In an era where mobile data is an essential part of daily life, choosing the right network provider is crucial. Nigeria’s two biggest telecom providers, MTN and Airtel, offer various data plans, but which one provides the best value for money?
The recent 50% price hike in MTN’s data plans has left many Nigerians looking for alternatives. Airtel, the country’s second-largest telecom provider, is a strong contender, offering competitive pricing and high-speed connectivity.
If you’re considering switching networks or just want to find the most cost-effective plan, this article compares MTN and Airtel’s latest data plans to help you make an informed decision.
How to Choose the Best Data Plan
When selecting a data plan, the following key factors should be considered:
- Cost-Effectiveness – Are you getting the most data for your money?
- Data Longevity – Does the plan last long enough to meet your internet needs?
- Network Reliability – How strong and fast is the network in your area?
With these factors in mind, let’s compare MTN and Airtel’s data plans to determine which provider offers the best overall value.
MTN Data Plans: Coverage and Reliability at a Higher Cost
MTN is Nigeria’s leading telecom provider, offering extensive network coverage and reliable connectivity. However, its recent price increase has raised concerns about affordability.
Also Read : The Rise of 5G Technology: Transforming Connectivity and Beyond, What You Should Know
MTN Daily and Weekly Data Plans
For users who need short-term data, MTN offers the following plans:
| Data Volume | Price (₦) | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| 100MB | 100 | 1 Day |
| 250MB | 200 | 2 Days |
| 1GB | 350 | 1 Day |
| 3GB | 600 | 1 Day |
| 600MB | 500 | 7 Days |
| 5GB | 1,500 | 7 Days |
These plans cater to users who require temporary data access for browsing, social media, and light streaming.
MTN Monthly Data Plans
For those who prefer long-term data plans, MTN provides the following options:
| Data Volume | Price (₦) | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| 1.5GB | 1,200 | 30 Days |
| 4.25GB | 3,000 | 30 Days |
| 8GB | 3,500 | 30 Days |
| 15GB | 6,500 | 30 Days |
| 120GB | 22,000 | 30 Days |
| 200GB | 50,000 | 30 Days |
MTN also offers extended plans such as 90GB for ₦25,000 (60 days) and 480GB for ₦120,000 (900 days) for heavy users.
Pros and Cons of MTN Data Plans
✅ Pros:
- Best network coverage, including rural areas.
- Reliable connection with minimal service disruptions.
❌ Cons:
- More expensive than Airtel for similar data bundles.
- Slower browsing speeds after high-speed data is exhausted.
Airtel Data Plans: Affordable and Fast, but with Some Limitations
Airtel is known for its budget-friendly data plans and fast internet speeds in urban areas. If you’re looking for affordability without compromising too much on speed, Airtel might be the better option.
Airtel Daily and Weekly Data Plans
Airtel offers several short-term data plans:
| Data Volume | Price (₦) | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| 100MB | 100 | 1 Day |
| 200MB | 200 | 3 Days |
| 1GB | 350 | 1 Day |
| 2GB | 500 | 1 Day |
| 5GB | 1,500 | 7 Days |
Airtel’s daily and weekly plans are slightly cheaper than MTN’s, making them attractive for users on a tight budget.
Airtel Monthly Data Plans
For those needing longer internet access, Airtel provides the following plans:
| Data Volume | Price (₦) | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| 1.5GB | 1,200 | 30 Days |
| 4.5GB | 2,000 | 30 Days |
| 10GB | 3,000 | 30 Days |
| 15GB | 4,000 | 30 Days |
| 120GB | 20,000 | 30 Days |
Airtel also offers custom data plans under the ‘My Offer’ and ‘My Area’ promotions, which provide discounts based on a user’s subscription history.
Pros and Cons of Airtel Data Plans
✅ Pros:
- Generally cheaper than MTN for similar data bundles.
- Fast 4G speeds in urban areas.
- Flexible and personalized data plans.
❌ Cons:
- Network congestion can cause slow speeds during peak hours.
- Coverage is less extensive in rural areas.
MTN vs. Airtel: Side-by-Side Comparison
To determine which provider offers the best value, let’s compare similar plans:
| Plan Type | MTN Price (₦) | Airtel Price (₦) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1GB (Daily) | 350 | 350 | Tie |
| 5GB (Weekly) | 1,500 | 1,500 | Tie |
| 10GB (Monthly) | 3,500 | 3,000 | Airtel |
| 15GB (Monthly) | 6,500 | 4,000 | Airtel |
| 120GB (Monthly) | 22,000 | 20,000 | Airtel |
Which Network is Better?
- If you need the widest coverage and reliability: MTN is the better choice, especially in remote areas.
- If you want affordability and fast speeds in cities: Airtel provides better value for data volume.
How to Subscribe to MTN & Airtel Data Plans
For MTN:
- Dial *312# and select your preferred data plan.
- Use the subscription codes provided in the tables above.
- Ensure you have enough airtime before subscribing.
For Airtel:
- Dial *312# to access the data menu.
- Enter the plan code from the tables above.
- Ensure you have enough airtime before subscribing.
Conclusion: Should You Switch Networks?
In 2025, data affordability remains a major concern for Nigerians. While MTN offers better network coverage, its recent price hikes make it less attractive for budget-conscious users. Airtel, on the other hand, provides more cost-effective plans and decent speed, but it may not be the best option for those in remote locations.
Ultimately, the best network depends on your personal needs:
- Stick with MTN if you prioritize stability, especially in rural areas.
- Switch to Airtel if you want affordable, high-volume data plans with fast speeds in urban locations.
Regardless of which network you choose, staying informed about new promotions and changes in data pricing will help you maximize your internet experience.
Would you switch to Airtel or stay with MTN based on this comparison? Let us know your thoughts!
