Best Mobile Recharge Plans in India : Jio, Airtel, Vi, BSNL 2026
Jio vs Airtel vs Vi vs BSNL: Best Prepaid Recharge Plans in India (October 2026)
Prices checked on: 19 October 2026
Choosing a prepaid recharge plan is easier when you know what you actually need. Some people want only calling and SMS, while others need daily data for WhatsApp, YouTube, online classes, gaming, or work.
In this guide, we compare Jio, Airtel, Vi (Vodafone Idea), and BSNL prepaid plans by price, validity, daily data, and benefits.
Important: Recharge prices and availability may vary by telecom circle and mobile number. Always confirm the final benefits in the operator's official app before paying.
Quick Answer: Best Plan by Need
Only calling, lowest upfront cost: Airtel ₹185, 28 days, unlimited calls and 300 SMS, with no bundled data.
Calls plus data for most people: Jio ₹349, 28 days, 2GB/day, unlimited calls and SMS, with eligible unlimited 5G benefits.
Heavy data: Airtel ₹1,099, 84 days, 3GB/day, unlimited calls and SMS, with eligible unlimited 5G benefits.
Longest validity for calling only: Airtel ₹1,849 or Vi ₹1,849, up to 365 days, with voice and SMS benefits.
Long validity with daily data: BSNL ₹2,399, generally 365 days, with 2GB/day and unlimited calls; promotional validity may vary.
Lower-cost data plan with long validity: BSNL ₹997, 150 days, 2GB/day and unlimited calls, subject to current availability.
For official plan information, visit Jio, Airtel, Vi, and BSNL.
Calling-Only Plans (Voice and SMS, No Data)
Calling-only plans are useful for feature phones, senior citizens, secondary SIMs, or people who use Wi-Fi instead of mobile data.
TRAI's updated rules are bringing more voice-and-SMS-only options to prepaid customers. As of 19 October 2026, Airtel has introduced shorter-duration packs, while Jio and Vi have established longer-duration voice-and-SMS options. The new regulatory deadline for shorter-duration options is 21 October 2026, so availability may change.
Jio
₹448: 84 days, unlimited voice calls and 1,000 SMS, no bundled data.
₹1,748: 336 days, unlimited voice calls and 3,600 SMS, no bundled data.
Airtel
₹185: 28 days, unlimited calls and 300 SMS, no bundled data.
₹203: 30 days, unlimited calls and 300 SMS, no bundled data.
₹206: Calendar-month validity, unlimited calls and 300 SMS, no bundled data.
₹1,849: 365 days, unlimited calls and 3,600 SMS, no bundled data.
The ₹185 pack is useful if you want the lowest initial recharge cost. The ₹203 pack provides a 30-day validity period, while the ₹206 option uses calendar-month validity.
Vi
₹470: 84 days, unlimited calls and 900 SMS, no bundled data.
₹1,849: 365 days, unlimited calls and 3,600 SMS, no bundled data.
Check the Vi app for your circle's exact voice-only options and current pricing.
BSNL
₹439: A published plan listing reports 80 days of validity, unlimited voice calls and 300 SMS without bundled data.
BSNL's voice-only tariffs and availability can vary by circle. Confirm this pack in the BSNL Selfcare app or your local BSNL recharge channel before relying on these benefits.
Best calling-only choice: Airtel ₹185 if your priority is the lowest upfront cost. For a full year without data, compare Airtel ₹1,849 and Vi ₹1,849. Jio's ₹1,748 pack lasts 336 days, rather than a full year.
Reference for the latest voice-only changes: The Week's report on TRAI-mandated plans.
Calls Plus Data Plans
These plans combine calling, SMS, and mobile internet. Daily data allowances are usually more useful than a small one-time data allowance if you regularly use social media, video, maps, or messaging apps.
Jio
₹349: 28 days, 2GB/day, unlimited calls and SMS, plus eligible unlimited 5G benefits and bundled digital benefits.
₹1,029: 84 days, 2GB/day, unlimited calls and SMS, with eligible unlimited 5G and bundled benefits.
₹3,599: 365 days, 2.5GB/day, unlimited calls and SMS, with eligible unlimited 5G and additional benefits.
Best for: Users who want daily data and long-validity options, particularly where Jio's network is strong.
Official details: Jio prepaid plans.
Airtel
₹348: 28 days, 1.5GB/day, unlimited calls and SMS.
₹899: 84 days, 1.5GB/day, unlimited calls and SMS.
₹979: 84 days, 2GB/day, unlimited calls and SMS, with eligible unlimited 5G benefits.
₹3,599: 365 days, 2GB/day, unlimited calls and SMS, with eligible unlimited 5G benefits.
Best for: People who want daily data, nationwide calling, and a range of validity choices. Confirm the exact plan shown for your number, as Airtel's displayed plans may differ by circle.
Official details: Airtel prepaid recharge plans.
Vi (Vodafone Idea)
₹349: 28 days, 1.5GB/day, unlimited calls and 100 SMS/day. Eligible plans may include unlimited night data and weekend data rollover.
₹859: 84 days, 1.5GB/day, unlimited calls and 100 SMS/day. Benefits may include unlimited night data, weekend data rollover, and backup data through the Vi app.
₹979: 84 days, 2GB/day, unlimited calls and 100 SMS/day, with additional benefits that may include Vi Movies & TV access, half-day unlimited data, and weekend data rollover.
₹3,599: 365 days, 2GB/day, unlimited calls and 100 SMS/day, with eligible additional data benefits.
Best for: Users who can take advantage of Vi's additional data features. Check whether the relevant benefits apply to your plan and location.
Official details: Vi prepaid recharge plans.
BSNL
₹247: 30 days, 50GB of high-speed data, unlimited voice calls and 100 SMS/day. After the high-speed allowance is exhausted, the published tariff describes reduced-speed data.
₹997: 150 days, 2GB/day, unlimited voice calls and 100 SMS/day.
₹2,399: Generally 365 days, 2GB/day, unlimited voice calls and 100 SMS/day. Promotional validity can differ.
The ₹247 plan offers a fixed data allowance rather than a daily quota. The ₹997 plan is worth considering if you want daily data and fewer recharges.
Best for: People who get good BSNL coverage in their area and want to compare long validity or bulk-data options. Verify all benefits and availability in the official BSNL channel before recharging.
Official website: BSNL.
Which Operator Offers the Best Value?
| Your need | Plan worth comparing | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest upfront calling-only recharge | Airtel ₹185 | No bundled data and 28-day validity |
| Calling-only for a year | Airtel ₹1,849 / Vi ₹1,849 | 365-day voice-and-SMS options |
| Regular daily internet | Jio ₹349 | 2GB/day for 28 days |
| Heavy data for 84 days | Airtel ₹1,099 | 3GB/day |
| Daily data with long validity | BSNL ₹997 | 2GB/day for 150 days |
| One-time data allowance | BSNL ₹247 | 50GB over 30 days |
These are comparisons by plan structure, not a guarantee that one operator is best everywhere. Local network quality and the exact recharge options available to your number can change the result.
How to Choose the Right Plan
Add up your actual usage: Consider calls, WhatsApp, video streaming, hotspot use, and online classes.
Use less than 1GB per day? A lower-data plan may be sufficient if you can find one that matches your usage.
Watch videos or work online? Compare 2GB/day and 3GB/day plans, along with any fair-use restrictions.
Want fewer recharges? Compare 84-day and annual plans using the total cost and validity.
Use a second SIM mainly for calls? A voice-and-SMS-only plan may save you from paying for data you do not need.
Check coverage first: Ask people nearby or test the network where you live and work. A cheaper plan is not a bargain if the signal is unreliable.
Check 5G eligibility: Unlimited 5G benefits usually require an eligible plan, compatible phone, and operator 5G coverage. Terms and fair-use conditions may apply.
How to Read a Prepaid Plan
Validity: The number of days, or calendar-month period, for which the plan remains active.
Data per day: The daily high-speed data allowance. Once used, speed may be reduced or a separate data pack may be needed.
Total data: One allowance for the whole validity period. For example, 50GB over 30 days is not the same as 2GB every day.
5G: Check the operator's eligibility conditions, phone compatibility, and local 5G coverage.
Extra benefits: Streaming subscriptions, cloud storage, night data, or weekend rollover. Check whether benefits require activation in the operator's app.
SMS allowance: Check whether the plan provides a daily quota or a total number of SMS for the full validity.
Voice-only: A plan without bundled mobile data. It may still include unlimited calling and a specified SMS allowance.
Common Questions
Jio ya Airtel, konsa plan best hai?
It depends on your location, network quality, daily data use, and preferred validity. Compare the available plans for your own number before recharging.
Calling-only plan hai kya?
Yes. Airtel has introduced shorter voice-and-SMS-only options, and Jio, Vi, and BSNL have published voice-focused options. Availability and the new shorter-duration tariffs may change as TRAI's updated requirements take effect.
Plan ki last date kaise check karein?
Open the MyJio, Airtel Thanks, Vi, or BSNL Selfcare app. Check the active plan, validity, remaining data, and SMS allowance.
Do prepaid plan prices change?
Yes. Operators may revise prices, benefits, or availability. Confirm the final details in the official app or website before you recharge.
Does unused daily data carry over?
Usually, standard daily data allowances reset according to the plan's terms. Some plans offer weekend data rollover or other special benefits. Check the specific plan conditions.
Is a yearly plan always cheaper?
Not necessarily. Compare the full recharge cost, validity, daily data allowance, and any benefits you actually use. A lower cost per day may still be poor value if the network is unreliable where you need it.
Terms and Disclaimer
Prices and benefits were checked on 19 October 2026 using available operator pages and published plan information.
Plans, prices, SMS quotas, data benefits, and validity can vary by telecom circle, mobile number, and promotional period.
The BSNL plan details above should be confirmed in the official recharge channel, especially where regional tariff lists or temporary promotions may apply.
Unlimited 5G, night data, rollover, and other benefits are subject to eligibility and operator-specific terms.
OfferHaiKya is an independent offers and information website. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by Jio, Airtel, Vi, BSNL, or TRAI.
This article is for general information. Always verify the exact recharge shown for your number before making payment.