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Airalo vs. Nomad eSIM: which is better in 2024?


Airalo is a popular eSIM provider known for its broad global coverage and budget-friendly rates. Airalo’s eSIM cards are designed for various regions, which makes them a favorite among travelers. Airalo has received a lot of positive feedback from its customers because of the simplicity of its mobile application, competitive pricing, as well as its flexible plans.

Nomad is another top eSIM provider focusing on high-speed internet and a smooth user experience. Nomad has eSIMs for international and local users, with plan choices for local, regional, and global use. Customers value Nomad for its good network performance, compatibility with a wide range of devices, and great customer service.

The criteria for selecting an eSIM are similar to those for selecting a regular SIM, namely coverage, price, compatibility, and additional features. You should evaluate your requirements based on factors such as the countries you’re visiting, the amount of data you need, and the length of your trip. The quality of customer support and the simplicity of the activation process are also essential factors.

In this article, we will compare Airalo and Nomad eSIMs in terms of pricing and plans, coverage and network performance, device compatibility, user experience, customer support, and additional features.

Airalo vs. Nomad eSIM: comparison

Both Airalo and Nomad provide excellent eSIM services but differ in their strengths and target audiences. Here's a quick overview of what each eSIM service provides:

FeatureAiraloNomad
Rating:
4.7
4.6
💵 Pricing
From $4.50
From $4.00
🌎 Countries200+180+
🖥️ Cellular networks3G, 4G, 5G, and LTE3G, 4G, 5G, and LTE
⚙️ CompatibilityiPhones, iPads, Android phones, windows-based laptopsiPhones, smartphones, tablets, laptops, mobile routers
📱Phone callsYes (Discover+ Global plan)No
📥Mobile hotspotYesYes
💁🏻 Customer SupportEmail, live chat, blog, FAQs, knowledge base24/7 ticket support, FAQ

Airalo stands out with its extensive global coverage, supporting over 200 countries. This makes it perfect for frequent travelers needing connectivity in many regions.

It supports a wide range of devices, including Windows laptops, and provides active customer support through email, 24/7 live chat, blog posts, FAQs, and knowledge base. Plus, Airalo supports phone calls with its Discover + Global plan.

Nomad, on the other hand, provides its services in 180+ countries, offering competitive pricing starting from $4.00. It supports a broad range of devices, such as mobile routers, and offers ticket-based customer services.

Nomad is ideal for users who plan to save money but do not want to sacrifice their internet speed and connection quality.

eSIM plans and coverage

Both Airalo and Nomad offer a variety of eSIM options, including local, regional, and global plans. Airalo covers over 200 countries, providing extensive global reach, while Nomad covers over 180 countries, focusing on high-speed connectivity. Both of these providers let users choose various amounts and lengths of internet data.

However, Airalo offers more flexible plans with a wider range of data options ranging from a day to several weeks or more. The pricing plans of each provider vary depending on the country, region, and service duration. Airalo is generally cheaper and has more options for broad regions.

FeatureAiraloNomad
Countries200+180+
Plan typesLocal, regional, globalLocal, regional, global
FlexibilityHighly flexibleFlexible
Price variation$4.50 (1GB) for seven days and up to $49.00 for 30 days$4.00 (1GB) for seven days and up to $90.00 for 90 days

Nomad vs Airalo eSIM pricing

Both Airalo and Nomad offer competitive prices and unique packages for travelers. Although both providers have their strengths, Airalo tends to have more affordable rates for local eSIMs in various countries. This cost advantage, combined with broader coverage, makes Airalo slightly better for most people.

The table below shows the prices of 7-day eSIM plans in popular travel destinations.

Local eSIM planAiralo 7-day planNomad 7-day plan
Japan $4.50$6.00
UK $5.00$5.00
Canada$6.50$5.00
Australia$4.50$10.00
Singapore$4.50$9.00
Indonesia$5.50$6.00
Turkey$4.50$10.00

In Japan, Airalo is slightly cheaper at $4.50 compared to Nomad, which costs $6.00. For the UK, both Airalo and Nomad are priced equally at $5.00. In Canada, Airalo's rate is $6.50, whereas Nomad offers a slightly cheaper option at $5.00.

Australia sees a substantial difference, with Airalo costing $4.50 compared to Nomad's $10.00. Similarly, in Singapore, Airalo is more economical at $4.50 compared to Nomad's $9.00. In Indonesia, Airalo remains the cheaper option at $5.50, while Nomad costs $6.00. Lastly, in Turkey, Airalo is priced at $4.50, while Nomad is considerably higher at $10.00.

Airalo consistently offers slightly lower prices than Nomad for a 7-day eSIM plan across many listed countries. Let's now look at the regional comparison to understand the pricing differences between Airalo and Nomad further.

RegionAiralo CountriesAiralo price rangeNomad CountriesNomad price range
Asia18+$5 - $18521+$5 - $45
Africa36+$27 - $5920+$11 - $45
Europe39+$5 - $18548+$4.50 - $52
North America3+$7 - $463+$4.50 - $53

Airalo’s eSIM plans are slightly cheaper than Nomad’s across most countries and regions. Both providers have an impressive number of countries, plans, and flexibility. But, due to its slightly cheaper tariffs and somewhat more extensive network coverage, Airalo is slightly more suitable for most travelers.

Nonetheless, Nomad has its merits, particularly in prioritizing Internet connection speed and user experience; therefore, the service remains competitive and worthy of consideration depending on your needs and circumstances.

Payment methods

Both Airalo and Nomad provide numerous payment options. These include credit and debit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Union Pay, and Alipay. This makes the purchase of eSIM plans flexible and convenient for users.

Whether you are a fan of traditional means of payment or modern online wallets, both providers cater to your convenience, making the purchasing experience as smooth as possible. Integrating popular payment systems like Alipay makes these services accessible to a wider audience.

Supported devices

Both Airalo and Nomad support a wide range of devices, which ensures compatibility for most users.

Airalo

  • iPhones, including iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone XR, iPhone XS, iPhone 14
  • Android Phones such as Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, Huawei Mate 40 Pro, Xiaomi 14 Pro
  • Tablets
  • Windows-based laptops

Nomad

  • iPhones including iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max
  • Android Phones such as Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, Google Pixel 6 Pro, OnePlus 9 Pro
  • Tablets
  • Laptops
  • Other Devices, such as mobile routers

Both support the most frequently used and newest models - Apple iPhones, Samsung Galaxy, and Google Pixel. The incorporation of Windows laptops is a plus for any user requiring connectivity across different types of devices.

Nomad’s support for mobile routers can be helpful for users who demand high internet availability in different locations.

Which one is faster, Airalo or Nomad eSIM?

The speed of Airalo’s and Nomad’s eSIMs is determined by the local carrier and the type of network used, be it LTE, 4G, or 5G. Both providers deliver internet with different connection speeds depending on the country of operations and carrier agreements.

To account for these differences, we conducted speed tests in several countries to provide a comprehensive comparison.

CountryAverage download (Mbps)Average upload (Mbps)
Japan48Mbps14Mbps
UK50Mbps12Mbps
Australia37Mbps8Mbps
Singapore54Mbps9Mbps

Airalo and Nomad eSIMs offer comparable average download and upload speeds in the tested countries. The speeds are more or less the same between the two providers, so users can expect consistent performance when using the eSIM.

User experience

Airalo and Nomad have similar eSIM management and activation experiences, but their interfaces and features differ.

Airalo’s eSIM Activation Process:

  1. Download Airalo app: Available on Apple Store and Google Play. airalo app
  2. Purchase an eSIM plan: Browse and select a plan depending on your destination. Purchase an eSIM plan airalo
  3. Activate eSIM: Follow the on-screen prompts to install the eSIM profile for use on your device.
  4. Connect: After installation, navigate to the cellular settings on your device and select the Airalo eSIM network.

Nomad’s eSIM Activation Process:

  1. Download Nomad app: Both iOS and Android compatible. nomad app
  2. Purchase an eSIM plan: Select a plan depending on the required travel duration. Purchase an eSIM plan nomad
  3. Activate eSIM: Scan the QR code in the app or manually input the eSIM information in your device settings.
  4. Connect: Turn on eSIM networks on your device.

Customer support

Airalo and Nomad offer various customer support options that differ somewhat in approach and responsiveness.

With Airalo, customers can access a live chat that helps users seek help in real time, which is especially convenient when dealing with an emergency. Also, Airalo has support through email communication and numerous informational resources such as blogs, FAQs, and a knowledge base.

When I contacted them, Airalo’s live chat took a few minutes to respond, and the email support took about 2 hours. The quick response time extended to complex, technical questions, and the answers provided were concise and informative.

Conversely, Nomad mainly offers ticket-based technical support, which is 24/7 and generally responsive. The app has no live chat option, but users can create tickets and check FAQs and user guides.

When I contacted Nomad, I got a reply within 4 hours, which was a bit longer than I expected, but that might have been a one-off. Although Nomad’s support team performed very well in handling my complicated issues, the absence of a live chat means that customers may have to wait a bit longer for solutions compared to Airalo.

Overall, a live chat feature and faster response times make Airalo a more convenient option for users requiring assistance in real time, especially when it comes to troubleshooting or emergencies. Nomad’s support is thorough but slower, which might not be ideal for users requiring immediate assistance. Airalo is the clear winner in this category.

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: Airalo makes it easy to top up your data whenever you need more. So, you’ll never be stuck without the internet. Nomad doesn’t have as many top-up options. Nomad packs a lot of data into its plans, hoping you won’t need to add more often.
  • Making calls: With Airalo’s Discover + Global plan, you can make regular voice calls in addition to using data and this is a big plus if you need to call people. Nomad doesn’t offer voice calls; it’s all about the data.
  • Sharing your data: Airalo and Nomad both let you share your data through mobile hotspots.

If you want flexibility, easy data top-ups, and the ability to make calls, Airalo is the way to go. But if you need lots of high-speed data and plan to use it across many devices without worrying about topping up, Nomad is a fantastic choice.

Conclusion: which eSIM is better?

Overall, Airalo is – very slightly – the better eSIM provider for most travelers in most destinations. It covers over 200 countries globally, with plans starting at just $4.50, perfect for both short trips and long stays. Plus, Airalo offers voice call services with its Discover + Global plan and excellent customer support through live chat, email, and FAQs.

Nomad is also a great choice, especially if you need high-speed internet for multiple devices, including mobile routers. But, it’s a bit pricier in some destinations, although it does come out ahead of Airalo in a few locations as well. Based on my experience, Nomad’s 24/7 ticket-based support system will ultimately sort out any problems, but it might not be ideal if you need immediate assistance.

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