Planning a trip abroad and looking for an alternative to Airalo eSIM? Although Airalo is one of the most well-known providers of data eSIMs, there are other options that might better suit your needs. In this article, we'll introduce you to three top alternatives - eSIM4Travel, GigSky, and Holafly - and help you choose the most suitable virtual SIM card for your next trip.
For quick comparison of all available eSIMs for your destination, we recommend using our eSIM comparison tool on vefru.com, where you can filter by required data size, validity period, and country - even multiple countries at once.
Article Contents
Why look for alternatives to Airalo?
Airalo is a popular provider of travel eSIMs with coverage in 211 countries, but it has its disadvantages:
- Higher prices - Airalo is often more expensive than competitors, especially for smaller data packages
- No unlimited data - doesn't offer unlimited data plans for demanding users
- Can't purchase more data without Wi-Fi - after using up your package, you must have Wi-Fi access
- Low rating on Trustpilot (2.6/5) - some users report connection issues
If you're looking for a cheaper, more reliable, or more flexible solution, it's worth exploring alternatives. Using our eSIM comparison tool, you can easily find the best offer for your specific destination and needs.
Now let's look at the three best alternatives to Airalo that we've thoroughly tested.
eSIM4Travel - affordable alternative
eSIM provider eSIM4Travel from the USA offers very competitive prices for data plans and coverage in 170 countries. It doesn't offer an app, but allows easy setup via QR code and has excellent customer support through online chat.
170 countries, regional plans (Asia, Middle East, Latin America, Europe).
Supports data top-ups.
Hotspot allowed.
No speed limitations.
Simple installation and activation.Very competitive prices.Excellent customer support.
No mobile app.Absence of unlimited data plans.
Main advantages of eSIM4Travel over Airalo
eSIM4Travel is our first recommended alternative to Airalo, for several reasons:
- Significantly lower prices - often up to 4x cheaper than Airalo for the same data volume
- Professional customer support - quick response and genuine effort to solve problems
- High connection speeds - during our testing in Switzerland, up to 116 Mbps download and 89.5 Mbps upload
- Ability to switch between networks - if you have a weak signal, you can switch to another network in that country
During our testing, we particularly appreciated the excellent price/performance ratio. In most countries, eSIM4Travel offers data packages from 1GB to 50GB at very competitive prices. Plus, their regional packages (e.g., "Best Europe 35") cover many countries in a single package, which is ideal for traveling to multiple destinations.
The disadvantage is the absence of a mobile app - everything is done through websites. After using up your data, you also can't purchase more without Wi-Fi access. But if you're looking for an affordable solution with quality support, eSIM4Travel is an excellent choice.
For more information, you can read our complete review of eSIM4Travel or compare offers for specific destinations using our eSIM comparison tool.
GigSky - coverage on land, sea and in the air
GigSky is an American provider of data eSIMs with unique coverage in more than 200 countries, including places where other providers don't offer services. It was founded in 2010 and is a pioneer in eSIM technology - it was even Apple's first eSIM partner.
Unique advantages of GigSky over Airalo
- Free trial version - you can get 100 MB of data for free without entering a payment card
- Connection on cruise ships - coverage on more than 200 cruise ships around the world
- In-flight connection - service works on board more than 20 airlines
- One eSIM for all trips - just download one eSIM that works for the entire lifetime of your device
- Access to the app even without data - thanks to a special "captive portal," you have access to the app even after using up your data
GigSky offers flexible data packages from 500 MB to 50 GB and also unlimited plans in intervals of 3-15 days. Prices are competitive, especially for regional packages - for example, European rates start at $5.99 for 1 GB valid for seven days.
The disadvantage may be speed limitations for unlimited plans after exceeding 2.5 GB daily (to 100 kbps) and higher prices for plans with large data volumes. GigSky also doesn't support calls or SMS - it works only as a data connection.
If you frequently travel on cruise ships or fly and need reliable connectivity, GigSky is a great choice. For more information, you can read our detailed review of GigSky.
To find the best offer for your trip, use our eSIM comparison tool on vefru.com, which allows you to compare GigSky with other providers.
Holafly - unlimited data for demanding users
Holafly is a leading Irish eSIM provider with truly unlimited data in more than 160 countries. However, if you only need a small amount of data, it might be more expensive.
160 countries, local and regional unlimited eSIM.
Average iPhone app. 3.5 from 150 reviews.
Excellent Android app. 4.6 from 1,000 reviews.Supports additional data purchases.Hotspot mostly limited to 500 MB.Speed limited according to Fair Use Policy (approx. 4.5 GB/day).Truly unlimited data in 160+ countries.Fast and helpful customer support.Low transparency regarding FUP limits.Hotspot not available in all countries.
When to choose Holafly instead of Airalo
Holafly is the third alternative to Airalo, focusing exclusively on unlimited data packages. This is a fundamental difference from Airalo, which offers only limited data plans.
Main advantages of Holafly over Airalo:
- Truly unlimited data in more than 160 countries worldwide
- Extremely easy installation of eSIM directly through the app without scanning a QR code
- Excellent rating on Trustpilot (4.7/5 from approximately 35,000 reviews)
- Immediate functionality after installation without needing to restart your phone
During our testing, we found that Holafly applies a FUP limit of approximately 4.5 GB/day, after which speed may be reduced. Even so, we measured stable speeds around 30 Mbps, which is sufficient for most common activities including video streaming and video calls.
The disadvantage of Holafly is higher prices (from $19 for 5 days up to $107 for 60 days) and limiting hotspot to 500 MB in some countries. The purchase process is also somewhat complicated, especially when using Google Pay.
Holafly is an ideal choice for travelers who don't want to worry about the amount of data consumed, digital nomads working remotely, or those who need a stable connection for an extended period. For more information, you can read our complete review of Holafly or the comparison Airalo VS Holafly.
To find the best data plan for your trip, use our eSIM comparison tool on vefru.com.
Comparison of Airalo alternatives
To make your selection easier, we've prepared a clear comparison of all four data eSIM providers:
| Provider | eSIM4Travel | GigSky | Holafly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coverage (countries) | 170 | 200+ | 160+ |
| Price (per GB) | $1.00+ | $0 - $4.99 | $3 - $9.99 /day |
| Unlimited data | No | Yes (with FUP) | Yes (with FUP) |
| Hotspot | Yes | Yes | Limited (500 MB) |
| Mobile app | No | Yes | Yes |
| Vefru Rating | 4.4/5 | 4.0/5 | 3.2/5 |
| Best for | Low prices | Special coverage | Unlimited data |
As you can see from the table, each provider has its strengths. eSIM4Travel excels in affordability, GigSky offers unique coverage including cruise ships and flights, while Holafly is best for users who need unlimited data.
To find the best offer for your specific trip, we recommend using our eSIM comparison tool, where you can filter by destination, amount of data, and validity period.
How to choose the right eSIM for your trip
When selecting a virtual SIM card for travel, consider the following factors:
1. Planned data consumption
If you're planning just basic usage (navigation, social media, emails), a smaller data package will suffice. In that case, eSIM4Travel or GigSky is an ideal choice thanks to lower prices per GB.
For more demanding users who stream videos, work remotely, or need constant connectivity, Holafly with unlimited data is a better choice.
For a better idea of how much data you'll need, visit our guides what 2 GB of data is enough for, what 5 GB of data is enough for, or what 10 GB of data is enough for.
2. Destination and length of stay
Check whether your selected provider covers all the countries you plan to visit. For traveling across multiple countries, regional packages are suitable (offered by all the mentioned providers).
For longer stays, Holafly with unlimited data may be more economical, while for shorter trips, eSIM4Travel or GigSky is often more advantageous.
3. Special requirements
If you're traveling on a cruise ship or need connectivity during flights, GigSky is a unique choice with coverage in these areas.
For users who need to share their connection via hotspot with multiple devices, eSIM4Travel or GigSky are better choices than Holafly, which limits hotspot usage.
4. Device compatibility
Before purchasing any eSIM, verify that your device is compatible. Most modern smartphones support eSIM, but it's good to check in our list of phones with eSIM support.
For more detailed information on how to use eSIM while traveling, read our comprehensive guide eSIM for travel.
For quick comparison of all available eSIMs for your destination, use our eSIM comparison tool on vefru.com, which will save you time and money.
Frequently asked questions about Airalo alternatives
Which Airalo alternative is the cheapest?
According to our testing, eSIM4Travel is generally the cheapest alternative, often up to 4x cheaper than Airalo for the same amount of data. For exact price comparisons for your specific destination, we recommend using our eSIM comparison tool.
Which alternative offers the best coverage?
In terms of number of countries, GigSky with more than 200 countries has the widest coverage, closely followed by Airalo with 211 countries. GigSky is also the only one offering coverage on cruise ships and during flights, making it the most comprehensive solution for global travelers.
Can I use an eSIM simultaneously with my regular SIM card?
Yes, most modern phones with eSIM support allow you to use a physical SIM card simultaneously with an eSIM. This means you can remain available on your regular phone number while using data via eSIM. Some phones even support multiple active eSIMs at once. For more information, visit our list of phones with eSIM support.
How does eSIM installation work with different providers?
The installation process differs among individual providers:
- eSIM4Travel - installation via QR code, which you receive after purchase
- GigSky - installation via app or QR code
- Holafly - simplest installation directly through the app without needing to scan a QR code
For detailed instructions, visit our guides how to add eSIM to iPhone or how to add eSIM to Samsung.
What if I run out of data during my trip?
With all the mentioned providers, you can purchase additional data, but you'll need Wi-Fi access to do so (except for GigSky, which offers access to the app even without active data). eSIM4Travel and GigSky offer flexible options for purchasing additional data, while with Holafly's unlimited data, you don't have to worry about this issue.
What's the quality of customer support for Airalo alternatives?
According to our tests, eSIM4Travel has the best customer support - fast, professional, and truly helpful. GigSky also has good support, especially in the app. Holafly offers quick support via chat in various languages, but English is the primary language.
Conclusion: Which Airalo alternative is the best?
After thorough testing and comparison, we can recommend:
- eSIM4Travel - best choice for travelers on a limited budget and those looking for excellent price/performance ratio
- GigSky - ideal for global travelers who need coverage on cruise ships, during flights, or in exotic destinations
- Holafly - perfect for demanding users who don't want to worry about the amount of data consumed and need stable connectivity
Each of these alternatives offers something that Airalo lacks, whether it's lower prices, unlimited data, or special coverage. To find the best eSIM for your specific trip, we recommend using our eSIM comparison tool on vefru.com, which allows you to filter offers by required data size, validity period, and destination - even multiple countries at once.
If you're planning a trip and want to learn more about connectivity options abroad, read our comprehensive guide eSIM for travel or check out frequently asked questions and answers about eSIM.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Airalo alternative offers the best coverage?
Is eSIM4Travel really cheaper than Airalo?
What's the difference between limited and unlimited data plans?
How do I know how much data I'll need on my trip?
Is my phone compatible with eSIM?
Can I use multiple eSIMs at once?
How does purchasing additional data work with different eSIM providers?
