Score Comparison
Pricing & Features
Making Your Decision
When to Choose Airalo
Budget travelers on short trips who want the widest plan selection and per-GB value across 200+ countries
Airalo is the Amazon of travel eSIMs — the largest marketplace with unmatched plan variety across 200+ countries. Its per-GB pricing is hard to beat for light-to-moderate data users, and the Discover+ plan uniquely adds calls and SMS. The lack of unlimited data and inconsistent customer support keep it from perfection, but for flexibility and value, Airalo remains the market leader.
Strengths
- Largest eSIM marketplace with 200+ countries and massive plan variety (local, regional, global)
- Affordable pricing starting at ~$3.50/1GB with the cheapest per-GB rates for small data packs
- Intuitive app with loyalty rewards program (Airmoney) and easy setup process
- Global Discover+ plan uniquely supports calls and SMS alongside data
Limitations
- No unlimited data plans — data cuts off abruptly when depleted
- Customer support over-reliant on AI chatbots with a stingy refund policy (Trustpilot 3.7/5)
- Initial connectivity can take up to 30 minutes in new destinations
When to Choose GigSky
Frequent flyers and cruise travelers who need specialized inflight and maritime connectivity options
GigSky is the original Apple eSIM partner with 15 years of industry experience and unique offerings that no competitor can match — inflight, cruise, and offshore connectivity. The premium pricing and mixed reliability on specialty plans are notable weaknesses, but for travelers who need connectivity in unconventional environments, GigSky fills a niche no one else serves.
Strengths
- Apple's first eSIM partner with full MVNO status and 400+ carrier partnerships across 190+ countries
- Unique connectivity options including inflight (Panasonic Avionics), cruise ships, and offshore platforms
- Free 100MB trial for new users with the longest activation window in the industry (12 months)
- GigSky One subscription ($34/mo) provides year-round connectivity in 120+ countries
Limitations
- Premium pricing category ranked #32/38 — expensive compared to Airalo and Saily for basic travel data
- Cruise and specialty plan reliability issues reported by multiple users
- Customer support can be repetitive without fully resolving technical issues
