Airalo vs. Holafly: Which eSIM is Better?

Landing in a new country should feel simple. Open maps, message family, book a ride, and move. A travel eSIM makes that possible. This guide compares Airalo vs Holafly so you can pick fast and avoid roaming shock later. We look at price styles, data sizes, coverage, setup, support, and refunds. Think of it as a field guide for real trips, not a sales page.

If you are new to eSIMs, start with our global eSIM guide for the basics. Both brands promise quick setup and a wide reach. The question is fit. A short weekend in Europe needs one kind of plan. A month across Japan, Singapore, and Thailand needs another. In the pages ahead, we will test Airalo vs. Holafly with simple math, clear steps, and plain talk. By the end, you will know which one suits your phone, your route, and your budget.

Airalo: An Overview

Airalo is a travel eSIM marketplace where you buy data packs for single countries, regions, or a global route. As a well-known eSIM company and one of the leading eSIM providers, Airalo is recognized for its wide coverage and flexible plan options. You install the eSIM by scanning a QR code, switch data to the new line, and start using apps right away. The app lets you view usage, add more data, or swap plans without finding a store. Most plans are data-only, which is fine for maps, rides, email, and calls over WhatsApp or similar apps.

Airalo offers plans for 7 days with 1GB of data for the most popular locations ranging between A$4.50 and A$5.00 so we tend to find Airalo having cheaper plans than Holafly, but Holafly includes unlimited data for its price. Top-ups are available on many packs, so you do not need to delete and reinstall.

When it comes to data amounts, Airalo’s plans typically have fixed data limits, which means users may need to recharge frequently if they run out of data. Airalo does not provide unlimited data plans, so heavy users may face additional costs and need to manage their data usage closely during their travels. Set up works on recent iPhones, Samsung Galaxy models, and Google Pixel phones that support eSIM. If you prefer small or medium packs and like clear control over spending, Airalo feels easy to manage.

Key Features of Airalo

Airalo offers flexible data plans, app-based management, and a wide range of coverage options as its main eSIM features. Airalo sells country, regional, and global data packs inside one app, making it easy to choose the right plan for your travel needs. Their global plans and regional plans are tailored for international travelers, and Airalo’s network spans 201 countries, providing excellent global reach compared to Holafly’s of around 170 country coverage.

You can pick a small pack for a weekend or a larger pack for a long route. Many packs allow top-ups, so you add data without reinstalling. The app shows live usage, days left, and quick options to extend. Both Airalo and Holafly have well-designed and user-friendly apps for managing eSIMs, with positive reviews about their apps from travelers.

Users can also monitor their remaining data and contract time through the apps of both providers. Hotspot works on many plans, but you should check the plan page before you buy. Speeds depend on local partners, and 5G is available in select places.

Most packs are data only, which is fine for maps, rides, email, and calls over apps. Setup feels simple on recent eSIM phones like iPhone 15, Galaxy S23, and Pixel 8. If you like clear control and mix and match sizes, Airalo gives a tidy way to manage trip data.

Holafly: An Overview

Holafly is a leading eSIM company and one of the top eSIM providers for travelers. They sell travel eSIMs that feel simple to use. You buy a plan in the app or on the site, scan a QR code, switch mobile data to the new line, and you are online.

All plans follow an unlimited style with fair use rules, which suits longer trips when you do not want to count every megabyte. Holafly’s unlimited plans range from A$5.90 to A$53.90 depending on the plan you choose; they are more expensive and may not be worth it for light data users, but they offer simplicity, predictable pricing, and faster customer support.

Holafly excels with regional plans, particularly in Europe and Asia. Some plans are country-specific, and some cover whole regions or multiple countries. All options are data only, which works for maps, rides, email, and app calls. Hotspot may depend on the plan, so it is safer to check the plan page before you pay.

You can add more time or switch plans from your account if your travel plans changes. Set up works on recent iPhone, Galaxy, and Pixel models that support eSIM. If you value a simple daily or trip-length plan and do not want to manage data sizes, Holafly can be a straightforward solution.

Key Features of Holafly

Holafly stands out for its main eSIM features, including unlimited data plans, regional plans (especially strong in Europe and Asia), and a user-friendly app for easy management. Holafly’s unlimited plans are a key feature, offering hassle-free, predictable pricing for digital nomads and heavy data users who want to avoid monitoring their usage.

Regional plans are tailored for specific areas, making it convenient for travelers needing coverage across multiple countries. You can purchase a plan in the app or on the site, scan a QR code, and the line appears in your phone settings.

Both Airalo and Holafly have well-designed, user-friendly apps that let users monitor their remaining data and contract time, confirm activation status, and contact support from the same screen. Holafly’s customer support is considered among the best in the sector, with 24/7 availability, fast human responses via live chat and WhatsApp, and a reputation for a straightforward setup process that is well-supported by customer service.

As all plans are data only, it works well for maps, rides, email, and app calls. Hotspot may be limited on some plans, so it is best to check the plan page before you pay. Coverage spans single countries and regional routes, with 4G in most places and 5G in select areas where partners allow it. If your trip changes, you can switch plans on the same device without swapping a physical SIM. For travelers who do not want to track gigabytes, this set-and-forget style feels calm.

Airalo vs. Holafly: Head-to-Head Comparison

Here’s a side by side comparison table to help you quickly see the key differences between Airalo and Holafly:

Feature	Airalo	Holafly
Primary offering	Sized country, regional, global packs	Trip-length data with fair use
Pricing style	Pay per pack size	Flat daily or trip price
Data options	Small 1–3 GB, medium 5–10 GB, larger packs on some routes	“Unlimited” style with FUP on many plans
Coverage footprint	Network spans 201 countries, providing excellent global reach	Covers around 170 countries
5G access	Select locations, partner-dependent	Select locations, partner-dependent
Regional vs global	Strong mix of regional and global packs	Single-country and several regional packs
Calls / SMS	Data only, use VoIP for calling	Data only, use VoIP for calling
Hotspot/tethering	Often allowed, check the plan page	May be limited on some plans
App experience	Well-designed, user-friendly app with usage meter, easy top-ups, quick swap	Well-designed, user-friendly app with clean account view, simple activation
Top-ups/extensions	Common on many packs	Extend time or switch plan
Customer support	Chat and email, hours vary. Service often falls short, with slow response times and lower ratings reported by users.	Chat and email, hours vary. Considered one of the best in the sector, with 24/7 availability.
Refund policy	Usually, before activation, only	Usually, before activation, only
Ratings snapshot	Noticeably lower rating on review sites, with common complaints about customer support and eSIM activation issues	App stores and review sites are available
Payment options	Major cards and common wallets	Major cards and common wallets
Compatibility	Recent eSIM phones (iPhone XR+, Galaxy S20+, Pixel 3+)	Recent eSIM phones (iPhone XR+, Galaxy S20+, Pixel 3+)

Holafly vs Airalo: Key Comparison Factors

Holafly vs Airalo: Pricing

When you compare Holafly vs AirWhen you compare Holafly vs Airalo on price, the billing style is the real difference. Airalo offers a wide range of data amounts, with plans starting at 1GB and going up to 100GB, so you can choose exactly how much data you need. For example, Airalo has 3-day plans with 1GB of data for the most popular locations, typically starts from US$4.00

Holafly, on the other hand, provides unlimited data plans, with prices starting from US$3.90 for one day and off course the total price will increase as number of days increases. However their approach prioritizes simplicity and faster customer support, which comes at a premium.

Both providers offer monthly subscription options, giving you flexibility and automatic renewal for ongoing data access. When considering how much data you need, Airalo is generally cheaper and better suited for light users who want precise control over their data amounts and spending.

Holafly is a better fit for the heavy data user—someone who streams, works remotely, or browses extensively—since unlimited data means you don’t have to worry about running out. However, Holafly’s unlimited plans may not be worth it for light data users who won’t use much data.

Additional factors such as underlying partner networks can nudge prices, so always check the plan page before you pay. If you want another angle on value, read our Saily vs Airalo comparison for a second benchmark.

	Local prices (USD)	Regional prices (USD)	Global prices (USD)
Holafly	$3.90 – $74.90	$3.90 (1 day) – $139.90 (90 days)	Monthly Subscription $64.90
Airalo	$4.00 – $45.00	$5.00 (1 GB; 7 days) – $185 (100 GB; 180 days)	$9.00 (1 GB; 7 days) – $66 (20 GB; 365 days)

Holafly vs Airalo eSIM: Coverage 

Coverage is wide for both brands, but it is not identical. Both Airalo and Holafly offer coverage in different countries, with options for global plans and regional plans to suit international travelers. Airalo sells country, regional, and global packs that ride on partner networks, with 4G in most places and 5G only where local networks support it.

Airalo’s network spans 201 countries, providing excellent global reach compared to Holafly’s 170 country coverage. Airalo notes that 5G access is not guaranteed, even with a supported phone and network, so check your destination before you buy.

Holafly lists hundreds of destinations across regions and also depends on local partners for speed and reach, so your real-world experience can vary by city, tower, and phone model. Holafly provides access to mobile data in over 170 destinations worldwide.

Provider	Coverage	Data plans	Cellular network(s)
Holafly	170+ countries	Unlimited data plans	3G/4G/5G
Airalo	200+ countries	1 GB – unlimited	3G/4G/5G

Airalo vs. Holafly: Data options

When you compare Airalo vs Holafly eSIM on data sizes, the split is clear. Airalo offers small and medium packs for short trips, plus larger bundles and top-ups when you need more. Typical Airalo plans come with fixed data amounts, ranging from 1GB to 20GB or more, and they are starting to roll out unlimited data.

This means users need to consider how much data they will need, as running out of data requires recharging and can lead to additional costs. Airalo’s eSIMs would require users to manage their data usage closely, which can be stressful for travelers who rely heavily on mobile data.

Holafly, on the other hand, leans on simple trip-length plans with an unlimited internet data style, managed by fair use rules, so you do not count every megabyte on longer routes. Holafly’s eSIMs are designed for seamless connectivity without the hassle of recharging, making them ideal for frequent travelers.

Light users and weekend hikers feel efficient with measured packs. Long stays or work trips feel calmer with an unlimited approach, even if speeds become slower after heavy use under fair use. For a wider view of travel-sized picks, see the best eSIMs for international trips

Airalo vs Holafly eSIM: Available countries

For eSIM Airalo vs Holafly, both list a wide set of destinations across regions, but the exact mix is not the same. Airalo is especially suitable for multi-country trips due to its extensive coverage and flexible plans, making it ideal for travelers visiting multiple destinations. Both providers offer coverage in different countries, with Airalo’s network spanning 201 countries and Holafly covering over 170, giving Airalo a broader global reach.

Airalo groups plans by country, region, and global routes, so it suits trips that jump between nearby borders. Holafly also spans many countries with trip-length plans, but you should confirm each stop on your route before you buy. The safest way is to check the official destination list, then map it to your dates and flight path. If your plan is a multi-country loop, read our guide on using one eSIM across multiple European countries.

Country	Holafly (USD)	Airalo (USD)
Japan	$27.30 for 7 days	10GB at $17.00 for 7 days
United Kingdom	$27.30 for 7 days	10GB at $18.50 for 7 days
Canada	$36.90 for 7 days	10GB at $18.00 for 7 days
Australia	$27.30 for 7 days	10GB at $16.50 for 7 days
Singapore	$27.30 for 7 days	10GB at $15.00 for 7 days
Thailand	$27.30 for 7 days	10GB at $10.00 for 7 days
Turkey	$27.30 for 7 days	10GB at $14.50 for 7 days

Airalo vs Holafly: Compatible devices

For Holafly eSIM vs Airalo, phone support is very similar. Device compatibility is crucial—while most recent iPhone, Galaxy, and Pixel models that support eSIM will work with both, users should always check compatibility before purchase to avoid issues. The safest path is to check your model in our Is My Phone eSIM compatible guide, then install the plan you need.

If you use an iPhone, follow Apple’s official eSIM setup instructions to add or transfer a line from Settings, scan the QR, and confirm activation. This keeps your primary SIM free for OTPs while the eSIM runs data for maps, rides, and calls over apps.

Airalo vs Holafly: Customer Reviews

Both brands draw strong opinions online. Airalo customers frequently report issues with customer support, including slow response times and eSIM activation problems, which are reflected in their lower ratings on review sites. Reviews praise fast setup and easy app flows while complaints are centred around speed dips or activation fails.

Patterns are similar: happy posts come from simple city trips, while negative posts often follow crowded networks or unsupported phones. Holafly, on the other hand, is rated higher than other eSIM providers, including Airalo, especially for its customer support.

Holafly has a reputation for fast, human customer support via live chat and WhatsApp, and is considered one of the best in the sector with 24/7 availability. To see longer form user notes, read our Airalo eSIM review for common wins and fixes. For a neutral snapshot, check the public Trustpilot page for Airalo, which shows a spread of 5-star and 1-star stories you can scan by country and date.

eSIM provider	Trustpilot	Google Play Store	Apple Store
Holafly	4.6 (40k+ reviews)	3.7 (5k+ reviews)	4.5 (1.7k reviews)
Airalo	2.6 (2k+ reviews)	4.8 (58k+ reviews)	4.8 (51.5k+ reviews)

Airalo vs Holafly: User Experience

For most travelers, both apps feel simple: buy a plan, scan a QR code, switch mobile data, and go online. The installation process for both Airalo and Holafly requires an internet connection, such as Wi-Fi, to activate the eSIM on your device.

Airalo allows users to install the eSIM directly from their app after purchase, while Holafly provides a numeric code in their app for eSIM installation, so you can set up without a computer.

Users have reported that Holafly’s setup process is straightforward and well-supported by customer service, whereas Airalo’s setup is user-friendly but some users have experienced issues with eSIM activation.

Airalo focuses on clear pack sizes and a tidy usage meter, so topping up feels straightforward when you run low. Holafly leans on set-duration plans with an unlimited style, so day-to-day use feels calm once activated. In real use, Holafly vs Airalo eSIM setup steps are similar, but small details matter: hotspot rules on the plan page, when validity starts, and how top-ups apply.

If you want a step-by-step walkthrough with screenshots, read Set up eSIM on iPhone or Android. For official device instructions, follow Apple’s guide on adding an eSIM from Settings, scanning the code, and confirming activation.

Airalo vs Holafly: Payment options

Both accept common cards and fast checkout, but the exact list differs. Airalo supports Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and PayPal in some regions, and its own Airmoney balance, as stated in the help center.

Holafly accepts major cards and also offers express checkout through wallets like Google Pay or PayPal on supported storefronts. Availability can vary by country and store, so confirm options on the payment page before you buy.

Payment method	Holafly	Airalo
Credit/debit cards	Yes	Yes
PayPal	Yes	Yes
Apple Pay	Yes	Yes
Google Pay	Yes	Yes
Alipay	No	Yes (mobile app only)

Airalo vs Holafly: Refund policy

Refunds are possible, but rules are strict. Airalo states you must request a refund within 30 days, and only when support cannot restore service, so it is best to contact them as soon as a problem appears. Holafly advertises a more flexible approach, allowing refund requests for up to six months, with results based on your case and whether the eSIM was activated or used.

Always read the official page before you buy, because plan types and stores can have extra conditions. If activation fails, try basic fixes first, then raise a ticket; our Airalo not working fixes guide can help you rule out simple issues before you claim. For current brand rules, see Airalo’s terms, noting the 30-day window and Holafly’s refund policy page with the six-month request option.

Airalo vs Holafly: Data Sharing and Voice Calls

When you’re traveling, the ability to share your mobile data or make a quick call can be a game changer—especially if you’re working remotely, traveling with family, or need to stay connected across multiple devices. Here’s how Airalo and Holafly stack up when it comes to data sharing and voice calls, so you can pick the best global eSIM for your next trip.

Data Sharing: Hotspot and Tethering

Both Airalo and Holafly support data sharing, but the details matter. With Airalo, you can use your purchased data for hotspot (on iPhone) or tethering (on Android), letting you connect your laptop or share internet with travel companions.

The catch? You’re limited to the data amount in your plan, so heavy data users will need to keep an eye on their usage or top up as needed. This setup is ideal for travelers who want flexible data plans and clear control over their data limits.

Holafly, on the other hand, offers unlimited data plans in many destinations, but hotspot and tethering come with a daily cap—typically 500MB per day in places like North America, the UK, Australia, Switzerland, Italy, and Hong Kong.

After you hit that limit, you’ll still have unlimited access on your phone, but sharing data with other devices will pause until the next day. For most trips, this is enough for browsing, emails, or quick uploads, but if you rely on constant data sharing for work or streaming, it’s something to factor in.

Voice Calls: Who Offers What

If making voice calls is a priority, the difference between Airalo and Holafly becomes clear. Airalo includes voice calls on select eSIM plans for selected countries including incoming and outgoing calls as well as SMS. This is handy for booking local services or staying in touch without relying on internet-based apps.

Holafly’s eSIM plans are generally data-only, but they do offer a Unlimited subscription global eSIM that includes a phone number for SMS. However, this plan comes at a higher cost (US$64.90 per month) and is best suited for travelers who need true global coverage. For most users, app-based calls (like WhatsApp or FaceTime) will be the go-to on Holafly.

Data Plans, Limits, and Usage

Holafly’s unlimited data plans are designed for hassle-free travel—no need to track every megabyte, just scan the QR code and go. This is perfect for digital nomads, heavy data users, or anyone who wants unlimited usage without worrying about data roaming charges. Airalo’s fixed data packs, meanwhile, offer more flexibility for those who want to match their data plan to the length and intensity of their trip, with the option to top up if needed.

Global Coverage and Network Reliability

Both Airalo and Holafly offer extensive global coverage, with Airalo reaching over 200 destinations and Holafly covering more than 170 countries. For most trips, both providers deliver a reliable connection, but Holafly’s unlimited plans can be especially appealing for those traveling to multiple countries or remote locations where constant internet access is a must. Network coverage can vary by region, so it’s always smart to check the provider’s coverage map before you buy.

Choosing the Right eSIM for Your Trip

If unlimited data, easy installation, and peace of mind are your top priorities, Holafly’s unlimited data plans are hard to beat—especially for long trips or heavy data usage. If you need to share data with multiple devices, want more control over your data usage, or require voice calls in a new country, Airalo’s flexible data plans and occasional voice-enabled options may be a better fit.

Whichever provider you choose, both Airalo and Holafly make it easy to get connected with a quick QR code scan and offer customer support if you hit a snag. The best eSIM for your next trip comes down to your specific needs: unlimited access and hassle-free usage, or flexible plans with data sharing and voice call options. Compare Airalo and Holafly side by side, weigh your data needs, and you’ll be ready for smooth, connected travels.

Airalo vs Holafly: Who Should Choose Airalo?

Choose Airalo if you like tight control over data and price. It suits weekend trips, short city breaks, and multi-stop routes where 1–3 GB or 5–10 GB packs are enough. Compared to buying a local SIM or dealing with physical SIM cards, Airalo’s eSIM offers more convenience and flexibility, especially for short trips where you want to avoid the hassle of finding and managing a local SIM.

You can top up mid-trip instead of overbuying on day one. Hotspot is often allowed on the plan page, so your laptop can connect when needed. Setup feels quick: buy, scan, switch data, done.

Pick Airalo if you want clear usage meters, easy top-ups, and a clean way to match pack size to a 3-day, 7-day, or 10-day plan without surprises. If you want to confirm networks before you buy, check the Airalo coverage and bands page.

Airalo vs Holafly: Who Should Choose Holafly?

Choose Holafly if you want simple, set-duration data that you do not need to micro-manage. Holafly is especially suitable for heavy data users who need unlimited data plans, such as those who stream, work, or browse extensively during their trips. It fits longer trips, workcations, and routes where you stay online all day for maps, ride apps, video calls, and uploads.

Holafly’s unlimited plans prioritize simplicity and faster customer support, making them convenient for digital nomads with high data consumption, but they are more expensive and may not be worth it for light data users. The unlimited style with fair use rules keeps spending predictable, which helps if your usage changes by the day. It also suits travelers who do not want to track gigabytes or buy top-ups mid-trip.

Check the plan page for hotspot rules, fair use thresholds, and when validity starts, then scan the QR and go. If your phone supports eSIM and is carrier-unlocked, setup takes a minute or two, and you are online. Pick Holafly when calm, steady data matters more than tuning the exact pack size.

Final Verdict: Airalo vs. Holafly review

Both Airalo and Holafly are leading eSIM providers and reputable eSIM companies, each offering unique features and coverage options for travelers. If you like tight control, small or medium packs, and easy top-ups, Airalo fits well. If you want simple trip-length data with an unlimited feel under fair use, Holafly feels calmer for longer stays. Both skip airport counters, both install in a minute or two, and both depend on local partners for speed and 5G.

Your choice comes down to habit: plan your data and pay less with measured packs, or pay for peace of mind and stop counting gigabytes. For weekend hops or mixed city days, Airalo often wins on value. For two to four weeks of heavy maps, rides, video calls, and uploads, Holafly can feel predictable. If you are still unsure, match your route and usage first, then check the plan page for hotspot rules, validity start, and refunds. One clean rule: small trips, go measured; long trips, go simple.

FAQs: Airalo vs Holafly Review

What’s the main difference between Airalo and Holafly?

Airalo sells sized data packs for single countries, regions, and global routes, with easy top-ups when you run low. Their main eSIM features include flexible data amounts ranging from 1GB to 20GB or more, app-based management, and support for multiple destinations.

Holafly leans on simple trip-length plans with an unlimited style under fair use rules, focusing on unlimited data for set durations, app management, and easy activation. Pick measured packs when you want tight control over your data amounts, pick set-duration when you want predictable use without counting every gigabyte.

Is there a better alternative to Airalo?

“Better” depends on your route, speed needs, and budget. If you want another benchmark for value, compare plan sizes and coverage across several brands before you buy. There are also other eSIM providers to consider, and user reviews and ratings—such as those on Trustpilot—can help you compare them.

Start with our roundup of travel picks to see where small, medium, and long-trip options make sense. Read the best eSIMs for international trips

Which is cheaper for frequent travelers?

If your trips are short and often, measured packs usually cost less because you only pay for what you use, and you can top up as needed. However, the data amounts included in each plan can significantly affect the overall cost—larger data caps may offer better value for heavy users, while smaller packs suit light users.

For frequent travelers, both Airalo and Holafly offer monthly subscription options with automatic renewal, providing flexibility and unlimited global data access without fixed durations. If your trips run long and you stay online all day, a set-duration unlimited style can feel calmer even if the headline price is higher. To check the value by trip pattern, scan our Saily vs Airalo comparison as a second reference point.

Do Holafly or Airalo offer unlimited data?

Holafly offers unlimited data on many of its plans, known as Holafly’s unlimited plans, which are managed by fair use policies that may slow speeds after heavy use. These unlimited plans provide hassle-free, predictable pricing options for digital nomads and users with high data consumption, making them convenient and cost-effective for those who don’t want to monitor their usage closely.

Airalo focuses on fixed-size packs, though some routes may market large bundles or “unlimited” with policy notes. Always read the plan page for hotspot rules, start of validity, and any limits. If speed drops after heavy use, our Airalo not working fixes page shows quick checks you can try.

How do I activate a Holafly or Airalo eSIM?

Buy the plan, scan the QR code, and switch mobile data to the new line in Settings. The installation process is straightforward: you’ll need an internet connection (such as Wi-Fi) to activate your eSIM, either by scanning the QR code or entering details manually.

Keep your primary SIM active for OTPs. Most users finish in about a minute or two when the code is ready. For screenshots and step-by-step guidance across phone types, follow set up eSIM on iPhone or Android.

Is Holafly eSIM reliable?

Generally yes for travel data. Holafly works with major local networks in each country, so your connection quality and speed depend on the local carrier’s coverage, network congestion, and prioritization policies in your area. Good for maps and chats, but it is data-only and hotspot support may vary by plan.

Does Holafly eSIM offer unlimited data?

Many plans are sold as “unlimited.” In practice, there is a Fair Use Policy: you get a daily high-speed chunk and speeds may slow after that. Holafly’s unlimited usage is especially suitable for heavy data users—such as those who stream, work, or browse extensively during their trips—but speeds may be throttled after high usage. Heavy streaming or hotspot use can trigger throttling.