As travel becomes increasingly digital, staying connected while abroad has never been easier — and more confusing. Two of the most popular eSIM providers on the market today are Airalo and Holafly. But which one is right for you?
In this post, we compare the pros and cons of both, and help you decide based on your travel style, data needs, and budget.
Airalo vs Holafly: Quick Overview
| Feature | Airalo | Holafly |
|---|---|---|
| Data Plans | Fixed (1GB–20GB) | Unlimited (in most regions) |
| Price Range | 💸 Lower | 💰 Moderate |
| Speed of Setup | ⏳ Can vary | ⚡ Fast & seamless |
| App Experience | 📱 Improved recently | 📱 Excellent |
| Customer Support | ✉️ In-app and email | 💬 WhatsApp, Email, App |
| Ideal For | Budget travellers, light users | Heavy data users, streamers |
Airalo – Budget-Friendly and Simple for Light Use
Airalo is often the first eSIM provider travellers try — and with good reason. Their platform offers a wide variety of plans for different countries and regions, at incredibly low prices.
✅ Pros:
Extremely affordable (plans start from just a few dollars)
Offers regional and global eSIMs
Wide availability in 190+ countries
App has improved setup process recently
❌ Cons:
Setup used to be fiddly, especially for first-time users
Can take time to receive eSIM details after purchase
No unlimited data options (must monitor usage)
💡 Best For:
Travellers who don’t use a lot of data — think messaging, checking maps, and quick browsing. If you’re on a short trip or trying to stay within a strict budget, Airalo is hard to beat.
Holafly – Unlimited Data, No Stress
Holafly is a strong competitor with one major advantage: unlimited data in most destinations — including the UK, Europe, USA, and more.
✅ Pros:
Unlimited data on most country plans
Super-fast setup: details arrive via email, app, and even WhatsApp
In-app installation (just tap the QR code and go)
Excellent 24/7 customer support
Join Holafly Travel Club to earn Holapoints (cashback-style discounts)
❌ Cons:
Slightly more expensive than Airalo
Unlimited plans don’t support mobile hotspot/tethering
💡 Best For:
Travellers who stream videos, use maps all day, work remotely, or simply don’t want to worry about running out of data. Still great value considering the unlimited data offering.
✨ Holafly Tips & Hacks
Want to make Holafly even more affordable?
Join the Holafly Travel Club: Every purchase earns you “Holapoints” to redeem against future eSIMs.
Use the app to get 5% off your order instantly.
Buy one eSIM, wait a day: They often send you a 5–10% discount code to use on your next order (handy for multi-country travel).
🛠️ Airalo Setup Tips
Airalo has improved a lot, but it still helps to plan ahead:
Allow 15–30 minutes to receive your QR code after purchase.
Set up while connected to Wi-Fi, not mobile data.
The app now walks you through the install step-by-step, but screenshot the details just in case.
⚖️ So Which Should You Choose?
✅ Choose Airalo if you want cheap, simple, and limited-data plans. Perfect for light users and short breaks.
✅ Choose Holafly if you need unlimited data, don’t want to think about your usage, or just value a seamless experience.
For most travellers, Holafly is worth the extra few pounds for the peace of mind and smooth setup process — especially if you’re streaming, navigating a lot, or travelling for business.
🙋♂️ Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between Airalo and Holafly?
Airalo offers low-cost, fixed data plans while Holafly provides unlimited data options. Airalo is cheaper, but Holafly offers more peace of mind with no data limits.
Does Holafly really offer unlimited data?
Yes. Holafly provides unlimited data in many countries, including the UK, but does not allow tethering (hotspot use) with these plans.
How long does it take to get an Airalo eSIM?
It can take anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes to receive the eSIM QR code after purchase. Be sure to check your email and app notifications.
Can I earn discounts with Holafly?
Yes! Holafly’s Travel Club lets you earn Holapoints for money off future purchases. Plus, using their mobile app gives you 5% off instantly.
Can I use both my home SIM and an eSIM at the same time?
Yes. Most modern phones (including iPhones) support dual SIM, allowing you to use your regular SIM for calls/texts and your eSIM for data.
