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Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Probably only a few dollars a year in electricity, but the exact cost depends on your MacBook Air’s actual power draw and your electricity rate. Apple measured a 13-inch M3 MacBook Air at about 3.1 watts in an idle, display-on test—not while playing a YouTube stream. Using that figure as a rough proxy, continuous operation would use about 27.2 kWh per year: approximately $4.07 at $0.15 per kWh, or $8.15 at $0.30 per kWh.
What does the estimate mean?
The calculation is straightforward:
Cost = watts ÷ 1,000 × hours × electricity price per kWh.
Apple’s March 2024 environmental report measured the 13-inch M3 MacBook Air at 3.09 W at 100 V, 3.12 W at 115 V, and 3.13 W at 230 V in its “Idle—Display On” test. Apple’s test used Wi-Fi and a brightness setting defined by ENERGY STAR, with Auto-Brightness off and other settings left at their defaults. It was not a YouTube playback test, so 3.1 W is an illustrative proxy rather than a measured streaming draw. Apple’s M3 MacBook Air environmental report.
| Period | Use at 3.1 W | Cost at $0.15/kWh | Cost at $0.30/kWh |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24 hours | 0.0744 kWh | About $0.01 | About $0.02 |
| 30 days | 2.232 kWh | About $0.33 | About $0.67 |
| 365 days | 27.159 kWh | About $4.07 | About $8.15 |
The two electricity prices are examples, not typical or guaranteed rates. Use the marginal price per kWh on your own bill; rates and billing structures vary by location and plan. The annual energy estimate is 3.1 ÷ 1,000 × 24 × 365. The monthly row uses a 30-day month.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Why your MacBook Air may use more or less
Actual wall power during continuous video playback has not been established by the cited figures. The model, screen brightness, video workload and resolution, audio, connected accessories, and power settings can all affect consumption. A measured idle value cannot tell you exactly how much active playback adds.
Idle, streaming, and charger ratings are different figures
ENERGY STAR’s US record for the 13-inch M4 MacBook Air (A3240) lists 3.6 W short idle, 0.7 W long idle, 0.3 W sleep, and 0.1 W off. These are separate test states, not YouTube playback measurements. The record lists availability from March 5, 2025, and certification on October 24, 2025. ENERGY STAR’s MacBook Air 13-inch (M4) record.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Apple’s specifications for the cited 13-inch MacBook Air configuration state up to 18 hours of video streaming, a 53.8 Wh battery, and a 40 W Dynamic Power Adapter with 60 W maximum output. Neither battery life nor the adapter’s rated output is a measurement of continuous wall draw. Do not treat 40 W or 60 W as the laptop’s ongoing electricity use. Apple’s MacBook Air technical specifications.
How to calculate your own cost more accurately
- Check your electricity rate. Find the marginal cost per kWh on your bill or utility plan. If the price changes by time of day, use the rate that applies during the hours the stream will run.
- Measure the whole setup at the outlet. Use a plug-in electricity meter between the outlet and the MacBook’s power adapter. Run the intended YouTube video at the brightness, sound level, resolution, and accessory setup you expect to keep, and measure for a representative period. Use the meter’s accumulated kWh rather than the adapter’s printed wattage.
- Multiply measured kWh by your rate. For example, if the meter records 0.10 kWh over a day and your rate is $0.20/kWh, that day’s electricity cost is $0.02. Extend the measured period only if the setup and playback conditions stay representative.
- Separate electricity from other costs. This estimate covers power use only. It does not include internet service, equipment wear, or the cost of running any separate streaming service.
Does leaving it plugged in change the calculation?
The calculation is based on power drawn at the outlet, not on whether the laptop is charging at every moment. Apple says the battery charges whenever a MacBook Air is connected to power. Optimize Battery Charging may delay charging beyond 80% when macOS predicts the Mac will remain plugged in for an extended period, then charge before you unplug it. That charging behavior does not establish the computer’s continuous wall draw. See Apple Support’s guidance on charging the MacBook Air battery.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsRank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Keeping a YouTube stream live without leaving your MacBook on
If your goal is a 24/7 YouTube channel rather than keeping this particular laptop running, StreamNeo is a cloud option: it loops uploaded videos on YouTube, so your MacBook and home connection do not have to stay on. You upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. StreamNeo supports uploads up to 4K 60fps as made, at one flat price per slot, and automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free without a card. Learn more at StreamNeo.
Or let it run in the cloud
- Upload your video or create a playlist.
- Add your YouTube stream key.
- Go live; StreamNeo loops the uploaded video from the cloud.
Nothing has to stay on at home. Every quality up to 4K 60fps is included at one price per slot, with automatic recovery if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card; after that, Monthly is $9.99 per month. Start at StreamNeo’s free-trial signup.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 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.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
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.
