New MTN vs. Airtel Data Plans: Which Is Cheaper & Better?

However, keeping up with data costs still feels like an endless chore, and the recent 50% increase in MTN and Airtel data plan prices certainly doesn’t help matters.

This news may prompt you to consider which of these two largest network providers offers the best value for your money. Thankfully, we have done the hardwork for you.

How to Know the Best Data Plan for You

• Cost-Effectiveness: You do not want to overpay for the same amount of data you could’ve gotten elsewhere for less. The best data plan ensures you get the most out of every naira.
• Lasting: Nobody enjoys frequent data purchases. So, it isn’t the right plan if it doesn’t keep you online longer while meeting your internet needs.
• Network Reliability: Regardless of the amount, your chosen plan should offer you speed and coverage.

Now that you know what to look for, let’s compare MTN and Airtel in terms of affordability, data volume, and overall value.

MTN Data Plans

MTN Daily and Weekly Data Plans

• 100MB for ₦100 daily plan if all you want is light browsing and social media.
• From 1GB for ₦350 to 3GB for ₦600 for daily internet access.
• 250MB for ₦200 and 350MB for ₦350 plans are suitable for casual use over a few days.
• 600MB for ₦500 (7 days), 750MB+₦500 for ₦500 (14 days), 1GB for ₦600, 1.5GB for ₦1000, 5GB for ₦1,500, and 7GB for ₦3000 plans if you don’t use data heavily but still wish to enjoy reliable internet between 7 to 14 days.

MTN Monthly Data Plans

• 1.5GB for ₦1,200, 1.8GB for ₦1,500, and 5GB for ₦1,500 are modest plans that should last a month of light social media and browsing.
• 4.25GB for ₦3000, 8GB for ₦3000, 5.5GB for ₦3,500, and 15GB for ₦6,500 are better fits if you consume more content but still want to stick to a budget.
• From 15GB for ₦3,500 to 120GB for ₦22,000 and 200GB for ₦50,000 are sweet spots for those streaming, downloading, and generally living their best online life.

MTN also offers ‘2-3 Months Plans’ ranging from 90GB for ₦25,000 for 60 days to 480GB for ₦120,000 for 900 days. There are also ‘Family Packs’ with monthly plans as low as 20GB for ₦5,000 and high as 200GB for ₦30,000.

Pros and Cons of MTN Data Plans

• I believe MTN’s network offers the broadest coverage, even in the most remote parts of the country. ‘Everywhere You Go’ for a reason.
• Compared to other network providers, MTN’s network has fewer service outages.

Cons:

• MTN data plans cost slightly more than other network providers for similar data volumes. This recent hike doesn’t help its case either.
• You may witness slower browsing speeds after exhausting your high-speed data.

Airtel Data Plans

Airtel Daily and Weekly Data Plans

• 100MB for ₦100, 200MB for ₦200, and the 300MB for ₦300 daily plans are the best options for ultra-light internet users who only need to check WhatsApp or emails.
• 500MB for ₦500 7-Day plan gives you a bit more data if you need access for a couple of days.
• 1GB for ₦500, 1.5GB for ₦600, 2GB for ₦750, 3GB for ₦1000, and 5GB for ₦1500 daily plans are options for a day of binge internet usage.
• From 500MB for ₦500, 1GB for ₦800, to 18GB for ₦5000 are good options for weekly use.

Airtel Monthly Data Plans

• 2GB for ₦1,500, 3GB for ₦2000, and 4GB for ₦2,500 are generous plans for moderate monthly usage, especially if you stream music and videos and engage on social media.
• 8GB for ₦3,000, 10GB for ₦4,000, and 13GB for ₦5,000 are fantastic deals for heavy data users on a budget.
• 18GB for ₦6,000, 25GB for ₦8,000, 35GB for ₦10,000, 60GB for ₦15,000, 100GB for ₦20,000, 160GB for ₦30,000, and 210GB for ₦40,000 are Airtel’s big plans for users living their best online life.

Airtel also offers personalized data plans under the ‘My Offer’ and ‘My Area’ sections based on your most frequently chosen plans. These plans cost significantly less than their volume equivalent in the regular ‘Data Plans.’ There are also ‘Family Plans’ for you and your folks to enjoy.

Pros and Cons of Airtel Data Plans

• Airtel network users enjoy impressive 4G speeds, even in busy areas.
• Despite the recent hike, Airtel still offers a wider range of options to suit users of every budget, size, and need.
• Airtel’s network also offers decent coverage across Nigeria

Cons:

• Airtel users occasionally complain of network congestion and slower speeds during peak periods.

Comparing New MTN Vs. Airtel Data Plans Side-by-Side

Potential Impact of The MTN and Airtel Recent Network-Sharing Agreement in Nigeria & Uganda

We continue to see strong structural demand for digital and financial services across our markets,” Mupita said in a statement. “To meet this demand, we continue to invest in coverage and capacity to ensure high-quality connectivity for our customers.

“As we compete fiercely in the market on the strength of our brand, services, and offerings, we are building common infrastructure within the permissible regulatory framework,” Airtel Africa Chief Executive Officer Sunil Taldar said in a recent interview. “This allows us to provide a more robust and extensive digital highway while avoiding the costly duplication of infrastructure.”