Power Usage of Smart Home Devices: Facts and Figures
The table below gives a rough idea of the amount of power that mains powered smart devices use in standby mode and when active. The figures are an indication of typical power consumption.
| Device Type | Active Consumption (Watts) | Standby Consumption (Watts) |
|---|---|---|
| Smart LED Bulb | 6–12 | 0.5–1 |
| Smart Plug | – | < 1 |
| Smart Speaker | 3–5 | 3–5 |
| Security Camera | 5–10 | N/A |
| Smart Thermostat | 1–3 | Negligible |
| Smart Home Hub | 4–8 | 2–3 |
Estimated Cost of Smart Home Device Power Consumption
Using an average electricity rate of around £0.30 per kWh, the following table outlines estimated annual power consumption and cost for several common smart home devices. These estimates assume typical usage patterns—for example, some devices running continuously (always on) while others cycle between active use and standby modes.
| Device Type | Annual Consumption (kWh) | Annual Cost (GBP) |
|---|---|---|
| Smart LED Bulb (4 hrs/day active, 20 hrs standby) |
~20 kWh | £6.00 |
| Smart Plug (always on) | ~4 kWh | £1.20 |
| Smart Speaker (always on, ~4W) | ~35 kWh | £10.50 |
| Security Camera (always on, ~7.5W) | ~65 kWh | £19.50 |
| Smart Thermostat (always on, ~2W) | ~17.5 kWh | £5.25 |
| Smart Home Hub (always on, ~6W) | ~52.5 kWh | £15.75 |
The above estimates are at the higher end. The cost of electricity, smart device usage and the energy efficiency of the device can make big differences in the actual costs
Many smart devices are designed to improve efficiency elsewhere in the home (such as by optimising heating or lighting), which can help offset these additional costs. The actual expense will vary based on the number of devices, how often they are active, and your specific energy tariffs.
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