How much data do you need?

Have you ever asked yourself, 'how much data do I need?' And do you know how much data you'll use watching TV, movies, YouTube or music? What about general web browsing and emailing? Find out in our useful guide.

Data usage: The basics explained

Internet usage refers to all of the traffic or data that travels through a customer's router/modem. In other words, everything you do in the web consumes a certain amount of data, which will be taken from your monthly data cap, unless you have an unlimited broadband plan.

While some things like watching YouTube videos and streaming movies can consume your monthly limit of data in just a few hours, there are others, such as general web browsing and emailing, only consume tiny amount of data.

If you do heaps of downloading or stream tonnes of films, TV shows and video online - or you have other people who all use the internet a lot, you may find that a broadband internet plan with a data cap is not enough.

Unlimited broadband plans have no monthly data cap and let you use all the data you want and are usually the best option for not only heavy users but also multi-user households.

Should you get unlimited broadband?

If you are trying to find a cheap option so you can save a few dollars off your monthly bill or looking for a suitable broadband plan, consider how much data you expect to use a month and choose a package that matches your needs.

An unlimited plan does not set a cap on how much data you can download so you may wish to consider an unlimited internet plan.  For example, if you watch large number of movies, regularly download films, play online games, and listen to online radio throughout the day.

Contrariwise, if you do just use the internet for general browsing and emailing and you don’t really use streaming services at all, then a broadband plan with capped usage may be a better choice, as these are often cheaper than unlimited options and you don’t need that much data.

Whichever you feel is most suitable for you; do not forget to compare providers on our website to ensure you get the best plan for your particular requirements, and for the best price.

Data usage calculation.

The easiest way to find out how much data you need is to look at old internet bills or check it with your provider. If you do not have these handy or cannot contact them, then below we have some examples of the stuff people be likely to to do online, and how much data it takes to do it.

 Name:

Approx data usage:

Watching Netflix in 4K / UHD

7Gb/hr

Watching Netflix in HD

3Gb/hr

Watching Netflix in SD

1Gb/hr

Downloading movies

1.5Gb/ea

Video conferencing (Skype, Hangouts etc)

0.2Gb/hr

Streaming audio

0.1 Gb/hr

Online gaming

0.1 Gb/hr

Facebooks Browsing

0.15 Gb/hr

YouTube Usage (720p)

0.5 Gb/hr

Which providers offer unlimited broadband?

EXCLUSIVE
44

Unlimited Fibre 300 Get $22 off your standard price for...

from $75.00 /mo
First 12 months then 97.00/month
300Mbps 100Mbps
Unlimited data
EXCLUSIVE
44

Unlimited Fibre 300 Get $22 off your standard price for...

Sign up for the Orcon Fibre plan through Broadband Compare and get $22 monthly discount for 12 months! Bundle your broadband and power and get 10% bundle discount on both services. Get $5/mth off for
Terms and Conditions apply

Full plan details

Contract options

12 months

Terms and conditions

  • 12-month term applies to all plans, exit fees of $250 apply.
  • Standard pricing applies after 12 months.
  • **Average Orcon Fibre plan (Fibre 100 or Fibre 300, depending on location) or Fibre Pro plan (Fibre Max) download/upload speeds with compatible modem at busy times (SamKnows December 2021 or Orcon November 2021). Experienced speeds may be higher or lower. For more information on how we measure speeds visits.(SamKnows December 2021)  More info
  • An extra 10% discount applies for Power and Broadband Bundles. The 10% discount is applied after all other offers. 

Full T&Cs's

Login
×
Log in with
Sign up for free NZ Compare account
×
Log in with
3 Great Offers
×
Unlimited Fibre Broadband from $70/m
Plus 6 months Prime Video free
Say whaaaaaaat!! Limited time only. 
T&Cs apply.
Unlimited Fibre Broadband from $70/m
Plus 6 months Prime Video free
Say whaaaaaaat!! Limited time only.
T&Cs apply.
Ears to a great Easter 
with 6 months half price! 🥚🐣🐰
Zeronet = Same internet, but better for the planet. They plant 5 trees for every customer.
Ears to a great Easter
with 6 months half price! 🥚🐣🐰
Zeronet = Same internet, but better for the planet. They plant 5 trees for every customer.
$89.95/m for 12 months, 
then standard pricing of 
$105/m applies. 12-month term. 
T&Cs apply. Offer closes 1 April 2024.
$89.95/m for 12 months,
then standard pricing of
$105/m applies. 12-month term. 
T&Cs apply. Offer closes 1 April 2024.