Airalo
Budget travelers on short trips who want the widest plan selection and per-GB value across 200+ countries
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 Nomad
Short-trip travelers who want simple, reliable data with a loyalty program for repeat use
Nomad is a reliable, no-frills eSIM provider that balances decent coverage across 200+ destinations with a simple interface and loyalty rewards. It won't blow you away with features, but it does the basics well. Best suited for travelers who want straightforward data plans without unnecessary complexity.
Strengths
- Easy one-tap install with QR code and manual options plus a clean, intuitive interface
- Loyalty points program rewards repeat customers with discounts on future plans
- Good top-up capability prevents mid-trip data depletion with easy in-app purchases
- Regional and global plan bundles work well for multi-country travelers
Limitations
- Data-only with no hotspot support and no voice or SMS capabilities
- Throttling on unlimited plans kicks in after just 1-2GB daily usage
- Inconsistent coverage reported in certain areas including parts of Vietnam and rural Florida
