1, 5, 10, 15, 25 GB of Mobile Internet: How Long Does It Last

Mobile internet has stopped being an additional option and has become a basic tool of everyday life. Users rely on it for navigation, communication, work outside the home, and access to digital services that were previously tied to Wi-Fi. At the same time, a significant portion of subscribers have little understanding of how exactly mobile data is consumed and why the same data package runs out at different speeds for different people.

Understanding actual data consumption allows for more precise control over internet expenses and advance assessment of whether a specific volume fits everyday tasks. This is especially important when traveling, where mobile internet is often used as the primary source of network access – for maps, messengers, bookings, and online services.

This article examines how much different volumes of mobile data actually provide and how to use them economically. Examples of consumption for popular applications will be analyzed, tables with calculations will be presented, typical usage scenarios will be described, and tips will be provided to help determine the optimal data package for different tasks.

1 GB of Internet – How Much Is That in Megabytes and Hours?

In quantitative terms, 1 GB of mobile internet equals 1024 megabytes. However, megabytes themselves explain little. Users need to understand how much real time and what actions this volume covers in everyday use.

If we consider video content, one feature film lasting about two hours in standard quality (SD or 480p) consumes an average of 1–1.2 GB of data. This means a 1 GB package is enough for approximately one movie without accounting for background consumption. When quality is increased to HD, the same film can consume 2–3 GB, and the volume will run out after just 20–30 minutes of viewing.

Social media consumes data differently. Browsing a feed with photos and short videos on Instagram or TikTok uses an average of 600–800 MB per hour. In this mode, 1 GB lasts approximately 1–1.5 hours of active scrolling.

For comparison, text-based messengers use minimal data. Messaging on WhatsApp or Telegram without video and voice messages consumes a few megabytes per hour, so 1 GB can last hundreds of hours of communication. Navigation apps are also considered economical: map operation with GPS enabled consumes an average of 5–10 MB per hour, allowing navigation use for many days.

What 1 GB of Internet Covers: Consumption Table

1 GB – How Many Days Does It Last?

For a basic scenario using messengers, navigation, and light web surfing, 1 GB can last 3–5 days.

• Average user: With daily social media use and moderate content viewing, the volume is consumed in 1–2 days.
• Active user: With regular video viewing, 1 GB runs out in a few hours.
• Traveler: For navigation, messengers, and information searches, 1 GB can last 2–4 days of a short trip.

5 GB of Internet – How Much Is That in Megabytes and Hours?

In quantitative terms, 5 GB of mobile internet equals 5120 megabytes. However, megabytes themselves explain little. Users need to understand how much real time and what actions this volume covers in everyday use.

If we consider video content, one feature film lasting about two hours in standard quality (SD or 480p) consumes an average of 1–1.2 GB of data. This means a 5 GB package is enough for approximately 4–5 movies without accounting for background consumption. When quality is increased to HD, the same film can consume 2–3 GB, and the entire volume will run out after just one or two viewings.

Social media consumes data differently. Browsing a feed with photos and short videos on Instagram or TikTok uses an average of 600–800 MB per hour. In this mode, 5 GB lasts approximately 6–8 hours of active scrolling. With video autoplay disabled, consumption decreases, but it's impossible to avoid it completely due to background downloads.

For comparison, text-based messengers use minimal data. Messaging on WhatsApp or Telegram without video and voice messages consumes a few megabytes per hour, so 5 GB can last hundreds of hours of communication. Navigation apps are also considered economical: map operation with GPS enabled consumes an average of 5–10 MB per hour, allowing navigation use for many days without noticeable impact on the overall volume.

What 5 GB of Internet Covers: Consumption Table

5 GB – How Many Days Does It Last?

For a basic scenario, mobile internet consumption remains minimal. Using messengers, navigation, email, and browsing websites without video, 5 GB can last from two weeks to one month.

• Average user: With daily social media use with periodic video viewing, web surfing, and sending photos, a 5 GB volume is typically consumed in 7–10 days.
• Active user: When prioritizing video content and social platforms with video autoplay, consumption increases sharply, and a 5 GB package can run out in 2–4 days.
• Traveler: For functional use for navigation, bookings, messengers, and periodic website browsing, 5 GB lasts 1–2 weeks, making it a convenient option for short trips.

Earn €5 for you and €5 for friend!

Invite friends and receive bonuses on purchasesLearn more

10 GB of Internet – How Much Is That in Megabytes and Hours?

In quantitative terms, 10 GB of mobile internet equals 10240 megabytes. This volume is considered average and suitable for most users combining different types of activity throughout the month.

If we consider video content, a 10 GB package is enough for approximately 8–10 feature films in standard quality (SD or 480p). When quality is increased to HD, the same volume allows watching 3–5 films. This makes 10 GB a comfortable option for periodic video viewing without constant restrictions. Social media with active use consumes a significant portion of data.

Browsing a feed with photos and short videos on Instagram or TikTok for 12–16 hours will completely exhaust a 10 GB package. However, with combined use – when part of the time is devoted to social media and part to other tasks – this volume becomes more versatile.

For web surfing, reading news, and working with websites, 10 GB provides about 50–60 hours of active use. Text-based messengers have virtually no impact on overall consumption, allowing unlimited communication. Navigation apps also remain economical and don't create noticeable traffic load.

Video calls consume an average of 600–900 MB per hour, meaning approximately 10–15 hours of connection for the entire package. This makes 10 GB sufficient for periodic work calls or communication with loved ones without constantly monitoring remaining data.

What 10 GB of Internet Covers: Consumption Table

10 GB – How Many Days Does It Last?

With minimal consumption for basic tasks, 10 GB can last 1–2 months of comfortable use.

• Average user: With balanced use of social media, web surfing, messengers, and periodic video viewing, a 10 GB volume is typically consumed in 2–3 weeks.
• Active user: With regular video viewing, streaming, and frequent video calls, a 10 GB package runs out in 5–7 days.
• Traveler: For trips lasting 2–4 weeks with active use of navigation, bookings, social media, and moderate content viewing, 10 GB becomes the optimal choice.

15 GB of Internet – How Much Is That in Megabytes and Hours?

In quantitative terms, 15 GB of mobile internet equals 15360 megabytes. This volume belongs to extended packages and is suitable for users with increased multimedia content consumption.

If we consider video content, a 15 GB package is enough for approximately 12–15 feature films in standard quality (SD or 480p). When quality is increased to HD, the same volume allows watching 5–7 films. This makes 15 GB a suitable option for those who regularly watch series or movies on the go.

Social media with intensive use becomes one of the main sources of consumption. Browsing a feed with photos and short videos on Instagram or TikTok for 18–24 hours will completely exhaust a 15 GB package. With moderate social media use combined with other tasks, this volume provides comfortable access for several weeks.

For web surfing and reading news, 15 GB provides about 75–100 hours of active use. Video calls consume approximately 600–900 MB per hour, meaning about 15–25 hours of connection for the entire package. This makes 15 GB sufficient for regular work calls or distance learning.

Music streaming services consume an average of 40–100 MB per hour depending on quality. At maximum quality, 15 GB provides about 150–200 hours of listening, allowing music to be combined with other tasks without noticeable impact on the overall data balance.

What 15 GB of Internet Covers: Consumption Table

15 GB – How Many Days Does It Last?

With basic use, 15 GB can provide internet access for 2–3 months.

• Average user: With active use of social media, web surfing, messengers, and regular video viewing, a 15 GB volume is typically consumed in 3–4 weeks.
• Active user: With daily video viewing, streaming, frequent video calls, and intensive social media use, a 15 GB package runs out in 7–10 days.
• Traveler: For extended trips (3–5 weeks) with active use of all services, including navigation, bookings, social media, and video content, 15 GB becomes a balanced solution.

25 GB of Internet – How Much Is That in Megabytes and Hours?

In quantitative terms, 25 GB of mobile internet equals 25600 megabytes. This volume belongs to extended and premium packages, providing virtually unlimited use of most everyday tasks.

If we consider video content, a 25 GB package is enough for approximately 20–25 feature films in standard quality (SD or 480p). When quality is increased to HD, the same volume allows watching 8–12 films. For video content enthusiasts, this means the ability to watch a film daily for several weeks without fear of exhausting all data.

Social media with intensive use consumes a significant portion of data, but 25 GB provides about 30–40 hours of active scrolling with video autoplay. With combined use – when social media alternates with other tasks – this volume becomes practically sufficient for a monthly period.

For web surfing, reading news, and working with websites, 25 GB provides about 125–165 hours of active use. Video calls consume approximately 600–900 MB per hour, meaning about 25–40 hours of connection for the entire package. This makes 25 GB optimal for remote work, distance learning, or frequent communication with family and colleagues via video.

Music streaming services at maximum quality provide about 250–625 hours of listening. Online games consume an average of 40–100 MB per hour, allowing play for 250–600 hours without noticeable impact on balance. App and operating system updates, which can consume 500–2000 MB, also don't create critical load with this volume.

What 25 GB of Internet Covers: Consumption Table

25 GB – How Many Days Does It Last?

With basic use, 25 GB can provide internet access for 3–6 months or more.

• Average user: With active use of social media, web surfing, messengers, regular video viewing, and music streaming, a 25 GB volume is typically consumed in 4–6 weeks.
• Active user: With daily HD video viewing, streaming, frequent video calls, intensive social media use, and online gaming, a 25 GB package runs out in 10–14 days.
• Traveler: For extended trips (1–2 months) with full use of all services, including video, social media, navigation, bookings, and remote work, 25 GB becomes the most comfortable solution.
• Remote worker: For those working outside the office and using mobile internet for video conferences, file uploads, cloud services, and constant access to work tools, 25 GB provides stable operation for a month.

Comparative Table of All Volumes

How to Save Data

Even with limited data volumes, users can significantly reduce mobile internet consumption by adjusting settings and usage habits in advance. Simple actions allow extending any package for a longer period without serious restrictions:

• Downloading maps for offline use. Navigation apps allow downloading maps in advance via Wi-Fi. In offline mode, only GPS is used, so mobile data consumption is virtually zero even during long trips.
• Limiting video quality. Setting standard or low video quality on YouTube, social media, and streaming services reduces data consumption several times. This is especially important for those who regularly watch videos over mobile internet.
• Using Wi-Fi and blocking media autoload. Connecting to Wi-Fi for app updates, file downloads, and video viewing helps conserve mobile data. Additionally, it's recommended to disable automatic photo and video downloads in messengers and social media.
• Enabling data saver mode on iOS and Android. System data saver modes limit background app activity and synchronization. This allows more effective control of data consumption and avoids unnoticed data usage.
• Disabling video autoplay. In social media settings, you can disable automatic video playback in the feed, which significantly reduces data consumption while scrolling.
• Using lightweight app versions. Many popular services offer Lite versions (Facebook Lite, Messenger Lite, Twitter Lite) that consume less data and are suitable for economical use.

These measures are especially relevant for users who want to extend their package and maintain internet access for the entire trip or billing period.

Best eSIM Plans for Travel

When planning a trip, an eSIM package with mobile data often becomes a practical alternative to roaming and local SIM cards. Different volumes suit different types of travel and usage intensity. eSIM plans allow advance cost control and independence from Wi-Fi availability. Below are popular providers where you can find eSIM plans with various data volumes:

• Yesim – focused on flexible pay-as-you-go plans. Supports packages from 1 GB to 25 GB and more, making it a convenient option for trips with varying data consumption.
• Airalo – one of the largest global eSIM providers with wide coverage. Offers prepaid packages from 1 GB to 20 GB that work in many countries and regions.
• Holafly – specializes in tourist eSIM solutions. In addition to unlimited plans, the lineup includes packages with fixed data volumes from 5 GB to 25 GB.
• Saily – offers global eSIM plans with predetermined data volumes. Packages from 1 GB to 20 GB often have extended validity periods, convenient for unhurried travel.
• Nomad – focuses on regional and global packages with flexible volume selection. Options available from 1 GB for short trips to 10–15 GB for extended travel.

All listed services work on a similar principle: the user selects data volume and validity period in advance, then receives mobile internet access without a physical SIM card. This simplifies trip planning and allows advance assessment of necessary data volume for specific tasks.

Advantages of eSIM for Travel

Using eSIM for travel has several practical advantages compared to traditional SIM cards and mobile carrier roaming:

• instant activation via app or QR code without visiting stores;
• lower costs compared to classic roaming;
• ability to choose a data package for a specific country or region;
• convenience when traveling to multiple countries without changing SIM cards;
• transparent pricing and expense control.

Thanks to these advantages, eSIM packages suit travelers who value ease of connection, predictable mobile internet consumption, and stable network access on the road.

Which Data Volume Suits Whom

Choosing the optimal mobile data volume depends on individual usage scenarios. Below is a breakdown by user types for each volume.

Conclusion

Choosing the optimal mobile internet volume depends on individual needs and usage scenarios. Each data package has its specifics:

When choosing a package, it's important to consider not only the total number of days of use but also the type of activity. Video, social media with autoplay, and video calls consume data significantly faster than messengers, navigation, and web surfing.

Using data saver modes, disabling media autoload, and downloading offline maps can significantly extend the lifespan of any package.

Seamless mobile internet in 200+ countries –– at a cup of coffee price! Take away!

Take away!