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Ubigi vs Airalo: Which eSIM provider is best for travel?
Ubigi or Airalo? In this comprehensive comparison, you'll see their features stacked side-by-side and discover the better choice for getting connected.
Deciding between Ubigi vs Airalo can be tough, especially if you’re a traveler looking for the best way to connect to the internet abroad. On the surface, both eSIM providers are broadly similar, with a range of reliable data plans for over 200 destinations.
But under the surface, there are some differences to consider. Ubigi stands out with its fast internet connection, while Airalo’s plans are affordable and flexible.
How are you supposed to choose the best eSIM option?
In this comparison review, we’ve done the digging so you don’t have to. Read on to see Ubigi and Airalo features side-by-side and find the best choice for your upcoming adventure.
Plus, we’ll highlight another eSIM option—Holafly—for unlimited data, cheaper prices the longer you’re away, and reliable, friendly 24/7 support if you ever need it.
Limitless data, endless adventures
Stream, scroll, and share as you please. With Holafly, your data is always unlimited.
Overview of Ubigi vs Airalo
Both Ubigi and Airalo are eSIM providers with data plans you can digitally install on your phone, helping you get connected while you travel — all without the use of a physical SIM card.
In this guide we’re covering the app experience, pricing, data plans, coverage, and customer support, complete with user reviews.
Here are some of the two competitors’ main features, and overall user experience side-by-side.
| Ubigi | Airalo | |
|---|---|---|
| Features | -A range of mobile data plans for over 200 destinations -A dedicated app where you can purchase data, check usage, and top up data -Customer care channels, including emails and live chat -Global plans allow for voice calls | -A range of mobile data plans for over 200 destinations -A dedicated app where you can 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 | -The cheapest plan is $4.50 USD for 1 GB of data | -The cheapest plan is $4.00 for 500 MB of data |
| Coverage | -Coverage in over 200 destinations worldwide | -Coverage in over 200 destinations worldwide |
| User experience | -Helpful customer support -Some customers report an less intuitive app design | -Easy to use app and purchasing process -Some customers report poor customer support with slow response times, unsatisfactory resolutions, and strict refund policies |
Ubigi vs Airalo feature comparison
Both Ubigi and Airalo have notable advantages and drawbacks. To help you make the right choice, let’s take an in-depth look into the setup, pricing, coverage, and user experience for both providers.
App experience and setup
On Google Play, the Airalo app has a higher overall rating with a score of 4.5. Ubigi lags behind at 4.1. On the App Store, both providers are neck and neck, sharing a score of 4.6.
What’s the secret behind Airalo’s higher score?
Airalo’s app offers a straightforward way to browse, purchase, and activate eSIMs, similar to other eSIM apps. Users can create an account and install their chosen mobile data plan by following the app’s directions.
They can also buy an eSIM on the website and receive a QR code to scan with their smartphone for installation and activation. Users have reported being particularly impressed by the app’s performance and ease of use.
Ubigi’s app offers many of the same features as Airalo. Its slightly lower score on Google Play is mostly driven by comments about connectivity of the eSIM once activated and a less intuitive user interface.
Pricing and data plans
Ubigi has slightly more affordable options, with their cheapest being $4.0 — 50¢ less than Airalo’s $4.50 plans.
However, Ubigi’s $4.0 plans get you 500 MB, while Airalo’s $4.50 plans are for 1 GB. You’re paying less with Ubigi, but only because you’re getting less.
Secondly, Ubigi’s price ranges aren’t standardized. While their cheapest USA + Canada option is $4.00 for 500 MB, many of their other plans, such as their Australian plan, don’t have this option. Instead, you’ll have to pay $6.00 for 1 GB, which is more expensive than Airalo’s standard 1 GB plans.
When it comes to flexibility, both providers have their fair share of options, with Airalo being cheaper in most cases. For example, their Australian eSIM plan includes:
- 1 GB with 7 days of data for $4.50
- 2 GB with 15 days of data for $8.00
- 3 GB with 30 days of data for $9.00
- 5 GB with 30 days of data for $12.50
- 10 GB with 30 days of data for $20.00
- 20 GB with 30 days of data for $40.00
On the other hand, Ubigi’s Australian eSIM options are:
- 1 GB with 7 days of data for $6.00 (Australian plus New Zealand option available for $8.00)
- 3 GB with 15 days of data for $12.00
- 10 GB with 7 days of data for $22.00
- 10 GB with 30 days of data for $26.00
If you’re worried about running out of data during your travels, the Holafly eSIM has you covered. It offers unlimited data plans for your trips, ensuring you get more time online without breaking the bank. Enjoy seamless connectivity and maximize your adventures without the stress of data limits.
Count memories, not data
Never lose connection with unlimited data eSIMs from Holafly.
Coverage and speed
Airalo and Ubigi offer worldwide coverage with over 200 destinations to choose from. They include country-specific, regional, and global data plans.
The main difference is that Airalo offers voice calls for their global options, while Ubigi doesn’t. What Ubigi does have is annual plans, which can be convenient if you’re spending a year abroad.
When it comes to speed, both providers rely on local carriers, 4GE LTE networks, and 5G. Reviews for both eSIM providers are positive and negative here, but connectivity will mostly be driven by the local networks they are using rather than the eSIM itself.
Keeping your options open? Here’s how Holafly and Airalo stack up in a side-by-side comparison.
Customer support and user experience
Ubigi and Airalo have the same customer support channels, including chat, email, and a dedicated help center with FAQs and guides for installing and troubleshooting any issues users encounter.
With a Trustpilot score of 4.0, one user writes about Ubigi’s customer support:
“My eSIM didn’t work when I traveled to Japan, only to realize from customer service that I purchased the wrong eSIM card. They were very helpful even though it was my mistake.”
That isn’t to say their team is flawless. Others report slow response times and less-than-helpful chatbots:
“I still don’t have an answer to help reset my eSIM on my new phone. I’m already abroad and cannot use Ubigi because of it. No one answered my contact us request, and I couldn’t get human help from the chatbot.”
Airalo has a 2.6 score on Trustpilot, with most of its negative reviews revolving around poor customer service. One user also emphasizes that Airalo has a strict refund policy:
“Horrible customer service experience. I used a UK eSIM from Airalo but it didn’t work. I spent a lot of time trying to troubleshoot with their customer service team. However, it was a faulty product. I was blown away when they replied to say they wouldn’t issue a refund. This is 2025 and the fact companies like Airalo think this is acceptable is mind-boggling.”
Connection issues got you second-guessing Airalo? Here’s a guide explaining if Airalo is worth using in 2025.
Pros and cons of Ubigi vs Airalo
Ubigi offers a strong and stable network quality, helpful customer support, and annual plan options.
However, they also have slightly more expensive data packages, while some customers point to a confusing app design and occasional customer support issues.
Airalo has the advantages of offering flexible and cheaper pricing plans and a smooth app and setup experience.
Their disadvantages, mentioned in reviews across platforms, cover customer support, connection issues, and refund policies.
| Airalo | Ubigi | |
| Pros | -Over 200 destinations to choose from -Cheap pricing for large amounts of data -Easy set-up and app user experience -Allows for tethering -Top-up option available -Rewards system allows for discounts | -Strong network quality -Relatively helpful customer support -Allows for tethering -Top-up option available -Annual pricing plans available |
| Cons | -Can occasionally have an unstable connection and slow internet speeds -Customers reviews speak of poor customer support -Customer reviews speak of a strict refund policy | -Customer reviews speak of a less intuitive app and website design -Slightly more expensive than Airalo |
Ubigi vs Airalo: Reddit opinions
Community sentiments on Airalo vs Ubigi tell a similar story. Reddit and Ubigi reviews acknowledge how much more expensive the service can be, but they also point out Ubigi’s better connection quality.
Airalo users mention the provider’s easy set-up process with mixed reviews on the provider’s internet quality and speed.
Which eSIM provider is better for you?
Airalo’s cheap and flexible eSIMs have made them a popular choice on the eSIM market. However, if you do run into a weak connection, their customer service may not be able to help you. Chances are you may not receive a refund either.
You might prefer to choose Ubigi eSIM if having a quality connection while you travel is an absolute must.
Don’t want to compromise? Pick Holafly as your eSIM companion.
Holafly offers unlimited data plans meaning you stay connected through your entire trip. With an intuitive app and flexible pricing options that get cheaper the longer you use them, Holafly makes purchasing, activating, and using your data easy – with friendly customer support 24/7 if you ever need it. Whoever said you can’t have it all, clearly wasn’t using Holafly.
An eSIM you can rely on
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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.
