How Much Data Does Zoom Use?
Zoom has become a daily tool for everything from work meetings to virtual family dinners. It’s a video conferencing platform that lets you connect face-to-face over the Internet – great for remote work, school, and staying in touch. But if you’re on a limited Internet plan – or just curious – you may be wondering: how much data does Zoom actually use?
Let’s break it down.
⚡ Quick Note: What’s the Difference Between Speed and Data?
Before we dive deeper, let’s clear up two terms that often get mixed up:
- Internet speed (measured in Mbps) is how fast your connection is – like the speed limit on a highway.
- Data usage (measured in MB or GB) is how much information you send and receive – like how many cars travel that road.
When you join a Zoom call, your device sends and receives a continuous stream of video, audio, and screen data. This counts toward your monthly data allowance if your Internet plan has a cap.
So even if your connection is fast (e.g. 75 Mbps), Zoom still uses up data – just like streaming Netflix or downloading files would.
📊 Zoom Data Usage by Call Type
| Call Type | Data Used per Hour (Approximate) |
|---|---|
| 1-on-1 Video Call (HD) | 540 MB – 1.6 GB |
| Group Video Call (HD) | 810 MB – 2.4 GB |
| Screen Sharing (no video) | 150 MB – 300 MB |
| Audio-only Call | 30 MB – 60 MB |
| Webinar or View-only | 450 MB – 1.2 GB |
Actual usage may vary depending on resolution, screen sharing, and other factors.
🇨🇦 What Does This Mean for Canadian Internet Plans?
If you’re with a provider like Bell, Rogers, or NetJOI and have a monthly data cap (e.g. 150 GB), a few long Zoom calls could make a noticeable dent.
Let’s say:
- You attend 10 hours of group meetings a week
- At 2 GB/hour, that’s 80 GB/month
Add in Netflix, gaming, or other work tools – and you’re suddenly pushing your limit.
🌐 Zoom vs Other Apps – Data Usage Compared
| Platform | 1-on-1 Video Call (HD) | Group Video Call (HD) | Audio-Only Call |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zoom | 540 MB – 1.6 GB/hr | 810 MB – 2.4 GB/hr | 30 – 60 MB/hr |
| Microsoft Teams | 540 MB – 1.4 GB/hr | 900 MB – 2.7 GB/hr | ~60 MB/hr |
| Google Meet | 600 MB – 1.5 GB/hr | 1.0 – 2.6 GB/hr | ~40 MB/hr |
| Skype | ~500 MB/hr | ~1.5 GB/hr | ~40 MB/hr |
| Webex | 600 MB – 1.8 GB/hr | 1.0 – 2.5 GB/hr | ~80 MB/hr |
🔍 How Zoom Compares
Zoom’s data usage is moderate when stacked against other video conferencing tools. It generally uses less data than Webex or Microsoft Teams, but a little more than Skype or Google Meet in some cases.
The difference isn’t huge, but if you’re watching your monthly data, switching to audio-only mode or disabling HD video can help stretch your plan further – without needing to switch platforms.
💡 Tips to Reduce Zoom Data Usage
- Turn off HD video: Go to Zoom Settings → Video → uncheck “Enable HD”
- Use audio-only mode: Great for when you’re on the go or low bandwidth
- Close background apps: Especially if you’re screen sharing
- Switch to phone dial-in: Join by phone instead of Internet when needed
🛠️ What Internet Speed Do You Need for Zoom?
Zoom recommends:
- 600 kbps (up/down) for 1-on-1 calls
- 1.5 Mbps (up/down) for group video
- 3 Mbps+ (upload) for best quality on group HD calls
👉 Even our entry-level NetJOI plans offer enough speed for smooth Zoom calls – and higher speeds give you even more breathing room.
📦 Not Sure You Have Enough Data?
If you’re regularly hitting your cap or your Zoom calls are choppy, it may be time to:
- Upgrade your Internet plan
- Switch to a provider with unlimited data (like us 😉)
Want more helpful tips?
Check out our Wi-Fi Troubleshooting Guide
or browse NetJOI Internet plans.
