In 2025, the race for 5G supremacy in India is heating up, with Vodafone Idea (Vi) finally joining the 5G bandwagon. Vi recently launched its 5G services in Mumbai, offering prepaid plans starting at just Rs 299 and including 5G access with all postpaid plans. But how does Vi’s entry-level Rs 299 5G plan stack up against the cheapest 5G plans from Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel? In this blog post, we’ll dive into a detailed comparison of these plans, focusing on pricing, data benefits, validity, and additional perks to help you choose the best 5G plan for your needs. Let’s explore the cheapest 5G plans in India for 2025!
Vodafone Idea’s Rs 299 5G Plan: What You Get
Vi’s Rs 299 prepaid plan is designed to attract budget-conscious users looking to experience 5G connectivity. Here’s a breakdown of its offerings:
- Price: Rs 299
- Validity: 28 days
- Data: 1GB daily data (28GB total) + unlimited 5G data (capped at 300GB per 30 days)
- Voice: Unlimited voice calling
- SMS: 100 SMS per day
- Additional Benefits: None (Vi has removed Vi Hero Unlimited benefits and OTT subscriptions)
While Vi markets this as an “unlimited 5G” plan, the 300GB monthly cap means heavy users might face speed throttling to 64 Kbps if they exceed this limit, as per Vi’s Fair Usage Policy (FUP). The plan is currently available only in Mumbai, with plans to expand to Karnataka, Punjab, Bihar, and Delhi by April 2025. Vi’s aggressive 5G and 4G expansion, coupled with its 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) rollout, positions it as a contender in the telecom market.
Reliance Jio’s Cheapest 5G Plan: Rs 349
Jio has been a leader in India’s 5G rollout, offering unlimited 5G data on plans with 2GB daily data or more. Its cheapest 5G plan is priced at Rs 349, slightly higher than Vi’s offering. Here’s what Jio’s plan includes:
- Price: Rs 349
- Validity: 28 days
- Data: 2GB daily data (56GB total) + unlimited 5G data (no hard cap mentioned)
- Voice: Unlimited voice calling
- SMS: 100 SMS per day
- Additional Benefits: JioTV, JioCinema, JioCloud (50GB free storage), and a 90-day JioHotstar subscription (if recharged within 48 hours of expiry)
Jio’s plan stands out for its truly unlimited 5G data, with no specified cap like Vi’s 300GB limit. The inclusion of Jio’s digital services and the IPL 2025-linked JioHotstar offer adds significant value. Jio’s 5G network is available across India, giving it a wider reach compared to Vi’s Mumbai-only service.
Bharti Airtel’s Cheapest 5G Plan: Rs 379
Airtel, another 5G pioneer, offers its entry-level 5G plan at Rs 379, making it the most expensive of the three. However, Airtel sweetens the deal with premium add-ons. Here’s what you get:
- Price: Rs 379
- Validity: 30 days
- Data: 2GB daily data (60GB total) + unlimited 5G data (capped at 300GB per 30 days for commercial use)
- Voice: Unlimited voice calling
- SMS: 100 SMS per day
- Additional Benefits: Apollo 24/7 Circle (3-month subscription), Airtel Xstream Play, free Hellotunes, VoLTE support, AI-based spam detection
Airtel’s plan offers a slightly longer validity (30 days) and a robust set of perks, making it ideal for users who value streaming and healthcare benefits. Like Vi, Airtel’s 5G data is subject to a 300GB FUP, after which speeds may be throttled. Airtel’s 5G network spans multiple cities, offering broader coverage than Vi.
Head-to-Head Comparison: Vi vs. Jio vs. Airtel
| Feature | Vodafone Idea (Rs 299) | Reliance Jio (Rs 349) | Bharti Airtel (Rs 379) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Rs 299 | Rs 349 | Rs 379 |
| Validity | 28 days | 28 days | 30 days |
| Daily Data | 1GB (28GB total) | 2GB (56GB total) | 2GB (60GB total) |
| 5G Data | Unlimited (300GB cap) | Truly unlimited | Unlimited (300GB cap) |
| Voice | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| SMS | 100/day | 100/day | 100/day |
| Additional Benefits | None | JioTV, JioCinema, JioCloud, JioHotstar (90 days) | Apollo 24/7, Xstream Play, Hellotunes, VoLTE, AI spam detection |
| 5G Coverage | Mumbai only (expanding) | Nationwide | Nationwide |
Key Observations
- Pricing and Affordability:
- Vi’s Rs 299 plan is the cheapest, making it attractive for budget-conscious users. However, its 1GB daily data is half of what Jio and Airtel offer.
- Jio’s Rs 349 plan strikes a balance between cost and benefits, with 2GB daily data and truly unlimited 5G.
- Airtel’s Rs 379 plan is the priciest but justifies the cost with a 30-day validity and premium perks.
- Data Benefits:
- Vi’s 1GB daily data (28GB total) is the lowest, but its 300GB 5G cap is generous for most users.
- Jio offers the best data deal with 2GB daily (56GB total) and no 5G cap, ideal for heavy users.
- Airtel matches Jio’s 2GB daily data (60GB total due to 30-day validity) but has a 300GB 5G FUP like Vi.
- 5G Coverage:
- Vi’s 5G is limited to Mumbai, which restricts its appeal. Expansion plans are in place, but it lags behind competitors.
- Jio and Airtel have nationwide 5G coverage, making them more accessible for users across India.
- Additional Perks:
- Vi falls short with no OTT or value-added services, a downgrade from its earlier Vi Hero Unlimited benefits.
- Jio’s digital services (JioTV, JioCinema, JioCloud) and JioHotstar offer make it a strong contender for entertainment lovers.
- Airtel’s premium benefits, including healthcare and streaming perks, cater to users seeking a holistic experience.
Which Plan Should You Choose?
- Choose Vodafone Idea (Rs 299) if you’re in Mumbai, on a tight budget, and okay with 1GB daily data. It’s the cheapest 5G plan, but the lack of perks and limited coverage may be drawbacks.
- Choose Reliance Jio (Rs 349) if you want the best value for money, with 2GB daily data, truly unlimited 5G, and nationwide coverage. The JioHotstar offer is a bonus for IPL 2025 fans.
- Choose Bharti Airtel (Rs 379) if you prioritize premium perks like streaming and healthcare benefits, need a slightly longer validity, and are fine with the higher price.
Why 5G Plans Matter in 2025
With 5G adoption growing in India, telecom operators are competing to offer affordable plans with robust data and value-added services. Vi’s entry into the 5G market is a game-changer, especially with its aggressive pricing strategy (up to 15% cheaper than Jio and Airtel). However, its limited coverage and lack of perks put it at a disadvantage against Jio and Airtel’s established 5G networks. As Vi expands its 5G footprint and invests in 4G and 5G FWA, it could challenge the market leaders, potentially sparking a price war.
Conclusion
Vodafone Idea’s Rs 299 5G plan is a budget-friendly option for Mumbai users, but its 1GB daily data and lack of additional benefits make it less competitive. Jio’s Rs 349 plan offers the best overall value with truly unlimited 5G and nationwide coverage, while Airtel’s Rs 379 plan appeals to those seeking premium perks and a longer validity. As Vi rolls out 5G to more cities in 2025, it may become a stronger contender, but for now, Jio and Airtel lead the race for the cheapest 5G plans in India.
Ready to switch to 5G? Compare these plans based on your location, data needs, and budget to find the perfect fit. Stay tuned for updates on Vi’s 5G expansion and more telecom deals in 2025!
Keywords: Cheapest 5G plans India 2025, Vodafone Idea 5G plan, Jio 5G plan, Airtel 5G plan, unlimited 5G data, prepaid 5G plans, 5G coverage India, telecom plans comparison, Vi Rs 299 plan, Jio Rs 349 plan, Airtel Rs 379 plan, 5G rollout 2025