We’re in an era where we make use of the internet daily, and most times we access said internet via our smartphones. Visiting various web pages and scrolling through social media platforms requires a high amount of mobile data plans from our preferred ISPs, nevertheless, if you are in regions where your internet data is limited, then it is important to learn how to monitor data usage to help track and keep us within the limits of our data plans.
Monitoring your data usage will let you know when to take time off from surfing the net if you’re on a limited plan. There are apps developed and dedicated to this exact purpose. However, should you choose the wrong app, you may not get accurate details and stats on your mobile data usage.
In this article on Naijaknowhow, you’ll get to know the best apps to use should there be a need to monitor data usage on your smartphone. These apps are effective and will give exact stats of your daily, weekly, and monthly data usage. They’re available on both Android and iOS devices. You need not worry about any subscription fee to use them as they offer free services.
8 Data Usage Monitoring Mobile Apps:
1. Data Usage Analyzer
As the name suggests, the Data Usage Analyzer app is strictly for one purpose, which is to efficiently monitor the data usage of your device. This app also lets you manage your mobile data usage effectively. It gives an accurate measure of your daily data traffic. This app analyzes your data more understandably. Currently, this app is only available for Android phones.
Data Usage Analyzer app gives you warnings when you get close to your daily data limit. This ensures that you’re protected from excessive data use. You may want to try its premium version which allows you to set up a display widget on your home screen, which shows your data usage on the go. This removes the need to enter the app now and then.
Pros:
- Efficiently monitors and manages data usage.
- Accurate daily traffic measurements.
- Issues warnings near data limits.
- Premium version offers a home screen widget.
- Enhances convenience by reducing app access.
Cons:
- App is exclusive to Android devices.
- Some premium features require an upgrade.
- Limited insights into app-specific data.
- User experience varies with device compatibility.
- Relies on accurate user-provided data plan info.
Download Data Usage Analyzer:
2. My Data Manager
My Data Manager app lets you take control of your mobile data, ensuring that you save money, and use your data plan more efficiently. This app is for everyday use as it helps track the amount of data you use, giving you alerts when you’re close to your daily limits. My Data Manager app gives you the ability to monitor the usage of all apps installed on your device.
This helps you know what apps use the most data, letting you decide whether to get rid of them or control their data usage more effectively. My Data Manager app allows you to restrict the background data usage of apps to avoid the overuse of data. Of course, your apps will keep running fine, but won’t be able to make use of your mobile data when not in use.
Pros:
- Efficiently tracks and manages mobile data usage.
- Timely alerts prevent exceeding daily limits.
- Monitors data usage for all installed apps.
- Identifies and manages data-hungry apps.
- Allows restriction of background data usage.
Cons:
- Requires consistent user engagement.
- Occasional false alerts may occur.
- Effectiveness may vary for unlimited data plans.
- User-dependent decisions on app management.
- Limited impact on Wi-Fi-dependent apps.
Download My Data Manager:
3. Network Utility
The Network Utility app does not prioritize tracking the data usage of your smartphone. It has other functions and uses, but it is a great tool that’ll help you monitor the data usage of your device. This application is only available for iOS devices such as iPhones and iPads. The Network Utility app provides a set of network tools that’ll help you analyze your LAN connection.
This app comes with a beautiful and easy-to-understand user interface, giving a full report of your network information. The Network Utility app lets you track the data usage statistics of your Wi-Fi and cellular connection effectively. Using this app, you can easily configure how your mobile data usage is monitored on your device.
Network Utility app also comes with a widget that brings the network information and mobile data usage of your smartphone into your notification centre, home, and lock screen.
Pros:
- Sleek and user-friendly interface.
- Robust network tools for LAN analysis.
- Efficient tracking of Wi-Fi and cellular data usage.
- Easy configuration of mobile data monitoring.
- Convenient widget for quick access.
Cons:
- The app is available for only iOS devices.
- Not solely dedicated to data usage tracking.
- Overlapping functionality with built-in features.
- Requires manual setup for data monitoring.
- Potential learning curve for some users.
Download Network Utility:
4. Traffic Monitor
If you want to keep an eye on the mobile data usage of your device, Traffic Monitor app should be your go-to tool. This app also lets you monitor the quality of your network connection. You should expect an ad-free experience when making use of this app. The Traffic Monitor app allows you to test your network strength, showing you the speed and latency of your connection over Wi-Fi and cellular data.
Traffic Monitor app offers features that let you know the reasons behind mediocre network performance wherever you are. The coverage map feature in this app shows a list of network availability in your location. But this feature is only available for select countries at the moment. Traffic Monitor app is available for both Android and iOS devices.
Pros:
- Efficient data and network monitoring.
- Ad-free for a seamless experience.
- Network strength testing with details.
- The app offers informative coverage map.
- Compatible with Android and iOS.
Cons:
- Limited coverage map to select countries.
- Basic feature set without advanced options.
- The app’s performance may vary.
- Feature availability tied to location.
Download Traffic Monitor:
5. Data Usage Pro
Data Usage Pro is another effective mobile tool that helps you monitor data usage on your smartphone in a simple way. This app allows you to take control of your data usage, ensuring that you spend less on mobile bills.
This app allows you to configure data limits and alerts you when you get close to that limit. The Data Usage Pro app comes with a very clean and easy-to-understand user interface. This application is available only on iOS devices.
Pros:
- Intuitive UI, easy navigation.
- Customizable limits with alerts.
- Effectively controls mobile expenses.
- Exclusive to iOS for streamlined use.
- User-friendly data management.
Cons:
- The app is limited to iOS users.
- Potential lack of advanced features.
- Dependency on user-set limits.
- Possible absence of real-time tracking.
- App-specific, not integrated with device settings.
Download Data Usage Pro:
6. Internet Speed Meter Lite
This is a lightweight app that helps keep track of mobile data usage on your Android smartphone. Internet Speed Meter Lite app displays an accurate speed of your mobile network, be it Wi-Fi or cellular connection. This information is displayed on the status bar of your mobile. On the notification panel, this app shows the amount of data used for the day.
Internet Speed Meter Lite app helps to monitor the connection of your mobile network when using your smartphone. This app comes with a pro version packed with even more features. However, you must pay a small fee to acquire this premium variant. Because this app is lightweight, it has better battery efficiency.
Pros:
- Accurate speed display on status bar.
- Convenient daily data monitoring.
- Lightweight for better battery efficiency.
- Pro version with extra features available.
- Useful on-the-go network tracking.
Cons:
- The pro version requires a fee.
- Limited feature details in the description.
- Real-time speed updates rely on status bar.
- Basic compared to more advanced data apps.
Download Internet Speed Meter Lite:
7. Glasswire Data Usage Monitor
GlassWire is an app that truly focuses on providing users with a comprehensive understanding of their network usage and app behaviours. One of its standout features is the ability to diligently track which apps are consuming your mobile data and WiFi, ensuring you stay in the know about your data consumption patterns.
What sets GlassWire apart is its proactive approach to data management – it not only alerts you when you’re on the verge of surpassing your data plan limit but also empowers you to monitor real-time data usage. The app goes above and beyond by allowing you to revisit the past, enabling you to explore which apps were utilizing data on specific days.
Pros:
- Real-time alerts for app data usage.
- Warns before hitting data plan limit.
- Retrospective daily usage analysis.
- Proactive app internet access alerts.
- Customizable data monitoring.
Cons:
- Complexity may overwhelm some users.
- Advanced features is unnecessary for casual users.
- Continuous notifications may be bothersome.
- Detailed analysis not essential for everyone.
- Limited if data provider lacks app-specific usage.
Download Glasswire Data Usage Monitor:
8. DataMan
With a precision that borders on perfection, DataMan allows you to effortlessly track the data usage of individual apps, providing a clear and concise overview of your overall data limit progress. The convenience extends beyond the app itself, courtesy of a handy widget that ensures your data consumption remains in your line of sight at all times.
Navigating the app is a breeze, free from the confusing clutter that plagues some counterparts. DataMan Next embraces clarity, ensuring that every piece of information is presented in a straightforward manner, eliminating any potential confusion. As if that’s not enough, the app goes the extra mile by incorporating custom notifications, keeping you in the loop without inundating you with unnecessary alerts.
Pros:
- Elegant, minimalist design.
- Efficient data tracking with clear progress.
- Predictive feature for insights.
- Vibrant color visualization.
- User-friendly with custom notifications.
Cons:
- Limited features for advanced users.
- Predictive accuracy may vary.
- Simplicity might be limiting.
- Alert customization could be more extensive.
- Minimalist design may not suit all users.
Download DataMan:
Conclusion
Monitoring the data usage of your mobile phone will help keep track of your data limits. This helps to manage data efficiently, and in turn, will save you money. Ensure to make use of the above apps to monitor the data usage of your smartphone effectively. If you have any other app worthy of mention do let us know via the comments section. Or perhaps, you can check out our article on the best websites to buy cheap internet data bundles in Nigeria.
