In today’s digital world, internet data usage is rapidly increasing. With more devices connected and higher resolution content, many wonder if 200 GB is still enough monthly data for all their needs. This article examines how much data different online activities use and whether 200 GB is sufficient in 2023.
How much data do online activities use?
Below are estimates for how much data common online activities typically use per hour:
| Activity | Data Use Per Hour |
| SD video streaming | 3 GB |
| HD video streaming | 5 GB |
| 4K video streaming | 7.2 GB |
| Video conferencing | 1 GB |
| Music streaming | 0.6 GB |
| Social media browsing | 0.2 – 0.5 GB |
| Web browsing | 0.1 – 0.3 GB |
| Online gaming | 0.3 – 1 GB |
| VPN connection | 0.3 – 0.5 GB |
Streaming high quality video content uses the most data, while lighter activities like social media and web browsing use less. Video quality is the biggest factor determining how much data streaming eats up.
How does 200 GB compare to average data use?
The average household uses 200-400 GB per month in 2023. Light internet users can get by on 100 GB or less, while heavy users and multi-person households often exceed 1 TB (1000 GB).
According to 2021 statistics from Canada’s CRTC, the average Canadian household used 267 GB per month. American households averaged 400 GB monthly. Tech-savvy countries like South Korea averaged around 500 GB per home.
Global internet traffic continues growing at over 20% annually. Experts estimate users will burn through 35 GB a day by 2025, driving average household use above 1 TB per month.
Can you get by on 200 GB a month?
With average use climbing, 200 GB is tight for many households in 2023. Light individual users can still get by comfortably, but families and heavy streamers will likely need more.
As a rule of thumb, 200 GB is enough for:
- A single user browsing, streaming music, gaming, and light video streaming. They’ll need to limit high quality video.
- A couple sharing light to moderate usage. They’ll need to be prudent with streaming.
- A small family being very careful with streaming and downloads.
High definition video streaming is the biggest data sink. One hour of HD video can eat 5 GB. So binging 10 hours of HD shows could use over 10% of a 200 GB plan. The higher the video quality, the quicker limits are reached.
Many modern homes have multiple streamed TVs plus individual devices. This drives data use upward, especially with 4K content gaining popularity. Even at only 7 GB per hour, streaming fifty hours of 4K video would exhaust a 200 GB allowance.
Tips for living with 200 GB
For those trying to stay within 200 GB a month, here are some ways to reduce data consumption:
- Limit video quality. Use SD instead of HD when possible.
- Download videos when on WiFi for later offline viewing.
- Restrict video streaming to certain devices. Avoid multiple simultaneous streams.
- Use streaming optimization settings. Some apps let you limit data use.
- Limit large downloads like game and video updates to when on WiFi.
- Disable auto-playing videos on social media and news sites.
- Use mobile apps over websites to reduce data loading overhead.
- Set OS and app settings to reduce background data use.
- Turn off WiFi assist which uses cellular when WiFi is poor.
Being smart about when, where, and how you stream content goes a long way. Track your usage to identify heavy activities. By combining WiFi and limiting streaming quality, 200 GB can still be workable.
When is 200 GB too little?
There are certain cases where 200 GB will be clearly insufficient monthly data:
- Households with multiple heavy streamers. This could be multiple TVs plus many individual devices.
- Tech enthusiasts streaming lots of 4K or 8K content.
- People frequently using data-heavy VR and gaming applications.
- Homes with a large number of connected smart devices and internet-of-things gadgets.
Business use also pushes most above 200 GB. Many work from home employees require video conferencing, cloud syncing, remote system access, and other tools. VoIP phone systems can also consume significant data.
Recommendations for data usage
Here are some recommendations for internet data plans based on household size and usage patterns:
| User(s) | Usage | Recommendation |
| 1 person | Light | 100 – 200 GB |
| 1 person | Moderate | 200 – 500 GB |
| 1 person | Heavy | 500 GB – 1 TB |
| 2 people | Light | 200 – 300 GB |
| 2+ people | Moderate | 300 – 1 TB |
| 3+ people | Typical | 500 GB – 1.5 TB |
| 5+ people | Heavy | 1+ TB |
Adjust recommendations upward for frequent 4K and 8K streaming, VR use, and multiple simultaneous streams.
Conclusion
At 200 GB per month, budgets need to be kept for all but the lightest data users. This amount may work temporarily for singles and couples limiting video quality and downloads.
But for long-term needs, most households are better served with 350 GB or more. As streaming, gaming, VR, and internet-connected devices continue growing, even 500 GB to 1 TB is quickly becoming the new normal for monthly data requirements.
