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:
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Belong 
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Dodo 
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Moose NBN 
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Tangerine Telecom 
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Flip 
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#6
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Superloop 
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Swoop 
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Kogan Internet 
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iiNet 
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Link not supplied
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TPG 
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Link not supplied
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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.
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Optus 
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Boost Mobile 
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Kogan Mobile 
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Dodo 
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Moose Mobile 
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SpinTel 
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amaysim 
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#8
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Exetel 
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felix mobile 
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#10
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Tangerine Telecom 
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Alex Choros
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