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Quick Comparison Table – Never Expiring Data 2026
| Bundle Size | Rain (Top-Up) | MTN Pi | Capitec Connect | megsApp |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100MB | R10 | – | ~R4.50 (est) | R10 |
| 1GB | R50 (no expiry) | R29 | ~R25 | R35 |
| 5GB | R250 | R99 – BEST | ~R125 | R120 |
| 10GB | R450 (2x5GB) | R149 – BEST | ~R199 | R200 |
| Expiry Rule | Never expires | 12-month rollover, shows as no expiry in app | Never expires if SIM used once in 6 months | Never expires + earns data at SPAR |
1. Rain – Best for Small Top-Ups
Rain was the pioneer of no-expiry data in SA. Their 4G/5G data-only SIM lets you buy top-ups from R10 that never expire. Standard price is R50 per GB with no expiry. You can set a spend limit to avoid bill shock.
Coverage is best in metros – Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, Durban. Check Rain coverage map before buying.
2. MTN Pi – Cheapest for 5GB and 10GB
Launched 30 March 2026 on the MTN network, MTN Pi is currently the cheapest for medium data. R99 for 5GB and R149 for 10GB that displays as “never expires” in the Pi app (officially 12-month rollover).
If you want widest coverage with non-expiring data, Pi wins because it uses the full MTN network.
3. Capitec Connect – Best for Capitec Bank Customers
Capitec Connect runs on Cell C. Data never expires if you use the SIM at least once in 6 months. Capitec claims to be 50% cheaper than normal prices and you can buy directly in the banking app.
4. megsApp – Best for Shoppers and Rewards
megsApp promises all data and airtime never expire. You also earn permanent data when you shop at SPAR and other partners. Starter packs include R10 airtime free.
Which Should You Pick?
- Live in JHB / PTA / Cape Town city? → Rain (best metro speeds)
- Need widest coverage across SA? → MTN Pi (uses MTN network)
- Capitec customer? → Capitec Connect (buy in banking app)
- Want rewards for shopping? → megsApp (earn at SPAR)
Pro Tip: Dual SIM Strategy
Many South Africans use Rain as main data + FNB Connect or megsApp as backup when Rain coverage drops. Total cost can