Let’s be real—choosing a prepaid plan in India feels like solving a puzzle. Between data limits, OTT perks, and validity days, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. But if you’re hunting for a solid plan under ₹500 with unlimited calls, 5G, and a Hotstar subscription, Jio and Airtel have some sneaky-good options. Here’s the breakdown without the jargon.
The Hotstar Showdown: Jio vs Airtel
Both telcos are tossing in free Hotstar subscriptions (well, JioHotstar in Airtel’s case—confusing, we know). Here’s what’s up:
Airtel’s Best Picks
- ₹301 Plan: 1GB/day for 28 days + 3 months of JioHotstar Mobile. Perfect if you’re a light scroller who needs Hotstar for IPL or shows.
- ₹398 Plan: 2GB/day + same Hotstar deal. Better for binge-watchers who burn through data.
Jio’s Counterattack
- ₹349 Plan: 2GB/day + 90-day Hotstar VIP (Mobile/TV) via Jio’s “Unlimited Offer.” Sweetens the deal with 50GB cloud storage.
- ₹399 Plan: 2.5GB/day + same Hotstar perk. The extra 0.5GB/day is clutch if you’re glued to reels.
Hot take: Airtel gives Hotstar for longer (3 months vs Jio’s 90 days), but Jio throws in cloud storage. Pick your fighter.
Free JioHotstar IPL 2025 Subscription Extended! Here’s How to Grab Yours
No OTT? No Problem
Don’t care about Hotstar? Here’s where both shine:
Airtel’s Regulars
- ₹199: Barebones 2GB total data for 30 days. Call it the “I just need WhatsApp” plan.
- ₹379: 2GB/day for 28 days + 5G access. The best all-rounder.
Jio’s Basics
- ₹198: 2GB/day but only for 14 days. Short-term, high-data fix.
- ₹445: 2GB/day for 28 days + JioCinema/JioTV. No Hotstar, but great for cricket/movies.
Best Jio Plans for IPL 2024: Watch Every Match on Jio-Hotstar Without Breaking the Bank
Who Wins?
- For Hotstar lovers: Airtel’s ₹301 (longer sub) or Jio’s ₹349 (extra data + storage).
- Data-hungry users: Jio’s ₹399 (2.5GB/day) or Airtel’s ₹379 (2GB/day).
- Budget warriors: Airtel’s ₹199 or Jio’s ₹198 for tight wallets.
Pro tip: Check 5G coverage in your area first—both offer it, but speeds vary.
Bottomline: Both telcos have killer options. Match your daily data use + OTT cravings, and you’re golden. Now go recharge in peace.
(Plans updated as of May 2025. Always confirm on official sites—telcos love changing things!)
