
23 January 2024
How to save data on Showmax using bandwidth capping and downloads
How much data do I need to stream? Streaming video can use up to 3GB of data per hour depending on the quality and streaming service.
Showmax offers excellent data-saving modes that will save you big bucks while streaming.
Get maximum entertainment for minimum data. Showmax has different settings for streaming on your smart TV or web, or on your mobile device, that go as low as 60MB/hr.
Mobile data usage on the Showmax app (VOD and live)
Option | Max resolution | Data usage VOD | Data usage live |
Data Saving | 144p | Up to 60MB/h | Up to 60MB/h |
Basic | 360p | Up to 240MB/h | Up to 240MB/h |
Good | 432p | Up to 330MB/h | Up to 420MB/h |
Best | 1080p | Up to 1.6GB/h | Up to 2.1GB/h |
Showmax streaming data usage for web and TV (VOD only)
Option | Max resolution | Data usage VOD |
Data Saving | 288p | Up to 100MB/h |
Basic | 540p | Up to 350MB/h |
Good | 720p | Up to 700MB/h |
Best | 1080p | Up to 1.2GB/h |
Streaming on the web or TV
Choose the data mode that best fits your internet speed. If you want to watch in HD, choose Best, which uses up to 1.2GB/h. But if you’d rather save data, or if your internet connection is slower, go as low as 288p, which only uses around 100MB/h.
Saving data on your mobile device
When streaming on your smartphone or tablet, be ultra thrifty and choose Data Saving mode. It will only use up to 60MB per hour, and the 144p quality is still great to watch. If you’re streaming Showmax Premier League and want to watch a live match, be aware that the data consumption can be higher.
Then get familiar with Showmax’s built-in data-saving features and limit how much data you use.
How to change your data settings
- On the Showmax app, navigate to your account settings. On mobile, tap on your profile icon in the bottom right corner, while on web and smart TV, the icon is usually at the top right.
- You’ll immediately see the setting for Data Settings.
- Scroll through the options and choose the one that suits you best.
- On mobile, you can also choose to download shows or stream over WiFi only – this is another great way to save mobile data.
Download on mobile devices and watch offline with Showmax
Showmax gives you the option to download any show or movie on Wi-Fi and watch offline on smartphones or tablets using the Showmax app for Android and iOS – no data needed.
This is an especially handy feature if you’ll be somewhere without the internet, such as in a taxi, on a plane or in the middle of nowhere.
Read our comprehensive article on downloading with Showmax here
Reduce download quality to save data (and space)
If you have to use your mobile data to download shows, or if the storage space on your device is running low, make use of the Showmax quality settings for downloads.
When you select a title to download, you will be able to choose from different quality settings. The lower the quality you select, the less data you will use and the less space the file will take up on your device.
Use free Wi-Fi hotspots
The best way to save data is to use no data! Stream your shows while you’re on your lunch break at work, when you’re in a coffee shop, or at your friend’s parents’ house. We won’t tell!
Original African stories by local talent

The Mommy Club NBO
The Mommy Club NBO is the fifth instalment of the record-breaking Mommy Club franchise. Stream from 30 May on Showmax, with new episodes every Friday.

Empini S1-2
Empini is a high-stakes, action-packed drama set in the ruthless, corrupt world of private security. Season 2 is now streaming, with new episodes every Tuesday.

Youngins S1-2
Stream Tshedza Pictures’s first teen drama, Showmax Original Youngins. S1 and S2 are ready to binge.

The Real Housewives of Durban Seasons 1-5
Our eThekwini queens are back with a brand-new season. Stream Season 5 now, with new episodes every Friday.

Unfollowed S1-2
Unfollowed examines cancel culture in social media through real-life stories of South African celebs. Stream S1-2 now on Showmax.

The Mommy Club S1-3
The Mommy Club sees glamorous Jozi momfluencers navigating the the cutthroat world of “it” moms. All episodes, including both reunion episodes, are streaming on Showmax.

Adulting S1-3
Four best friends go through the hoops of life, love and everything else. Binge-watch Adulting S1-3 now on Showmax.

The Chocolate Empire S1
The Chocolate Empire follows JB Mauzo, who was recently released from prison, as he rebuilds his life. All the episodes are ready to binge on Showmax.
Feel the burn in The Showmax Roast of Helen Zille
The Mommy Club S3 reunion, now streaming
More Mzansi gold

Londie London on RHODurban S5, her return and more
Londie London talks about returning to The Real Housewives of Durban Season 5 as a friend of the main cast. Catch new episodes every Friday on Showmax.

A tribute to Presley “Cobrizi, Mokwepa” Chweneyagae
Remembering one of Mzansi’s GOATs, Presley Chweneyagae, who has passed away at the age of 40. See him in his final role as Cobrizi on DStv or his acclaimed role in The River on Showmax.

5 explosive moments from Empini Season 2 so far
Empini Season 2 hits hard with betrayals, secrets, and twists that keep viewers hooked. Stream it now on Showmax, with new episodes every Tuesday.

Noksie on The Mommy Club S3 and the explosive reunion
Noksie talks about joining The Mommy Club S3, how she feels about the ladies and what went down at the explosive reunion, now streaming on Showmax.