Battle of the budget: Which telecom giant offers the cheapest 5G prepaid plan?

As the 5G race heats up across India, telecom giants Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea (Vi) are fiercely competing to win over budget-conscious users. With daily data needs growing rapidly, users now seek value-for-money recharge options that offer not just 5G speed but also good validity and perks. Let’s compare the cheapest 5G prepaid plans from all three telecom companies to find out which one gives the best  for your buck.

Jio ₹ 98 plan: High-speed data with entertainment bonus

Reliance Jio, known for disrupting the telecom market with affordable data plans, offers its cheapest 5G prepaid pack at ₹198. This plan gives users:

• 2 GB data per day
• Unlimited voice calling
• 100 SMS per day
• 14 days validity

What makes this plan even more attractive is access to JioTV and JioCloud AI storage, making it an excellent choice for users who want entertainment and cloud storage along with data.

Cost per GB per day: ₹7.07

Airtel ₹379 plan: Steady performance with a few extras

Airtel’s most affordable 5G plan is priced at ₹379, and it includes:

• 2 GB high-speed data per day
• Unlimited voice calling
• 100 SMS per day
• 1 month validity (28 to 30 days depending on the calendar)

Extras include spam alerts and free Hellotunes every 30 days small but useful features that enhance the overall user experience. Airtel also boasts consistent 5G coverage across urban areas.

Cost per GB per day: ₹6.77 (assuming 28-day validity)

Vi ₹299 plan: Budget-friendly, but limited in data

Vodafone Idea offers its cheapest 5G plan at ₹299, but it’s the least data-rich among the three:

• 1 GB data per day
• Unlimited calling
• 100 SMS per day
• 28 days validity

Unlike Jio and Airtel, this plan lacks added benefits like cloud storage or OTT access. Vi’s 5G rollout is also comparatively limited in reach, making this plan better suited for users who don't need heavy data.

Cost per GB per day: ₹10.68 

 Which one should you choose?

If you're looking purely for value and more data, Jio’s ₹198 plan offers the lowest price for 2GB daily data even though its validity is shorter. For those who want monthly validity with consistent coverage, Airtel’s ₹379 plan makes sense despite the slightly higher cost. Vi’s plan, while cheapest in price, offers half the data and no extras, which may not suit users who consume content regularly or rely on cloud services.

 Conclusion

Choosing the best 5G plan depends on your usage pattern whether you prioritize price, data volume, or added services. But for now, Jio leads in affordability, Airtel wins on consistency, and Vi serves light users on a tight budget.