Finding a good and affordable mobile recharge plan is becoming important because prices are getting higher every year. Many people search online hoping to get free mobile recharge, but in reality, telecom companies do not offer free plans anymore.
The good thing is that they still provide many budget-friendly recharges that give good data, calling, SMS and even OTT access. In this guide, we will look at the best plans from Airtel, Jio, Vi, and BSNL, and also explain which ones are best for keeping your SIM active at low cost.
These affordable plans are useful for:
- Keeping SIM active
- Basic calling and SMS
- Light data usage
- OTT and entertainment (selected plans)
Telecom companies offer these packs to make sure the user does not switch to another operator and keeps the SIM in use.
Best 2GB/Day Plans for Regular Users
If you want daily data for social media, YouTube, OTT, and general browsing, the 2GB/day category is the most popular.
Jio 2GB/Day Plans
Jio is known for offering strong daily data plans at a budget-friendly price. One of the best examples is the ₹444 Jio plan.
Key features of Jio ₹444 plan:
- 2GB high-speed data every day
- Unlimited calling
- SMS included
- Total validity: 56 days
- Free access to JioCinema, JioTV and JioCloud
This plan gives a good balance of cost and data. If you are a heavy user, this plan is enough for almost two months.
Airtel 2GB/Day Plans
Airtel plans are slightly costlier, but the network quality, speed and stability are much better in many places. Airtel’s popular 2GB/day range includes plans around ₹549 and ₹719.
These plans include:
- 2GB/day
- Unlimited calling
- 100 SMS/day
- Access to Airtel Xstream, Wynk Music
- Good internet speed and reliable coverage
Airtel is ideal for users who need consistent network performance.
Vi (Vodafone Idea) 2GB/Day Plans
Vi offers strong benefits for entertainment lovers. One special feature in many Vi plans is Weekend Data Rollover, where unused data from weekdays is saved and can be used on Saturdays and Sundays.
Popular features in Vi plans:
- 2GB/day
- Unlimited calls
- 100 SMS/day
- Weekend Data Rollover
- Vi Movies & TV access
This is a good choice for users who stream videos or use social media more on weekends.
BSNL 2GB/Day Plans
BSNL gives the cheapest 2GB/day plans in India. They may not offer the fastest speed, but they offer long validity at low prices.
Common BSNL plans include:
- ₹197 plan with 2GB/day (benefit for 18 days; overall validity 70 days)
- ₹397 plan with 2GB/day for 30 days
- ₹797 plan with long validity
- ₹1999 yearly plan with 600GB total data
BSNL is perfect for users who want lowest price + long validity.
Best Low-Cost Plans to Keep SIM Active
Many users only need a plan for incoming SMS, OTP and basic calling. These are the top budget-friendly choices.
Jio ₹189 Plan
This is one of the best light-usage plans.
It provides:
- 2GB total data
- Unlimited calling
- 300 SMS
- 28-day validity
- Jio apps included
Great for monthly basic usage.
Airtel ₹199 Plan
Airtel’s ₹199 pack is useful for people who need frequent SMS.
It includes:
- 2GB total data
- 100 SMS/day
- Unlimited calls
- 28-day validity
This plan is slightly costlier but offers better SMS benefits.
Vi Cheap Plans (₹99 & ₹155)
Vi users with very low usage can choose these:
- ₹99 Plan: Validity 15 days, 500MB data, ₹99 talktime
- ₹155 Plan: 1GB data, 300 SMS, unlimited calls, 20-day validity
Good for people who only want to keep their number active.
BSNL Low-Cost Plans
BSNL again offers the cheapest recharges:
- ₹59: 1GB/day for 7 days
- ₹99: Unlimited calls for 17 days
- ₹107: 3GB total data + 200 minutes for 35 days
Great for temporary or emergency usage.
Which Plan Should You Choose?
Choosing the right plan depends on your personal needs. If you use a lot of data, Jio’s 2GB/day plans offer great value. If you want strong network quality and fast speed, then Airtel is the best choice. If you love entertainment and want to save unused data for weekends, Vi’s plans are perfect. For people who want very cheap plans with long validity, BSNL provides the best options.
For users who only want basic calling and SMS, small plans from Jio, Airtel, Vi or BSNL are enough to keep the SIM active without spending much.
How to Activate These Plans
Recharging these plans is very simple. Most users prefer doing it online. You can recharge through apps like PhonePe, Google Pay or Paytm. Just select mobile recharge, choose your operator, pick the plan and make the payment.
You also have the option to recharge from the official telecom apps such as MyJio, Airtel Thanks, Vi App and BSNL Selfcare. These apps sometimes give exclusive cashback or offers.
If you prefer offline, you can visit any nearby mobile recharge shop. Give them your number and the recharge amount. They will activate it instantly.
Are Free Mobile Recharges Possible Today?
The simple answer is no, but you can surely find low-cost and value-for-money plans. Most companies offer small data plans, long-validity plans and light-usage plans for users who only need basic connectivity.
The Final Note
Even though free recharge offers are not available anymore, India still has some of the world’s most affordable prepaid plans. Whether you want heavy data, strong signal, cheap validity or long-term usage, you can easily find a plan that fits your budget.
With so many good options from Airtel, Jio, Vi and BSNL, it’s easy to stay connected without spending too much. Just pick the plan that matches your everyday needs, and you’re good to go.
