Recharge Plans in India: Jio, Airtel, Vi and BSNL Compared (November 2026)

Most mobile users in India now pay about ₹349 for a 28-day plan with unlimited calls and unlimited 5G. Jio, Airtel and Vi all sell plans at that level, while BSNL remains the option for long validity at a lower price, on a 4G network that is still being built out.

This guide lists the main prepaid plans from all four operators, explains which type suits you, and is updated as plans change. Benefits vary by circle and change often, so always confirm in the operator’s app before you recharge. Last checked: November 2, 2026.

The quick answer

Jio prepaid plans

The ₹899 plan is the best value for most Jio users who can pay upfront, as it costs far less per day than a 28-day plan. Read more on Jio’s bonus data plans and the ₹450 plan. Some extras need you to stay on a qualifying plan, including the free Canva offer and the Google AI offer.

Airtel prepaid plans

Airtel’s unlimited 5G has a usage limit: above 300GB in 30 days can count as commercial use, though hotspot is not blocked. See also our comparison of the ₹199 and ₹219 plans and the small data boosters from ₹22.

Vi prepaid plans

Vi’s 5G footprint is growing, including 33 more cities in Kerala, but it remains smaller than rivals’, so check your own area. The ₹2,475 plan suits heavy users who dislike monthly recharges.

BSNL prepaid plans

BSNL plans vary by state more than others. It suits people who want low cost and long validity, and who get a good signal at home. TRAI data shows only about 56% of BSNL’s mobile base is active, and its new 4G sites are still being added. BSNL also offers Kavach, a free temporary number for recharging at a shop without sharing your real one.

Entertainment packs at ₹200

All three private operators sell a ₹200 pack with 30GB for 28 days. These are add-ons, so you need an active plan. The Jio OTT Pass has YouTube Premium, the Airtel Box Office Pack has Prime Video Mobile and ZEE5, and the Vi Movies & TV pack has 20 OTT apps. Choose by the apps you already watch.

How to choose in three steps

First, check your usage in the operator’s app for the past month. Most people underestimate it. Second, work out the cost per day, because a longer plan usually costs far less even though the upfront amount is higher. Third, test the network where you actually use your phone. A cheap plan on a weak signal is poor value.

If you want to change operator, you can keep your number by porting it. Send PORT followed by your number to 1900 to get a porting code, then take it to the new operator with your ID. Check that your current bills are clear first.

Will recharge prices go up?

No operator has announced a tariff rise as of November 2, 2026. However, Centrum Institutional Research said in October that it expects a 12% to 15% rise over the next four to five months. Earlier forecasts have slipped more than once. Operators have instead been changing benefits, as Airtel did with its postpaid range. Jio’s stock market listing adds attention to revenue per user, which was ₹215.6 for Jio against ₹264 for Airtel in the June quarter.

If a rise does come, a long plan bought beforehand locks in today’s price for its validity. That is a reason to consider an 84-day or annual plan if you can afford it, not a reason to overspend.

Why this matters for mobile shops

Showing the cost per day is the easiest way to help a customer choose a better plan, and it often moves them to a longer one. Keep this page bookmarked at the counter for quick comparisons, and tell customers to claim app benefits in the operator’s app, since they rarely start on their own.

Frequently asked questions

Sources: Digit, TelecomTalk, Digit, Vi and BSNL, Business Today, and operator pages. Plans change often.