Podcasts. Our trusty companion on lengthy commutes, days on the beach and long airport waits.
Whether you're tucking into a true crime case or brushing up on your Spanish ahead of a long weekend in Madrid, podcasts are a great way to make use of time on your travels.
But have you ever stopped to wonder how much data podcasts use?
If your data is disappearing faster than your patience during an ad break, then it might be time to do a little digging.
Thankfully, we at Airalo are here to help.
Let's dive into the data depths and figure out whether your fave podcasts are munching through your megabytes or whether they're more data-friendly than you first thought.
Spoiler alert: It leans more towards the latter, you'll be pleased to hear.
How Much Data Do Podcasts Use?
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The amount of data a podcast uses depends on three things; audio quality, length and whether you're streaming or downloading.
Let's break it down.
- Low Quality (64 kbps): Uses around 28 MB per hour.
- Medium Quality (96 kbps): Averages about 42 MB per hour.
- High Quality (128 kbps): Expect to burn through around 56 MB per hour.
So, how much data does a one-hour podcast use?
If you're streaming a standard 96 kbps podcast, you’re looking at roughly 40-50 MB per hour.
To put that into context, the average person uses around 8 GB of data per month, which is equal to about 190 hours of a 42 MB podcast.
But that's assuming you don't use your data for anything other than podcasts.
Which, of course, you do. Still, 190 hours is not to be sniffed at.
Streaming vs Downloading - Which Uses More Data?
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Here's where things get interesting. When you stream a podcast, you use data continuously as it plays.
Downloading, on the other hand, uses data upfront but lets you listen offline later without using additional data.
So, how much data does downloading a podcast use?
- Downloading: Uses the same amount of data as streaming, but only once. That means, once it’s on your device, you can replay it as many times as you like without racking up any additional data charges.
- Streaming: Every time you hit play, you’re using data. Perfect for a one-time listen, or if you only want to listen to part of a podcast, but potentially costly for repeat plays.
Top tip: Download your podcasts while connected to a Wi-Fi network.
This way, you can listen to podcasts without using your treasured data.
Particularly handy if you're on a limited data plan and are sick of seeing those dreaded "you've used 80% of your data allowance" notifications.
How to Calculate Your Podcast Data Usage
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Still curious about how much data streaming a podcast uses? Here's a quick formula.
- Find your podcast's bitrate - usually 64 kbps, 96 kbps, or 128 kbps.
- Multiply the bitrate by the length of the episode in seconds.
- Convert the total from kilobits to megabytes by dividing by 8,000 and you’ll get your answer.
Here's an example using a 1-hour podcast at 96 kbps:
- 96 x 60 x 60 = 345,600 kilobits. Divide that by 8,000 and you've got 43.2 MB.
Not a fan of maths? I don't blame you.
Just assume an hour of average sound quality will use around 40-50 MB.
How to Check Podcast Data Usage on Your Device
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It's really easy to monitor how much data podcasts use on your device. Just follow these simple steps.
On an iPhone
- Go to Settings
- Tap Cellular/ Mobile Data
- Scroll down to Podcasts
- Check the data usage under Current Period
On Android
- Go to Settings
- Tap Connections or Network & Internet
- Tap Data Usage
- Select Mobile Data Usage and look for Podcasts
Note: These steps may vary depending on how old your phone is, but should be more or less the same.
Simple Tips to Save Data Without Missing an Episode
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Worried about burning through your data?
Here are some reliable ways to keep your megabytes in check.
- Download Podcasts Over Wi-Fi - Downloading episodes at home, or a café with decent Wi-Fi, before your trip means you can enjoy your podcasts offline. This is the best way to save data when listening to podcasts. As with most things in life, it pays to plan ahead.
- Adjust the Audio Quality - Many podcast apps let you lower the streaming quality. If you do this, it should still sound fine. Unless you have extremely fine-tuned hearing and a pet hate for low-quality audio.
- Set Auto-Downloads to Wi-Fi Only - Apps like Spotify and Apple Podcasts often have an option to restrict downloads to Wi-Fi connections. Use it and thank us later.
- Use Travel eSIMs - If you're abroad, being hit with extortionate roaming charges is a nightmare come true. Avoid it happening to you by opting for an eSIM for travel. It allows you to better control your data usage and stay connected affordably.
Streaming Platforms and Data Perks
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Different podcast apps have slightly different data requirements.
Here's a quick comparison of how much data the major platforms use.
- Spotify: High-quality (96 kbps) streams around 40-50 MB per hour. Spotify Premium allows downloads for offline listening.
- Apple Podcasts: Similar to Spotify, with options to download or stream.
- Google Podcasts: Offers lower-quality streams for data-saving.
- Stitcher: Known for its efficient streaming and download options.
Pro tip: Check your app settings to optimise for data savings. Most platforms let you customise audio quality and download preferences.
Why eSIMs Are a Game-Changer for Podcast Fans
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Picture this - you're on a train from London to Paris, headphones in, halfway through an episode of your favourite podcast.
Suddenly, your data vanishes. The horror! That's where eSIMs for travel come in.
An eSIM is a SIM embedded into your phone that lets you switch between mobile networks without the hassle of sourcing and swapping plastic SIM cards.
Airalo offers global, regional and local eSIMs, offering seamless streaming experiences across borders.
Whether you're streaming in Sicily or downloading in Düsseldorf, a travel eSIM keeps you online without the roaming charges.
Avoid Data Roaming Fees With an eSIM
Remember, a standard one-hour podcast uses around 40-50 MB, depending on quality.
Downloading over Wi-Fi, lowering audio quality and investing in an eSIM from Airalo can help keep your data usage in check, no matter where you are in the world.
