If you just got a new phone, or if you’re looking to switch providers, you may find yourself asking a strong question. “How much internet data do I need?” To answer that, you have to research how much internet data you use in the first place.

If you’re someone who loves watching Netflix and YouTube while out and about, expect to see a higher data bill. Video services eat up data faster than almost any other kind of media.

Yet, if you mostly just read posts on social media and skim through a few memes, you’ll notice a smaller data usage. That’s because those kinds of media take less data to transmit between devices. People also usually only use social media in bursts, meaning their data consumption is less consistent.

If you need to know how much data you need, just keep reading below for tips on figuring it out!

Know What You Will Use Data For

The quickest way to know how data you need is by being honest with what you’ll use it for. If you know that you like streaming music, movies, and games then you should opt for a plan with more data. It may cost more upfront, but you will save money on avoided overage charges.

And if you know that you’re not a heavy data user, you can save more money by getting a cheaper plan. You should also consider how much access to Wi-Fi you have. If your area usually has a lot of hotspots to connect to, you may be able to get by with a cheaper plan.

You can always piggy-back between hotspots to get your data!

Talk About Data Options With Your Provider

One of the things you should always do is discuss your needs with your provider. They’re there to help you, after all. If you let them know that you are confused about their data options, they’ll walk you through them.

They’ll also ask specific questions about how you use your data. This will help you be more honest with yourself about your data consumption. That can only mean you’ll end up with a more appropriate plan.

Use A Data Calculator

If you need answers right now though, there are options you can use. For example, you can use an internet data calculator to determine how much data you use. This is a tool which asks basic questions about how often you do different things online.

Using your estimates, the tool estimates how much data you consume daily. With this, you’ll be able to figure out how much internet data is right for you!

Answering “How Much Internet Data Do I Need” Will Show You the Right Plan

It’s easy to get lost in the details of different data plans. Traditional providers continue to offer traditional plans with different data caps at different prices. Yet, other providers are popping up which are embracing a pay-as-you-go model.

These newer provides include well-known names like Google or Verizon. They’re not the only options you have, though, and companies are bringing the internet to bold, new places. There are hundreds of different services to meet your unique answer to “how much internet data do I need.”

They all adapt to a changing internet. Companies are constantly shifting the way they approach data and information to keep up with each other. Keep reading here and you’ll learn all about new and changing trends in how companies provide data!