Airalo sells eSIM data packages, either a fixed amount of data or unlimited, each valid for a set number of days, while Holafly sells unlimited data by the day for a trip, or as a monthly plan. As of October 2026, Airalo's US unlimited package runs from 11.50 dollars for 3 days to 68.00 dollars for 30 days, and Holafly's US eSIM starts at 3.90 dollars for a single day. Choose Airalo if you want to match data to the trip, Holafly if you'd rather never check your usage.
Both are travel eSIM companies with 200+ destinations, both install from an app, and both keep you off roaming. The difference is how you pay for data. I read Airalo's homepage, US page and how-it-works page, and Holafly's homepage, US page and plans page, to compare like for like.
Airalo and Holafly side by side
| Airalo | Holafly | |
|---|---|---|
| How plans work | Data packages valid for a set period, with fixed or unlimited data | Unlimited data for the number of days you choose, or a monthly plan |
| Destinations | 200+ locations, local, regional and global | 200+ destinations; monthly plans cover 160+ |
| US example | Unlimited: 11.50 dollars for 3 days, 25.00 for 7 days, 68.00 for 30 days; fixed data from 4.00 | From 3.90 dollars for 1 day of unlimited data |
| Monthly plans | Renewals top up automatically when 10% of your data is left | Light 25 GB 49.90 dollars a month, Unlimited 64.90, Ultra 90.95 |
| Calls and texts | Some packages include calls and texts | Monthly Unlimited includes a local number for inbound SMS |
| Topping up | Top up the same eSIM instead of buying a new one | Keep the eSIM installed for future trips |
| When the clock starts | When the eSIM connects to a supported network at your destination | When you arrive and turn on your eSIM |
How Airalo charges for data
Airalo's model is pick a place, pick a package. Every package includes an amount of data that's valid for a period of time, and some include calls and texts. On its US page, as of October 2026, unlimited packages run 11.50 dollars for 3 days, 18.50 for 5 days, 25.00 for 7 days, 34.00 for 10 days, 46.00 for 15 days and 68.00 for 30 days, with fixed-data packages starting at 4.00 dollars and regional North America packages from 5.50.
The detail people miss: Airalo says the validity period starts when the eSIM activates, and most eSIMs activate when they connect to a supported network at the destination. So you can install before you fly without burning days. Airalo also offers renewals that automatically renew your package when you have 10% of your data left, so a long trip doesn't cut out mid-call.
How Holafly charges for data
Holafly's pitch is simple: unlimited data, you just choose the number of days. Its US eSIM starts at 3.90 dollars for one day, and its page says more days bring the daily rate down. If you're away for 30+ days, its monthly plans take over, as of October 2026: Light at 49.90 dollars a month for 25 GB, Unlimited at 64.90 and Ultra at 90.95, across 160+ destinations, with hotspot sharing and renewal you can cancel any time.
Monthly members also get Holafly's Always On feature: 1 GB of backup data, renewed automatically every 30 days. And Holafly tells you not to uninstall the eSIM after a trip, because you can use it again for the next one.
Which one to choose
- A short city break where you mostly use maps and messages: Airalo's fixed-data packages match the trip.
- A week of video calls, uploads and hotspotting a laptop: unlimited, from either. Compare Airalo's 7 day unlimited with Holafly's 7 day total for your destination.
- Several countries in one trip: Airalo's regional and global packages, or a Holafly monthly plan if you're away a month or more.
- Living abroad or travelling most months: Holafly's monthly plans were built for this.
- Check your phone first: both need an eSIM-compatible, unlocked device.
If you want the wider field, I've compared the best eSIMs for international travel, and if you're weighing Holafly on its own, here's whether Holafly is legit.
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My advice on Airalo or Holafly
Compare the trip, not the brand. Put your destination and number of days into both, in the week you book, and compare the unlimited options side by side. I'd lean Airalo for short trips where I know my data use, and Holafly for long or heavy-use trips where I don't want to think about gigabytes at all.
Frequently asked questions
Is Airalo or Holafly better for a US trip?
It depends on trip length. As of October 2026, Airalo's US unlimited package is 11.50 dollars for 3 days and 68.00 dollars for 30 days, while Holafly's US eSIM starts at 3.90 dollars for one day, with lower daily rates for longer trips.
Does Airalo have unlimited data?
Yes. Airalo offers unlimited data packages for many destinations alongside fixed-data packages, and some packages include calls and texts.
When does my Airalo eSIM start counting days?
Airalo says the validity period starts when the eSIM activates, which for most eSIMs is when they connect to a supported network at your destination.
Can I reuse a Holafly eSIM?
Yes. Holafly asks you not to uninstall your eSIM, because you can use it for future trips.
