How much mobile data do I need?
Estimate your monthly mobile data needs based on how you use your phone.
Already know how much data you use?
Enter your recent mobile-data use and we will suggest the smallest listed allowance that covers it.
Or choose how you use your phone
Choose your typical use on mobile data. Custom controls can be set per day, week or month.
How the calculator works
We use representative data-consumption benchmarks for common phone activities and multiply them by how often you use each one.
The calculator uses 30 days for a monthly estimate. It does not add hidden headroom: the estimated need is rounded up to a whole GB, then matched to the smallest DealPriceCheck tier that covers it.
Your network account or phone settings can provide a more personal record of what you used in the last billing period.
| Activity | Benchmark |
|---|---|
| Browsing the web | 2.33MB/page |
| Emails | 0.10MB/email |
| Video streaming | 644MB/hour |
| Music & podcasts | 80MB/hour |
| Maps & navigation | 5MB/hour |
| Online gaming | 43MB/hour |
| YouTube | 3.23MB/min |
| 1.67MB/min | |
| 2.05MB/min | |
| X | 6MB/min |
| Snapchat | 2.67MB/min |
| Other social media | 2.13MB/min |
| Video calls | ~1.2GB/hour |
These figures are estimates used to provide a consistent guide. Actual data use varies by app, content, quality settings, device and network conditions.
How much data do you really need?
Here is a quick guide to help you choose the right allowance for your monthly usage.
Good for light use — browsing, email and occasional social media.
See 5GB deals →Great for everyday use — social media, music and light streaming.
See 10GB deals →A solid choice for regular social, video and music use.
See 20GB deals →Useful for frequent streaming, calls and heavier everyday use.
See 30GB deals →Good for heavy everyday use and frequent streaming.
See 50GB deals →For very heavy use, hotspots or multiple devices.
See 100GB+ deals →For people who do not want to worry about running out.
See unlimited deals →How to check how much data you already use
Check your phone settings or your network account. The network figure may be the most useful because it follows your billing period.
iPhone
Settings → Mobile Service / Mobile Data → check data usage.
Your phone’s counter may not match your network billing period exactly.
Android
Settings → Network & internet / Connections → Data usage.
Menu wording varies by device maker and Android version.
What uses the most mobile data?
Video, video calls and some social apps can make a larger difference than ordinary browsing or messaging.
Video streaming
Streaming services can use a lot of data, especially when you watch regularly away from Wi-Fi.
High usageSocial video & YouTube
Short video feeds and YouTube sessions can add up quickly on mobile data.
High usageVideo calls
Typical estimate: about 1.2GB/hour. Actual use varies by app and call conditions.
Moderate to highOnline gaming
Play itself is usually modest; downloads and updates can use much more.
Check downloadsHow to use less mobile data
Try these simple ways to make your allowance go further.
- 1Use Wi-Fi whenever possibleConnect at home, work or trusted public places when practical.
- 2Download media and maps on Wi-FiSave content before you need it.
- 3Lower streaming qualityUse a lower setting when you are not on Wi-Fi.
- 4Turn off background data for rarely used appsPrevent unwanted downloads away from Wi-Fi.
- 5Use offline maps when usefulDownload map areas before travelling.
Frequently asked questions
How accurate is this calculator?
It is a consistent guide based on representative benchmarks, not an exact prediction. Your apps, settings and viewing habits can change real usage.
Is 10GB enough for a month?
It can suit browsing, maps, messaging, music and some social media, particularly when heavier use happens on Wi-Fi.
Does Wi-Fi count towards my mobile data?
No. This calculator estimates mobile-data use only.
Found your ideal data allowance?
Now compare the latest UK SIM-only deals and only pay for the data you need.