How Much Does a WiFi Router Cost to Run?

WiFi routers run 24/7 but use very little electricity overall.

Quick Summary

Typical Wattage

12W

0.0 kW

Est. Daily Cost

R0.72

24h/day

Est. Monthly Cost

R21.51

at R2.49/kWh

Calculate Your WiFi Router Electricity Cost

Adjust the values below to match your usage.

Hours per day

Days per month

Electricity tariff (R/kWh)

Number of appliances

Daily kWh

0.29 kWh

Monthly kWh

8.6 kWh

Cost Breakdown

Period	Cost
Per day	R0.72
Per week	R5.02
Per month	R21.51
Per year	R261.75

Tips to Reduce Your WiFi Router Electricity Cost

1.Switch off overnight if you genuinely do not need it.
2.Keep it ventilated to avoid heat-related inefficiency.
3.Replace very old hardware only if you need the performance benefits.

Compare With Other Home Office Appliances

Frequently Asked Questions

How much electricity does a wifi router use per month?

A typical wifi router uses 12W and, when used for 24 hours per day at R2.49/kWh, costs approximately R21.51 per month (8.6 kWh).

How many watts does a wifi router use?

A typical wifi router in South Africa uses approximately 12 watts (0.0 kW). Actual wattage may vary by brand and model - check the rating plate on your appliance for the exact figure.

How can I reduce the electricity cost of my wifi router?

Switch off overnight if you genuinely do not need it. Keep it ventilated to avoid heat-related inefficiency. See our full list of tips above for more ways to save.