Gaming laptop5.8p
PS5 + TV8.2p
Series S + TV4.6p
Your region
Cost per hour of gaming at 26.32p per kWh (UK average), the live standard variable rate since 1 October 2026.
The short answer
A gaming laptop with an RTX 4070 to 5080 class graphics chip uses roughly 180 to 250 watts from the wall while gaming. That's our estimate, and it includes the laptop's own screen. A PS5 uses about 210 watts on its own, but it needs a TV, which adds about 100 more.
| Setup | Typical power | Per hour | Per year (3 hrs/day) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gaming laptop (screen built in) | about 220 W | 5.8p | £63.40 |
| PS5 + TV | about 310 W | 8.2p | £89.34 |
| Xbox Series X + TV | about 254 W | 6.7p | £73.20 |
| Xbox Series S + TV | about 174 W | 4.6p | £50.15 |
| Switch 2 + TV | about 118 W | 3.1p | £34.01 |
| Gaming laptop + external monitor | about 260 W | 6.8p | £74.93 |
What this means
- Against a PS5 or Series X on a TV, a gaming laptop on its own screen is usually cheaper to run.
- Against a Series S or Switch 2, the console is cheaper, even with the TV.
- If you plug the laptop into a big TV or monitor, the costs end up very similar to a PS5.
Making a gaming laptop cheaper to run
- Use the laptop's "balanced" or "silent" performance mode for less demanding games.
- Cap the frame rate to your screen's refresh rate.
- Keep the vents clean. A laptop that overheats runs its fans harder and can waste power.
Compare with a desktop on gaming laptop vs gaming PC, or try your own numbers in the calculator.
Sources: Digital Foundry via Notebookcheck, Microsoft lab platform baselines, ChargerLab, Octopus Energy tariff data.