MTN vs Airtel Call Rates in 2025: Which Network is Cheaper for Voice Calls?

[Gigabyte Computer Solutions]

Prices in Nigeria keep climbing — from tomatoes to transport fare, and yes, even our beloved airtime. If it feels like your credit now disappears faster than your salary after payday, you’re not imagining things.

Early in 2025, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) approved a 50% increase in telecom tariffs, and both MTN and Airtel wasted no time in adjusting their rates.

So now, the big question on everyone’s lips is: “Which network is cheaper for calls — MTN or Airtel?”
We’ve done the maths so you don’t have to.

MTN Voice Call Rates — What You’re Paying Per Minute
MTN offers a wide range of tariff plans — from retail to corporate — each designed for different needs. For everyday users, two plans stand out:

MTN Pulse – Lower call rates, perfect if you mostly care about talking time.
MTN BetaTalk – Gives you airtime bonuses, but with slightly higher per-minute charges.
If you run a business or have access to corporate plans, MTN E-Value Plus or BizConnect will give you the lowest call rates along with MTN’s wide coverage. The only catch? You’ll likely need to register through your employer or business.

Airtel Voice Call Rates — What You’re Paying Per Minute
Airtel has fewer plans on paper, but they’re surprisingly competitive. For most people:

Smart Talk Airtel – A good starting point for affordable calls.
Smart Talk Postpaid – For serious callers who don’t mind a small monthly fee. At ₦9/min, it’s one of the cheapest everyday options.
Fixed Voice Pro – Ideal for heavy users who want predictable monthly costs.

MTN vs Airtel — Side-by-Side
When you compare head-to-head:

Cheapest Corporate Option: MTN’s E-Value Plus wins, but it’s not open to everyone.
Cheapest Public Option: Airtel’s Smart Talk Postpaid is easier to join and still offers great value, especially for frequent callers.

SMS & Data — The Extra Costs to Consider
We don’t just make calls anymore — so here’s how they stack up on SMS and pay-as-you-use data:

SMS:

MTN – ₦6 across most plans.
Airtel – ₦4–₦6 depending on the plan.
Winner: Airtel, by a small margin.
PAYU Data:

MTN – ₦3.072/MB.
Airtel – ₦4.6/MB.
Winner: MTN for casual data use.

The Verdict — Which Should You Pick?
Go for MTN if:

You can access corporate plans through work or business.
You want nationwide coverage that’s generally more stable.
You prefer flexible bundles like XtraValue that combine calls and data.
Go for Airtel if:

You want low call rates without complex sign-up.
You’re okay with a small monthly fee to enjoy ₦9/min on Smart Talk Postpaid.
You send a lot of SMS and want them cheaper.

Choosing between MTN and Airtel is like choosing between jollof rice and fried rice — both can be great, but the best pick depends on your taste and budget.

If calls eat up most of your airtime, Airtel’s Smart Talk Postpaid gives you one of the lowest public call rates in 2025. But if you run a business or want more plan flexibility, MTN’s corporate options still lead the way.

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