To measure what your PC uses while streaming YouTube with OBS, connect a plug-in watt-hour meter between the wall outlet and the computer, then read it while your normal stream is running. The meter shows the whole PC’s electricity use at the wall—not OBS’s separate share or the computer’s internal component power. Wait until startup has settled, and record both the workload and measurement duration.
Measure the PC at the wall
A plug-in watt-hour meter is the clearest practical way to measure the electricity drawn by the connected PC. It measures mains input for the complete device, including power-supply conversion losses and the computer’s other internal components. It does not isolate OBS, the CPU, or the GPU. Microsoft’s Sustainable Software guidance describes wall-side measurement with a watt-hour meter and recommends measuring at steady state.
- Plug the meter into a wall outlet, then plug the PC’s power supply into the meter. Check that the meter’s plug type and electrical rating suit your outlet and equipment. The guidance supports the meter category, not a particular brand or model.
- Start the PC and open OBS. Begin the intended YouTube stream and run the usual content or game, with the scenes and other applications you normally use.
- Let startup settle. Begin the measurement once the setup is at steady state; a short reading taken during startup can include transient energy use.
- Read the meter’s power in watts over a consistent interval. If it records accumulated energy, note the watt-hours or kilowatt-hours as well, along with the exact duration.
- Write down the workload and settings: encoder, output resolution, frame rate, scene complexity, game or content, and whether OBS preview or other demanding programs are active.
For a laptop, start with the battery fully charged if you want to assess the streaming workload rather than include battery-charging energy.
Understand watts, watt-hours, and kilowatt-hours
Watts (W) describe power at a moment or over a stated interval. Accumulated watt-hours (Wh) or kilowatt-hours (kWh) describe energy consumed over time. For a stream’s electricity use, accumulated kWh over the session is generally more useful than a single instantaneous watt reading.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
#1 Best Overall
- Various Monitoring Parameters: The power meter plug can monitor the power (W), energy (kWh), volts, amps, hertz, power factor, cost, minimum and maximum power (W), cumulative days and time of your appliances. By switching 7 display modes, you can easily know the various parameters while the appliance is working. The home energy monitor can also calculate and display how much power your appliance uses and how much electricity bill it cost in cumulative time
- Upgraded LCD Display: With large screen size 2.36 inch x 1.85 inch, clearer monitor backlit, our electrical usage monitor can display the data clearer and more visible no matter day or night. 180°full wide viewing angles is great for reading and recording the data in any angles. No need to stand on the front of the display and bend over to read the numbers
- Adjustable Backlight Time: Our upgraded watt meter has 5 options of backlight time. The default backlight time duration is 10 minutes(bL-0). If you want to change the backlight time, you can press and hold "UP" and "DOWN" button at the same time to enter backlight time setting, then press "UP" and "DOWN" to select the backlight time (bL-0 =10 minutes, bL-1=1 hour, bL-2=4 hours, bL-3=8 hours, bL-4=always on), finally press the "COST" to save the backlight time settings
- Overload protection: When the power of the appliance exceeds the overload power, the LCD will display “OVERLOAD” to warn the user. All the buttons will quit working and can only be workable when you lower or remove the load power. The default overload power is 3680W and is adjustable from 0 to 3680W. In general, you need to set the overload power to 1800W before using. Just press the "function" button for more than 3 seconds to enter the setting
- Data Memory Function: The wattage meter will record your power consumption data when you remove it from socket, or remove appliances from the electricity monitor. You can directly see the last data when you use it next time. This function can also automatically save the data when there is a sudden power failure
To estimate the electricity charge for the measured session, multiply its kWh by your electricity rate per kWh. The result is an estimate for the measured period and the devices connected to the meter; it is not a universal cost for streaming.
Keep the measurement representative and comparable
OBS workload varies with the chosen encoder, resolution, frame rate, and scene complexity. OBS also uses GPU resources to composite and render scenes, and a demanding game can leave less GPU capacity available. OBS documents these factors in its system requirements and encoding performance troubleshooting guidance.
Rank #2
- Multi-function power monitor: Our electric usage monitor can monitor the power (W), electricity(kWh), voltage(V), frequency(Hz), current(A), power factor(PF), unit price($/kWh), total cost($) of your appliances. By switching 8 display modes, you can easily know the various parameters while the appliance is working. The “electricity” mode can calculate and display how much power your appliance uses. And the “total cost” mode will show how much electricity bill it cost in cumulative time
- Overload protection: When the loading power of the appliance is over the default overload threshold 1800W, the whole display with backlight and the word “OVERLOAD” will keep flashing to warn the users. Please turn off the appliance for safety concern
- Premium Material: The whole body of our energy meter is made of high-quality ABS material. It makes our home electricity usage monitor more long lasting, fireproof and anti-drop. The standard US socket and plug is suitable for all US standard appliances
- Backlight Display: With white backlight and black words, the LCD display of our home power monitor can display the data clearer and help you to read the data easier no matter day or night. The backlight will only lights up when the device is connected to AC power. If no button is pressed, the backlight turns off automatically after 10 minutes. You can also press the "UP" button to turn off the backlight manually, and press any button to turn on backlight again
- Easy to reset: No reset tool needed, our appliance power usage meter is easy to reset. You can press the “M” button for 5 seconds directly to reset the device. After reset, all cumulative data (electricity quantity, cost) will be cleared, and all settings will be restored to factory settings
If you compare two configurations, keep the measurement interval the same and record the conditions that can change the result:
- Compare wall-side watts and accumulated kWh over equal stream durations.
- Keep encoder, resolution, and frame rate consistent unless one of those is the variable being tested.
- Record scene complexity, active sources, game or content load, and other running programs.
- Decide what is included. For PC-only use, connect only the PC to the meter. Include monitors, speakers, or other equipment only when you intend to measure the whole desk setup.
Software readings for the CPU or GPU may help explain component behavior, but they are not a substitute for the total system’s wall-side reading. Tom’s Guide likewise distinguishes a mains wattage meter as a direct way to measure PC draw from software approaches that do not capture the same whole-system input: How to measure your PC’s power usage.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Rank #3
- Intuitive Electric Usage Monitoring: Measure power (W), volts, amps, frequency, power factor, max/min power (W), cumulative time, and energy (kWh) with this watt meter; Automatically calculate costs based on set prices and track home energy usage for efficient electricity savings; This watt hour meter makes managing your energy consumption easy
- 90-250 V Wide Voltage Range: The amp draw meter measures 90-250 Vac, 0-16 AMP, and 0-3680 Watt, with overload indication adjustable from 680 to 3680 W; Adhering to Class 1.0 accuracy standard with 0.1 W, 0.1 V, 0.001 A, and 0.001 kWh resolution, this watt power meter ensures precise readings
- Clear LCD Display with Backlight: The energy monitor plug features a wide-angle, clear-digit LCD display with backlight for easy reading and operation in dark environments; This wattage meter plug in provides excellent visibility
- 90 Days Long-Term Data Hold Memory: Equipped with a built-in rechargeable battery backup, this appliance power usage meter stores data for up to 90 days during power outages or when unplugged; The reset button restores all data to zero, making it a reliable wattage meter for long-term use
- Space-Saving Design: The compact design of this measure power usage device leaves the lower wall outlet accessible when plugged into the upper outlet; Made of high-quality fire-resistant material, this watt meter plug in is both safe and efficient; Ideal for those looking for a power meter plug, watt meter, or outlet meter
Common measurement problems
- The reading jumps early in the session: You may be capturing startup transients. Wait for the PC and stream setup to settle before recording.
- Two sessions produce different results: Check whether the encoder, resolution, frame rate, scenes, game load, or background applications changed. Repeat with matching conditions if you need a fair comparison.
- The meter shows watts but no session energy: Record watts over a defined interval, or use a meter that accumulates Wh or kWh. A momentary power reading alone does not state the session’s total energy.
- The result seems higher than expected: Confirm whether the meter includes only the PC or also a monitor and other equipment. The outlet reading is for everything connected downstream of the meter.
- A laptop reading includes charging: If the goal is to isolate the workload from charging, begin with a fully charged battery.
Or let it run in the cloud
A wall meter helps you measure a PC that is streaming locally. If your goal is to keep uploaded videos playing as a 24/7 YouTube stream without leaving the PC on, StreamNeo runs the stream in the cloud: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. Nothing has to stay on at home. Each slot streams what you uploaded, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot; automatic recovery can resume if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly pricing is $9.99 per month. StreamNeo plays uploaded videos; it does not stream from a camera. Start your free day with StreamNeo.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Real-Time Energy Monitoring: Smart plugs track the real-time power, current, and voltage of your plug-in devices on Govee Home App. Supports reviewing data daily / weekly / monthly and up to 1 year to effectively save energy and reduce waste.
- Stable WiFi & Bluetooth Connectivity: Connecting with Govee Home App via WiFi and Bluetooth to access the Smart Plug easily, even away, you can remotely control your home appliances and never come back to a dark home. Note: Do NOT support 5G Wi-Fi.
- Convenient Voice Control: Free hands by using simple voice commands with Alexa and Google Assistant. Just once setting, you can enjoy coffee immediately after waking up and experience a leisurely morning. It's also a caring choice for the elderly.
- Scheduling & Group Control: Smart plugs with timer help create detailed to the minute schedules power your appliances on/off automatically for helping save energy and money. And supports share on the Govee Home App to enjoy the smart life together.
- Safe and Comfortable Smart Home: Govee plug not only fully FCC & ETL certified, but also made of fire-resistant materials. 15A 120V smart outlet is suitable for high-power appliances such as coffee maker, brings you a stable and safe life assistant.
Rank #4
- ✓ Backlit LCD Display: The watt meter features an upgraded backlit LCD display with a 160° wide viewing angle, providing clear and distinct data readings from any angle, day or night. (Note: To conserve energy, the backlight will automatically turn off after 15 seconds of continuous use.)
- ✓ 9 Types of Data Display: This energy meter plug accurately monitors a wide range of electrical parameters, including power (W), apparent power (VA), energy consumption (kWh), usage time (hours), power frequency (Hz), power factor (PF), voltage (V), current (A), and electricity cost. The user-friendly interface allows you to easily read and navigate through 9 types of data with a single button.
- ✓ Save Money and Energy: By toggling through the 9 display modes, you can gain insights into various operational parameters of your devices. The home energy monitor also calculates and displays the electricity consumption and cost over time, helping you save on your electricity bills by monitoring and managing energy usage.
- ✓ Data Storage: The plug-in electricity meter stores all non-real-time data, ensuring no information is lost in the event of a sudden power outage. If data exceeds the screen’s maximum display range, the screen will flash as a reminder. Pressing and holding the reset button for 3 seconds will reset the cumulative data to zero.
- ✓ Safe to Use: Rated voltage 125VAC, 60Hz, 15A maximum 1875W resistor and tungsten wire, 1/2HP. Clean and tidy interface, very simple to use.
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.
