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SimOptions vs Airalo: Which is the best option?
In this article, we compare two leading eSIM providers: SimOptions vs Airalo. Read all about their app experience, pricing, coverage, customer support, and more.
When traveling internationally, staying connected without facing hefty roaming charges is essential. SimOptions and Airalo are two popular eSIM providers that offer solutions to this problem.
SimOptions is a marketplace where you can buy a physical SIM card or an eSIM from various providers, while Airalo focuses exclusively on eSIMs.
In this SimOptions vs Airalo comparison, we examine the key features, pricing, coverage, and user experience to help you determine which provider is best suited for your needs. We also highlight a third option, Holafly, which specializes in unlimited data and peace of mind for travelers.
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Overview of SimOptions vs Airalo
SimOptions is a marketplace where you can purchase prepaid eSIMs and physical SIM cards. They feature multiple eSIM providers like Orange, Bouygues, Three, AIS, and more.
Airalo is an online store that exclusively sells eSIMs, offering plans for international connectivity.
Both are popular choices for international travelers seeking to avoid roaming charges and stay connected to the internet while abroad.
If you’re unsure whether SimOptions or Airalo eSIM will better suit your travel needs, check out the comparison below.
| SimOptions-Airalo comparison | ||
| Features | SimOptions | Airalo |
| Unlimited data plans | Yes | Yes, for chosen destinations |
| Global data plan | No | Yes |
| Coverage | 200+ countries and regions | 200+ countries and regions |
| Supported payment methods | Paypal, Stripe, and AliPay | Paypal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Alipay |
| 24/7 customer support | Yes | Not clearly stated |
SimOptions vs Airalo feature comparison
To help you make an informed decision, we’ve put together a comprehensive SimOptions-Airalo comparison, covering app experience and setup, pricing, data plans, coverage, and customer support.
App experience and setup
The Airalo app allows users to browse, purchase, activate eSIMs, and track data usage. It’s available for download on both Android and iOS devices.
The app has a 4.6-star rating on the App Store and a 4.4-star rating on Google Play.
The SimOptions app enables users to purchase, install, and track eSIM data usage from global and local carriers like Orange and Vodafone.
It supports real-time data tracking. Despite having over 10,000 downloads, the app has no reviews on Google Play, while it holds a 4.6-star rating on the App Store.
Both apps are reportedly user-friendly and intuitive and require users to create an account before purchasing their eSIM.
The installation process for both services is straightforward and similar to other eSIM providers. Users simply purchase the new eSIM, receive a QR code via email, and install it by scanning the code.
Pricing and data plans
Airalo offers local, regional, and global eSIM plans with pre-set plan validity and data allowances. Unlimited data plans are available for a few destinations, such as Thailand, India, China, and Turkey.
If you choose an unlimited Airalo plan, your data speed will be throttled at 1 Mbps after 3 GB usage per day.
Similarly, SimOptions features local and regional plans with pre-determined plan validity and data caps. Unlimited data options are available for most local and a few regional plans.
In both cases, pricing plans vary by destination, validity, and the amount of mobile data included. To keep the pricing comparison fair, let’s take the Mexico eSIM as an example. All prices are listed in USD.
The pricing for the Airalo Mexico eSIM starts at $6 for 1 GB of data and one-week validity.
| Airalo Mexico eSIM | ||
| Data allowance | Plan validity | Price |
| 1 GB | 7 days | $6.00 |
| 2 GB | 15 days | $11.50 |
| 3 GB | 30 days | $15.50 |
| 5 GB | 30 days | $23.50 |
| 10 GB | 30 days | $42.00 |
The pricing for the SimOptions Mexico eSIM starts at $4.50 per 1 GB of data and one-week validity.
| SimOptions Mexico eSIM | ||
| Data allowance | Plan validity | Price |
| 1 GB | 7 days | $4.50 |
| 3 GB | 30 days | $11.90 |
| 5 GB | 30 days | $19.90 |
| 10 GB | 30 days | $39.90 |
| 20 GB | 30 days | $79.90 |
| 30 GB | 30 days | $109.90 |
Both providers offer similar pricing structures, with fixed plan validity and data limits. However, with SimOptions, you get more options to choose from, with plans including 20 and 30 GB of data.
Pricing is also more affordable per GB when compared to Airalo. Neither provider offers options for stays exceeding one month.
It’s worth noting that these details are accurate as of the time of publishing (27th February 2025) and the plans available for both companies do vary depending on the destination.
Coverage and speed
Both providers cover more than 200 destinations and regions. One difference is that SimOptions doesn’t offer a global eSIM, while Airalo does.
Airalo partners with local carriers in each destination, providing network coverage that operates at 4G, LTE, and 5G speeds.
With SimOptions, coverage, connection quality, and speed may vary depending on the specific package and carrier, as not all carriers offer the same level of service.
Please note that both Airalo and SimOptions do not guarantee that their services will be uninterrupted, provided on time, safe, or free from faults. This limitation is stated in the terms of service for both providers.
Customer support and user experience
Airalo provides customer support via chat, email, and a self-serve help center. While users are encouraged to contact support for any questions, it is not explicitly stated if support is available 24/7.
SimOptions offers 24/7 customer support through chat and a self-serve help center.
If you are curious to learn what the experiences were like with customer support, check Trustpilot and real reviews from actual users.
Pros and cons of SimOptions vs Airalo
In the table below, you can look at the pros and cons of each provider side by side so you can spot SimOptions-Airalo differences more easily.
| SimOptions vs Airalo pros and cons | ||
| Airalo | SimOptions | |
| Pros | – Partners with local network providers for reliable connectivity – Top-up options available – Global plans with extensive validity (up to 365 days) | – 24/7 customer support – Affordable pricing – Top-up options available – Offers eSIMs and SIM cards |
| Cons | – No 24/7 customer support – Unlimited data plans are only available for a limited number of destinations | – No global plans – Third-party seller with limited liability and control over the quality of the sold products and services |
SimOptions vs Airalo: Reddit opinions
There are not a lot of Reddit threads discussing the SimOptions eSIM marketplace.
Airalo is more popular on Reddit and even has a dedicated Reddit community, r/Airalo. The posts and comment threads are mixed, containing both complaints and positive appraisals.
Which eSIM provider is better for you?
Choosing between Airalo vs SimOptions depends on your specific travel requirements. Both have strengths and weaknesses in customer support and coverage, so it’s essential to consider factors such as budget, destination, and the level of customer service you prefer when selecting an eSIM provider.
If neither of these options meets your expectations at first glance, you may want to consider another eSIM provider, such as Holafly.
Holafly offers local and regional plans for over 200 destinations — all with unlimited data and flexible validity. You can choose the length of your plan to match your trip, from one day to 90. Pricing starts at $6.90 for one-day plans and can drop to $1.55 per day for longer plans.
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Living in Romania's only coastal city, Constanta, Stefania Manea has been in the content marketing space for 9 years. She discovered her passion for writing while studying Maritime Engineering, which led her to switch her career path and join the marketing industry. Since then, she has relentlessly written copy and content for renowned brands in the B2B SaaS landscape, including MarkUp.io, Toggl, MarineTraffic, Route4Me, and Insense. She values creativity, loves horror novels, and occasionally believes in ghosts!
