MTN vs Airtel Data Plans: Which One is Better in 2025?
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MTN vs Airtel Data Plans: Which One is Better in 2025? |
Looking for the best data plan in Nigeria this 2025? Compare MTN and Airtel data plans, coverage, 5G speed, prices, and value-per-GB to see which is best for you.
Network Coverage & 5G Support
In 2025, MTN Nigeria continues to lead with the widest network coverage, including 4G in remote areas and 5G rollout in major cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt.
On the other hand, Airtel Nigeria also launched 5G service in 2023 and expanded in 2024, but their coverage is still growing.
👉 See MTN 5G activation and coverage guide
Verdict:
If you live in a rural area or need stable coverage nationwide, MTN may be better. In urban areas, Airtel’s network is very competitive too.
Data Plan Prices (MTN vs Airtel – 2025)
MTN Data Plans (2025 Updated)
- 1.5GB for ₦1,500
- 2.5GB for ₦2,000
- 6GB for ₦3,500
- 15GB for ₦6,500
- 40GB for ₦10,000
(MTN recently increased prices due to inflation.)
👉 See full MTN data plans & codes here
🔹 Airtel Data Plans (2025 Updated)
- 1GB for ₦500 (1-day)
- 3GB for ₦1,500 (weekly)
- 6GB for ₦2,000 (weekly)
- 10GB for ₦3,000
- 13GB for ₦5,000
👉 Full Airtel Data Plan Price List – Vanguard Nigeria
Airtel is currently more affordable at most price levels, especially for light-to-medium users.
Value Per GB (Cost Comparison)
Plan | Network | Price | Data | ₦/GB |
---|---|---|---|---|
10GB | Airtel | ₦3,000 | 10GB | ₦300 |
13GB | Airtel | ₦5,000 | 13GB | ₦385 |
15GB | MTN | ₦6,500 | 15GB | ₦433 |
20GB | MTN | ₦7,500 | 20GB | ₦375 |
👉 Compare full breakdown on Finanke
For most regular users, Airtel offers better value per GB than MTN.
Unlimited & High-Volume Plans
MTN (Unlimited & MiFi Plans)
- Marble Plan: ₦20,000/month → 100GB full speed, then throttled
- Emerald Plan: ₦30,000–₦40,000 → 200GB+
👉 Read MTN Unlimited Guide
Airtel (Ultra Unlimited)
- Ultra Platinum: ₦25,000/month → ~150GB full speed
- Ultra Diamond: ₦40,000/month → ~300GB full speed
👉 View Airtel Unlimited Plans
Airtel provides more data volume for less at the top tiers.
Bonus & Special Offers
-
MTN: Data4Me offers, social bundles, free night data
👉 Activate MTN Data4Me Offers -
Airtel: YouTube night bonus, MyArea offers, and weekend data bonuses.
Device Compatibility (5G & eSIM)
-
MTN: Supports eSIM and 5G SIM in major cities
👉 How to Check if Your MTN SIM is 5G Ready -
Airtel: Rolling out 5G + eSIM on newer smartphones
👉 Airtel eSIM info on Airtel.com.ng
Final Verdict: Which One Is Better?
Feature | MTN 🟡 | Airtel 🔴 |
---|---|---|
Coverage | ✅ Strongest | ✅ Good (Urban) |
Price | ❌ More Expensive | ✅ More Affordable |
5G Rollout | ✅ Leading | ✅ Ongoing |
Bonus Offers | ✅ Decent | ✅ More generous |
Unlimited Plan | ✅ Premium | ✅ Better Value |
Overall Recommendation:
Choose Airtel if you want better pricing and value-for-money.
Choose MTN if you need stronger network, especially for rural or professional use.
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