Airalo vs. Holafly – Which eSIM is Better in 2025

Airalo vs. Holafly – Which eSIM is Better in 2025

Choosing the right eSIM can be tricky with so many options out there. Airalo and Holafly are two popular providers — they both offer global coverage and easy-to-use apps, but they serve slightly different needs. Which one’s the better fit for your next trip? Let’s break it down and compare them side by side.
Primary Provider
Secondary Provider
#3 out of 8
#8 out of 8
9.3 / 10
8.2 / 10
✅ Plan price from $4.50
✅ Plan price from $29.90
✅ 200+ destinations
✅ 200+ destinations
✅ LTE, 3G, 4G, and 5G networks (in select locations)
✅ LTE, 3G, 4G, and 5G networks (in select locations)
✅ 24/7 support
✅ Supports mobile hotspot
✅ One-time eSim installation
✅ 24/7 support
✅ Supports mobile hotspot
✅ Unlimited data plans
➖ Short validity periods
➖ One-time eSIM installation
➖ No traditional phone calls
➖ Does not allow phone calls
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Coverage

Having access to the internet while traveling across several countries is easy with Holafly and Airalo. Both offer regional data plans that allow you to use mobile data in multiple countries, along with coverage in over 200 destinations.

Regional data plans & pricing

plans, available in a variety of destinations. Their prices start at about $4.50 per GB for a 7-day plan. While it may not be the cheapest option, it’s still affordable for many travelers. On the other hand, Holafly focuses on unlimited plans. You can choose plans with validity anywhere from 1 to 90 days. These plans are great for travelers who need consistent data, but they usually start at a higher price, around $5.90 for a one-day plan. Airalo and Holafly have very different pricing strategies. Airalo offers both regional and global

Local eSIMs plans for 7 days Airalo Holafly
United States $4.50 $29.90
Japan $4.50 $29.90
Turkey $4.50 $29.90
United Kingdom $5.00 $29.90
United Arab Emirates $4.50 $29.90
Switzerland $4.50 $28.90
Egypt $7.00 $36.90

If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option than Airalo and a more flexible solution than Holafly, Saily is the ideal choice. Saily offers various validity options to suit different travel needs, and its 7-day plans start at just $1.99.

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Network speed

When comparing the network speeds of Airalo and Holafly, it’s important to note that both support 3G, 4G/LTE, and 5G connectivity. However, performance can vary depending on the region.

Airalo partners with local carriers, providing consistent speeds. At the same time, Holafly’s network agreements can result in faster speeds in specific locations but less reliability overall. However, Holafly users have reported slower speeds once they reach their daily data limits. Overall, both offer competitive speeds, but the user experience depends on the specific destination.

User experience

Airalo and Holafly provide intuitive eSIM experiences but cater to different user preferences. Holafly’s platform focuses on simplicity. It offers quick activation and easy plan selection. In contrast, Airalo provides a more detailed interface, with additional features like plan top-ups and offline access to setup guides.

Customer support

Airalo and Holafly are two well-known eSIM providers, and each handles customer support differently.

Airalo offers 24/7 support in English, with help in other languages during business hours. However, some users have mentioned that response times can be slow, and it may take longer to resolve certain issues.

On the other hand, Holafly provides 24/7 multilingual support, making it easier for users across different time zones to get help when needed. This approach has been well-received by many, with positive feedback about Holafly’s focus on customer satisfaction.

Discounts & refund policies

Airalo only offers refunds for technical issues within 30 days of purchase. Once the eSIM is installed, no refunds are allowed.

Holafly is more flexible. You can get a refund within 6 months — full refunds for unused eSIMs and partial refunds for used plans (after a $3.50 fee). Refunds are processed within 5-10 business days.

Both companies also offer discounts. Airalo provides promo codes for up to 15%, while Holafly regularly offers discounts between 10-20%, with bigger savings during special promotions.

Additional features

When comparing Airalo and Holafly, each offers distinct features that make them stand out.

Holafly provides a monthly subscription service called Holafly Connect. With this service, users can choose from data plans that offer 10 GB, 25 GB, or unlimited data, all with global coverage across various destinations.

On the other hand, Airalo offers mobile call and text options in select regions, along with a loyalty program that allows users to earn Airmoney with every purchase. These accumulated credits can be used for future eSIM purchases.

User reviews

Airalo has a relatively small rating on Trustpilot, reflecting a mix of positive and negative reviews. Users appreciate its wide coverage but often mention issues like connectivity problems and slow customer service.

In contrast, Holafly boasts a much higher rating, with many users praising its ease of use, responsive support, and reliable service. Yet, some note that it has higher pricing than its competitors.

Conclusion: Airalo vs Holafly

Airalo and Holafly each offer unique features for travelers, with Airalo providing a wide range of eSIM options and competitive pricing, while Holafly focuses on simplicity and unlimited data plans.

However, when considering factors like flexibility, customer service, and coverage, Saily stands out as the top choice. With a personalized user experience and reliable support, it offers seamless mobile connectivity no matter where you are.