Zoom is one of the most widely used apps for video calls, online classes, and remote work. The amount of data Zoom uses depends on several factors including whether your camera is on, the quality of the video, and the size of the meeting. For typical video calls, data usage generally falls between 500 MB and 2.5 GB per hour. If you plan to use Zoom while traveling abroad, using a global eSIM like Roamless can help manage your mobile internet usage.

How Much Data Does Zoom Use?

Zoom’s data usage ranges from about 0.5 MB per minute, 30 MB per hour, and up to 200 MB per week for audio-only calls to as high as 40 MB per minute, 2.5 GB per hour, and up to 17 GB per week for high-definition group video meetings. The table below shows estimated Zoom data usage per minute, per hour, and per week:

Table 1: Estimated Zoom Data Usage by Activity

Disclaimer: These values are approximate and actual usage may vary depending on network conditions and device settings. Please verify the most current Zoom usage information within your app or device settings.

Note: Zoom explains that the app automatically adjusts its bandwidth based on your network conditions, and the platform notes that HD video typically requires around 1.5 Mbps while 1080p group calls can need up to 3.8 Mbps [1].

How to Check Zoom Data Usage on Your Device

Knowing how much data Zoom uses on your phone can help you manage your data plan more effectively. Both iPhone and Android devices allow you to monitor how much data each app consumes.

For iPhone Devices:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.

2. Tap Mobile Data.

3. Scroll down until you see Zoom in the list of apps.

4. The number shown next to Zoom indicates how much mobile data the app has used.

5. You can reset these statistics at the start of a trip or billing cycle to track usage more accurately.

For Android Devices:

1. Open the Settings app on your Android device.

2. Tap Network and Internet.

3. Select Data Usage.

4. Tap App Data Usage and choose Zoom from the list.

5. The screen will show how much data Zoom has used over a selected period.

6. You can change the date range to monitor usage during travel or your monthly plan.

Disclaimer: Menu names may vary slightly depending on your device model and operating system version. Please verify the steps using your device manufacturer’s current guidance.

Note: Note: Some users in the Zoom community forum have asked how much data is needed for a couple hours of meetings, and other users noted that data usage can vary depending on video quality settings and other conditions [2].

How to reduce Zoom’s data usage

If you want to lower the amount of data Zoom uses during calls, there are several settings you can adjust. These options are especially helpful when you have a limited data plan or use mobile networks while traveling.

• Turn off your camera: This reduces Zoom’s data usage significantly during long calls.

• Lower the video quality: Selecting standard definition instead of high definition helps decrease data consumption.

• Limit screen sharing: Sharing your screen increases data usage, so use it only when necessary.

• Close background apps: Other apps using your internet connection can cause Zoom to consume more data.

• Keep Zoom updated: App updates may include improvements that help reduce data usage.

Disclaimer: Available Zoom settings may vary depending on your device, operating system, and app version. Network conditions and meeting settings can also affect data savings, so please verify the options in your Zoom account settings.

Comparing Zoom Data Usage to Other Video Conferencing Platforms

Zoom’s data usage can vary in a similar way to other video conferencing platforms, and the total amount depends largely on the video quality used during a call. The table below shows approximate hourly data usage for HD video quality across several commonly used services:

Table 2: Estimated Data Usage for Popular Video Conferencing Platforms

Disclaimer: Data usage may vary depending on device settings, network conditions, and the video quality selected within each platform. Please verify the available options and video quality settings within each platform’s current version.

Note: Some users in the Zoom community forum have mentioned that data usage can appear higher during longer sessions, especially when using features like screen sharing or HD video [3].

For more information, you can check out our post on How Much Data Does Streaming Use.

Using Zoom Abroad Using Roamless eSIM

Using Zoom while traveling can increase your mobile data consumption, especially during longer meetings or when using HD video. A global eSIM like Roamless can help you manage your data more effectively and reduce the risk of unexpected roaming charges when you are abroad:

• Wide global coverage: Roamless provides mobile data service in over 200 destinations, which makes it easier to join Zoom meetings during international travel.

• High-speed mobile connectivity: Roamless supports fast mobile data connections, including speeds up to 5G, without applying speed limits that could affect video call quality.

• Multiple device compatibility: Roamless works on both iOS and Android devices and does not require swapping a physical SIM card when traveling.

• In-app data tracking feature: Roamless allows you to monitor your mobile data usage directly within the app, which can help you estimate how much data Zoom consumes during your trip.

For more information, you can read our guides on How to Avoid Roaming Charges and How Much Data Do I Need for Travel Abroad.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Zoom use a lot of data?

Zoom can use a significant amount of data during video calls, especially when HD video or screen sharing is enabled. Lowering your video quality or switching to audio-only mode can help reduce overall data usage.

How much data does Zoom use per hour?

For most video calls, Zoom typically uses between 300 MB and 2.5 GB per hour depending on your video resolution, whether your camera is on, and the size of the meeting. Audio-only calls consume far less data.

How much data does Zoom use without video?

Zoom uses significantly less data when the camera is turned off. Audio-only calls usually consume about 30 MB per hour, and screen sharing without video uses about 60–180 MB per hour depending on what is being shared.

Sources:

[1] Zoom Support. ''Zoom system requirements: Windows, macOS, Linux - Bandwidth requirements'', Accessed 24 November 2025. - https://support.zoom.com/hc/en/article?id=zm_kb&sysparm_article=KB0060748#h_d278c327-e03d-4896-b19a-96a8f3c0c69c

[2] Zoom Community. ''How much data/ GB needed for Zoom -use?'', Accessed 24 November 2025. - https://community.zoom.com/t5/Zoom-Meetings/How-much-data-GB-needed-for-Zoom-use/m-p/126391

[3] Zoom Community. ''data usage'', Accessed 24 November 2025. - https://community.zoom.com/t5/Zoom-Meetings/data-usage/td-p/109431