Monday, February 9, 2026

Airtel ₹399 vs ₹449 Plan (2026): Which "Unlimited" Data Plan is Better?

Airtel just tweaked its 2026 prepaid lineup, and if you’re someone who basically lives on the internet, the ₹399 and ₹449 plans are likely the ones on your radar.

Both now claim "Unlimited Data," which sounds great on paper, but there are a few catches—and some extra perks—that make one a much better value depending on how you use your phone.

Here is the breakdown of how they actually stack up:


The Quick Comparison

Feature₹399 Plan₹449 Plan
Service Validity28 Days28 Days
CallingUnlimited (Local + STD + Roaming)Unlimited (Local + STD + Roaming)
SMS100 SMS / Day100 SMS / Day
Main DataUnlimited (300GB High-Speed Cap)Unlimited (300GB High-Speed Cap)
Network4G + Unlimited 5G4G + Unlimited 5G
Special Perk1 Year Adobe Express PremiumOTT Powerhouse (SonyLIV, JioHotstar, etc.)

The Details: What’s the Same?

Both plans are designed for people who don't want to worry about a "daily limit."

  • The "Unlimited" Reality: While marketed as unlimited, both plans follow a commercial fair usage policy (FUP). You get 300GB of high-speed data for the month. If you somehow burn through all 300GB, your speed will drop, but you won't be charged extra.

  • 5G Access: If you have a 5G phone and live in a 5G-ready area, both plans give you truly unlimited 5G data that doesn't even touch that 300GB quota.


The Real Difference: The "Freebies"

This is where you decide which plan is actually for you.

1. The ₹399 Plan: For the Creators

This plan is uniquely positioned for people who do a bit of design or social media work.

  • Adobe Express Premium: You get a 12-month subscription included for free. This is worth about ₹4,000 on its own. It’s perfect if you like making high-quality Instagram reels, posters, or YouTube thumbnails.

  • Standard Extras: You still get Airtel Hello Tunes.

2. The ₹449 Plan: The Entertainment King

For just ₹50 more, this plan turns your phone into a portable cinema. It is packed with entertainment subscriptions that the ₹399 plan doesn't offer:

  • JioHotstar Mobile: 28 days of access (great for live sports and movies).

  • SonyLIV & 20+ OTTs: Through the Airtel Xstream Play app, you get SonyLIV and a bundle of other regional platforms.

  • Apple Music: Up to 6 months of ad-free music.

  • Google One: 30GB of cloud storage to back up your photos and files.


Which one should you choose?

  • Choose ₹399 if: You are a student, a freelancer, or a small business owner who will actually use Adobe Express to create content. It’s the best value for a "work-focused" user.

  • Choose ₹449 if: You love streaming. Between SonyLIV, JioHotstar, and the extra Google One storage, you are getting way more than ₹50 worth of value. It's the ultimate "no-compromise" monthly plan.


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