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Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →There is no dependable single cost: measure the computer’s average power draw at the wall while it is streaming, then multiply its monthly electricity use by the rate on your bill. As a dated U.S. benchmark, the Energy Information Administration’s 2025 annual residential average was 17.30¢ per kWh. At that rate, a continuous 100-watt draw costs about $12.60 for 30 days—but that is an example calculation, not an estimate of what your old desktop uses.
Calculate the monthly electricity cost
Use the computer’s average wall draw in watts and your electricity price per kilowatt-hour (kWh):
- Monthly energy (kWh) = average watts × hours per day × days ÷ 1,000.
- Monthly cost = monthly kWh × your price per kWh.
For a 24/7 stream over a 30-day month, the first calculation is average watts × 24 × 30 ÷ 1,000. Then use the marginal electricity rate shown on your bill if available. Rates vary by location and plan, so the national example below may not match what you pay.
A U.S. benchmark—not a PC estimate
The EIA reported a 2025 U.S. annual average residential electricity price of 17.30¢ per kWh. At that rate, 100 watts running continuously for 30 days uses 72 kWh and costs about $12.60. Each additional continuous 10 watts adds about $1.26 per 30-day month; 50 watts adds about $6.23. These are calculations using that dated national rate, not measurements or forecasts for an unspecified computer. The published 2025 state range was 8.20¢ per kWh in North Dakota to 35.72¢ in Hawaii; that range covers all types of utility customers, not residential customers alone. Use your own rate where possible. Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, 2025 electricity data.
#1 Best Overall
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 14.1" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy ergonomic support with the integrated cushioned wrist rest.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a sleek black carbon color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.8 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
Measure the old desktop’s actual draw
The power supply’s rated capacity, the machine’s age, and a generic desktop wattage cannot tell you its real electricity use. The unknown that matters is average power at the wall during the intended streaming workload.
- Connect the computer to a plug-in electricity meter that can accumulate energy or average readings over time. A meter is optional, but measuring is more reliable than guessing.
- Run the actual stream setup for a representative interval. Use the intended resolution, frame rate, encoder, and source video; allow the computer to reach its ordinary operating state.
- Record the average watts, or record accumulated kWh and elapsed time. If you include an always-on monitor or other equipment in the measurement, keep it included in the cost you calculate. If you measure only the computer, do not treat that result as the cost of the whole setup.
- Apply the formula above. For an interval measured in kWh, scale it to the number of hours in a 30-day month and multiply by your price per kWh.
EPA computer-measurement material describes using meters to accumulate readings over a chosen interval. It supports the measurement approach, not a current wattage benchmark for old PCs. EPA computer measurement document.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Choose YouTube settings and test the workload
YouTube’s encoder guidance gives recommended H.264 settings, including these bitrate examples. Bitrate describes the outgoing video stream; it is not a direct measure of the computer’s power consumption.
| Stream format | YouTube-recommended H.264 bitrate |
|---|---|
| 1080p at 30 fps | 5 Mbps |
| 720p at 60 fps | 8 Mbps |
| 720p at 30 fps | 3 Mbps |
YouTube recommends constant bitrate (CBR), a two-second keyframe interval, and testing the setup before going live. YouTube live encoder settings. Lower resolution or frame rate may reduce encoding work, but the wattage effect depends on the CPU or GPU, encoder configuration, source material, and hardware acceleration. Measure the chosen setup; the available guidance does not establish a guaranteed power saving.
Rank #3
- Note: Not suitable for MacBooks released after 2023 or devices with a protruding front camera; Not applicable to full-screen or notch-style tempered glass screen protectors; Do not use on the rear camera of the phone.
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Check internet capacity and YouTube eligibility
- Upload bandwidth: YouTube recommends keeping 20% headroom above the bitrate needed for the stream. Other people or devices sharing the connection can reduce what is available. YouTube bandwidth guidance.
- Data limits: A continuous stream can use substantial data. Any added internet cost depends on the upload bitrate, your provider’s data cap, and your plan terms; electricity calculations do not include it.
- Channel access: YouTube requires a verified channel with no livestreaming restrictions in the previous 90 days. First-time live streaming can take up to 24 hours to enable. Test and monitor stream health. YouTube live streaming eligibility and YouTube streaming setup guidance.
What determines whether the bill is worth it?
Compare the measured average wall watts, your own electricity rate, the stream’s resolution, frame rate and encoder workload, and whether the measurement includes a monitor or other always-on equipment. Keep the network cost separate unless you know your plan’s data charges. Changing bitrate alone does not establish a change in electricity consumption; use a new wall measurement if you change the workload.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Or let it run in the cloud
If the goal is a YouTube channel that stays live without leaving an old computer running at home, StreamNeo is an alternative: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. StreamNeo loops uploaded videos from the cloud; it does not stream from a camera. Nothing needs to stay on at home, it plays uploads at their original quality up to 4K 60fps for one flat price per slot, and it automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card required. Monthly pricing is $9.99 per month. Learn about StreamNeo, or start the free first day.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 12" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy laptop support with the integrated device ledge.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a blush pink color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.14 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
Rank #4
- Anti-Slip Surface - Transform your laptop into a mobile workstation with the AboveTEK portable laptop lap desk. The anti-slip surface provides a strong grip for laptops up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), while the double rubber strip on the bottom ensures a stable display or typing experience on your lap, couch, or bed.
- Retractable Mouse Pad - Retractable laptop mouse pad extends on both directions for the left/right handed with elevation along the edges for stopping mouse from falling off. The size of laptop tray is 14" X 9.7" and the size of mouse pad is 7.4" X 6.1".
- Effective Heat Shield - The effective heat shield made of sturdy and thick material protects your laptop from overheating. Prioritizes your comfort and safety, an ideal lap pad or board for working anywhere.
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- Widely Applicable - The smooth platform accommodates laptops and tablets up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), making it a versatile accessory and one of the best gifts for mom, dad, students and professionals. Perfect for use as a laptop bed tray or tablet holder anywhere at home, library, or park.
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