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. 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. Top-ups are available on many packs, so you do not need to delete and reinstall. 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 sells country, regional, and global data packs inside one app. 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. 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 sells 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. Many plans follow an unlimited style with fair use rules, which suits longer trips when you do not want to count every megabyte. Some plans are country-specific, and some cover whole regions or multiple countries. Most 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 route 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 feel straightforward.

Key Features of Holafly

Holafly focuses on simple, trip-length data with an unlimited style on many plans, managed by fair use rules that reset over time. You buy in the app or on the site, scan a QR code, and the line appears in your phone settings. Most plans are data only, which is fine 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. The account view is clean: you can see days left, confirm activation status, and contact support from the same screen. 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

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	Wide list of countries across regions	Wide list of countries across regions
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 the app calling	Data only, use the app calling
Hotspot/tethering	Often allowed, check the plan page	May be limited on some plans
App experience	Usage meter, easy top-ups, quick swap	Clean account view, simple activation
Top-ups/extensions	Common on many packs	Extend time or switch plan
Customer support	Chat and email, hours vary	Chat and email, hours vary
Refund policy	Usually, before activation, only	Usually, before activation, only
Ratings snapshot	App stores and review sites are available	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 Airalo on price, the billing style is the real difference. Airalo sells sized packs, so you pay for 1–3 GB, 5–10 GB, or bigger bundles, and top up when you run low. This works well for a 3-day weekend or a 10-day hop where you know your usage. Holafly leans on simple trip-length or daily pricing with an unlimited feel under fair use, so you do not watch every megabyte, which suits 2–4 week stays. Light users often spend less with Airalo because small packs are cheap and precise. Heavy users or remote workers may prefer Holafly for predictable spend across many days. Taxes, 5G access, and 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.

Provider	Local prices	Regional prices	Global prices
Holafly	$5.90 – $53.90	$5.90 (1 day) – $138.90 (90 days)	$43.90 (7 days) – $183.90 (30 days)
Airalo	$4.50 – $49	$5 (1 GB; 7 days) – $185 (100 GB; 180 days)	$9 (1 GB; 7 days) – $69 (20 GB; 365 days)

Holafly vs Airalo eSIM: Coverage 

Coverage is wide for both brands, but it is not identical. 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 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.

Provider	Coverage	Data plans	Cellular network(s)
Holafly	190+ countries	Unlimited data plans	3G/4G/5G
Airalo	190+ 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. This suits people who like tight control and do not want to overbuy. Holafly leans on simple trip-length plans with an unlimited style, managed by fair use rules, so you do not count every megabyte on longer routes. Light users and weekend hikers feel efficient with measured packs. Long stays or work trips feel calmer with an unlimited approach, even if speeds can slow 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 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	Airalo
Japan	$28.90 for 7 days	$4.50 for 7 days
United Kingdom	$28.90 for 7 days	$5 for 7 days
Canada	$36.90 for 7 days	$6 for 7 days
Australia	$28.90 for 7 days	$4.50 for 7 days
Singapore	$28.90 for 7 days	$4.50 for 7 days
Thailand	$28.90 for 7 days	Only a 15-day plan with unlimited data and calls for $19.95
Turkey	$28.90 for 7 days	$4.50 for 7 days

Airalo vs Holafly: Compatible devices

For Holafly eSIM vs Airalo, phone support is very similar. Recent iPhone, Galaxy, and Pixel models that support eSIM will work with both, as long as the device is carrier-unlocked and you follow the setup steps. 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. Reviews praise fast setup and easy app flows, and complain when 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. 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. 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 chat 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: 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. 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. It fits longer trips, workcations, and routes where you stay online all day for maps, ride apps, video calls, and uploads. 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

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. Holafly leans on simple trip-length plans with an unlimited style under fair use rules. Pick measured packs when you want tight control, 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. 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. 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 an unlimited style on many plans, managed by fair use policies that may slow speeds after heavy use. 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. 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. It connects to top local networks, so speed depends on the country, coverage, and your phone. 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. Heavy streaming or hotspot use can trigger throttling.