Choosing a postpaid mobile plan in India is no longer just about unlimited calling. Airtel, Reliance Jio and Vodafone Idea (Vi) offer different combinations of monthly data, family connections, entertainment subscriptions and additional benefits. The right option depends on how much data you use, whether you need multiple SIMs and whether you will actually use the bundled subscriptions.
Airtel has refreshed its postpaid portfolio with free international roaming for one trip each year. Jio offers lower-priced entry-level options and family plans, while Vi focuses on data allowances, rollover and a choice of entertainment and lifestyle benefits.
Here is a practical comparison of selected postpaid plans available as of October 2026.
Airtel vs Jio vs Vi: Monthly postpaid plan comparison
The following table covers selected individual and family plans. Prices are advertised monthly rentals before applicable GST; the final bill may also depend on add-ons, usage and eligibility.
| Operator and plan | Monthly rental | Main data benefit | Best suited for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jio Individual | Rs 349 | 30GB | Users who want a low-cost postpaid connection |
| Jio Individual | Rs 649 | Unlimited data, subject to applicable terms | Heavy-data users |
| Airtel Individual | Rs 499 | Unlimited data, subject to applicable terms | Users who want bundled services and roaming benefits |
| Vi Max Individual | Rs 451 | 50GB, plus 50GB additional data on eligible online purchases | Users who want a fixed data allowance and rollover |
| Vi Max Individual | Rs 551 | 90GB | Users who need a larger monthly data allowance |
| Vi Max Individual | Rs 751 | 150GB | Heavy users who prefer a large fixed data allowance |
| Jio Family | Rs 449 | 75GB shared data | Small families looking to share one bill |
| Jio Family | Rs 749 | 100GB shared data | Families interested in bundled entertainment |
| Airtel Family | Rs 749 | Unlimited data, subject to applicable terms | Two-member households |
| Vi Max Family | Rs 751 | 70GB for the primary member and 40GB for the secondary member, according to the listed plan | Two-member households wanting separate data allowances |
Important: Plan availability, data limits, add-on charges and included subscriptions can vary by plan, circle and current offer. Confirm the exact benefits on the operator’s official website before switching.
1. Airtel postpaid: Unlimited data and travel benefits
Airtel’s new postpaid plans, introduced from 8 October 2026, start at Rs 499 for an individual connection. Family options start at Rs 749 for two connections.
The key addition is a complimentary international-roaming pack for one trip each year. The five-day pack includes 5GB of data, 60 minutes of calls, 25 outgoing SMS and free incoming SMS. Airtel says the benefit is available for each member on eligible family plans.
Selected plans also bundle services such as Airtel Xstream Play Premium, Google One, Amazon Prime, JioHotstar, Apple services and Netflix, depending on the rental.
Who should consider Airtel?
- Users who regularly travel abroad and can use the included roaming allowance.
- Customers who want unlimited domestic data under the plan’s applicable terms.
- Families who already pay for several of the included entertainment or cloud services.
Before choosing a higher-priced plan, compare the cost of the subscriptions you actually use with the additional monthly rental. A bundle offers limited value if you do not need its included services.
2. Jio postpaid: Lower entry prices and shared family data
Jio’s postpaid portfolio includes an individual plan at Rs 349 with 30GB of data and a Rs 649 individual option advertised with unlimited data. Its family plans start at Rs 449, with 75GB of shared data, while the Rs 749 option offers 100GB of shared data.
The family format can help households manage multiple mobile numbers under a single bill. However, shared data means one member’s heavy usage can leave less data available for everyone else. Users should also check the additional connection charges and the terms that apply after the shared allowance is exhausted.
Who should consider Jio?
- Individual users looking for a lower monthly rental.
- Families that want to consolidate bills.
- Customers who are comfortable with a shared data pool or whose usage fits within the plan’s allowance.
If you mainly use Wi-Fi at home or at work, a lower-data plan may be sufficient. If you frequently stream video or use your phone as a hotspot, check the data terms carefully before selecting an entry-level option.
3. Vi postpaid: Data rollover and flexible benefits
Vi Max offers individual plans at Rs 451, Rs 551 and Rs 751, with listed monthly data allowances of 50GB, 90GB and 150GB respectively. The Rs 451 plan also advertises an additional 50GB for eligible online purchases.
Vi offers data rollover of up to 200GB on these listed plans, subject to the applicable conditions. Customers can also choose eligible entertainment and lifestyle benefits according to their plan. Family plans offer separate data allowances for the primary and secondary connections, with additional connections available at extra cost.
Who should consider Vi?
- Users who prefer a fixed monthly data allowance rather than an advertised unlimited-data plan.
- Customers who can benefit from data rollover.
- Subscribers who want to choose from eligible entertainment, dining, membership or security benefits.
Network performance remains an important consideration. Check Vi’s coverage and indoor signal quality in the places where you spend most of your time before switching.
How much will you actually pay after GST?
Mobile postpaid prices are commonly displayed before GST. At the standard 18% GST rate, the approximate monthly totals for the selected entry-level plans are:
| Plan | Advertised rental | Approx. monthly total with 18% GST |
|---|---|---|
| Jio Individual | Rs 349 | Rs 412 |
| Airtel Individual | Rs 499 | Rs 589 |
| Vi Max Individual | Rs 451 | Rs 532 |
| Jio Family | Rs 449 | Rs 530 |
| Airtel Family | Rs 749 | Rs 884 |
| Vi Max Family | Rs 751 | Rs 886 |
These are indicative calculations based on the listed rental alone, rounded to the nearest rupee. They do not include optional add-ons or other bill adjustments.
For example, the difference between a Rs 349 and Rs 499 plan is Rs 150 before tax, or about Rs 177 after GST. Paying more can make sense if the extra data, travel allowance or subscriptions replace services you would otherwise buy separately.
Which operator should you choose?
There is no single best postpaid plan for every Indian mobile user. A practical shortlist depends on your needs:
- For a low monthly rental: Start by comparing Jio’s Rs 349 individual plan with the data allowances offered by Vi and Airtel.
- For users who want unlimited data: Compare Airtel’s Rs 499 plan with Jio’s Rs 649 option, and check the respective terms and network performance.
- For a family of two: Compare Jio’s Rs 449 shared-data plan, Airtel’s Rs 749 plan and Vi’s family options. Check how many connections are included and whether data is shared or allocated separately.
- For frequent international travellers: Airtel’s included five-day roaming pack is worth examining, but compare its 5GB data and 60-minute calling allowance with your travel requirements.
- For users who value rollover: Vi’s eligible plans offer rollover benefits, subject to the operator’s conditions.
Things to check before switching to postpaid
First, check network quality at home, in the office and along your regular commute. A plan with more data will not compensate for unreliable coverage where you need it.
Second, review the complete bill rather than the advertised rental. GST, additional SIM charges, international usage, data overages and paid subscription renewals can affect the amount you pay.
Third, compare the actual value of bundled subscriptions. Do not pay extra for a plan simply because it includes streaming services or cloud storage you rarely use.
Finally, read the terms of any unlimited-data offer. Operators may apply fair-use conditions, speed policies or other eligibility requirements.
For most users, the sensible choice is the plan that matches their typical data consumption, provides reliable coverage and keeps the final monthly bill predictable. Comparing these factors is more useful than choosing an operator based on the advertised rental alone.
