How much mobile data do I need?
Choosing the right mobile data plan can save you money every month. Our simple calculator helps you estimate your usage, so you can avoid paying for data you don't need or running out unexpectedly.
Your estimated monthly data usage is 0.0 GB
How often do you use...?
Social
Instagram, TikTok, Facebook etc.
RarelyA few times a week1 hour a day2+ hours a day
How much mobile data do I really need? The ultimate guide to choosing your perfect plan
Choosing a new mobile phone plan can feel like navigating a minefield. You're bombarded with options: 5GB, 20GB, 100GB, "Unlimited." Pick too little, and you risk getting cut off or facing hefty extra charges. Pick too much, and you're throwing money away every single month.
So, how do you find that perfect "Goldilocks" amount of data that's just right for you?
This comprehensive guide will demystify mobile data. We'll break down what actually uses data, help you audit your own habits, and give you the confidence to choose a plan that fits your digital life—and your wallet.
First, what are we even talking about? MB vs. GB
Before we dive in, let's get the basics straight. Mobile data is what your phone uses to connect to the internet when you're not on Wi-Fi. Everything you do online—from sending a WhatsApp message to streaming a 4K movie—consumes data, which is measured in megabytes (MB) and gigabytes (GB).
1 Gigabyte (GB) = 1,024 Megabytes (MB)
Think of it like this: sending a text-only email is like taking a sip of water (a few KB/MB), while streaming an HD movie is like chugging a whole gallon (several GB).
Understanding Data Usage: A Breakdown by Activity
Activity | Approximate data use per hour |
Streaming video (SD, 480p) | Approx. 300MB per hour |
Streaming video (HD, 1080p) | Approx. 1.5GB - 3GB per hour |
Streaming video (4K, UHD) | Approx. 7GB per hour |
Streaming music (Normal quality) | Approx. 50MB per hour |
Streaming music (High quality) | Approx. 120MB per hour |
Social media (scrolling & video) | Approx. 150MB - 300MB per hour |
Video calling (FaceTime, WhatsApp) | Approx. 250MB per hour |
Online gaming | Approx. 40MB - 100MB+ per hour |
Web browsing | Approx. 60MB per hour |
Our top tips for reducing your mobile data usage
- Connect to a trusted Wi-Fi network whenever possible.
- Download music playlists and video content for offline use before you leave home.
- Use data-saving modes in apps like Chrome, Instagram, and TikTok.
- Disable background app refresh for apps you don't need updating constantly.
- Lower video streaming quality from HD to SD in apps like YouTube and Netflix.
- Monitor your data usage in your phone's settings to see which apps are the biggest culprits.