The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →A Raspberry Pi 5 review measured 5.7–6.8 W at the wall while Chromium played YouTube fullscreen at Full HD using H.264. That is a useful example, not a universal figure—and there is no comparable used-laptop measurement here to establish which device costs less. To find the cheaper option for your setup, measure both during similar playback, then apply your local electricity rate.
What the Raspberry Pi 5 measurement tells you
CNX Software reported a wall-meter reading of 5.7–6.8 W for a Raspberry Pi 5 with an active cooler while Chromium played a YouTube video fullscreen at Full HD using H.264/AVC1. This describes that reviewer’s setup and test conditions; another Pi 5 setup may draw a different amount.
Raspberry Pi says the Pi 5 can reach around 12 W under particularly intensive workloads. That peak is not an estimate for ordinary YouTube playback. Likewise, the recommended 27 W USB-C power supply is rated for the power it can provide, not the board’s continuous consumption. See Raspberry Pi’s getting-started documentation for supply guidance.
Why there is no universal laptop-versus-Pi winner
Laptop power use varies with the model, display, battery and power settings, browser, playback resolution, and other configuration details. Without a used laptop measured under conditions comparable to the Pi test, it is not possible to conclude that either device will use less electricity.
#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.
The comparison can also change depending on what you count. A laptop’s built-in screen is part of its normal playback setup; a Pi connected to a separately powered monitor should be measured with that monitor included if you are comparing complete viewing systems. Alternatively, compare device-only readings on both sides and label them clearly.
How to measure your own setups fairly
- Define the system boundary. Decide whether the measurement includes the screen, power adapter, speakers, cooling, and other peripherals. Measure at the wall to include adapter losses. Keep the boundary consistent between the laptop and Pi.
- Use a plug-in watt meter if available. It is an optional measurement aid, not a required purchase. Record the average wattage over a representative playback interval rather than relying on the power supply’s rated capacity.
- Match playback conditions as closely as practical. Use the same playlist, resolution, browser where possible, volume, network conditions, and display arrangement. Let playback run long enough to represent your usual use.
- Record each device’s average watts and your viewing hours. If you test at different times, note any material differences in setup or conditions instead of treating the readings as a laboratory comparison.
- Apply your electricity tariff. Use the price you actually pay per kilowatt-hour, not a rate from another country or household.
Calculate electricity use and cost
For average power in watts and playback time in hours:
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.
- Energy: watts × hours ÷ 1,000 = kilowatt-hours (kWh).
- Electricity cost: kWh × your local price per kWh.
- Running-cost difference, laptop minus Pi: (laptop watts − Pi watts) × hours ÷ 1,000 × your local price per kWh.
A positive difference means the laptop costs more to run for the period entered; a negative difference means the Pi does. Use measured average wall watts for each complete setup. The difference estimates electricity only, not the cost of buying or assembling either device.
Illustrative calculation using the review’s Pi reading
For illustration, use 6 W as a rounded value within CNX Software’s reported 5.7–6.8 W range—not as a guaranteed Pi 5 draw. At 24 hours of playback, that reading corresponds to 144 Wh, or 0.144 kWh. Multiply 0.144 by your own electricity price per kWh to estimate the Pi setup’s electricity cost for that day under those conditions. For a laptop comparison, substitute your measured laptop watts into the same formula.
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.
- 💻 Why Do You Need a Webcam Cover Slide? — Safeguard your privacy by covering your webcam with our reliable webcam cover when not in use. Don't let anyone secretly watch you. Stay protected!
- ✅ Thin & Stylish — Enhance your laptop's functionality and aesthetics with our 0.027" ultra-thin webcam covers. Seamlessly close your laptop while adding a touch of sophistication.
- ✅ Fits Most Devices — Compatible with laptops, phones, tablets, desktops! Keep your privacy intact on Ap/ple, Mac/Book, iPh/one, iP/ad, H/P, L/novo, De/ll, Ac/er, As/us, Sa/msung devices.
- ✅ 365 Days Protection — Our upgraded 3.0 adhesive ensures a strong hold that won't damage your equipment. Experience reliable, long-term privacy protection day in and day out.
Keep hardware and setup costs separate
If you already own a used laptop, its purchase cost may not be an additional cost for this decision. A Pi setup, by contrast, may require the board, storage, a suitable power supply, a display connection, and possibly cooling. Raspberry Pi recommends a 27 W USB-C supply for Pi 5; its documentation says a 5 V, 3 A supply limits downstream USB current to 600 mA. The documentation also notes that displays typically need their own power and lists a micro-HDMI-to-HDMI cable for a standard HDMI monitor connection.
Compare purchase and setup costs separately from measured electricity use. A payback estimate would require dated prices for both setups, matched power measurements, expected hours of use, and your tariff; without those inputs, a payback period would be speculation.
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.
- EASY to Carry and Store - With an ergonomic and simplistic design, the lap desk is portable to store in a backpack. Only 15" in size, 2.2 lb of weight and with slim 0.6 inch thickness, it is ready to be easily carried around.
- 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.
When the question is about an always-on YouTube channel
Playing a YouTube playlist on a device is different from keeping a YouTube live stream running. If your goal is a 24/7 prerecorded-video live stream, StreamNeo is a cloud option: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. The cloud keeps it running without leaving a computer on at home. It streams uploaded videos to YouTube; it does not go live from a camera.
Or let it run in the cloud
With StreamNeo, nothing has to stay powered on at home. Each slot streams uploaded video as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot; automatic recovery attempts to resume if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card, one free day per account. Monthly billing is $9.99 per month. The cloud service is a different use case from measuring the electricity cost of playlist playback on a laptop or Pi.
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.
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.
