Mobile guide
How much mobile data do I need?
A plain-English guide to estimating mobile data needs in Australia before you compare SIM-only or prepaid plans.
Published · Updated · 7 min read
Quick answer
Start with your provider usage history for the past few months, then match your allowance to how you stream, browse, navigate, and hotspot. Compare24 does not publish average usage tables; compare plans by verified data inclusions, network, and current price instead of marketing labels.
Key takeaways
- Check your current provider usage summary before choosing a new allowance.
- Video streaming, video calls, and hotspotting usually drive higher usage than messaging or email.
- Compare plans by data allowance, network, price, and contract terms — not headline claims alone.
- Confirm coverage, exit fees, and the latest inclusions on the provider site before you switch.
How do I work out my mobile data needs?
Review your last three months of usage from your current provider, list your regular activities, and choose a plan allowance that covers that pattern with a small buffer if your usage varies.
Mobile data needs vary by how often you stream video, browse social media, navigate maps, or tether other devices. Compare24 does not invent average usage figures; the safest approach is to check your current provider’s usage summary for the last few months.
If you do not have history available, list your usual activities and compare plans by data allowance, network, and current price rather than marketing claims.
What typically uses more mobile data?
Video streaming, live video calls, high-resolution playback, hotspotting, and background app or cloud backups generally use more data than messaging, email, or light browsing.
These patterns are qualitative only and are not usage guarantees:
- Video streaming and live video calls generally use more data than messaging or email.
- High-resolution video uses more data than standard definition.
- Hotspotting a laptop or tablet can increase usage quickly compared with phone-only browsing.
- Background app updates and cloud photo backups can add usage even when you are not actively streaming.
How do I compare data allowances on Compare24?
Filter Mobile plans by minimum data and monthly price, then open plan details to confirm inclusions, network, and whether the listed price is introductory or ongoing.
On Mobile plans, filter by minimum data and monthly price, then open plan details to confirm inclusions, network, and whether a price is introductory or ongoing.
Commercial relationships never change plan order. Default ordering uses current price, then data, provider name, and plan name.
What should I check before switching mobile plans?
Confirm coverage where you use your phone, check contract or exit fees, and verify the latest price and inclusions on the provider’s website before ordering.
Confirm coverage for places you actually use your phone, check any remaining contract or early exit fees with your current provider, and verify the latest price and inclusions on the provider’s site before you order.