Figabytes and Ubigi both provide international eSIM connectivity across more than 200 destinations.
But their product models are quite different.
Figabytes focuses on straightforward country, regional and global travel plans managed through a website, without requiring a dedicated mobile app.
Ubigi combines travel eSIMs with a reusable profile and a wider range of plan types, including one-off packages, monthly subscriptions and annual plans.
This comparison looks at coverage, pricing, installation, reusable eSIMs, top-ups, apps, long-term plans and practical destination differences.
Figabytes may suit travelers who want a simple website-first eSIM experience with country, regional and global plans and no dedicated app requirement.
Ubigi may suit travelers who want a reusable eSIM profile, recurring monthly or annual plans, Smartstart activation and app-based top-ups.
Both cover 200+ destinations.
Ubigi currently has a particularly competitive Japan offer, while Figabytes provides a simpler short-trip travel model across many destinations.
The better option depends on whether you prioritize simplicity or a more persistent connectivity ecosystem.
| Feature | Figabytes | Ubigi |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | 200+ destinations | 200+ destinations |
| Country plans | Yes | Yes |
| Regional plans | Yes | Yes |
| Global plans | Yes | Yes |
| Fixed-data plans | Yes | Yes |
| Unlimited plans | Selected destinations | Available on selected products |
| Dedicated app required | No | No |
| Mobile app available | No | Yes |
| Website management | Yes | Yes |
| Reusable eSIM | Eligible profiles | Yes |
| One-off plans | Yes | Yes |
| Monthly recurring plans | Not core model | Yes |
| Annual plans | Not core model | Yes |
| Top-ups | Supported plans | Yes |
| Smartstart activation | Depends on plan | Yes on current products |
| Data sharing | Depends on plan | Allowed on current cited plans |
| 5G | Depends on network/plan | Available on supported networks |
| Long-validity plans | Depends on product | Up to 12 months on selected plans |
Last checked: August 31, 2026.
Figabytes is a travel eSIM provider offering prepaid connectivity across more than 200 destinations.
Travelers can choose:
The service is managed through the Figabytes website and My eSIMs.
Figabytes does not require a dedicated mobile application.
Installation methods can include:
Eligible Figabytes eSIMs can also support reinstallation.
Ubigi is an international eSIM service providing connectivity across more than 200 destinations.
Its current products include:
Ubigi promotes a reusable eSIM model.
The eSIM can remain installed while travelers purchase new data packages for future destinations.
Current Ubigi products also commonly include Smartstart activation, which begins the data plan when the traveler reaches the supported destination.
Both currently advertise coverage across more than 200 destinations.
That means the overall destination count is very similar.
However, the exact coverage of individual regional or global products can differ.
Travelers should compare:
rather than choosing based only on the headline destination count.
This is one of the clearer differences.
Figabytes is website-first.
Travelers manage their service through:
There is no dedicated Figabytes app.
Ubigi offers both app and web management.
Its app can be used to:
Ubigi also supports web-based access, including ubigi.me for supported devices such as Windows laptops.
Travelers who want a full mobile app may prefer Ubigi.
Travelers who do not want another app may prefer Figabytes.
No.
Ubigi can provide the eSIM through a QR code sent by email.
However, its mobile app is an important part of its ongoing management experience, particularly for balance checks and top-ups.
Ubigi also provides web access.
No.
Figabytes does not have a dedicated app.
Purchasing, installation information and eSIM management are handled through the website.
Both now support eSIM reuse, but the models are different.
Eligible Figabytes eSIMs can display Reinstall status.
When eligible, the same profile can be installed again on another compatible device.
The eSIM:
Not every Figabytes eSIM is necessarily eligible.
Ubigi promotes its eSIM as reusable across more than 200 destinations.
The idea is to:
This gives Ubigi a more persistent profile model.
Yes.
Ubigi provides procedures for reinstalling an eSIM after deletion or when changing compatible devices.
Current Ubigi documentation places limits on the number of profile retrievals after deletion.
The current limit is up to five reinstallations after deletion on supported Apple devices.
Travelers should therefore avoid deleting the eSIM unnecessarily.
Yes, when the eSIM is eligible.
A Figabytes eSIM showing Reinstall status can be installed again on another compatible device.
The same profile cannot be active on two phones simultaneously.
Both provide options.
Ubigi supports eSIM retrieval and transfer procedures.
Figabytes supports reinstallation for eligible profiles.
The main difference is that Ubigi's reusable-profile model is a central part of its service, while Figabytes eligibility depends on the individual eSIM status.
Ubigi has the wider range of long-term billing models.
Figabytes primarily offers prepaid:
Ubigi offers:
This makes Ubigi particularly interesting for frequent travelers and users who need connectivity for several months.
A one-off Ubigi plan provides a fixed data allowance for a defined period.
For example:
10 GB / 30 days
Once the allowance is consumed, the user can purchase another plan or top up.
This is the Ubigi product most directly comparable with a normal Figabytes travel eSIM package.
A monthly Ubigi plan automatically renews the data allowance and payment every month.
For example, Ubigi currently offers a UAE plan with:
20 GB per month
for $34 per month.
The current product has unlimited validity while the subscription remains active and can be cancelled after three months. oai_citation:0‡Ubigi
This is structurally different from a normal single-trip travel eSIM.
Ubigi annual plans provide a new allowance every month for 12 months.
The full year is paid upfront.
For example, Ubigi currently offers a UAE annual package with:
2 GB per month
for 12 months
24 GB total
for $49.
The allowance renews monthly throughout the year. oai_citation:1‡Ubigi
Annual plans may suit frequent visitors better than tourists taking a single trip.
Yes.
Ubigi currently offers a Best World plan with:
200 GB
valid for 12 months
priced at $290.
It uses a reusable Ubigi eSIM and supports top-ups and data sharing. oai_citation:2‡Ubigi
Ubigi also offers recurring worldwide products, including monthly and annual options.
Yes, on selected products.
For example, Ubigi currently offers a World unlimited plan at:
$120 per month.
It automatically renews monthly and uses the reusable Ubigi eSIM. oai_citation:3‡Ubigi
Unlimited conditions and Fair Usage Policies should always be checked before purchase.
Yes.
Figabytes currently provides unlimited plans in selected destinations including:
These are generally short-duration travel products rather than recurring monthly subscriptions.
That makes the two models different.
Ubigi currently uses Smartstart on many of its travel packages.
Smartstart means the plan activates when the traveler reaches the destination and begins using the supported network.
This makes it possible to buy and install before departure.
Figabytes activation depends on the individual product.
For many Figabytes plans, validity begins when the eSIM first connects to a supported network at the destination.
Some plans may use manual activation instead.
Smartstart is Ubigi's destination-based activation system.
Current Ubigi plan pages state that activation starts upon arrival at the destination.
This allows travelers to install the eSIM before their flight while avoiding unnecessary loss of validity.
Always check the specific product because activation rules can vary.
Japan is one of the strongest comparisons between these two providers.
Current equivalent pricing:
| Provider | Data | Validity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ubigi | 10 GB | 30 days | $16.50 |
| Figabytes | 10 GB | 30 days | $20.52 |
Prices checked: August 31, 2026.
Ubigi currently has the lower listed price for this directly comparable package.
Its Japan plan also currently connects through:
and supports Smartstart, top-ups, data sharing and a reusable eSIM. oai_citation:4‡Ubigi
Ubigi has a particularly strong Japan product.
Its current 10 GB / 30-day plan combines:
That makes Ubigi a genuinely strong competitor in Japan rather than a provider that should be positioned as weaker simply because this is a Figabytes comparison. oai_citation:5‡Ubigi
The UAE provides another useful comparison.
Current plans include:
| Provider | Data | Validity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ubigi | 10 GB | 30 days | $21.00 |
| Figabytes | 10 GB | 30 days | $29.98 |
Prices checked: August 31, 2026.
Ubigi currently has the lower listed price for this equivalent package.
Its current UAE plan uses du and permits data sharing. oai_citation:6‡Ubigi
However, there is a major UAE-specific restriction.
Ubigi currently states that its app and website are inaccessible from within the UAE.
Travelers should therefore install and activate their Ubigi eSIM before flying to the UAE.
Ubigi also currently states that its UAE data plans cannot be used by UAE residents while they are physically in the UAE. oai_citation:7‡Ubigi
This is one of the most important practical differences to know before purchasing.
Under Ubigi's current guidance, this is problematic.
Because its website and app are inaccessible from inside the UAE, travelers should complete:
before departure.
An already installed Ubigi eSIM with an active plan can still provide connectivity according to its current guidance.
Figabytes does not currently publish the same Ubigi-specific app and website restriction.
Travelers should still purchase and install before travel whenever possible because this provides more time to troubleshoot.
Ubigi currently has a strong advantage in the specific 10 GB comparison.
It costs $16.50 for 10 GB / 30 days and uses KDDI plus NTT Docomo. oai_citation:8‡Ubigi
Figabytes currently costs $20.52 for 10 GB / 30 days.
Figabytes may still suit travelers who prefer its website-first experience and do not want an app ecosystem.
For Japan specifically, Ubigi deserves serious consideration.
Ubigi currently has lower pricing for the equivalent 10 GB / 30-day package.
But the UAE restriction significantly changes the comparison.
Travelers using Ubigi must prepare before arrival because its app and website are currently inaccessible inside the UAE. oai_citation:9‡Ubigi
Figabytes may provide a simpler experience for travelers who want website-based management without relying on a dedicated app.
Both can support additional data.
Top-up availability depends on the eSIM and plan.
A top-up may add data without necessarily extending the existing plan validity.
Ubigi strongly integrates top-ups into its reusable-eSIM model.
Current plan pages state that users can recharge through the Ubigi app, including in situations where they do not have remaining data credits.
This helps support the install-once, reuse-later model. oai_citation:10‡Ubigi
Ubigi has a particularly strong proposition for repeat travelers because the eSIM is designed to stay installed.
Travelers can add:
to the same profile.
Figabytes also offers reusable functionality for eligible eSIMs, but its core experience is still more destination-plan oriented.
For one short trip, the differences in recurring plans matter less.
Travelers should primarily compare:
Figabytes can be very straightforward for this scenario.
Ubigi one-off plans can also work well, particularly in destinations where its pricing or network partnerships are competitive.
Ubigi may be particularly attractive because of:
This can reduce repeated setup.
Figabytes may appeal to business travelers who simply want to buy a fresh destination or regional package without managing a recurring subscription.
Ubigi deserves consideration for digital nomads because it offers:
For example, the current Best World product provides 200 GB across 12 months for $290. oai_citation:11‡Ubigi
Figabytes regional and global plans can also work well for travelers with a defined itinerary.
Figabytes.
Its primary model is prepaid travel packages.
Ubigi also has one-off prepaid packages, so a subscription is not required.
However, recurring monthly and annual products are a much larger part of Ubigi's offering.
Ubigi.
Its app supports:
Figabytes does not currently have a dedicated app.
Figabytes has the clearer proposition because its entire service is built around website management.
Ubigi can still be installed using a QR code and offers web access, but its mobile app is a significant part of its ecosystem.
Current Ubigi Japan and UAE plans explicitly state that data sharing is allowed. oai_citation:12‡Ubigi
This can make Ubigi attractive for travelers connecting:
Always verify the specific product because policies can differ.
Hotspot availability depends on the specific plan and underlying network.
Travelers who need tethering should verify their individual package.
Yes, on supported networks and plans.
Its current Japan product lists KDDI and NTT Docomo and shows 5G availability. oai_citation:13‡Ubigi
Actual connectivity depends on:
Figabytes can connect to 5G where the specific network and plan support it.
Availability varies by destination.
Ubigi travel plans are primarily focused on mobile data.
Travelers should not assume that a plan includes:
Internet-based calling and messaging apps can operate through the data connection.
Figabytes is also primarily data-focused.
Check the individual product if traditional voice or SMS is important.
Yes.
Both can provide the mobile data connection needed for WhatsApp.
Installing a travel eSIM does not normally change the number registered with your WhatsApp account.
Yes, on compatible dual-SIM devices.
A common setup is:
Primary SIM: calls and SMS
Travel eSIM: mobile data
Disable data roaming on the primary line if you want to avoid accidental home-carrier data charges.
Ubigi.
Its current catalog includes products such as:
For example:
UAE 2 GB/month x12: $49 total. oai_citation:14‡Ubigi
Best World 200 GB / 12 months: $290. oai_citation:15‡Ubigi
World Unlimited: $120/month. oai_citation:16‡Ubigi
Figabytes currently focuses much more strongly on shorter prepaid travel plans.
Figabytes has the simpler core model.
Choose:
destination + data + validity
and buy the plan.
Ubigi provides more plan types and long-term flexibility, but that also means more choices.
The better experience depends on whether simplicity or flexibility matters more.
| Area | Figabytes | Ubigi |
|---|---|---|
| Core experience | Simple travel packages | Persistent connectivity ecosystem |
| App | No | Yes |
| Website | Yes | Yes |
| Reusable eSIM | Eligible profiles | Core product feature |
| One-off plans | Yes | Yes |
| Monthly plans | Not core model | Yes |
| Annual plans | Not core model | Yes |
| Smartstart | Depends on product | Strong feature |
| Top-ups | Supported plans | Strongly integrated |
| Japan proposition | Competitive | Particularly strong |
| UAE restriction | No equivalent published restriction | App/site inaccessible inside UAE |
| Long-term use | Standard travel focus | Strong |
| Strong differentiator | Simplicity | Reuse + recurring plans |
Ubigi may be a better fit if you want:
It currently also has lower pricing for directly comparable 10 GB plans in Japan and the UAE.
Figabytes may be a better fit if you want:
Neither provider is universally better.
Sometimes.
For example:
Japan 10 GB / 30 days:
Ubigi: $16.50
Figabytes: $20.52
UAE 10 GB / 30 days:
Ubigi: $21.00
Figabytes: $29.98
Prices checked: August 31, 2026.
These examples currently favor Ubigi, but pricing can differ significantly by destination and allowance.
It can be in other destinations or plan sizes.
The correct comparison is always:
same destination + same data + same validity
rather than comparing advertised starting prices.
It depends on your travel style. Ubigi provides reusable eSIMs, Smartstart, app management and monthly and annual plans. Figabytes focuses on simpler website-first prepaid travel plans without requiring an app.
Not always. Ubigi currently has lower equivalent 10 GB / 30-day pricing in Japan and the UAE. Other destinations may produce different results.
Both currently advertise connectivity across more than 200 destinations.
No. Ubigi can provide QR-based installation and web access, although its app is an important part of balance management and top-ups.
No. Figabytes is managed entirely through its website and My eSIMs.
Yes. Ubigi promotes a reusable eSIM designed to remain installed and receive future data plans across 200+ destinations.
Eligible Figabytes eSIMs can be reinstalled when their status shows Reinstall.
Ubigi supports profile retrieval and transfer procedures. Current documentation places limits on repeated retrieval after deletion, so follow the official process.
Eligible Figabytes eSIMs can be installed on another compatible device.
Yes. Ubigi sells recurring monthly data plans in selected destinations.
Yes. Ubigi offers selected annual packages that renew a data allowance each month for 12 months.
Figabytes' current primary model is prepaid travel packages rather than annual connectivity subscriptions.
Yes, on selected products. Its current World unlimited plan is priced at $120 per month. oai_citation:17‡Ubigi
Yes. Figabytes offers unlimited plans in selected destinations, generally for shorter travel periods.
Smartstart allows eligible Ubigi plans to begin activation when the traveler reaches the destination rather than when the eSIM is initially installed.
Ubigi has a particularly strong current Japan product. Its 10 GB / 30-day plan costs $16.50 and uses KDDI and NTT Docomo. oai_citation:18‡Ubigi
Ubigi currently states that its app and website are inaccessible from within the UAE, so travelers should purchase and install before departure. oai_citation:19‡Ubigi
Ubigi currently states that its UAE plans cannot be used by UAE residents while they are physically in the UAE. oai_citation:20‡Ubigi
Current Ubigi Japan and UAE plans state that data sharing is allowed. Check the specific package before purchase. oai_citation:21‡Ubigi
Yes. Both can provide the mobile data needed for WhatsApp without normally changing your registered WhatsApp number.
Figabytes and Ubigi serve somewhat different types of travelers.
Figabytes keeps travel connectivity simple:
choose a destination, choose a data allowance, install the eSIM and manage it through the website.
Ubigi builds a longer-term connectivity ecosystem around a reusable profile:
install once, add one-off plans, subscribe monthly, purchase annual connectivity or recharge for future trips.
For short individual trips, Figabytes' simpler model may be appealing.
For frequent travelers, Japan travelers or people interested in recurring and annual connectivity, Ubigi has several genuine strengths.
The best choice depends on:
destination + data + validity + network + app preference + trip frequency + price
rather than brand alone.
Information and pricing were checked against current primary provider pages in August 2026.
Figabytes:
Ubigi:
Last checked: August 31, 2026.
Prices, local networks, subscription conditions, Smartstart availability, data sharing, UAE restrictions and plan availability can change. Check current provider information before purchasing.