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 £0.77, and unlimited plans start at £1.29 a day. A 3-day Holafly plan costs US$10.90 in Mexico. HelloRoam allows hotspot on every plan (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 £2.60/1GB. 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 £0.77 mean a quick weekend trip doesn't cost you US$10.90. For a 7-day Japan trip, HelloRoam's 1GB plan costs £2.60 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 £1.29/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) | £0.77 (fixed) / £1.29/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) | £0.77 (fixed) / £1.29/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 £2.12. 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 £13.78 to £17.04, 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 £2.98/1GB | Up to US$23.51 (85%) | HelloRoam |
Japan | US$27.50 | From £2.60/1GB | Up to US$24.01 (87%) | HelloRoam |
UK | US$27.50 | From £2.12/1GB | Up to US$24.66 (90%) | HelloRoam |
Mexico | US$23.90 | From £2.60/1GB | Up to US$20.41 (85%) | HelloRoam |
Thailand | US$27.50 | From £2.60/1GB | Up to US$24.01 (87%) | HelloRoam |
Germany | US$27.50 | From £2.12/1GB | Up to US$24.66 (90%) | HelloRoam |
Plans start from £0.77 globally. On popular routes such as Japan, France, and the UK, a 1GB plan costs £2.12 to £2.98. 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.
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, from £1.29 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. Larger data plans are also available.
Browse eSIM Plans by Destination
Browse affordable eSIM data plans from £0.77 for your next trip abroad
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
£2.14
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
£4.83
Africa
29 destinations
1GB / 7-day eSIM Plan
Stay connected across Africa.
From
£11.92
Europe
33 destinations
1GB / 7-day eSIM Plan
Stay connected across Europe.
From
£2.98
Middle East
11 destinations
1GB / 7-day eSIM Plan
Stay connected across Middle East.
From
£9.40
West Asia
6 destinations
1GB / 7-day eSIM Plan
Stay connected across West Asia.
From
£5.36
South America
20 destinations
1GB / 7-day eSIM Plan
Stay connected across South America.
From
£7.65
Global
127 destinations
1GB / 7-day eSIM Plan
Stay connected across Global.
From
£10.20
Why HelloRoam is the better choice
A much lower entry price.
HelloRoam fixed plans start at £0.77. 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 is available in 63 languages. Holafly's website offers 19. HelloRoam support also replies 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 can pay for a shorter plan in full. Holafly uses a HolaCoins loyalty programme 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 mobile 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. If you compare an eSIM with a physical SIM card, the type of SIM does not decide 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 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
Yesim vs HelloRoam
HelloRoam App (iOS 4.7/5):
Browse fixed and unlimited plans side by side wherever a destination offers both
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, by data size and price
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)
A website in 63 languages, with 31+ currencies detected automatically
Preflight notification reminds you to activate before boarding
Low-data email on fixed plans, so you can top up (on plans that offer it) 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 on each destination page, 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 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.
Compatible Devices
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 choice for most travellers who want plan choice. HelloRoam offers fixed plans from £0.77, covers 185+ countries, and gives 24/7 help on WhatsApp in your own language. Holafly sells only unlimited daily plans, so light users pay for data they may not need, and hotspot on its travel plans is capped at 1GB a day.
HelloRoam differs from other eSIM providers by offering fixed data plans across 185+ countries and unlimited daily plans in most destinations. Holafly sells unlimited-only travel plans, so light users end up paying for data they will not use. Every HelloRoam plan also includes 24/7 WhatsApp help in your own language at no extra charge, which helps when you need a hand in an unfamiliar time zone.
Holafly's unlimited data comes with a fair usage policy, so it is not fully unrestricted. Speeds can slow after heavy use. HelloRoam's unlimited plans have a fair usage policy too. HelloRoam also sells fixed data plans, so light users can skip unlimited and pay only for the data they need.
Both offer help around the clock. HelloRoam provides 24/7 live chat, in-app messaging, WhatsApp and email at help@helloroam.com, and real people answer in your own language. Holafly offers chat, WhatsApp and email support. Since both can help at 2am in Bangkok or Tokyo, choose on plan type and price instead.
Yes, with a daily limit. Holafly's travel plans let you share 1GB of data a day by hotspot. That can run short if you need to tether a laptop or share data with a travel companion on a long trip. HelloRoam includes hotspot sharing on all plans, with no separate hotspot cap and no extra fee. Hotspot use comes out of your plan's data, so you can share your connection from the moment you land.
Holafly's main disadvantages are that it has no fixed data plans and that hotspot on its travel plans is capped at 1GB a day. Holafly only sells unlimited daily plans for travel, so light users end up paying for data they never use. Travellers on short city breaks, or anyone who uses modest data, often find HelloRoam's fixed plans far more cost-effective.
Holafly suits travellers who want unlimited daily data in popular European and Latin American destinations. Airalo mostly sells fixed data packages, with unlimited plans in selected markets. HelloRoam gives you both plan types: fixed plans from £0.77 across 185+ countries and unlimited daily data in most destinations, which makes it the more flexible choice for most travellers.
HelloRoam is a strong choice for international travel because it offers fixed data plans across 185+ countries and unlimited daily plans in most destinations. Holafly sells unlimited plans only. Airalo mostly sells fixed plans. If you want both plan types in one app, HelloRoam gives you that choice. If you are comparing a physical SIM with an eSIM for your next holiday, the eSIM wins on setup speed, cost and convenience.
Most Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer flagship models support eSIM, but the Galaxy S20 FE and S21 FE do not. The Z Flip and Z Fold series include eSIM too. Older Samsung phones and budget-tier Galaxy A-series models may lack support. Check Settings, then Connections, then SIM Manager on your Samsung handset. HelloRoam and Holafly both work on any eSIM-compatible Samsung device.
eSIMs work well for international travel. You set one up before your flight, connect the moment you land, and pay a flat rate with no surprise charges. HelloRoam eSIM covers 185+ countries with plans starting at £0.77. Compared with daily roaming fees from EE, Vodafone UK, O2 or Three, an eSIM costs most travellers less for data abroad. If you are wondering how to avoid roaming charges, a dedicated travel eSIM is the answer. HelloRoam and Holafly both offer travel eSIMs with no SIM swap and quick activation. Both send a QR code that you scan to install the eSIM on any eSIM-compatible phone.
HelloRoam makes it easy to add data mid-trip. Open the HelloRoam app, pick the eSIM you are using, and choose a top-up. The top-up adds data and days to the eSIM you already have, so there is no new QR code to scan and nothing to reinstall. Holafly sells unlimited plans, and its app also has a top-up feature to extend an existing plan.
HelloRoam eSIM profiles use GSMA encryption and stay locked to your device's hardware, protecting against physical theft. Both an eSIM and a physical SIM connect to the same cell towers, so tracking risk is the same either way. HelloRoam covers 185+ countries with this same encryption standard applied to every plan.
Buying an eSIM without a plan means acquiring 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 built into your phone and activated when you purchase a plan.
Major UK networks, including EE, Three, Vodafone UK and O2, let you convert a physical SIM to an eSIM. Contact your network or use its app to start the switch. This frees up your physical SIM slot. For travel, add a HelloRoam eSIM alongside your network's eSIM to get affordable data in 185+ countries.
Switching between eSIM profiles takes a few taps on your phone. On iPhone, go to Settings, then Mobile Service, then Mobile Data, and pick which line handles data. On Android, open Settings, then Network, and choose your active SIM. HelloRoam travellers keep their UK carrier active for calls and switch to the HelloRoam eSIM for affordable data at their destination.
HelloRoam operates on a pay-as-you-go basis with no contracts, no standing charges, and no cancellation fees. Buy a plan when your trip is confirmed and use it for the duration. Holafly and Airalo work the same way. For UK travellers who go abroad a few times a year, this one-off purchase model means you never pay for data you are not using.
Saily covers refunds on unused eSIM plans that meet their conditions. Open the Saily app and contact support to start a request. HelloRoam refunds an unactivated eSIM if you ask within 180 days. Buy the plan for the handset you will carry on your trip, as an eSIM is not transferable between devices once installed.
Most modern phones can hold more than one eSIM profile. iPhones from the XS onwards can store several eSIMs, and the iPhone 13 and later can run two eSIMs at the same time. Most Samsung Galaxy S21 and newer models (not the S21 FE) also support multiple eSIMs. You can keep Holafly, Airalo or your UK carrier on one eSIM and run HelloRoam on another for more flexibility on any trip.
Buy HelloRoam eSIM plans directly through the app or at helloroam.com. Select your destination from 185+ countries, choose a fixed plan from £0.77 or an unlimited daily plan, and your QR code arrives by email. Holafly and Airalo also sell directly online with no intermediaries.
Yes, if you have not activated it. HelloRoam refunds an unactivated eSIM, daily plans included, when you ask within 180 days. Contact HelloRoam support to start the request. Holafly also has a refund policy for specific conditions. An eSIM is not transferable between devices once installed, so purchase the plan for the phone you intend to use on your trip.
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