How much data does Zoom use?

By Alex Choros

Last updated 03 August 2021

We all know video is one of the most intensive tasks we can use our internet connections for, especially when it comes to data usage. But what about video calling?

Every video calling service is different, but Zoom is one of the most popular options around, especially when it comes to working from home or contacting clients as a business. While Zoom doesn't provide official data usage figures, it does provide internet speed requirements for different kinds of video calls. Based on these, we can work out how much data you'll use in virtual meetings.

Zoom requires internet speeds of between 600kps and 1.8Mbps for a 1:1 to video call, in terms of both upload and download. For example, if you were to make a 720p Zoom call, that lasted one hour, you'd use 540MB of data downloading video, and another 540MB uploading video. That brings your total usage for the hour to just over 1GB. Of course, switching off your own video will decrease your usage.

Zoom data usage a 1:1 call

Quality	Download	Upload	Total
High	270MB per hour	270MB per hour	540MB per hour
720p	540MB per hour	540MB per hour	1.08GB per hour
1080p	810MB per hour	810MB per hour	1.62GB per hour

These numbers increase for group video calls.

Zoom data usage a group call

Quality	Download	Upload	Total
High	450MB per hour	360MB per hour	810MB per hour
720p	675MB per hour	675MB per hour	1.35GB per hour
1080p	1.2GB per hour	1.2GB per hour	2.4GB per hour

For comparison, a standard-definition Netflix stream uses 1GB per hour, which rises to 3GB per hour if you switch to HD.

By default, Zoom should only be using the minimum amount of bandwidth. On a PC or Mac, HD video has to be enabled manually. You can do this under the Video pane in the Settings menu by ticking Enable HD. 1080p is only available for customers with Enterprise plans.

Most internet plans are unlimited these days, however. In most cases, you probably don't need to worry about Zoom data usage if you're on your home internet connection.

If you don't have an unlimited data plan, here are a few options:

Fastest Typical Evening Speeds

#1	Flip	Flip Unlimited Data 12/0.8 Mbps typical evening speed $52.90/mth Min. cost $39 Deal: Promotional pricing - $39/mth for first 4 months then $52.90/mth. Offer ends 30.04.25	12 Mbps	Go to Site
#2	iiNet	iiNet Unlimited Data 12/0.8 Mbps typical evening speed $59.99/mth Min. cost $59.99 Deal: Includes $15/mth off for 6 mths - $59.99/mth for first 6 months, then $74.99/mth. Use code SAVE15FOR6. Ends 06.05.25	12 Mbps	Go to Site
#3	TPG	TPG Unlimited Data 12/0.8 Mbps typical evening speed $59.99/mth Min. cost $59.99 Deal: Get Price Beat Guarantee + $59.99/mth for first 6 months, then $74.99/mth. T&Cs apply.	12 Mbps	Go to Site
#4	Moose NBN	Moose NBN Unlimited Data 11/1 Mbps typical evening speed $47.80/mth Min. cost $47.80 Deal: Includes $12/mth off for first 6 months, then $59.80/month. Ends 30.06.25	11 Mbps	Link not supplied
#5	Aussie Broadband	Aussie Broadband Unlimited Data 11/0.84 Mbps typical evening speed $69/mth Min. cost $69	11 Mbps	Link not supplied

#1	MATE	MATE Unlimited Data 25/10 Mbps typical evening speed $40/mth Min. cost $40 Deal: Includes $30/mth off for the first 6 mths (code MATE30) + 1-month money back guarantee + Bundle & Save	25 Mbps	Link not supplied
#2	Southern Phone	Southern Phone Unlimited Data 25/8 Mbps typical evening speed $45/mth Min. cost $45 Deal: Includes $14/mth off for 12 months! $45/mth for 12 months, then $59/mth. Offer ends 05.08.25	25 Mbps	Link not supplied
#3	Moose NBN	Moose NBN Unlimited Data 25/10 Mbps typical evening speed $46.80/mth Min. cost $46.80 Deal: Includes $14/mth off for first 6 months, then $60.80/month. Ends 30.06.25	25 Mbps	Link not supplied
#4	Kogan Internet	Kogan Internet Unlimited Data 25/8 Mbps typical evening speed $46.90/mth Min. cost $46.90 Deal: $46.90/mth for first 6 months and revert back to $68.90/mth thereafter. Offer ends 30.05.25	25 Mbps	Go to Site
#5	SpinTel	SpinTel Unlimited Data 25/8 Mbps typical evening speed $47/mth Min. cost $47 Deal: Includes $12.95 off your plan for first 6 months! $47/mth for first 6 months, then $59.95/mth	25 Mbps	Go to Site
#6	Tangerine Telecom	Tangerine Telecom Unlimited Data 25/8.5 Mbps typical evening speed $47.90/mth Min. cost $47.90 Deal: Includes $20/mth off for the first 6 mths, $47.90/month for first 6 months, then $67.90/month + 3 months BINGE. Ends 30.06.25	25 Mbps	Go to Site
#7	amaysim	amaysim Unlimited Data 25/8 Mbps typical evening speed $50/mth Min. cost $50 Deal: Includes $20/mth off for first 6 months (Incl. Standard Intro Offer), $50/mth for first 6 months, then $70/mth. Ends 30.04.25	25 Mbps	Link not supplied
#8	Exetel	Exetel Unlimited Data 25/8.5 Mbps typical evening speed $50.99/mth Min. cost $50.99 Deal: Includes $13/mth off for first 6 months - $50.99/mth for first 6 months, then $63.99/mth.	25 Mbps	Go to Site
#9	Dodo	Dodo Unlimited Data 25/4 Mbps typical evening speed $53.90/mth Min. cost $53.90 12mths Deal: Incl. $15/mth discount for 12 months based on the standard price $68.90/mth*. Ends 29.04.25. T&Cs apply.	25 Mbps	Go to Site
#10	Swoop	Swoop Unlimited Data 25/10 Mbps typical evening speed $54/mth Min. cost $54 Deal: Includes $15/mth off for 6 months with code LOVE15, $54/mth for first 6 months then $69/mth. Offer ends 30.04.25	25 Mbps	Link not supplied

#1	Telstra	Telstra Unlimited Data nbn® Wireless Standard Speed $105/mth Min. cost $105	68 Mbps	Link not supplied
#2	Kogan Internet	Kogan Internet Unlimited Data 50/17 Mbps typical evening speed $59.90/mth Min. cost $59.90 Deal: $59.90/mth for first 6 months and revert back to $78.90/mth thereafter. Offer ends 30.05.25	50 Mbps	Go to Site
#3	Tangerine Telecom	Tangerine Telecom Unlimited Data 50/17 Mbps typical evening speed $59.90/mth Min. cost $59.90 Deal: Includes $23/mth off for the first 6 mths, $59.90/month for first 6 months, then $82.90/month + 3 months BINGE. Ends 30.06.25	50 Mbps	Go to Site
#4	Exetel	Exetel Unlimited Data 50/17 Mbps typical evening speed $60.99/mth Min. cost $60.99 Deal: Includes $19/mth off for first 6 months - $60.99/mth for first 6 months, then $79.99/mth.	50 Mbps	Go to Site
#5	Moose NBN	Moose NBN Unlimited Data 50/20 Mbps typical evening speed $63.80/mth Min. cost $63.80 Deal: Includes $16/mth off for first 6 months, then $79.80/month. Ends 30.06.25	50 Mbps	Link not supplied
#6	Superloop	Superloop Unlimited Data 50/17 Mbps typical evening speed $67/mth Min. cost $67 Deal: Incl. $14/mth off for 6 months! $67/mth for 6 mths, then $81/mth + Free Amazon eero 6+ if you stay connected for 24 mths	50 Mbps	Go to Site
#7	Dodo	Dodo Unlimited Data 50/17 Mbps typical evening speed $68.90/mth Min. cost $68.90 12mths Deal: Incl. $15/mth discount for 12 months based on the standard price $83.90/mth*. Ends 29.04.25. T&Cs apply.	50 Mbps	Go to Site
#8	Swoop	Swoop Unlimited Data 50/20 Mbps typical evening speed $69/mth Min. cost $69 Deal: Includes $15/mth off for 6 months with code LOVE15, $69/mth for first 6 months then $84/mth. Offer ends 30.04.25	50 Mbps	Link not supplied
#9	iiNet	iiNet Unlimited Data 50/17 Mbps typical evening speed $69.99/mth Min. cost $69.99 Deal: Includes $15/mth off for 6 mths – $69.99/mth for first 6 months, then $84.99/mth. Use code SAVE15FOR6. Ends 06.05.25	50 Mbps	Go to Site
#10	TPG	TPG Unlimited Data 50/17 Mbps typical evening speed $69.99/mth Min. cost $69.99 Deal: Get Price Beat Guarantee + $69.99/mth for first 6 months, then $84.99/mth. T&Cs apply.	50 Mbps	Go to Site

#1	Southern Phone	Southern Phone Unlimited Data 100/19 Mbps typical evening speed $65/mth Min. cost $65 Deal: Includes $24/mth off for 12 months! $65/mth for 12 months, then $89/mth. Offer ends 05.08.25	100 Mbps	Link not supplied
#2	SpinTel	SpinTel Unlimited Data 100/18 Mbps typical evening speed $65/mth Min. cost $65 Deal: Includes $16.95 off your plan for first 6 months! $65/mth for first 6 months, then $81.95/mth	100 Mbps	Go to Site
#3	Moose NBN	Moose NBN Unlimited Data 100/20 Mbps typical evening speed $65.80/mth Min. cost $65.80 Deal: Includes $19/mth off for first 6 months, then $84.80/month. Ends 30.06.25	100 Mbps	Link not supplied
#4	Kogan Internet	Kogan Internet Unlimited Data 100/17 Mbps typical evening speed $65.90/mth Min. cost $65.90 Deal: $65.90/mth for first 6 months and revert back to $83.90/mth thereafter. Offer ends 30.05.25	100 Mbps	Go to Site
#5	Tangerine Telecom	Tangerine Telecom Unlimited Data 100/17 Mbps typical evening speed $65.90/mth Min. cost $65.90 Deal: Includes $20/mth off for the first 6 mths, $65.90/mth for first 6 months, then $85.90/mth + 3 months BINGE. Ends 30.06.25	100 Mbps	Go to Site
#6	Exetel	Exetel Unlimited Data 100/17 Mbps typical evening speed $65.99/mth Min. cost $65.99 Deal: Includes $19/mth off for first 6 months - $65.99/mth for first 6 months, then $84.99/mth	100 Mbps	Go to Site
#7	amaysim	amaysim Unlimited Data 100/18 Mbps typical evening speed $70/mth Min. cost $70 Deal: Includes $20/mth off for first 6 months (Incl. Standard Intro Offer), $70/mth for first 6 months, then $90/mth. Ends 30.04.25	100 Mbps	Link not supplied
#8	Swoop	Swoop Unlimited Data 100/20 Mbps typical evening speed $72/mth Min. cost $72 Deal: Includes $22/mth off for 6 months with code LOVE22, $72/mth for first 6 mths then $94/mth. Ends 30.04.25	100 Mbps	Link not supplied
#9	Dodo	Dodo Unlimited Data 100/17 Mbps typical evening speed $73.90/mth Min. cost $73.90 12mths Deal: Incl. $15/mth discount for 12 months based on the standard price $88.90/mth*. Ends 29.04.25. T&Cs apply.	100 Mbps	Go to Site
#10	Superloop	Superloop Unlimited Data 100/17 Mbps typical evening speed $75/mth Min. cost $75 Deal: Incl. $14/mth off 6 months! $75/mth for 6 mths, then $89/mth + Free Amazon eero 6+ if you stay connected for 24 mths	100 Mbps	Go to Site

#1	Southern Phone	Southern Phone Unlimited Data 250/23 Mbps typical evening speed $75/mth Min. cost $75 Deal: Includes $20/mth off for 12 months! $75/mth for 12 months, then $95/mth. Offer ends 05.08.25	250 Mbps	Link not supplied
#2	Dodo	Dodo Unlimited Data 250/21 Mbps typical evening speed $83.90/mth Min. cost $83.90 12mths Deal: Incl. $15/mth discount for 12 months based on the standard price $98.90/mth*. Ends 29.04.25. T&Cs apply	250 Mbps	Go to Site
#3	Vodafone	Vodafone Unlimited Data 250/21 Mbps typical evening speed $84/mth Min. cost $84 Deal: Save $10/mth for 6 mths + Speed upgrade at no extra cost if you have a mobile phone plan with Vodafone	250 Mbps	Link not supplied
#4	Kogan Internet	Kogan Internet Unlimited Data 250/21 Mbps typical evening speed $84.90/mth Min. cost $84.90 Deal: $84.90/mth for first 6 months and revert back to $94.90/mth thereafter. Offer ends 30.05.25	250 Mbps	Go to Site
#5	Tangerine Telecom	Tangerine Telecom Unlimited Data 250/21 Mbps typical evening speed $84.90/mth Min. cost $84.90 Deal: Includes $20/mth off for the first 6 mths, $84.90/month for first 6 months, then $104.90/month + 3 months BINGE. Ends 30.06.25	250 Mbps	Go to Site
#6	iiNet	iiNet Unlimited Data 250/21 Mbps typical evening speed $84.99/mth Min. cost $84.99 Deal: Includes $15/mth off for 6 mths - $84.99/mth for first 6 months, then $99.99/mth. Use code SAVE15FOR6. Ends 06.05.25	250 Mbps	Go to Site
#7	TPG	TPG Unlimited Data 250/21 Mbps typical evening speed $84.99/mth Min. cost $84.99 Deal: Get Price Beat Guarantee + $84.99/mth for first 6 months, then $99.99/mth. T&Cs apply.	250 Mbps	Go to Site
#8	Superloop	Superloop Unlimited Data 250/21 Mbps typical evening speed $85/mth Min. cost $85 Deal: Incl. $14/mth off for 6 months! $85/mth for 6 mths, then $99/mth + Free Amazon eero 6+ if you stay connected for 24 mths	250 Mbps	Go to Site
#9	iPrimus	iPrimus Unlimited Data 250/21 Mbps typical evening speed $104/mth Min. cost $104	250 Mbps	Go to Site
#10	AGL	AGL Unlimited Data 250/23 Mbps typical evening speed $114/mth Min. cost $114 Deal: AGL Bundle Offer: $75/mth for the first 6 mths then $99/mth after that when you BYO modem and have AGL energy.	250 Mbps	Link not supplied

#1	Flip	Flip Unlimited Data 900/50 Mbps typical evening speed $104.90/mth Min. cost $94 Deal: Promotional pricing - $94/mth for first 4 months then $104.90/mth. Offer ends 30.04.25	900 Mbps	Go to Site
#2	Swoop	Swoop Unlimited Data 900/50 Mbps typical evening speed $119/mth Min. cost $119 Deal: Includes $20/mth off for 6 months with code LOVE20, $119/mth for first 6 months then $139/mth. Offer ends 30.04.25	900 Mbps	Link not supplied
#3	Buddy Telco	Buddy Telco Unlimited Data 875/42 Mbps typical evening speed $99/mth Min. cost $99	875 Mbps	Go to Site
#4	Aussie Broadband	Aussie Broadband Unlimited Data 875/42 Mbps typical evening speed $109/mth Min. cost $109 Deal: Includes $20 off for the first 6 months. Promo code BIG20. $129/mth after promo ends 30.04.25	875 Mbps	Link not supplied
#5	Southern Phone	Southern Phone Unlimited Data 860/43 Mbps typical evening speed $85/mth Min. cost $85 Deal: Includes $20/mth off for 12 months! $85/mth for 12 months, then $105/mth. Offer ends 05.08.25	860 Mbps	Link not supplied
#6	Superloop	Superloop Unlimited Data 860/42 Mbps typical evening speed $99/mth Min. cost $99 Deal: Incl. $10/mth off for 6 mths! $99/mth for 6 mths, then $109/mth + Free Amazon eero 6+ if you stay connected for 24 mths	860 Mbps	Go to Site
#7	AGL	AGL Unlimited Data 860/43 Mbps typical evening speed $124/mth Min. cost $124 Deal: AGL Bundle Offer: $85/mth for the first 6 mths then $109/mth after that when you BYO modem and have AGL energy.	860 Mbps	Link not supplied
#8	Origin Broadband	Origin Broadband Unlimited Data 860/42 Mbps typical evening speed $130/mth Min. cost $130 Deal: Online only sign up includes 5,000 Everyday Rewards Points & 12mths of Paramount+ when you sign up to Origin internet	860 Mbps	Link not supplied
#9	MATE	MATE Unlimited Data 831/49 Mbps typical evening speed $90/mth Min. cost $90 Deal: Includes $30/mth off for the first 6 mths (use code MATE30) + 1-month money back guarantee on your Internet + Bundle & Save!	831 Mbps	Link not supplied
#10	Vodafone	Vodafone Unlimited Data 800/40 Mbps typical evening speed $94/mth Min. cost $94 Deal: Save $10/mth for 6 mths + Speed upgrade at no extra cost if you have a mobile phone plan with Vodafone	800 Mbps	Link not supplied

How much data does Zoom use on mobile?

In our testing, we found Zoom used roughly 800MB per hour for a 1:1 video call. This puts it between the "high quality" and 720p setting on a PC or Mac. On mobile, you don't have any control over any Zoom's quality settings.

However, Zoom says your video feed will be optimised for the best experience based on your network, as well as the network of other participants. This means your usage may vary, but since we tested with strong 4G connections, you'll almost certainly be using less data rather than more.

800MB per hour can however add up quickly if you're making a lot of Zoom calls from your phone. If this is the case, we'd recommend keeping your phone on WiFi. Alternatively, here are a few SIM-only plans with at least 40GB of data. That's at least 40 hours of meetings per month.

#1	TPG	TPG 100GB Data $22.50 Per 1 Month Renewal Min. cost $22.50 Deal: 50% off - $22.50/mth for first 6 months, then $45/mth ongoing. Available until withdrawn. T&Cs apply.	100%	Go to Site
#2	Kogan Mobile	Kogan Mobile 200GB Data $190 Per 365 Day Renewal Min. cost $190 Deal: Get 200GB data for only $190 on the Medium 365 Day Flex Plan. Offer ends 30.11.25	53%	Go to Site
#3	Catch Connect	Catch Connect 360GB Data $179 Per 365 Day Renewal Min. cost $179 Deal: Save $121! 360GB for $179 for the first 365 days! Recharges $300/360GB. New customers only. Offer ends 30.04.25	30%	Link not supplied
#4	felix mobile	felix mobile 50GB Data $30 Per 1 Month Renewal Min. cost $15 Deal: Get 50% off your first 3 mths when you switch to felix. $15/mth for first 3 mths, then $30/mth. Use promo code FELIX50. T&Cs apply	30%	Go to Site
#5	Optus	Optus 50GB Data No Contract $55/mth Min. cost $55	24%	Go to Site
#6	Vodafone	Vodafone 100GB Data No Contract $39/mth Min. cost $39 Deal: Get 100GB for $39 (incl. 50GB bonus + $10/mth off) on the $49 Small plan. T&Cs apply.	23%	Go to Site
#7	iiNet	iiNet 100GB Data $22.50 Per 1 Month Renewal Min. cost $22.50 Deal: 50% off - $22.50/mth for first 6 months, then $45/mth ongoing. Available until withdrawn. T&Cs apply.	20%	Go to Site
#8	Boost Mobile	Boost Mobile 290GB Data $300 Per 12 Month Renewal Min. cost $300 Deal: Get 290GB data on your first recharge, then 240GB from 2nd recharge. Activate by 07.07.25	13%	Go to Site
#9	Belong	Belong 100GB Data No Contract $45/mth Min. cost $45	10%	Go to Site
#10	Lebara Mobile	Lebara Mobile 40GB Data $24.90 Per 30 Day Renewal Min. cost $24.90 Deal: Includes 15GB bonus data for first 3 recharges + 200 bonus std mins to selected countries when you activate by 11.08.25	9%	Go to Site