Choosing a travel eSIM is no longer simply about finding the cheapest data package.
Travelers now have several different types of eSIM providers to choose from.
Some focus on fixed-data packages. Others specialize in unlimited data. Some require an app, while others can be managed through a website. A few offer one reusable global eSIM, pay-as-you-go credit, phone numbers, security tools or recurring plans.
This guide compares seven travel eSIM providers:
The goal is not to declare one provider the winner for every traveler.
Instead, the best eSIM depends on your destination, data requirements, trip duration, device, budget and the features you actually need.
There is no single best eSIM provider for every traveler.
Figabytes may suit travelers who want country, regional and global plans without needing a dedicated app, plus reusable installation on eligible eSIMs.
Airalo offers one of the broadest established eSIM marketplaces with local, regional and global plans across 200+ locations.
Holafly focuses heavily on unlimited-data travel eSIMs.
Saily combines travel data with security features and an optional US phone number.
Nomad offers fixed and unlimited plans with app and web management.
Roamless uses a distinctive global pay-as-you-go model where its Flex credit does not expire.
Ubigi offers reusable eSIM connectivity and one-off, monthly and annual plans.
The best choice depends on how you travel.
Last checked: August 31, 2026.
| Provider | Coverage | Main approach | App required | Unlimited data | Reusable / multi-trip approach |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Figabytes | 200+ destinations | Country, regional and global plans | No | Selected destinations | Eligible eSIMs can be reinstalled |
| Airalo | 200+ locations | Large local, regional and global marketplace | No, app also available | Yes, selected products | Top-ups and renewals available on supported eSIMs |
| Holafly | 200+ destinations | Unlimited data by trip duration | No, app also available | Major focus | New prepaid eSIM generally used for new trips |
| Saily | 200+ destinations | App-centered eSIM plus security features | Yes for primary experience | Yes | One installed Saily eSIM can support future plans |
| Nomad | 200+ destinations | Fixed, regional, global and unlimited plans | No, app also available | Yes | Add-ons available on eligible active plans |
| Roamless | 200+ destinations | Global eSIM plus pay-as-you-go wallet | No, web and app available | Not its primary proposition | Single global eSIM designed for repeated use |
| Ubigi | 200+ destinations | Reusable eSIM with one-off and recurring plans | No, app also available | Selected plans | Reusable eSIM across 200+ destinations |
Features and availability can vary by country, device and plan.
At first glance, most travel eSIM companies appear similar.
You choose a destination, buy data, install an eSIM and connect when you arrive.
The major differences appear when you look more closely at:
Those differences matter more than simply comparing total destination counts.
Figabytes is a travel eSIM provider offering connectivity across 200+ destinations.
Travelers can choose country, regional and global plans directly through the Figabytes website.
Figabytes does not require a dedicated mobile app.
Depending on the destination, plans can include:
Figabytes also supports reusable installation on eligible eSIMs.
When an eligible eSIM displays Reinstall in My eSIMs, it can be installed again on a compatible device.
The biggest differences are its website-first experience and eligible reusable eSIM functionality.
An eligible eSIM can also be installed on another compatible device while remaining associated with the original purchaser's Figabytes account.
That can be useful when:
One eSIM can only be installed on one device at a time.
Airalo is a travel eSIM marketplace offering local, regional and global connectivity across more than 200 locations.
Travelers can purchase and manage eSIMs through the website or Airalo's mobile application.
Airalo currently offers:
Airalo also offers its app in multiple languages and currencies.
Airalo provides a large and mature international eSIM marketplace.
It is particularly useful for travelers who want a wide choice of destinations and plan types within one ecosystem.
Airalo currently advertises more than 30 million users and coverage across 200+ locations.
Airalo currently offers unlimited packages at supported destinations.
Its official unlimited-plan documentation states that unlimited products include a daily high-speed allowance.
At the time of checking, Airalo states that its unlimited products generally provide 3 GB of high-speed data per day, after which speeds are reduced until the allowance resets.
Travelers should therefore read the individual plan conditions rather than interpreting unlimited as unrestricted full-speed data.
Holafly is a travel eSIM provider with a strong focus on unlimited data.
It currently advertises unlimited-data eSIMs across more than 200 destinations.
One of Holafly's defining features is the ability to choose the number of days you need connectivity.
Current unlimited products can range from 1 to 90 days.
Holafly is one of the clearest options for travelers whose primary requirement is unlimited mobile data.
Instead of focusing mainly on selecting a number of gigabytes, travelers often select:
destination + number of travel days
This can make planning simpler for heavy data users.
However, hotspot limits and fair-use conditions can vary by destination, so they should still be checked.
Saily is a prepaid travel eSIM service developed by Nord Security, the company behind NordVPN.
It currently offers mobile data plans across 200+ countries and regions.
Saily differs from many conventional eSIM providers because it combines connectivity with additional digital security features.
Saily's current offering includes features designed to:
Saily also offers an optional +1 US-based phone number.
That add-on supports traditional voice calling and SMS alongside the Saily data eSIM.
Voice calling is currently supported in more than 130 countries.
Saily also promotes a single installed eSIM that can be used for future trips.
Rather than installing a completely new Saily eSIM every time, users can add new destination plans to the existing Saily eSIM.
This is a genuine differentiator for frequent travelers.
Nomad is an eSIM platform that allows travelers to purchase and manage prepaid mobile-data plans through both its website and mobile apps.
Nomad currently states that it covers more than 200 destinations.
Its products include:
Nomad gives travelers a broad selection of fixed and regional plans while supporting both app and web management.
Eligible active Nomad plans can also receive add-on data.
This means users do not necessarily need to install a completely new eSIM when they need more data.
Nomad also offers products labeled Unlimited.
Its official Help Center explains that these plans include daily high-speed allowances rather than unrestricted high-speed data.
For many current unlimited plans, Nomad states that the high-speed allowance is 2 GB per day before speeds are reduced.
The allowance resets every 24 hours.
This is another example of why unlimited-plan conditions should always be compared carefully.
Roamless takes a significantly different approach from most travel eSIM providers.
Instead of primarily requiring travelers to purchase a new destination package, Roamless offers a single global eSIM designed to work across 200+ destinations.
Its main product is called Roamless Flex.
Travelers add money to a Roamless wallet.
Data is then charged according to actual usage at the destination.
The balance is consumed per MB rather than through a conventional fixed package.
Roamless states that Flex credits:
This makes Roamless particularly different from conventional 7-day or 30-day travel packages.
Yes.
In addition to Flex, Roamless provides fixed country and regional data packages.
Its current documentation describes 30-day plans alongside the pay-as-you-go service.
Both can be used with the same global Roamless eSIM.
Roamless states that users install its global eSIM once and can continue using it across supported destinations.
The eSIM itself does not expire.
Roamless also currently states that users can reinstall their eSIM if needed without a stated reinstallation limit.
The Roamless eSIM itself is data-only.
However, Roamless also supports calls through its app using pay-as-you-go credit and has introduced Roamless Numbers for receiving calls and SMS through the app.
This is separate from the eSIM itself.
Ubigi is an international eSIM connectivity provider offering reusable eSIM service across more than 200 destinations.
Ubigi offers several plan structures, including:
Ubigi's reusable eSIM is one of its strongest features.
Once installed, the eSIM can be topped up with new plans rather than requiring a completely new eSIM for every destination.
Ubigi also provides recurring products that differ from typical short-term travel packages.
Examples include:
Ubigi currently states that its website and app are inaccessible from inside the United Arab Emirates.
Its UAE product pages advise travelers to install and activate the eSIM before flying to the UAE.
Ubigi also states that UAE plans cannot be used by UAE residents while in the UAE.
Travelers visiting the UAE should therefore review the current Ubigi conditions carefully before departure.
All seven providers in this comparison currently advertise broad international availability.
| Provider | Advertised reach |
|---|---|
| Figabytes | 200+ destinations |
| Airalo | 200+ locations |
| Holafly | 200+ destinations |
| Saily | 200+ countries and regions |
| Nomad | 200+ destinations |
| Roamless | 200+ destinations |
| Ubigi | 200+ destinations |
Coverage count alone therefore does not identify the best provider.
Instead, check the actual destination plan and included network.
Holafly currently places the strongest emphasis on unlimited travel data across its product catalog.
Airalo, Figabytes, Saily, Nomad and Ubigi also offer unlimited products in selected markets or product ranges.
The word unlimited can mean different things.
Before buying any unlimited eSIM, check:
For example, Airalo currently documents a 3 GB daily high-speed allowance for its unlimited products, while Nomad says many of its unlimited products use a 2 GB daily high-speed allowance.
Different destinations or products may have different conditions.
Figabytes is particularly straightforward for this requirement because it does not require a dedicated Figabytes mobile app.
Purchasing and management are handled through the website and online account.
Several competitors also allow web purchasing, including Airalo, Nomad and Roamless, but they additionally operate mobile applications.
Saily's primary product experience is much more centered around its app.
Several providers now offer some form of multi-trip or reusable experience, but they work differently.
Eligible eSIMs can become available for reinstallation.
New destination plans can be added to the same installed Saily eSIM.
A single global eSIM is designed to remain installed and work in 200+ destinations.
Its reusable eSIM can be recharged with plans for supported destinations.
Supported eSIMs can often receive top-ups or add-ons without requiring a completely new installation.
The word reusable therefore does not mean exactly the same thing across providers.
Roamless is the clearest provider in this comparison for travelers specifically looking for a global pay-as-you-go model.
Roamless Flex allows users to keep credit in their account and consume it according to actual data usage across supported destinations.
Its official documentation states that Flex credit does not expire.
That can suit:
Fixed packages can still provide better value for heavy data use, so compare the destination rate with conventional plans.
Most travel eSIMs are primarily designed around mobile data.
However, several providers have expanded beyond data-only connectivity.
Selected Airalo products include data, calls and texts.
An optional US phone number supports voice calls and SMS.
The eSIM itself is data-only, but in-app calling is available separately. Roamless Numbers can also support incoming calls and SMS through the application.
Travelers should check the individual product because many plans are data-only.
If a conventional phone number is essential, verify that feature before purchase.
Top-up and add-on behavior differs considerably.
| Provider | Additional data approach |
|---|---|
| Figabytes | Top-ups on supported plans |
| Airalo | Top-ups available on supported eSIMs |
| Holafly | Current prepaid by-days model generally requires another plan rather than traditional top-up |
| Saily | Add another plan to existing Saily eSIM |
| Nomad | Add-ons available on supported active plans |
| Roamless | Add Flex credit or purchase fixed plans |
| Ubigi | Recharge reusable eSIM with another plan |
For frequent travelers, this can be more important than the original installation process.
Hotspot support varies by provider, destination and plan.
Travelers who regularly connect laptops or tablets should not assume hotspot usage is unlimited simply because the phone plan says unlimited.
Always check:
Airalo currently states that hotspot use on its unlimited products uses the same daily high-speed allowance.
Holafly also states that hotspot allowances can vary by destination.
Frequent travelers may prioritize something different from occasional vacation travelers.
Potentially useful features include:
Roamless, Saily, Ubigi and eligible Figabytes eSIMs all approach repeat travel differently.
The best option depends on whether you prefer:
pay as you go, destination packages, recurring plans or reusable installation.
Travelers who mainly need:
may not need unlimited data.
A smaller fixed-data plan or pay-as-you-go model can often be more appropriate.
Figabytes, Airalo, Saily and Nomad all provide fixed-data options.
Roamless Flex may also appeal to very light users because data is consumed according to actual usage.
Heavy users should compare unlimited or large-data packages.
Holafly has the strongest unlimited-first proposition among the providers in this comparison.
Figabytes, Airalo, Saily, Nomad and Ubigi also provide unlimited options in parts of their product catalogs.
The important comparison is not simply whether the word Unlimited appears.
Check how much data remains at full speed.
| Provider | Main differentiator |
|---|---|
| Figabytes | Website-first management and eligible reusable eSIM installation |
| Airalo | Large established marketplace with broad plan choice |
| Holafly | Unlimited-data focus and flexible number of travel days |
| Saily | Connectivity plus security features and optional US number |
| Nomad | Broad fixed and unlimited plan catalog with add-ons |
| Roamless | Single global eSIM with non-expiring pay-as-you-go credit |
| Ubigi | Reusable global eSIM plus monthly and annual connectivity plans |
No.
The cheapest advertised price may represent:
A useful price comparison should match:
destination + data + validity
For unlimited products, also compare fair-use conditions.
A travel eSIM can provide more control over international data costs because the traveler purchases a specific package before or during the trip.
Traditional roaming can still be simpler for travelers who want everything billed through their existing mobile carrier.
The better option depends on:
If your phone supports dual SIM, you can generally keep your primary number while using a travel eSIM for mobile data.
Yes.
Installing a travel eSIM does not automatically change your WhatsApp number.
On compatible dual-SIM phones, you can normally keep your primary SIM active and choose the travel eSIM as your mobile-data line.
This applies regardless of whether the travel eSIM comes from Figabytes, Airalo, Holafly, Saily, Nomad, Roamless or Ubigi.
Make sure your primary carrier's roaming configuration does not accidentally generate data-roaming charges.
Do not start with the provider name.
Start with your trip.
Compare:
The provider that performs best on those requirements is more relevant than the provider with the largest overall marketing claim.
The travel eSIM market is increasingly diverse.
Airalo provides a broad marketplace with extensive international recognition.
Holafly is heavily focused on unlimited connectivity.
Saily combines data with security and communication tools.
Nomad provides flexible fixed, regional and unlimited packages.
Roamless offers one of the most distinctive pay-as-you-go models, with non-expiring Flex credit and one global eSIM.
Ubigi combines reusable connectivity with one-off, monthly and annual plans.
Figabytes takes a website-first approach and combines country, regional and global packages with reusable installation functionality for eligible eSIMs.
There is no reason to expect one provider to win every destination or every type of trip.
Compare the actual plan available where you are traveling.
There is no single best eSIM for every international trip. Figabytes, Airalo, Holafly, Saily, Nomad, Roamless and Ubigi all offer different advantages. The right choice depends on destination, required data, validity, price, hotspot needs, whether you want an app and whether reusable or pay-as-you-go connectivity matters.
Well-known travel eSIM providers include Airalo, Holafly, Saily, Nomad, Roamless and Ubigi, alongside Figabytes. Google Trends data also shows considerable overlap between searches for these providers, which reflects how often travelers compare several brands before buying.
Yes. Both provide international travel eSIM plans across more than 200 destinations. Figabytes uses a website-first experience without requiring a dedicated app and supports reusable installation for eligible eSIMs. Airalo operates a large web and app-based marketplace with local, regional and global plans.
Yes. Both provide international travel connectivity, but their plan strategies differ. Holafly focuses strongly on unlimited data by travel duration. Figabytes provides both fixed-data plans and selected unlimited options.
Neither is automatically better. Saily differentiates itself with security features, a single installed eSIM for future trips and an optional US phone number. Airalo offers a larger established marketplace with local, regional, global and selected calls/text products. Compare actual plans for the destination.
Yes. Roamless primarily uses a pay-as-you-go model called Flex. Users add credit and consume it according to actual data usage across 200+ destinations. Roamless states that Flex credits do not expire. It also offers conventional 30-day data plans.
Yes. Ubigi advertises a reusable eSIM across 200+ destinations. Travelers can recharge the eSIM with new plans, including selected one-off, monthly and annual products.
Yes. Nomad offers unlimited products in addition to fixed-data plans. Its official documentation states that many unlimited plans use a daily high-speed allowance, commonly 2 GB, after which speeds are reduced until the allowance resets.
Holafly currently has one of the strongest unlimited-data-focused offerings, advertising unlimited plans across 200+ destinations. Airalo, Figabytes, Saily, Nomad and Ubigi also offer unlimited products in parts of their catalogs. Always compare high-speed allowances and fair-use conditions.
Figabytes does not require a dedicated mobile app and can be purchased and managed through its website and online account. Some other providers also support web purchasing but maintain apps as part of their service.
Regional or global plans can be useful for multi-country trips. Figabytes, Airalo, Holafly, Saily, Nomad, Roamless and Ubigi all offer ways to connect across multiple destinations. Compare the actual list of countries included because products carrying similar regional names can have different coverage.
The best eSIM for Europe depends on the countries being visited, data allowance and trip duration. Compare regional Europe plans from providers such as Figabytes, Airalo, Holafly, Saily, Nomad, Roamless and Ubigi against your full itinerary rather than assuming every Europe plan covers identical destinations.
Turkey is supported by multiple providers, including Figabytes, Airalo, Holafly, Saily, Nomad, Roamless and Ubigi. Compare equivalent data allowances and validity, or equivalent unlimited durations, along with supported networks and hotspot policies.
Yes, on compatible dual-SIM devices. You can generally keep your home SIM enabled for your normal number while selecting your travel eSIM for mobile data. Check your home carrier's roaming charges before leaving the primary line active abroad.
For a more detailed provider-by-provider comparison, read:
Compare country, regional and global travel eSIM plans for your destination.
Information was checked against current primary provider sources in August 2026.
Figabytes:
Airalo:
Holafly:
Saily:
Nomad:
Roamless:
Ubigi:
Last checked: August 31, 2026.
Coverage, pricing, networks, plan conditions, fair-use policies, unlimited-data allowances and features can change. Always check the current provider page before purchasing.