HelloRoam vs Holafly: which eSIM is better in 2026?
Publisher disclosure: this comparison is published by HelloRoam. We present verified data and honest analysis, including areas where Holafly outperforms our service.
HelloRoam sells fixed and unlimited plans. Fixed plans start at A$1.46, and unlimited plans start at A$2.45 a day. A 3-day Holafly plan costs US$10.90 in Mexico. Every HelloRoam plan allows hotspot on phones that allow it, while Holafly travel plans share 1GB of data a day by hotspot. The HelloRoam website is in 63 languages; Holafly's is in 19.
Destination tip: Flying to Japan for 7 days? HelloRoam's fixed plan starts at A$4.95/1GB. Holafly charges US$27.50 for the same week. If 1GB covers your week, you keep the difference. Put it toward a JR Rail pass instead.
HelloRoam Editorial Team
HelloRoam
4.7/5 App Store
185+ countries
Holafly
4.7/5 (112,000+ reviews)
200+ destinations
Quick verdict: Holafly vs HelloRoam eSIM
HelloRoam gives you something Holafly doesn't: choice. Fixed plans from A$1.46 mean a quick weekend trip doesn't cost you US$10.90. For a 7-day Japan trip, HelloRoam's 1GB plan costs A$4.95 against Holafly's US$27.50. That's real money back in your pocket. Both providers offer unlimited plans, but HelloRoam's unlimited starts at A$2.45/day and includes free hotspot on every plan.
HelloRoam backs every plan with a 180-day full refund on unactivated eSIMs. No screenshots required. Just contact support. Holafly's refund window looks similar on paper (6 months), and it refunds an unactivated eSIM in full. Other Holafly refunds can carry a US$3.50 admin fee, and a connection refund needs a support contact during your trip.
Holafly has earned its reputation: it has sold 25M+ eSIMs worldwide. If you want a known brand with a proven track record, Holafly is a legitimate choice.
That simplicity comes with trade-offs: no fixed plans and hotspot capped at 1GB per day on travel plans. For light browsing on a short trip, Holafly works well. For laptop tethering or a trip that fits a fixed data plan, HelloRoam delivers more value at lower cost.
Holafly | HelloRoam | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 4.7/5 (Trustpilot, 112,000+ reviews) | 4.7/5 (iOS App Store) |
| Countries | 200+ destinations (includes regions) | 185+ countries, 212+ networks |
| Starting Price | US$10.90 (3-day unlimited, Mexico) | A$1.46 (fixed) / A$2.45/day (unlimited) |
| iOS App Rating | 4.8/5 (38K+ ratings) | 4.7/5 |
| Best For | Unlimited-only simplicity | Flexible plans, budget control, hotspot users |
Holafly vs HelloRoam full feature comparison tableHolafly vs HelloRoam full feature comparison table
| Feature | Holafly | HelloRoam | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Countries Covered | 200+ destinations (includes regions/states) | 185+ countries, 212+ networks | Holafly |
| Pricing model | Unlimited daily only (travel plans) | Fixed + unlimited daily | HelloRoam |
| Starting Price | US$10.90 (3-day unlimited, Mexico) | A$1.46 (fixed) / A$2.45/day (unlimited) | HelloRoam |
| Data Speeds | 4G/LTE + 5G | 4G/LTE + 5G (varies by country) | Tie |
| Unlimited Data | Yes (all travel plans, fair use applies) | Yes (daily plans) | Tie |
| Fixed Data Plans | No | Yes (sizes vary by country) | HelloRoam |
| Hotspot/Tethering | Capped at 1GB/day on travel plans | Free on all plans, where your phone allows it | HelloRoam |
| iOS App Rating | 4.8/5 (38K+ ratings) | 4.7/5 | Tie |
| Android App Rating | 4.8/5 (85K+ reviews) | No public rating yet | Holafly |
| Trustpilot Rating | 4.7/5 (112,000+ reviews) | Growing (launched August 2025) | Holafly |
| Support | 24/7 chat + WhatsApp + email | 24/7 live chat + in-app + WhatsApp + email (human agents) | Tie |
| Refund Policy | 6-month window (conditions apply, US$3.50 fee on some refunds) | 180-day refund (unactivated eSIMs) | HelloRoam |
| Languages | 19 website languages | 63 website languages | HelloRoam |
| Currencies | 25 currencies | 31+ with auto-detection | HelloRoam |
| Data Alerts | Usage shown in the Holafly app | Low-data email on fixed plans + preflight reminder | HelloRoam |
| Recommended Plan | No equivalent | Goldilocks pick highlights one recommended plan | HelloRoam |
HelloRoam wins on 9 out of 16 features. Holafly wins on 3 (brand trust, destination count and Android app rating). The remaining 4 are ties.
Holafly pricing by country: 7-Day plans compared
Holafly prices a 7-day travel plan between US$23.90 and US$27.50 depending on your destination. HelloRoam's 1GB, 7-day fixed plans in these six countries start at A$4.03. For the same week of travel, HelloRoam costs 85% to 90% less.
Unlimited against unlimited: HelloRoam's 7-day unlimited plans in the same six countries cost A$26.23 to A$32.44, against Holafly's US$23.90 to US$27.50.
Holafly's pricing is simple: one price per destination, no tracking required. That simplicity has value. But you pay a premium for it regardless of how much data you actually use.
| Country | Holafly (7-day plan) | HelloRoam | Saving with HelloRoam | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
France | US$27.50 | From A$5.66/1GB | Up to USD 23.51 (85%) | HelloRoam |
Japan | US$27.50 | From A$4.95/1GB | Up to USD 24.01 (87%) | HelloRoam |
UK | US$27.50 | From A$4.03/1GB | Up to USD 24.66 (90%) | HelloRoam |
Mexico | US$23.90 | From A$4.95/1GB | Up to USD 20.41 (85%) | HelloRoam |
Thailand | US$27.50 | From A$4.95/1GB | Up to USD 24.01 (87%) | HelloRoam |
Germany | US$27.50 | From A$4.03/1GB | Up to USD 24.66 (90%) | HelloRoam |
Plans start from A$1.46 globally. On popular routes like the UK, Japan, and France, 1GB plans run A$4.03 to A$5.66. Holafly's price buys unlimited data with a fair use policy that throttles speeds after 2 to 3GB of daily use. HelloRoam's lowest price buys a fixed data package instead.
If a week of maps, messaging and light browsing fits in 1GB, HelloRoam's fixed plans save 85%+ on the same trip. Heavy data users might prefer an unlimited plan. HelloRoam has unlimited day plans too, from A$2.45 a day.
For Holafly eSIM Japan, the US$27.50 unlimited plan connects through KDDI and SoftBank. HelloRoam's Japan plans also run on local Japanese networks, and its 7-day plans cost less, fixed or unlimited.
Holafly prices are in US dollars and come from holafly.com (September 2026). HelloRoam prices come from helloroam.com and show the 1GB fixed plan entry point. Bigger data plans are available too.
Find Your eSIM Plan
Browse affordable eSIM plans starting at A$1.46 for your next trip
Unlimited eSIM Plan
Stay connected across Mexico.
From
Unlimited eSIM Plan
Stay connected across Morocco.
From
Data eSIM Plan
Stay connected across United States.
From
A$4.07
Unlimited eSIM Plan
Stay connected across Japan.
From
Unlimited eSIM Plan
Stay connected across Turkey.
From
Unlimited eSIM Plan
Stay connected across China.
From
Asia
19 destinations
1GB / 7-day eSIM Plan
Stay connected across Asia.
From
A$9.20
Africa
29 destinations
1GB / 7-day eSIM Plan
Stay connected across Africa.
From
A$22.70
Europe
33 destinations
1GB / 7-day eSIM Plan
Stay connected across Europe.
From
A$5.66
Middle East
11 destinations
1GB / 7-day eSIM Plan
Stay connected across Middle East.
From
A$17.89
West Asia
6 destinations
1GB / 7-day eSIM Plan
Stay connected across West Asia.
From
A$10.21
South America
20 destinations
1GB / 7-day eSIM Plan
Stay connected across South America.
From
A$14.57
Global
127 destinations
1GB / 7-day eSIM Plan
Stay connected across Global.
From
A$19.42
Where HelloRoam has the edge
A much lower entry price.
HelloRoam fixed plans start at A$1.46. A 3-day Holafly plan costs US$10.90 in Mexico. For a quick weekend trip or a test run, HelloRoam costs a fraction of what Holafly charges.
Free hotspot on every plan
Connect your laptop, tablet, or travel partner's phone through your eSIM data. Hotspot works on phones that allow it and uses your plan's data. Holafly caps hotspot at 1GB per day on travel plans.
Both fixed AND unlimited plans
Light users save money with a 3GB or 5GB fixed plan. Heavy users grab unlimited. Holafly locks you into unlimited-only travel plans. You pay the same whether you use 500MB or 5GB in a day.
63 website languages vs 19.
HelloRoam's website comes in 63 languages. Holafly's website offers 19. HelloRoam support also answers in your own language, day or night.
31+ currencies with auto-detection
HelloRoam auto-detects your locale and shows prices in your local currency from 31+ options. Holafly's currency picker offers 25.
180-day refund on unactivated eSIMs.
HelloRoam offers a 180-day refund on unactivated eSIMs. Holafly offers a 6-month window with conditions. Refunds other than an unactivated eSIM can carry a US$3.50 admin fee, and some cases need screenshots or a support contact during your trip. HelloRoam keeps it simple.
Low-data emails + preflight reminders
On a fixed plan, HelloRoam emails you as your data runs low. You can then top up in time on plans that offer top-ups, or buy a new plan. A preflight reminder prompts you to activate your eSIM before boarding.
Branded carrier name display.
Your phone's status bar shows "HelloRoam" instead of a random local carrier name. You always know which line is your travel data.
Unlimited day slider + auto-configured APN
On unlimited plans, HelloRoam's day slider lets you choose how many days you buy before checkout. The APN configures automatically on activation. No manual network settings needed.
USD 5.00 referral credits
Both the referrer and the friend receive USD 5.00 in credits. Credits stack and apply at checkout. Enough credits mean zero-dollar checkout on shorter plans. Holafly uses a HolaCoins loyalty program that requires tiered earning before redemption.
Speed Test Comparison
Speed claims need real numbers. Here's what independent reviewers measured with Holafly across countries in 2025 and 2026. Both providers connect to local carrier networks. Speed depends more on your location and network congestion than on the eSIM brand.
Independent Holafly speed test results (2025-2026):
Country
USA (AT&T)
China (CMCC)
France (Orange)
Turkey
UK (mixed carriers)
Europe (multi-country)
Holafly Download Speed
65 Mbps (weseektravel.com)
85 Mbps (esimdb.com)
52 Mbps (weseektravel.com)
54 Mbps (esimdb.com)
7.45-287 Mbps (TravelEsimExpert)
20-50 Mbps (WeSeekTravel)
Source
HelloRoam connects to local carrier networks in each country. Many destinations include 5G, and the network type varies by plan. A fixed plan runs until you use up its data or its validity ends. Independent speed benchmarks for HelloRoam are pending as the service launched in August 2025.
Both providers use eSIM technology on local carrier networks. Your speed depends on the carrier, your location and network load. Between an eSIM and a physical SIM card, the SIM type itself doesn't set your speed.
Pros and Cons
Holafly and HelloRoam
Choose HelloRoam if you:
- Want to pick the exact data amount for your trip and control spending
- Need free hotspot sharing on every plan for your laptop, tablet, or travel partner
- Want a website in 63 languages (Holafly's is in 19) and support that answers in your own language
- Want a 180-day refund window on unactivated eSIMs
- Need both fixed and unlimited options for the same destination
- Value low-data emails on fixed plans and a recommended plan on each destination page
- Want USD 5.00 referral credits and express checkout with Apple Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal
Choose Holafly if you:
- Want unlimited data without tracking your usage at all
- Travel mainly in Europe or Latin America where Holafly has strong carrier partnerships
- Prefer a large brand that has sold 25M+ eSIMs worldwide
- Want the "Always On" 1GB free backup data feature across 70+ countries
App experience compared
HelloRoam App (iOS 4.7/5):
Browse fixed and unlimited plans side by side, with unlimited plans in most destinations
Data usage dashboard with circular progress and a top-up button on eligible plans
Interactive data calculator that estimates GB needed based on trip activities
Goldilocks pick highlights one recommended plan on each destination page
A day slider sets the length of unlimited plans before checkout
USD 5.00 referral credits for both referrer and friend (zero-dollar checkout when credits cover the plan)
Buy for someone else: send a QR code directly to another person's email
Auto-configured APN on activation (no manual network settings)
Website in 63 languages, with 31+ auto-detected currencies
Preflight notification reminds you to activate before boarding
Low-data email on fixed plans, so you can top up in time where your plan offers it, or buy a new plan
Built-in device compatibility checker on every country page
Express checkout: Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal. Cards: Visa, Mastercard, Amex, JCB, UnionPay
Holafly App (iOS 4.8/5, Android 4.8/5):
Clean interface for browsing unlimited plans by destination
HolaCoins loyalty program with tiered rewards (Silver, Gold, Platinum)
"Always On" 1GB free backup data in 70+ countries
Fast QR code delivery
Top-up feature to extend existing plans
App insight: Holafly's app does one thing well: buy unlimited, scan QR, go. HelloRoam's app handles more (two plan types, a recommended plan on each destination, a data calculator and a trip slider) while keeping setup simple.
Coverage and Network Comparison
Global coverage
185+ countries with 212+ verified carrier networks. Coverage built around the destinations travellers actually visit, not just contractual partner counts.
Carrier branding
Your phone shows "HelloRoam" in the status bar. You know exactly which service is active.
Instant connectivity
No manual network settings needed. Your eSIM connects to a local carrier the moment you land.
Free hotspot
Share your connection with a laptop or travel companion at no extra cost. Hotspot works on every plan, on phones that allow it, and uses your plan's data.
City pages
Dedicated pages for popular travel cities, not just countries, each showing the plans that work there.
24/7 support
Reach us 24/7 by live chat, WhatsApp, in-app messaging, or email at help@helloroam.com.
Wide global reach
Holafly eSIMs cover 200+ destinations, with single-plan access to 142 countries on the Global eSIM. You cross borders without switching plans.
Unlimited data plans
Every Holafly destination plan comes with unlimited data, so heavy users do not count gigabytes on a single-country trip. Fair use applies.
Always On backup
Each Holafly eSIM adds 1GB of free backup data every 30 days, valid in 70+ countries. You stay online if your main plan runs out.
Strong Europe and Latin America coverage
Holafly has built carrier partnerships across Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
25M+ eSIMs sold
Holafly has sold 25M+ eSIMs worldwide, a large real-world track record across popular travel destinations.
24/7 support
Holafly runs round-the-clock chat and email support.
Is Holafly Legit?
"Is Holafly legit" and "is Holafly worth it" are among the most-searched questions about the brand. Here's the honest answer.
Holafly is a legitimate company
Holafly has sold 25M+ eSIMs worldwide. It is a real, working eSIM business. Holafly is not a scam.
According to Trustpilot (September 2026), Holafly holds a 4.7/5 rating from 112,000+ reviews.
The volume shows real scale. A separate profile for shop.holafly.com scores 2.8/5, but from only 4 reviews.
App Store Ratings:
iOS: 4.8/5 from 38K+ ratings. Android: 4.8/5 from 85K+ reviews.
Security note:
The 5% of 1-star Trustpilot reviews report three problems. eSIMs fail in some regions, such as the Bahamas and some remote areas. US traffic routing from Asia adds high latency. Refund terms for used plans are strict.
HelloRoam trust signals
180-day refund on unactivated eSIMs. PCI DSS Level 1 payment security via Stripe. $0 activation fees. No hidden charges.
Publisher disclosure:
HelloRoam publishes this comparison. We present verified pricing, real Trustpilot data, and cited independent speed tests. Where Holafly wins (brand trust, review volume, "Always On" feature), we say so.
Device Support
Both HelloRoam and Holafly work on the same set of eSIM-compatible phones. Your device must be carrier-unlocked. An eSIM works just like a physical SIM card for data, but it's built into your phone. No swapping required.
iPhone: XS, XS Max, XR and newer (2018+). iPhone 13 and later support two active eSIMs. In mainland China, only the iPhone 18 Pro, 18 Pro Max, 17e and Air support eSIM. Some models sold in Hong Kong and Macao use two nano-SIM cards instead.
Samsung: most Galaxy S20 and newer models (not the S20 FE or S21 FE). Galaxy Z Fold/Flip series. Galaxy A54 and A55.
Google Pixel: Pixel 4 and newer, plus some Pixel 3 and 3a models.
Other Android: OnePlus 11, 12, 13. Motorola Razr series. Xiaomi 13 and newer.
HelloRoam advantage: a built-in device compatibility checker appears on every country page. Search by brand and model before you buy. No separate page needed. Holafly has a device checker on a separate page.
Other eSIM Comparisons Worth Reading
See how HelloRoam compares with other top eSIM and carrier options for international travel.
HelloRoam vs Airalo
Airalo is the largest eSIM marketplace with 200+ destinations. Compare pricing, plan variety, and app experience.
HelloRoam vs Google Fi
Google Fi bundles US phone service with international data. Compare an all-in-one carrier against a dedicated travel eSIM.
HelloRoam vs Mint Mobile
Mint Mobile is a budget US carrier with limited international options. See why a dedicated travel eSIM often wins abroad.
Get connected in 4 easy steps
How to Get Your eSIM
- 1
Choose your destination
- 2
Scan the QR code
- 3
Install your eSIM
- 4
Connect and go
Frequently Asked Questions
HelloRoam is the better pick for most travellers who want plan choice. It covers 185+ countries, offers fixed plans from A$1.46 plus unlimited day plans in most destinations, and runs 24/7 WhatsApp support in your own language. Holafly sells only unlimited daily travel plans, across 200+ destinations, with hotspot capped at 1GB a day. If you want a small fixed plan or need to share data with a laptop, HelloRoam fits better.
HelloRoam stands apart because it offers fixed data plans across 185+ countries and unlimited daily plans in most of them. Holafly's travel plans are unlimited only, and Airalo's unlimited plans reach only limited regions. Every HelloRoam plan also comes with 24/7 WhatsApp help in your own language at no extra charge.
Holafly's unlimited travel plans run under a fair use policy, so speeds can drop after heavy use. That's normal for unlimited eSIM plans, and HelloRoam's unlimited day plans have fair use too. HelloRoam also sells fixed data plans with a clear GB allowance in 185+ countries, plus unlimited daily plans in most of them, so you can choose the format that fits your trip.
Both offer round-the-clock help. HelloRoam offers 24/7 live chat, in-app chat, WhatsApp and email at help@helloroam.com, with real people who answer in your own language. Holafly offers round-the-clock chat, WhatsApp and email too. Support's a draw, so pick on plan type and price instead.
Holafly's main drawbacks are no fixed data plan on its travel eSIMs and hotspot capped at 1GB a day. Selling only unlimited daily plans means light users pay for data they never touch. Australians on short trips, or anyone with modest data needs, will usually pay less with a HelloRoam fixed plan. Some Holafly refunds also carry a US$3.50 admin fee. Holafly is a legitimate provider with a working product, but the lack of plan choice and the hotspot cap are genuine drawbacks.
Neither wins outright. It depends on how you use data. Holafly suits travellers who want unlimited daily data and nothing else. Airalo suits travellers who want small fixed data packs, with unlimited plans in limited regions. Both list 200-plus destinations. Saily is another option, with 150-plus countries we could verify. HelloRoam gives you both plan types: fixed plans from A$1.46 in 185+ countries, and unlimited daily data in most of them. For Australians who want that choice for Bali, Japan, Thailand, and beyond, HelloRoam is a strong pick.
HelloRoam is a strong eSIM choice for international travel because it combines fixed plans in 185+ countries with unlimited day plans in most of them. Holafly covers 200-plus destinations with unlimited travel plans only. Airalo covers 200-plus countries, mostly with fixed plans and unlimited options in limited regions. For Australians who want plan choice across Bali, New Zealand, and Japan, HelloRoam gives you both options in one app.
No. Most Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer models support eSIM, but not the S20 FE or S21 FE. The Z Flip and Z Fold series have eSIM built in too. Older Samsung handsets and many budget Galaxy A-series models may not support it. Check Settings, then Connections, then SIM Manager on your Samsung to confirm. Both HelloRoam and Holafly work on any eSIM-compatible Samsung device.
eSIMs are a great option for overseas travel. Set yours up before you leave, connect the moment your plane lands, and pay a set price with no bill shock. HelloRoam covers 185+ countries with plans from A$1.46. Compared with a Telstra International Day Pass or Optus travel packs, one prepaid eSIM price can save you money on overseas data.
Yes. When your data runs low, tap the top-up button in the HelloRoam app, or buy a new plan for your destination. The app's usage dashboard shows how much data you have left. Holafly's app also has a top-up feature to extend an existing plan.
HelloRoam eSIM profiles use GSMA encryption and stay locked to your device hardware. A physical SIM and an eSIM both connect to the same cell towers, so location tracking risk is the same. HelloRoam applies the same encryption standard across all 185+ countries on every plan.
Buying an eSIM without a plan means purchasing an empty profile slot, which most providers do not sell separately. HelloRoam and Holafly both bundle the eSIM profile with the data plan. Select your destination and data size at checkout. The eSIM chip is already built into your phone and activates automatically when you buy and install a plan.
Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone AU all support converting a physical SIM to an eSIM. Contact your carrier or use their app to start the switch. This frees up your physical SIM slot. Once converted, add a HelloRoam eSIM for affordable data across 185+ countries on your next overseas trip.
Switching eSIM profiles takes a few taps. On iPhone, go to Settings, then Mobile Service (Mobile Data on older iOS versions), and choose which line carries your data. On Android, open Settings, then Network, and pick your active SIM. You can keep your Telstra or Optus line on for calls home and switch your data to HelloRoam at your destination.
HelloRoam eSIM plans are fully prepaid. No contracts, no monthly fees, no cancellation charges. Buy a plan when you need one, use it, and that's it. Holafly and Airalo sell prepaid travel eSIMs too. Pay-as-you-go suits anyone who wants data for one trip without an ongoing commitment.
Holafly accepts refund requests within 6 months of purchase, with conditions. It refunds an unactivated eSIM in full. Other refunds can carry a US$3.50 admin fee, some cases need screenshots, and a connection problem needs a support contact during your trip. HelloRoam refunds any eSIM you have not activated, as long as you ask within 180 days of purchase, with no admin fee. An eSIM is not transferable between devices once installed.
Most modern phones support more than one eSIM profile. iPhones from the XS onward with a SIM tray run an eSIM next to a physical SIM, and the iPhone 13 and later can run two eSIMs at once. Samsung lists the Galaxy S24 as one physical SIM plus one eSIM. You can run your Telstra or Optus line alongside a HelloRoam travel eSIM without any conflict.
Buy HelloRoam eSIM plans through the app or at helloroam.com. Choose your destination from 185+ countries, pick a fixed plan (from A$1.46) or, in most destinations, an unlimited day plan, and get your QR code by email. Holafly and Airalo also sell directly online.
HelloRoam refunds a daily eSIM you have not activated within 180 days of purchase. After activation, a full or partial refund is still possible if your phone can't use the eSIM or it can't connect after a correct install. Contact HelloRoam support on WhatsApp, live chat, or help@helloroam.com to start a refund. Holafly also has a refund policy under certain conditions. An eSIM is not transferable between devices once installed, so make sure you buy the plan for the phone you will be travelling with.
HelloRoam allows hotspot sharing on all plans, with no separate hotspot cap. Connect your laptop, tablet, or a travel companion's phone whenever you need to. Holafly caps hotspot at 1GB a day on its travel plans. Check the plan details on Holafly's site before buying if hotspot matters for your trip. Hotspot use draws data faster than standard mobile browsing.
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