Cheapest mobile data in South Africa (2025)

South Africa has five major networks selling mobile data — and the price difference between the cheapest and the most expensive can be over 100% for the same amount of data. This guide cuts through the noise and tells you exactly who's cheapest at each bundle size in 2025.

~1 GB bundles

For light users who need a small top-up, here's what each network charges:

* Telkom's R79 bundle includes 1GB anytime + 1GB Night Surfer data.

~5 GB bundles

The mid-tier is where value differences really start to show. Rain and Telkom pull ahead significantly:

* Telkom's R199 bundle includes 5GB anytime + 5GB Night Surfer data.

~10 GB bundles

Heavy users spending R350–R600 a month will find the biggest price gaps here:

The verdict

Here's the honest summary:

• Telkom — consistently the best rand-per-GB value, especially when you count night data. Best pick if Telkom has coverage where you live.
• Rain — straightforward pricing, no night data games. Good for prepaid simplicity and competitive on the 1GB tier.
• Cell C — middle ground, competitive on small bundles, less impressive on large ones.
• MTN — on par with Vodacom in most tiers, sometimes slightly cheaper. Best network if you travel to rural areas.
• Vodacom — the most expensive across almost every tier, but has the best national coverage and 4G speed in most metros.

If you only care about cost per GB: Telkom wins. If you need reliable coverage everywhere in SA: Vodacom or MTN are worth the premium.