Jio, Airtel, and Vi all advertise “unlimited 5G” on their prepaid plans — but the fine print tells a very different story. Only one of the three actually offers 5G data without a monthly cap. This guide breaks down the real prices, real data limits, and real network coverage so you can pick the right carrier instead of just the cheapest-looking plan.
Cheapest 5G Plan Comparison
| Carrier | Cheapest 5G Plan | Daily Data | Validity | Real 5G Cap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jio | ₹198 | 2 GB/day | 28 days | No cap — truly unlimited 5G |
| Airtel | ₹349–₹379 | 1.5–2 GB/day | 28–30 days | 300 GB per cycle, then throttled |
| Vi | ₹349 | 1.5 GB/day | 28 days | 300 GB per cycle, then throttled |
Jio is the only carrier here offering unlimited 5G with no fair-usage cap — Airtel and Vi both cap “unlimited” 5G at 300GB per billing cycle, after which speeds drop sharply. If you’re a heavy 5G user (think 4K streaming, cloud gaming, tethering), this difference matters far more than the ₹150–180 price gap.
84-Day and Annual Plans
| Carrier | 84-Day Plan | Annual Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Jio | ₹448–₹799 | ₹3,599 |
| Airtel | ₹469 | ₹1,999–₹3,599 |
| Vi | ₹429–₹470 | Varies by circle |
For long-term users, annual plans work out cheapest per day overall — but always check your specific telecom circle, since Vi’s annual pricing especially varies by state.
Network Coverage & Real-World Speed
| Carrier | Cities Covered | Network Type | Bands Used | Avg Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jio | 700+ cities | Standalone (SA) | 700 MHz, 3.5 GHz, 26 GHz mmWave | 300–500 Mbps (up to 1 Gbps on mmWave) |
| Airtel | 600+ cities | Non-Standalone (NSA) | 3.5 GHz, 26 GHz | 250–400 Mbps |
| Vi | ~150 cities | Non-Standalone (NSA) | 3.5 GHz only | 200–350 Mbps |
Jio’s standalone (SA) 5G architecture and wider spectrum use give it both the broadest coverage and the highest peak speeds. Vi’s rollout is the most limited, concentrated mainly in metro cities and a few state capitals — so if you live in a smaller town, check local coverage before switching.
OTT & Extra Benefits
- Jio: Bundles JioCinema and Netflix on select higher-tier plans
- Airtel: Offers Disney+ Hotstar, Amazon Prime Video, Apple Music, and Google One cloud storage depending on the plan
- Vi: Includes Weekend Data Rollover, Binge All Night, and Vi Movies & TV on its Hero Unlimited range
If OTT bundling matters more to you than raw data, Airtel’s plans typically pack in the most third-party subscriptions.
Which One Should You Pick?
- Best for unlimited 5G with no cap: Jio
- Best for OTT bundles and premium perks: Airtel
- Best for night owners and weekend streamers: Vi
- Best for rural or tier-3 town coverage: Jio, followed by Airtel
If you’re unsure which plan fits your usage, our Best Jio Plan Under ₹200 guide breaks down Jio’s cheapest options in more detail. And if you’re switching from postpaid, check our Jio Postpaid Plans guide first to compare against your current bill.
Travelling soon? Don’t forget to check our Jio International Roaming Plans 2026 guide before you fly.
Official Plan Pages (Live Pricing)
Prices and offers change frequently, so always cross-check on the official pages before recharging:
FAQs
Q1. Which carrier gives truly unlimited 5G data with no cap? Jio is currently the only major carrier offering 5G data without a monthly fair-usage cap. Airtel and Vi both cap their “unlimited” 5G at 300GB per billing cycle.
Q2. Is Airtel or Vi 5G faster than Jio? No, based on average real-world speed tests, Jio’s 5G network delivers the highest average speeds (300–500 Mbps), followed by Airtel (250–400 Mbps) and Vi (200–350 Mbps).
Q3. Which plan is best for OTT app bundles? Airtel generally offers the widest range of bundled OTT subscriptions, including Disney+ Hotstar, Amazon Prime Video, and Apple Music, depending on the plan tier.
Q4. Does Vi have 5G in my city? Vi’s 5G rollout is currently limited to around 150 cities, mostly metros and state capitals. Check the official Vi coverage map before switching if you live outside a major city.
Q5. Is the cheapest 5G plan always the best value? Not necessarily. A slightly costlier plan with no data cap (like Jio’s) can offer better long-term value than a cheaper plan that throttles speeds after 300GB.
