I used to cling to “unlimited everything” like a security blanket. Carriers said I “needed” it, so I paid up. Then I checked my actual usage and, shocker, I wasn’t even close to using that much. If your bill feels bloated, it might be your plan, not your habits.

Here’s the unvarnished truth: video eats data for breakfast, Wi-Fi is your budget’s best friend, and the average person uses far less cellular data than the ads imply. Below, I’ll break down what burns data, how much people actually use per month, when unlimited plans do make sense, and the easiest ways to cut your data bill without living like a monk.

What Really Eats Your Data (Spoiler: It’s Video)

Streaming is the hog. Think “how much data does Netflix use per hour?” Try roughly 0.3 GB per hour on low, around 3 GB per hour in HD, and up to about 7 GB per hour in 4K. YouTube 1080p and TikTok can easily land around 1 to 3 GB per hour depending on quality and doom scrolling stamina. Video calls aren’t innocent either. Expect about 1 GB per hour for typical mobile calls, more for large HD group calls. Social apps nibble with constant auto play, background refresh, and uploads, while cloud backups can quietly chomp through gigs. Translation: if you watch lots of HD or 4K on the go, your “mystery” data drain isn’t a mystery at all.

How Much Data You Actually Use Each Month

Here’s where expectations meet reality. The average mobile data usage per month in North America recently hovered around the low 20 GB range per smartphone. Meanwhile, a big chunk of unlimited customers don’t crack 15 GB of cellular use. That gap stunned me. It means tons of people are paying for “just in case” data they never touch. If your real cellular use, not counting Wi-Fi, lives under about 25 GB, an affordable capped plan, say 15 to 30 GB with rollover, often saves real money without cramping your style.

Wi-Fi: Your Secret Unlimited Plan

Most phones do the heavy lifting on Wi-Fi at home, work, and coffee shops. That’s free data, so use it ruthlessly. Download podcasts, playlists, shows, and maps on Wi-Fi before you leave. One catch: iPhone’s Wi-Fi Assist can quietly fall back to cellular when Wi-Fi is weak. If your data spikes while you’re literally on your couch, toggle that off. On Android, keep background data restrained and use Data Saver. Small switches prevent your phone from sipping LTE like it’s a fancy latte.

Unlimited Plans: When They Actually Pay Off

Unlimited makes sense if you stream lots of HD or 4K on cellular, hotspot a laptop regularly, game or live stream on the go, or don’t have reliable Wi-Fi. But read the fine print. Many unlimited plans include a priority data cap. After a certain amount, you can be slowed during congestion. If that bugs you, pick a plan with a larger premium data bucket. Rule of thumb: under about 25 GB per month, try a cheaper tier. Consistently over 40 to 50 GB with hotspotting or video, and unlimited likely earns its keep.

Easy Data Saving Wins (That Don’t Feel Like Punishment)

Flip on Low Data Mode on iPhone or Data Saver on Android. In every streaming app, set cellular quality to Auto or SD and keep HD or 4K for Wi-Fi. Turn off cellular access for data hungry apps you only use at home. Pre download music, podcasts, and maps before trips. Limit auto play and background refresh on social apps. And yes, check your carrier app or phone settings monthly. A 60 second reality check can shave dollars off your bill, or prove you truly need unlimited. Either outcome is a win.