HelloRoam vs Holafly: which eSIM makes more sense for Indian travellers in 2026?
Publisher disclosure: this comparison is published by HelloRoam. We share verified data and an honest analysis, including the areas where Holafly does better than we do.
HelloRoam sells both fixed and unlimited plans. Fixed plans start at ₹98.03, and unlimited plans start at ₹164.46 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; Holafly's is in 19.
Destination tip: Flying to Japan for 7 days? HelloRoam's fixed plan starts at ₹332.16/1GB. 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 or HelloRoam for your next trip?
HelloRoam gives you something Holafly doesn't: choice. Fixed plans from ₹98.03 mean a quick weekend trip doesn't cost you US$10.90. For a 7-day Japan trip, HelloRoam's 1GB plan costs ₹332.16 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 ₹164.46/day and includes free hotspot on every plan.
HelloRoam backs every plan with a full refund on unactivated eSIMs within 180 days. 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 vs HelloRoam full feature comparison tableHolafly vs HelloRoam full feature comparison table
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 ₹270.30. 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 ₹1,758.83 to ₹2,174.75, 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.
Plans start from ₹98.03 worldwide. On popular routes such as the UK, Japan, and France, 1GB plans cost ₹270.30 to ₹379.75. Holafly's price always buys an unlimited plan. HelloRoam's lowest price buys a fixed data package instead.
If a week of maps, messaging and light browsing fits within 1GB, HelloRoam's fixed plans save you 85%+ on the same trip. Heavy data users may prefer an unlimited plan. HelloRoam offers unlimited day plans as well, from ₹164.46/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, whether fixed or unlimited.
Holafly prices are in USD and are taken from holafly.com (September 2026). HelloRoam prices are taken from helloroam.com and show the 1GB fixed plan entry point. Higher data tiers are also available.
Find Your eSIM Plan
Browse affordable eSIM data plans starting at ₹98.03 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
₹273.15
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 destinations1GB / 7-day eSIM Plan
Stay connected across Asia.
From
₹616.73

Africa
29 destinations1GB / 7-day eSIM Plan
Stay connected across Africa.
From
₹1,521.85

Europe
33 destinations1GB / 7-day eSIM Plan
Stay connected across Europe.
From
₹379.75

Middle East
11 destinations1GB / 7-day eSIM Plan
Stay connected across Middle East.
From
₹1,199.20

West Asia
6 destinations1GB / 7-day eSIM Plan
Stay connected across West Asia.
From
₹684.31

South America
20 destinations1GB / 7-day eSIM Plan
Stay connected across South America.
From
₹976.49

Global
127 destinations1GB / 7-day eSIM Plan
Stay connected across Global.
From
₹1,301.99
Why HelloRoam Works Out Better for Most Indian Travellers
A much lower entry price.
HelloRoam fixed plans start at ₹98.03. 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. Our support team answers in your own language, any time of day.
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 the number of days before checkout. The APN configures automatically on activation. No manual network settings needed.
$5.00 referral credits
Both the referrer and the friend receive $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 is what independent reviewers measured with Holafly across countries in 2025 and 2026. Both providers connect to local carrier networks. Your speed depends more on your location and on 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. When 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
- Prefer a website in 63 languages (Holafly's is in 19) and support that replies 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 $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 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
$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, and go. HelloRoam's app handles more (two plan types, a recommended plan on each destination page, a data calculator, a trip slider and 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'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 the money" come up often when Indian travellers research eSIM options. Here is 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 run on the same set of eSIM-compatible phones. Your device needs to be carrier-unlocked, whether it came from an Indian retailer or was bought abroad. An eSIM works just like a physical SIM for data, except it's built into your phone, so there is nothing to swap.
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 in some markets.
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, with no separate page to hunt for. Holafly keeps its device checker on a separate page instead.

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
HelloRoam is the better choice for most travellers who want plan choice. HelloRoam offers fixed plans from ₹98.03 in 185+ countries and unlimited daily plans in most destinations. Holafly lists 200-plus destinations, but it sells unlimited daily plans only and caps hotspot use at 1GB a day on its travel plans. If you want a small fixed plan for a short trip, or you need to share data with a laptop, HelloRoam gives you more options. Both providers offer 24/7 help, and HelloRoam's team answers on WhatsApp and live chat in your own language.
HelloRoam differs from other eSIM providers by offering fixed data plans across 185+ countries and unlimited daily plans in most destinations. Airalo, Holafly, and Nomad each lean on one main plan type. Every HelloRoam plan includes 24/7 help on WhatsApp and live chat at no extra charge, and the team answers in your own language.
Holafly's unlimited data comes with a fair usage policy. Holafly can slow your speed after heavy use within a single day, and the exact threshold can vary by destination, so check the terms for your country before you buy. HelloRoam offers fixed data plans with a clear GB allowance in 185+ countries, plus unlimited daily plans in most destinations. These unlimited plans also carry fair-use terms, so you can pick the option that fits your trip.
Both providers offer support around the clock on chat, WhatsApp, and email. HelloRoam's human agents are available 24/7 on live chat, in the app, on WhatsApp, and at help@helloroam.com. You probably already use WhatsApp every day, so help is easy to reach mid-trip. HelloRoam's team answers in your own language, which helps if you or a family member prefer a language other than English.
Holafly allows hotspot sharing on its travel plans, but caps it at 1GB per day. If you need to tether a work laptop, share data with a family member, or keep several devices online during a business trip to Dubai or Singapore, that daily cap can run out quickly. HelloRoam includes hotspot sharing on all plans at no extra charge, with no separate hotspot cap.
Holafly's main disadvantages are no fixed data plan option and a hotspot cap of 1GB per day on its travel plans. Holafly sells only unlimited daily plans on its travel eSIMs, so light users can end up paying for data they will not use. Its refunds also come with conditions, and some carry an admin fee. HelloRoam offers fixed plans in 185+ countries and unlimited plans in most destinations. For short trips or modest data needs, a HelloRoam fixed plan can cost less.
What is Holafly? Holafly is an eSIM provider that sells unlimited daily data plans for travel. How does Holafly work? You buy a plan for a specific country, scan a QR code to install the eSIM, and activate it on arrival. Holafly suits travellers who want unlimited daily data in popular European and Latin American destinations. Airalo lists 200-plus countries and mostly sells fixed data packages, with unlimited plans in some regions. HelloRoam gives you both plan types: fixed plans from ₹98.03 in 185+ countries, and unlimited daily data plans in most destinations. That makes HelloRoam the more flexible choice for trips from India to the UAE, Southeast Asia or Europe.
The right eSIM depends on your trip. 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 lists 200-plus destinations, with unlimited plans only. Airalo covers 200-plus countries, mostly with fixed plans. If you want plan flexibility across the UAE, Southeast Asia and Europe, HelloRoam lets you choose a small fixed plan for a short trip or, in most destinations, unlimited daily data for a longer one.
Most Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer flagship models support eSIM, but some models, such as the Galaxy S20 FE and S21 FE, do not. Most Galaxy S21 to S24 models and the Z Flip and Z Fold series include eSIM. Older Samsung phones and budget Galaxy A-series models may not have it. Check Settings, then Connections, then SIM Manager on your Samsung device for an Add eSIM option. HelloRoam and Holafly both work on any eSIM-compatible Samsung phone that is not locked to a carrier. HelloRoam sells fixed plans in 185+ countries and unlimited daily plans in most destinations.
eSIMs are excellent for international travel from India. Activate before your flight, connect the moment you land, and pay a flat rate with no extra charges stacking up. HelloRoam eSIM covers 185+ countries with plans starting at ₹98.03. Compared to Jio or Airtel international roaming add-ons, an eSIM saves most Indian travellers a substantial amount on data costs abroad.
Yes. To add data to a HelloRoam eSIM, open the HelloRoam app, go to My eSIM and tap Top up on that eSIM's card. The extra data goes onto the eSIM you already have, so you do not need a new QR code or a reinstall. Top up before your plan expires, because an expired plan cannot take a top-up. If no Top up button shows, buy a new plan for the same country instead. Holafly sells only unlimited daily plans on its travel eSIMs. HelloRoam covers 185+ countries.
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 location 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 purchasing 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 amount 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. HelloRoam covers 185+ countries.
Converting a physical SIM to eSIM is supported by major Indian carriers including Jio, Airtel, and Vi, as well as international carriers like AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon. Contact your carrier or use their app to start the switch. This frees up your physical SIM slot. For travel, add a HelloRoam eSIM alongside your carrier eSIM to get affordable data in 185+ countries.
Switching between eSIM profiles takes just 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. You can keep your Jio or Airtel number active for home calls while the HelloRoam eSIM handles affordable data at your destination abroad. If you get stuck, HelloRoam support is available 24/7 and answers in your own language.
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 recharge-style approach suits Indian travellers who want data on demand without any ongoing financial commitment. HelloRoam covers 185+ countries.
Holafly's refund policy allows refunds under specific conditions and within a set window, and some refunds carry an admin fee. Contact Holafly support to check whether your plan qualifies. HelloRoam refunds eSIMs that were never activated, if you ask within 180 days. An eSIM 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. iPhone XS and newer models with a SIM tray can run one physical SIM and one eSIM together, and two eSIMs can be active at the same time from the iPhone 13 onwards. On Android, two active eSIMs start with the Google Pixel 7, while Samsung lists the Galaxy S24 as one physical SIM plus one eSIM. You can keep your Jio or Airtel number active for home calls while a HelloRoam travel eSIM handles affordable data, and switch between them with a few taps.
HelloRoam eSIM plans are purchased directly through the app or at helloroam.com. Select your destination from our 185+ countries, choose a fixed plan from ₹98.03 or an unlimited daily plan, and receive your QR code by email. Holafly and Airalo also sell directly online with no intermediaries.
HelloRoam refunds unactivated eSIMs within 180 days of purchase. Message HelloRoam support on WhatsApp, live chat, or in the app to start one. 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 will use on your trip. HelloRoam plans start at ₹98.03.
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