How Much Does it Cost to Run an Xbox in the UK? (Guide for 2024)

How much does it cost to run an Xbox in the UK? 

Owning an Xbox is all fun and games until you start thinking about how much electricity it uses. You might wonder about the dent it’s making in your energy bills. Let’s dive into the real cost of playing your favourite games.

How Much Does the Xbox One Console Cost to Run?

Playing on an Xbox One could set you back by 3 to 4p per hour. So, if you’re gaming for three hours daily, your electricity tab would be anywhere from 54 to 86p per week.

On the flip side, the Xbox Series consoles, either the X or S models, could cost between 2 to 6p an hour. That’s about 50p to £1.29 per week. The exact cost? Well, it might vary depending on the specific model you own.

Breaking Down the Xbox’s Power Consumption

Before talking about costs, we need to look at how much energy these consoles consume. It’s not as straightforward as it sounds, given the variety of Xbox One consoles and their different energy consumption habits.

For instance, if your console has USB ports busy with peripherals or you’re playing games that demand more power, the electricity usage shoots up. Just streaming a video on YouTube? That uses less power.

Here’s a basic breakdown:

• The latest in the line, the Xbox Series X, gobbles up about 180 watts during intense gaming sessions.
• The Xbox Series S is more energy-conscious, consuming around 75 watts.
• Moving to the Xbox One models: the Xbox One S uses roughly 70 watts, the basic Xbox One console about 100 watts, and the beefy Xbox One X around 120 watts.

And what about when you’re not actively battling foes or chasing high scores? If you put your Xbox into standby mode or what some call rest mode, it sips between 10 to 15 watts. Opt for energy saver mode? A mere 0.5 watts, though you’d need to wait a tad longer when booting up next.

Running Costs for each Xbox Model

Using the average electricity cost in the UK, currently capped at 34p, here’s what running your Xbox could mean for your wallet, assuming you’re gaming three hours daily:

Console	1 Hour	3 Hours Daily	1 Week	1 Month	1 Year
Xbox Series S	2p	7p	50p	£2.17	£26.08
Xbox Series X	6p	18p	£1.29	£5.59	£67.06
Xbox One	3p	10p	71p	£3.10	£37.26
Xbox One S	3p	8p	54p	£2.33	£27.94
Xbox One X	4p	12p	86p	£3.73	£44.71

How to Switch your Xbox to Energy Saving Mode

A quick way to save money and energy? Always opt for the Energy Saver mode on your Xbox. This simple action can reduce the energy usage by a whopping 90%. Here’s how you do it:

1. Press the Xbox button to open the guide.
2. Navigate: Profile & system > Settings > General > Power options.
3. Choose the Shut-down (energy saving) option.

Got a smart TV? Use it for streaming. You’ll have the TV on anyway, so ditch the console for this task.

Final Thoughts

When you look at the big picture, running an Xbox isn’t that expensive. Sure, it’s a luxury. But, is it worth fussing over something that costs a max of 6p an hour? If you’re eager to save money, explore other energy-saving devices or check out the cost of running a PlayStation.

Frequently Asked Questions

In this section we answer your question on how much electricity Xbox consoles use.

How much does it cost to run an Xbox per hour in the UK?

Depending on the model, an Xbox can cost between 2 and 6p per hour when actively gaming.

Is Xbox Series X more energy-efficient than Xbox One?

Yes, newer models like the Xbox Series X tend to be more energy-efficient than their predecessors, like the Xbox One. However, the exact energy savings will depend on the specific activities you’re doing on the console.

How much electricity does an Xbox use in standby mode?

In standby mode, most Xbox consoles use between 10 and 15 watts. Switching to Energy Saver mode reduces this to just 0.5 watts.

How can I reduce my Xbox electricity usage?

Opt for the Energy Saver mode and avoid leaving it in standby for prolonged periods. Also, consider using other devices for activities like streaming if they’re more energy-efficient.

How much does an Xbox cost to run per month?

If you game for 3 hours daily, depending on the Xbox model, it can cost anywhere from £2.17 to £5.59 per month.

What’s the difference in power consumption between Xbox Series S and Series X?

The Xbox Series S uses about 75 watts when gaming, whereas the Xbox Series X uses around 180 watts.

How does Xbox power consumption compare to the PlayStation or Nintendo Switch?

Xbox’s power consumption is generally on par with PlayStation but is higher than the Nintendo Switch, which is designed to be more portable and energy-efficient.

How much power does an Xbox use when watching YouTube or Netflix?

Streaming videos typically uses less power than gaming. While the exact wattage can vary, it’s generally lower than when playing high-demand games.

What’s the average cost of electricity in the UK for calculating Xbox running costs?

Our calculations are based on an average electricity price cap of 34p in the UK. However, rates may vary based on your specific energy provider.

Is it cheaper to game on Xbox or PC in terms of electricity costs?

This can vary significantly based on the gaming PC’s specifications. High-end gaming PCs can consume more power than an Xbox, while energy-efficient PCs might use less.