Airalo vs Holafly:
which one actually fits your trip?
Airalo and Holafly are the two biggest names in travel eSIMs, but they work very differently: Airalo sells data packages by the gigabyte, while Holafly is built around unlimited-data plans priced per day. Here's an honest comparison of both — and where Horizon, our own Balkans-and-Europe store, fits in at around half the price.
Horizon is our own eSIM store, so we have a stake here. We've kept this factual, linked our sources, and noted where Airalo and Holafly lead. Last reviewed July 2026.
It depends on how you use data
Pick Airalo if…
You want the widest marketplace and pay-per-GB flexibility. Light data users who mostly use maps and messaging usually pay less with per-gigabyte packages.
Pick Holafly if…
You want unlimited data and zero tracking of gigabytes. Heavy users who stream, hotspot or work on the road often come out ahead on flat-rate unlimited plans.
Pick Horizon if…
You're travelling in the Balkans or Europe and want both plan styles — standard or unlimited — with the full price up front, at around half the cost of the big global brands.
Airalo vs Holafly vs Horizon
Airalo vs Holafly FAQ
Which is cheaper, Airalo or Holafly?
It depends on how much data you use. For light use — maps, messaging, a bit of browsing — Airalo's per-gigabyte packages usually cost less. For heavy use — streaming, hotspots, long trips — Holafly's flat-rate unlimited plans can come out ahead. Compare the price for your exact destination and trip length on both sites before buying.
Which covers more countries?
Both publish coverage of roughly 200+ countries and regions, so for most trips either will work. The real difference is the plan style: per-GB packages at Airalo versus unlimited daily-priced plans at Holafly. Always check your exact destination on each site.
Is there a cheaper alternative to both?
For the Balkans and Europe, Horizon sells both standard and unlimited eSIM plans at typically around half the price of the big global brands, with the full price shown up front — from €4 for a week. For destinations outside our coverage, Airalo or Holafly remain strong choices.
Do Airalo and Holafly let you keep your number?
Yes — all three services here sell data-only eSIMs. Your physical SIM stays in your phone for calls and texts on your usual number, while the eSIM carries your data. Most recent phones support using both at once.
Figures are taken from Airalo's and Holafly's public websites and app-store listings as of July 2026. Horizon is our own store; Airalo and Holafly are independent companies and their names and trademarks belong to them. We don't list details that aren't public — verify current plans and prices at each source.
Sources: airalo.com · holafly.com