HelloRoam vs Holafly: how do they compare in 2026?
Publisher disclosure: this comparison is published by HelloRoam. We've included verified data and honest analysis, including the areas where Holafly comes out ahead.
HelloRoam sells fixed and unlimited plans. Fixed plans start at €0.89, and unlimited plans start at €1.49 a day. A 3-day Holafly plan costs US$10.90 in Mexico. HelloRoam lets you use 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; Holafly's is in 19.
Destination tip: Flying to Japan for 7 days? HelloRoam's fixed plan starts at €3.02/1GB. 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
The Quick Verdict: Holafly or HelloRoam?
HelloRoam gives you something Holafly doesn't: choice. Fixed plans from €0.89 mean a quick weekend trip doesn't cost you US$10.90. For a 7-day Japan trip, HelloRoam's 1GB plan costs €3.02 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 €1.49/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) | €0.89 (fixed) / €1.49/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) | €0.89 (fixed) / €1.49/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 per Destination | 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 €2.45. 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 €15.97 to €19.75, 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 €3.45/1GB | Up to US$23.51 (85%) | HelloRoam |
Japan | US$27.50 | From €3.02/1GB | Up to US$24.01 (87%) | HelloRoam |
UK | US$27.50 | From €2.45/1GB | Up to US$24.66 (90%) | HelloRoam |
Mexico | US$23.90 | From €3.02/1GB | Up to US$20.41 (85%) | HelloRoam |
Thailand | US$27.50 | From €3.02/1GB | Up to US$24.01 (87%) | HelloRoam |
Germany | US$27.50 | From €2.45/1GB | Up to US$24.66 (90%) | HelloRoam |
Plans start from €0.89 worldwide. On popular routes like the UK, Japan, and France, 1GB plans run from €2.45 to €3.45. Holafly's price gets you unlimited data, though a fair use policy slows speeds after 2 to 3GB of daily use. HelloRoam's lowest price gets you 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 may prefer an unlimited plan. HelloRoam offers unlimited day plans too, from €1.49 a day.
For Holafly's Japan eSIM, 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, whether you go 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 starting point. Higher data tiers are available.
Find Your eSIM Plan
Browse affordable eSIM plans starting at €0.89 for your next trip
Unlimited eSIM Plan
Stay connected across Mexico.
From
Unlimited eSIM Plan
Stay connected across Morocco.
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Data eSIM Plan
Stay connected across United States.
From
€2.48
Unlimited eSIM Plan
Get connected in Japan in minutes.
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Unlimited eSIM Plan
Get connected in Turkey in minutes.
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Unlimited eSIM Plan
Stay connected across China.
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1GB / 7-day eSIM Plan
Stay connected across Asia.
From
€5.60
1GB / 7-day eSIM Plan
Stay connected across Africa.
From
€13.82
1GB / 7-day eSIM Plan
Stay connected across Europe.
From
€3.45
1GB / 7-day eSIM Plan
Stay connected across Middle East.
From
€10.89
1GB / 7-day eSIM Plan
Stay connected across West Asia.
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€6.21
1GB / 7-day eSIM Plan
Stay connected across South America.
From
€8.87
1GB / 7-day eSIM Plan
Stay connected across Global.
From
€11.82
Why Irish Travellers Tend to Pick HelloRoam
A much lower entry price.
HelloRoam fixed plans start at €0.89. 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, while 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 pick 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 behind them. Here's what independent reviewers measured with Holafly in different countries in 2025 and 2026. Both providers connect to local carrier networks. Your speed depends more on where you are and how busy the network is 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. Comparing an eSIM to 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 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
HelloRoam App (iOS 4.7/5):
Browse fixed plans for every destination and unlimited plans in most, side by side
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, chosen 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)
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 the QR code, go. HelloRoam's app handles a bit more (two plan types, a recommended plan on each destination, a trip-length slider, 31+ currencies) 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 a Legitimate Provider?
"Is Holafly legit" and "is Holafly worth it" come up often in reviews. 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 Compatibility
Both HelloRoam and Holafly work on the same range of eSIM-compatible phones. Your device needs to be carrier-unlocked. An eSIM works just like a physical SIM for data, it's just built into the 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 sits on every country page, so you can search by brand and model before you buy without leaving the page. Holafly's device checker lives 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on how much data you use. HelloRoam plans start from €0.89. You get fixed data plans in 185+ countries, unlimited daily plans in most destinations, and 24/7 help on WhatsApp in your own language. Holafly only sells unlimited daily plans and lists 200-plus destinations. For most travellers, HelloRoam wins on plan choice, since you can pay for just the data your trip needs.
HelloRoam stands apart from other eSIM providers by offering fixed data plans in 185+ countries and unlimited daily plans in most of them. Holafly offers only unlimited daily plans, and Airalo's unlimited option is limited to select markets. Whichever HelloRoam plan you pick, you get 24/7 help on WhatsApp in your own language, at no extra cost.
Not quite. Holafly's unlimited plans come with a fair usage policy, so speeds can slow after heavy use. HelloRoam's unlimited plans follow fair-use terms too. If you'd rather know exactly what you're getting, HelloRoam also sells fixed data plans with a clear GB allowance in 185+ countries, so you can pick the option that fits your trip.
Both offer support around the clock. HelloRoam provides 24/7 live chat, in-app messaging, and WhatsApp support, and it answers you in your own language. Holafly offers round-the-clock chat, WhatsApp, and email support too. So if something goes wrong at 2am when you're away, help is there with either one.
Holafly's unlimited plans come with a fair usage policy, which means speeds can slow after heavy use. Holafly also caps hotspot sharing at 1GB a day on its travel plans. Read the terms for your destination before you buy. HelloRoam shows pricing, coverage and data details on each plan page before checkout, and its unlimited plans follow fair-use terms too.
Holafly's main drawbacks are no fixed data plan option, a 1GB daily hotspot cap on its travel plans, and a US$3.50 admin fee on some refunds. Because Holafly only sells unlimited daily plans, light users end up paying for data they don't use. A 7-day Holafly plan for the UK costs US$27.50, so on a short city break to London a smaller HelloRoam fixed plan often works out cheaper.
Yes. Holafly sells unlimited daily plans for Japan on the KDDI and SoftBank networks, and a 7-day plan costs US$27.50. A fair usage policy applies, so streaming or video calls can slow down after heavy use. HelloRoam also covers Japan with both fixed and unlimited plans, so you can match the plan to a short visit or a longer stay.
Holafly does not support simultaneous use on two devices. You install one Holafly eSIM on one phone, and it activates on that device only. An eSIM is not transferable between devices once installed. HelloRoam also installs on one device per purchase, but HelloRoam allows hotspot sharing on all plans so you can connect a second device through your phone's hotspot.
Yes, with a limit. Holafly allows hotspot sharing of up to 1GB a day on its travel plans. HelloRoam supports hotspot sharing on every plan, on phones that allow it, so you can connect a laptop or tablet. Its fixed plans cover 185+ countries, and its unlimited daily plans are sold in most of them. Hotspot use counts toward your plan's data, as normal.
Holafly sells unlimited data for a set number of days, priced by trip length. A fair usage policy applies, so speeds can slow after heavy use, and hotspot sharing is capped at 1GB a day on travel plans. HelloRoam gives you both fixed and unlimited plans, with clear pricing on each plan page. Its unlimited plans follow fair-use terms too.
Holafly lists 200-plus destinations for its unlimited eSIMs. HelloRoam sells fixed plans in 185+ countries and unlimited daily plans in most of them. Both cover popular destinations such as the USA, the UK, France and Thailand. Before you buy, check each provider's destination page for every stop on your route.
For light to moderate data users, HelloRoam usually costs less than Holafly in Europe. Holafly's 7-day plans for France and Germany cost US$27.50, and its 30-day plan for Italy works out to US$2.15 a day. With HelloRoam, you can pick a smaller fixed plan for a week of maps, messages and browsing, and each country page shows its prices before you buy. Heavy users who stream video all day may find Holafly's unlimited pricing easier to plan around.
Holafly works on iPhone 15 models, including the iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, and 15 Pro Max. All iPhone 15 variants support eSIM technology. To use Holafly or HelloRoam on an iPhone 15, go to Settings, then Cellular, then Add Cellular Plan, and scan the QR code. HelloRoam also works on all iPhone 15 models across 185+ countries.
Yes, under conditions. Holafly gives you a 6-month window to ask for a refund, and an unactivated eSIM gets a full refund. Other refunds can carry a US$3.50 admin fee, some cases need screenshots, and a refund for connection problems means contacting support during your trip. Holafly's refund policy says refunds take 3 to 5 business days, while its help centre says 5 to 10. An eSIM can't be moved to another phone once installed, so check the plan fits your trip before you scan the QR code. HelloRoam offers a 180-day refund window on unactivated eSIMs, with no admin fee.
Holafly's website runs in 19 languages, but Holafly doesn't publish which languages its support team covers. HelloRoam provides 24/7 live chat and WhatsApp support, and it answers you in your own language. So if you'd rather get help in Japanese, Korean, Arabic, or Portuguese, HelloRoam can help.
Holafly 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 on your holiday. HelloRoam also operates on a prepaid, no-contract basis across 185+ countries. Both providers let you buy data when you need it with no ongoing commitment.
You can, within limits. Holafly accepts refund requests for 6 months after purchase and refunds an unactivated eSIM in full. Other refunds can carry a US$3.50 admin fee, and some cases need screenshots or a support contact during your trip. HelloRoam gives you a 180-day refund on unactivated eSIMs, with no admin fee. An eSIM can't be moved to another phone once installed, so buy the plan for the phone you'll carry on your trip.
Holafly prices its unlimited plans by destination and trip length. A typical 3-day plan works out at US$3.97 a day, and a 30-day plan for Italy comes down to US$2.15 a day. A 10-day trip to Europe adds up fast at that daily rate. HelloRoam plans start from €0.89, and prices vary by destination. With a fixed plan, you pay for the amount of data you need rather than a daily rate. For exact pricing on your route, compare both providers' destination pages before you book, and check whether a Holafly discount code beats HelloRoam's price.
Holafly is legit and not a scam. It's a real eSIM company with a working support team, and it says it has sold more than 25 million eSIMs worldwide. Its Trustpilot score is 4.7/5 from over 112,000 reviews. HelloRoam and Holafly are both real providers, but they differ in plan types, coverage, and hotspot rules.
Yes. Holafly sells unlimited daily data plans for the USA, with hotspot capped at 1GB a day. HelloRoam also covers the USA with both fixed and unlimited plans, so you can choose based on how much data you need. Both work in the US, but HelloRoam adds the fixed plan option Holafly lacks.
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