Which Is The Best SIM Card In India?
The telecom industry is a thriving sector in India, with a customer base of over 1 billion subscribers. There are four main service providers in the country: Reliance Jio, Airtel, Vodafone, and BSNL. Choosing the best SIM card is simplified in this article, with Jio standing out as the best network in India for its affordable data plans and bundled services like JioTV and JioSaavn.
- India Adds To Global Mobile Subscribers
- India's Telecom industry is the second-largest globally, boasting a subscriber base of 1.181 billion, including both wireless and wireline subscribers.
- According to an Ericsson report, India's mobile subscriber base witnessed a growth of approximately 7 million, reaching a total of 1,125 million during the second quarter of 2023.
- 175 million new 5G subscriptions were recorded in the June 2023 quarter, contributing to a total base nearing 1.3 billion.
Best Network SIM Card Provider in India
Choosing the right SIM card in India is crucial for interrupted connectivity and optimal mobile services. In India, an array of top mobile providers, including Airtel, Jio, Vi, BSNL, and MTNL, vie for consumer preference. Here are the four leading mobile network providers in India, check out the features, plans and availability before you decide to purchase.
- Best Networks In India
- Bharti Airtel
- Reliance Jio
- Vodafone Idea
- BSNL
Compare The Best SIM Cards in India
To choose the best sim card in India, you need to have an idea about the mobile providers services provided in the country and who provides them. Each of the mentioned mobile network operators offers top services
including 3G, 4G, high-speed internet and other OTT subscriptions depending on the package you choose. Also, if you are looking for an alternative solution, read how to get Esim in India too.
After going through various polls, surveys and customer responses, we have summarized the comparison of all the above-listed mobile providers based on few factors here.
| Feature | Reliance Jio | Airtel | Vi | BSNL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 9.5/10 | 9/10 | 7/10 | 6/10 |
| Network Coverage | Extensive 4G coverage, strong in urban areas. Maximum 5G coverage is offered. | 5G/4G | 4G/3G | Wide coverage, including rural areas |
| Data Speed | Unlimited 5G, High-speed 4G network, reliable data services | Fast 5G/4G speeds, consistent data services | Moderate 4G speeds | Varies by region, can be slower in remote areas |
| Voice Call Quality | Clear HD voice calls, minimal call drops | Good voice quality, reliable connections | Average call quality, occasional drops | Reliable voice services, may vary in remote areas |
| Plan Options | Broad range of prepaid and postpaid plans | Varied plans with different benefits | Flexible prepaid and postpaid options | Budget-friendly plans, diverse offerings |
| Customer Service | Generally responsive | Reliable customer service | Mixed reviews on customer support | Improving customer service |
| Special Features | Jio Fiber for home broadband, OTT subscriptions. Recently introduced JioAirFiber | Airtel Thanks program, digital services and Airtel Xstream | Vodafone Play, international roaming | Bharat Fiber for high-speed broadband, low-cost plans |
| Download Speed | up to 100 Mbps | 24.1 MB/sec | 5.92 Mbps | 10 Mbps |
| Upload Speed | 7.9 Mbps | 8 Mbps | 4.91 Mbps | 4 Mbps |
| Voice App Experience | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Average |
| Video App experience | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Low-Quality |
Top 8 Factors Before You Choose Your Mobile SIM
There are certain factors that you need to consider before you make up your mind on which the best network sim card in India. These are majorly influenced by the circle you reside in.
- The area you reside in is the first.
- The mobile internet speed
- Network coverage
- Strength of connectivity
- Mobile sim range etc are influenced by the circle you reside in.
- Documents Required For Getting a New SIM Card
- Proof of identity (including photographs, original copy of Aadhar card, Passport, Voter ID or Driving License)
- Valid Proof of Address
Airtel SIM Card
Bharti Airtel Limited is one of the leading mobile operators in the country with a superb customer base. Airtel SIM card offers good internet connectivity, affordable mobile talk plans, a good network and transparent customer service.
- Key Features Of Airtel
- Provides comparatively better coverage in rural as well as urban areas
- Good packs, slightly higher cost for services
- Provides great offers with OTT subscriptions
- Customer services can be improved
- 4G connectivity
Prepaid SIM Card: Airtel Plan With Free Delivery
Here are the best-selling 28 days validity Airtel prepaid mobile plans for your reference.
| Plan Name & Price in Rs | Data | Additional Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| 299 | 1.5 GB/day |
|
| 479 | 1.5 GB/day |
|
Postpaid SIM Card: Airtel Plan With Free Delivery
Here are the best-selling Airtel postpaid mobile plans for your reference.
| Plan Name & Price in Rs | Data | Additional Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| 499 | 75 GB with Data Roll over |
|
| 999 | 150 GB with Data Roll Over |
|
Reliance Jio SIM
Reliance Jio entered the telecom market with a tremendous impact on 4G services. They are providing cheaper tariffs with great coverage. Remote areas enjoy the benefit of a strong network with solid connectivity.
- Key Features Of Jio
- Free voice calls
- Excellent 4G and 5G coverage
- Free OTT subscriptions
- Affordable tariffs and plans
- Lesser voice quality
- Needs better Customer service
Prepaid SIM Card: Jio Plan With Free Delivery
Below listed are the best Jio prepaid plans available in market.
| Price in Rs | Data | Validity | Additional Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| 299 | 2 GB/day | 56 days |
|
| 499 | 2GB/Day | 28 days |
|
Postpaid SIM Card: Jio Plan With Free Delivery
Here are the best-selling Jio postpaid mobile plans for your reference on your BILL CYCLE.
| Price in Rs | Data | Calls & SMS | Additional Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| 399 | 75 GB Data, thereafter ₹10/GB |
| 200 GB Data Roll Over, Subscription to Netflix, Amazon Prime & Disney+ Hotstar, |
| 599 | 100 GB Data, thereafter ₹10/GB |
| Family Plan - 1 additional SIM card, 200 GB Data Roll Over, Subscription to Netflix, Amazon Prime & Disney+ Hotstar, |
Vodafone SIM
Vodafone Idea has extended its area of expertise after the merger between Vodafone and Idea. The new Vi brand is creating a solid customer base with its quality services. The main attractions include stable connectivity, reliable call quality, good data packs, reliable internet speed. The 3G, 4G services are recommended by many users.
- Key Features of Vi
- High internet speed
- Great stability in urban areas
- Urban and rural coverage
- Call drops need to be rectified
- Higher prices for packs
Prepaid SIM Card: Vi Plan With Free Delivery
Vi is one of the operators that has the best sim card for a prepaid connections in India. Take note of the best-selling Vi prepaid plan and Vi postpaid mobile plans:
| Price in Rs | Data | Validity | Additional Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| 299 | 1.5 GB/day | 28 days |
|
| 479 | 1.5 GB/day | 56 days |
|
Postpaid SIM Card: Vi Plan With Free Delivery
| Price in Rs | Data | SMS | Additional Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| 399 excluding GST | 40 GB + 150 GB extra | 100 SMS/Month |
|
| 499 excluding GST | 75 GB | 100 SMS/Month |
|
BSNL SIM
Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited is a widespread network provider that has been serving the country from the start of telecom evolution. Every corner of the country has BSNL coverage for 2G and 3G BSNL SIM cards. Internet services may not reach the mark when compared to other faster networks. However, BSNL remains a loyal, reliable provider to its subscribers.
- Key Features of BSNL
- Value for money
- Widest network throughout India
- Same speed for both 2G and 3G
- Exciting offers and discounts
- Internet connectivity issues
- Poor internet speed
- The average response from customer care
Here are the best-selling BSNL prepaid plan and BSNL postpaid plan with New SIM:
| Price in Rs | Data | Validity | Calls & SMS |
|---|---|---|---|
| 249 | 2 GB / Day | 45 Days |
|
| 485 | 1.5 GB/ Day | 90 days |
|
Which Is The Best Travel SIM Card For Foreigners in India?
If you’re visiting the India on vacation or backpacking, you may want to use your mobile phone whilst you’re there. SIM Card makes getting around (e.g. finding directions or calling a taxi) easier, and allows you to stay in touch with friends and family back home.
How To Buy a Travel SIM Card On Arrival in India?
If you’re coming to India as a tourist or for a business purpose, you can buy a local SIM card on arrival. This allows you to get a local phone number (beginning with +91). And you’ll also be able to use the 4G data blocks and make cheaper calls.
- Key things to know about buying a local SIM card in India
- You’ll need to pay an upfront fee when you buy a local SIM card in India on arrival, and prices may vary for each mobile carrier.
- You’ll need to provide a copy of your passport and your travel visa for India as a proof of your arrival in India.
- Local sims take near about a few hours to 24 hours.
SIM cards validity in India for tourists is usually for a period of 28 days, but there are options for 60 days, 82 days, and 90 days, and even as few as just two days.
Where Foreigners Can Buy Tourist SIM Card in India?
There are various places to buy SIM cards in India for 28 days validity.
- Airport: It is the most convenient and highly recommended place to get a SIM card.
- At a Store: Try to avoid this, as staff at these stores are more likely to ask for a local number to get you a registered sim card. You can still try at mobile carrier registered stores for better deal.
- At your Hotel: It is another convenient option to get a tourist sim card in India. You can request the hotel staff for assistance.
| Network | Data per day | Calls and SMS | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airtel | 1.5 GB |
| $3.90 |
| Jio | 2 GB |
| $3.31 |
| Vodafone | 1.5 GB |
| $3.90 |
| BSNL | 1 GB |
| $5.99 |
Traveling to India is one of the best experiences you can have in your life. Choose any of the one options mentioned above and save your time to explore vibrant colors, rich culture, aromatic cuisine, and deep spiritual connections of India.
Best SIM Card in India: Frequently Asked Questions
Is there any BSNL prepaid SIM plan for foreign visitors in India?
BSNL offers Guest Premium plan at $7.99 with 2 GB data per day. Subscribers also get unlimited voice calling and national roaming with free 100 SMS per day. The validity of this plan is limited to 15 days.
Which mobile network offers the fastest 4G SIM in India?
Reliance Jio Offers the fastest 4G connectivity in India.
Does Sim Coverage depend on locality?
Yes, it does. Many subscribers enquire which sim card is best in India. This mainly depends on your regional locality. If you need higher speed 4G services, Airtel Sim would be the best for you. Both 2G and 4G phones are compatible with Airtel Sim. However, if you are looking for wide coverage at cheaper rates, Jio is considered to be the best sim network in India. To use a Jio Sim, you would need a 4G supported mobile.
Which Indian SIM offers 5G?
Reliance Jio and Airtel have launched their 5G services in major cities of India. And Vi is following them.
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