How Much Electric Does a PS5 Use

The PlayStation 5 is one of the most powerful gaming consoles available today, offering advanced graphics, smooth performance, and a wide library of games. With energy costs in the UK being a frequent concern, many households are beginning to ask how much electricity a PS5 actually uses and what that means for running costs. Understanding the energy consumption of the console can help gamers manage their bills while still enjoying the experience the system provides.

Average Power Consumption of a PS5

On average, a PlayStation 5 uses between 150 and 220 watts when actively running a game, depending on the title and whether the console is outputting in 4K resolution. Games that are graphically demanding and push the hardware to its limits will typically draw more power. When idle or displaying the home menu, the console consumes around 50 to 70 watts. In rest mode, which allows for background downloads and quick start-up, power use falls even further to around 1 to 3 watts. Over the course of a year, if the PS5 is used for about two hours daily, it might add roughly 100 to 120 kilowatt hours to a household’s annual electricity use.

How Usage Patterns Affect Consumption

The electricity use of a PS5 varies considerably depending on how often it is played and for how long. A casual gamer who uses the console for short periods each week will see minimal impact on their bill, while someone gaming for several hours a day may notice more of a difference. Watching streaming services such as Netflix or Disney+ through the PS5 uses less power than gaming, as the hardware does not need to drive graphics as intensively. However, leaving the console running unnecessarily or forgetting to power it down properly can cause wasted electricity over time.

PS5 Compared With Other Devices

When compared with other household electronics, the PS5 is relatively efficient for the performance it delivers but it does use more electricity than older consoles. The PlayStation 4 consumed around 140 to 160 watts during gameplay, so the PS5 is more power hungry, although it also offers significantly better graphics and speed. By comparison, a modern laptop typically uses between 30 and 80 watts, and a desktop gaming PC can use anywhere from 300 to 600 watts or more. This places the PS5 somewhere in the middle, delivering high performance without the extreme energy draw of a powerful computer.

Calculating the Cost of Running a PS5

To work out the cost of running a PS5, you can multiply its wattage by the number of hours used and the current UK electricity rate. For example, if a console uses 200 watts and is played for two hours daily, this equates to 0.4 kilowatt hours each day. At an average electricity price of 28 pence per kilowatt hour, the daily cost would be about 11 pence, or roughly £40 a year. For heavier use, the cost could easily double, but it still remains far below the running costs of large appliances such as electric ovens, tumble dryers, or fan heaters.

Energy Saving Features of the PS5

Sony designed the PS5 with energy saving options to help reduce unnecessary electricity use. The rest mode is particularly effective, allowing background downloads and quick charging of controllers at very low energy levels. Automatic power off settings can also be enabled so that the console shuts down after a period of inactivity, which helps prevent wasted electricity if left unattended. Adjusting display settings, such as lowering resolution on less demanding titles, can also reduce energy draw slightly.

Suitability for Long Gaming Sessions

For those who enjoy extended gaming sessions, it is important to consider both electricity use and heat output. A PS5 running for several hours will generate heat, which may increase the cooling demand in a room during summer months. While the energy cost of the console itself is not excessive, continuous use adds up, especially in homes where multiple devices are powered at once. Using the console responsibly, such as powering down when not in use, is the best way to balance enjoyment with cost efficiency.

Final Thoughts

The PlayStation 5 is a powerful console and naturally uses more electricity than its predecessors, but its running costs remain relatively modest compared with many household appliances. A typical gamer can expect the console to add between £40 and £80 a year to their electricity bill, depending on usage patterns. With built-in energy saving features and the option of rest mode, it is easy to keep consumption under control. For most households, the enjoyment provided by the PS5 far outweighs the relatively small impact on energy bills, provided sensible habits are followed.