The comparison, conducted in July 2026, examined the prices of mobile data bundles with allocations of or around 5GB, 10GB, 20GB, 40GB and 80GB. The analysis included the three major mobile network operators and a selection of the most well-known mobile virtual network operators.
Cheapest 5GB Bundles
Shoprite's K'Nect Mobile, which runs on Cell C's network, had the cheapest rate on a 5GB monthly data bundle, priced at R89.
MTN Pi and Vodacom were the next best options, each charging R99 for their monthly 5GB bundles. Axxess Mobile also offered a 5GB bundle for R99, which included an extra 500MB of data.
One caveat with Vodacom's data is that it was only valid for 30 days, whereas the minimum validity of competing bundles was 60 days. MTN Pi data officially lasts for up to 12 months, with the app showing data bundles as having no expiry date.
Affordable 10GB Options
For 10GB bundles, MTN Pi, Shoprite K'Nect and Vodacom were the most affordable at R149 per month. Afrihost Air Mobile and Capitec Connect were just R1 more expensive for the same allocations.
Telkom also compared favourably, offering a 3GB on-network bundle for R49 and a 7.5GB bundle for R99. Its bundles include an equal allocation of off-peak "Night Surfer" data, which can be used between midnight and 07:00 daily.
MTN Pi Dominates Larger Bundles
MTN Pi was also the most affordable for 20GB and 40GB data, with prices of R199 and R299 respectively. MTN Pi's biggest bundle offers 80GB of anytime data for R399 per month.
Vodacom charged R229 for a 20GB bundle and R379 for a 50GB bundle, both of which include equal extra allocations for night-time data.
Most Expensive Providers
One noteworthy finding was that MVNO FNB Connect generally had the most expensive products. Its 4GB bundle costs more than double the cheapest 5GB bundle. Its 6GB bundle was also more expensive than the cheapest 20GB bundles and just R20 cheaper than MTN Pi's 40GB bundle.
Key Considerations
It should be noted that MTN's regular 40GB prepaid product also costs R299. Therefore, subscribers should consider switching to Pi for the longer validity window.
While the MTN Pi is month-to-month rather than prepaid, it supports payments via both card and electronic fund transfer, which will make it accessible to many South Africans.
Vodacom also includes an equal allocation of night-time data with its bundles, useful for those who are up between midnight and 05:00 or can schedule downloads for those times.
Price Comparison Table
The table below compares the prepaid or month-to-month mobile data prices of South Africa's major mobile networks and MVNOs.
| MVNO/MNO | 5GB | 10GB | 20GB | 40GB | 80GB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Afrihost Air Mobile | R100 | R150 | R250 | R450 | – |
| Axxess Mobile | R99 [5.5GB] | R249 [15GB] | R299 [25GB] | R499 [50GB] | – |
| Capitec Connect | R100 | R150 | R250 | R450 | – |
| Cell C | R249 [4GB] | R469 | – | R489 | – |
| FNB Connect | R189 [4GB] R279 [6GB] | R499 [12GB] | R549 | R689 [50GB] | – |
| Melon Mobile (includes 50 SMSs) | R149 | R179 | R299 | R499 [50GB] | – |
| Me&You Mobile | – | R249 | – | – | – |
| MTN Pi | R99 | R149 | R199 | R299 | R399 |
| Rain | R250 | – | – | – | – |
| Shoprite K'Nect | R89 | R149 | R299 | R499 | – |
| Spot Connect | – | R195 | R299 | R499 [30GB] | – |
| Standard Bank Connect | R229 | R399 | – | – | – |
| Telkom (on-network only) | R99 [7.5GB + 7.5GB night] | R149 [10GB night] | R259 [25GB] | R369 | R529 |
| TFG Connect | R249 | R299 | R399 | – | – |
| Vodacom | R99 [+5GB night] | R149 [+10GB night] | R229 [+20GB night] | R379 [50GB + 50GB night] | – |
Colour key: Green — Cheapest price | Blue — Second cheapest | Light red — Most expensive
With reporting from MyBroadband.
