Holafly vs HelloRoam eSIM (2026): pricing, coverage & features compared
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 $1.03. Unlimited plans start at $1.73/day. A 3-day Holafly plan costs $10.90 in Mexico. HelloRoam allows hotspot on every plan, while Holafly travel plans share 1GB of data per 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 $3.49/1GB. Holafly charges $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 $1.03 mean a quick weekend trip doesn't cost you $10.90. For a 7-day Japan trip, HelloRoam's 1GB plan costs $3.49 against Holafly's $27.50. That's real money back in your pocket. Both providers offer unlimited plans, but HelloRoam's unlimited starts at $1.73/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 $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 | $10.90 (3-day unlimited, Mexico) | $1.03 (fixed) / $1.73/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 | $10.90 (3-day unlimited, Mexico) | $1.03 (fixed) / $1.73/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 the 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, $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 | One recommended plan per destination, picked by data size and price | 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 $23.90 and $27.50 depending on your destination. HelloRoam's 1GB, 7-day fixed plans in these six countries start at $2.84. 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 $18.48 to $22.85, against Holafly's $23.90 to $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 | $27.50 | From $3.99/1GB | Up to $23.51 (85%) | HelloRoam |
Japan | $27.50 | From $3.49/1GB | Up to $24.01 (87%) | HelloRoam |
UK | $27.50 | From $2.84/1GB | Up to $24.66 (90%) | HelloRoam |
Mexico | $23.90 | From $3.49/1GB | Up to $20.41 (85%) | HelloRoam |
Thailand | $27.50 | From $3.49/1GB | Up to $24.01 (87%) | HelloRoam |
Germany | $27.50 | From $2.84/1GB | Up to $24.66 (90%) | HelloRoam |
Plans start from $1.03 globally. On popular routes like the UK, Japan, and France, 1GB plans cost $2.84 to $3.99. Holafly's price always buys an unlimited plan. 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 $1.73/day.
For Holafly eSIM Japan, the $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 data plans starting at $1.03 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
$2.87
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
$6.48
Africa
29 destinations
1GB / 7-day eSIM Plan
Stay connected across Africa.
From
$15.99
Europe
33 destinations
1GB / 7-day eSIM Plan
Stay connected across Europe.
From
$3.99
Middle East
11 destinations
1GB / 7-day eSIM Plan
Stay connected across Middle East.
From
$12.60
West Asia
6 destinations
1GB / 7-day eSIM Plan
Stay connected across West Asia.
From
$7.19
South America
20 destinations
1GB / 7-day eSIM Plan
Stay connected across South America.
From
$10.26
Global
127 destinations
1GB / 7-day eSIM Plan
Stay connected across Global.
From
$13.68
Why HelloRoam Is the better choice
A much lower entry price.
HelloRoam fixed plans start at $1.03. A 3-day Holafly plan costs $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 $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.
$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. 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. Comparing an eSIM to 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 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, 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
Each destination page marks one recommended plan, picked 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 QR, go. HelloRoam's app handles more complexity (two plan types, a recommended plan on 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 travelers 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.
Device Compatibility
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 fits more travel styles. It offers both fixed data plans (from $1.03) and unlimited daily plans priced per day, free hotspot on every plan, a website in 63 languages, and a 180-day refund on unactivated eSIMs. Holafly focuses on unlimited-only plans. A typical 3-day Holafly plan works out to $3.97 per day, and a 30-day plan for Italy or Spain to $2.15 per day. Light data users save more with HelloRoam's fixed plans. Holafly works well for heavy data users who want one plan type and do not mind the 1GB/day hotspot cap.
Holafly markets every plan as unlimited, and you won't hit a hard data cutoff. But Holafly's fair use policy reduces speeds after heavy daily use. At reduced speeds, video calls can stutter and streaming may stop. HelloRoam offers fixed data plans in 185+ countries, with sizes that vary by destination. It also offers unlimited daily plans in most of them. Fixed plans let you pick your exact data volume with full tethering on every tier.
Holafly lacks fixed data plans. Every travel plan charges the same unlimited rate, so light users overpay for data they never touch. Holafly caps hotspot sharing at 1GB per day on travel plans, which limits laptop use. HelloRoam offers both fixed and unlimited plan types plus free hotspot on every plan.
Holafly allows hotspot on travel plans but caps sharing at 1GB per day. HelloRoam includes hotspot on every plan, on phones that allow it, and hotspot uses your plan data.
Holafly eSIM Japan plans connect through KDDI and SoftBank. Coverage in Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto is strong. Rural areas like Hokkaido's interior may have weaker signal. The 7-day Japan plan costs $27.50 for unlimited data. HelloRoam covers Japan with fixed plans from $3.49 and unlimited daily plans, all on local Japanese networks. Free hotspot comes on every plan.
For light data users, HelloRoam is cheaper. HelloRoam's 1GB, 7-day Europe regional plan costs $3.99. HelloRoam's unlimited plans charge by the day, and the per-day rate drops on longer stays. Holafly's per-day rate varies by destination and trip length. A typical 3-day Holafly plan works out to $3.97 per day, and a 30-day plan for Italy or Spain to $2.15 per day. Heavy data users should compare both providers' unlimited prices for their trip length.
Holafly gives you a 6-month window to request a refund. You get a full refund for unactivated eSIMs. For incompatible devices, Holafly refunds you only if you never scanned the QR code and you provide screenshots. Connection issues qualify for a full or partial refund minus a $3.50 admin fee, but you must contact support during your trip. Holafly's refund policy says refunds take 3 to 5 business days. Its help center says 5 to 10. HelloRoam gives you a 180-day full refund on unactivated eSIMs, with simpler terms.
Both work on any unlocked eSIM-compatible phone. That includes iPhone XS, XS Max, XR and newer (2018+) and most Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer models. Google Pixel 4 and newer work too, plus some Pixel 3 and 3a models. So do most recent OnePlus, Motorola, and Xiaomi models. Your phone must be carrier-unlocked. Check Settings, then Cellular, then Add eSIM on iPhone. Or Settings, then Network, then SIM, then Add eSIM on Android. HelloRoam has a built-in device checker on every country page.
HelloRoam is a strong Holafly alternative for travelers who want plan flexibility, hotspot on every plan where the phone supports it, and broader language support. Fixed plans start at $1.03 across 185+ countries. In most destinations, unlimited daily plans run from $1.73/day on longer stays. The HelloRoam site is available in 63 languages. Other alternatives include Airalo (fixed and unlimited plans, 200+ countries) and Saily (flexible data with hotspot).
No. Holafly travel eSIM plans are data-only. No local phone number for calls or SMS. The exception is Holafly's monthly unlimited subscription at EUR 59.95 per month. It includes a US, UK, or Canada number for incoming SMS and internet calls. HelloRoam is also data-only for travel plans. Use WhatsApp, FaceTime, or other internet calling apps. Your home SIM number stays active in your second SIM slot.
HelloRoam fixed plans start at $1.03. A typical 3-day Holafly plan costs $11.90, or $3.97 per day. A 30-day plan for Italy or Spain costs $64.50, or $2.15 per day. Prices vary by country and duration. A HelloRoam 1GB, 7-day plan for Japan costs $3.49. HelloRoam's unlimited plans charge by the day, and the per-day rate drops on longer stays. For most destinations, HelloRoam's fixed plans cost less for light to moderate data users.
HelloRoam covers 185+ countries across 212+ carrier networks, plus dedicated pages for popular travel cities. Holafly lists 200+ destinations, but that count includes regions, US states, and islands. For popular routes like Europe, Japan, and Mexico, both work. For less common destinations, check each provider's country list before you buy.
Yes. Holafly works on iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max, iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max. All these models support eSIM natively. Go to Settings, then Cellular, then Add eSIM and scan the QR code. HelloRoam also works on all iPhone 15 and 16 models across 185+ countries.
Yes, Holafly is a real company. It has sold 25M+ eSIMs worldwide. The Holafly scam concern has no basis. Its 1-star Trustpilot reviews report eSIMs that fail in some regions, high latency from US traffic routing in Asia, and strict refund terms for used plans. These are product limits, not signs of a scam.
Holafly's fair use policy reduces speeds after heavy daily use. At reduced speeds, video calls can drop and social media loads slowly. HelloRoam offers both fixed data plans with set data volumes and unlimited daily plans. Pick the option that fits your trip length and data needs across 185+ countries on local carrier networks.
No. Holafly travel eSIM plans are prepaid. You buy a plan for one destination and duration and pay once. Holafly also sells a monthly unlimited subscription at EUR 59.95 per month. HelloRoam is prepaid with no contract across 185+ countries, and you buy data only when you need it.
HelloRoam offers a 180-day refund on unactivated eSIMs. Refunds typically take 5 to 10 business days once support approves your request. An unactivated eSIM gets a full refund. Holafly offers a 6-month window with conditions, and some of its refunds carry a $3.50 admin fee. Contact HelloRoam support with your order number in the app, on live chat, on WhatsApp, or at help@helloroam.com.
HelloRoam provides 24/7 live chat, in-app messaging, WhatsApp, and email support at help@helloroam.com, with human agents who answer in your own language. Holafly offers 24/7 chat, WhatsApp, and email support. HelloRoam's website also comes in 63 languages, and Holafly's in 19.
A HelloRoam plan starts when your phone connects to a local network at your destination, not when you scan the QR code. HelloRoam QR codes arrive within minutes of purchase, and the preflight notification reminds you to install the eSIM before your flight. Check Holafly's own terms for when its plan period starts. Both use the same GSMA eSIM standard.
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