This article provides an overview of Airtel and Jio prepaid plan categories, compares their plans based on validity, and examines customer support and user experience for both providers.

Airtel vs Jio: key differences in prepaid plans

  • Airtel and Jio are among India’s top telecom operators, offering a wide range of services including prepaid, postpaid, broadband, and digital entertainment. Both prioritize customer satisfaction and provide convenient online options for their services.

    They make it simple to recharge your mobile or pay your bills. While there are many online platforms for this, it is best to stick to trusted BBPS platforms. With Bajaj Pay on Bajaj Finserv, you can quickly recharge or pay your postpaid bills. Plus, every transaction is encrypted to keep your details safe.

    Founded in 1995, Airtel is one of India’s oldest telecom service providers. It operates in 18 countries. They serve millions of customers with robust mobile networks, high-speed broadband, and digital entertainment services. Airtel offers innovative offerings such as ‘WYNK MUSIC’ and ‘AIRTEL XSTREAM,’ providing premium content to its users. With a focus on urban and rural connectivity, Airtel ensures comprehensive network coverage and reliable customer service, maintaining a strong brand legacy.

    Reliance Jio disrupted the telecom market in 2016 with affordable data and free voice calls. Its expansive 4G network and unique services such as ‘JIO APPS’ have made digital services accessible to millions. Jio’s strategic focus on rural penetration and high-speed internet has supported India’s digital transformation. The company also invests heavily in 5G networks, further enhancing its market competitiveness.

    Overview of Airtel and Jio prepaid plan categories

    Both Airtel and Jio offer diverse prepaid plans to cater to varied consumer needs. These plans typically cover different data limits, validity durations, and added benefits like OTT subscriptions. Airtel’s prepaid plans are popular for their OTT add-ons, while Jio attracts users with data-rich packages. Jio’s plans include subscriptions to ‘JIO APPS,’ while Airtel offers benefits like ‘WYNK MUSIC’ and ‘AIRTEL XSTREAM.’

    Jio’s prepaid plans usually provide more data for heavy internet users, while Airtel balances data and entertainment needs, making it ideal for moderate users seeking OTT content.

    Comparison of Airtel vs Jio prepaid plans by validity

    28 days validity plans

    FeatureJioAirtel
    PriceRs. 349, Rs. 399, Rs. 449Rs. 199, Rs. 219, Rs. 299, Rs. 349, Rs. 409, Rs. 449, Rs. 549, Rs. 589, Rs. 609
    Data2GB/day, 2.5GB/day, 3GB/day2GB, 3GB, 28GB, 42GB, 2.5GB/day 84GB, 84GB, 50GB, 60GB
    Additional benefitsJio AppsWynk Music, Airtel Xstream


    Insight: Jio provides more daily data, while Airtel offers a range of benefits ideal for entertainment enthusiasts.

    Note: Airtel provide plans from Rs. 199 up to Rs. 609 and Jio provide plans from Rs. 3599 up to Rs. 3999, providing 28-30 days validity.

    56 days validity plans

    FeatureJioAirtel
    PriceRs. 579-Rs. 629Rs. 838
    Data1.5GB/day, 2GB/day, 3GB/day168GB
    Additional benefitsJio AppsWynk Music, Amazon Prime, Airtel Xstream


    Insight: Jio offers a broader range and more data, while Airtel excels with OTT content add-ons.

    Note: Airtel provide a plan of Rs. 838 and Jio provide plans from Rs. 579 up to Rs. 629, providing 56 days validity.

    84 days validity plans

    FeatureJioAirtel
    PriceRs. 719–Rs. 1,799Rs. 979, Rs. 1,199
    Data1.5GB/day, 2GB/day, 3GB/day168GB, 210GB
    Additional benefitsJio AppsWynk Music, Amazon Prime


    Insight: Jio offers more affordable plans with high data, while Airtel appeals to users seeking premium OTT content.

    Note: Airtel provide plans from Rs. 929 up to Rs. 1,199 and Jio provide plans from Rs. 719 up to Rs. 1,799, providing 84-90 days validity.

    365 days validity plans

    FeatureJioAirtel
    PriceRs. 3,599, Rs. 3,999Rs. 1,999, Rs. 3,599, Rs. 3,999
    Data2.5GB/day, 2.5GB/day24GB, 730GB, 912.5GB
    Additional benefitsJio AppsWynk Music, Disney+ Hotstar


    Insight: Jio provides more daily data, while Airtel’s plans include premium subscriptions to ‘DISNEY+ HOTSTAR.’

    Note: Airtel provide plans from Rs. 1,999 up to Rs. 3,999, and Jio provide plans from Rs. 3,599 up to Rs. 3,999, providing 365 days validity.

    Customer support and user experience

    Airtel and Jio prioritise customer satisfaction with user-friendly interfaces and accessible customer support channels. Airtel users can access support via the ‘AIRTEL THANKS’ app or dial 121 for assistance. Similarly, Jio provides support through the ‘MYJIO’ app and a dedicated helpline, 198.

    Both operators ensure seamless digital experiences with intuitive apps, secure payment options, and easy account management.

    Whether you need to recharge your Jio SIM or Airtel prepaid plan, Bajaj Pay makes it quick and easy.

    Steps to recharge your prepaid SIM via the Bajaj Finserv website

    Here are the steps to recharge your prepaid SIM via the Bajaj Finserv website:

    1. Visit the Bajaj Finserv website

    2. Navigate to the 'PAYMENTS' section

    3. Select 'MOBILE RECHARGE' and choose your operator

    4. Enter your BSNL number and choose your preferred recharge plan

    5. Complete your payment using UPI, debit/credit card, or other options

    You will receive a confirmation message after successful payment.

    Steps to recharge your prepaid SIM via the Bajaj Finserv App

    Here are the steps to recharge your prepaid SIM via the Bajaj Finserv App:

    1. Download the Bajaj Finserv App from the Google Play Store or App Store and install it on your device

    2. Open the app, log in, or register if you are a new user

    3. Go to 'BILLS AND RECHARGES' and select 'MOBILE PREPAID'

    4. Enter your number and choose your preferred recharge plan

    5. Select a payment method from the list of available payment options such as credit cards, debit cards, and net banking

    6. After choosing your preferred payment mode, enter the requested payment details

    7. Check the details that you entered and click on 'PAY NOW'

    You will receive a notification from Bajaj Finserv after successful payment.

    Fees and Charges

    A platform fee of up to Rs. 5 will be charged on each mobile recharge and bill payment (inclusive of applicable taxes). For more information on fees and charges, click here.

    Note: For failed transactions, the total amount including charges except taxes are reversed.

Disclaimer

1. Bajaj Finance Limited (“BFL”) is a Non-Banking Finance Company (NBFC) and Prepaid Payment Instrument Issuer offering financial services viz., loans, deposits, Bajaj Pay Wallet, Bajaj Pay UPI, bill payments and third-party wealth management products. The details mentioned in the respective product/ service document shall prevail in case of any inconsistency with respect to the information referring to BFL products and services on this page.

2. All other information, such as, the images, facts, statistics etc. (“information”) that are in addition to the details mentioned in the BFL’s product/ service document and which are being displayed on this page only depicts the summary of the information sourced from the public domain. The said information is neither owned by BFL nor it is to the exclusive knowledge of BFL. There may be inadvertent inaccuracies or typographical errors or delays in updating the said information. Hence, users are advised to independently exercise diligence by verifying complete information, including by consulting experts, if any. Users shall be the sole owner of the decision taken, if any, about suitability of the same.

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Frequently asked questions

Which operator provides better coverage in rural areas, Airtel or Jio?
Both Airtel and Jio have extensive rural coverage. However, Airtel’s legacy infrastructure often ensures more consistent connectivity in remote areas.

What is the best prepaid plan for heavy data usage: Airtel or Jio?
Jio’s prepaid plans with higher daily data limits, such as 3GB/day, are ideal for heavy data usage.

Which operator offers better OTT subscriptions?
Airtel offers a broader range of OTT subscriptions, including ‘WYNK MUSIC’ and ‘AMAZON PRIME,’ while Jio focuses on its in-house ‘JIO APPS.’

How can I check my balance on Airtel or Jio?
Airtel users can dial *123# or use the ‘AIRTEL THANKS’ app. Jio users can check via the ‘MYJIO’ app.

Where can I recharge my Airtel or Jio prepaid plan?
You can recharge through third-party platforms like Bajaj Pay for secure and convenient transactions.

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