watt range | 50–230 W | 150–900 W |
| Typical use | 2 hours a day | 3 hours a day |
| Energy per year | 158 kWh | 374 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 3.6¢ | 5.8¢ |
| Cost per day | 7.8¢ | 18¢ |
| Cost per month | $2.37 | $5.60 |
| Cost per year | $28 | $67 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $69 | $163 |
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What drives the difference
- PS5: A PS5 draws about 200 W in demanding games, around 70 W streaming video and 0.3-1.5 W in rest mode depending on USB and network settings. Two hours a day of gaming is about 150 kWh a year.
- Gaming PC: Watts are total wall draw of the whole tower while gaming (GPU plus CPU, board, fans and power-supply loss); the monitor is separate. Idle desktop use draws 60-120 W.
Ways to cut either cost
Uses about 3 W versus 70 W for streaming video on the console.
See options on AmazonShows real console kWh and can cut power overnight.
See options on AmazonWastes about 5-8% less as heat than bronze or unrated supplies.
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 PS5 or a gaming PC?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), a gaming PC costs about $67 a year versus $28 for a PS5. That's $39 more, or 2.4× as much.
How many watts do PS5 and gaming PC use?
A PS5 typically draws 200 W (range 50–230 W). A gaming PC draws 400 W (range 150–900 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.