Do you need a stable Internet connection abroad? eSIM is the best idea in 2024. Buy a plan online, activate an eSIM remotely, and use the local Internet without paying for roaming. While many users already know about Airalo eSIM options, there are many more decent providers. In this article, you’ll explore the best alternatives to Airalo and their comparison. See the key aspects of a good eSIM, which company is the cheapest, and which offers the best coverage. You’ll also compare flexibility, the number of offers, and additional features by each provider.
Yesim: Embracing Innovation and Reliability
Yesim offers eSIM plans for 165 countries and 10 regions. This eSIM company works with local mobile providers and offers both Internet connection and cell data if necessary. The number of plans is indeed huge – for each region, you can purchase unlimited connections and a different number of GB.
Special Features, Innovations, and Reliability
Yesim offers an unlimited hotspot to share data with other users. Turn on the Wi-Fi spot, set the password, and your friends will be able to use your Internet. This is a good option for a family trip – activate eSIM on one device and share the Internet.
Yesim is one of the few providers who sell unlimited Internet as well. The pricing starts at $7.70 per day and varies depending on the region. That’s the best eSIM option for clients who need a lot of data. Yesim also offers virtual phone numbers. The company was established in 2019 and provided reliable services for 5 years straight.
Coverage
As it was said, Yesim works with 165 destinations all over the world. This includes European countries, North and South America, and Asia. There are also 10 regional plans:
- Europe;
- Asia Pacific;
- Central Asia;
- South America;
- Caribbean;
- Balkans;
- South East Asia;
- Middle East;
- Africa.
For global travelers, there are global plans with 135 countries or world regions.
Plans and Prices
The price per one GB of data starts at $1.59 in the USA. The most expensive Internet includes Egypt with $3.19 per GB. For a clear picture, the see most popular plans.
- The global eSIM plan starts at $26.40 for 3 GB and reaches $82.50 for 20 GB.
- Unlimited Internet in North America costs from $11 per day;
- A trip to the UK would cost you from $7.70 to $63.80 depending on the data volume and duration. Unlimited Internet is also available.
Overall, Yesim pricing is average compared to other providers. This is more expensive than Instabridge but cheaper than Airalo. To see more information, see the official Yesim website and explore its offers. The pricing and plans may differ over time.
Download an Official Yesim Application
To manage your plan, download an official application by Yesim. Here, users can choose the best eSIM plans. After that, activate the plan with the app, manage your data usage, and even top up your plan.
Advantages of Yesim over Airalo
- easier activation. After buying the plan, you’ll receive detailed instructions in the email;
- unlimited connection options;
- cost-effective and versatile plans;
- ease of use and activation;
- an official app to manage plans and data.
Holafly: Catering to Diverse Travel Needs
One of eSIM alternatives, the company was created in 2017 and reached the international market in 2019-2021. Holafly is another eSIM company with 150+ destinations. What sets it apart from Airalo is its versatile offers and customizable plans.
Special Features, Innovations, and Reliability
Holafly is especially popular for its excellent customer service. The support team is available 24/7. Plus, the activation process is easy and takes only a few clicks. With 8 years of experience, the company has proven its reliability.
Coverage
Holafly offers regional plans and single-country destinations. Unfortunately, there is no global plan, but you can buy Internet and calls for Europe, Asia, the Caribbean, the UK, North America, and Latin America.
Plans and Prices
Holafly has a unique approach toward eSIM plans. The company doesn’t offer pre-made plans. All the Internet is unlimited (you cannot purchase a limited number of GB) and prices are formed for a day. For example, 1 day of unlimited Internet in Brazil costs $8, but 2 days go at $10. The more you buy, the less you pay per day.
Most regional plans work the same. For example, 1 day in Europe costs $6. However, there are exceptions. For example, in Latin America, you can only choose from pre-made plans with a certain duration.
Download an Official Holafly Application
The app works similarly to Yesim. Here, users can buy plans, activate them, manage the deadlines and data usage, and use customer support. The chat is available 24/7 as well.
Advantages of Holafly over Airalo
- flexible plans;
- 1-day plans and 90-day plans;
- allows refunds in case you cancel the trip;
- customer support;
- European plans include a local phone number.
Instabridge: Connecting Travelers Worldwide
Instabridge is an excellent eSIM provider, established back in 2012. The company works with 190+ countries worldwide.
Special Features, Innovations, and Reliability
Among other providers, Instabridge is especially popular for its reliability and data safety. The company cares about the privacy of each client. Thus, all your messages and calls are completely confidential.
Instabridge is also new in terms of innovations. Apart from eSIM, it offers additional perks. Use the built-in GPS map and VPN to protect your IP. Also, the company offers a data-saving browser with a dark theme.
Coverage
The company covers 190 destinations. Also, there is a single global plan and three regional plans – Europe, Asia, and Latin America.
Plans and Prices
Instabeidge has time-limited plans and no unlimited Internet. The average price per GB is $3-$4. The prices hugely differ from the region. For example, you would pay $27 for 1 GB in Afghanistan. At the same time, European countries cost $2.
The global plan costs from $8 for 1 GB to $68 for 20 GB. The duration also differs – choose from 7 days to 30 days.
Download an Official Instabridge Application
Unlike other companies, Instabridge offers several applications. The main app for eSIM allows you to activate your plan and manage data. However, there are also separate apps for VPN, GPS, and a data-saving browser.
Advantages of Instabridge over Airalo
- additional apps;
- hotspot;
- a global plan is available;
- famous for its reliability and safe data sharing.
Comparing the Leaders: Which Company is the Best
Company | |||
Year of establishment | 2019 | 2017 | 2012 |
Average price per GB/day | $7.70 per day of unlimited Internet | $6 per day of unlimited Internet | $3-$4 per 1 GB |
Coverage | 165 local plans, 10 regional plans, 6 global plans. | 150+ local plans, 6 regional plans, no global plan. | 112 local plans, 3 regional plans, one global plan. |
Pros | the best for unlimited Internet;large data volumes; | the easiest activation;the most customizable plans. | the best special services and offers;the best cyber protection. |
Cons | most countries don’t include a 1-day plan. | not all plans support hotspots. | no unlimited Internet. |
Choosing a Reliable eSIM: What Factors to Focus On
The amount of information may be overwhelming. After all, how do you choose a reliable eSIM company with an efficient price? Focus on these aspects and decide which ones are the most important:
- Coverage maps and regions. If you travel to a single country, read customer reviews about its coverage specifically. Some providers offer good connections in Europe, but their Internet is too slow in Asia and vice versa.
- Regional plans. If you travel to several countries, convert providers with regional and global plans. For example, Yesim offers a global plan with 135 countries. No matter where you travel, the Internet remains turned on.
- Pricing. Expensive plans are not always the best. If you only need the Internet to chat with friends, there is no need for unlimited or 20 GB options. On the contrary, if you travel with GPS, consider plans with large data volumes.
Finally, the ease of use matters. The activation process must be easy and intuitive. Some providers offer QR code activation, others use applications, etc. Also, set personal priorities. For example, Holafly and Instabridge are the best for global coverage. Those providers work all over the world, and the connection is the same everywhere. To cut off expenses, choose Yesim. This company offers flexible plans, so you won’t overpay for unnecessary functions.
Some More Practical Tips: The Best Providers for Your Needs
Decide what’s important for you:
the best hotspot, value/price proportion, short trip plans | Airalo |
the best regional plans, versatility, and unlimited Internet | Yesim |
the best data protection, data-saving options, and built-in GPS | Instabridge |
the best customer support, medium-duration plans, and refund policies | Holafly |
Always compare options before purchasing one. Consider which provider is the best for you and read reviews from previous customers.
Final Thoughts
The market of eSIM is rising, and the quality of providers develops together with it. In 2024, customers have a huge range of offers for their business trips, short-term stays, and trips. Most Airalo alternatives offer large coverage, quick connections, and additional features for their clients. The difference, however, lies in pricing, plans, and coverage maps. To see more information about each provider, visit the official websites of Yesim, Airalo, Instabridge, and Holafly. The information is changing regularly, so stay updated.
Most iOS and Android devices support up to 5 eSIM plans. However, there are exceptions. Check your smartphone for this.
Make calls via WhatsApp, Instagram, Telegram, etc., using the Internet connection. Some eSIM providers also offer virtual numbers.
Usually, the price is equal. Yet, SIM plans last 30 days or more, while eSIM companies offer cheap 1-3 day plans.