Streaming fans looking to save money in 2026 don’t necessarily need a separate OTT subscription anymore. Telecom operators including Reliance Jio, Airtel and Vodafone Idea (VI) are offering budget-friendly recharge plans that bundle JioHotstar access with data and calling benefits, making it easier for users to watch movies, shows and live sports without paying extra.
With streaming becoming a daily habit for many users, these bundled recharge plans are emerging as the most affordable way to access JioHotstar and other OTT platforms. Here’s a quick look at the cheapest options available this year.
Jio Rs 100 Plan: Entry-Level Access to JioHotstar
Reliance Jio’s Rs 100 plan is currently one of the most affordable ways to access JioHotstar. The prepaid recharge comes with a 30-day validity and includes a total of 5GB high-speed data.
The standout feature is JioHotstar access in both mobile and TV modes. This makes it a practical option for users who want occasional streaming without committing to a high-cost plan. However, it is primarily a data-focused add-on and may require an active base plan.
Jio Rs 500 Plan: OTT Bundle With Multiple Platforms
Jio’s sub-Rs 500 offering brings a more complete entertainment package. Priced at around Rs 500 with a 28-day validity, this plan includes access to multiple OTT platforms such as JioHotstar, YouTube Premium, Prime Video Mobile, Sony LIV, ZEE5 and Discovery+.
The plan offers a total of 56GB data, roughly 2GB per day, along with unlimited 5G access in eligible areas and 100 SMS per day. For users who consume a lot of OTT content, this bundle delivers strong value with multiple subscriptions included in one recharge.
Jio Rs 449 Plan: High Data + OTT Benefits
Another popular option from Jio is the Rs 449 plan. It comes with 28 days validity and offers 4GB daily data with 5G connectivity. Users also get unlimited calls and 100 SMS per day.
In terms of OTT benefits, the plan bundles JioHotstar along with Google One storage, Sony LIV and Apple Music. This combination makes it suitable for users who want both entertainment and cloud storage benefits in a single recharge.
Airtel Rs 398 Plan: Balanced Data and Streaming
Airtel’s Rs 398 prepaid plan is positioned as a balanced option for users looking for data and OTT access together. The plan offers 28 days validity with unlimited calling, 2GB data per day and 100 SMS daily.
It includes a JioHotstar subscription for the validity period and also bundles Adobe Express Premium, making it useful for users who need basic creative tools along with streaming access. Unlimited 5G is also available in supported regions.
VI Rs 202 Plan: Budget OTT Pack With Multiple Apps
Vodafone Idea’s Rs 202 plan is among the most affordable options that include OTT access. With a validity of around one month, it offers 5GB total data and access to several streaming platforms.
Apart from JioHotstar, the plan includes SonyLIV, Lionsgate Play, Playflix, Fancode and Manoramax. JioHotstar is available in both TV and mobile modes, making this plan attractive for users seeking a low-cost OTT bundle without heavy data requirements.
Why Bundled OTT Plans Are Becoming Popular
Telecom operators are increasingly bundling OTT subscriptions with prepaid plans to attract and retain users. For customers, this means access to premium streaming content without paying for separate subscriptions.
As streaming demand continues to rise in India, these bundled recharge plans are likely to remain a cost-effective option for viewers who want entertainment on a budget. Users should still check official operator websites or apps for the latest pricing and benefits, as telecom plans are frequently updated.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Not exactly “free,” but it’s bundled with the recharge. You don’t need to buy a separate JioHotstar subscription if you choose eligible prepaid plans from Jio, Airtel or VI.
Among the currently available options, Jio’s Rs 100 plan and VI’s Rs 202 plan are some of the lowest-cost entries that include JioHotstar access, though benefits and data limits vary.
Some plans, especially selected Jio and VI offers, include both mobile and TV access. However, availability may depend on the specific recharge and platform terms.
Not all. Higher-value plans like Jio Rs 449 and Airtel Rs 398 typically include unlimited calls and daily SMS, while lower-priced plans may focus mainly on data and OTT benefits.
Yes, if the bundled subscription includes full JioHotstar access, you can stream live sports, movies and TV shows during the plan’s validity period.
