After the TRAI mandate forced telecom operators to offer voice-and-SMS-only recharge plans, all major players have fallen in line. Since the new rules came into effect, Airtel, Jio, and Vi have started offering cheap recharge plans that only include calls and SMS and do not bundle mobile data. But these recharge plans are not all made equal.
In this guide, we compare all the voice-only plans offered by Airtel, Jio, and Vi, and see which of the three offer the most value for money.
Voice-Only Recharge Plans Compared: Airtel, Jio, and Vi
Here's a quick look at the voice-only recharge plans offered by the three big telecom operators in India, with a validity of a month or less:
| Plan Validity | Airtel voice-only plans | Jio voice-only plans | Vi voice-only plans |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22 days | - | Rs 147 | - |
| 25 days | - | - | Rs 179 |
| 28 days | Rs 185 | Rs 177 | Rs 185 |
| 30 days | Rs 203 | Rs 196 | Rs 203 |
| One calendar month | Rs 206 | Rs 197 | Rs 206 |
Currently, Jio is the only operator to include a voice-only plan with a validity of 22 days. Similarly, Vi is the only one with a 25-day validity voice plan. However, Airtel's voice-only plans start with a validity of 28 days.
Airtel Voice-Only Recharge Plans
Airtel was the first to offer voice-only plans since the new rules came into effect. Currently, it offers five such voice-only plans. Here's a detailed look at the plans, their price, and the bundle benefits:
| Price | Validity | Cost (per day) | SMS | Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rs 185 | 28 days | Rs 6.61 | 300 | Free hellotunes |
| Rs 203 | 30 days | Rs 6.76 | 300 | Free hellotunes |
| Rs 206 | 1 calendar month* | Rs 6.45 | 300 | Free hellotunes |
| Rs 469 | 84 days | Rs 5.58 | 900 | Adobe Express Premium (12 months), Airtel Safe, Hellotunes |
| Rs 1,849 | 365 days | 5.06 | 3600 | Adobe Express Premium (12 months), Airtel Safe, Hellotunes |
*Note: 1 calendar month = 30 or 31 days, depending on the month of recharge. The cost-per-day calculation is done with 31 days taken as 1 calendar month.
For those looking to get the most value for money, the plan with 365-day validity is the cheapest. However, do note that once the free SMS limit is reached, the charges will be as follows:
- Re 1 for local SMS
- Rs 1.5 for STD SMS
Additionally, if you need to use data on these plans, the usage is charged at 50p/MB.
Jio Voice-Only Recharge Plans
Jio offers six voice-only plans, including a plan with 22-day validity. Here's a detailed look at all voice-only plans offered by Jio, including their validity, cost per day, and other benefits.
| Price | Validity | Cost (per day) | SMS | Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rs 147 | 22 days | Rs 6.68 | 300 | - |
| Rs 177 | 28 days | Rs 6.32 | 300 | - |
| Rs 196 | 30 days | Rs 6.53 | 300 | - |
| Rs 197 | 1 calendar month* | Rs 6.35 | 300 | - |
| Rs 448 | 84 days | Rs 5.33 | 1000 | Jio TV, JioAICloud |
| Rs 1748 | 336 days | Rs 5.20 | 3600 | Jio TV, JioAICloud |
*Note: 1 calendar month = 30 or 31 days, depending on the month of recharge. The cost-per-day calculation is done with 31 days taken as 1 calendar month.
Once the SMS limit is reached, standard charges are applied per SMS. These are as follows:
- Re 1 for local SMS
- Re 1 for STD SMS
Jio doesn't bundle any benefits for voice-only plans with a validity of a month or less. It also doesn't have a plan that offers year-round validity. However, the 22-day validity plan is the cheapest voice-only plan going around.
Vi Voice-Only Recharge Plans
Vi recently launched its voice-only prepaid plans. Besides the standard plans, Vi is the only operator that offers a 25-day plan. Here's a look at all voice-only plans offered by Vi, its cost per day, and other benefits:
| Price | Validity | Cost (per day) | SMS | Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rs 179 | 25 days | Rs 7.16 | 300 | Vi Movies & TV app |
| Rs 185 | 28 days | Rs 6.61 | 300 | - |
| Rs 203 | 30 days | Rs 6.76 | 300 | - |
| Rs 206 | 1 calendar month* | Rs 6.64 | 300 | - |
| Rs 470 | 84 days | Rs 5.60 | 900 | - |
| Rs 1,849 | 365 days | 5.06 | 3,600 | - |
*Note: 1 calendar month = 30 or 31 days, depending on the month of recharge. The cost-per-day calculation is done with 31 days taken as 1 calendar month.
Compared to Airtel and Jio, Vi doesn't bundle a whole lot of benefits. Its cheapest pack is also the only one to offer access to the Vi Movies & TV app. However, it does have a voice-only pack with 365-day validity, which also provides the most value for money.
As usual, standard SMS rates are applied once the limit is reached. These are as follows:
- Re 1 for local SMS
- Re 1.5 for STD SMS
Which Voice-Only Recharge Plan Should You Get?
Depending on which operator's SIM card you own, you can select a voice-only plan that fulfils your requirements.
Which Voice-Only Jio Recharge Plan Should You Get?
For Jio users, the 22-day voice-only plan is the cheapest of the lot. It is perfect for anyone looking to get three weeks' worth of unlimited calling and SMS. But if you're looking to get a plan with extended validity, the Rs 448 plan is a good choice. It not only bundles Jio TV and JioAICloud but also has a higher SMS limit (1,000 compared to 900) and is easily the best 3-month option.
Which Voice-Only Airtel Recharge Plan Should You Get?
For Airtel users, the options may be limited. But every single voice-only plan offers additional benefits. The plans are also reasonably priced, with the 365-day plan providing the most value for money among all the plans by all three operators.
Which Voice-Only Vi Recharge Plan Should You Get?
For Vi users, the 25-day plan is the best option. It may have the highest rate. But the bundled benefits and the middle-of-the-road validity option make it a unique plan. But if value for money is what you're looking for, then Vi's 365-day voice plan is as good as Airtel's, though without the benefits.
The choice is easy if you have a SIM from a single operator. But if you're looking to port your number, consider the validity pack you are most likely to get. If you want to recharge for the whole year at the lowest cost per day, consider Airtel and VI. On the other hand, if you want the cheapest plan, Jio wins easy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which voice-only plan is better, Vi, Jio, or Airtel?
If you want the cheapest voice-only plan, the 22-day plan by Jio is the best. The 25-day voice-only plan by Vi is second best. For year-long validity, Airtel's Rs 1,849 voice plan has the best per-day rate and bundled benefits.
Does Jio provide voice-only plans?
Yes, Jio has four different voice-only plans that go for Rs 147, Rs 177, Rs 196, and Rs 197. Jio also has voice-only plans for extended validity that bundle Jio TV and JioAICloud for free.
Does Vi have voice-only plans?
Yes, Vio has four different voice-only plans with a validity of one calendar month or less. These include recharge plans of Rs 179, Rs 185, Rs 203, and Rs 206. Vi also has voice-only plans with extended validity of 84 days and 365 days.
