Airalo vs Nomad eSIM: which is better in 2025?
Both Airalo and Nomad are affordable eSIM cards that can be used in many countries, making them ideal for travelers looking to stay connected without the hassle of traditional SIM cards. However, after my detailed Airalo vs Nomad eSIMs comparison, it’s clear that Airalo is more popular, reliable, and slightly cheaper than Nomad, though Nomad eSIM also has its own advantages worth considering.
Airalo is known for its budget-friendly pricing, extensive regional options, simplicity of its mobile application, and flexible plans, making it a favorite for travelers looking to save on data costs. On the other hand, Nomad focuses on providing fast internet and high-quality network performance, which appeals to users who prioritize fast connectivity. Nomad also offers a smooth user experience with a range of local, regional, and global plans.
I’ve tested both of them, so let’s dive into the key differences in this “Airalo vs Nomad eSIM” comparison. I’ll cover everything from pricing and coverage to network performance and device compatibility to help you decide which service is best for your travel needs.
Airalo vs Nomad eSIM: comparison
Both Airalo and Nomad provide excellent eSIM services, each with distinct strengths tailored to different needs – this ensures there’s something for every traveler, from the day-tripper to the country-hopper. Here are a few quick highlights of each eSIM provider:
| Airalo | Nomad | |
| ⭐️Rating | ||
| 💰Pricing | From $19.55/month | From $21.73/month |
| 🌍Countries | 200+ | 110+ |
| 🗼Cellular networks | 3G, 4G, 5G, and LTE | 3G, 4G, 5G, and LTE |
| 📱Compatibility | iPhones, iPads, Android phones, Windows-based laptops | iPhones, smartphones, tablets, laptops, mobile routers |
| 📞Phone calls | ✅Yes (Discover + Global plan) | ❌No |
| 🛜Mobile hotspot | ✅Yes | ✅Yes |
| 🕑Customer support | Email, live chat, blog, FAQs, knowledge base | Ticket support, FAQ |
Choose the eSIM winner: Airalo
Airalo eSIM outperforms Nomad with a lower price, a larger selection of countries, available phone calls, and broader customer support. While Nomad might not be suitable if you need the ability to make calls, among its selection of 100+ countries, you can certainly find a plan that fits your needs, and its price may not differ much from Airalo. While the price of an Airalo eSIM plan starts at $19.55/month, Nomad starts at $21.73/month. However, the prices can be the same or very similar depending on the country, so you’ll need to compare the plans for your desired country to determine which one is cheaper.
eSIM plans and coverage
Airalo and Nomad offer eSIM options that include local, regional, and global plans. Airalo covers over 200 countries, providing extensive global reach, while Nomad covers over 110 countries, focusing on high-speed connectivity. Both providers let users choose various amounts and lengths of internet data.
However, Airalo offers more flexible plans than Nomad, with data options and tariff plans ranging from a day to several weeks or more. The pricing plans of each provider vary depending on the country, region, and service duration.
| Provider | Countries | Plan types | Flexibility | Price variation |
| Airalo | ⭐200+ | Local, regional, global | ⭐Highly flexible | $4.50/week (1GB) for 7 days and up to $49.00 for 30 days |
| Nomad | 110+ | Local, regional, global | Flexible | $5.00/week (1GB) for 7 days and up to $90.00 for 90 days |
Airalo is generally cheaper and offers more options in broader regions. For instance, Airalo’s Europe eSIM plan includes coverage across 41 countries with flexible data packages starting at $5 for 1GB, while Nomad’s Europe plan covers 35 countries and starts at a higher price point for similar data options and no tariff plan
Nomad vs Airalo eSIM pricing
Airalo and Nomad provide competitive pricing and tailored packages for travelers. However, Nomad tends to be more expensive than Airalo for local eSIMs across various countries. This cost advantage combined with broader coverage make Airalo a better value for most people.
In the table below, I compared the prices of 7-day eSIM plans in popular travel destinations.
| Local eSIM plan | Airalo 7-day plan | Nomad 7-day plan |
| eSim in Japan | $4.50 | $6.00 |
| eSim in UK | $5.00 | $5.00 |
| eSim in Canada | $6.00 | $5.00 |
| eSim in Australia | $4.50 | $4.50 |
| eSim in Singapore | $4.50 | $4.00 |
| eSim in Indonesia | $5.50 | $6.00 |
| eSim in Turkey | $4.50 | $4.50 |
Shortly, Airalo generally offers cheaper 7-day eSIM plans than Nomad across several popular travel destinations. For instance, in countries like Japan and Indonesia, Airalo’s plans are cheaper by $1.50 and $0.50, respectively. Nomad offers slightly better rates in Canada and Singapore. In Australia, the pricing is identical between the two providers. Notably, both Airalo and Nomad charge the same amount for eSIM plans in the UK and Turkey. Also, Airalo provides coverage across more countries with flexible data options, allowing you to tailor your plan to your specific needs without overspending.
| Region | Airalo Countries | Airalo price range | Nomad Countries | Nomad price range |
| Asia | 18+ | $5 – $185 | 21+ | $7 – $48 |
| Africa | 36+ | $27 – $59 | 20+ | $11 – $45 |
| Europe | 39+ | $5 – $185 | 48+ | $5 – $45 |
| North America | 3+ | $6.50 – $46 | 3+ | $7 – $53 |
Airalo’s eSIM plans are generally cheaper than Nomad’s in all countries and regions. Both providers have an impressive number of countries, plans and flexibility. Nevertheless, Airalo is more suitable for travelers because of its slightly lower tariffs and wider network coverage.
While Nomad has its merits, it stands out for its priority on speed and quality of Internet connection. It remains rather competitive and is worth considering depending on your needs.
Payment methods
Both Airalo and Nomad provide numerous payment options. These include credit and debit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Alipay. This makes eSIM plans flexible and convenient to purchase.
Whether you are a fan of traditional payment methods or modern online wallets, both providers adapt to your needs and make the purchasing experience as smooth as possible. Integrated payment systems like Alipay make these services more accessible to a wider audience.
Nomad vs Airalo supported devices
Both Airalo and Nomad support various devices and this ensures compatibility for most users.
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Airalo supported devices:
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Nomad supported devices:
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Both of them support the most frequently used and newest models – Apple iPhones, Samsung Galaxy, and Google Pixel. The inclusion of support for tablets and Windows laptops is a plus for any user requiring connectivity across different types of devices.
Nomad’s support for mobile routers can prove useful for users who demand high availability of the Internet in different locations.
Airalo vs Nomad: which eSIM provider offers the best connectivity
The speed of eSIMs from Airalo and Nomad largely depends on each country’s local carrier and network infrastructure. Factors such as network coverage, bandwidth, and the type of technology (3G, 4G, or 5G) supported by local carriers play a key role in determining your connection quality. Nomad and Airalo offer fast internet speeds in regions with advanced networks thanks to their 3G, 4G, and 5G connectivity options.
In my testing across several countries, I found that both providers deliver similar performance, with speed variations depending on the local carrier and country. Whether you’re using Airalo or Nomad, you can expect reliable and consistent speeds while traveling.
Airalo and Nomad are solid options for travelers seeking high-speed internet access. Their support for 3G, 4G, and 5G networks ensures you’re covered in most regions, making it easy to stay connected wherever you go.
User experience
Both Airalo and Nomad offer a seamless experience for travelers looking to stay connected internationally without the hassle of traditional SIM cards, but their interfaces and features differ.
Airalo’s eSIM activation process:
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Download the Airalo app: Available on the Apple Store and Google Play.
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Purchase an eSIM plan: Browse and select a plan depending on your destination.
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Activate eSIM: Follow the on-screen prompts to install the eSIM profile on your device.
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Connect: After installation, navigate to the cellular settings on your device and select the Airalo eSIM network.
Nomad’s eSIM activation process:
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Download the Nomad app: Compatible with iOS and Android.
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Purchase an eSIM plan: Select a plan depending on the required travel duration.
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Activate eSIM: Scan the QR code in the app or manually input the eSIM information in your device settings.
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Connect: Turn on the eSIM networks on your device.
Customer support
Both Airalo and Nomad provide customer support through email and ticket-based systems, but Airalo also offers live chat, giving it an edge in responsiveness. While Airalo users can get real-time help through live chat, Nomad relies solely on ticket submissions for assistance. These differences in approach significantly affect how quickly and efficiently you can resolve issues.
| Customer support | |
|
| Live chat | ✅Yes | ❌No |
| FAQ | ✅Yes | ✅Yes |
| Email support | ✅Yes | ✅Yes |
| Ticket-based support | ❌No | ✅Yes |
| Knowledgebase | ✅Yes | ✅Yes |
When I contacted Airalo, their live chat responded within a few minutes, and their email support replied in about 2 hours. Their responses were quick, clear, and helpful, even for more technical questions. They also offer numerous informational resources, such as blogs, FAQs, and a knowledge base.
On the other hand, Nomad relies on ticket-based support. While thorough, it’s not as timely as live chat. Nomad doesn’t have a live chat feature, so users need to submit tickets and consult their FAQs or user guides for help. When I contacted Nomad, they replied in about 4 hours. Although their team was knowledgeable and resolved my issues well, the lack of live chat meant longer wait times than Airalo.
Overall, Airalo’s live chat and quick response times make it the better option for users who need immediate assistance. Nomad’s support is still reliable but might not be ideal for quick emergency help. In this category, Airalo clearly wins.
Nomad vs Airalo eSIM: additional values
Both Airalo and Nomad offer great eSIM features, but here’s what you need to know to pick the best one for you:
- Adding more data: You can easily top up your Airalo data whenever you need it. You’ll never be left without internet access. Nomad doesn’t have as many top-up options. They pack a lot of data into their plans, hoping you won’t need to add more often.
- Making calls: With Airalo’s Discover + Global plan, you can make regular voice calls and use data. This is a major advantage if you need to stay connected via phone. On the other hand, Nomad focuses solely on data and doesn’t offer voice call capabilities.
- Sharing your data: Airalo lets you share your data through mobile hotspots. Nomad supports data sharing too, but through mobile routers, which is great if you need strong internet across several devices for heavy use.
If you want flexibility, easy data top-ups, and call capability, Airalo is the way to go. But the Nomad is a fantastic choice if you need lots of high-speed data and plan to use it across many devices without worrying about topping up.
Conclusion: which eSIM is better?
I must admit that choosing between Airalo and Nomad was not easy, but Airalo emerged as the clear winner in the end. Both eSIM providers offer excellent services, but as I compared their features, pricing, and global coverage, Airalo stood out for its affordability and versatility.
Nomad has strengths in high-speed internet and multi-device connectivity, making it a solid option for those prioritizing high-speed data; however, it’s pricier. Airalo, on the other hand, excels at essential eSIM features, such as coverage, cost-effectiveness, and voice calls. With coverage in over 200 countries and plans starting at just $19.55, Airalo offers greater flexibility and value, especially with its Discover + Global plan that includes voice calls for travelers.
In the end, while Nomad is a great contender, the comparison of Airalo vs Nomad shows that Airalo’s competitive pricing, broader global coverage, voice call capabilities, and superior customer support make it the better choice for most travelers. Airalo wins by a small margin, offering a more well-rounded and cost-effective solution to staying connected abroad.
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FAQ
What are the differences between Nomad and Airalo?
Nomad and Airalo both offer plans with eSIMs that are compatible with mobile hotspots and tethering. However, Airalo stands out with its broader global coverage, offering plans valid in 124 countries and lasting up to 365 days, while Nomad’s global plans are valid in fewer countries (106 or 109) and last up to 30 days. Besides, Airalo provides more competitive pricing and extra features such as voice calls and live chat customer support.
Which one is better Nomad or Airalo eSIM?
Airalo is generally the better choice than Nomad eSIM due to its extensive global coverage, competitive pricing, and flexible plans that can last up to 365 days in 124 countries. It also supports voice calls and offers responsive customer service, making it ideal for long-term and frequent travelers. While Nomad excels at high-speed data and seamless connectivity, it is slightly more expensive and offers shorter plan durations.
Which eSIM is better for Europe, Nomad or Airalo?
For Europe, Airalo is the better choice due to its wider coverage across 39+ countries, competitive pricing, and flexible data plans. This makes it a more cost-effective and versatile eSIM option for Europe travelers.
Can Nomad eSIM be trusted?
Yes, Nomad eSIM can be trusted. It provides reliable high-speed internet, supports various devices, and offers thorough customer support. The performance of a strong network ensures seamless connectivity and a reliable connection for travelers.
