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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.
Traveling can be both exciting and stressful.
It’s exciting because you get to experience enthralling new places. It’s stressful because you need to be prepared — for everything. Take data, for example. No connection means, among other things, no Google Maps, leaving you lost and at the mercy of sketchy public WiFi networks.
Finding the right eSIM to stay connected while traveling is crucial.
To make your choice easier, we’re comparing two popular providers: GigSky and Airalo.
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 500 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 March 7, 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 500 MB plan for free, and then install the plan by scanning a QR code through an 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.
This said, Gigsky’s pricing isn’t standardized as is often the case with eSIM providers. 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 the water. 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.
👉 Holafly is also on Trustpilot! See what customers say about our unlimited data eSIMs.
Customer support and user experience
GigSky and Airalo both have a variety of different customer care channels, including live chat, email, FAQs, and blogs. If your Airalo eSIM isn’t working, there are ways to reach out.
However, GigSky also has a phone number. Both providers also work 24/7, so you can contact them at any time to help solve issues with 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 – 500 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 plans across destinations – Allows for tethering – Top-up option availableRewards 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?
GigSky vs Airalo: the verdict is in.
As it turns out, your final choice will depend on your travel plan, not on the provider itself. 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.
Another good option for all three of these factors is Holafly. With Holafly, you have standardized custom days and unlimited data functionality across all plans.
Combined with its 24/7 multi-language customer support and fast internet, you’re not just buying gigabytes, but peace of mind, too.
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.
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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.
