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GigSky vs Airalo: A detailed guide to choosing the right eSIM
GigSky vs Airalo: Both eSIMs are popular, but which provider is better for travel? In this article, we compare their features in-depth for a full-on comparison.
Finding the right eSIM to stay connected is crucial to a great travel experience. With GigSky and Airalo both being big names in the eSIM industry, it’s easy to assume they’ll both provide a similar experience. That said, there are quite a few differences between the two, and we’ll dive right into them in this GigSky vs. Airalo comparison.
While GigSky is known for its special in-flight and cruise offerings, Airalo offers flexible data eSIM data plans. But how else do these services differ upon closer inspection?
Let’s take a look at their pros, cons, pricing, and coverage. Then, we’ll discuss a third eSIM option, Holafly’s customizable plans with unlimited data, to ensure you have all your bases covered.
Match your eSIM to your vacation
Choose a plan lasting between 1 and 90 days so you never pay for days or data you don't use.
Overview of GigSky vs Airalo
GigSky is a SIM and eSIM provider that offers international data plans for travelers, business professionals, and IoT devices. Based in Palo Alto, California, they also provide specialized eSIMs for global cruises and flights.
Airalo is a popular eSIM provider with a variety of affordable and flexible eSIM plans. Headquartered in Delaware and based in Singapore, they’ve been a popular provider of mobile data services to travelers since 2019.
Both providers let you get connected without a physical SIM card, but that doesn’t make them the same. Here’s a GigSky vs Airalo comparison table for a quick view of their main features.
| GigSky | Airalo | |
|---|---|---|
| Features | – A range of mobile data plans for 200 destinations – A dedicated app to purchase data, check usage, and top-up if necessary – Customer care channels include a phone number, live chat, email, and FAQs – eSIMs that work on airlines and cruises – A range of free first plans with no credit card required for access | – A range of mobile data plans for over 200 destinations – A dedicated app to purchase data, check usage, and top up data – Customer care channels, including emails and live chat – Has annual, long-term plans, providing users with enough data for 12 months |
| Pricing | GigSky offers free 100 MB plans, with their cheapest 1 GB data plan being $3.99 | Some Airalo destinations include a free trial. Otherwise, the cheapest 1 GB data plan is $4.50 USD |
| Coverage | Coverage in 200 destinations worldwide | Coverage in over 200 destinations worldwide |
Disclaimer: The data in this comparison is accurate as of April 23, 2025, and is subject to change.
GigSky vs Airalo feature comparison
Now that you’ve had a quick look over general features, let’s see how GigSky’s and Airalo’s features hold up with an in-depth comparison.
App experience and setup
GigSky and Airalo both offer an app for setting up, installing, and activating your eSIM plan for use.
GigSky’s app activation process doesn’t require you to input your credit card information to start using the provider.
You can download the app, choose a 100 MB plan for free, and then install the plan by scanning a QR code that you’ll receive in your email. You won’t need to re-install your eSIM once you run out of data.
Airalo’s app offers a process that is quite similar to GigSky. You can view destinations, plans, get, and install your eSIM. However, you will need to enter your credit card information to make your purchase.
Pricing and data plans
Some GigSky packages even go as low as $3.99 for 1 GB of data lasting 7 days, while Airalo’s cheapest 1 GB for 7 days plans are $4.50.
This said, some Airalo destinations include a free trial of up to 1 GB valid for 3 days, while GigSky’s free eSIM only offers 500 MB for 1 day.
GigSky’s pricing varies quite a lot between destinations, while Airalo has a more standardized approach. For example, their 7 day, 1 GB plan for Greece costs only $3.99, while their 7 day, 1 GB plan for Mexico is $5.99, which is ultimately more expensive than Airalo’s standardized pricing.
GigSky also has Cruise + plans to keep users connected on cruises. However, these packages are more expensive. For example, their Americas and Caribbean cruise eSIM data plan is:
- 512 MB for $19.99, valid for 1 day
- 1 GB for $34.99, valid for 7 days
- 3 GB for $63.99, valid for 15 days
- 5 GB for $89.99, valid for 30 days
- 10 GB for $139.99, valid for 30 days
Coverage and speed
Considering geographical coverage, Airalo offers plans for over 200 destinations. GigSky, on the other hand, offers coverage for exactly 200 different places.
While both offer coverage for multiple countries, Airalo also offers global data plans. Both companies lack unlimited data options for most destinations.
But how does GigSky and Airalo’s coverage hold up? Both providers connect to various mobile operators with 4G LTE and 5G.
To gain an understanding of each provider’s coverage and eSIM speeds from real customer insights, it’s a good idea to check out third-party reviews platforms like Trustpilot. There are active accounts and real reviews for both Airalo and GigSky to use in your research.
Customer support and user experience
GigSky and Airalo both have a variety of different customer care channels, including live chat, email, FAQs, and blogs. GigSky even has a phone number you can call to get help. Both providers also work 24/7, so you can contact them at any time to help solve issues or get answers to questions about their eSIM.
GigSky vs Airalo pros and cons
To help you make the best choice for your upcoming trip, here’s how GigSky’s and Airalo’s pros and cons measure up side by side.
| GigSky | Airalo | |
|---|---|---|
| Pros | – A range of affordable eSIM plans – 100 MB plans for free – Easy set-up and app user experience – Inflight and cruise eSIM options available | – Over 200 destinations to choose from – Free trials and unlimited data plans on select destinations – Cheap pricing for large amounts of data – Standardized pricing across most destinations – Allows for tethering – Top-up option available – Rewards system allows for discounts |
| Cons | – Cruise eSIMs cost more than regular plans – Fixed-validity plans, meaning you can’t customize to your trip’s length | – No phone number for support queries – Users must request refunds within 30 days of purchase to be eligible |
Thinking about Airalo? Here’s how it compares to Holafly.
Which eSIM provider is better for you?
Your choice should be the provider that fits your personal needs the best. Some Gigsky plans are cheaper than Airalo’s, while others are more expensive.
At the same time, Airalo offers free trial and unlimited data, but only for certain destinations. Instead of comparing companies, we recommend looking at individual plans depending on your typical data usage, travel length, and destination and seeing which one works best for you.
Another good option for is Holafly. With Holafly, you get unlimited data across all plans, 24/7 customer support, hotspot sharing, and flexible plan duration choices.
Match your eSIM to your vacation
Choose a plan lasting between 1 and 90 days so you never pay for days or data you don't use.
Plans that may interest you
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.
