With smartphone data usage increasing every year, many wonder just how much data they really need to get the most out of their device. Here are some quick answers to common questions:
How much data does the average user need? Most people need between 2-4GB of data per month for typical smartphone activities like web browsing, streaming music, using social media, and email.
What activities use the most data? Video streaming services like YouTube, Netflix, and Hulu use the most data. Downloading and uploading large files can also use a lot of data.
How can I reduce my data usage? Using Wi-Fi instead of mobile data whenever possible is the best way to cut down on usage. Also avoid streaming high definition video, limit social media video playback, and disable auto-play on apps.
Smartphones have become an indispensable part of our daily lives. We depend on them for everything from communication to entertainment, directions, and more. With all the great things we can do on our phones now, it’s no wonder mobile data usage has exploded in recent years. Streaming videos and music, using social media apps, uploading photos, gaming, and other activities can quickly consume your monthly data allotment if you’re not careful. So how much data should you really get from your wireless carrier to avoid surprise overage charges? Read on for a detailed breakdown of how different phone activities impact your data usage along with tips for getting the most out of your plan.
Average Monthly Cell Phone Data Usage
As smartphone capabilities have expanded over the years, average monthly data usage has increased dramatically. According to a 2021 Ericsson Mobility Report, the average monthly mobile data usage per smartphone in North America is around 11GB. Global average data usage is just under 9GB per month as of early 2021.
Just a few years earlier in 2018, average usage was less than half that in North America at only 5GB and globally it was under 3.5GB per month. Video streaming comprises the highest portion of mobile traffic, accounting for over 60% of total smartphone data usage. Social networking, web browsing, and music streaming make up most of the remainder.
Typical vs Heavy Data Users
While the average data use is around 11GB, some may get by on much less while heavy users consume far more. Light users who rely predominantly on Wi-Fi and limit multimedia streaming can often stay under 2GB per month. On the flip side, heavy users who stream HD video content extensively, play data-intensive games, and constantly use data-heavy apps can easily exceed 30GB.
2GB to 4GB for Most Users
For most users who stream some music and video, check social media, browse the web, and use apps moderately throughout the day, 2 to 4GB is usually sufficient. This allows for casual streaming and app use when not on Wi-Fi without having to worry as much about overages. Users who rely primarily on Wi-Fi and are diligent about turning off cellular data for certain apps can get by with 1 to 2GB.
Data Usage by Smartphone Activity
The amount of data consumed depends heavily on what types of activities you use your phone for. Here’s a look at how much data common smartphone activities typically use per hour:
Streaming Video
Watching video content on sites like YouTube or streaming services like Hulu, Disney+, and Netflix is the most data-intensive smartphone activity. Streaming HD video content can use 3GB or more per hour. Even streaming in standard definition can use up to 1GB per hour.
Streaming Audio
Listening to music or streaming podcasts through apps like Spotify, Pandora, SoundCloud, and Apple Music takes up much less data than video at around 60 to 150MB per hour. This estimate is for standard quality streaming around 128Kbps bitrate. Streaming high fidelity lossless audio uses significantly more data.
Social Media
Browsing social feeds, posting updates, and messaging on apps like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, and TikTok uses 65 to 250MB per hour on average. Video clips and livestreams use much more though.
Web Browsing and Email
Typical web browsing and emailing averages about 50 to 100MB per hour depending on the number of images and graphics loaded. Text-heavy browsing uses less.
Gaming
Data usage for mobile gaming runs the gamut depending on the game complexity. Simple games may use only 3 to 20MB per hour while large, graphics-intensive games with multiplayer connectivity can use 250MB or more per hour.
File Downloading/Uploading
Downloading or uploading large files like photos, videos, documents, and other media is one of the biggest single data drains. For example, downloading a 5 minute video clip at 720p resolution uses around 200MB. Uploading a 10MP photo uses about 10MB.
Tips for Conserving Mobile Data
If you find yourself constantly exceeding your monthly data allowance, there are steps you can take to reduce usage:
Use Wi-Fi Whenever Possible
Stay connected to Wi-Fi networks as much as you can, whether it’s your home Wi-Fi, work/school networks, coffee shops, etc. Any activity done over Wi-Fi doesn’t count against your mobile data.
Limit Video Streaming
Avoid streaming long videos or watching live videos while out and about unless connected to Wi-Fi. Set video quality to SD instead of HD to save data.
Disable Autoplay Features
Disable autoplaying videos on social media, streaming services, and other apps so they don’t start playing automatically wasting data.
Limit Downloads and Uploads
Avoid downloading large files, uploading numerous photos/videos, or using cloud backup services when not on Wi-Fi.
Restrict Background App Refresh
Disable background data refresh so apps don’t pull new content until opened. On iOS, restrict this under Settings > General > Background App Refresh.
Monitor Usage
Check your data usage regularly and set alerts before reaching your plan limits. On iOS, view under Settings > Cellular. On Android, go to Settings > Data usage.
Comparing Carrier Data Plans
When choosing a data plan, look at both your typical monthly usage as well as peak usage. Carrier plans in the US are generally available in increments of 2GB, 4GB, 10GB, 30GB or Unlimited options. Here’s an overview of plan sizes to consider based on usage:
Light Users (under 2GB)
A data allotment between 1 to 4GB is usually sufficient for light users who rely heavily on Wi-Fi and take measures to limit cellular data usage. Prices for plans in this range are typically $15 to $40 per month depending on the carrier.
Moderate Users (2GB to 10GB)
Users who stream multimedia and use apps regularly while out and about will want at least 4 to 8GB, with 10GB providing more headroom. Plan prices are around $30 to $60 monthly. Family plans with shared data are also available.
Heavy Users (Over 10GB)
Heavy multimedia streamers or those frequently downloading large files may require Unlimited data to avoid overages. Unlimited plans range between $50 to $85 per month depending on network speeds and other features.
International Travelers
Those traveling overseas will want to opt for higher data limits or Unlimited to cover usage on foreign networks. Some carriers offer either International data packages or Unlimited global data.
Typical Smartphone Data Usage By Activity
| Activity | Per Hour Data Usage |
|---|---|
| HD Video Streaming | Up to 3GB |
| SD Video Streaming | Up to 1GB |
| Audio Streaming | 60MB to 150MB |
| Social Media | 65MB to 250MB |
| Web Browsing | 50MB to 100MB |
| 50MB to 100MB | |
| Gaming | 3MB to 250MB+ |
| File Download (5 min video clip @ 720p) | 200MB |
| File Upload (10MP Photo) | 10MB |
Conclusion
Smartphone data needs can vary dramatically based on your usage habits. While averages are around 2 to 4GB per month, heavy multimedia streamers can easily use over 10GB or even more if they indulge in long high definition streaming sessions. The good news is that there are many steps you can take to conserve data usage through Wi-Fi connectivity, limiting large file transfers, disabling autoplay options, and monitoring your monthly usage. Comparing mobile carrier data plans to your needs and adding a bit of headroom is recommended so you don’t get stuck with overages mid-month. With the right amount of data and some prudent usage habits, you can stay connected with your smartphone without breaking the bank.
