Holafly vs Airalo: Who Is Better? A Complete 2025 Comparison

eSIM comparison · Updated for 2025

 

Holafly and Airalo are two of the most popular eSIM providers for international travel. Both brands let you buy and activate mobile data on your phone without a physical SIM card, but they follow very different strategies in terms of pricing, data limits and customer experience. In this guide, we compare Holafly vs Airalo in detail so you can decide which one is better for your next trip.

Overview

What is Holafly?

Holafly positions itself as a premium eSIM provider focused on unlimited-style data plans and full-service customer support. Their catalog targets travelers who want simplicity and do not want to think about how many gigabytes they are using every day.

What is Airalo?

Airalo is known as one of the most affordable eSIM marketplaces, offering hundreds of plans across individual countries, regions and global zones. Their strongest point is flexibility: you can choose exactly how much data you want and for how many days.

Quick comparison: Holafly vs Airalo

Feature	Holafly	Airalo
Main focus	Unlimited-style data plans	Low-cost, fixed data bundles
Typical price level	Higher	Lower
Best for	Heavy data users, simplicity	Budget travelers, flexible data
Hotspot / tethering	Often not allowed on unlimited plans	Usually allowed (check plan details)
Customer support	Faster, more hands-on	Slower, more self-service
App experience	Clean, simple	Very complete marketplace app

1. Pricing

Airalo – usually cheaper

In most destinations, Airalo offers some of the cheapest eSIM plans on the market, especially for:

• Short trips (3–7 days)
• Low to moderate data usage (1–10 GB)
• Regional plans such as Europe, Asia or Latin America

You will often see small plans starting around the $4–$5 range, which makes Airalo very attractive for budget-conscious travelers or people who only need data for maps, messaging apps and occasional browsing.

Holafly – higher prices for unlimited-style plans

Holafly tends to be more expensive because its main promise is “unlimited-style” data. A typical Holafly plan can easily cost two or three times more than a comparable Airalo package for the same destination, especially if you only need a few gigabytes.

Pricing verdict: Airalo clearly wins on price for most travelers.

2. Data types: unlimited vs limited

Holafly – unlimited-style data

Holafly markets many of its plans as unlimited data, which is perfect if you do not want to think about usage at all. This suits:

• Heavy social media users
• Remote workers who rely on video calls
• Travelers who stream music or videos on the go

However, like most unlimited offers in the telecom industry, these plans are normally subject to a Fair Usage Policy (FUP). This means speeds may be reduced after high levels of consumption, even if the plan is advertised as unlimited.

Airalo – clear, limited data bundles

Airalo focuses on fixed data packages such as 1 GB, 3 GB, 5 GB, 10 GB and so on. This is ideal if you know your approximate usage and prefer full transparency:

• You pay for a specific amount of data.
• You can see clearly how much you have left.
• You can top up or buy another plan if you need more.

Data type verdict: Holafly is better for heavy or worry-free usage, while Airalo is better if you want predictable, measured data and full control over your budget.

3. Coverage & reliability

Airalo coverage

Airalo works as a marketplace with many local and regional operators. Coverage and performance are usually good in popular destinations like Europe, the USA and many parts of Asia. In some less common destinations, performance can vary depending on the underlying network.

Holafly coverage

Holafly partners with selected operators in each country and focuses on stable performance for its unlimited-style products. In major destinations such as the USA, Mexico, Japan or Europe, coverage is generally strong.

Coverage verdict: It is essentially a tie and heavily depends on the specific country. Before buying, it is always smart to check which local network each plan uses.

4. Hotspot & tethering

Airalo – hotspot usually allowed

For many Airalo eSIMs, using your phone as a hotspot or for tethering is allowed. This is very useful if you are traveling with a laptop or want to share internet with friends or family. You should still check the terms for each individual plan, but in general Airalo is friendly towards hotspot usage.

Holafly – hotspot often restricted

With Holafly, hotspot and tethering can be restricted, especially on unlimited-style plans. In some destinations, you will not be able to share your data connection with other devices, or it may be discouraged in the conditions.

Hotspot verdict: Airalo wins if you need to use your phone as a hotspot.

5. Installation & setup

Both Holafly and Airalo use the standard eSIM installation process: after purchase, you receive a QR code or activation code, you scan it with your phone and the eSIM profile is downloaded.

Holafly setup

Holafly presents itself as more “done for you”. Instructions are very guided and oriented to beginners who are buying an eSIM for the first time.

Airalo setup

Airalo’s installation flow is simple but feels more self-service. If you are comfortable with your phone’s settings, you will have no issues.

Setup verdict: Both are easy to use. Holafly has a slight advantage for complete beginners, while Airalo is perfectly fine for most users.

6. App & user experience

Airalo app

The Airalo app is one of the strongest points of the brand. It works as a central hub where you can:

• Browse eSIMs by country, region or “global” coverage
• Check your remaining data balance
• Top up or repurchase plans in a few taps
• Manage multiple eSIMs if you travel frequently

Holafly app

Holafly also offers an app with a clean design and clear setup instructions. However, it is less of a marketplace and more of a catalog focused on their own unlimited-style offers. It is easy to understand but not as feature-rich as Airalo’s app.

App verdict: Airalo wins for app functionality and ongoing eSIM management.

7. Customer support

Holafly support

Holafly places a lot of emphasis on human support. They typically offer 24/7 assistance and respond faster to issues via chat or messaging, with language options for non-English speakers.

Airalo support

Airalo’s support is more ticket-based and less immediate. You usually open a ticket from the app and wait for a reply. For simple questions this is fine, but in urgent cases some travelers may find it a bit slow.

Support verdict: Holafly clearly wins in terms of response speed and hand-holding.

Pros and cons summary

FAQ: Holafly vs Airalo