Are you looking for eSIM options except for Holafly? There are dozens of services with beneficial eSIM plans and cell data. But before buying Holafly alternatives, explore the leading companies on the market. See the comparison of Yesim, Nomad, Instabridge, and Esimatic offers. You’ll investigate their coverage, plan flexibility, and cost-effectiveness.
Yesim
If you need a virtual SIM card for long-term stays, Yesim is a good idea. The company offers both unlimited Internet and large data volume plans. Founded in 2019, it combines innovations and reliability. Customers often describe the company as a life-saving option, when you remain without an Internet connection abroad.
Coverage
The company covers 160+ countries all over the world. For all of them, you can buy a local plan. For travelers who visit several countries in a row, Yesim offers 10 regional plans:
- Europe;
- Asia Pacific;
- Central Asia;
- South America;
- Caribbean;
- Balkans;
- South East Asia;
- Middle East;
- Africa.
The global plan includes 135 countries and offers versatile GB options. Unfortunately, the international plan doesn’t support unlimited Internet. There are also special plans for business destinations and common tourist places.
Prices and Plans
The price for 1 GB starts at $1.59 in Europe and the US. In Asian and African countries, it can be a little more expensive. Within local plans, you can purchase days of unlimited Internet (1 day usually costs $7.70 and 30 days cost about $63).
The same works for regional plans. In any of the 10 plans, you can choose between unlimited Internet and pay for a number of days, or buy a GB pack. The duration is versatile – 1 day, 3 days, 7 days, 15 days, or 30 days.
Special Features
Yesim offers an unlimited hotspot to share your Internet. There are also regular discounts for selected countries.
Advantages | Disadvantages |
---|---|
competitive pricing;quick activation;unlimited Internet;regional plans are versatile; | rare 1-day options;most plans are for 7 days or more; |
Esimatic
Esimatic is the newest provider, established only in 2023. The company already gained popularity for its customized plans. According to reviews, this is a reliable provider, yet the lack of experience may need to be clarified for some users.
Coverage
Esimatic offers an Internet connection in 249 countries – a huge number compared to others. Buy a plan for each destination separately or consider regional options:
- Asia (13)
- Europe (36)
- North America (4)
- South America (11)
- Oceania (2)
- Africa (12)
- Middle East (8)
There is also a global plan. However, it only covers 106 countries, which is only half of the available destinations.
Plans and Prices
On average, the price per 1 GB starts at $4.98. New clients are offered discounts and can receive them for $2.49. The company also offers unlimited Internet at an average price of $5 per day. However, these are general numbers, and plans differ for each destination.
What’s truly impressive is the number of customizable offers. You can buy unlimited Internet for around $4 a day. Buying more days, you pay less. Limited offers hugely differ depending on the region, duration, and special offers. For instance, you can enable SMS or purchase a virtual number.
The global plan will cost you from $8.99 per 1 GB.
Regional plans are also available in limited and non-limited formats. For instance, a Europe plan with 36 countries costs from $7.98 to $74.99.
Special Features
Esimatic plans can be activated on several devices at the same time. Purchase one plan for your family or switch through your smartphone, tablet, etc. This is a nice option for freelancers and business travelers who often need connections on several devices.
Advantages | Disadvantages |
---|---|
Customizable plans;Unlimited Internet; | More expensive than analogs. |
Nomad
Nomad is an excellent eSIM provider for budget-friendly trips. The company regularly offers discounts and special offers for new and loyal customers. For instance, you can purchase cheap Internet during peak seasons.
Coverage
Nomad claims to cover over 190 regions. Yet, in 2024, you can find up to 117 destinations on the website. The global plan includes 106 of them. You can also try regional plans for trips across several countries:
- Europe
- APAC
- North America
- Nordic
- SEA-Oceania
- SEA-Plus
- Africa
- Middle East
According to reviews, the coverage is stable, yet the Internet is sometimes too slow. Although Nomad supports 5G, the speed leaves much to desire. At the same time, the coverage is more than enough for chats and googling essential information during your stay.
Plans and Prices
Nomad is famous for its cheap eSIM deals. The price per 1 GB starts at only $0.75. Plans are also known for versatility:
- Purchase eSIM with a mobile number or without;
- Choose from unlimited and limited Internet;
- Order plans for a short stay or a long-term trip.
Regional plans are more costly than local ones. Yet, this is still beneficial – buying separate eSIM for each country is way more expensive.
Special Features
Recently, Nomad introduced another deal – three regional plans with limited territory. There are three types in 2024:
- China, Japan, and South Korea;
- Italy, Germany, and France;
- Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines.
This is a way to purchase a universal plan for several countries, yet not overpay for a huge number of regions.
Advantages | Disadvantages |
---|---|
A cheap option;Easy activation;Unlimited Internet; | The Internet connection may be poor away from cities. |
Instabridge
Founded back in 2012, the company became especially popular during the last year. The reason lies in innovations and special perks for clients.
Coverage
The provider offers local plans for 190+ countries, including Europe, Asia, the Americas, Africa, Oceania, and the Middle East. Apart from local plans, consider one of three regional options:
- Europe;
- Asia;
- Latin America.
A single global plan covers all the destinations, available at Instabridge. Costly, this plan covers almost all the globe. The 5G connection is available along with 3G, 2G, 4G, and LTE.
Plans and Prices
Prices at Instabridge differ from one region to another. You cannot purchase unlimited Internet, though. All offers are limited by the number of GB and duration. Use regional, global, or local plans from 1 to 30 days. If you run out of GB, simply top up your plan via the official application.
While the average price per 1 GB is $2.50-$4, some regions require more than $20 per day.
Special Features
The company is well-known for its security. All the data remains confidential – a huge advantage for business and professional trips. Also, Instabridge introduced unique perks for its clients:
- A separate app with a Wi-Fi map. Here, clients can find sports with free Wi-Fi in local airports, restaurants, lounges, etc.
- GPS. Instabridge developed its own map to make your car trips safe and easy.
- VPN. To remain connected to your favorite web pages, turn on the VPN.
Also, Instabridge recommends downloading its data-saving browser for mobile devices. Done in the dark theme, it saves up to 20% of energy compared to Chrome and Safari.
Advantages | Disadvantages |
Plenty of regions;Special apps and features for clients; Data protection; | No unlimited Internet plans. |
Note! All plans and prices are listed as of 2024. To see more information before the order, explore the official websites of Yesim, Indtabridge, Nomad, and Esimatic. Here, you will find the actual offers and won’t miss discounts.
Download Applications to Manage Your Plans
All four companies offer official mobile applications. Typically, such apps have the same functionality:
- choose and buy plans within the app;
- manage your data volume and see how many GB is left;
- Top up your plan if possible.
Each Holafly alternative tried to add some more features to make their program unique.
eSIM company | Application | Features |
---|---|---|
referral program;cryptocurrency top-up;plan purchase;balance check;plan activation. | ||
QR code activation;plan purchase;balance check;customer support. | ||
buy plans;top-up your account;get notified at low balance;check your data usage. | ||
hotspot;free Wi-Fi map;plan purchase;Activation;balance check. |
eSIM Activation: How Processes Differ in Different Companies
Once you buy an eSIM, activate it online without using a physical SIM card. Every company offers activation via a website, QR code, or official application. Thus, there are no particular differences. However, some people claim that Yesim activation is a little complicated. At the same time, many customers thank Nomad for the easiest activation process on the market.
If struggle with activation, ask customer support to help you. Also, always check if your smartphone is compatible with eSIM technology in advance. If your phone doesn’t suit, consider eSIM alternatives.
eSIM company | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Year of establishment | 2019 | 2023 | 2020 | 2012 |
Price per 1 GB | starting at $1.59 | $2.49-$4.98 (with and without discount in 2024) | starting at $0.75 | $3-$4 per 1 GB |
An average price per one day of unlimited Internet | $7.70 | $2.99-$4.98 (with and without discount in 2024) | $2.50-$4 | no unlimited Internet |
Global plans | Global Package (135 countries)USA Global (40 countries)Business destinations (43 countries)Africa and Europe (57 countries) | a single global plan (covers 106 countries) | a single global plan (covers 109 countries) | a single global plan (covers all available countries) |
Regional plans (and the number of countries) | Europe (29)Asia Pacific (15)Central Asia (6)South America (11)CaribbeanBalkans (12)South East Asia (8)Middle East (8)Africa (15) | Asia (13)Europe (36)North America (4)South America (11)Oceania (2)Africa (12)Middle East (8) | Europe (36)APAC (21)North America (3)Nordic (4)SEA-Oceania (8)SEA-Plus (14)Africa (11)Middle East (8) | EuropeLatin AmericaAsia |
Local plans | over 200 countries | 249 countries | 117 countries | 190 countries |
Unlimited Internet options | available | available | available | unavailable |
Hotspot | available, unlimited | multiple device options instead | available | available |
Special features | Virtual numbersdetailed activation guide | multi-device option (connect one eSIM to two or more smartphones) | small regional plans (3 countries only) | VPN GPSdata-saving mobile browser |
Mobile application | available | available | available | available |
Pros | versatile plansunlimited hotspot optionan application to manage plans | customizable plansone eSIM can be activated on several smartphonesregular sales | unlimited Internet optionscheaper plans | Privacy protectionplenty of additional services and apps |
Cons | complicated activationno top-up after plan activation | the global plan covers only 106 destinationsprice is higher than average | few destinationsfew countries in the global plan | certain countries are way too expensiveno unlimited Internet |
The best eSIM option for | trips over several countries and unlimited Internet plans | customized plans and options | cost-effective trips | data-saving plans |
How Do You Choose an eSIM Company in 2024: Practical Tips
The final choice depends on your preferences and needs. Some clients only require a little mobile data to chat, while others work with large pieces of content. Choosing the eSIM provider, focus on these aspects:
- Coverage. This aspect shows all destinations, provided by the company. Most providers offer countries in Europe, North and South America, and Asia. However, you may need some Middle East regions, the Caribbean, or non-common locations. If you’re traveling all over the world, make sure the company offers many destinations.
- Pricing. Don’t overpay for things you don’t need. Holafly is famous for its versatile plans – you choose the number of days manually. Most of the alternatives don’t offer such an option. However, select the plan that suits your needs the most. If you cannot find the proper one, consider plans with top-up options.
- Data features. Explore if the company works with 4g/5g/LTE and 3G. Otherwise, you may be left without Internet far from cities. Make sure you’re connected to at least LTE all the time.
- Special perks and offers. Some companies offer extra features. For example, Instabridge goes with GPS and a data-saving browser. Using them, you spend less Internet than Google Maps and Chrome need. Yesim, meanwhile, doesn’t have hotspot limits. You can share eSIM data with anyone.
- Easy interface and activation. Make sure you can quickly initiate your plan. Most companies offer mobile applications to activate and manage your Internet. Some offer QR code activation. Others force you to activate the plan manually, using mobile settings. Make sure you understand all the details. If not, consider options with stable customer support like Holafly and Yesim.
All this depends on your priorities. If you need global coverage, choose Yesim and Esimatic. At the same time, Instabridge is the best in terms of smart data usage – special apps are created to spend less on mobile Internet.
Bottom Line
Remember that eSIM quality also varies depending on your location. While Asian users praise Yesim, most US visitors prefer Holafly to stay connected. Thus, read reviews about certain places and their coverage to find the option for your trip. Also, always check providers’ official websites to find the actual information. Here, you see pricing and plans for 2024 – however, things may change at any moment. Be sure to set your priorities and select a reliable eSIM company for your trip in 2024.
Can I share my Internet while using eSIM?All Holafly alternatives support the hotspot function. Some providers, however, limit you with the amount of shared data.
Do I pay for roaming when using eSIM plans?You don’t. eSIM companies work with local providers, so you use the Internet just like locals.
Can I use my SIM card and an eSIM at the same time?Sure. The physical card remains active, and you can still make calls. Consider the roaming costs though.