Language 
How much data does a Zoom call use, and how can it be reduced?
Zoom uses about 540 MB to 2.4 GB of data per hour, depending on video quality. See the full breakdown and how to cut usage while traveling.
How much data does Zoom use? Anywhere from about 30 MB an hour for audio-only to 2.4 GB an hour for HD group video. It depends entirely on how you meet.
Knowing how much data a Zoom call uses and exploring alternatives like Holafly’s eSIM with unlimited data will help you find the ideal solution to avoid hefty roaming charges while traveling without missing a work or personal meeting.
An app that gives back
Zoom data usage: How much data does a Zoom call use?
How much data does Zoom use per hour depends on the type of call. One-on-one video runs about 540 MB to 1.62 GB per hour, group video around 810 MB to 2.4 GB, and audio-only stays low at 27 to 36 MB. Here’s the full breakdown:
| Zoom activity | Data usage per hour |
|---|---|
| Audio-only | 27-36 MB |
| Screen sharing only | 22.5 MB |
| Screen sharing with video thumbnail | 67.5 MB |
| One-on-one video, standard | 540 MB |
| One-on-one video, HD | 1.62 GB |
| Group video, standard | 810 MB |
| Group video, HD | 2.4 GB |
Zoom data usage depends on a few things: video resolution, whether HD is on, background filters, and how many people have their cameras running. You can use our data usage calculator to see how that adds to your monthly total.
How much data does a one-on-one Zoom video call use?
A one-on-one Zoom video call uses about 540 MB per hour on Standard Definition. Switch on HD Video in your settings and that climbs to roughly 1.62 GB per hour. So how much data does a 1 hour Zoom call use? Around 540 MB standard, up to 1.62 GB in HD — turning HD off is the easiest way to halve it.
How much data does a Zoom group call use?
A group video call on Zoom uses around 810 MB per hour on standard resolution, rising to about 2.4 GB per hour with HD Video on. The more people have their cameras running, the faster it climbs. As with one-on-one calls, switching off HD is the quickest way to cut usage.
How much data does Zoom audio-only use?
Zoom audio-only uses just 27 to 36 MB per hour — far less than any video call. Joining by audio is the lightest way to attend a meeting on mobile data. If others have their cameras on, your usage stays tied to audio, but turning off incoming video in the Participants menu keeps it lowest.
How can I check how much data Zoom is using?
Here’s a quick step-by-step guide for checking your data usage on Android and iOS devices.
- On Android, go to “Settings,” select “More connectivity options,” and then “Data Usage.” Scroll down until you see Zoom and check the data usage.
Checking how much data Zoom uses on Android
- On iPhone, go to “Settings,” select “Cellular/Mobile Data,” and scroll down until you find Zoom.
How to reduce Zoom data usage
Even though Zoom’s data usage is quite high, there are different options to reduce it.
Lower video resolution in Zoom settings
Here’s a step-by-step process to lower the video resolution when using Zoom.
- On phones: Go to “More,” then select “Meetings.” Turn off the “HD Video” option to start saving data.
- On PCs: Click your profile picture and then “Settings.” Go to “Video” and select “Advanced.” Turn off “Optimize quality of the video I send with de-noise” and “Optimize quality of the video I receive with super-resolution” to start saving data.
Note: On PC, ensure the “HD” button is turned off in the “Video” settings.
Avoid sharing your screen while using mobile data
On a Zoom call, you can find the “Share” option, which allows you to share your screen or whiteboard. Screen sharing uses about 22.5 MB/hour — low on its own, but if other participants also share, the total climbs.
Even though data usage is lower than in a video call, if other participants share their screens, more data will be used during the call.
Make a phone call when available
When joining a call, if you don’t want to spend too much mobile data or you focus better on the information you’re getting when you’re not looking at other people, you can use US dial-in numbers.
When using this method, you’ll be required to introduce the Zoom meeting ID and password, if there is one, to join.
Note: If you’re outside the US, here’s the complete list of Zoom numbers for joining meetings.
Use an eSIM for better connectivity and cost savings
For remote workers, reliable internet isn’t optional — it’s essential. Whether you’re leading Zoom meetings, sharing your screen for presentations, or collaborating with global teams via video calls, you need a data plan that won’t let you down.
With Holafly Plans, you get a monthly postpaid eSIM designed for professionals who work from anywhere. Enjoy:
- Flexible data plans from 25 GB to unlimited data
- Unlimited data sharing based on your plan
- Automatic monthly renewal — no more topping up
- Coverage in over 160 destinations with up to 5G speeds
If you need on-demand eSIMs for short trips, Holafly also offers unlimited plans in over 200 destinations. Pricing starts at $6.90/day and as low as $1.55/day for long-term travelers. Plus, you get 24/7 customer support, a mobile app to manage and purchase data plans, up to 5G connectivity, and up to 1 GB of data sharing.
With these, you can forget about data roaming fees and join all the Zoom meetings you need!
Combine work with travel
Why not turn travel destination into your next workplace? Get a Holafly eSIM and work online from anywhere.
FAQs: Everything you need to know about Zoom & data usage
Zoom and Google Meet use similar amounts of data on video calls, over 2 GB per hour. Zoom uses less data for audio calls, with a 37 MB/hour rate, but Google Meet can use up to 100 MB/hour.
It depends. For a one-on-one video meeting, the data usage is up to 3.24 GB during a two-hour meeting. Zoom uses up to 4.8 GB in two hours for group video calls.
For audio calls, Zoom will use 74 MB during the meeting, which is much less than for video calls.
A one-hour Zoom call uses about 540 MB for a one-on-one video call in standard definition, rising to 1.62 GB in HD. Group video calls run roughly 810 MB to 2.4 GB per hour. Audio-only stays low at around 27 to 36 MB an hour.
Yes — Zoom is one of the more data-hungry apps, using up to 2.4 GB per hour for HD group video. That’s tough on limited data plans or roaming. Lowering video quality, sharing your screen sparingly, or dialing in by audio cuts usage sharply.
Zoom’s 40-minute rule is the time limit on meetings hosted by free Basic accounts. Almost any meeting with at least one other participant — including one-on-one calls — ends automatically after 40 minutes. Only a paid license lifts the cap. It limits meeting length, not how much data Zoom uses.
Plans that may interest you
I first started my content creation journey as a freelancer in 2019, before connecting with Holafly in 2021. At Holafly, my travel and tech interests come together in one place as I craft high-quality articles about the eSIM and related markets. My content aims to help travelers stay connected, wherever they are.
