In South Africa, data is not just a luxury; it is a necessity. It is how we apply for jobs, how we check our SASSA status, and how we stay entertained during the dreaded Load Shedding hours when the home Wi-Fi dies.
But let’s be real: Data in South Africa is expensive.
While the #DataMustFall movement has brought prices down slightly, many South Africans still find themselves paying exorbitant rates for “Out of Bundle” data.
However, the landscape is changing. The dominance of the “Big Two” (Vodacom and MTN) is being challenged by aggressive pricing from Telkom, the unlimited offerings of Rain, and the new disruptors like Capitec Connect and Shoprite K’nect.
If you are still buying small 1GB bundles every week, you are likely wasting hundreds of Rands a month.
In this 2026 guide, we analyze the best data deals on the market. Whether you are a heavy TikTok streamer, a late-night gamer, or just need WhatsApp to stay in touch, here is how to stay connected for less.
1. Rain (The “Unlimited” King)
Best for:
Heavy streamers and home Wi-Fi replacement.
Rain changed the game by offering “Unlimited Data” for a fixed monthly price. They don’t charge per gig; they charge for speed and time.
The Deals:
- Rain 4G (19 Hours): For a low monthly fee (approx R250), you get unlimited data Off-Peak (usually 11 PM to 6 PM).
- Rain 5G: Unlimited home Wi-Fi with faster speeds.
Pros:
- No fear of “running out” of data.
- No contracts (month-to-month).
Cons:
- Network Coverage: It only works well in major metros (JHB, CPT, DBN). If you travel to rural areas, you lose signal.
- Speed: During peak times (6 PM – 9 PM), speeds can throttle significantly.
2. Telkom Mobile (The Value Champion)
Best for:
Large bundles on a budget.
Telkom has consistently offered the cheapest “Per Gig” price among the major network operators. Their FreeMe bundles are legendary.
The Deals:
- FreeMe Bundles: Often include huge amounts of data for WhatsApp and Streaming specifically.
- Night Surfer: Telkom is generous with “Night Data” (Midnight to 7 AM), often giving you 100GB+ for very cheap prices.
Pros:
- Very cheap “price per GB”.
- Roaming: When outside Telkom coverage, they roam on Vodacom/MTN towers (though with limits).
Cons:
- Signal can be patchy indoors in some suburbs.
3. Capitec Connect (The New Disruptor)
Best for:
People who hate expiring data.
Capitec launched its own MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) running on Cell C’s infrastructure. Their selling point is simple: Data that never expires.
The Deals:
- Flat Rate: They charge a flat rate (e.g., R45 per GB) regardless of how much you buy.
- No Expiry: Unlike Vodacom/MTN bundles that expire in 30 days, Capitec data stays on your SIM until you use it.
Pros:
- Non-Expiring Data: This is a game-changer. If you buy 1GB and don’t use it for 6 months, it’s still there.
- Integrated into the Capitec Banking App (easy to top up).
Cons:
- The “price per GB” is good, but not the absolute cheapest if you are buying bulk (e.g., 50GB at once).
4. Vodacom & MTN (The Premium Choice)
Best for:
Coverage and Speed.
Let’s be honest, Vodacom and MTN are usually the most expensive. But you are paying for reliability. When the lights go out and towers lose battery, Vodacom/MTN usually stay up longer than the smaller networks.
How to save with them:
- Don’t buy Standard Bundles: Never just buy “1GB” from the main menu.
- Use “Just4You” / “Made For Me”: Dial their USSD codes (e.g.,
*123#). They offer personalized discounts (e.g., “1GB for R19 today only”). These deals are far cheaper than the standard rate. - Video Ticket: Buy specific “URL Bundles” for YouTube or Netflix. They are cheaper than general data.
5. MVNOs (Shoprite, FNB, Mr Price)
Did you know your supermarket or bank sells data?
- FNB Connect: If you are an FNB client, you often get free data every month based on your eBucks level.
- Shoprite K’nect: Offers very cheap data rates and sometimes gives free data when you buy groceries.
- Mr Price Mobile: Competitive rates for the youth market.
Comparison: Who is Cheapest for 1GB?
(Note: Prices fluctuate weekly, these are averages).
| Network | Validity | Approx Price | Verdict |
| Capitec Connect | No Expiry | R45.00 | Best Value |
| Telkom | 60 Days | ~R79.00 (Standard) | Good |
| Vodacom | 30 Days | ~R85.00 (Standard) | Expensive |
| MTN | 30 Days | ~R85.00 (Standard) | Expensive |
| Rain | Unlimited | R250+ (Monthly) | Best for Heavy Users |
Pro Tip: Always check the “Special Offers” menu on USSD before buying standard prices.
5 Tips to Make Your Data Last Longer
It doesn’t matter how cheap your data is if your phone eats it all in 10 minutes. Here is how to stop the leak:
1. Turn on “Data Saver” Mode
Go to Settings > Connections > Data Usage > Data Saver. This stops apps like Facebook and Instagram from refreshing in the background.
2. Stop Auto-Updates
Go to the Google Play Store or App Store settings. Set “Auto-update apps” to “Over Wi-Fi Only”. You don’t want to waste 500MB updating Candy Crush over mobile data.
3. Lower Video Quality
- YouTube: Click the gear icon > Quality > Select “Data Saver” (240p or 360p).
- Netflix: Go to App Settings > Video Quality > Standard.
- Watching in 4K or HD on a small phone screen is a waste of data.
4. Use “Lite” Apps
Download Facebook Lite, TikTok Lite, or Uber Lite. These apps are designed for Africa and use significantly less data than the full versions.
5. Map Your Wi-Fi Spots
Know where the free Wi-Fi is. Most shopping malls (Mall of Africa, Gateway, Canal Walk) offer free Wi-Fi. Also, use the “Find Wi-Fi” feature in the Facebook app to see public hotspots near you.
Conclusion
The data war in South Africa is heating up, and the consumer is finally winning.
- If you want peace of mind (no expiry), switch to Capitec Connect.
- If you want unlimited streaming at home, get Rain.
- If you want reliability in rural areas, stick to Vodacom/MTN but strictly use their “Just4You” special offers.
Don’t let your airtime disappear. Shop around, change your settings, and stay connected for less.
Need to stay online during outages? Make sure you have the right app. Read our guide on How to Use EskomSePush to track load shedding schedules and save your battery.
(Disclaimer: The Mzansi Post is independent. Prices listed are estimates based on 2025 rates and are subject to change by network operators.)