How to Find the Right Phone Plan for Your Data Usage
Ever look at your phone bill and wonder what you’re actually paying for? You’re not alone. Many people choose a data plan once, forget about it, and keep paying for the same amount of data for years, even when their usage has changed.
The good news? It’s easy to figure out how much data you need and avoid overpaying.
By looking at how you actually use your phone, you can find a phone plan that fits your data usage and your budget. Once you know what you need, it’s easier to compare affordable phone plan options and choose the right fit.
Tello is here to help you understand your data habits and explore your wireless options.
What Is Mobile Data?
Mobile data is what your phone uses to connect to the internet when you’re not on Wi-Fi. Browsing the web, checking social media, streaming music, watching videos, using maps, and downloading files can all use mobile data.
How much data you need largely depends on what you do on your phone and how often you use it without being connected to Wi-Fi.
For example:
- Sending messages and checking email usually uses very little data.
- Browsing websites and social media uses a moderate amount of data.
- Streaming music uses more data over time.
- Streaming video, especially in high quality, can use a lot of data.
- Using your phone as a hotspot can quickly increase your data usage.
So instead of choosing a plan based on what sounds like a lot of data, start by checking your actual usage.
How Much Data Do You Really Need?
There’s no single amount of data that works for everyone. Your ideal plan depends on your habits.
Here’s a general starting point:
- Your phone habits
- Mostly calls, texts, email, and Wi-Fi
- Social media, maps, and occasional streaming
- Frequent scrolling, music, video, and navigation
- Heavy streaming, hotspot use, and frequent mobile data
- You may need
- 1 – 5 GB
- 5 – 10 GB
- 10 – 20 GB
- 20+ GB
These are estimates, not strict categories. Two people who both choose a 10 GB plan could have completely different usage patterns.
For context, the average US wireless user now consumes around 22 – 23 GB of data a month, according to Ericsson’s Mobility Report. However, heavy streamers and hotspot users push this average up, making it less representative of typical, everyday usage.
The best place to start is to check your phone’s built-in data usage tracker.
📲 How to Check Your Data Usage
Before you guess, check how much mobile data you’ve actually used over the past few months.
You can usually check your data usage through your mobile provider’s app or website. Your phone’s settings can also show you which apps are using the most mobile data, giving you a clearer picture of your everyday habits.
On most smartphones, you can find this information in your Cellular or Mobile Network Settings. The exact steps depend on your device.
- iPhone: Settings > Cellular > scroll down to see data usage by app (a bunch of apps will show up) > Show All (to see Cellular Data Usage for all your apps)
- Android: Settings > Network & Internet > Data Usage
If your phone or carrier allows it, look at the past 2 to 3 months, instead of just one month. Usage can swing based on travel, streaming habits, or a month where you binged a new show on your commute. Averaging a few months gives you a clearer picture.
Pay attention to which apps use the most data, too. You might discover that video apps are responsible for most of your usage, while messaging and email barely make a dent.
📱Check Which Apps Use the Most Data
Your phone can usually show a breakdown of data usage by app. This can help you spot data-heavy habits.
For example, if video streaming consistently accounts for most of your mobile data, reducing video quality when you’re away from Wi-Fi could lower your usage. If maps or music are high on your list, downloading content over Wi-Fi can also help.
A few simple changes could lower your data usage enough to choose a smaller plan and save you some money.
📶 Think About How You Use Data Away From Wi-Fi
Your total data usage isn’t the only thing to consider. Think about where and when you use mobile data.
If you spend most of your day at home, at work, or somewhere else with reliable Wi-Fi, you may not need a large mobile data allowance.
On the other hand, you may need more data if you:
- Commute for long periods
- Work remotely
- Stream music or podcasts while you’re out
- Watch videos away from Wi-Fi
- Frequently use GPS navigation
- Spend a lot of time on social media
- Use your phone as a hotspot
- Travel around the US and rely on mobile data
Your phone plan should reflect your everyday routine. That’s why flexible, build-your-own plans like Tello’s can make sense: you can adjust it as your needs change.
🛜 Don’t Forget About Hotspot Data
Hotspot usage deserves special attention.
When you use your phone as a hotspot, other devices connect to the internet through your phone’s mobile data connection. Laptops, tablets, and other connected devices can use significantly more data than your phone alone.
If you regularly use your phone as a hotspot, check whether the plan you’re considering includes hotspot data and how much you get.
For example, all Tello data plans include free hotspot. With the Unlimited plan, you get 10 GB of hotspot data, which comes out of your 50 GB monthly high-speed data allowance.
Find a Phone Plan That Fits Your Usage
Your ideal plan depends on how you use your phone. It’s the one that gives you the freedom you actually need, at a price that makes sense for you.
Start by checking your current data usage. Then consider your Wi-Fi access, streaming habits, hotspot usage, and how much flexibility you want.
With Tello, you can choose a ready-made plan or build your own, with the flexibility to upgrade or downgrade it whenever your needs change. No contracts, no lock-ins, and no premium price tag.
Tello’s data plans start at $8/month, so you don’t have to commit to a large data allowance just because you might need it someday. Tello also offers a talk & text only plan for just $5/month.
So, what does the right amount of data look like in real life?
Let’s see which Tello plan fits the way you use your phone. 👇
🪶 2 GB Plan: For a light scroller.
Best for:
- Teens who spend most of their time on Wi-Fi
- Light social media users
- People who mainly text, call, and check email
- Occasional GPS and map users
- Anyone who rarely streams video on mobile data
- People who want a simple, low-data plan without overpaying for wireless
You spend most of your day on Wi-Fi and mainly use mobile data for the essentials. Think checking messages while you’re out, looking up directions, checking email, or sneaking in a few social media scrolls during your commute. If that sounds like you, 2 GB could be enough to keep you connected.
🏡 10 GB Plan: For everyday essentials.
Best for:
- High schoolers who use their phones throughout the day
- Regular social media users
- People who stream music on the go
- People who use maps and GPS regularly
- Anyone who spends some time away from Wi-Fi
- People who want more data for everyday use without going unlimited
You use your phone for more than just the basics, but you’re not constantly streaming video or burning through data. Think scrolling social media, listening to music, checking maps, browsing the web, and staying connected while you’re out and about. Sounds familiar? Then 10 GB can give you enough room for everyday mobile use without paying for more data than you need.
⚡️ 20 GB Plan: For busy days and bigger data needs.
Best for:
- Busy parents who are always on the go
- People who spend a lot of time away from Wi-Fi
- Regular video and music streamers
- People who use maps and navigation throughout the day
- Anyone who frequently scrolls social media on mobile data
- People who need plenty of data but don’t need an unlimited plan
You’re rarely sitting still, and neither is your data usage. Between streaming music on your commute, checking emails, navigating around town, scrolling social media, and catching up on videos when Wi-Fi isn’t available, your phone gets plenty of use. Is this you? Then 20 GB could give you the extra room you need for a busy month without going all the way to Unlimited.
🔋 Unlimited Plan: For max power.
An Unlimited Plan can make sense if you use your phone heavily or simply don’t want to worry about running out of data. Instead of checking your usage throughout the month, you can use mobile data for streaming, browsing, social media, navigation, and more without constantly watching the data counter.
An Unlimited Plan may be especially useful if you:
- Regularly scroll social media and upload photos or videos on mobile data
- Stream music and video regularly
- Spend a lot of time away from Wi-Fi
- Use your phone for navigation throughout the day
- Work remotely or rely on your phone for internet access
- Want more flexibility during months when your data usage is higher
Tello’s Unlimited Plan includes 50 GB of high-speed 5G data each month and 10 GB of hotspot data. Plus, it comes with a special feature: Data Rollover, which allows you to roll over unused high-speed data to the next month, letting you stack your monthly balance up to 100 GB total.
That means if you don’t use all your 50 GB of high-speed data in one month, you won’t lose it. It automatically rolls over to the next month.
Ready For a Flexible Phone Plan?
If your data needs can change regularly, you should consider a flexible option like Tello. Maybe you start working from home, change jobs, move somewhere with less Wi-Fi, or simply realize you’re using less data than you thought.
That’s why flexibility can be just as important as the amount of data included.
With Tello, you can build your own phone plan based on how much data, talk, and text you need. And when your needs change, you can easily upgrade or downgrade your plan free of charge.
Make a simple switch and start saving money.
Your Quick Guide to Choosing the Right Plan
How do I check how much data I use?
You can usually check your current data usage through your carrier’s app or website. Your phone’s settings can also show you how much mobile data you use and which apps are using the most.
What uses the most mobile data?
Video streaming typically uses the most data, especially when streaming in high quality. Social media, music streaming, video calls, navigation, and hotspot use can also add up quickly.
Does using Wi-Fi reduce mobile data usage?
Yes. When your phone is connected to Wi-Fi, most internet activity uses the Wi-Fi connection instead of your mobile data. If you regularly use reliable Wi-Fi at home, work, or school, you may not need as much mobile data.
Does hotspot use my mobile data?
Yes. When you use your phone as a hotspot, connected devices use your mobile data. That’s why it’s important to check how much hotspot data your plan includes, especially if you regularly connect a laptop or tablet.
How can I build my own plan?
You can build your own Tello plan using our plan builder. Choose the amount of data, talk, and text you need, then customize your plan to fit your usage and budget.
Can I change my phone plan if my data needs change?
That depends on your provider. With Tello, YES, you can upgrade or downgrade your plan when your needs change, so you don’t have to stick with the same amount of data or minutes month after month.
What should I look for when choosing a phone plan?
Think about how much data you use, how often you’re away from Wi-Fi, and whether you use hotspot. Not every provider lets you adjust your plan, but Tello gives you the freedom to upgrade or downgrade whenever you need.
Does Tello offer SIM and eSIM options?
Yes. Tello supports both physical SIM cards and eSIM, so you can choose the activation option that works best with your compatible phone. eSIM can be a convenient option if your device supports it and you want to activate your service without waiting for a physical SIM card to be delivered. Check your phone’s compatibility with eSIM here.
Can I keep my current phone with Tello?
Yes. You can bring your current phone to Tello as long as it’s compatible and unlocked. Check your device’s compatibility with Tello here.
Can I keep my current phone number with Tello?
Yes. You can transfer your existing phone number to Tello when you switch. Check out our guide to see how.
Why should I choose Tello’s Unlimited Plan?
Tello’s Unlimited Plan gives you 50 GB at full 5G speed with 10 GB of hotspot included. Plus, the Unlimited Plan comes with a standout feature: Data Rollover. That means you can roll over any unused high-speed data to the next month and build up to 100 GB in your monthly balance.
This plan gives you extra breathing room when your data needs are higher. It’s a great fit if you use your phone heavily, stream regularly, or simply don’t want to worry about using every last gigabyte before the month ends.
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