Airalo vs HelloRoam eSIM (2026): pricing, coverage, and features compared for Indian travellers

Airalo is worth considering if you want a fixed data package from a large country catalogue at rates well below Jio or Airtel international add-ons. Its packages for popular destinations start from US$4.00, and it covers 200-plus countries with QR code eSIM activation. Airalo also sells unlimited plans in select markets. HelloRoam sells fixed plans and unlimited daily plans, with unlimited options from ₹164.46/day, so heavy data users can compare both providers for their destination.

Airalo charges by the package through fixed Airalo eSIM data plans, not a flat per-GB rate. Small packages for its popular destinations start from US$4.00. Larger packages cost more per purchase but less per GB. HelloRoam also offers fixed data plans alongside unlimited daily plans for trips where per-GB pricing adds up quickly, such as a two-week trip to the UK or a business assignment in the US.

Yes, Airalo offers unlimited data plans with a fair-use policy in select markets, alongside its fixed data packages. HelloRoam also offers both fixed data and unlimited daily plans, so heavy data users heading to the US, UK, or UAE can compare unlimited pricing directly between the two. HelloRoam covers 185+ countries with 24/7 WhatsApp support.

Both Airalo and HelloRoam offer single-country and regional eSIM plans that work across multiple countries. Regional plans cover areas like Europe, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. For a multi-destination trip through Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand, a regional plan from either provider saves you from buying separate plans at each stop. HelloRoam covers 185+ countries across 212+ networks, including all the destinations most popular with Indian travellers.

Airalo uses local partner carrier networks in each country. In the UAE, local carriers provide the network infrastructure Airalo accesses. In the UK, Airalo connects to established local networks. HelloRoam plans run on 212+ local partner networks across 185+ countries, so you connect to a local network at each destination; the network type (3G, 4G or 5G) varies by country. Both providers follow the GSMA eSIM standard.

Like every consumer eSIM, Airalo's eSIMs follow the GSMA eSIM standard, and profile data is encrypted during installation. Your eSIM profile stays hardware-bound to your device, making it more secure than a removable physical SIM card. An eSIM is not transferable between devices once installed. HelloRoam applies the same GSMA encryption standard across all 185+ countries. Both providers use the same secure eSIM standard, and over 30 million people have chosen Airalo.

You activate an Airalo eSIM with a QR code. After buying your plan, Airalo sends a QR code to your email. On iPhone, go to Settings, then Mobile Service, then Add eSIM, and scan the code. On Android, go to Settings, then Network, then Add eSIM, and scan the code. The eSIM installs over the air, with no card to swap and no store visit. The eSIM activation process is the same for HelloRoam: buy, scan, connect. An eSIM is not transferable between devices once installed, so purchase the plan for the specific phone you will carry on your trip.

Airalo has its own refund policy with set eligibility conditions, so check Airalo's refund page for the current terms. HelloRoam refunds eSIMs that have not been activated, if you ask within 180 days of purchase. Check the full terms on each provider's website before buying, especially if your travel plans could change.

Airalo works on most modern eSIM compatible smartphones, including iPhones from the XS (2018) onward and Android phones from Samsung, Google Pixel, and OnePlus. Phones locked to a carrier may be restricted from adding a second eSIM profile. HelloRoam works on the same range of eSIM compatible devices. Check the device compatibility page before purchasing to confirm your phone supports eSIM. HelloRoam plans start at ₹98.03.

Airalo eSIM plan prices vary by country and data size. Small packages for its popular destinations start from US$4.00. Larger plans cost more per purchase but less per gigabyte. HelloRoam plans start at ₹98.03 with no subscription fee. Unlimited plans are available from both providers for travellers who need more than a fixed package for a week-long trip to Dubai or Singapore. HelloRoam's website is available in 63 languages, so you can compare prices in the language you read best.

Airalo has a dedicated app for iOS and Android where you can browse Airalo eSIM plans, buy eSIMs, scan QR codes, and manage active profiles. HelloRoam also has a full iOS and Android app, available in many languages, including English. Both apps handle everything from purchase to eSIM activation without a browser or store visit. You can check the Airalo app's ratings on the App Store and Google Play.

Airalo decides refunds under its own eligibility rules, so check Airalo's refund page for the current terms. HelloRoam refunds unactivated eSIMs within 180 days of purchase. Confirm your device is eSIM compatible before buying from either provider. HelloRoam covers 185+ countries.

HelloRoam covers 185+ countries and Airalo covers 200-plus. Airalo has a broader catalogue, particularly for very remote destinations. For Indian travellers visiting popular spots like Dubai, Thailand, Singapore, and the UK, both providers deliver strong coverage. For niche off-the-beaten-path destinations, check Airalo's full country list to confirm availability. HelloRoam plans start at ₹98.03.

The best price depends on your destination, trip length and data use, so compare the plans for your trip. Airalo packages for its popular destinations start from US$4.00. HelloRoam plans start from ₹98.03, prices vary by destination, and there are no hidden charges. For a week or two of heavy data use in the US or Europe, compare unlimited plans: HelloRoam sells them in most destinations, and Airalo in select markets.

An eSIM is better than a physical SIM for most international travel from India. You set it up by scanning a QR code, with no card swap and no delivery wait. It saves more compared to Jio or Airtel international roaming rates, and lets you keep your home number active for calls while using the travel eSIM for data. Both HelloRoam and Airalo eSIMs follow the GSMA eSIM standard and connect you to local networks, including 4G LTE and, where available, 5G. An eSIM is not transferable between devices once installed. Confirm your phone is an eSIM compatible device before purchasing from either provider.

HelloRoam does not hand out free data for iPhone users. Prepaid eSIM plans for iPhones from the XS (2018) onward start at ₹98.03, so a first plan costs very little. Scan the QR code to install the eSIM, with no SIM card to swap. If your plans change and you never activate the eSIM, HelloRoam refunds it within 180 days. An eSIM is not transferable between devices once installed, so buy the plan for the specific phone you will carry on your trip.

Airalo's main weak point is its plan structure. Airalo sells fixed data packages per destination, and its unlimited plans exist only in select markets, so a long or data-heavy trip can mean buying more than one package. Airalo offers live chat and support around the clock. For refunds, check Airalo's own refund page for the current terms.

Airalo covers 200-plus countries, mostly with fixed data plans. Holafly lists 200-plus destinations and sells unlimited daily plans, with hotspot capped at 1GB a day. So Airalo suits travellers who want a set amount of data, and Holafly suits heavy daily users who do not need much hotspot. HelloRoam offers fixed plans across 185+ countries and unlimited plans in most destinations, with 24/7 WhatsApp support in your own language. Compare the plans for your destination to see which one fits your trip.

Airalo is an eSIM marketplace that sells data plans for 200-plus countries. Airalo offers fixed Airalo eSIM data plans you buy per destination, plus unlimited packages in select markets, through its website or Airalo app. You scan a QR code to activate the Airalo eSIM on your phone. Airalo is a real, legitimate service, and over 30 million people have chosen it. HelloRoam is an Airalo alternative with fixed plans in 185+ countries, unlimited daily plans in most destinations, and 24/7 WhatsApp support in your own language.