We compare two of the best eSIMs in the market right now: Holafly vs Nomad eSIM
Comparing the two, while Nomad eSIM gives you several plan choices on data with smaller packages, Holafly is better for its unlimited data and wide coverage.
Let’s compare them in more detail in this guide.
In this article, we talk all about eSIMs, Holafly eSIM’s and Nomad eSIM’s pros and cons, and which eSIM between the two should you choose for your next data plan.
Read here Airalo vs Holafly, Ubigi vs Airalo, Holafly vs Gigsky and Holafly vs Ubigi
A Primer on eSIMs: What It is and Who Can Use It
What is an eSIM?
The easiest way to explain what an eSIM is that it’s having a virtual 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.
Not all phones support eSIM. Here’s a list of smartphones and ultrabooks that allows you to have an eSIM:
Phones with eSIM
iPhone / iOS Devices
- 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 (Holafly vs Nomad eSIM)
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
Holafly vs Nomad eSIM: 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!
Nomad eSIM 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 Nomad eSIM offers 4G LTE available in 100+ countries, just like all the other eSIMs in the market. Of course, the signal will always be based on their network partners, and your location, but definitely a good coverage around the world.
For United States, for example, the data coverage is provided by the Truphone network.
The best sellers in Nomad eSIM are United States eSIM, a few countries in Europe and countries in Asia like Singapore eSIM and Vietnam eSIM where you can get as cheap as $5 USD for 1 GB data valid for 7 days. Check out destinations in Europe like Portugal and the best sellers in Asia are countries like Malaysia and South Korea.
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
Nomad eSIM Pros and Cons – Holafly vs Nomad eSIM
Nomad eSIM Pros:
- Easy installation of eSIMs
- Nomad App available for iOS users
- Competitive Pricing on Nomad eSIM data plans
- Once you finish your original Nomad eSIM data plan, you can top it up with Nomad’s additional top-up plans
Nomad’s eSIM Cons:
- No unlimited data plans
- Once your original eSIM data plan usage is over, you’ll need to top-up. If not, you’ll have to buy another eSIM plan
Holafly vs Nomad eSIM: Data Plans and Services
Holafly eSIM Data Plan Pricing
Holafly’s eSIM prices will depend on the destination you’ll travel to and the data plan you choose. You can find data plans from 7 days to 30 days, with availability from 1 GB to 30 GB. However, plans specifics tend to vary by country.
Likewise, the different eSIM plans can range from $19 to $104 when they are for a single country. A 7-day, 5GB plan can be priced at $27. On the other hand, you can also choose plans for several countries, for around $34 to $54.
See the image below for a sample of data plans available in the United States. The biggest pro of using Holafly is their offer of unlimited data. For example, you can get unlimited data for 5 days for $19, for 30 days, unlimited data costs $64. If having continuous internet data is important to you, then this might be a really good option.
Nomad eSIM Data Plan Pricing
Nomad’s eSIM prices will depend on your travel destination and the data plan you choose. You can find data plans from 7 days to 30 days, with availability from 1 GB to 30 GB. However, plan specifics tend to vary by country.
Likewise, the different eSIM plans can range from $7 to $30 when they are for a single country.
For example, for the Nomad eSIM data for the United States, you can get a data plan for the following prices: $7 for 1 GB, with a 7-day expiry, and $14 for 4 GB, $17 for 5 GB, $20 for 7 GB, $26 for 12 GB, and $30 for 10 GB (the United States Value Pack Data Plan), all with a 30-day expiry.
You can also top up your data plan with the same prices (except for the $30 plan).
THE BEST THING ABOUT HOLAFLY ESIM
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 ESIM
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.
THE BEST THING ABOUT NOMAD ESIM
If you’re looking for the most bang for your buck, the Nomad eSIM is definitely more affordable. International travelers are the biggest users of eSIM at the moment, but Nomad is able to actually offer prices close to even local sim prices. So if you want to use an eSIM in your own country, you can even do it. Check Spain eSim and Norway eSim.
THE WORST THING ABOUT NOMAD ESIM
They don’t have as many competitive prices in areas like Asia and South America. But hopefully soon it will be improving this with affordable data packages like the United States and Europe.
Verdict: Our Final Thoughts on Holafly vs Nomad eSIM
While both Holafly and Nomad eSIM gives good coverage around the world, Holafly is the more popular choice when it comes to unlimited data.
Holafly has gained popularity among frequent travelers due to its unlimited data packages. The company offers various data plans tailored to the duration of your travel, ranging from 3-day to 30-day packages. It covers over 70 countries worldwide, ensuring that travelers have internet access almost anywhere they go.
What sets Holafly apart is its unlimited data feature. This is particularly beneficial for travelers who heavily rely on the internet for navigation, researching places to visit, staying connected with people back home, and uploading pictures or videos to social media. Having unlimited data means you don’t have to worry about running out of data in the middle of the day or limiting your internet use to conserve data.
On the other hand, Nomad eSIM also offers global coverage with an emphasis on pay-per-use rates, which can be more economical for light data users. However, their plans tend to come with a data cap, which means you need to monitor your data usage or risk running out of data. While they do offer unlimited data plans, these are generally more expensive and limited to certain countries.
In conclusion, both Holafly and Nomad eSIM provide reliable international data services. If your internet needs lean more towards heavy usage and you prefer the peace of mind that comes with unlimited data, Holafly could be the better option. On the other hand, if your data needs are more modest or you prefer pay-per-use rates, Nomad eSIM might be the more suitable choice.
🚩 GET HOLAFLY PLAN HERE DISCOUNT CODE: GAMINTRAVELER
🚩 GET NOMAD ESIM PLAN HERE DISCOUNT CODE: GAMINOMAD
Happy travels and let us know if you have any questions!