Skype: This is how high the data consumption is

If you want to use Skype on the go via the mobile data network, you should inform yourself about the data consumption beforehand. We'll tell you how much data volume Skype uses.

Skype on PC: This is how high the data consumption is

• If you use Skype on your laptop, you should think twice about using the software with a surf stick. Video calls in particular consume a lot of data here:
• When idle, Skype consumes around 0 to 4 Kbit / s on the computer. Around 24 and 128 Kbit / s are used for calls. Video calls consume between 300 Kbit / s and 1.5 Mbit / s. For your understanding: 100 Kbit / s correspond to around 0.75 MByte per minute.

Skype on the go: This is how much data you consume on the go

• On your smartphone, Skype is much more economical with your data volume. Pure voice calls consume between 6 and 20 kbit / s. On average this results in around 0.5 MByte per minute.
• If your mobile connection to the Internet is sufficiently fast, Skype will take advantage of this. If you start a video call from smartphone to smartphone, data consumption of 500 kbit / s is generated with maximum video quality. This results in a consumption of around 30 megabits per minute.
• If you use a computer in the video conversation, this can go into the data even more. 600 Kbit / s or more make your data volume shrink even faster.

Skype: synchronization and alternatives

• Numerous data are also loaded during synchronization. If you have a large number of contacts in your contact list, this can quickly consume a lot of data. Here only skype helps with a separate account.
• As a much more economical alternative, iPhone users can use the FaceTime application that is already preinstalled. In the mobile data network, the Apple service only consumes around 2 to 4 Mbytes per minute. Calls only cost about 0.5 MB per minute.

In the next practical tip, we will show you the best alternatives to Skype.