Last updated on May 14th, 2023 at 01:19 am
Airalo vs Holafly Comparison – While Holafly is better for unlimited data, Airalo offers the best affordable eSIM data. We compare all features in this post.
Comparing the two, both don’t offer calls to your home network (the way roaming services do), but you can keep your sim card with you and take calls via your favorite messenger – Facebook, Whatsapp, imessage, and more.
In this guide, we’ll tell you more features of each eSIM, and compare Holafly vs Airalo to help you decide on the eSIM that will fit your specific trip better.
In this article, we talk all about eSIMs, Airalo eSIM and Holafly eSIM’s pros and cons, and which eSIM between the two should you choose for your next data plan.
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- Ubigi vs Airalo
- Holafly Alternatives
Comparing Airalo and Holafly
We discuss all the features deeper below. Here is a quick comparison summary of these two top eSIM brands.
Holafly eSIM:
- Offers unlimited data plans.
- Coverage in up to 120 countries.
- Available on a website platform.
- 24/7 customer support in multiple languages.
- Data sharing with other devices is allowed.
Airalo eSIM:
- Affordable and competitive pricing for data plans.
- Coverage in over 190 countries.
- Available on both website and app platforms.
- 24/7 customer support in English only.
- Data sharing with other devices is allowed.
A Primer on eSIMs: What It is and Who Can Use It
What is an eSIM?
The easiest way to explain what is an eSIM is that it is a virtual sim card or embedded SIM card that allows you to have a data plan to connect to the internet. You won’t have a physical sim card, like the ones we have for our phones daily.
An eSIM allows you to get data plans that you can use anywhere, whether you’re at home, or especially when you’re traveling to a new location, or a new country, to connect to the internet, without having to turn on and use roaming data service from your home sim card company. You can also keep your physical sim card while using an eSIM and this way, you can keep receiving messages on iMessage, Whatsapp or other messaging apps with your original phone number.
Extended Travel Reading:
Not all phones support eSIM. Here’s a list of smartphones and ultrabooks that allows you to have an eSIM:
Phones that Support eSIM Compatibility
iOS Phones / iPhones
- iPhone XR
- iPhone XS
- iPhone XS Max
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone SE 2 (2020)
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 Mini
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 13 Mini
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone SE 3 (2022)
- iPhone 14
Samsung with eSIM
- Samsung Galaxy S20
- Samsung Galaxy S20+
- Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra
- Samsung Galaxy S21
- Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G
- Samsung Galaxy S21+ Ultra 5G
- Samsung Galaxy S22
- Samsung Galaxy S22+
- Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
- Samsung Galaxy Note 20
- Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G
- Samsung Galaxy Fold
- Samsung Galaxy Fold 3
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G Fold
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip
- Samsung Watch (via Samsung Wearable application)
Google Pixel Esim Phones
Check this Google Pixel phone guide on how to activate eSIM. Below are the Google Pixel Phones that support eSIM:
Google Pixel 2 (only phones bought with Google Fi service), Google Pixel 2 XLGoogle Pixel 3, Google Pixel 3 XL, Google Pixel 3a, Google Pixel 3a XL, Google Pixel 4, Google Pixel 4a, Google Pixel 4 XL, Google Pixel 5, Google Pixel 5a, Google Pixel 6, Google Pixel 6 Pro.
Other Android Handsets that Support the eSIM functionality:
Huawei P40, Huawei P40 Pro, Huawei Mate 40 Pro
Oppo Find X3 Pro, Oppo Reno 5A, Oppo Reno6 Pro 5G, Oppo Find X5, Oppo Find X5 Pro, Oppo A55s
Motorola Razr 2019, Motorola Razr 5G, Nuu Mobile X5, Gemini PDA, Rakuten Mini, Rakuten Big-S, Rakuten Big and Sony Xperia 10 III Lite.
There are also Ultrabooks that have eSIM functionality in them.
So check the following ultrabooks and laptops:
Microsoft Surface Pro X, Microsoft Surface Go 2, Microsoft Surface Pro LTE Advanced
Acer Swift 3, Acer Swift 7, Asus Mini Transformer
Asus NovaGo, Asus VivoBook Flip 14, HP Elitebook G5
HP Probook G5, HP Zbook G5, HP Specter Folio 13, Lenovo Yoga C630, Lenovo Miix 630
Lenovo Yoga 520, Lenovo Flex 5G and Samsung Galaxy Book 2
Book Your Travel Insurance – Holafly vs Airalo
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You can get Safetywing Travel Insurance for Digital Nomads valid for 28 days Safetywing for $50 USD per month with kids until 10 years old included
Airalo vs Holafly: Data Coverage
Now that we know what eSIMs are, and which devices support the eSIM capability, let’s go to the biggest reason one company should be chosen over another. The eSIM data coverage.
The Holafly eSIM offers maximum speed coverage (4GLTE), so you can enjoy a fast internet connection. The speed may be slower in some more remote areas.
Holafly Worldwide Data Coverage
Holafly eSIM can give you coverage for up to 120 countries worldwide. See below for countries currently serviced by the Holafly eSIM:
Argentina, Andorra, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Estonia, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Slovenia, Spain, United Arab Emirates, United States, Iceland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Laos, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Vietnam, and more.
The countries mentioned above are independent. However, Holafly also has a Multi-country eSIM that includes other destinations in Latin America, NorthAmerica, Europe, and Asia.
Holafly for sure is in all bucket list destinations covering more than 100 countries you will be covered with your eSim since you land in the country.
The best sellers in Holafly are Mexico eSIM and Turkey eSIM and Europe destinations like Germany eSim, Greece eSim, Spain eSIM and Italy eSIM. Check them out!
Airalo Worldwide Data Coverage
Airalo eSIM has coverage in over 190+ countries, and regions. Check the countries covered below:
Afghanistan, Algeria, American Samoa, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria. Also, Bahamas, Bahrain, Barbados, Benin, Belarus, Belgium, Bermuda. Bolivia, Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba. As well as Brazil, British Virgin Islands, Bulgaria, Canada, Cayman Islands, Chile, China, Christmas Island, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, and Curaçao.
Airlalo also offers eSIM coverage in the countries of Germany, Denmark, Dominica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, The Faroe Islands, Finland, France, and French Guiana. As well as Georgia, Greece, Greenland, Grenada, Guadeloupe, and Guam. They are also covered in Guatemala, Guernsey, and Guyana. Of course, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Isle of Man, Israel, and Italy. As well as Jamaica, Japan, Jersey, Jordan, Kiribati. Kuwait, Latvia, Liechtenstein, and more.
If you go off the beaten path Airalo is everywhere and you will be able to get 1 GB data for 7 days for $5-10 USD any destination in the world.
These are best sellers in Airalo: United States eSIM, Canada eSIM and UK eSIM. Check those articles for specific blog posts about eSIM! And if you are traveling other destinations like Israel eSim, Brazil eSim, Singapore eSim and Australia eSim.
Holafly eSIM Pros and Cons
Holafly eSIM Pros:
- Quick and easy purchase
- UNLIMITED data plans available
- Receive your eSIM QR code immediately upon payment
- Your phone will become a dual-SIM.
- Data sharing with other devices!
- You will be able to keep your phone number on WhatsApp.
- A dedicated customer service and support team is available 24/7, in different languages.
- Get data connection to up to 120 countries worldwide (based on data plan location)
- eSIMs provide internet connection for up to 90 days
Holafly’s eSIM Cons:
- You cannot renew your data plan.
- Your eSIM can only be activated on one device. If you delete the eSIM from your device, you will not be able to reuse it.
- You can’t share data with other devices like your laptop and other family members
Airalo ESIM Pros and Cons
To purchase an eSIM from Airalo, you have to go to its official website or install its app. It also serves as a store. This application is compatible with iOS and Android. With their phone application, you can purchase different plans for your eSIM.
Through the Airalo app, you will be able to choose your destination and the plan you want for your eSIM. Then you can install and activate the eSIM through the application with the steps indicated after the purchase.
Airalo’s ESIM Pros:
- Customer service 24 hours a day
- Data coverage to up to 190 countries worldwide
- Different data plans available with very competitive pricing
Airalo’s ESIM Cons:
- Their customer service is not available in several different languages. So, if you do not know English, you may have some problems communicating with them.
- According to several users, cellular coverage in some countries is not so good.
- Airalo provides no guarantee of stable availability of the network service.
Airalo vs Holafly For Europe Plan Pricing
Holafly eSIM Data Plan Pricing Europe
The data plans with Holafly eSim for Europe start at $19 USD for 5 days for unlimited data. If you choose 10 days $34 USD, for $47 USD 15 days and $64 USD for 30 days all of them with unlimited data.
For only $2 USD per day you can get unlimited data in Europe that’s why is our favorite European eSim because we love unlimited data plans. Read here Holafly eSim for Europe
Airalo eSIM Data Plan Pricing Europe
You can see a sample of Airalo’s eSIM data plan prices for Europe eSim travel for 1 GB of data for 7 Days for $4.50, 3GB for 3 days for $11, 5GB for 30 days for $16 and 10GB for 30 days for $26. Airalo definitely offers very competitive prices when it comes to their eSIM plans.
Nomad’s eSIM data prices and Airalo data prices for Europe eSim travel will depend on the destination. But the data packages are pretty similar. You can get cheaper Airalo eSim for Europe USING DISCOUNT CODE GAMINTRAVELER 10%.
Holafly vs Airalo Data Pricing North America
Holafly eSIM Data Plan Pricing North America
Holafly United States eSim and Holafly Mexico eSim for less than $65 USD if you use our code GAMINTRAVELER you will have unlimited internet for 30 days for just $2 USD per day. The best sellers Canada eSim, Mexico eSim and United States eSim
The data plans with Holafly eSim United States start at $19 USD for 5 days for unlimited data. If you choose 10 days unlimited data $34 USD, for $47 USD 15 days unlimited data and $64 USD unlimited data for 30 days all of them with unlimited data.
You can order online your Canada eSim prepaid sim card for $44 USD with 20 GB data buying online your eSim with Holafly (even cheaper if you use our discount code GAMINTRAVELER. You can get your Canadian eSim data plan for $34 USD with 10 GB data.
Airalo eSIM Data Plan Pricing North America
You can see a sample of the Airalo’s eSIM data plan prices for the United States in the image below. You can get 1GB of data for 7 Days for $4.50, 3GB for 3 days for $11, 5GB for 30 days for $16, and 10GB for 30 days for $26. Airalo definitely offers very competitive prices when it comes to their eSIM plans.
Plans with Airalo eSim Canada prepaid start at $25 USD with 5 GB data valid for 30 days. For $36 USD with 10 GB data valid for 30 days.
Differences between Holafly and Airalo
Features | Holafly | Airalo |
Languages services | English, Spanish, German, French | English only |
Platforms | Website | Website, app |
Payment methods | Credit card, Paypal, EU Bank | Credit card, Paypal, UnionPay |
24/7 customer support | Yes | Yes |
Include a local phone number for voice calls or messages | No | No |
Immediate delivery | Yes | Yes |
Share data with other devices | Yes | Yes |
Payment currency | USD ($), EUR (€) | USD ($) |
BEST THING ABOUT AIRALO
If you’re looking for the most bang for your buck. The best thing about Airalo eSIM is definitely more affordable. If you’re just looking to connect to the internet from time to time, and will not need heavy usage, Airalo might be a good choice for you.
If you will need to reload with a new data plan, Airalo network actually offers you the ability to connect with free internet using their app, without data, long enough for you to get a new data plan. This is of course covered by their data coverage, so make sure you’re in a country they cover for that.
There are great packages in tourist destinations like Egypt, Morocco and cheap eSims in Asian countries like Indonesia and Dubai.
THE WORST THING ABOUT AIRALO
My least favorite thing about AIralo is downloading the app if I compare to Holafly since I will buy the eSIM in advance to speed up the process I like the fastest way possible.
THE BEST THING ABOUT HOLAFLY
The best thing about Holafly eSIM is their offer of unlimited data. If you’re someone who will need a lot of internet access and data plan during your travels, and are happy to spend for that, for example you’re in a business trip or doing it for work, then Holafly eSIM can be a good option for you.
THE WORST THING ABOUT HOLAFLY
My least favorite thing about Holafly is prices can be expensive. It’s not fair the same price for unlimited data in the United States than Asia. But they are improving data packages in Asia and hopefully are more affordable soon. They started adding Holafly unlimited data packages in Asia in popular destinations like Hong Kong, Thailand and Singapore.
Verdict Airalo vs Holafly
We can agree that both Airalo and Holafly, these 2 eSIM companies actually bring some of the best services you can have when it comes to eSIM services. Airalo is recommended for users looking for affordable data plans and occasional internet access. Holafly is recommended for users who need unlimited data and constant internet access during travel.
Hope you found the information you need on the comparison of Airalo and Holafly for choosing the right eSIM plan for you. Which one would you choose Holafly vs Airalo? Let us know more about any of your experience in the comments below.
Happy travels!
Magdalene
Sunday 21st of May 2023
I just got to know about e-sim cards. The Last time I traveled to a new country I had to depend on my hotel wifi. Will check Airalo because it is affordable I guess
Ruben Arribas
Sunday 21st of May 2023
Agree Magdalene Airalo have cheaper data packages but if you need unlimited data Holafly will be the best option :)
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