With the rise in popularity of eSIMs for travel, you might be surprised to learn that not all eSIMs are created equal. Some offer way more flexibility, coverage, and data options than others. But with so many choices out there, how do you decide which one’s right for your trip?
That’s where I come in. After traveling to more than 50 countries over the past decade, I’ve tested and compared my fair share of travel eSIMs. I still remember my first trip to Europe (over ten years ago —crazy, right?) and how much easier it would’ve been if eSIMs had existed back then. Now, we have the opposite problem: too many options.
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The TL;DR
Holafly offers regional and global eSIMs that are ideal for digital nomads or full-time travelers. With coverage in over 200 destinations and hotspot capabilities, it’s one of the easiest ways to stay connected wherever you go. Airalo, on the other hand, is better suited for budget travelers or light data users who prefer a “pay as you go” model. But if you’re traveling frequently or working remotely, Holafly easily comes out on top.
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In this post, I’m breaking down two of the most popular travel eSIMs – Holafly vs Airalo – in the best eSIM comparison to help you choose the best one for your next adventure. This isn’t just another travel eSIM review. This is a detailed breakdown of two popular eSIM choices to help you understand just how different eSIM offers can be.
First things first, let’s jump into some of the nitty-gritty details.
What’s an eSIM?
Simply put, an eSIM is a digital version of the regular SIM card you already have in your phone. Many newer phones now support eSIMs. This makes it easier than ever to get connected as soon as you arrive in a new country.
In the past, I always picked up a local SIM card when I traveled. This is usually from a kiosk at the airport or a convenience store once I’d settled in. And while local SIMs can be cheaper, I’ve realized that the convenience of being connected instantly with an eSIM is so worth it.
Now, I don’t have to hunt for airport Wi-Fi just to figure out how to get to my hotel. Instead, I land, turn on data, and I’m ready to grab a taxi, hop on a bus, or start exploring right away.
There are plenty of travel eSIM options out there, but the two I see most often are Airalo and Holafly. I’ve had the chance to use both. So in this post, I’m comparing Holafly and Airalo to help you decide which eSIM is the best fit for your next adventure.
Holafly vs Airalo: Quick Comparison
The more I compared these two popular travel eSIMs, the more I realized how different they are. To make it easy, here’s a quick Holafly vs Airalo comparison of the key differences I noticed:
- Data: Holafly offers unlimited data, which is perfect for travelers who stream, navigate, or work remotely. Airalo, on the other hand, uses a pay-per-GB system. This can be more budget-friendly if you only need light data usage.
- Coverage: Both companies provide global coverage (over 200 destinations), but Holafly tends to have stronger connectivity in Asia and Europe, making it a solid choice for long trips across multiple countries.
- Support: Both companies offer 24/7 support via their apps. They also offer WhatsApp support, which is a game-changer. Since this is the main app most of us use for messaging, being able to get support within WhatsApp is so useful. And, Holafly’s support is multilingual and you’re always talking to a real-person! Not a bot.
- Rewards: Holafly offers a rewards program called HolaCoins, which lets you earn points redeemable for free eSIMs. This is a fun perk for frequent travelers that I haven’t seen from other eSIM providers.
- Extras: If you’re traveling in China, Holafly’s eSIMs come with a built-in VPN, so you can access your favorite apps without any extra setup or cost.
Keep reading, because I’m going to break down why travelers love these two companies, how they perform in real-world situations, and which might be the best fit for your next adventure.
Holafly: What Makes It Stand Out
If you’re planning a longer trip (I’m talking 10+ days), Holafly really shines. They offer unlimited data plans that cover multiple countries, perfect for travelers who need consistent connectivity on longer adventures. They’ve even launched a new monthly subscription plan – Holafly Plans – where you can choose between 25GB or unlimited data, giving you flexibility for full-time travelers or those on long trips.
These plans cover 160 countries without ever needing to swap your eSIM, which is a huge convenience for multi-country travel. They also have 25GB or unlimited hotspot which is perfect for digital nomads, students or anyone who needs to use multiple devices.
One of my favorite things about Holafly is their 24/7 human support. If you run into connection issues or need to adjust your plan mid-trip, you can reach a real person instantly. Setup is just as easy, simply scan the QR code and you’re connected.
Holafly also offers a rewards program for frequent travelers. This isn’t something I’ve seen from any other eSIM carriers! The more you travel, the more you earn, and those HolaCoins can be redeemed for free eSIMs on future trips. This perk is awesome if you’re a frequent traveler.
Another standout feature is their built-in VPN for eSIMs covering China. This can be a lifesaver when you need to access apps like WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger in countries with restricted networks. I’ve had problems accessing apps like WhatsApp and Messenger in China and having a built-in VPN in China would have saved me so much headache.
Lastly, Holafly gives you transparency about who provides your coverage. Knowing which local carriers your eSIM connects to can make a big difference in certain countries, much like knowing whether Verizon or T-Mobile has better coverage in different parts of the U.S. Holafly tells you which carriers it partners with in each region, so you can travel with confidence.
Airalo: Why Travelers Love It
Airalo takes a different approach to travel eSIMs. They focus on a pay-per-GB model, which is perfect for budget travelers or anyone who only needs light data usage. That said, I wouldn’t recommend Airalo if you plan to work remotely, spend a lot of time on your phone, or need a hotspot to connect your laptop or iPad.
Airalo provides coverage in over 200 destinations, but you need to purchase an eSIM for each country or region. They do offer a global plan, but it’s incredibly expensive and limited. (1GB for one week already costs you 8.00 €)
For short trips, layovers, or quick city visits, Airalo works really well. Their app makes it easy to top up your data on the go. However, for longer trips, the costs can add up quickly. The more you top up, the higher your total spend, making Holafly’s unlimited data plans more appealing for extended travel.
One thing to note is that Airalo doesn’t provide transparency about which local carriers supply your coverage. Some countries have providers that dominate network access. And if your eSIM isn’t connected to the right one, your service might not work as expected. Holafly, in contrast, tells you exactly which carriers your eSIM partners with, which can make a big difference when you’re traveling internationally.
My Honest Take: Which eSIM Is Better for You?
Both Holafly and Airalo are reliable, and it’s easy to see why they’re so popular. They offer global coverage, user-friendly eSIMs, and strong customer support. That said, these two companies aren’t really comparable in what they offer. I would say that these two eSIMs are designed for very different types of travelers.
I’d recommend Holafly if you need unlimited data and peace of mind. It’s the better choice for digital nomads, remote workers, or anyone on longer trips. Holafly keeps you connected across borders, provides transparency about which local carriers they partner with, and their data plans for extended travel are often more cost-effective than topping up multiple smaller plans.
On the other hand, Airalo is a solid option for budget-conscious travelers or those who don’t need much data. Their app makes it easy to track usage and purchase exactly the amount you need. But if you end up topping up frequently, costs can add up quickly, something to keep in mind if you’re on a longer trip.
Personally, Holafly wins for convenience and peace of mind. As a remote worker, having Holafly unlimited data and reliable coverage is invaluable, making it my preferred eSIM for travel.
Plus, I’ve got a Holafly discount for you. Use my code JUSTYNJEN for 5% off your next eSIM.
Holafly vs Airalo Final Thoughts
Just a year ago, I was buying a local SIM for every country I traveled to. That often meant going without data while I figured out which provider had strong coverage. Or where I could find an affordable, reliable SIM. Now, eSIMs take all of that headache out of my trips.
It’s worth noting, though, that not all eSIMs are created equal. Different eSIMs are built for different types of travelers, which is why reading travel eSIM reviews can be so helpful when choosing the right one for your trip. I hope this best eSIM comparison between Holafly and Airalo gives you some clarity on which option fits your travel style.
If you have any questions about eSIMs or want to share your experiences, drop a comment below.
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Thank you to Holafly for sponsoring this post. Opinions are always my own and I only choose to work with brands that I know and love. And thank you to my readers! You help make my lil’ travel blogging dreams a reality.
