Mobile Recharge Applications: Which one is the best?

The livelihood of so many mobile recharge vendors is rapidly declining thanks to Android and iOS and some great, easy-to-use apps which helps us prevent going to the stores to get your recharge done. It is faster, easier and a time-saving alternative.

But with advanced technology comes risks. Not many people are adamant on using such apps due to fear of inadequate security(i.e.Credit card thefts, data breaching etc.), not knowing how these systems work and how their data can be used/misused. Some people also find it difficult to use such apps due to non-understanding of user interfaces and other technicalities which deters them from using such apps.

This article is intended to give you more clarity as to which app can be used to conduct such transactions. We have taken 3 apps into consideration: Paytm, Freecharge, Mobikwik. These apps have garnered far more downloads and good reviews than others.

Points of distinguish:

1) User Interface: One of the most important aspects.

 

Paytm:

• Very simplistic, easy-to-use, straightforward, intuitive
• Recharge plans, product offerings are categorized nicely.

Freecharge:

• Absolutely stunning
• Graphic-intensive with lots of scrolling and zoom effects
• Vibrant colour usage.

Mobikwik:

• Not very polished
• Simple but not eye-catching
• Everything into list forms

WINNER: Freecharge

2) Performance: Speed, Reliability, Accuracy

Paytm:

• Due to a recent glitch, the recharge plans are categorized wrongly at times.
• Allows a quick, secure sign-in, all card information is automatically fetched.
• Offers one-click payment.(Kind of a gimmick) 
• Quick operator confirmation

Freecharge:

• Buttery UI enables fast transition of menus.
• Authorizing of payment by both Freecharge and the Bank is also pretty quick.
• Most annoying part is the operator confirmation which often hangs up and takes time. Has resulted in the transaction getting cancelled at times and moeny getting stored as credits.

Mobikwik:

• Slower than both Freecharge and Paytm.
• Has a higher failure rate than Freecharge and Paytm.

WINNER: Paytm

3)Features:

Paytm:

• Has Paytm Wallet: Giving/receiving money to/from a friend.(Like Airtel Money)
• Sells various products like electronics, stationary, gifts, kitchen appliances etc. There are many online shopping websites which would be more preferable than Paytm shopping
• Is the most marketed(on electronic media), downloaded and well-reviewed app(on Google Play).

Freecharge:

• It's biggest USP is 'My Offers': It allows you to select free/paid offers/coupons of popular shopping/food outlets while doing any transaction. Popular offers are those from Myntra, CCD, McDonalds etc. I myself have found them useful at times.
•  Has taken up sponsorships in several events and done a lot of marketing using the traditional media.

Mobikwik:

• Allows recharging of Data Card, paying your electricity, gas, landline and insurance bills. This feature is pretty nifty.
• Also has Mobikwik wallet and sells certain range of products(similar to Paytm)
• Allows setting a PIN code to make transactions safer.
• Lesser public exposure and lesser rating than Freecharge and Paytm.

WINNER: Tie

Mobikwik is expected to pick up but currently on basis of popularity and usage, Paytm and Freecharge are leading the pack for now.


Disclaimer: The views/findings and opinions presented in this article are solely that of the author and not prejudicial/biased and are not meant to defame or de-sale any organisation, product ,application vendor or an individual in particular. The readers or viewers should use their own discretion and judgement without feeling influenced of the above opinions while selecting a product/application/service.