Compare by the cost for 30 days
Plans come in 28, 56, 84, 180 and 365-day packs, so the sticker price misleads. Divide by the days and multiply by 30 to see what a month of service really costs. A 28-day plan needs 13 recharges a year, not 12 — the 13th is the cost of the "month" that isn't. Use the recharge cost calculator for any plan.
Cheapest plan with data, by validity
| Validity | Jio | Airtel | Vi | BSNL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28–30 days | ₹189 (2 GB total) | ₹199 (2 GB total) | ₹199 (2 GB total) | ₹169 (2 GB/day) |
| 56–98 days | ₹579 (1.5 GB/day) | ₹489 (6 GB total) | ₹489 (6 GB total) | — |
| 150–300 days | — | — | ₹1,149 (15 GB total) | ₹897 (24 GB total) |
| 336–365 days | ₹3,599 (2.5 GB/day) | ₹2,249 (30 GB total) | ₹2,249 (30 GB total) | — |
Longer packs cost less for 30 days than buying the monthly plan again and again, if you can pay up front. See yearly plans.
Same plan type, four operators
| Plan type | Jio | Airtel | Vi | BSNL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5 GB/day, 28 days | ₹299 · 28 days | ₹299 · 28 days | ₹349 · 28 days | — |
| 2 GB/day, 28–30 days | ₹349 · 28 days | ₹349 · 28 days | ₹365 · 28 days | ₹169 · 30 days |
| 2 GB/day, 84 days | ₹859 · 84 days | ₹979 · 84 days | — | — |
| Low data, 77–84 days | — | ₹489 · 77 days | ₹489 · 78 days | — |
| Low data, 365 days | — | ₹2,249 · 365 days | ₹2,249 · 365 days | — |
| Daily data, 365 days | ₹3,599 · 365 days | ₹3,599 · 365 days | ₹3,599 · 365 days | — |
| Calling only, 84 days | ₹448 · 84 days | ₹469 · 84 days | ₹470 · 84 days | — |
| Calling only, ~1 year | ₹1,748 · 336 days | ₹1,849 · 365 days | ₹1,849 · 365 days | — |
A dash means the operator had no plan of that exact type in our list — it may have one with a slightly different validity.
Which operator should you choose?
Price differences between Jio, Airtel and Vi are small for most plan types; the network where you live and work matters more. Ask neighbours, check the operator's coverage map, and try a friend's SIM indoors at home and office before porting. BSNL is usually the cheapest for long validity; its own 4G network went live across the country in September 2025, but coverage still varies.
Switching is free: send PORT and your number to 1900 for a porting code, then visit the new operator with your ID. Head-to-head: Jio vs Airtel.
Before you recharge
- Recharge only through the operator's app or website, a UPI app or your bank — never through a link in an SMS or WhatsApp message promising a "free recharge" or a huge discount. Those links steal UPI PINs and card details.
- Check the plan in your own circle: some plans and prices differ by state.
- "Unlimited" data has a daily limit: after your daily quota, speed usually drops to about 64 kbps until midnight.
- Unlimited 5G comes only on plans the operator names, and only where its 5G network reaches you and your phone supports it.
Only need calls?
Since January 2025 every major operator sells calling-and-SMS-only plans, after TRAI asked for them — useful for a second SIM, an elderly parent or a feature phone. See calling-only plans.
Oxon Fintech does not sell recharges or collect bill payments. Plan prices and benefits are the operators' own, as listed on the date above; they change often and can differ by telecom circle, so confirm in the operator's app before paying.