Best SIM Cards in India for Internet in 2024

If you are planning to visit India in 2024, you might be wondering how to stay connected with the internet while exploring this diverse and vibrant country. India has one of the lowest mobile data rates in the world, and you can get a free SIM card from some of the leading network operators. However, choosing the best SIM card for your needs can be tricky, as there are many factors to consider, such as coverage, speed, price, and data allowance.

In this blog post, I will compare the best SIM cards in India for internet in 2024, based on the latest information and customer reviews. We will look at the four main network operators in India: Reliance Jio, Airtel, Vodafone Idea (VI), and BSNL. We will also review some of the best data plans and e-SIM cards that you can get from these operators or their resellers. By the end of this blog post, you will have a clear idea of which SIM card is the best for you, depending on your travel plans, budget, and internet usage. You will also learn how to buy and activate a SIM card in India, and how to avoid roaming charges and hidden fees. So, let’s get started.

Reliance Jio is the largest and most popular network operator in India, with over 400 million subscribers. Jio offers extensive 4G and 5G coverage, high-speed internet, and affordable data plans. Jio also provides free SIM cards and various OTT subscriptions, such as JioTV and JioSaavn. Jio’s data plans start from 11 INR (0.15 USD) for 1 GB of data, and go up to 2599 INR (35.20 USD) for 740 GB of data. Jio’s e-SIM cards start from 10 INR (0.14 USD) for 2 GB of data, and go up to 65 INR (0.88 USD) for 150 GB of data. Jio is ideal for users who want the best coverage and speed, and who consume a lot of data and online content.

Airtel is the second-largest network operator in India, with over 300 million subscribers. Airtel offers wide 4G and 5G coverage, fast and consistent internet, and competitive data plans. Airtel also offers free SIM cards and various digital services, such as Airtel Thanks and Airtel Xstream. Airtel’s data plans start from 19 INR (0.26 USD) for 200 MB of data, and go up to 2698 INR (36.54 USD) for 730 GB of data. Airtel’s e-SIM cards start from 15 INR (0.20 USD) for 5 GB of data, and go up to 55 INR (0.75 USD) for 120 GB of data. Airtel is a good choice for users who want a reliable and flexible network, and who value customer service and digital benefits.

Vodafone Idea (VI) is the third-largest network operator in India, with over 270 million subscribers. VI offers reliable 4G and 5G coverage, moderate internet speed, and flexible data plans. VI also offers free SIM cards and various OTT subscriptions, such as Vodafone Play and Zee5. VI’s data plans start from 16 INR (0.22 USD) for 1 GB of data, and go up to 2399 INR (32.51 USD) for 730 GB of data. VI’s e-SIM cards start from 10 INR (0.14 USD) for 3 GB of data, and go up to 60 INR (0.81 USD) for 150 GB of data. VI is a great option for users who want a simple and affordable network, and who enjoy online entertainment and international roaming.

BSNL is the state-owned network operator in India, with over 110 million subscribers. BSNL offers wide 3G and 4G coverage, especially in rural areas, but variable internet speed and quality. BSNL also offers budget-friendly data plans and various value-added services, such as Bharat Fiber and BSNL Tunes. BSNL’s data plans start from 7 INR (0.09 USD) for 1 GB of data, and go up to 1999 INR (27.09 USD) for 500 GB of data. BSNL does not offer e-SIM cards at the moment. BSNL is suitable for users who want a low-cost and diverse network, and who do not need very fast or stable internet.

So, which SIM card is the best for you? That depends on your personal preferences, usage patterns, and travel plans. If you want the best coverage and speed, Jio is the way to go. If you want the best value and flexibility, Airtel is a good choice. If you want the best price and simplicity, VI is a great option. If you want the best sustainability and convenience, BSNL is a smart choice. No matter which SIM card you choose, you can enjoy the benefits of staying connected in India with a local SIM card or e-SIM card. For more information and tips on buying and using a SIM card in India, read the full blog post below.

You will find the complete list of SIM cards, data plans, e-SIM cards, and international SIM cards for India, along with their features and prices. You will also find the best places to buy and activate a SIM card in India, and how to avoid roaming charges and hidden fees. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your phone and choose the best SIM card for you now. Enjoy your trip to India with a reliable and affordable SIM card or e-SIM card.

Read Also: How to Choose the Best SIM Network in Australia

Best SIM Cards in India for Internet in Details

Here are the best SIM Cards in India for Internet in Details 2024.

Reliance Jio is the newest and fastest-growing operator in India with over 400 million subscribers as of 2024. Jio offers 4G/LTE services across the country with excellent coverage and speed in most areas. Jio also has the cheapest data plans among the four operators starting from 11 INR (0.15 USD) for 1 GB of data2. Jio also provides free voice calls and SMS within India as well as free access to various apps and services such as JioTV JioCinema JioSaavn JioNews and more.

Jio does however have several shortcomings. Jio SIM cards do not support 2G or 3G networks so in order to use them you must first have a phone that can support 4G. Second Jio SIM cards aren’t free a one-time payment of 99 INR (1.35 USD) is required to obtain a Jio Prime membership which entitles you to data plans and other perks. Three. Thirdly at peak hours or in crowded areas Jio’s network may get overloaded causing slower speeds or dropped calls.

Airtel

Airtel is the leading operator in India with over 300 million subscribers as of 2024. Airtel offers 4G/LTE services in all 22 telecom circles in India with good coverage and speed in both urban and rural areas5. Airtel also has competitive data plans starting from 19 INR (0.26 USD) for 200 MB of data. Airtel also offers free voice calls and SMS within India as well as free subscriptions to various OTT platforms such as Amazon Prime Video Disney+ Hotstar VIP Zee5 Premium Airtel Xstream Premium and more.

However, Airtel also has some disadvantages. First of all Airtel’s data plans are slightly more expensive than Jio especially for higher data volumes. Secondly Airtel’s network can also suffer from congestion and interference in some areas affecting the quality of service. Thirdly Airtel’s customer service can be improved as some users have reported issues with activation billing or refunds.

Vodafone Idea

The 2018 combination of Idea Cellular and Vodafone India produced Vodafone Idea. As of 2024. Vodafone Idea had over 270 million members making it the second-largest operator in India. In 16 telecom circles across India Vodafone Idea provides 4G/LTE services with respectable coverage and speed in the majority of the country. Additionally, Vodafone Idea offers appealing data plans with 1 GB of data starting at 16 INR (0.22 USD). Additionally, Vodafone Idea provides free SMS and voice calls throughout India in addition to free subscriptions to a number of OTT services including Vi Movies & TV Classic. Zee5 Premium on Amazon Prime Video plus more.

However, Vodafone Idea also has some drawbacks. First of all, Vodafone Idea’s network coverage is not as extensive as Airtel or Jio, especially in some remote or rural areas. Secondly, Vodafone Idea’s network performance can vary significantly depending on the location time, or device. Thirdly Vodafone Idea financial situation is precarious as it faces huge debts and dues to the government. This could affect its future operations and investments.

BSNL

BSNL is the state-owned operator in India with over 110 million subscribers as of 2024. BSNL offers 2G 3G and 4G/LTE services in all telecom circles except Delhi and Mumbai with fair coverage and speed in most places. BSNL also has the cheapest data plans among the four operators starting from 2 INR (0.03 USD) for 1 GB of data. BSNL also offers free voice calls and SMS within India as well as free access to various apps and services such as BSNL TV BSNL Tunes BSNL Games on Demand and more.

However, BSNL also has some disadvantages. First of all BSNL’s 4G/LTE network is not as widespread or reliable as the other operators’ as it is still in the process of upgrading its infrastructure. Secondly BSNL data plans are not as flexible or convenient as the other operators as they have fixed validity periods and do not support rollover or carry forward of unused data. Thirdly BSNL’s customer service can be slow or unresponsive as some users have reported issues with activation recharge or complaints.

Conclusion

As you can see there is no clear cut answer to which is the best SIM Cards in India for Internet. It depends on various factors such as your location budget usage preferences and expectations. However, based on our comparison and analysis we can give you some general recommendations:

• If you want the best overall experience with good coverage speed plans and benefits go for Airtel.
• If you want the cheapest and fastest 4G/LTE service with free calls and apps go for Jio.
• If you want a balanced and affordable service with decent coverage speed plans and benefits go for Vodafone Idea.
• If you want the cheapest and most basic service with fair coverage speed plans and benefits go for BSNL.

We hope that this blog post has given you more information to assist you in deciding which best SIM Cards in India for Internet. Please feel free to remark below if you have any queries or comments.