Video doorbell vs. security camera: running cost
A video doorbell is cheaper to run: about $6 a year versus $8 for a security camera at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $2 difference.
| Video doorbell | Security camera | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 4 W | 5 W |
| Watt range | 1–8 W | 2–15 W |
| Typical use | 24 hours a day | 24 hours a day |
| Energy per year | 35 kWh | 44 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 0.07¢ | 0.09¢ |
| Cost per day | 1.7¢ | 2.2¢ |
| Cost per month | $0.53 | $0.66 |
| Cost per year | $6 | $8 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $15 | $19 |
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What drives the difference
- 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.
- Security camera: Wired cameras draw about 3-7 W each, around the clock; infrared night vision adds 1-3 W. An NVR recorder adds 10-25 W.
Ways to cut either cost
Battery video doorbell
Uses only a few kWh a year in charging.
See options on Amazon Solar-powered security camera
Runs on its own panel and battery, with no grid electricity cost.
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 video doorbell or a security camera?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), a security camera costs about $8 a year versus $6 for a video doorbell. That's $2 more, or 1.3× as much.
How many watts do video doorbell and security camera use?
A video doorbell typically draws 4 W (range 1–8 W). A security camera draws 5 W (range 2–15 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.