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

When on the hunt for the best eSIM, two providers will pop up on your radar — Holafly and Airalo. How do you make the best choice?

To select the right eSIM, you need an in-depth view of both your options.

In this article, we’re comparing Holafly and Airalo eSIMs side by side. You’ll learn about each provider’s average speeds, coverage, customer service, and more. 

holafly vs airalo
4.6 /5 Trustpilot star
Highly rated Based on 54.000 customer reviews on Trustpilot
Reviews avatar Reviews avatar Reviews avatar +1M
Trusted worldwide Over 1 million travelers across the globe have trusted Holafly
Unlimited data Unlimited data Limitless data plans in more than 170 destinations
Save money

With Holafly, you save +30% compared to roaming fees

Buy my eSIM

Airalo vs. Holafly: Overall comparison

When choosing an eSIM provider and data plan for traveling, look at the big picture. Consider data allowances, coverage, user experience, and customer service.

Here’s how Holafly and Airalo compare when you list all their core features side by side.

FeatureHolaflyAiralo
PricesFrom $5.90From $4.50
Cheapest data rateFrom $1.54 a day for 90 days of unlimited dataFrom $2.10 per GB for a 30-day, 20 GB plan
Data allowanceUnlimited data Limited data
Coverage 200+ destinations200+ destinations
User experienceEasy to buy, install, and activateFast purchase, easy installation
Customer service24/7 chat with multi-language support24/7 availability in different languages. However, can be difficult to access with long waiting times 
Device compatibilitySmartphones, tablets, and laptops that are eSIM compatibleSmartphones, tablets, and laptops that are eSIM compatible
Flexible refund policyUp to 100% with certain conditionsUp to 100% under Airalo’s T&Cs
HotspotAvailable, up to 1 GB dailyAvailable with as much data as purchased
Top-upYesYes 

Let’s look at some of the key takeaways here. Holafly’s eSIM wins regarding data allowance, user experience, and a responsive support team.

When it comes to coverage, both of these reputable eSIM providers offer over 200 destinations.

Airalo provides budget-friendly options with limited data, making it acceptable for travelers who don’t care about having a constant connection.

Holafly, on the other hand, offers unlimited eSIM data plans, meaning you can stay connected and use all the data you need throughout your trip.

This makes Holafly best for travelers who don’t want to worry about running out of data while exploring new places and snapping pics to send back home.

With our overall comparisons complete, let’s dive into the specifics that pin up the Holafly vs. Airalo debate:

Prices and data allowance

Airalo offers cheaper service in many destinations. However, this comes with a catch — limited dataIn many of its budget-friendly plans, Airalo offers just 1-3 GB of data spread out across 7 to 30 days.

Their plans might seem affordable at first glance, but you’ll likely use up your data before your trip is complete, and you’ll need to pay for a top-up.

Holafly, on the other hand, offers unlimited data plans for travel at a slightly higher price. This makes Holafly the better option if you’re planning on using your phone to watch videos, video call friends and family, or navigate with Google Maps.

Let’s compare a basic 7-day plan with both providers.

Holafly gets you 7 days of unlimited data in the USA for $29.90.

Screenshot of Holafly eSIM USA
Screenshot of Holafly eSIM USA

Airalo, on the other hand, provides you with 1 GB of data for seven days at $4.50

Screenshot of Airalo 7 days USA eSIM
Screenshot of Airalo 7 days USA eSIM

So, which plan is better considering prices and data? Let’s put both options into perspective.

Data usage patterns

At first glance, $4.50 looks like the cheaper option. However, Airalo only gets you 1 GB of data for the entire week.

For many travelers, this simply won’t be enough, especially when you consider the average data usage of different apps, such as:

  • Youtube: 193 MB per five minutes.
  • Disney+: 150 MB per five minutes.
  • Uber: 102 MB per five minutes.
  • Snapchat: 101 MB per five minutes
  • Google Maps: 87 MB per five minutes.

That’s just 25 minutes of high-quality YouTube streaming, and you’re out of data for the week!

Data adds up. Keep in mind that these are averages, and your exact consumption depends on your specific data usage habits and your specific apps.

The best thing about having unlimited data is peace of mind. You’re paying more, but you’re also safe from using up all your data in a potentially unfamiliar environment. 

Another important difference is the maximum plan validity. The only way to get an Airalo plan that lasts longer than 30 days is to buy a regional or global eSIM.

This isn’t the most cost-effective if you’re staying in one location for several months, as you’ll have to keep buying new eSIMs or fork out for destinations you don’t need.

On the other hand, all of Holafly’s plans extend to 90 days with unlimited data, making them a great choice for longer trips.

Average speed and coverage

Speed and coverage are two essential factors when estimating the quality of your eSIM plan’s data connection.

While speed refers to how quickly you can upload or download using your eSIM, coverage includes the geographical areas where service is available and functional.

Both Airalo and Holafly have excellent speed and comprehensive global coverage. Let’s take a closer look at both.

Average speed

When it comes to speed, Holafly and Airalo are similar. Both providers offer 4G/3G and LTE in most countries, as well as 5G where available.

However, keep in mind that your connection speed doesn’t fully depend on your chosen provider. Both Holafly and Airalo eSIM plans will only be as fast as local carriers and networks allow them to be. Both providers often work with more than one network, connecting to the fastest one in the area. 

Holafly coverage map

Holafly has over 200 destinations in its coverage map. These destinations aren’t always countries. Some are regions.

This makes it easy to stay connected with your Holafly eSIM if you’re traveling to more than one place. For example, the eSIM for Europe regional plan gives you unlimited data across the continent in 40 destinations.

Holafly eSIM store regional eSIM options

Holafly offers eSIM plans for the following regions:

  • Europe
  • Asia 
  • North America
  • Latin America
  • United Kingdom
  • Caribbean
  • Middle East 
  • Africa
  • Global

Holafly also offers different customizable day global options:

  • 1-day plan with unlimited data for $9.90 (USD)
  • 7-day plan with unlimited data for $45.90 (USD)
  • 10-day plan with unlimited data for $64.90
  • 15-day plan with unlimited data for $97.90
  • 20-day plan with unlimited data for $108.90
  • 30-day plan with unlimited data for $162.90

Airalo coverage map

Similarly to Holafly, Airalo offers data plans for over 200 destinations. These include countries, regions, and global eSIMs.

Airalo’s regional options include:

  • Asia
  • Africa
  • Europe
  • Oceania
  • Caribbean
  • Latin America
  • North America 
  • Middle East and North Africa

Airalo also offers six different global plans, including:

  • 7-day plan with 1 GB for $9
  • 15-day plan with 2 GB for $17
  • 30-day plan with 3 GB for $24
  • 60-day plan with 5 GB for $35
  • 180-day plan with 10 GB for $59
  • 365-day plan with 20 GB for $69 
Screenshot of Airalo global plans
Screenshot of Airalo global plans

User experience and customer service

The ideal eSIM should do more than connect you. It should also be easy to use and have a helpful support team that can resolve any issues.

There’s nothing worse than getting stranded without a connection while traveling. 

Let’s look at Holafly’s and Airalo’s user experience and customer service.

User experience

Holafly makes it simple to browse destinations, find a plan that works, and buy your desired eSIM. All you need to do is purchase your unlimited data plan and scan the QR code that arrives through email.

Airalo, however, can be more tricky to use, with issues often arising when attempting the automatic installation. 

Both providers also have apps for Android and iOS, meaning you’ll have quick access to online stores, eSIM management, and support.

Holafly mobile app screenshots
Holafly mobile app screenshots

Customer service

In terms of customer service, Holafly takes the lead once again. With 24/7 chat in over ten languages, users have reported quick resolution times and personalized support. You can check these reviews, as well as many others on Trustpilot.

Want to check some more reviews? Both of these providers are on Trustpilot.

Both Holafly’s and Airalo’s customer support is available in different languages. Users can simply change the website language and chat away with a representative to get their issues solved. 

Refund policy

If your eSIM is not working, you’ll likely want your money back. Holafly and Airalo have different refund policies. Here’s what they look like.

Holafly refund policyAiralo refund policy
Three types of refunds: service withdrawal, incompatible or locked device, and connection issues Only refundable if your device is not compatible with eSIM 
Full or partial refunds Terms and conditions are less flexible for customers
Refunds can be granted up to six months after purchase Refunds are only available up to 30 days after purchase 

All things considered, Holafly has a better refund policy than Airalo. If users have an issue that the Holafly support team can’t solve, they’ll grant a refund. Airalo’s refund policies are noticeably more strict, with only a small range of specific cases being eligible.

Data sharing

Airalo offers a hotspot for all of its plans. However, their tethering feature uses data from the plan you paid for, making it easy to use up all your data! 

Holafly, on the other hand, gives you an extra 500 MB of data every day (1 GB for certain plans) to share with family and friends. This means you won’t have to worry about accidentally using up all your data while sharing with others.

Voice calls 

While Holafly offers data-only eSIMs, Airalo has multiple global plans that allow both voice calling and texting.

These options range from 10 minutes for calls and 10 for SMS to 200 minutes for calls and 200 for SMS. The downside, however, is that these plans can be expensive, ranging from $15.00 to $89.00. 

With Holafly, you can use apps such as WhatsApp, Viber, Telegram, and Skype instead of traditional voice calls.

Bear in mind that these apps can burn through a lot of gigabytes, so Holafly’s unlimited data plan is the more affordable option for travelers expecting to make and take long phone calls.

Top-up options

While both Airalo and Holafly offer top-up options, there are some major differences you should be aware of. Not all Airalo plans support the top-up option

Holafly, on the other hand, allows you to top up each plan. Once you’re nearing the end of your trip, you can add more days as needed.

Once you complete your top-up using the app or website, it will activate immediately after your old plan’s period expires. Both providers simplify the process with top-up options on their websites and apps.

Unsure which eSIM to take on your upcoming trips? Here’s our in-depth Airalo review and whether their eSIM is still worth it in 2025.

Once you purchase more days with Holafly, you won’t have to worry about installing and activating a new eSIM. Instead, you can continue using your old one.

Holafly vs Airalo: Which eSIM is better?

Holafly is the better option for anyone who plans to use their phone heavily while traveling. Its unlimited data plans mean you can stay connected throughout your trip and not worry about your data being capped or receiving a surprise bill at the end.

After all, who wants to worry about data while taking that dream ship to Paris, or exploring the islets of Bora Bora?

Whether you need to navigate through unfamiliar places or keep your social media followers happy, Holafly eSIMs ensure you can do so wherever you are.

On the other hand, Airalo is a budget-friendly option for travelers who only need 1-2 GB of data.

Now that you’ve seen their features side by side, it’s time to make your choice, purchase your eSIM, and have an unforgettable adventure! 

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