Best mobile data deals in South Africa 2024 (plus the worst)
Heavy internet users have every reason to smile since more pocket-friendly data deals continue to hit the market. It is time for the online community to enjoy full-blown internet access after spending restless months pushing for the #datamustfall campaign. ISPs continue to shed off expensive plans even as the market opens for a price war competition. So, what are the best mobile data deals in South Africa?
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Hunting for the cheapest data bundles in South Africa is still challenging, one of the reasons being the numerous options available. The problem is a cause of concern, given that regular data users are not yet aware of emergent and more affordable ISPs. Similarly, some customers are not informed about the newest data plans rolled out by established ISP companies.
Best mobile data deals in South Africa (plus the worst)
The inception of LTE-A significantly stirred the internet provision markets, making them highly competitive. As a result, consumers are now experiencing full-time internet connections with faster download rates and browsing speeds.
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Since worst and best are subjective terms, what you consider the best data bundle or ISP might not be the same for another person. People not only compare prices to the amount of data but also consider the speed, how long the data will be valid, and other factors.
Since it is becoming almost impossible to avoid data-hungry applications, consider using these cheapest data bundles in South Africa. Test several packages and ISPs to find the most suitable one:
1. Vodacom data deals
Vodacom has some of the cheapest prepaid mobile data in South Africa. The 30-day once-off data bundles are among their most affordable packages. Here are their prices:
DATA | PRICE | VALIDITY |
50MB | R12 | 30 days |
150MB | R29 | 30 days |
325MB | R55 | 30 days |
500MB | R79 | 30 days |
1GB | R99 | 30 days |
3GB | R299 | 30 days |
4GB (REDHOTOFFER) | R299 | 30 days |
5GB | R349 | 30 days |
10GB + 10GB Free | R469 | 30 days |
20GB | R699 | 30 days |
2. Cell C data bundles
This is a cost cost-friendly communication company. Cell C tariff plans and airtime prices are highly affordable and competitive. Here are the costs for Cell C data bundles valid for 30 days:
DATA | PRICE | VALIDITY |
40MB Anytime | R12 | 30 days |
65MB Anytime | R20 | 30 days |
200MB Anytime | R29 | 30 days |
600MB Anytime | R49 | 30 days |
1.5GB Anytime + 1GB Nite | R80 | 30 days |
2GB Anytime + 2GB Nite | R100 | 30 days |
3GB Anytime + 3GB Nite | R149 | 30 days |
4GB Anytime + 4GB Nite | R199 | 30 days |
6GB Anytime + 5GB Nite | R249 | 30 days |
12GB Anytime + 7GB Nite | R299 | 30 days |
7GB Anytime + 10GB Nite | R399 | 30 days |
3. MTN data deals
MTN offers cutting-edge monthly data plans for as little as R20. Improve your internet experience by subscribing to these MTN prepaid data bundles in South Africa in 2024:
DATA | PRICE | VALIDITY |
100MB | R20 | 30 days |
150MB | R29 | 30 days |
200MB | R39 | 30 days |
350MB | R60 | 30 days |
500MB | R75 | 30 days |
750MB | R89 | 30 days |
1GB | R99 | 30 days |
4. Telkom data deals
Telkom mobile data bundles provide reliable internet connection and enable fast downloads and browsing speeds. Provided below are Telkom Anytime data prices in South Africa.
DATA | PRICE | VALIDITY |
25MB | R7.30 | 30 days |
50MB | R14.65 | 30 days |
100MB | R29.25 | 30 days |
250MB | R39.50 | 30 days |
500MB | R69.60 | 30 days |
1GB | R100 | 30 days |
How to buy data on Telkom
Dial *180# and select Telkom data specials. Alternatively, make your purchase through the self-service portal accessible on the company portal, visit a Telkom shop or even a mobile-based application. Prepaid plans come with minimal to no Telkom data contracts.
5. SmartMobile mobile data deals
SmartMobile has some of the best mobile data deals in South Africa. It is also among the most reliable South African ISP companies. Here are SmartMobile's prices for the 30-day data bundles:
DATA | PRICE | VALIDITY |
25MB | R8 | 30 days |
50MB | R12 | 30 days |
100MB | R20 | 30 days |
250MB | R35 | 30 days |
500MB | R49 | 30 days |
1GB | R89 | 30 days |
Which network has the cheapest data in South Africa?
Here is a comparison of the 1GB data packages from five leading ISPs in South Africa:
OPERATOR | DATA | PRICE |
SmartMobile | 1GB Anytime | R89 |
Vodacom | 1GB Anytime | R99 |
MTN | 1GB Anytime | R99 |
Cell C | 1GB Anytime or 2GB Nite data | R100 |
Telkom | 1GB Anytime or 1GB Nite data | R100 |
Please note that the Cell C Nite Data is valid between 01:00 and 07:00, while Telkom's Night Surfer Data is valid between 00:00 and 07:00.
Which network has the best data deals in South Africa?
Please note that all mobile data deals in South Africa are bound to change from time to time. Here is a comparison of the 10GB data packages valid for a month from the top 5 ISPs in Mzansi:
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OPERATOR | DATA | PRICE | VALIDITY |
Vodacom | 10GB | R605 | 30 days |
Telkom | 10GB | R505 | 30 days |
Rain | 10GB | R500 | 30 days |
MTN | 10GB | R499 | 30 days |
Cell C | 10GB | R499 | 30 days |
Can you get unlimited data?
Several ISPs in South Africa offer unlimited data. These bundles help heavy internet consumers sustain their online presence without digging deeper into their wallets.
Which network has the cheapest unlimited data?
The cheapest unlimited data packages in South Africa are the 1MB per second WIFI deals. Most Mzansi ISPs had divided this service into three different deals, personal, premium, and business/office. Here is a price comparison from three leading companies:
OPERATOR | DATA SPEED | PERSONAL | PREMIUM | BUSINESS/OFFICE |
Afrihost | 1MB per second | R45 | R205 | R316 |
Web Africa | 1MB per second | R46 | R69 | R209 |
Vox Africa | 1MB per second | R99 | R99 | R99 |
Vox Africa's 1MB per second WIFI service does not have different personal, premium, and business/office packages. Meanwhile, the second cheapest unlimited data packages in Mzansi are the 2MB per second WIFI deals:
OPERATOR | DATA SPEED | PERSONAL | PREMIUM | BUSINESS/OFFICE |
Axess | 2MB per second | R84 | R285 | R416 |
Afrihost | 2MB per second | R87 | R317 | R417 |
Web Africa | 2MB per second | R59 | R89 | R309 |
Vox Africa | 2MB per second | R149 | R149 | R149 |
Cybersmart | 2MB per second | R195 | - | R329 |
Mweb | 2MB per second | R99 | R99 | R99 |
Which mobile network is best in SA?
Vodacom and MTN are two of the best cell phone network in South Africa, with a long history of offering internet-enabling services.
First-time subscribers often find it hectic to identify the worst and best mobile data deals in South Africa due to the overwhelming choices in the market. Therefore, it would help if you refer them to our guide on the cheapest data plans for them to make informed buying decisions.
DISCLAIMER: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional advice or help and should not be relied on to make decisions. Any action you take upon the information presented in this article is strictly at your own risk and responsibility!
READ ALSO: Cheapest uncapped WIFI without a landline in South Africa
Briefly.co.za also posted some of the cheapest uncapped WIFI without a landline in South Africa. These internet services are offered on a monthly, annual, semi-annual, and quarterly subscription basis.
Uncapped WIFI means there is no threshold. Therefore, you will not experience slow speed, unlike capped WIFI, whose speed reduces when you use the internet up to a specific limit.
Source: Briefly News