How Much Electric Does a PS5 Use

If you are considering how much electricity your PS5 is consuming and what it might be costing you on your UK home energy bill, this guide will break down what to expect, how to estimate the cost, and what you can do to reduce usage. Being informed means you can game with fewer surprises on your electricity bill.

How Much Power the PS5 Draws

The PS5’s power consumption depends on what it is doing. During heavy gaming sessions with graphics-intensive titles, the console has been measured drawing around 200 watts. One source recorded a maximum of approximately 203 watts during gameplay. In comparison, when the console is idle on the dashboard or streaming, the draw is far lower, often in the 40 to 50-watt range. In powered-off but still plugged-in or standby modes, the PS5 uses very little power, in the region of 1.3 to 1.5 watts. The PS5’s official maximum power rating is about 350 watts, though in normal use it will usually draw less.

Estimating Electricity Costs in the UK

To estimate how much the PS5’s usage contributes to your energy bill, you multiply the power draw (in kilowatts) by the hours of use and by your cost per kilowatt-hour (kWh). For example, if the PS5 is drawing 0.2 kW (200 watts) and you use it for three hours of gameplay, you consume 0.6 kWh. If your electricity cost is 30p per kWh, that session costs about 18p. Over a month of daily usage, that adds up. One analysis used an average rate and found that heavy use might cost roughly £7 to £8 per month. For light use with an average rate, annual cost estimates are around the £20 to £40 mark for the console alone.

Breakdown of Usage Modes

When the console is in standby mode with internet features disabled, it uses about 1.5 watts. When powered off but still plugged in, it uses about 1.3 watts. During gaming sessions, the draw jumps to over 200 watts. Streaming or light use falls somewhere in between. These variances matter because if you leave the console on for hours at high load, the cost increases significantly compared with casual use.

Factors That Affect the Power Draw

Several factors influence how much electricity the PS5 uses. The game you are playing matters, as high-resolution, HDR, ray-tracing, and frame-rate-intensive games push the hardware harder, increasing power draw. The type of display you use matters too; a large 4K TV may add considerably to the total system power. Cooling and ventilation also impact efficiency, as if the console is in a cramped space or poorly ventilated, it may run the fan more, increasing power draw. The PS5 model also counts, as newer slim versions or revisions may be more power efficient than the original release.

How to Reduce the Electricity Cost

You can reduce how much electricity the PS5 uses by adjusting settings and usage habits. Ensure it is properly ventilated to avoid excess fan activity. Use settings that limit frame rate or resolution if high performance is not required. Use the energy saver mode rather than instant on so that standby power is kept to a bare minimum. Turn the console fully off when not in use rather than leaving it in standby. Use a power-monitored plug if you want to see actual consumption in your home.

Comparing Cost With Other Appliances

While the PS5 draws significantly more power in gameplay than many small electronics, it still uses far less than major appliances like electric showers, heaters, or full-size refrigerators. For a few hours of gameplay, the cost is modest in household terms. The bigger impact comes if you leave it on for long periods or run long downloads or updates continuously.

Realistic Example

Imagine you play on the PS5 for two hours every evening (30 days a month) and assume an average draw of 200 watts (0.2 kW). That gives 0.4 kWh per day. At 30p per kWh, the daily cost is 12p, and the monthly cost comes to about £3.60. If you were instead gaming for four hours each evening and using the console heavily, the monthly cost might double to around £7.20. If you add streaming, downloads, or use at full load with a bigger TV system, the cost could be higher.

Safety and Electrical Considerations for Homes

From an electrical systems point of view, while the PS5 is not a heavy appliance in the sense of fixed wiring loads, it is still worth ensuring that the circuit it sits on is not overloaded. If you have multiple high-power devices such as a TV, console, soundbar, and lighting all plugged into the same wall socket or extension lead, you risk overheating or nuisance tripping. Make sure your wall sockets are in good condition, that extension leads are rated for the combined load, and that you avoid daisy-chaining multiple adapters. If your property has older wiring or a dated consumer unit, this is a good reminder to check the circuit capacity and condition of the installation.

Conclusion

The PS5 uses around 200 watts during heavy gaming and far less in lighter use or standby. In typical UK household usage, the additional cost may be a few pounds a month rather than tens of pounds. By being aware of usage hours, ensuring efficient settings, and maintaining good ventilation, you can keep the electricity cost under control. For those who are uncertain about the circuit their entertainment system is connected to, or who suspect their wiring may be aged or overloaded, consulting a qualified electrician will help ensure safe, efficient operation of the system.