Streaming device vs. cable box / DVR: running cost
A streaming device is cheaper to run: about $3 a year versus $39 for a cable box / DVR at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $37 difference.
| Streaming device | Cable box / DVR | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 3 W | 25 W |
| Watt range | 2–15 W | 10–40 W |
| Typical use | 5 hours a day | 24 hours a day |
| Energy per year | 16 kWh | 219 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 0.05¢ | 0.4¢ |
| Cost per day | 0.8¢ | 11¢ |
| Cost per month | $0.24 | $3.29 |
| Cost per year | $3 | $39 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $7 | $95 |
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What drives the difference
- Streaming device: Sticks draw 2-4 W while streaming; most stay at 1-3 W when 'off'. Even year-round they use under 25 kWh.
- Cable box / DVR: Cable and satellite DVRs draw nearly the same power whether 'on' or 'off' because the hard drive and tuners keep running, so they use 130-300 kWh a year.
Ways to cut either cost
Replaces 25-70 W cable boxes and consoles for most viewing.
See options on AmazonRuns the provider's app at about 3 W instead of 25 W around the clock.
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 streaming device or a cable box / DVR?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), a cable box / DVR costs about $39 a year versus $3 for a streaming device. That's $37 more, or 13.8× as much.
How many watts do streaming device and cable box / DVR use?
A streaming device typically draws 3 W (range 2–15 W). A cable box / DVR draws 25 W (range 10–40 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.