Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Turning off the monitor can reduce the monitor’s electricity use, but it does not turn off the desktop: the computer still has to stay awake and run the encoder to keep the YouTube stream going. Whether switching the display off saves a noticeable amount depends on your monitor, your desktop’s actual streaming workload, and your electricity rate. Measure the whole setup at the wall while it is streaming to calculate the cost for your equipment.
What turning off the monitor does—and does not do
The monitor and desktop are separate electrical loads. Switching the display off affects the display’s power use; the computer continues drawing power while it encodes and sends the stream. YouTube’s encoder guidance requires an encoder to send the stream, while ENERGY STAR distinguishes computer Off, Sleep, and Idle modes from monitor On, Sleep, and Off modes. A computer put to sleep cannot keep that encoder stream running from the same desktop. ENERGY STAR computer guidance and YouTube encoder guidance
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
ENERGY STAR says, “A screen saver does not save energy.” Some screen savers can keep the CPU from sleeping; for a stream that must continue, use the monitor’s own off or sleep control while leaving the desktop operational. ENERGY STAR computer guidance
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsMeasure your setup and calculate the energy cost
There is no reliable universal wattage or monthly bill for a desktop continuously encoding and uploading a YouTube stream. Hardware, encoding work, stream settings, peripherals, and network equipment vary. A plug-in electricity usage monitor can measure wall draw; take the reading with the actual stream running rather than treating a generic PC specification as a measurement. A published desktop video-energy study used a Kill-a-Watt meter for its own playback tests, but those tests are not a substitute for measuring your livestream. ENERGY STAR computer guidance YouTube encoder guidance
#1 Best Overall
- CRISP CLARITY: This 23.8″ Philips V line monitor delivers crisp Full HD 1920x1080 visuals. Enjoy movies, shows and videos with remarkable detail
- INCREDIBLE CONTRAST: The VA panel produces brighter whites and deeper blacks. You get true-to-life images and more gradients with 16.7 million colors
- THE PERFECT VIEW: The 178/178 degree extra wide viewing angle prevents the shifting of colors when viewed from an offset angle, so you always get consistent colors
- WORK SEAMLESSLY: This sleek monitor is virtually bezel-free on three sides, so the screen looks even bigger for the viewer. This minimalistic design also allows for seamless multi-monitor setups that enhance your workflow and boost productivity
- A BETTER READING EXPERIENCE: For busy office workers, EasyRead mode provides a more paper-like experience for when viewing lengthy documents
- Connect the desktop and the equipment you want to count—such as the monitor, peripherals, and router—to a wall meter or electricity usage monitor. Keep the same equipment included in each measurement.
- Measure average watts while the stream is running with the monitor on. Then measure again with the same stream running and the monitor in its actual off or standby state.
- For total setup energy, use: kWh = average watts × operating hours ÷ 1,000. For continuous operation over 365 days, there are 8,760 hours, so annual kWh = average watts × 8.76.
- Estimate the energy charge by multiplying kWh by your electricity price per kWh: energy charge = kWh × rate. For the display-off saving, subtract the second wall-watt reading from the first, then apply the same hours and rate.
These formulas estimate the energy-price component, not a complete utility bill. Fixed charges, time-of-use pricing, taxes, and tiered rates can change the amount actually billed. Use the applicable marginal rate for your circumstances; the calculation is not a quoted electricity price or measured result.
What monitor ratings can tell you
ENERGY STAR’s display criteria effective January 28, 2020 set a limit of under 0.5 W for a certified display’s Off Mode where that mode is offered. That is a certification threshold, not a measurement of your particular monitor or a guarantee that every physical power switch and standby mode behaves identically. ENERGY STAR display criteria
Rank #2
- CRISP CLARITY: This 22 inch class (21.5″ viewable) Philips V line monitor delivers crisp Full HD 1920x1080 visuals. Enjoy movies, shows and videos with remarkable detail
- 100HZ FAST REFRESH RATE: 100Hz brings your favorite movies and video games to life. Stream, binge, and play effortlessly
- SMOOTH ACTION WITH ADAPTIVE-SYNC: Adaptive-Sync technology ensures fluid action sequences and rapid response time. Every frame will be rendered smoothly with crystal clarity and without stutter
- INCREDIBLE CONTRAST: The VA panel produces brighter whites and deeper blacks. You get true-to-life images and more gradients with 16.7 million colors
- THE PERFECT VIEW: The 178/178 degree extra wide viewing angle prevents the shifting of colors when viewed from an offset angle, so you always get consistent colors
Streaming settings affect quality and reliability, not a universal watt estimate
YouTube says encoder settings depend on the ingestion resolution, frame rate, and codec. Its current guidance lists H.264, H.265/HEVC, and AV1 for RTMP/RTMPS, recommends a constant bitrate, and advises testing representative video while monitoring stream health. Those recommendations help configure and check a stream; they do not establish how much power a particular desktop will draw. YouTube encoder guidance
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →For a meaningful energy comparison, measure the same stream and equipment in both monitor states. Changing resolution, frame rate, encoding settings, or included hardware between readings can make the monitor comparison misleading.
Rank #3
- 【INTEGRATED SPEAKERS】Whether you're at work or in the midst of an intense gaming session, our built-in speakers provide rich and seamless audio, all while keeping your desk clutter-free.
- 【EASY ON THE EYES】 Protect your eyes and enhance your comfort with Blue-Light Shift technology. This feature reduces harmful blue light emissions from your screen, helping to alleviate eye strain during long hours of use and promoting healthier viewing habits.
- 【WIDEN YOUR PERSPECTIVE】Our sleek minimal bezel design ensures undivided attention. The nearly bezel-free display seamlessly connects in a dual monitor arrangement, delivering an unobstructed view that lets you focus on more at once, completely distraction-free.
When another way to keep a stream running might make sense
A desktop is not the only possible route, but the available information does not establish a like-for-like cost winner. YouTube documents software and standalone hardware encoders, and its listing for the AJA HELO Plus describes PlayToStream as a way to schedule prerecorded media directly to YouTube Live without a computer. That is an option for prerecorded media, not proof of lower energy use or lower total cost. Compare measured energy under the same workload, hardware purchase or replacement cost, recurring fees, content type, and reliability before deciding. YouTube encoder options
ENERGY STAR’s general computer guidance cites potential savings of $15 per year from enabling power management on an ENERGY STAR certified desktop. This general guidance figure is not a prediction of savings from turning off a monitor while streaming; the computer must remain operational for the stream. ENERGY STAR computer guidance
Rank #4
- Clear visuals. Fluid motion: A 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms MPRT deliver smooth, tear‑free motion across work, gaming, and streaming for clearer, more fluid viewing.
- Eye comfort: TÜV Rheinland 3‑star* certification reduces harmful blue light while preserving stunning color quality without compromise. *TÜV Rheinland 3-star eye comfort certification.
- Wide viewing angle: Get consistent views across a wide 178° /178° viewing angle.
- In-Plane Switching (IPS): See excellent color accuracy and consistency across wide viewing angles with In-plane Switching (IPS) technology.
- Ultra-thin bezels: Maximize your viewing experience with thin bezels.
Or let it run in the cloud
If the goal is to keep prerecorded videos live on YouTube without leaving a home desktop running, StreamNeo is a cloud service: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. It loops uploaded videos from the cloud; it does not stream from a camera or send to other platforms.
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallCrashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minute- Nothing has to stay powered on at home for the StreamNeo stream to continue.
- Every slot streams the uploaded file as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot rather than quality-based tiers.
- StreamNeo automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream.
- The first day is free with no card required; it is one free day per account.
Monthly pricing is $9.99 per month. UPI and cards are accepted in India; card checkout is available worldwide. See StreamNeo plans.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Incredible Images: The Acer KB272 G0bi 27" monitor with 1920 x 1080 Full HD resolution in a 16:9 aspect ratio presents stunning, high-quality images with excellent detail.
- Adaptive-Sync Support: Get fast refresh rates thanks to the Adaptive-Sync Support (FreeSync Compatible) product that matches the refresh rate of your monitor with your graphics card. The result is a smooth, tear-free experience in gaming and video playback applications.
- Responsive!!: Fast response time of 1ms enhances the experience. No matter the fast-moving action or any dramatic transitions will be all rendered smoothly without the annoying effects of smearing or ghosting. A 120Hz refresh rate speeds up the frames per second to deliver smooth 2D motion scenes in gaming and video.
- 27" Full HD (1920 x 1080) Widescreen IPS Monitor | Adaptive-Sync Support (FreeSync Compatible)
- Refresh Rate: Up to 120Hz | Response Time: 1ms VRB | Brightness: 250 nits | Pixel Pitch: 0.311mm
Start your free StreamNeo day.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
