Every network ranked by cost per GB — so you always know who's cheapest right now.
South Africa has five major networks selling mobile data — and the price difference between the cheapest and the most expensive can be five times or more for the same amount of data. This guide cuts through the noise and tells you exactly who's cheapest at each bundle size in 2026.
Telkom and MTN now offer the lowest cost per GB, especially on larger bundles. Vodacom remains the most expensive across almost every tier.
For light users who need a small top-up, here's what each network charges:
| Network | Data | Price | R/GB |
|---|---|---|---|
Telkom | 1 GB | R29 | R29.00 Cheapest |
Vodacom | 1 GB | R49 | R49.00 |
MTN | 1 GB | R49 | R49.00 |
Cell C | 1 GB | R49 | R49.00 |
Rain | 1 GB | R49 | R49.00 |
Prices shown are standard 30 day anytime bundles. Telkom has the cheapest entry level 1GB bundle.
The mid-tier is where value differences really start to show. Rain and Telkom pull ahead significantly:
| Network | Data | Price | R/GB |
|---|---|---|---|
Telkom | 10 GB* | R89 | R8.90 Best value |
MTN | 5 GB | R85 | R17.00 |
Cell C | 5 GB | R99 | R19.80 |
Rain | 5 GB | R150 | R30.00 |
Vodacom | 5 GB | R199 | R39.80 |
* Telkom's R89 bundle includes 5GB anytime + 5GB Night Surfer data.
Heavy users will find the biggest price gaps at this level:
| Network | Data | Price | R/GB |
|---|---|---|---|
Telkom | 20 GB* | R99 | R4.95 Best value |
MTN | 10 GB | R149 | R14.90 |
Cell C | 10 GB | R149 | R14.90 |
Rain | 10 GB | R250 | R25.00 |
Vodacom | 10 GB | R399 | R39.90 |
* Telkom's R99 bundle includes 10GB anytime + 10GB Night Surfer data.
Telkom is the cheapest network when you factor in night data — their Night Surfer bundles effectively double your data at no extra cost. If you're willing to schedule downloads overnight, no network comes close to Telkom's R4.95/GB.
MTN is the value pick on straightforward anytime data, with no overnight scheduling needed, undercutting everyone except Telkom at most bundle sizes.
Vodacom remains the most expensive across almost every tier, justified mainly by its superior rural and highway coverage.
If you're in a major city and primarily use data at home or at work, switching from Vodacom to Telkom on a 10GB plan can save you about R300 a month, that is R3,600 a year.
Cost per gigabyte is the fairest way to compare data, but the cheapest number on paper is not always the right choice for you. Three other factors decide whether a cheap bundle is actually a good deal.
Rain and Telkom are cheap, but their coverage is strongest in cities and major towns. If you spend time in rural areas or travel the N roads often, Vodacom and MTN still have the widest reach. A cheap per gigabyte bundle is worthless in a spot where the network has no signal, so check the coverage map for your area before you switch.
A cheap bundle that expires in seven days is not cheap if you cannot finish it in time. Larger Vodacom and MTN bundles often carry a full thirty day validity, while some discounted promo bundles expire much faster. Always match the validity to how quickly you really use data.
Telkom looks dramatically cheaper partly because its bundles include free Night Surfer data. If you cannot shift your usage to the midnight to 5am window, you are not getting the full value of that headline price. Judge Telkom on its anytime data alone if you never download overnight.
South Africa has had number portability for years, so moving to a cheaper network keeps your existing cell number. The process is simple and usually free.
Buy a starter SIM from the network you want to move to, then dial the porting request or use the network app to begin the port. You will need your ID number and your current number. Ports are normally completed within 24 hours and most happen overnight. Keep your old SIM active until the new one takes over so you do not miss calls during the switch.
Every price and bundle detail on this page is taken directly from the official prepaid pages of Vodacom, MTN, Telkom, Cell C and Rain, then cross checked against pricing coverage on mybroadband.co.za and businesstech.co.za. We review the numbers at the start of each month and after any public price change.
DataCheck ZA is independent. We are not owned by any network and we earn nothing when you choose one over another. If something looks out of date, tell us on our contact page and we will recheck it.
On cost per gigabyte Telkom and Rain are consistently the cheapest, especially on larger bundles. Telkom drops to around R5 per gigabyte on its larger bundles once you count its free Night Surfer data, and MTN is now cheap too at roughly R10 to R15 per gigabyte. Vodacom is usually the most expensive across every tier.
Not necessarily. Rain and Telkom run modern 4G and in many areas 5G networks. The bigger difference is coverage breadth rather than raw speed. In a city a cheap network can be just as fast as an expensive one, but in remote areas Vodacom and MTN reach further.
Yes. Number portability is free in South Africa and your number moves with you. Buy the new network SIM, start the port with your ID and current number, and the switch usually completes within 24 hours.
Headline prices change a few times a year, but networks run short promotions much more often. We recheck every network at the start of each month and after any announced price change so the comparison stays current.
All 5 networks, all bundle sizes — sorted by cheapest per GB and updated monthly.
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