The purchase price is always a major consideration when it comes to buying a new laptop, but have you ever considered the ongoing running costs? It might not be something we often think about, but charging a laptop uses electricity, and electricity costs money – but how much exactly?
This Canstar Blue cost analysis explores the true cost to charge a laptop, and how much it could be adding to your electricity bill. We compare annual costs below based on popular laptop models.
How much does it cost to charge a laptop?
According to Canstar Blue data, completely charging a laptop will likely cost between 1.45c and 3.25c in electricity usage, depending on the size of the specific laptop’s battery, as well as your electricity usage rate. Small laptops, such as notebooks, generally have a 40-50Wh battery capacity, costing you less to charge. On the other hand, larger laptops with greater processing power requirements, or HD displays, often have batteries in excess of 70Wh, costing upward of 2.5c to fully charge.
The below table lists the battery capacity and associated charging costs of popular laptops. We have calculated this data for single charging sessions to 100% charge, as well as for the total annual charging costs.
Laptop charging costs by model
| Laptop Model | Battery Capacity (Wh) | Cost to 100% charge (c) | Annual charging costs ($) |
| Dell Inspiron 15 | 41 | 1.45 | 5.30 |
| Microsoft Surface Pro (11th Edition) | 47 | 1.67 | 6.08 |
| Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition | 57 | 2.02 | 7.37 |
| Asus ExpertBook B1 | 63 | 2.23 | 8.15 |
| HP Pavilion Plus 16 inch Refurbished Laptop | 68 | 2.41 | 8.80 |
| MacBook Pro (14-inch) (M4) (2024) | 72.4 | 2.57 | 9.37 |
| Razer Razer Blade 18 | 91.7 | 3.25 | 11.86 |
Source: www.canstar.com.au – 21/11/24. Based on a sample of laptop models. Calculations assume a single-rate usage rate of 31.9c/kWh. Assumes a 90% laptop charging efficiency. Annual charging costs based on laptops being charged from 0% to 100% everyday.
Looking for a better internet plan? Compare plans from a range of providers now
Unlimited NBN 100 Plans
The following table shows a selection of published unlimited NBN 100 plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of standard monthly cost, from the lowest to highest, and then by alphabetical order of provider. Use our comparison tool above to see plans from a range of other providers. This is a selection of products with links to referral partners.
Unlimited NBN 50 Plans
The following table shows a selection of published unlimited NBN 50 plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of standard monthly cost, from lowest to highest, and then by alphabetical order of provider. Use our comparison tool above to see plans from a range of other providers. This is a selection of products with links to referral partners.
Unlimited NBN 25 Plans
The following table shows a selection of published unlimited NBN 25 plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of standard monthly cost, from the lowest to highest, and then by alphabetical order of provider. Use our comparison tool above to see plans from a range of other providers. This is a selection of products with links to referral partners.
Unlimited NBN 12 Plans
The following table shows a selection of published unlimited NBN 12 plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of standard monthly cost, from the lowest to highest, and then by alphabetical order of provider. Use our comparison tool above to see plans from a range of other providers. This is a selection of products with links to referral partners.
What affects a laptop battery’s life?
If you find your laptop’s charge is draining quicker than it should be, it could be due to one of the following factors:
- Stress: The harder your laptop has to work, the more electricity it consumes. Activities such as streaming TV content and playing video games are particularly notorious for chewing through a laptop’s battery charge.
- Battery condition: Lithium batteries deteriorate over time meaning its maximum storage capacity falls with age.
- Temperature: Extreme temperature can accelerate charge loss and capacity deterioration. Avoid leaving laptops in hot cars or directly in the sun.
- Ageing components: Depending on the type of laptop and your computer knowledge, upgrading your components may reduce your laptops overall demand for electricity. Adding more RAM or upgrading to an SSD may make it a lot easier for your laptop to pull stored data which can help to reduce its power usage.
Remember, the more frequently your laptop battery needs charging, the more you will spend on electricity to charge it. If your laptop battery is only lasting a few hours and needs to be recharged repeatedly throughout the day, you may find yourself spending a lot more on electricity in the long run.
Worried about rising power bills? See if you are missing out on a better deal with one of theses cheap plans
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Ausgrid network in Sydney but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 3900kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Citipower network in Melbourne but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Energex network in Brisbane but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4600kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the SA Power network in Adelaide but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Can I still use my laptop while it’s charging?
Provided your laptop or charger is in reasonable condition, you will still be able to charge your laptop while using it, albeit at a slower rate. If you’re using your laptop while it’s on charge, it will continue to charge as usual, the only difference is that some of this charge is now being immediately used. This means it will cost you more in electricity and take longer to charge.
If you have any concerns around the battery life of your laptop it is always best to contact your manufacturer or refer to your user manual for more information. Alternatively, if you are in the market for a new laptop for your home, business or leisure, then be sure to check out Canstar Blue’s best-rated laptop brands.
The bottom line on laptop charging power consumption
According to Canstar Blue data, the cost to charge your laptop isn’t likely to cause that much of an increase on your energy bill. If you’re really looking to make a saving, it may be worth figuring out which devices consume the most power in your home. Alternatively, you could reevaluate your energy plan. Check out Canstar Blue’s energy comparison tool below to find the right plan for you and your home.
Picture credits: G-Stock Studio/shutterstock.com
Original article by Kelseigh Wrigley
Share this article