Choosing the right eSIM provider Airalo vs Holafly, and Nomad, Airalo-over 200 countries, Holafly-unlimited-data packages for world travelers
Choosing the right eSIM provider" Airalo vs Holafly, and Nomad " can be confusing. Airalo, Holafly, and Nomad each boast global coverage and easy app-based data plans, but they differ in pricing and features. Airalo, co-founded by Abraham Burak and Bahadır Özdemir, serves travelers in over 200 countries with flexible, low-cost plans. Nomad similarly covers around 190+ countries and is praised for its user-friendly app and transparent pricing. Holafly, by contrast, pitches itself on unlimited-data packages for world travelers. In the sections below we’ll break down each provider’s plans, data limits, coverage, app usability, and customer support to see which is best suited for different types of travelers.
Airalo: Flexible Plans and Global Reach
Airalo is known for its vast global coverage (around 200+ countries) and a wide range of country-, region-, and global-level data plans. In the U.S., Airalo offers multiple USA-specific packages (1–20 GB) as well as multi-country passes including North America or global bundles. Pricing is generally budget-friendly – plans start as low as ~$4.50 for 1 GB (7 days) and go up to around $89 for 20 GB (30 days). Airalo’s app makes setup easy: after purchase you receive a QR code or can install the eSIM via the app, and even use the eSIM for tethering up to your data cap. Unlike Holafly or Nomad, Airalo offers add-on Voice/SMS support on select plans (e.g. its “Discover+” plans allow phone calls/SMS), which can be useful for travelers who need traditional calls abroad.
Pros of Airalo:
Wide coverage (200+ countries) and global plan options.
Very affordable entry-level plans (e.g. 1 GB for ~$4.50) and many small-GB choices.
Includes voice/SMS on certain plans, plus uncapped tethering under your data limit.
Flexible eSIM management via its mobile app.
Cons of Airalo:
Most plans have fixed data limits; truly unlimited data is only offered in a few countries.
Standard plans do not include traditional calls/SMS (except via an add-on plan).
Speeds may slow under heavy use or beyond daily fair-use thresholds (not advertised as truly unlimited).
Customer support is decent (email, chat, WhatsApp), but response times can vary.
Airalo is often recommended for travelers who want budget-friendly, custom-sized data packages. Its wide choice of country and regional plans makes it a smart pick for short vacations or moderate data needs. As one travel guide notes, Airalo “is the best travel eSIM provider overall” with the caveat that “the best eSIM for you will depend on your specific requirements”.
Holafly: Unlimited Data, Premium Price
Holafly’s main selling point is unlimited data on all its plans. For example, its U.S. eSIM plan (which uses T-Mobile/Verizon networks) offers “unlimited internet at 3G/4G/LTE/5G speed” from $6.90 per day. Holafly also sells regional and global unlimited plans (e.g. North America or Europe packages), typically using a daily or per-plan fee. In practice, each Holafly eSIM includes a fair-use policy: you can use unlimited data, but hotspot/tethering is capped at about 1 GB per day. The company makes setup simple via QR code and auto-activation: you buy online, receive a code by email, and scan it to install – no physical SIM or complex registration needed. Holafly’s website emphasizes “unlimited data plans in 200+ destinations”, and support is available 24/7 via chat or WhatsApp with reportedly quick responses.
Pros of Holafly:
Truly unlimited data in covered regions, removing the worry of running out mid-trip.
Simple activation (QR code) and automatic network selection (T-Mobile/Verizon in the US).
No risk of international roaming charges, and coverage in all major U.S. cities (it uses top local carriers).
Unlimited eSIMs also available for many countries, Europe, Asia, etc.
Cons of Holafly:
Higher cost: plans are daily-priced (e.g. ~$6.90/day in the US) and can add up on longer trips.
No phone number or SMS – Holafly eSIMs are data-only (calls must be via VoIP apps).
Data throttling under the hood: fair-use limits can slow speeds after heavy use.
Hotspot capped: only ~1 GB/day can be shared with other devices.
Holafly is ideal for heavy-data users or extended trips, especially if you need a lot of streaming or continuous connectivity. It “cater[s] to heavy data users” with transparent unlimited offerings. Its performance is generally reliable on major carrier networks, though reviews note that true “unlimited” may slow after a threshold. For example, one expert found no slowdown in the UK, but still flags the fair-use policy. In short, Holafly offers peace of mind for bandwidth-heavy travelers, at a premium price and with data-only service.
Nomad: Budget-Friendly Global eSIMs
Nomad is positioned between Airalo and Holafly. It also covers ~190–200 countries, offering country-specific, regional, and global plans. Its pricing is competitive: for instance, Nomad’s plans can start at $4.50 for 1 GB (7 days) and go up to $45 for 50 GB (30 days). The Nomad app is very user-friendly – you simply select a destination and data amount, pay, and then activate via QR code. In tests Nomad delivered 5G speeds up to ~290 Mbps in SF by leveraging local partners (AT&T, T-Mobile in the U.S.; Vodafone/Orange in Europe, etc.). Nomad does not support voice/SMS on its eSIMs (data-only), and like Airalo it has mostly capped plans. Unlimited plans are rare (available only in a handful of countries like UK, Japan).
Pros of Nomad:
Extensive coverage (190+ countries) with good network partners in each region.
Straightforward, transparent pricing – no hidden fees, and plans as low as $4.50/1 GB.
Simple app setup and management (buy, install, and top up eSIMs all in-app).
24/7 support via in-app chat and toll-free phone numbers – many travelers find the support helpful.
Cons of Nomad:
Data-only: no native calling/SMS (users must rely on VoIP apps).
Unlimited options are very limited (only in a few countries), so large data needs still cost heavily.
Coverage can be spotty in remote/rural areas.
No live human chat support (only app/email), which can slow resolution for urgent issues.
Overall, Nomad is an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers who want a simple data plan. Its “no-fuss” approach and broad coverage appeals to backpackers or digital nomads who hop between countries. As one guide put it, Nomad “stands out for its transparency and user-friendly platform” with plans suited for flexible use.
Quick Comparison Table
| Provider | Price Range (USD) | Data Plans | Coverage & Network | Voice/SMS | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airalo | ~$4.50 (1 GB) – ~$89 (20 GB) | Country/Region/Global; limited data (some country-specific unlimited like TH) | ~190–200 countries; uses local carriers 4G/5G | Optional (on select plans only) | Budget travelers, short trips, those needing flexible data amounts |
| Holafly | ~$6.90/day (unlimited, USA) | Unlimited data (all plans; fair-use policy applies) | ~200+ countries (global eSIM); networks vary by region (in US: T-Mobile/Verizon) | No (data-only; VoIP calls) | Heavy-data travelers, long stays needing unlimited internet |
| Nomad | ~$4.50 (1 GB) – ~$45 (50 GB) | Country/Regional/Global; fixed data (rare country unlimited) | ~190+ countries; partners (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile in US) | No (data-only, VoIP only) | Digital nomads, frequent travelers needing many-country coverage |
Each provider delivers 4G/5G speeds in covered areas. All three have mobile apps for buying and managing eSIMs. Airalo and Nomad allow tethering up to your plan’s data; Holafly permits a 1 GB/day hotspot share. Customer support for all is mostly online/email/WhatsApp; Nomad additionally provides phone support.
Which Provider Is Right for You?
Short-Term Tourists: If you’re on a week-long trip (domestic or multi-country), a small data plan often suffices. Airalo and Nomad excel here – they offer low-GB plans (e.g. 5–10 GB) at very low prices. For example, a 7-day USA eSIM might cost ~$4.50 on Airalo or Nomad, whereas Holafly’s daily unlimited plan starts around $6.90 per day. For simple data needs and maximum savings, Airalo or Nomad is usually “the clear choice”.
Frequent Flyers and Multi-Country Trips: If you hop between countries (e.g. Europe+Asia in one trip), look for global/regional packages. Airalo’s global pass or Nomad’s multi-country plans are helpful here. Both let you store multiple eSIM profiles in the app and switch as you travel. Nomad’s global plans cover 200+ countries and start at affordable prices. Airalo also offers multi-nation passes with similar coverage. Holafly’s strength is unlimited data, so if your itinerary spends most time in one region (say Europe or North America), its unlimited regional eSIM may be worth the cost.
Digital Nomads/Extended Stays: For remote work or month-long stays, data volume and reliability matter most. Nomad appeals to digital nomads (as even its marketing suggests) by offering large-data plans and easy top-ups. Airalo’s regional long-term plans (e.g. 30-day 20 GB plan) are often cheaper than Holafly’s unlimited counterpart. (One example: Airalo’s China plan 20 GB/30d was $49, versus Holafly’s $74.90 for unlimited.) However, if you truly need unlimited data without worrying about usage, Holafly’s unlimited option provides that peace of mind. Just be aware of its hotspot cap (1 GB/day) and potential slowdowns after heavy use.
Business Travelers: Reliable coverage and support are key. All three work well in major U.S. cities and global hubs. Airalo’s ability to include phone calls/SMS on some plans might be an advantage for occasional voice needs. Nomad’s support options (including a U.S. toll-free line) is a plus. Holafly’s 24/7 live chat is helpful if problems arise abroad. For brief trips, Airalo or Nomad will likely save money. For longer conferences or events requiring constant connectivity, Holafly’s unlimited might be appealing despite the cost.
Many travelers appreciate how modern eSIM apps simplify setup and management. The Nomad app (pictured) lets you quickly pick a country and data amount, then installs the eSIM via QR code. All three providers work similarly: after purchase you scan a QR code in your phone settings, and connectivity activates on arrival.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is eSIM not popular? Despite its advantages, eSIM adoption has lagged due to industry and consumer hurdles. Telecom carriers have been slow to embrace eSIM, and many users simply aren’t aware of it or find it confusing. Regulatory fragmentation and cost concerns (some providers still charge premiums) also play a role. In short, eSIM technology is still gaining traction, and factors like entrenched carrier interests and limited device support have kept it from being mainstream worldwide.
Who owns Airalo? Airalo is a private startup co-founded by entrepreneur Abraham Burak (CEO) and Bahadır Özdemir (CTO) under Antler’s accelerator program. The company is backed by venture investors but remains a standalone independent platform.
Which is the best eSIM for foreign travel? There’s no one-size-fits-all “best” eSIM. It depends on your needs. For instance, Cloudwards’ experts name Airalo as a top pick for U.S. travel and even “the best travel eSIM overall,” while noting that the best choice depends on your specific trip details. In practice, many travelers prefer Airalo or Nomad for budget flexibility and moderate data, whereas Holafly is favored for unlimited data plans.
Who owns Holafly? Holafly was founded in 2017 by Pedro and Lidia (last names undisclosed on the site) after their own travel frustrations. It operates as a private Spanish-based company (headquartered in Murcia, Spain). In 2024 it also appointed a new CEO from outside the founding team, but it remains privately held.
Does Airalo have unlimited data? Is Holafly really unlimited data? Airalo’s plans are mostly capped, but it does offer truly unlimited-data eSIMs in a few specific countries (e.g. Turkey, Thailand, Germany). For most destinations, Airalo’s plans have fixed data limits. Holafly, on the other hand, markets all its plans as unlimited data – for example, it advertises “unlimited data plans in 200+ destinations”. In practice, Holafly’s unlimited service comes with a fair-use policy (hotspot use is limited to ~1 GB/day and speeds may throttle after extreme use). So yes, Holafly plans are effectively unlimited for normal use, while Airalo requires selecting specific unlimited plans or sticking with capped plans.
Sources: We’ve drawn on provider sites and independent reviews for 2025 pricing and details, as well as expert comparisons to ensure up-to-date information.
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