Get 5% of discount using the code
MYESIMNOW5
Buy my eSIM
Trustpilot

ByteSIM vs Airalo 2025: eSIM comparison guide

ByteSIM or Airalo? In this comparison article, we're exploring pros, cons, and features of the two providers to help you make the best eSIM travel choice.

Updated: April 23, 2025

ByteSIM and Airalo are both reliable eSIM providers, offering a range of flexible and affordable data plans, keeping you connected without physical SIM cards. But how do you know which one’s right for you?

This Airalo vs ByteSIM comparison is an all-out showdown between the two competitors. We’re comparing their features, pros, cons, coverage, and pricing. Then, we’ll introduce a third option, Holafly, in case neither provider meets your connectivity needs.

A tourist is walking along a forest trail, holding his smartphone up to check the map and ensure he's on the right path.

Overview of ByteSIM vs Airalo

ByteSIM is an eSIM provider based in Hong Kong with a range of mobile data packages to help travelers save money on expensive roaming fees.

They’re known for their flexible eSIM plans and high-speed internet access. Airalo, a Singapore-based eSIM provider, is a popular choice among travelers due to its affordable plans and easy installation process. 

Both providers let you get connected without using a physical SIM card, but there are still key differences.

Here’s a ByteSIM Airalo comparison.

ByteSIMAiralo
Features – Prepaid eSIM data plans with local and regional plans
– Live chat, phone number, and guides for customer support
– Unlimited data plans available 
– Unlimited hotspot available 
– Local number available for some countries
– Prepaid eSIM data plans with local and regional plans
– Email and live chat customer support with FAQs and guides
– Unlimited data for some plans
– Phone calls available on select plans 
PricingThe cheapest eSIM is $2.90 USD for a one-day 500 MB data plan. Their 1 GB plan costs $3.50 for three days Some plans offer a free trial. The cheapest plan is often $4.50 for 1 GB and a validity of one day
CoverageData plans for over 200 destinations with 4G LTE and 5G internet speeds Data plans for over 200 destinations with 4G LTE and 5G internet speeds 

Disclaimer: The data in this comparison is accurate as of April 23, 2025, and is subject to change.

ByteSIM vs Airalo feature comparison

Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the features offered by ByteSIM and Airalo and how they measure up side-by-side. 

App experience and setup

Both ByteSIM and Airalo apps provide a similar eSIM activation process. You can purchase an eSIM, receive and scan a QR code, then follow on-screen instructions to install your eSIM. 

An interface of ByteSim's and Airalo's app side by side
ByteSIM and Airalo app screenshots . Source: ByteSIM and Airalo apps.

Pricing and data plans

ByteSIM has 500 MB daily plans that cost $2.90 for three days. On the other hand, Airalo also has free three-day 500 MB data plans for some destinations.

ByteSIM also offers a seven-day, 1 GB data package for $4.50, the same as Airalo’s 1 GB options that last 7 days.

It’s also worth mentioning that Airalo’s validity is preset and tied to the data option. They offer destination data packages for 1 GB valid for 7 days, 2 GB for 15 days, 3 GB for 30 days, 5 GB for 30 days, 10 GB for 30 days, 20 GB for 30 days, and unlimited data for 10 days. 

ByteSIM, however, provides additional data options with 30 and 50 GB and lets users choose between 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 15, 20, and 30 days of data. 

Coverage and speed

Both ByteSIM and Airalo offer similar coverage in over 200 destinations, as well as multi-destination regional plans.

However, ByteSIM doesn’t have a global plan like Airalo, which additionally gives you an international phone number for calls and texts.

There’s also a difference in reliable network connections. Airalo automatically connects users to local destination networks with 4G LTE and 5G internet speeds, with multiple networks available for some destinations.

However, ByteSIM allows users to choose their networks.

 For example, ByteSIM’s Japan eSIM package has two network options available: 

  • SoftBank & KDDI: dual Network, and stronger coverage
  • KDDI: 5G Max speed, and no slowdowns with unlimited data

Customer support and user experience

Airalo offers live chat, WhatsApp, email, blogs, and FAQs for customer support, while ByteSIM’s channels include live chat, email, FAQs, and a WhatsApp support number users can contact.

But what about the quality of each provider’s customer support service? For details like this, it’s worth visiting third-party review sites like Trustpilot. There, you can scan real reviews of Airalo or ByteSIM to make an informed decision when choosing your next eSIM.

Pros and cons of ByteSIM vs Airalo

To help you make the best eSIM choice, here’s an overview of Airalo vs. ByteSIMs differences, with pros and cons side by side:

ByteSIMAiralo
Pros – Semi-flexible choice of validity 
– Many packages have unlimited data 
– Lets you choose between what networks you want to connect with
– Allows data tethering 

– Free trials and unlimited data plans on select destinations
– Allows data tethering 
Top-up option available
– Rewards system allows for discounts
Cons– Limited customization options for days of unlimited data 
– No global plans available

– Not all destinations have a free, 500 MB plan
– Phone number for support queries
– Not all destinations have an unlimited data plan

Unsure if Airalo is the right fit for you? Here’s how it holds up to Holafly

Which eSIM provider is better for you?

When it comes to ByteSIM vs Airalo, the right choice is the eSIM that best fits your needs. ByteSIM is a strong choice for users who prioritize unlimited data plans and packages with flexible validity. However, Airalo is more suitable for those who need global data plans and an international phone number. 

That’s where you can make the most of an eSIM travel companion like Holafly. You can get unlimited data for 1 to 90 days, giving you endless gigabytes for your entire trip.

Plus, Holafly features an intuitive app for easy installment, connects to the fastest networks, and stands by 24/7. Multilingual customer support—AKA everything you need for peace of mind during your next trip.

Originally from Michigan USA and currently based in Sarajevo Bosnia and Herzegovina, Armin Tanovic has five years of experience writing content and copy for both US and European marketing agencies. He’s written for travel brands like TravelPerk, and loves an adventure in the great outdoors. You can catch him off the beaten path exploring mountains and coastlines while drawing his writing inspiration from the scenery.

Read full bio