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 CA$1.44. Unlimited plans start at CA$2.42 a day. A 3-day Holafly plan costs US$10.90 in Mexico. Every HelloRoam plan allows hotspot on phones that support it, while Holafly travel plans share 1GB of data a day by hotspot. The HelloRoam website is in 63 languages, and Holafly's is in 19.
Destination tip: Flying to Japan for 7 days? HelloRoam's fixed plan starts at CA$4.88/1GB. 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: Is Holafly or HelloRoam the better e-sim?
HelloRoam gives you something Holafly doesn't: choice. Fixed plans from CA$1.44 mean a quick weekend trip doesn't cost you US$10.90. For a 7-day Japan trip, HelloRoam's 1GB plan costs CA$4.88 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 CA$2.42/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) | CA$1.44 (fixed) / CA$2.42/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) | CA$1.44 (fixed) / CA$2.42/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, on phones that allow hotspot | 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 CA$3.97. 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 CA$25.83 to CA$31.94, 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 CA$5.58/1GB | Up to US$23.51 (85%) | HelloRoam |
Japan | US$27.50 | From CA$4.88/1GB | Up to US$24.01 (87%) | HelloRoam |
UK | US$27.50 | From CA$3.97/1GB | Up to US$24.66 (90%) | HelloRoam |
Mexico | US$23.90 | From CA$4.88/1GB | Up to US$20.41 (85%) | HelloRoam |
Thailand | US$27.50 | From CA$4.88/1GB | Up to US$24.01 (87%) | HelloRoam |
Germany | US$27.50 | From CA$3.97/1GB | Up to US$24.66 (90%) | HelloRoam |
Plans start from CA$1.44 worldwide. On popular routes like the UK, Japan, and France, a 1GB plan runs CA$3.97 to CA$5.58. Holafly's price buys unlimited data with a fair use policy that slows speeds after 2 to 3GB of daily use. HelloRoam's lowest price buys a fixed data package.
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 may prefer an unlimited plan. HelloRoam offers unlimited day plans too, starting at CA$2.42 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 USD and come from holafly.com (September 2026). HelloRoam prices come from helloroam.com and show the 1GB fixed plan entry point. Higher data tiers are available.
Find Your eSIM Plan
Browse affordable eSIM plans starting at CA$1.44 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
CA$4.01
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
CA$9.06
Africa
29 destinations
1GB / 7-day eSIM Plan
Stay connected across Africa.
From
CA$22.35
Europe
33 destinations
1GB / 7-day eSIM Plan
Stay connected across Europe.
From
CA$5.58
Middle East
11 destinations
1GB / 7-day eSIM Plan
Stay connected across Middle East.
From
CA$17.61
West Asia
6 destinations
1GB / 7-day eSIM Plan
Stay connected across West Asia.
From
CA$10.05
South America
20 destinations
1GB / 7-day eSIM Plan
Stay connected across South America.
From
CA$14.34
Global
127 destinations
1GB / 7-day eSIM Plan
Stay connected across Global.
From
CA$19.12
Where HelloRoam pulls ahead
A much lower entry price.
HelloRoam fixed plans start at CA$1.44. 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.
US$5.00 referral credits
Both the referrer and the friend receive US$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. Compared with a physical SIM card, the SIM type itself does not 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 one recommended plan on each destination page
- Want US$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
US$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 or buy a new plan in time
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 for 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.
Will Your Phone Work?
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 (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. HelloRoam plans start from CA$1.44. You get fixed plans in 185+ countries, unlimited daily plans in most destinations, and 24/7 WhatsApp help in your own language. Holafly sells unlimited daily plans only, across 200+ destinations, and caps hotspot sharing at 1GB per day on its travel plans. For snowbirds heading to Florida, Arizona, or Mexico, HelloRoam's fixed plans are often the cheaper choice.
HelloRoam covers 185+ countries with fixed data plans from CA$1.44, plus unlimited daily plans in most of them. Holafly sells unlimited daily plans only, across 200+ destinations. HelloRoam includes 24/7 WhatsApp help on every plan at no extra charge, and support answers in your own language. For travellers who want fixed and unlimited plans in one app, HelloRoam gives you both.
Holafly's unlimited data comes with a fair usage policy, so it is not unlimited in every sense. Holafly can slow your speed after heavy use in a single day, and the exact threshold is not always clear before you buy. HelloRoam's unlimited plans also follow fair-use terms.
Both providers offer round-the-clock help by chat, WhatsApp, and email. HelloRoam provides 24/7 live chat, in-app messaging, WhatsApp, and email at help@helloroam.com, and real people answer in your own language. French speakers and late-night travellers can explain a problem in the language they know best, at any hour.
Yes, with a daily limit. Holafly's travel plans let you share 1GB of data per day by hotspot. If you need to tether a laptop or connect a travel companion's phone for longer, that cap can run out quickly. HelloRoam includes hotspot sharing on all plans with no separate hotspot cap, so you can share your connection from the moment you arrive.
Holafly's main drawbacks are no fixed data plan option and a hotspot cap of 1GB per day on its travel plans. Holafly sells unlimited daily plans only, so light users end up paying for data they never use. Travellers on short trips or with modest data needs often find HelloRoam's fixed plans far cheaper than a Holafly unlimited daily rate.
Airalo and Holafly both cover a wide map: Airalo lists 200+ countries and Holafly lists 200+ destinations. The real difference is the plan type. Holafly suits travellers who want unlimited daily data, while Airalo sells mostly fixed data packages, with unlimited plans in limited regions. HelloRoam gives you both plan types: fixed plans for 185+ countries, starting from CA$1.44, and unlimited daily data in most of them, making it the more flexible choice for travellers heading anywhere from Mexico City to Tokyo.
HelloRoam is one of the best eSIM options for international travel from Canada because it offers fixed data in 185+ countries and unlimited daily plans in most of them. Holafly covers 200+ destinations with unlimited plans only. Airalo covers 200+ countries, mostly with fixed data packages and unlimited plans in limited regions. For travellers who want plan flexibility in one app, HelloRoam gives you both plan types at a fraction of Bell or Rogers day pass rates.
Most Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer models support eSIM, but not the S20 FE or S21 FE. The flagship Galaxy S21 to S24 phones, the Z Flip, and Z Fold series all include eSIM capability. Older Samsung phones and budget-tier Galaxy A-series models may not have eSIM support. Check Settings, then Connections, then SIM Manager on your Samsung device. HelloRoam and Holafly both work on any eSIM-compatible phone from Samsung. HelloRoam's flat pricing is often lower than Holafly's daily rate without any discount code.
eSIMs work well for international travel from Canada. You activate before your flight, connect the moment you land, and pay a flat rate with no surprise charges. HelloRoam covers 185+ countries with plans starting at CA$1.44. Compared to Bell Roam Better or Rogers Roam Like Home, which charge for every day you roam, a HelloRoam eSIM saves travellers real money on a typical one-week trip.
HelloRoam lets you buy extra data through the app whenever you run low. Open the app, choose a top-up for the eSIM you already have, and the data loads straight onto it, with no new QR code to scan. Holafly sells unlimited plans by trip length, so there is no data to top up. For fixed plans from any provider, adding more data mid-trip is a quick self-service step through the provider's app.
HelloRoam eSIM profiles use GSMA encryption and stay locked to your device's hardware. Both an eSIM and a physical SIM connect to the same cell towers, so tracking risk is the same either way. HelloRoam applies this same encryption standard to every plan in all 185+ of its countries.
Purchasing an eSIM without a plan means buying an empty profile slot. Most providers, including HelloRoam and Holafly, sell eSIM plans as a bundle with data included. You pick a destination and a data size at checkout. There is no separate step to buy just the eSIM hardware, since it is already built into your phone and activates when you purchase a plan.
Converting a physical SIM to eSIM is supported by major Canadian carriers including Bell, Rogers, and Telus. Contact your carrier or use their app to start the switch, which typically takes 10 to 15 minutes. This frees up your physical SIM slot for a second line. For travel, add a HelloRoam eSIM alongside your carrier eSIM to get affordable data in 185+ countries. An eSIM profile is not transferable between devices once installed.
Switching between eSIM profiles takes just a few taps on your phone. On iPhone, go to Settings, then Cellular, and pick which line handles data. On Android, open Settings, then Network, and choose your active SIM. HelloRoam travellers keep their Bell, Rogers, or Telus line active for Canadian calls while switching to HelloRoam for affordable data at their destination.
HelloRoam eSIM plans are fully prepaid with no contracts, no monthly bills, and no cancellation fees. You buy a plan when you need it and use it for your trip. Holafly and Airalo also operate without contracts. This pay-as-you-go approach works well for travellers who fly frequently and want data on demand without any ongoing financial commitment.
Holafly accepts refund requests up to 6 months after purchase. An eSIM you have not activated gets a full refund, and other cases may get a partial refund with a US$3.50 admin fee. HelloRoam refunds unactivated eSIMs within 180 days of purchase. An eSIM profile is not transferable between devices once installed, so always buy the plan for the specific phone you will carry on your trip.
Most modern phones support multiple eSIM profiles. iPhones from the XS onward can hold more than one eSIM, and the iPhone 13 and later can run two eSIMs at the same time. Most Samsung Galaxy S21 and newer models also support multiple eSIMs. You can keep your Bell or Rogers carrier line on one profile while running HelloRoam on another for maximum flexibility during international trips.
HelloRoam eSIM plans are purchased directly through the app or at helloroam.com. Select your destination from 185+ countries, choose a fixed plan from CA$1.44 or an unlimited daily plan, and receive your QR code by email in minutes. Holafly and Airalo also sell directly online with no store visits or carrier contracts required.
HelloRoam gives a full refund on eSIMs that were never activated, within 180 days of purchase. Once you activate an eSIM, a change of plans no longer qualifies. If your phone cannot use the eSIM, or it cannot connect after a correct install, you may still get a full or partial refund. Contact HelloRoam support to check your order. Holafly also has a refund policy for specific conditions. An eSIM profile is not transferable between devices once installed, so purchase the plan for the phone you will actually use on your holiday.
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