How much data does a VPN use?

A VPN does not create traffic; it wraps the traffic you already have. The wrapping adds a few percent. What matters more is that everything you send still counts against your mobile plan, so it helps to know what a gigabyte buys.

The overhead of the tunnel

Each packet gets a small header when it enters the tunnel. On typical use that is between 3 and 10 percent on top of what the apps themselves send. Video, music and downloads are big packets, so the overhead is at the low end; messaging and web browsing are small packets, so it is a bit higher, but the total is small anyway.

What a gigabyte is enough for

Web browsing and messaging: many hours. Music streaming: about fifteen hours at normal quality. Maps: an afternoon of navigation uses very little. Video calls: an hour or two. Video streaming: about an hour in standard quality, less in HD.

In other words, the VPN itself adds little; what you watch and listen to decides how much of your mobile plan goes. On the sNova side there is no limit with Unlimited.

How sNova counts

Only bytes that pass through the tunnel are counted. With the VPN off, nothing goes through it. With Unlimited there is no traffic limit; a device with free traffic left from an earlier version sees on the main screen how much remains.

No counting with Unlimited

Unlimited removes the traffic limit for as long as the subscription runs. New subscribers to the annual plan start with a free trial.

Updated: 2026-09-08