Independent Analysis | Updated Regularly

Compare Data Deals in South Africa

Compare Cell C, Telkom, MTN, Vodacom and Rain data options, then use guides and USSD pages to save money or solve mobile problems before you buy.

What do you want to do?

Quick Tools

Start with network comparison, then use the calculator, USSD directory, and buying guides to match Cell C, Telkom, MTN, Vodacom or Rain data to your budget and usage.

Want the detailed answer to which network is cheapest? Read the cheapest data in South Africa guide before comparing bundles below.

How DataCost Builds Trust

DataCost is edited by Riccardo Vallaro, Telecom & Mobile Services Specialist. We compare public operator pricing, USSD flows, bundle validity, and cost-per-GB signals so South African prepaid users can make clearer decisions before buying.

Data Usage Calculator

Estimate your monthly needs

Video Streaming (HD)
1 hrs/day
Social Media
2 hrs/day
Messaging & Chat
1 hrs/day
Web Browsing
1 hrs/day
R
Estimated Monthly Need
61.5GB
Lowest Suitable OptionRain

Rain Unlimited 4G

Unlimited - 30 Days
R479
Recommended for Heavy UsersRain

Rain Unlimited 4G

Unlimited - 30 Days
R479

Rain gives you Unlimited for R479. Recommendations exclude social-only and night-only bundles because they do not cover normal monthly internet use.

You will be redirected to the operator's official website

Fix a Problem

Troubleshooting shortcuts for the most common telecom issues.

Fix Airtime & Data Issues

Use these high-intent fix guides when airtime or data drops unexpectedly on South African networks.

USSD Code Finder

Instant access to network services

VodacomBalance

Check Balance

*135#
VodacomData

Buy Data

*135*2#
VodacomData

Transfer Data

*135*1002#
VodacomOther

Check My Number

*135*501#
MTNBalance

Check Balance

*136#
MTNData

Buy Data

*136*2#

Access hundreds of verified codes for all networks

Compare Data Prices by Network

See live network cards and jump directly to each operator hub.

V

Vodacom

12 active deals
Vodacom Hourly 50MB50MB
R5
Vodacom Daily 250MB250MB
R27
Cheapest Cost/GBR6.98
Updated: 21 May 2026
Compare Vodacom Data Prices
M

MTN

11 active deals
MTN Monthly 50GB50GB
R299
MTN Monthly 10GB10GB
R149
Cheapest Cost/GBR5.98
Updated: 21 May 2026
Compare MTN Data Prices
Best Value
T

Telkom

10 active deals
Telkom Daily 150MB150MB
R8
Telkom Daily 1GB1GB
R23
Cheapest Cost/GBR4.73
Updated: 21 May 2026
Compare Telkom Data Prices
C

Cell C

10 active deals
Cell C Daily 100MB100MB
R7
Cell C Daily 1GB1GB
R25
Cheapest Cost/GBR9.97
Updated: 21 May 2026
Compare Cell C Data Prices
R

Rain

2 active deals
Rain Unlimited 4GUnlimited
R479
Rain Unlimited 5GUnlimited
R599
Cheapest Cost/GBUnlimitedFrom R479/month
Updated: 21 May 2026
Compare Rain Data Prices

Popular Guides

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Why People Use DataCost

DataCost helps South Africans compare data prices, run usage calculations, and solve common mobile issues from one independent utility platform.

We focus on practical next steps: compare prices, check USSD codes, and fix airtime or subscription problems quickly.

Independent Scorecard

DataCost internal benchmark

Coverage
VodacomBroad national footprint
MTNBroad national footprint
TelkomStrongest in many metro areas
Cell CRoaming-backed footprint
RainSupported urban coverage areas
5G Profile
VodacomStrong urban 5G profile
MTNStrong urban 5G profile
TelkomArea-dependent 5G profile
Cell CPartner-network dependent
RainHigh when coverage is strong
Resilience
VodacomHigh investment in backup
MTNAggressive Battery Rollout
TelkomModerate backup infrastructure
Cell CDependent on partners
RainHigh (Newer infrastructure)
Price Point
VodacomPremium pricing
MTNAggressive Promos
TelkomBudget Friendly
Cell CValue focused
RainUnlimited Fixed-LTE

Internal comparison based on listed pricing, public operator context, and practical usage fit. See methodology for details.

Methodology
Strong Fit
Value Fit

The Final Verdict

Value Watch

MTN

MTN often looks competitive in DataCost's bundle comparisons, especially where Boosta-style offers are available.

Budget Fit

Telkom

Telkom can be a strong budget option in the current DataCost dataset, especially for users who have reliable local coverage.

Performance Fit

Vodacom

Vodacom is positioned as a coverage-first option in this comparison; verify performance where you actually use data.