How much data does a Zoom call use?
Zoom uses about 30 MB an hour at Audio-only and up to 2.5 GB an hour at Group video (1080p).
Contents8 sections
| Setting | 1 hour | 2 hours a day for a week |
|---|---|---|
| Audio-only | 30 MB | 420 MB |
| 1:1 video (SD) | 540 MB | 7.6 GB |
| 1:1 video (720p) | 1.1 GB | 15.1 GB |
| 1:1 video (1080p) | 1.6 GB | 22.7 GB |
| Group video (SD) | 810 MB | 11.3 GB |
| Group video (720p) | 1.4 GB | 18.9 GB |
| Group video (1080p) | 2.5 GB | 34.6 GB |
Source: Zoom Support
How to use less data on Zoom
- Turn your camera off when you do not need video.
- Use audio-only or SD for long meetings on mobile data.
- Turn on Use less data in the Zoom mobile app.
Zoom data use by call type
An audio-only Zoom call uses about 30 MB an hour. Turn the cameras on and a one-to-one call in standard definition takes about 540 MB an hour, 720p about 1.1 GB and 1080p about 1.6 GB.
Group calls cost more because your phone receives several video streams at once: about 810 MB an hour in standard definition and up to 2.5 GB in 1080p. On a travel eSIM, join with the camera off or in standard definition, and keep HD for Wi-Fi.
How long 1 GB and 10 GB last on Zoom
One gigabyte covers about 33 hours of audio-only calls, but only 1 hour 50 minutes of one-to-one video in standard definition. A group call in 1080p uses it up in 24 minutes.
A 10 GB plan gives you about 18 hours of one-to-one standard video or 12 hours of group calls in standard definition. In 1080p group calls it lasts about 4 hours.
Zoom data for a one-week and a two-week work trip
An hour-long one-to-one video call each day in standard definition uses about 3.8 GB a week and 7.6 GB over two weeks. The same hour as a group call in 720p uses about 9.5 GB a week.
A daily hour of audio-only calls uses just over 200 MB a week. If you work from the road, a 20 GB plan or hotel Wi-Fi for video meetings keeps you clear of running out mid-call.
Turn on Use less data in the Zoom app
Open the Zoom app on iPhone or Android, tap More or Settings, then Meetings. Turn on Use less data, which lowers video quality on mobile data, and turn off HD video on the same screen.
During a call, tap Stop Video to drop to about 30 MB an hour. Turning off incoming video saves the most on group calls with many cameras on.
Save data on Zoom while travelling
Zoom needs a live connection, so plan video meetings around hotel or coworking Wi-Fi. Use mobile data for audio-only calls on the move.
Ask the host to record the meeting if you can only join by phone audio. You can watch the recording later on Wi-Fi.
FAQ
- How much data does a Zoom call use per hour?
- About 30 MB audio-only, 540 MB for a one-to-one video call in standard definition and up to 2.5 GB for a group call in 1080p.
- Does Zoom use a lot of data on mobile data?
- Yes, with video on. A one-to-one call in 720p uses about 1.1 GB an hour.
- Can I use Zoom on 1 GB of data?
- Yes. 1 GB covers about 33 hours of audio-only calls or close to 2 hours of one-to-one standard video.
- How do I make Zoom use less data?
- Turn on Use less data under Settings, then Meetings, and turn off HD video. Stop your video when you do not need it.
- How much data does a one-hour group Zoom call use?
- About 810 MB in standard definition, 1.35 GB in 720p and 2.5 GB in 1080p.
- Is a Zoom call on hotel Wi-Fi free of mobile data?
- Yes. A call on Wi-Fi uses no data from your eSIM plan.
Work out your whole trip
Add up maps, music, video and calls for every day of your trip with the travel data calculator.
Plan size for 2 hours a day at 1:1 video (1080p) for 2 weeks: 45.4 GB plus 10% extra.
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