Connectivity while traveling internationally can be a challenge, especially when you need to make video calls. Have you ever wondered how much data a video call consumes?
In this article, we'll tell you all about the data usage of the main video conferencing apps, how to optimize their use for frequent travelers, and why an eSIM is the best connectivity option.
What are the best video calling apps in 2025?
Choosing the right app can make the difference between a smooth call and one filled with interruptions. The most popular apps in 2025 include Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, and WhatsApp. While the basic functionality is the same in all cases, each offers features that may better meet different needs.
Zoom
- Focused on the professional segment
- Offers high video quality and advanced features
- Ideal for sharing presentations
- Allows you to organize meetings of up to 100 members
- The free version is limited to 40 minutes per meeting, but paid plans do not have that limit.
Microsoft Teams
- Seamless integration with Microsoft tools, recommended for corporate environments
- The free plan includes one-to-one calls with a 30-hour limit, and group calls of up to 60 minutes.
Google Meet
- Accessible and easy to use, it offers free one-to-one calls of up to 24 hours duration, and group calls of up to 60 minutes.
- Google Workspace users can host meetings with up to 100 participants and a duration of 24 hours.
- Ideal for personal communications, this widely used tool enables fast and secure video calls, primarily from mobile devices.
- The desktop app also allows you to make video calls from a computer.
- There is no time limit.
How much data is consumed during a video call?
Data usage varies depending on the app , call quality, and other variables, such as camera usage or screen sharing. It's essential to keep this information in mind to avoid running out of data or receiving unpleasant surprises on your bill.
It will also be useful for estimating how much data you will need during your trip and defining which connectivity solution best suits your usage requirements.
Tips to optimize data usage
The second most important concern after staying connected during international travel is undoubtedly how to reduce data usage . Beyond general usage recommendations, there are some key tips specifically for optimizing data usage during video calls:
- Use secure Wi-Fi whenever possible : Wi-Fi networks can offer greater stability and speed.
- Reduce video quality: Lowering the resolution can significantly reduce data usage.
- Turn off video when not needed: Opting for audio-only calls can save data.
- Close other data-hungry apps: Social media and music and video streaming can increase data usage and slow down your connection. Closing all non-essential apps can improve call quality and reduce data usage.
Recommendations for travelers
Whether for work or pleasure, if you plan to make some video calls on your next trip, you'll need affordable, secure, and flexible connectivity.
Generally speaking, your connectivity options are:
- International roaming: Good in terms of convenience, as it only requires activating the roaming option on your phone; but the rates can be expensive, especially if you use data intensively, like video calls.
- Open Wi-Fi networks: convenient from a budget perspective, but not at all advisable from a security perspective, as your data and devices may be at risk. They're also often slow and, in some cases, have usage limitations, both time- and application-specific.
- Local SIM: Another fairly affordable option, but it has the disadvantage of requiring you to replace your physical SIM card with a new one every time you visit. And compatibility issues with your device may arise.
- eSIM data plan: the most convenient option in terms of budget, flexibility, security, and availability. You can choose from eSIM data plans with much more convenient rates than international roaming, and they come in a wide variety, so you can always find the one that suits your needs.
This technology uses encrypted networks, so your data and devices are protected. And with an Olysim eSIM , the best part is you can activate your data plan before leaving home, so you can stay connected without interruptions.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much data does a WhatsApp video call consume?
- A WhatsApp video call can consume between 0.5 and 1.5 MB per minute in standard quality, and between 1.5 and 4.5 MB per minute in high quality.
- How can I reduce data usage on Zoom?
- You can reduce video quality in Zoom settings or turn off video during the call to save data.
- Which app consumes the least data for video calls?
- Apps like WhatsApp and Skype tend to consume less data compared to Zoom or Microsoft Teams.
- How can I tell if my phone is eSIM compatible?
- You can check your device's eSIM compatibility in your phone's settings, on the manufacturer's website, or by checking our compatibility guide .
- Where can I get eSIM data plans for travel?
- Olysim - Esim provider in India, the market leader, offers a variety of eSIM data plans for different destinations.