Airalo vs GigSky Comparison – Which eSIM to Choose

Last updated on May 14th, 2023 at 01:54 am

Airalo vs GigSky Comparison – which eSIM plan is the best choice for you? Let’s take a closer look.

So you’re ready to purchase your first eSIM plan, or you’re on the market for a new eSIM data plan. Let’s compare 2 of the most popular eSIM choices on the internet today: Airalo vs GigSky.

In this article, we talk all about eSIMs, Airalo eSIM, and GigSky eSIM’s pros and cons, and which eSIM between the two should you choose for your next data plan.

Read here Airalo vs Holafly, Holafly vs Nomad, Holafly vs Gigsky and best eSim providers

What is an eSIM and How did eSIMs Begin: Airalo vs GigSky

Before we go over Airalo’s and GigSky’s features, advantages and disadvantages, let’s talk a little bit more about this new technology – eSIM.

The easiest way to understand eSIMs is that they are virtual sim cards, or embedded SIM (hence the name), that allows a smart device to connect to data (internet) signal, without the use of a physical sim card.

The first eSIM started in 2016 and a lot of devices since then have started to use the eSIM capability and added the feature to their devices.

In 2016, the eSIM was first used in a consumer device with Samsung’s Samsung Gear S2 Classic Smartwatch 3G. Apple, one of the world’s most popular tech companies first introduced eSIM in 2017 with their Apple Watch Series 3.

Complete List of eSIM-Supported Devices – Airalo vs GigSky

Here is a complete list of devices – mobile phones, smartwatches and wearables, and ultrabooks and tablets that support eSIM capability right now:

iPhones with eSIM

• 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)

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

Have a Google Pixel phone, check this 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.

Tablets that support eSIM capability: Airalo vs GigSky

Apple

• Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2021)
• Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2020)
• Apple iPad Pro 11 (2020)
• Apple iPad Pro 11 (2018)
• Apple iPad Pro 10.5 (2017)
• Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2015)
• Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2018)
• Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2017)
• Apple iPad Pro 9.7 (2016)
• Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2015)
• Apple iPad Air (2022)
• Apple iPad Air (2020)
• Apple iPad Air 2
• Apple iPad Air (2019)
• Apple iPad 10.2 (2021)
• Apple iPad 10.2 (2020)
• Apple iPad 10.2 (2019)
• Apple iPad 9.7 (2018)
• Apple iPad 9.7 (2017)
• Apple iPad mini (2021)
• Apple iPad mini (2019)
• Apple iPad mini 4 (2015)
• Apple iPad mini 3

Planet Computers

• Gemini PDA

There are also Ultrabooks that have the 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

Smartwatches and Wearables – Airalo vs GigSky

Apple

• Apple Watch Series 7
• Apple Watch SE
• Apple Watch Series 6
• Apple Watch Series 5
• Apple Watch Series 4
• Apple Watch Series 3

Samsung

• Samsung Galaxy Watch4 LTE
• Samsung Galaxy Watch4 Classic LTE
• Samsung Galaxy Watch 3
• Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2
• Samsung Galaxy Watch
• Samsung Gear S3 Frontier LTE
• Samsung Gear S3 Classic LTE
• Samsung Gear S2 3G
• Samsung Gear S2 Classic 3G

Huawei

• Huawei Watch 3 Pro
• Huawei Watch 3
• Huawei Watch 2 Pro
• Huawei Watch 2

Oppo

• Oppo Watch 2
• Oppo Watch

Mobvoi

• Ticwatch Pro X
• TicWatch Pro 4G/LTE
• TicWatch Pro 3 LTE

Xiaomi

• Mi Watch
• Xiaomi Wear 3100

ZTE

• Nubia Alpha

Montblanc

• Montblanc Summit 2+

Garmin

• Garmin Forerunner 945 LTE

Meizu

• Meizu Watch

Fossil

• Fossil Gen 5 LTE Smartwatch (Verizon only)

Huami

• Amazfit Nexo
• Amazfit GTR 2 LTE

Mymanu

• TITAN 4G Earbuds

Xplora

• Xplora X5 Play eSIM

Airalo vs GigSky: Data Coverage

Now that we understand what eSIMs are, and you know whether your device is supporting the feature or not, let’s discuss major factors in deciding between Airalo vs GigSky.

GigSky eSIM Data Coverage

GigSky offers eSIM data coverage for consumers and eSIM solutions for businesses and manufacturers. For the sake of comparing Airalo vs GigSky, we’ll focus on their eSIM services for consumers.

GigSky’s biggest feature is its high-speed low latency offshore network easily accessible through the GigSky App. They have partnered with Tampnet, one of the world’s largest data connectivity services and offers high-speed internet to 190+ countries around the world.

With the GigSky App, the whole process is easy and seamless. You choose the data plan that you need from the app, and then you’re ready with your eSIM data.

Airalo eSIM Worldwide Data Coverage – Airalo vs GigSky

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.

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.

GigSky eSIM Data Plan Pricing

GigSky has four major eSIM plan options to choose from. You’ll see all the available GigSky eSIM options here.

United States – GigSky eSIM Plan

Helium Bundle

• 5GB for 60 Days for $59.99

The GigSky Helium Bundle Coverage includes data for the United States, Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands

North America

• 1GB for 15 Days for $11.99
• 5GB for 30 Days for $49.99

This North America eSIM Plan for GigSky covers United States, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and US Virgin Islands

World

• 5GB for 30 Days for $59.99

This GigSky Plan covers all countries worldwide:

Coverage includes Afghanistan, Algeria, American Samoa, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Bahrain, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Bermuda, Bolivia, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba, Brazil, British Virgin Islands, Bulgaria, Canada, Cayman Islands, Chile, China, Christmas Island, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Curaçao, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Faroe Islands, Finland, France, French Guiana, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Greenland, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guam, Guatemala, Guernsey, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Isle of Man, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jersey, Jordan, Kiribati, Kuwait, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau, Malaysia, Martinique, Mayotte, Mexico, Moldova, Montenegro, Montserrat, Netherlands, Netherlands Antilles, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Northern Mariana Islands, Norway, Pakistan, Palestine, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, Russia, Réunion, Saint Barthélemy, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Martin, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, Serbia, Singapore, Sint Maarten, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Svalbard and Jan Mayen, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, U.S. Virgin Islands, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Vatican City, Vietnam

Airalo eSIM Data Plan Pricing

The eSIM card rates offered by Airalo can vary depending on the country you want to connect to the internet. In addition to this, the amount of data and the number of days of validity also influence the eSIM prices.

The price of an eSIM for a single country usually costs around $10 for 1GB of internet for 7 days. However, eSIMs that have coverage in more than one country, such as North America or Europe Airalo eSIMs, can cost between $5 to $185.

You can see a sample of 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.

GigSky eSIM Pros and Cons – Airalo vs GigSky

GigSky eSIM Pros:

• Easy installation of eSIMs
• Easy Subscription to Any Data Plan of your choosing through the GigSky App
• Competitive Pricing on data plans

GigSky eSIM Cons:

• No unlimited data plans
• Data Plans aren’t as affordable as Airalo and Nomad eSim

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. 

There are great packages in touristic destinations like Egypt, Morocco and cheap eSims in Asian countries like Indonesia and Dubai.

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.

Verdict Airalo vs GigSky

We can agree that both Airalo vs GigSky, these 2 eSIM companies actually bring some of the best services you can have when it comes to eSIM services.

If you’re looking for the most bang for your buck, the Airalo eSIM is definitely more flexible in the way of providing several plan options around the world, we love the unlimited data option as well. As we use a lot more data during our trips, we love Airalo for this feature.

The best thing about GigSky is its ease of use. We love seamless subscriptions and with GigSky App, everything is doable inside the app.

Prices are better with Airalo, so for this one, we say Airalo vs GigSky we would go for Airalo!

Hope you found the information you need in choosing the right eSIM plan for you. Happy travels!