Minimum Mobile Recharge Plans: Jio, Airtel, Vi & BSNL

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lady looking for the cheapest prepaid plans beside Jio's logo

As the competition in the telecom industry grows, service providers rush to develop their services and make their plans more affordable for consumers. If you’re looking for the best minimum mobile recharge plans, our guide can help you. We have compiled some of the top prepaid plans offered by the top mobile network operators, Jio, Airtel, Vi and BSNL, along with their benefits. Find the one that suits your preferences!

Minimum Prepaid Mobile Recharge Plans

When comparing prepaid vs postpaid, you can get the best compensation for your money with prepaid mobile recharge plans! Now you can stay connected without burning a hole in your pockets. Choose a plan that fits your needs and enjoy talking, texting, and data services without breaking the bank! The minimum mobile recharge plans offered by the top telecom service providers in India are listed here.

  • Jio offers prepaid recharge plans starting from ₹149.
  • Airtel has minimum prepaid recharge plans priced at ₹155.
  • Vi offers prepaid recharge plans from ₹204.
  • BSNL has the cheapest prepaid recharge plans at ₹107.

Other than these, consumers can explore different plans with longer validity, more benefits, and a higher amount of data. The following sections contain an in-depth analysis of the different minimum mobile recharge plans offered by these service providers.

Minimum Prepaid Mobile Recharge Plans: Prices & Features Compared

We compare the various features of these telecom providers to determine which company offers the best services. Although the compensation of price vs value depends largely on the user’s requirements and preferences, we can derive a standard analysis for the same. Continue reading to find out! 

Comparing mobile recharge plans of Airtel, Jio, Vi and BSNL shows us several patterns. Here are some of the significant conclusions that we can derive.

Features of Top Telecom Service Providers
FeaturesBSNLViAirtelJio
AffordabilityHas the most affordable plansHas slightly expensive plans with more customer servicesHas slightly expensive plans with more customer servicesHas averagely-priced plans
User ExperienceMay have troublesome user experienceHas incredible user experienceHas the best network & user experienceOffers good user experience & customer support
Data coverage & availabilityHas the fourth-highest availability and data coverageHas the third-highest availability and data coverageHas the second-highest availability and data coverageHas the highest availability and data coverage
Network coverage & capacityHas the least network coverage areaHas an average network coverage areaHas one of the top network coverage areasHas one of the top network coverage areas
5G networkIs yet to expand into 5G networkCurrently expanding into 5G servicesHas the best 5G network servicesHas the best network connectivity and data usage
Customer careCustomer support may not be as good comparativelyHas top-notch customer careHas top-notch customer careHas top-notch customer care
Additional BenefitsOffers low additional benefitsOffers numerous additional benefitsOffers numerous additional benefitsOffers numerous additional benefits

Which Are The Best Minimum Jio Mobile Recharge Plans?

Reliance Jio arguably had the most effective digital transformation in the recent Indian telecom industry. Its prices and marketing strategies quickly made it one of the top players in the field. Jio brought about the transformation of the industry from being voice-based to data-based with its affordable, high-speed data plans. Its entry into the market compelled other competitors to redesign their strategies to stay in competition.

Here are some of the best minimum Jio mobile recharge plans offered for prepaid users, with the lowest recharge plan at ₹149. Note that each plan comes with unlimited calling, 100 SMS/day, and the additional benefits of JioTV, JioCinema and JioCloud.

Jio Mobile Recharge Plans: Minimum Prepaid Options
Jio Prepaid Recharge Plans & CostValidityAdditional Benefits
₹14920 daysUnlimited calling, 100 SMS/day
Data: 1GB/day
₹17924 daysUnlimited calling, 100 SMS/day
Data: 1GB/day
₹20928 daysUnlimited calling, 100 SMS/day
Data: 1GB/day
₹19923 daysUnlimited calling, 100 SMS/day
Data: 1.5GB/day
₹23928 daysUnlimited calling, 100 SMS/day
Data: 1.5GB/day
₹2591 calendar monthUnlimited calling, 100 SMS/day
Data: 1.5GB/day
₹26928 daysUnlimited calling, 100 SMS/day
Data: 1.5GB/day
Free Add-ons: Jio Saavn Pro
₹32828 daysUnlimited calling, 100 SMS/day
Data: 1.5GB/day
OTT Apps: 3 months Disney + Hotstar
₹24923 daysUnlimited calling, 100 SMS/day
Data: 2GB/day
₹29928 daysUnlimited calling, 100 SMS/day
Data: 2GB/day
₹38828 daysUnlimited calling, 100 SMS/day
Data: 2GB/day
OTT Apps: 3 months Disney + Hotstar
₹34930 daysUnlimited calling, 100 SMS/day
Data: 2.5GB/day

Which Are The Best Minimum Airtel Mobile Recharge Plans?

Recently, Airtel has developed a significant 5G network in more than 500 cities that has attracted a considerable population of people. It also provides several digital services in its plans which further increase the compensation value of the Airtel prepaid plans chosen.

Going ahead, Airtel’s wireless business is expected to demonstrate 16% revenue growth, compounded annually over the financial year 2023-2025.

Here are the top minimum Airtel mobile recharge plans offered for prepaid users, the lowest prepaid plan at ₹155. Note that all of the following plans are unlimited local STD and roaming calls. They also have the additional benefits of Free Hello Tunes and Wynk Music.

Airtel Mobile Recharge Plans: Minimum Prepaid Options
Airtel Prepaid Recharge Plans & CostValidityAdditional Benefits
₹15524 daysUnlimited local STD and roaming calls
Data: 1GB
₹17928 daysUnlimited local STD and roaming calls
Data: 2GB
₹19930 daysUnlimited local STD and roaming calls
Data: 3GB
₹20921 daysUnlimited local STD and roaming calls
Data: 1GB/day
₹23924 daysUnlimited local STD and roaming calls
Data: 1GB/day
₹26528 daysUnlimited local STD and roaming calls
Data: 1GB/day
Free Add-ons: Apollo 24|7 Circle
₹28935 daysUnlimited local STD and roaming calls
Data: 4GB
Free Add-ons: Apollo 24|7 Circle
₹29630 daysUnlimited local STD and roaming calls
Data: 25GB
Free Add-ons: Apollo 24|7 Circle, unlimited 5G data
₹29928 daysUnlimited local STD and roaming calls
Data: 1.5GB/day
Free Add-ons: Apollo 24|7 Circle, unlimited 5G data
₹3191 monthUnlimited local STD and roaming calls
Data: 2GB/day
Free Add-ons: Apollo 24|7 Circle, unlimited 5G data

Which Are The Best Minimum BSNL Mobile Recharge Plans?

BSNL has faced several challenges over the years to stay a relevant and strong competitor in the market, yet, it has achieved its status as one of the strongest telecom players in the industry. Its major focus has remained on providing connectivity to the remotest parts of India at affordable prices. Now focusing on the strengthening and expansion of 4G services, BSNL aims to contribute to the country’s Atma Nirbhar vision through its future plans.

Here are the best minimum BSNL mobile recharge plans offered for prepaid users. Note that the following plans come with unlimited data. However, the data speed is reduced to 40 kbps after the daily limit is achieved.

BSNL Mobile Recharge Plans: Minimum Prepaid Options
BSNL Prepaid Recharge Plans & CostValidityAdditional Benefits
₹10735 days200 minutes
Data: 3GB
₹10828 daysUnlimited voice calls
Data: 1GB/day
₹15326 daysTruly unlimited voice calls
Data: 1GB/day
₹19770 daysTruly unlimited voice calls
Data: 2GB/day (for first 18 days)
₹19930 daysUnlimited voice calls
Data: 2GB/day
₹2291 monthUnlimited voice calls
Data: 2GB/day
₹24945 daysTruly unlimited voice calls
Data: 2GB/day
₹397150 daysTruly unlimited voice calls
Data: 2GB/day (for first 30 days)
₹666105 daysUnlimited voice calls
Data: 2GB/day
₹699130 daysUnlimited voice calls
Data: 0.5GB/day

Which Are The Best Minimum Vi Mobile Recharge Plans?

Vodafone Idea Limited, also called Vi, is a mobile network operator formed by the merger of Vodafone India and Idea Cellular. It has more than 311 million customers who enjoy various 2G, 3G, and 4G services. One of the pros that Vi has is its large spectrum portfolio, which allows it to support the growing demand for data and voice services. Its focus remains actively on customer service and the overall user experience. Check out the best minimum Vi mobile recharge plans offered for prepaid users in the following table.

Vi Mobile Recharge Plans: Minimum Prepaid Options
Vi Prepaid Recharge Plans & CostValidityAdditional Benefits
₹2041 monthData: 500MB
₹19830 daysData: 500MB
₹3814 daysTruly unlimited voice calls
Data: 200MB
₹17928 daysTruly unlimited voice calls, Vi Movies & TV
Data: 2GB
₹1951 monthTruly unlimited voice calls, Vi Movies & TV
Data: 3GB
₹29928 daysVi Movies & TV, 5GB extra data for 3 days on Vi App
Data: 1.5GB/day
₹35928 daysVi Movies & TV, 5GB extra data for 3 days on Vi App
Data: 3GB/day
₹39928 daysData: 2.5GB/day
OTT Apps: Vi Movies & TV, 3 months Disney + Hotstar
Free Add-ons: 5GB extra data for 3 days on Vi App
₹26928 daysTruly unlimited calls
Data: 1GB/day
OTT Apps: Vi Movies & TV
₹36830 daysTruly unlimited calls
Data: 2GB/day
Free Add-ons: 30 days Sun NXT TV

Which Mobile Recharge Plans Do BSNL, Vi, Jio & Airtel Users Prefer?

  1. When it comes to the lowest prepaid recharge plans, there are a few things that customers are looking at. If a user is looking for pocket-friendly plans, BSNL prepaid recharge plans are best. If network coverage and connectivity are a priority, Jio prepaid recharge plans are more apt. Lastly, if customer service and user experience are preferred, Airtel and Vi have the best prepaid recharge plans.
  2. An ideal plan would offer affordable cost, an essential data plan, unlimited calling and texting, and short-term validity. Along with this, any additional benefits offered are an advantage but don’t necessarily fall into standard requirements.
  • The top features that affect a consumer’s decision while selecting a telecom provider are as follows.
  • Cost
  • Flexibility to change plans
  • Network coverage
  • Data plan
  • Data Speed
  • Voice calling and SMS services offered
  • Additional benefits
  • Customer care and support
  • Convenience of operations and using the plan
  • Overall user experience offered by the brand

The trends in user preferences for mobile providers depend on various things, like app usage, mobile commerce & daily average time. For instance, the people who spend more time on their phones prefer the mobile app experience over the provider's services. Secondly, costs are a major contributor to the final decision. In the future, it is predicted that users will prefer personalised services and offers.

Minimum Prepaid Recharge Plans: Frequently Asked Questions

Which prepaid SIM is the cheapest?

BSNL has the cheapest prepaid SIM at only ₹18. Other than this, Airtel has a prepaid SIM worth ₹19, whereas Jio offers one at ₹49. You can look at the best prepaid plans under 300 in our guide here!

What is the minimum recharge for Jio to keep the number active?

To keep a Jio SIM active, consumers must recharge their Jio prepaid plan with a minimum of ₹199 and their Jio postpaid plan with a minimum of ₹399.

What is the minimum recharge for Airtel to keep the number active?

The minimum recharge for Airtel services to be active is ₹155.

What is the minimum recharge for Vi for incoming calls?

The minimum recharge required for active incoming calls in Vi prepaid plans is priced at ₹99.

What is the minimum recharge for BSNL to keep the number active?

The minimum recharge balance for BSNL prepaid plans to keep the number active is ₹107.

Compare Mobile Operators And Plans: