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

Yesim vs Airalo: Which eSIM is better?

Yesim vs Airalo, which eSIM is better for your travels? In this article, we compare features, pros, cons, and pricing to help you make the best choice.

Published: March 7, 2025

Airalo is well-known for its affordable plans. Meanwhile, Yesim is a Geneva-based eSIM provider with flexible plans and a range of interesting features, like a free VPN. Wondering which is a better travel companion?

In this article, we compare Yesim and Airalo’s features side by side to help you find the better option. We’re looking at everything from set-up to customer service. Then, we’ll follow up with a third option, Holafly, for if neither of these eSIM providers fits your travel needs.

Two women are sitting side by side, each holding an iPhone. One woman is showing her phone screen to the other, who is laughing in response.

Overview of Yesim vs Airalo

Airalo is a popular eSIM provider that provides a range of mobile data plans for over 200 destinations. Yesim, though younger and notably smaller, offers an equally reliable eSIM choice. Purchasing either service allows users to connect to the internet without the need for a physical SIM card.

But how do their features compare side by side?

YesimAiralo
Features – Prepaid eSIM data plans for a range of over 200 destinations, including local and regional plans
– Unlimited data available for most plans 
– Switchless Network connects you to another 5G mobile operator 
– Free VPN  
– Prepaid eSIM data plans for a range of over 200 destinations, including local and regional plans
– Phone calls available with global plan 
– Email and live chat customer support with FAQs and guides
– Unlimited data for some plans
PricingOffers $0.55 500 MB prepaid data plans valid for three days. For many destinations, the cheapest plan is $4.50 for 1 GB with a validity of one day. Some destinations come with free plans, such as the China eSIM.
CoverageData plans for over 200 destinations with 4G LTE and 5G internet speeds Data plans for over 200 destinations with 4G LTE and 5G internet speeds 

Disclaimer: The data in this comparison is accurate as of March 7, 2025, and is subject to change.

Yesim vs Airalo feature comparison

On the surface, Yesim and Airalo look like very similar services. While they’re certainly both reliable, we’ve dug deeper to unearth some key differences. Here’s how they compare. 

App experience and setup

Both Airalo and Yesim have an app where you can purchase, install, activate, and begin using your eSIM plan.

How do these apps measure up? 

On Google Play, Airalo and Yesim have the same score of 4.5. However, Airalo is higher rated on the App Store with a 4.8 score, while Yesim is slightly behind at 4.5. 

Yesim offers a one-tap installation process. All users need to do is tap their orange install button, and they’ll be prompted to use the eSIM through their phone’s settings.

However, you still need to create an account, browse potential plans, and make your purchase. Airalo on the other hand, features an intuitive UI. 

The Yesim and Airalo apps displayed side by side on the screens of two smartphones against a gray background.
Screenshot of Yesim and Airalo apps 

Pricing and data plans

When it comes to pricing, Yesim is sometimes cheaper for some destinations, while Airalo is cheaper for others.

For example, Yesim offers 500 MB for $0.55 and 3 days of validity for certain destinations. Most of Airalo’s destinations don’t have a 500 MB option.

The ones that do, however, are free—such as their China eSIM. Airalo’s other plans are cheaper too. Their 3 GB plans valid for 30 days are typically between $8.00 and $10.00. Yesim’s are typically $11.00.  

Yesim also offers a few unlimited data plans for each destination with 1, 7, 15, and 13 days of validity. Airalo doesn’t offer unlimited data for most destinations packages. One exception is their unlimited data Turkey eSIM which costs $35.00 for 10 days of data.  

Coverage and speed

When it comes to coverage, Yesim and Airalo are neck and neck, with over 200 destinations and international data plans to choose from.

Both providers also offer 4G LTE and 5G internet speeds, which begs the question: What do the people say? 

The best way to understand customer sentiment is to check third-party reviews platforms like Truspilot. Here, you can find real reviews for both Airalo and Yesim to continue your research.

Customer support and user experience

Airalo offers multiple 24/7 support channels, including live chat from their website, email, app support, and a range of blog guides and FAQs. Users can talk to representatives in over 10 languages.

Yesim also offers 24/7 customer support in over 10 languages with three different email addresses, live chat, a WhatsApp chat feature on their app, and FAQs.  

Have more than two providers on your mind? Here’s how Airalo and Holafly compare. 

Pros and cons of Yesim vs Airalo

Considering their benefits, features, and fallbacks, Yesim and Airalo suit different travelers, depending on their priorities.

Here’s a close-up of Airalo vs Yesim and their pros and cons, so you can see the nuance side-by-side.

YesimAiralo
Pros – Over 200 destinations to choose from
– $0.55 500 MB option
– Free VPN 
– Unlimited data options
– Hotspot available 
– Quick eSIM installation

– Over 200 destinations to choose from 
– Easy set-up and user experience 
– Allows for tethering 
Top-up option available
– Rewards system allows for discounts
Cons – Missing smaller plans for some destinations.
One example is their USA eSIM, which doesn’t have 1, 3, or 5 GB  packages 
– Plans do not have texts or voice calling options

– Not all destinations have an unlimited data plan
Refunds must be requested within 30 days of purchase


If you want an eSIM that has all its bases covered, then consider Holafly. With 27/7 multi-language customer support, fast and stable internet speeds, and flexible unlimited data plans of 1 to 90 days, you have all the features you need in one digital eSIM companion.

Yesim vs Airalo: Reddit opinions

To give you a comprehensive picture of both providers, we took to Reddit where customers were more than happy to share their sentiments regarding both eSIM services.

One user notes how they prefer using Yesim for European destinations, likely due to their cheaper price ranges. However, Airalo is their go-to option for Asia.

Others have reported issues with Airalo’s services with extensive reviews.

Choosing the best eSIM provider?

That’s a wrap on Yesim vs Airalo. All things considered, both eSIM plans come with considerable advantages. Yesim is a strong choice if you’re interested in small eSIM packages of only 500 MB.

While Airalo offers 500 MB for free, they’re a much rarer find. Yesim is also a great choice if you value additional features like a free VPN.

Airalo is advantageous if you prioritize a quick want to use smaller data plans of 1, 3, and 5 GB, which are frequently missing for Yesim’s plans. 

With Holafly, you have access to unlimited data throughout your entire trip. Unlimited data and flexible plans that get more affordable with each day added make Holafly a well-rounded solution that doesn’t just give you gigabytes, but peace of mind too.

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