How Much Electricity Does a Wi-Fi Router Use?
Calculate 24/7 Wi-Fi router, modem, and mesh node electricity consumption (Watts, kWh) and annual operating costs across utility electric rates.
Key Takeaways & Core Facts
- Standalone Wi-Fi routers and modem combos draw 5W to 15W continuously, operating 8,760 hours per year.
- A continuous 10W router setup consumes ~7.3 kWh per month (87.6 kWh per year), costing $13.00 to $26.00 annually depending on electric rates.
- Multi-node Wi-Fi mesh systems with 3 units draw 15W to 35W combined, multiplying annual continuous electricity costs.
Direct Answer: 24/7 Wi-Fi Router Power & Annual Cost
A single standalone Wi-Fi router or modem combo draws between 5W and 15W of continuous electrical power. Because internet networking gear runs 24 hours a day, 365 days a year (8,760 hours/yr), a typical 10W router setup consumes 7.3 kWh per month (87.6 kWh per year).
At average U.S. electricity rates (20 ¢/kWh), operating a Wi-Fi router costs approximately $1.46 per month or $17.52 per year. Multi-node mesh networks with 3 satellite units draw 20W to 35W combined, costing $35.00 to $60.00 annually.
Modem, Router & Mesh Node Power Breakdown
Home networking equipment consists of different devices with distinct power profiles:
- Cable / Fiber Modem (ONT): Draws 5W to 10W to maintain broadband line connection.
- Wi-Fi 6 / 6E Router: Draws 8W to 15W supporting dual-band/tri-band wireless radios.
- Wi-Fi Mesh Satellite Nodes: Draw 4W to 10W per node continuously.
Wi-Fi Router Operating Costs across Utility Rates
| Networking Setup | Continuous Power Draw | Annual kWh | Annual Cost (15 ¢/kWh) | Annual Cost (20 ¢/kWh) | Annual Cost (30 ¢/kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic ISP Modem / Router Combo | 7W | 61.3 kWh | $9.20 | $12.26 | $18.39 |
| High-Performance Wi-Fi 6 Router | 12W | 105.1 kWh | $15.77 | $21.02 | $31.53 |
| 3-Pack Mesh Wi-Fi Network | 25W | 219.0 kWh | $32.85 | $43.80 | $65.70 |
* Note: Calculations assume continuous 24/7/365 operation (8,760 hours/yr). Figures represent typical manufacturer benchmarks and illustrative assumptions.
Assumptions & Network Energy Tips
Because Wi-Fi routers provide smart home connectivity and security updates, turning them off overnight is generally not recommended. To optimize energy, choose ENERGY STAR certified network equipment or disable unused frequency bands (e.g., guest networks) if not needed.
Calculate small electronic operating costs with our Appliance Energy Cost Calculator or learn about laptop power in our Laptop Electricity Guide.
Appliance Energy Cost Calculator
Calculate continuous 24/7 router and mesh networking equipment operating costs.
Calculate Wi-Fi Router Operating Cost →Government & Official Data Sources
- ENERGY STAR — Small Network Equipment Efficiency Specifications (Broadband modems, wireless routers, access points, and continuous network power draw)
- Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory — Home Network Equipment Energy Consumption Study (Continuous electrical draw of modems, routers, and mesh node network infrastructure)