How Many Watts Does a PS5 Use?
The PlayStation 5 uses between 50 and 200 watts depending on the activity, with intensive gameplay averaging 100-150 watts and 4K gaming pushing up to 200 watts during demanding titles. In rest mode, the PS5 consumes just 1-3 watts, while streaming media or navigating menus uses 50-80 watts. Over a year of typical usage (4 hours daily gaming), this translates to approximately 146-219 kWh annually, costing $23-35 per year at average U.S. electricity rates.
Understanding PS5 power consumption matters for calculating monthly energy costs, determining circuit requirements for gaming setups, sizing backup generators or UPS systems for power protection, and comparing operating costs between PlayStation and Xbox platforms. The PS5's variable power draw based on workload makes it significantly more efficient than previous console generations while delivering substantially better performance.
This comprehensive guide breaks down PS5 power consumption across all modes (gameplay, media streaming, rest mode, downloads), compares PS5 vs Xbox Series X efficiency, provides accurate cost calculations for different usage patterns, covers total gaming setup power requirements (console + TV + accessories), and offers practical strategies to reduce energy consumption without compromising gaming performance.
Quick Answer
PS5 Gaming (1080p-1440p): 100-150 W
PS5 Gaming (4K Intensive): 150-200 W
Media Streaming / Menus: 50-80 W
Rest Mode: 1-3 W
Rest Mode (Downloading): 30-50 W
Typical Cost: $0.016-$0.032 per hour gaming (at $0.16/kWh)
Annual Cost: $23-35 for 4 hours daily gaming
Key Takeaway: The PS5 is 2-3× more power-efficient than the PS4 Pro despite significantly better performance. Its advanced power management automatically scales wattage based on game demands, using minimal power during menus and cutscenes.
🎮 Interactive Gaming Cost Calculator
Calculate your exact PS5 electricity costs based on your gaming habits, including TV power consumption.
PS5 Power Consumption by Activity
The PS5 features advanced power management that dynamically adjusts power draw based on GPU/CPU workload. Unlike previous consoles with relatively fixed power consumption, the PS5 scales efficiently from idle to maximum performance.
| Activity | Power Draw | Cost Per Hour | Typical Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rest Mode (Basic) | 1-3 W | $0.0002-$0.0005 | 16-20 hrs/day (when not gaming) |
| Rest Mode (Downloads) | 30-50 W | $0.005-$0.008 | Variable (background updates) |
| System Menu / Home Screen | 45-55 W | $0.007-$0.009 | 5-15 min (navigation) |
| Media Streaming (Netflix/YouTube) | 50-80 W | $0.008-$0.013 | 1-3 hrs (varies by user) |
| Gaming - Light (Indie/2D) | 80-100 W | $0.013-$0.016 | Varies by game |
| Gaming - Moderate (1080p AAA) | 100-130 W | $0.016-$0.021 | 2-4 hrs (typical session) |
| Gaming - Intensive (4K/60fps AAA) | 150-180 W | $0.024-$0.029 | Varies by game settings |
| Gaming - Maximum (4K Performance Mode) | 180-200 W | $0.029-$0.032 | Most demanding titles |
PS5 vs PS5 Digital Edition Power Comparison
The PS5 Digital Edition (without disc drive) consumes slightly less power due to the absence of the optical drive motor and associated electronics.
| Mode | PS5 (Standard) | PS5 Digital | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rest Mode | 2 W | 2 W | Same |
| Media Streaming | 65 W | 60 W | -5W (-8%) |
| Gaming (Average) | 125 W | 120 W | -5W (-4%) |
| Gaming (Peak 4K) | 200 W | 195 W | -5W (-2.5%) |
Annual Cost Difference: For 4 hours daily gaming, the Digital Edition saves approximately $2-3 per year in electricity costs—negligible compared to the $100 upfront price difference.
PS5 vs Xbox Series X Power Comparison
The PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X represent competing approaches to power management, with notable differences in efficiency.
| Activity | PS5 | Xbox Series X | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rest Mode / Standby | 1-3 W | 10-15 W | ✅ PS5 (5-10× more efficient) |
| Media Streaming | 50-80 W | 60-90 W | ✅ PS5 (slightly better) |
| Gaming (1080p-1440p) | 100-130 W | 120-150 W | ✅ PS5 (15-20% lower) |
| Gaming (4K Intensive) | 150-200 W | 160-220 W | ✅ PS5 (10-15% lower) |
| Quick Resume Power | N/A (feature not present) | 10-15 W (maintains game states) | ⚠️ Trade-off (convenience vs efficiency) |
Annual Cost Comparison (4 hours daily gaming, 20 hours rest mode):
- PS5: ~$25/year (125W gaming + 2W rest × 20hrs)
- Xbox Series X: ~$35/year (150W gaming + 12W rest × 20hrs)
- Savings with PS5: ~$10/year
PS5 vs Previous PlayStation Generations
Despite dramatically increased performance, the PS5 is significantly more power-efficient than previous PlayStation consoles.
| Console | Gaming Power | Performance (TFLOPS) | Watts per TFLOP | Efficiency vs PS5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PS5 | 100-200 W | 10.3 TFLOPS | 12-19 W/TFLOP | Baseline |
| PS4 Pro | 150-170 W | 4.2 TFLOPS | 36-40 W/TFLOP | 2-2.5× less efficient |
| PS4 Standard | 100-120 W | 1.84 TFLOPS | 54-65 W/TFLOP | 3-3.5× less efficient |
| PS3 (Original) | 180-200 W | 0.23 TFLOPS | 780-870 W/TFLOP | 40-70× less efficient |
Key Insight: The PS5 delivers 5.6× more performance than the PS4 Pro while using only 18-32% more power during intensive gaming. This represents a massive efficiency improvement thanks to AMD's 7nm Zen 2 architecture.
PS5 vs Gaming PC: Power Consumption Face-Off
The PS5 uses 150-200 watts during gameplay, making it significantly more energy-efficient than gaming PCs which consume 400-800 watts under load. However, the complete picture includes performance capabilities and long-term costs.
Annual Gaming Costs Comparison (6 hours daily):
- PS5 alone: 180W × 6 hrs × 365 days × $0.16/kWh = $63/year
- Mid-range Gaming PC: 500W × 6 hrs × 365 days × $0.16/kWh = $175/year
- High-end Gaming PC: 700W × 6 hrs × 365 days × $0.16/kWh = $246/year
While the PS5 saves $112-183 annually in electricity costs, gaming PCs offer trade-offs including upgradeable components, higher frame rates, and multi-purpose functionality beyond gaming. For dedicated console gamers, the PS5's lower power draw and $400 electricity savings over 5 years is significant.
Total Gaming Setup Power Consumption
The PS5 itself is only part of your total gaming power draw. Here's what a complete setup consumes:
Typical Gaming Setup Components
| Component | Power Draw | Always On? | Annual Cost (4hrs/day) |
|---|---|---|---|
| PS5 (Gaming) | 100-200 W | During gaming | $9-18 |
| 55" LED TV | 80-120 W | During gaming/streaming | $7-11 |
| 65" OLED TV | 120-220 W | During gaming/streaming | $11-20 |
| Sound System / Soundbar | 30-100 W | During gaming | $3-9 |
| Gaming Headset (Wireless Charging) | 5-10 W | Continuous charging | $0.50-$1 |
| External HDD/SSD | 5-10 W | When console is on | $0.50-$1 |
| RGB LED Lighting | 10-30 W | During gaming | $1-3 |
| WiFi Router (dedicated gaming) | 10-20 W | 24/7 | $14-28 |
Total Setup Power Draw:
- Minimal Setup (PS5 + TV): 180-320W = $21-37/year
- Standard Setup (+ Soundbar + LEDs): 220-450W = $26-53/year
- Enthusiast Setup (+ All Accessories): 260-550W = $31-65/year
Real-World Cost Calculations
Let's calculate actual costs for different gaming habits using $0.16/kWh (U.S. average):
Scenario A: Casual Gamer (15 hours/week)
Usage Pattern:
- Gaming: 2 hours daily (average 125W)
- Streaming: 15 min daily (65W)
- Rest mode: 21.75 hours daily (2W)
Daily Consumption:
Costs:
- Daily: $0.050
- Monthly: $1.49
- Annual: $18.15
Scenario B: Regular Gamer (4 hours/day)
Usage Pattern:
- Gaming: 4 hours daily (140W average with mix of games)
- Streaming: 1 hour daily (65W)
- Rest mode: 19 hours daily (2W)
Daily Consumption:
Costs:
- Daily: $0.106
- Monthly: $3.18
- Annual: $38.70
Scenario C: Heavy Gamer (8 hours/day)
Usage Pattern:
- Gaming: 8 hours daily (150W average, intensive titles)
- Downloads in rest mode: 12 hours (40W)
- Basic rest: 4 hours (2W)
Daily Consumption:
Costs:
- Daily: $0.270
- Monthly: $8.10
- Annual: $98.63
How Game Settings Affect Power Consumption
The PS5's performance modes dramatically impact power draw. Understanding these can help optimize for efficiency or performance.
Performance Mode Options in Supported Games
| Graphics Mode | Target Resolution | Target FPS | Typical Power Draw | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fidelity / Quality Mode | 4K (2160p) | 30 fps | 120-150 W | Single-player, cinematic games |
| Performance Mode | 1440p-1800p | 60 fps | 140-170 W | Action games, smoother experience |
| Performance RT Mode | 1440p | 60 fps + Ray Tracing | 160-190 W | Balance of visuals and performance |
| High Frame Rate Mode | 1080p-1440p | 120 fps | 170-200 W | Competitive multiplayer (requires 120Hz TV) |
Power Savings Example: Playing in Fidelity Mode (30fps) vs High Frame Rate Mode (120fps) can save 30-50W, reducing annual costs by $5-9 for 4 hours daily gaming.
Rest Mode Power Management
Rest mode offers convenience (quick resume, background downloads) but varies significantly in power consumption based on settings.
Rest Mode Configuration Options
| Rest Mode Setting | Power Draw | Features Active | Annual Cost (20hrs/day) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Completely Off | 0 W | None | $0 |
| Rest Mode (USB Off, No Downloads) | 1 W | Quick startup only | $1.17 |
| Rest Mode (Standard) | 2-3 W | USB charging, quick resume | $2.34-$3.50 |
| Rest Mode (Downloads Enabled) | 30-50 W (when downloading) | Background updates, remote play | $35-58 (if constantly downloading) |
💡 Optimization Tip: Enable "Download During Rest Mode" but set specific hours (e.g., midnight-6am when you sleep) to minimize active download time. This provides convenience without constant high power draw.
How to Reduce Rest Mode Power
- Settings → System → Power Saving → Features Available in Rest Mode
- Disable "Stay Connected to the Internet" if you don't need remote features
- Turn off "Supply Power to USB Ports" if not charging controllers overnight
- Consider complete shutdown for extended periods (vacations, etc.)
Circuit Requirements and Surge Protection
The PS5's power requirements are modest, making it compatible with standard household circuits.
Electrical Specifications
- Voltage: 100-240V AC (universal, auto-switching)
- Frequency: 50/60 Hz
- Maximum Power Draw: 350W (system design limit, rarely reached)
- Typical Draw: 100-200W during gaming
- Amps at 120V: 0.83-1.67A (well within 15A circuit capacity)
Surge Protection Recommendations
The PS5's sensitive electronics warrant proper surge protection:
- Minimum Rating: 1,500 Joules surge protection
- Recommended: 2,500-3,000 Joules for comprehensive protection
- Response Time: Under 1 nanosecond
- UL 1449 Certification: Required (400V clamping voltage maximum)
- Connected Equipment Warranty: $100,000+ coverage preferred
Recommended Models:
- Tripp Lite Isobar (3,300J, medical-grade filtering)
- APC Performance SurgeArrest (2,880J, $300K warranty)
- Furman PST-8 (3,840J, professional series)
UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) Sizing
For areas with frequent power fluctuations or gamers who want to prevent data corruption:
Typical Gaming Setup: PS5 (150W) + TV (100W) + Router (15W) = 265W
Recommended UPS: 600-850VA / 360-510W capacity
- CyberPower CP685AVR (685VA / 390W) - 15-20 min runtime
- APC BE600M1 (600VA / 330W) - 10-15 min runtime
- AmazonBasics Standby UPS (800VA / 450W) - 20-30 min runtime
Runtime Goal: 10-15 minutes allows you to save game progress and shut down gracefully during outages.
8 Ways to Reduce PS5 Energy Consumption
These strategies reduce power consumption without compromising gaming experience:
Settings Optimization
- Adjust HDR Settings: Disable HDR if your TV doesn't support it well—saves 10-15W by reducing GPU overhead
- Enable Auto-Dimming: Settings → Screen and Video → Video Output → Adjust HDR
- Reduce Screen Brightness: Lower PS5 system menu brightness from default
- Disable HDMI Device Link: Prevents PS5 from turning on TV automatically (if preferred)
Rest Mode Management
- Schedule Download Times: Limit background downloads to specific hours
- Disable USB Charging: If not using controllers overnight, turn off USB power in rest mode (saves 1-2W)
- Complete Shutdown for Extended Absences: Turn off completely when away for 24+ hours (vs 2-40W rest mode)
Usage Habits
- Choose Performance Modes Wisely: Use Fidelity Mode (30fps) instead of Performance Mode (60fps+) when framerate isn't critical—saves 20-40W
Comparing Gaming to Other Entertainment
How does PS5 gaming compare to other entertainment options in terms of energy costs?
| Entertainment Activity | Power Consumption | Cost Per Hour | 4 Hours Daily Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| PS5 Gaming + TV | 200-300 W | $0.032-$0.048 | $47-70 |
| Netflix on Smart TV | 80-120 W | $0.013-$0.019 | $19-28 |
| PC Gaming (High-End) | 350-500 W | $0.056-$0.080 | $82-117 |
| Reading with LED Lamp | 8-12 W | $0.001-$0.002 | $1.50-$3 |
| Going to Movie Theater | 0 W (at home) | $0 (but $12-18 ticket) | $624-936 (weekly movies) |
Conclusion: PS5 gaming is cost-competitive with streaming video and dramatically cheaper than weekly movie theater visits or high-end PC gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the PS5 use a lot of electricity?
No, the PS5 is remarkably energy-efficient for a modern gaming console. At 100-200W during gaming, it uses less power than most desktop computers, space heaters, or hair dryers. For 4 hours of daily gaming, expect annual electricity costs of $23-35—less than $3 per month. Compare this to a gaming PC (350-500W) or previous-gen PS4 Pro (150-170W with worse performance), and the PS5 represents excellent efficiency.
Should I leave my PS5 in rest mode or turn it off?
It depends on your usage pattern. Rest mode (2-3W) costs only $2-3 annually for standby convenience, while complete shutdown saves this minimal amount but requires full boot times (30-60 seconds). **Recommendation:** Use rest mode if you game daily and want quick access. Power off completely if you won't use it for 24+ hours or during vacations. Avoid "downloads enabled" rest mode (30-50W) unless actively downloading—this costs $35-58/year if left on continuously.
How much does it cost to run a PS5 for 24 hours straight?
Running a PS5 continuously for 24 hours (which would require someone actively gaming the entire time) at average gaming power (140W) would consume 3.36 kWh, costing approximately **$0.54 at $0.16/kWh**. However, this scenario is unrealistic—typical usage includes menus (50W), rest mode (2W), and varied game intensity. A more realistic 24-hour period with 8 hours gaming, 2 hours streaming, and 14 hours rest mode costs about $0.25-0.30.
Does the PS5 use more power than Xbox Series X?
No, the PS5 is generally 10-20% more power-efficient than Xbox Series X across most activities. During intensive gaming, the PS5 draws 150-200W vs Xbox's 160-220W. The most significant difference is rest mode: PS5 uses 1-3W vs Xbox's 10-15W for standby with Quick Resume. Over a year of typical use, this translates to $8-12 lower electricity costs with PS5.
Conclusion
The PlayStation 5 consumes 100-200 watts during active gaming, with most sessions averaging 125-150W depending on game demands and graphics settings. This represents exceptional efficiency given its performance capabilities—the console delivers 2.5× the performance of a PS4 Pro while using only 18-32% more power during intensive gaming.
For typical gaming patterns (4 hours daily), the PS5 costs $25-40 annually to operate, including both gaming sessions and rest mode standby. This modest cost makes console gaming one of the most energy-efficient forms of interactive entertainment, comparable to streaming video and far more efficient than high-end PC gaming (which can cost $80-120 annually).
The PS5's advanced power management dynamically scales consumption based on workload—during menus and loading screens, power drops to 45-65W, while 4K ray-traced gameplay peaks at 180-200W. Rest mode deserves special attention: basic standby costs only $2-3 yearly, but enabling continuous downloads can increase this to $35-58 annually. Strategic rest mode configuration (scheduled download windows, USB power off when not charging controllers) optimizes convenience while minimizing waste.
Compared to Xbox Series X, the PS5 maintains a 10-20% efficiency advantage across most activities, with the largest gap in rest mode (1-3W vs 10-15W). For environmentally-conscious gamers or those in regions with high electricity rates (above $0.25/kWh), these efficiency differences translate to meaningful savings over the console's 7-10 year lifespan. Overall, modern gaming consoles represent a minor electrical expense—less than $4 monthly for most users—making power consumption a negligible factor in platform choice compared to game libraries, features, and performance.
Data sources: Independent power consumption testing, Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) console energy efficiency reports, U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), and manufacturer specifications. Electricity rates based on January 2026 U.S. national average of $0.16/kWh.