As of May 2025, Nigerians consumed a record-breaking 1.04 million terabytes of data in a single month, according to NCC reports. And even with a 50% increase in telecom tariffs, demand for fast, stable internet is growing sharply.
Why? We’ve moved from basic browsing to Zoom calls, cloud workspaces, streaming platforms, and real-time trading apps, all of which burn data like kerosene.
Many users are now abandoning the traditional capped plans for “truly unlimited” bundles, especially in high-demand urban areas like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt. The telecom market is changing, and not all networks are keeping up.
So this week on Brand Comparison Thursday, we’ve gone beyond the advertising brochures to ask: Which Nigerian network actually provides the best data plans for browsing in 2025 – daily, weekly, and monthly? We looked beyond price, tested network speed, data efficiency, hidden terms, and feedback.
The Important Metrics?
Before diving into the numbers, let’s set the ground rules. These are the metrics we used to compare the networks:
- Price per GB – not the sticker price, but how much data you actually get per naira.
- Network quality – including download speed consistency, and downtime.
- Plan flexibility – ease of subscription, rollover options, app/USSD availability.
- Hidden terms – like night-only data, throttling, or social-only bundles.
- User reviews – social media complaints, Reddit feedback, Nairaland experiences.
The Networks
- MTN Nigeria – widely rated the fastest and most stable in 2025
- Airtel Nigeria – strong in streaming and urban coverage, usually second to MTN
- Glo Nigeria – known for bulk bundles but inconsistent speeds
- 9mobile – smallest footprint, frequent network downtime and unpopular packages in 2025
Daily Data Bundles (Up to 24‑Hour Validity)
| Network | Price | Volume | Rate | Bonus/Note |
| MTN | ₦500 | 1 GB | ₦500/GB | +1.5 mins call credit |
| Glo | ₦350 | 1 GB | ₦350/GB | Good for downloads, variable speed |
| Airtel | ₦300 | 1 GB | ₦300/GB | Sometimes valid for 2 days |
| 9mobile | ₦300 | 1 GB + 100MB | ~₦273/GB | Social extra trimmed from main data |
Verdict: Airtel offers the best price-to-volume for light users, especially with occasional 2-day validity. 9mobile offers moderate flexibility thanks to the social bonus. Glo gives raw volume but suffers inconsistent speeds. MTN is costlier but most reliable in transit and load times.
MTN and Airtel are ideal if you need quick streaming access. Glo? Only if you’re patient.
Weekly Data Bundles
| Network | Price | Volume | Rate | Key Details |
| MTN | ₦1,500 | 3.5 GB | ₦429/GB | No extras |
| Airtel | ₦1,500 | 3.5 GB + social | ₦429/GB | Night & social streaming packs |
| Glo | ₦1,000 | 3.5 GB | ₦286/GB | Cheapest for same bundle |
| 9mobile | ₦1,500 | 3.4 GB | ₦441/GB | Special plan via specific code |
Fine Print:
- MTN/Airtel don’t always rollover unless renewed before expiry.
- Glo’s data is usable full day.
- 9mobile plan only via a specific code (*312#).
Verdict: So, which offers the best data plans? Glo is unbeatable for basic value. Airtel’s bonuses give it more utility. MTN offers consistent reliability. 9mobile is limited both in volume and flexibility.
Monthly Bundles (30 Days)
| Network | Price | Volume | Rate | Bonus / Notes |
| MTN | ₦3,500 | 7 GB | ₦500/GB | No streaming extras |
| Airtel | ₦3,000 | 8 GB | ₦375/GB | Includes YouTube/TikTok night |
| Glo | ₦3,000 | 10 GB | ₦300/GB | Largest volume but inconsistent |
| 9mobile | ₦4,000 | 8.4 GB | ₦476/GB | No bonus, relatively expensive |
Verdict: Glo wins on sheer GB count, but if your priority is function (streaming, cloud work, video calls), Airtel and MTN still give better user experience. 9mobile here offers no clear advantage.
Performance by Location
| Region | Best Network | Worst Network | Notes |
| Lagos | MTN / Airtel | 9mobile | MTN download speed up to ~25Mbps in cities |
| Abuja | Airtel | 9mobile | Airtel strong in 4G reliability |
| Port Harcourt | MTN | 9mobile | Glo lagging in load speed |
| Enugu | MTN / Airtel | 9mobile | MTN/Airtel widely used; 9mobile limited coverage |
| Benin / Ibadan | Airtel | Glo | Glo acceptable for downloads only |
| Rural areas | Airtel | 9mobile / Glo | Airtel has broader tower deployment |
User Convenience & App Access
| Network | App Quality | USSD Code | Rollover Support |
| MTN | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | *312# | Yes—early renewal rollover available |
| Airtel | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | *312# | Yes |
| Glo | ⭐⭐ | *312# | Partial—some bundles rollover |
| 9mobile | ⭐⭐⭐ | *312# | Rollover, but app and support weak |
Data Efficiency in Practice
| Activity | MTN | Airtel | Glo | 9mobile |
| WhatsApp Call (1hr) | 250MB | 300MB | 280MB | 320MB |
| Instagram Scrolling (1hr) | 180MB | 210MB | 240MB | 220MB |
| YouTube 480p (1hr) | 600MB | 650MB | 700MB | 670MB |
| Zoom Meeting (1hr) | 500MB | 480MB | 580MB | 550MB |
Conclusion: MTN transfers more content with less data thanks to fast loading and efficient compression. Airtel follows closely. Glo and 9mobile burn more data due to slow retransmissions under load.
Final Verdict: Best Data Plans by Use Case
| User Type | Best Network | Why |
| Casual Browser | Airtel | Fair price + social or video extras |
| Data Hog / Downloader | Glo | Cheapest per GB (if speeds aren’t a concern) |
| Streamer | MTN | Stable speed, minimal buffering |
| Remote Worker | MTN | Reliable upload/download performance |
| Student | Airtel / 9mobile | Budget-friendly, especially night/social use plans |
Editor’s Take
If you only look at how much data a network gives you, you’ll probably think Glo is better. But if you factor in how usable that data is, how fast it loads, whether it works during rainstorms, and if you can stream without rage-quitting, MTN and Airtel are at the top.
For 2025, when considering the best plans, note that data isn’t about quantity anymore, but quality and reliability. Nigeria’s mobile users know this, which is why we’re seeing a shift away from deceptive big-number plans to actual browsing experience.
We’ve tested all four networks over the past month. Glo gave more data, MTN gave peace of mind.
