Quick answer
How much data does IPTV use?
Roughly 0.7–1.4 GB per hour in SD, 2–3.5 GB per hour in HD and 7–11 GB per hour in 4K, per screen. Live sport at higher frame rates sits at the top of each range. On unlimited home broadband this rarely matters, but on mobile data, 4G/5G routers or capped plans it adds up quickly.
Most UK home broadband packages are unlimited, so data use is not usually a worry. But if you watch on a phone, use a 4G or 5G router, stay in a caravan or holiday home, or have a capped plan, it helps to know how much IPTV uses. Here are clear figures and simple ways to cut data without ruining the picture.
Data use per hour
| Quality | Typical stream speed | Data per hour |
|---|---|---|
| SD | 1.5–3 Mbps | 0.7–1.4 GB |
| HD / Full HD | 4–8 Mbps | 1.8–3.6 GB |
| 4K Ultra HD | 15–25 Mbps | 7–11 GB |
These are typical figures. The exact amount depends on the channel, the content and your app. Fast-moving sport uses more than a talk show.
Why do our speed guides recommend 15 Mbps for HD if HD only uses up to 8 Mbps? Because extra headroom keeps the picture smooth when your connection dips or other people in the house are online. See our internet speed guide.
What that means in practice
| Viewing habit | Approximate data per month |
|---|---|
| 2 hours of HD a day | About 120–220 GB |
| 4 hours of HD a day | About 240–430 GB |
| 2 hours of 4K a day | About 420–660 GB |
| A 90-minute match in HD | About 3–5 GB |
A family watching several screens every evening can easily use over a terabyte a month – fine on unlimited broadband, but far beyond most mobile plans.
Ways to use less data
- Choose HD or SD instead of 4K on phones and small screens – you will barely notice the difference.
- Watch on Wi-Fi, not mobile data, whenever you can.
- Turn off auto-play and close the app when you stop watching. A stream left running on a TV that has been switched off with the remote can keep using data.
- Download or record less if your plan is capped.
- Check your phone’s data usage settings and set a warning limit.
Mobile data, 4G and 5G routers
If you use mobile broadband – for example a 4G or 5G router at home, in a caravan or in a holiday let – check your plan’s data allowance and any fair-use limits. Unlimited 5G plans are usually fine for HD; capped plans can run out in a few evenings. See our guide to IPTV in caravans and holiday homes.
Frequently asked questions
How much data does a football match use?
About 3–5 GB for 90 minutes in HD, or 10–15 GB in 4K.
Does catch-up use the same data as live TV?
Yes. Catch-up and on-demand streams use about the same as live channels at the same quality.
Is unlimited broadband really unlimited?
Most UK home broadband plans are, but check your provider’s fair-use policy, especially on mobile broadband.