5 Net Neutral Apps That Give You Free Mobile Internet Data

Getting data access without spending money sounds great, but this usually involves some kind of catch. That's why different platforms such as Airtel Zero and Facebook's Free Basics triggered such a debate about net neutrality, and why zero rating (or making sites free to access) can be bad for the users. It's been over a year since this debate really kicked off in India and the issues are still developing, but there are a number of apps on the market that are offering users free data, without any exclusivity or limitations. All these apps are for prepaid users. Here's what we found:

1) Gigato

Probably one of the best known apps in the category, Gigato has been around for a while and allows users to "earn" data on the app, which can then be redeemed from your carrier. The way it works is simple - just install the Gigato app, and it will show you a number of apps you can try or use to earn data. The earned data is usually a little higher than the used data, so although the initial usage is cut from your data plan, you come out ahead. For example, you could use 20MB of mobile data on WhatsApp or Twitter, and earn 25MB which can be redeemed from your carrier.

When you launch the app, you can see a list of supported apps you already have on your phone, and Gigato will also recommend other apps you can install to get data benefits. Since Gigato includes many popular apps, it probably won't require you to change your habits to get a little extra cash on the side, which is great.

When installing Gigato, you give it permission to check your apps, so it can see how much mobile data is being used by its ​partners​, and give you rewards accordingly. Based on user and expert reports ​online​, it doesn't seem that Gigato snoops on your data to see what you are doing on the Internet, so it should be without any privacy concerns, but it's certainly something you should be aware of.

Get Gigato on Google Play, free.

2) Earn Talktime

The Earn Talktime app is pretty similar to Gigato in that it incentivises you to use different apps, but the way it works is a little different. While Gigato gives you recharges for using mobile data on apps, Earn Talktime pays out money which can be used to pay for prepaid recharges when you download apps.

So, you can make Rs. 5 if you download the Droom app, or Rs. 20 to download Myntra. Downloading Lybrate and then asking one question on the app will earn you Rs. 50.

You also earn money for referring friends, and you can then use this to recharge your data via your mobile operator. From what we've found through searching online, there have been no reports of privacy problems with this app, and our own usage showed that it works without any real problems, but considering that Earn Talktime incentivises specific actions you should be aware of potential privacy concerns with this kind of app.

Get Earn Talktime on Google Play, free.

3) Paytunes

While Gigato or Earn Talktime need you to actively do different things to earn talk time, the Paytunes app replaces your ringtone with advertisements and you're paid for each call that you get. There are some checks in place to keep people from gaming the system, but for users, Paytunes actually fits into the day to day flow of actually using your phone.

The payouts aren't very high - you have to answer at least three calls to get 1 Rupee worth of points in the app, but even if you get around 15 calls in a day, that works out to a payout of Rs. 150 per month, which can be used to recharge your data pack, or pay other bills via MobiKwik.

Get Paytunes on Google Play, free.

4) My Ads (India)
Watch an ad, and then answer a few simple questions and you earn money. The concept is so simple that it doesn't really need to be explained. You can watch the ads over Wi-Fi, and don't need to download or use any other apps. It's just like the apps you watch on TV, except that here, you aren't forced to watch an ad in the middle of your shows, it's just something you're doing for a little talk time.

It's not the most convenient way to consume ads, but getting paid Rs. 8 to watch a 45-second ad sounded reasonable enough to us. That money can then be used to recharge your phone, so you can use the money for mobile data.

Get my ADs (India) on Google Play, free.

5) Recharging your phone
Apps like Freecharge, Paytm, or Mobikwik or Airtel Money, just about every app that allows you to recharge your phone online also offers special deals and cashbacks. This means that when you're recharging your phone, using any of these apps can get you a great deal. The specific deals vary on a day to day basis, so keep one or two of the apps you liked the most installed on your phone, and check these before hitting the recharge button to save a little more money.

These are the five methods of getting free Internet access we found that worked. Have you tried any of these? What was your experience like? Tell us about that, or any other similar apps you liked, via the comments.

The Best Apps of 2015

Though there were some great apps in 2015, the fact is that we're still using some of our favourite apps from the last couple of years instead, because they've been able to grow and evolve to remain compelling. Part of the reason for this may also be because both Apple's iOS 9 and Google's Android 6.0 Marshmallow didn't introduce many radical new features that developers could build on, offering subtler changes instead. However there were still quite a few mobile apps and games that we loved using.

Food ordering and live video broadcasts were two hot categories in 2015 where numerous apps showed up, though many failed to impress. To make up for it though, was a year filled with great mobile games. Here's a collection of the best apps and games of 2015.

Hotstar

Hotstar has become the go-to app for streaming live sports, films and TV shows in India. It's
completely free on all platforms, which has ensured rapid adoption, even if it means that some
events have a slightly deferred live stream. It's got a good selection of content, and it's continuing
to get new shows added. The service also worked well, with relatively few issues with the app.

Download Hotstar for free on iOS and Android

Google Photos

Google Photos got a very important update this year, which redefined it so much that it can
be seen as a whole new app - unlimited photo backup for free, with only some riders that
won't bother most smartphone users. The image you save online might not be the same
resolution as the original, but if you're not a professional photographer, then it probably won't
matter.

Add to that the built in sorting and categorisation, and the ability to organise your photos
into 'stories' without any intervention, and Google Photos becomes one of the best gallery
apps. And the price is right, as the app is free.

What more could you ask for?

Download Google Photos for free on iOS and Android

Periscope

While Meerkat may have grabbed headlines initially, Periscope is the one you want for live video
broadcasts. Better UI and tighter Twitter integration are two major plus points, and the ease with
which you can use Periscope makes it one of the most interesting apps of 2015. Whether it can
keep up the momentum is the question, but there's no question that this app is one to watch.

Download Periscope for free on iOS and Android

Overcast 2

Overcast has been our favourite podcast app for iPhone and iPad since its launch in 2014. This
year it added key features such as support for streaming podcasts and went completely free.
If you have an iOS device, then Overcast is a much better alternative to Apple's Podcasts app.

Download Overcast for free on iOS

One More Run
Endless runner meets cricket in a happy union. One More Run is a game made in India that we love.
If you play it once, you will too. It wears it's inspirations on its sleeve, but the end result really is
inspired, rather than just a clone, and that is what makes this game worth recommending.

Download One More Run for free on Android and iOS

Zomato Order

In a year when the food delivery space took off and then came crashing down too, Zomato Order
stood out from the competition, and looking only at the app and not partner restaurants, it offers
the best online food ordering experience in India. With a growing catalogue of restaurants and a
great looking UI that also works very reliably, this app easily takes the cake.

Download Zomato Order for free on iOS and Android

Horizon Chase: World Tour
Inspired by retro game Out Run, Horizon Chase is unlike most modern mobile racing games.
It's a paid game with no in-app purchases on iOS and free on Android and offers an unrivalled
arcade racing experience. We love its selection of cars, background music, and quirky on-screen
text such as "The road is my kingdom" (which appears when you overtake the car in first place).

Download Horizon Chase for free on Android and Rs. 190 on iOS

The List App

The List App is an interesting take on making lists. You can make checklists and share them with
your friends. It also lets you find interesting lists on various topics from across the world. This fresh
take on lists, with a great UI compelled us to include it in this list.

Download The List App for free on iOS

Lara Croft Go

A turn-based puzzle game with a great soundtrack, Lara Croft Go is one of the best games 

released in 2015. Lovely art and some great puzzles make it a game you must play; it's easily 

one of the best Tomb Raider games, with a unique look and play style, compare to other entries 

in the series.

Download Lara Croft Go for Rs. 300 on iOS, Android, and Windows and Windows Phone

Plume Air Report

With Delhi being one of the most polluted cities in the world, the Plume app is in the spotlight as
it informs you about pollution levels in various parts of the world. Needless to say, Delhi's pollution
levels are almost always off permissible limits.

Download Plume Air Report for free on iOS and Android 

Which are your favourite apps of 2015? Let us know via the comments.





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