Whether you are watching your mobile data or trying to work through a video call on an unstable connection, knowing how much data Zoom and Teams use can help you plan.
Both platforms adjust their quality according to available bandwidth. Actual usage changes with video resolution, the number of participants, the layout on screen and the movement in the picture. The hourly ranges below are Kwik Support estimates derived from the vendors' published bandwidth guidance and expected adaptive use. They are not vendor-published totals or fixed limits.
Data usage per hour: Zoom vs Teams
The difference between the platforms is usually smaller than the difference made by your settings. Camera resolution and gallery view have a much larger effect than the product name.
Video calls with the camera on
Swipe across to compare both platforms.
| Call type | Zoom | Microsoft Teams |
|---|---|---|
| One-to-one video, 720p | 0.9 to 1.3 GB/hr | 0.8 to 1.3 GB/hr |
| One-to-one video, 1080p | 1.5 to 2.0 GB/hr | 1.2 to 1.8 GB/hr |
| Group video, gallery view | 1.5 to 2.5 GB/hr | 1.2 to 2.0 GB/hr |
| Group video, speaker view | 0.9 to 1.5 GB/hr | 0.8 to 1.3 GB/hr |
Audio and screen sharing
Swipe across to compare both platforms.
| Call type | Zoom | Microsoft Teams |
|---|---|---|
| Audio only | 60 to 80 MB/hr | 50 to 70 MB/hr |
| Screen sharing without video | 150 to 300 MB/hr | 200 to 400 MB/hr |
| Screen sharing with video | 1.2 to 2.0 GB/hr | 1.0 to 1.8 GB/hr |
Turning off video can reduce usage by roughly 95% compared with an HD video call. If data is the concern, camera use matters much more than choosing Zoom or Teams.
What affects your data usage?
Video quality
Resolution is the biggest factor. A 1080p call can use considerably more data than a 720p call. For an ordinary conversation or spreadsheet review, 720p is normally enough.
Number of video feeds
Gallery view receives several video streams at once. Speaker view gives the active speaker priority and generally needs less bandwidth.
Movement and screen content
A mostly static slide needs less data than fast-moving video. Rapid scrolling, animations and shared video increase the amount of information that must be transmitted.
Available connection speed
Both services adapt to the network. A slower connection usually means lower picture quality and lower data use. More available bandwidth allows the platforms to increase quality.
How to reduce data usage on calls
- Turn off your camera when it adds little value.Audio-only calls use a fraction of the data required for video.
- Use speaker view rather than gallery view.This is particularly useful in larger meetings.
- Disable HD when you do not need it.Zoom provides an HD option under video settings. In Teams, turning off your camera or incoming video gives the most direct saving.
- Use phone dial-in when it is available.A normal phone call avoids internet data, although call charges and conferencing availability may apply.
- Pause competing traffic.Large downloads, streaming and cloud synchronisation can affect call quality.
- Use Ethernet where practical.A stable wired connection will not reduce the chosen bitrate by itself, but it helps avoid quality drops caused by weak WiFi.
Bandwidth requirements
The figures below are published recommendations for a comfortable experience. They are bandwidth speeds, not hourly data totals.
Zoom
- One-to-one 720p video: 1.2 Mbps up and down
- Group 720p video: 2.6 Mbps up and 1.8 Mbps down
- 1080p video: 3.8 Mbps up and 3.0 Mbps down
- Audio: 60 to 80 Kbps
Microsoft Teams
- One-to-one video: 1.5 Mbps up and down recommended
- Meeting video: 2.5 Mbps up and 4.0 Mbps down recommended
- Meeting screen sharing: 2.5 Mbps up and down recommended
- Audio: 58 Kbps up and down recommended
Specifications checked against the current Zoom desktop app requirements and Microsoft Teams network guidance on 29 August 2026.
South African connection realities
Fibre should handle either platform comfortably when the line and local WiFi are healthy. LTE and 5G can also work well, but performance may vary with signal strength, congestion and the number of people sharing the connection.
During a power or fixed-line outage, moving a full HD group meeting onto a capped mobile connection can consume data quickly. Audio-only mode, speaker view and shorter camera use are the most effective controls. A suitable backup power supply for the fibre ONT and router may keep the fixed connection running during a local power interruption.
Which platform fits your business?
Because their practical data use is similar, the decision usually comes down to how your team works.
Teams may fit better when
- You already license a Microsoft 365 plan that includes Teams
- You use SharePoint, OneDrive and Outlook together
- Internal chat, files, meetings and channels should live in one workspace
- Central Microsoft 365 administration is important
Zoom may fit better when
- Video meetings are the main requirement
- You meet external clients frequently
- Your users and clients already know Zoom
- Webinars and external events are a major use case
Many businesses use Teams internally and Zoom for selected external meetings. That is reasonable when it solves a real workflow need, although two platforms also mean two sets of settings, licences and support considerations.
Cape Town businesses
Need help with Microsoft 365 or business connectivity?
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