Airalo Review: The Best eSIM for Travel in 2025?

In a world where staying connected is pretty much essential – whether that means checking Google Maps in Rome, replying to work emails from a beach in Bali, or streaming “White Lotus” in a Tokyo hotel – finding the right eSIM provider can make or break your travel experience in terms of both cost and convenience.

That’s where Airalo comes in, one of the most popular names in the eSIM industry, boasting global coverage, competitive pricing, and an app that’s super easy to use.

But, with so many other options out there, how good is it, really? Is it the best choice for budget-conscious travellers, business professionals, and digital nomads who want to stay connected without racking up hefty roaming fees?

Ultimately, with eSIMs becoming more mainstream and with a seemingly endless number of competitors on the market, Airalo’s promise of instant activation, affordable data plans, and support in over 200 countries is what makes it really stand out. So, does it live up to the hype?

In this in-depth review, we’ll take a closer look at pricing, coverage, speed, ease of use, and pretty much everything in between so that you can decide whether or not Airalo is worth the trouble.

Overview of Airalo

Founded in 2019 by Abraham Burak and Ahmet Bahadır Özdemir, Airalo is the world’s first eSIM store, offering travellers access to eSIMs at local rates across in more than 200 countries and regions.

The company has rapidly positioned itself as a reputable, trusted brand in the eSIM market, providing affordable and convenient connectivity solutions.

Airalo competes with other big-name eSIM providers like Nomad and Holafly, but while Nomad and Holafly also offer international eSIM services, Airalo stands out from the crowd with extensive global coverage and a user-friendly platform.

The company specializes in both global and regional travel, providing eSIMs that are tailored to specific countries, regions, or global plans. ​

Airalo’s standout feature and Unique Selling Proposition (USP) is its impressive selection of eSIMs, allowing users to download and install digital data packs from over 200 countries and regions, meaning that you can have connectivity as soon as you arrive – no more running around or waiting for connectivity!

Airalo At a Glance

• Coverage: Over 200 countries and regions.
• Network: Mostly 4G connectivity; 5G availability depends on the destination and local network support. ​
• Pricing: Generally pretty affordable, offering cost-effective alternatives to traditional roaming fees.
• App Usability: The Airalo app is designed to be nice and easy to use, facilitating straightforward eSIM purchases, installations, and top-ups. ​
• Activation: eSIMs can be installed anytime after they’ve been purchased (before you even arrive at your destination) and they’re activated as you arrive.

Coverage & Network Reliability

​Airalo offers extensive (and quite frankly, impressive) eSIM coverage all over the world, providing travelers with reliable connectivity almost anywhere they go in the world.

Supported Countries

Airalo provides both global and regional eSIM packages, including options for Europe, Asia, North America, and more. Now, coverage is vast, but it’s still a good idea to verify that specific countries are covered before you head out.

Network Partners

Airalo manages to ensure its high-quality service by collaborating with major local carriers. For instance, in France, it utilizes networks like Orange, SFR, Bouygues, or Free.

Generally speaking, Airalo offers 4G connectivity, with 5G availability depending on the destination and local network support.

Performance by Region

• Europe: Connections are reportedly pretty strong, particularly in countries like France and Germany, because it benefits from partnerships with top-tier carriers (big plus).
• North America: Coverage is robust in urban areas, but in rural areas, connectivity may be a little more spotty.​
• Asia: Airalo has an Asialink eSIM that’s specifically intended for use in Asia, providing coverage in multiple countries, including China, Japan, and India. ​
• South America and Africa: It’s worth being aware that while Airalo does offer regional eSIM packages for these continents, coverage can be more limited compared to other regions. ​
  

Overall, Airalo delivers a convenient solution for international travelers looking for connectivity options that are broad, flexible, and most of all, reliable.

4. Data Plans & Pricing

Since Airalo offers such vast coverage across a vast number of countries and regions, it’s no surprise that it has several different data plans and pricing options.

Depending on individual travelers’ needs, ​Airalo offers a diverse range of eSIM plans including pay-as-you-go, regional packages, and global bundles. Unlike some competitors, Airalo doesn’t actually have unlimited data plans at the moment.

Pricing Breakdown

• Cheapest Plan: For example, in Turkey, Airalo’s plans start at $4.50 for 1GB of data valid for 7 days. ​
• Most Expensive Plan: Global plans, like 20GB valid for 365 days, cost $69. ​

Airalo doesn’t really offer long-term users much of a discount,  but because there’s such a variety of plans on offer, there’s a fair bit of flexibility, so you can choose packages that align with the duration and data requirements of your trip, whatever those things may be.

Cost Comparison Vs. Competitors

When compared to competitors like Nomad and Holafly, Airalo often provides more affordable options.

For instance, Airalo’s Europe eSIM offers 5GB for 30 days at $16, whereas Holafly’s unlimited data plan for 5 days costs $19.

But, the obvious difference is that Holafly’s plans include unlimited data, which may be more suitable for heavy data users. It all depends on your personal usage.

Hidden Fees & Validity

Airalo’s plans are very transparent, with no hidden fees waiting to catch you off guard at the end of an expensive holiday. Data validity varies by plan, typically ranging from seven to 365 days. Hotspot and tethering capabilities are generally supported without additional charges, but it’s definitely a good idea to confirm based on the specific plan you’re looking at as well as where you’re traveling to.

Pricing Options

5. Internet Speed & Network Performance

The quality of your internet is always going to depend on where you are, but here’s some general information on Airalo’s performance with regard to speed, latency, reliability, and feedback from customers.

Speed Tests

Airalo generally provides fast and stable internet in major travel destinations like Europe, North America, and parts of Asia, with users regularly reporting strong 4G speeds with limited but increasing access to true 5G networks.

While 5G is available in certain countries, but most users currently experience reliable high-speed 4G, which is more than enough for everyday travel needs.

Latency & Reliability

Latency is normally pretty low in urban areas, making Airalo suitable for streaming, video calls, and even casual gaming if that’s your thing. Users rarely encounter buffering or lag during normal use which is great news, because there’s nothing more frustrating.

There are no widespread reports of deliberate throttling, but, having said that, speeds may naturally slow down once the data limit is reached or in areas with weaker infrastructure.

Real-World User Feedback

Traveler reviews are largely positive when it comes to network consistency which is a good indication of a high-quality service provider.

In countries like Japan, the US and Germany, speeds are stable even during busy periods. but, in more remote regions (like, particularly parts of Africa and South America, for instance), some users have noted slower performance, which is frustrating, but not all-around unusual given the location.

6. Ease of Use & Setup Process

One of the main things people worry about is whether or not it’ll be easy to set up an eSIM, how long it’ll take, and how easy it’ll be use after that.

How to Buy & Install Airalo:

Getting started with Airalo is a simple process.

1. Download the Airalo app from the App Store or Google Play.
2. Once it’s installed, sign up and browse through the available eSIM plans for your travel destination. Select the plan that suits your needs and complete the purchase.
3. Once you’ve paid, the eSIM is automatically added to your device.
4. Activating the eSIM is straightforward: just follow the on-screen instructions to install it and set it as your default data plan.

The nice thing is that the app provides a clear guide through each step so it’s pretty difficult to get it wrong.

App Usability

Airalo’s app is designed to be user-friendly, with an interface that’s clean and intuitive. It’s easy to navigate, whether you’re looking to buy a new plan, check your data balance, or manage your existing subscriptions.

You can also top up your plan or switch to another one with just a few taps.

Customer Support

Airalo offers customer support via live chat and email, available during business hours – unfortunately, it something goes wrong after hours, you’re going to have to wait or figure it out yourself.

7. Pros & Cons of Airalo

Pros:

✔ Wide Global Coverage: Airalo offers eSIMs in over 200 countries

✔ Affordable Pricing: Plans range from budget-friendly to premium, with no roaming fees or hidden charges.
✔ Easy Setup: The eSIM can be purchased and activated directly through the app quickly and easily.

✔ User-Friendly App: The app allows you to monitor data usage, top up, and switch plans effortlessly.
✔ No Need to Swap SIMs: You can keep your original number while using data from Airalo, which is ideal for dual-SIM phones.

Cons:

❌ Limited 5G Access: While 5G is available in some locations, most coverage is still 4G (which isn’t uncommon).
❌ No Voice or SMS: Airalo eSIMs are data-only, so you’ll have to get an alternative app for calls and texts if you need that.
❌ Variable Speeds in Remote Areas: Network performance may drop in rural or underdeveloped regions.
❌ Customer Support Isn’t 24/7: Support is reliable, but it’s not available around the clock.

8. Who Should Use Airalo?

It’s impossible to say whether or not Airalo (or any other eSIM provider) is objectively good or bad, because most of the time, it’s very much dependent on your specific needs and wants. So, to make it easier for you, we’ve broken it down a bit:

Ideal For:
 ✔ Frequent Travellers: Those hopping between countries will appreciate Airalo’s global reach and flexibility.
✔ Digital Nomads: Remote workers benefit from reliable data without the hassle of physical SIM swaps.
✔ Budget-Conscious Tourists: Airalo offers affordable data plans with no surprise roaming fees.
✔ Business Travellers: Quick setup and wide coverage make it perfect for staying connected on the move.

Not Ideal For:
 ❌ Users Who Need Calls & Texts: Airalo is data-only, so traditional voice or SMS services aren’t included.
❌ Travellers Without eSIM-Compatible Devices: It only works with newer smartphones that support eSIM technology.

9. How It Compares to Other eSIM Providers

How does Airalo compare to top competitors?

Airalo offers wider global coverage (200+ countries) at budget-friendly pricing, making it a great option for travelers prioritising affordability and flexibility. It’s comparable to competitors like Holafly and Nomad, but the reason it really stands out is due to its lower cost.

Is it better for a specific audience?

Airalo is ideal for short-term travelers or those visiting multiple countries, thanks to its cost-effective plans and extensive coverage.

Best alternative if Airalo doesn’t fit your needs?

If Airalo’s pricing doesn’t suit you or you need unlimited data, Holafly is a strong alternative, especially for long-term travelers seeking hassle-free unlimited data plans.

10. Final Verdict: Is Airalo Worth It?

Airalo’s main selling point is its extensive global coverage and budget-friendly pricing, making it ideal for short-term travelers and those visiting multiple destinations. Its user-friendly app and fast 4G/5G speeds are also key benefits.

But, where it lacks is in terms of unlimited data options (because it doesn’t have any), and some users might find speeds slower in remote areas.

Overall, Airalo is a great choice for those wanting affordable, reliable connectivity. It’s especially recommended for frequent travelers who don’t need unlimited data.

However, unfortunately, if unlimited plans are a priority for you, Airalo isn’t a good option – something like Holafly might be a better fit.