Best 5G Recharge Plans Under ₹500
Your friend just recharged with Airtel's ₹399 plan and is streaming 4K on the train. Meanwhile you're stuck on a ₹199 plan wondering if 1.5 GB/day is enough for anything beyond WhatsApp. Let's fix that — here's every 5G plan under ₹500 from India's three major operators, broken down so you can pick the right one without overpaying.
One critical thing first: as of March 2026, you don't need a special "5G plan" to access 5G. If your phone supports 5G and you're in a 5G coverage area, all Jio and Airtel plans automatically give you 5G access. The difference is in data limits — and that's where it gets interesting.
Jio 5G Plans Under ₹500
₹189 — The Starter
- Data: 2 GB/day (total 56 GB)
- Validity: 28 days
- Calls: Unlimited
- SMS: 100/day
- 5G Bonus: Unlimited 5G data (on 5G network)
- Cost per GB: ₹3.38 (on paper), effectively ₹0 on 5G
Yes, you read that right. Jio still offers unlimited 5G data on all plans as of early 2026. The daily data cap only applies on 4G. If you're in a Jio 5G area, even the cheapest plan gives you all-you-can-eat data.
₹299 — The Sweet Spot
- Data: 2 GB/day (total 84 GB)
- Validity: 28 days
- Calls: Unlimited
- Extras: JioTV, JioCinema basic access
- 5G Bonus: Unlimited 5G data
₹449 — The Long Hauler
- Data: 2 GB/day (total 56 GB)
- Validity: 56 days
- Calls: Unlimited
- 5G Bonus: Unlimited 5G data
- Best for: People who hate recharging every month
Airtel 5G Plans Under ₹500
₹199 — Entry Level
- Data: 1.5 GB/day (total 42 GB)
- Validity: 28 days
- Calls: Unlimited
- 5G Access: Unlimited 5G data
Airtel matches Jio's unlimited 5G data approach. On 4G you're capped at 1.5 GB/day, but switch to 5G and the meter stops running.
₹349 — Mid-Range Pick
- Data: 2 GB/day (total 56 GB)
- Validity: 28 days
- Calls: Unlimited
- Extras: Free Xstream Play subscription, Apollo 24/7 Circle
- 5G Access: Unlimited 5G data
₹449 — Premium Value
- Data: 3 GB/day (total 84 GB)
- Validity: 28 days
- Calls: Unlimited
- Extras: Disney+ Hotstar Mobile, Xstream Play
- 5G Access: Unlimited 5G data
Vi (Vodafone Idea) Plans Under ₹500
Vi's situation is different. As of March 2026, Vi still doesn't have a commercial 5G network. Their plans are 4G-only, but we're including them because many users are on Vi and want to know what they're getting.
₹199 — Basic
- Data: 1.5 GB/day
- Validity: 28 days
- Calls: Unlimited
- 5G: Not available
₹349 — Weekend Data Rollover
- Data: 2 GB/day + unused data rolls to weekends
- Validity: 28 days
- Calls: Unlimited
- 5G: Not available
The Verdict — Which Plan Wins?
If you're in a 5G area, the math is simple: Jio ₹189 or Airtel ₹199 give you unlimited 5G data. You're essentially paying for calls and SMS — the data is free. Pick whichever has better 5G coverage in your area.
If you split time between 5G and 4G zones, the ₹299-₹349 range from Jio and Airtel respectively offer the best balance. The extra 4G data buffer helps when you're out of 5G range.
If you're considering Vi, honestly, the only reason to stay is if you're in a Vi-strong 4G area with poor Jio/Airtel coverage. Without 5G, you're paying similar prices for significantly less value.
Our pick: Airtel ₹349 for the bundled entertainment and solid 5G network, or Jio ₹189 if you just want cheap 5G data and don't care about extras.