How much data do you really need?
Netflix, TikTok, YouTube and group video calls may all be responsible for burning through your data allowance.
Nothing hits worse than knowing you've run out of mobile data mid-commute on the train or sitting somewhere where the Wi-Fi connection is spotty.
That's why it's important to choose a mobile or broadband plan that matches just how online you are - or aren't.
How much data do I need per month?
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's (ACCC) Internet Activity Report found Australians on average use:
- 514GB per month using their NBN connection
- 452GB per month on a home wireless broadband connection
- 9.3GB per month on a prepaid mobile plan
- 17.4GB on a postpaid mobile plan
- 11.7GB on a mobile broadband plan
The good news? Most NBN and home wireless broadband plans now come with unlimited data, so you don’t need to stress about picking a plan based on data limits.
But it does matter when you're choosing the right mobile plan.
Based on our research, group video calls, streaming TV in High Definition on platforms like Netflix and Disney Plus, and uploading videos on Instagram or TikTok can eat into a bit of your data allowance.
Here's a quick overview of how much data various online activities can cost you, according to the Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN).
| Key |  = suitable |  = caution |  = Need more data |
Email | | | | |
Web surfing | | | | |
Facebook | | | | |
Skype | | | | |
Music Streaming | | | | |
Online gaming | | | | |
Youtube | | | | |
Streaming TV | | | | |
Downloading movies and TV | | | | |
Downloading video games | | | | |
How much data does YouTube use?
How much data YouTube uses will depend on the playback quality of your video.
There's no official guide from YouTube, but Android Authority ran some tests and found data usage ranges for different playback qualities:
| Youtube | Data usage:
|
How much data does
Spotify use?
Spotify also doesn't offer exact figures for data usage but what we do know is it'll vary depending on your audio quality.
You can always switch on 'Data Saver' if you're worried about exhausting your monthly data allowance.
| Spotify | Data usage per hour:
|
How much data does TikTok use?
It's easy to burn through data if you're an avid TikToker, doomscrolling for hours each day (or using the platform for work).
| TikTok | Data usage per hour:
|
How much data does Google Maps use?
The good news is Google Maps uses less data than some other apps you're likely using daily.
You can always download a map offline to bring your data usage down to almost nothing.
| Google Maps | Data usage:
|
How much data does FaceTime use?
This question is specifically for iPhone users as FaceTime allows people with Apple devices to make high-quality video calls to each other.
How much data FaceTime uses will depend on several factors, such as your phone and the app's settings. However, rough estimates are as follows:
| FaceTime | Data usage:
|
How much data does Kayo use?
Fortunately, Kayo Sports gives its own breakdown of how much data it takes to stream content on its platform.
| Kayo | Data usage per hour:
|
How much data does Zoom use?
You'll end up burning through more data with group calls as opposed to one-on-one video calls on Zoom.
| Zoom | Data usage per hour:
|
How much data does Snapchat use?
This will depend on how much of Snapchat's quirky features you use each day and for how long.
According to estimates, Snapchat will generally consume:
| Snapchat | Data usage:
|
How much data does Discord use?
Similar to other apps, how much data you use on Discord will depend on what you're doing.
| Discord | Data usage:
|
How much data does Instagram use?
Endlessly scrolling through Instagram or uploading videos is probably costing you heaps of data.
Here's a look at the general data consumption for the app:
Data usage:
|
How much data does Disney Plus use?
Fortunately, Disney Plus gives its own estimates for data usage based on the quality of your stream.
| Disney Plus | Data usage per hour:
|
How much data does Stan use?
Stan too gives estimates for how much data you'll burn through by streaming TV shows, movies or documentaries on its platform based on your quality setting.
| Stan | Data usage per hour:
|
How much data does WhatsApp use?
This will depend on how frequently you message or call using WhatsApp. In general, you can expect:
Data usage:
|
How much data does BINGE use?
BINGE breaks down how much data you'll burn through based on the quality of your video stream.
| BINGE | Data usage per hour:
|
How much data does online gaming use?
Online games will use up more data than if you were to game offline. The data usage will also depend on the type of game you're playing.
For example, graphically demanding games or those with frequent online interactions will burn through more data.
| Online gaming | Data usage:
|
Do any providers offer phone plans with data-free streaming?
Back in the day, Optus, Telstra and Boost Mobile used to offer data-free streaming perks.
For example, Telstra and Boost used to offer data-free streaming for Apple Music, but that’s no longer the case.
The good news? You can still get great value high-data mobile plans, so you can stream to your heart's content, even when you're on the go or without Wi-Fi.
Tips to save on your data usage
It's so easy for apps to chew through your data allowance without you even realising it.
We've laid down a few tips to ensure you're not left high and dry each month. They're mostly for mobile data use as it's rare to come across a truly unlimited data plan.
1. Use Wi-Fi whenever you can
Mobile data is akin to precious cargo if you're not signed up to a plan with heaps of data.
When you're at home or in the office, see if you can keep your phone connected to the internet where possible.
2. Track your data usage
Look at your last few bills or log into your provider's app or online portal to see how much data you use each month. It's easier to track app activity on a smartphone via your settings.
This can help you understand where you may need to cut back or perhaps, it'll push you to switch to a plan that is better suited to your data needs.
Consider a mobile plan with data rollover. This allows you to bank unused data for future use. A Finder survey found on average, 33% of Aussies value data rollover as a feature on their mobile plan.
Or, compare NBN plans with unlimited data to see if they fit your budget.
3. Restrict data use or switch on data saver
Change the settings for your data-intensive apps so it only streams and downloads over Wi-Fi. Limit push notifications for things like breaking news or emails.
You can also switch to data saver quality settings for some apps such as Spotify or choose a lower video quality on YouTube for instance as it'll burn through less data.
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