Holafly Vs Nomad: Which eSIM Is Better?

Holafly and Nomad are both eSIM providers that offer mobile data plans. Both providers offer a wide range of plans, with both pros and cons. So, which is the better eSIM provider? That depends on your needs and preferences.

To help you find the eSIM that suits your needs best, we’ve put together a comprehensive comparison of Nomad and Holafly. Keep reading to find out which eSIM is the better choice for you.

Holafly Vs Nomad Overview

Holafly has been around since 2018, while Nomad was founded in 2020. Both eSIM providers offer a wide range of mobile data plans worldwide.

If you’re after a quick answer, here are the main takeaways.

Why Holafly Might Be The Best Option For You

Why Nomad Might Be The Best Option For You

Now, let’s dive deeper into each company’s offerings, features, and characteristics.

Holafly And Nomad: How Do They Work?

Holafly and Nomad are both eSIM providers. Unlike a physical SIM card, an eSIM doesn’t need to be inserted into your device. Instead, the eSIM plan is downloaded directly into your mobile phone.

To use either service, you’ll need a device that’s compatible with eSIM technology.

Below, we’ll explain how you can buy and activate an eSIM plan on Holafly and Nomad. As you will see, both providers allow you to purchase an eSIM in just a few minutes.

How Does Holafly Work?

Here’s how you can buy an Holafly eSIM.

1. Pick an eSIM plan on Holafly.
2. Use the express checkout or enter your information.
3. Enter my discount code: ABROKENBACKPACK.
4. Pay.
5. You’ll receive an email. Scan the QR code to install your eSIM.
6. Activate your eSIM.

How Does Nomad Work?

Here’s how you can buy a Nomad eSIM.

1. If you own an iPhone, you can get the Nomad app. Alternatively, use the website’s desktop version.
2. Select your destination and preferred plan.
3. Create an account.
4. Verify your identity (with a verification code).
5. Pay for the plan chosen.
6. Install the eSIM by scanning the QR code.
7. Go to My eSIMs to activate the eSIM.
8. If you wish to top up, go to My eSIMs and click on Add more data.

Holafly And Nomad Coverage

The coverage offered by Nomad and Holafly differs in several ways. Let’s take a closer look at what each provider has to offer.

Holafly Coverage

Holafly offers data packs for 130+ countries and regions. They have two main types of plans:

1. Local eSIMs
2. Regional eSIMs

For each eSIMs, you’ll find short-term and long-term plans. Holafly doesn’t provide global plans like Nomad. However, you might not even need this type of plan, so depending on your travel plans, it might not matter!

Regional Holafly eSIMs

Holafly offers 5 types of regional eSIMs:

1. Europe: Works in 32 countries
2. Asia: Works in 12 countries
3. North America: Works in Canada, Mexico, and the United States
4. South America: Works in 13 countries
5. United Kindom: Works in the UK

Nomad Coverage

Nomad offers data packs for 100+ countries and regions. They have three main types of plans:

1. Local eSIMs
2. Regional eSIMs
3. Global eSIMs

For each eSIMs, you’ll find short-term plans. But you can always purchase a top-up before you run out of data.

Nomad offers unlimited data plans in some destinations.

Regional ESIMs

Nomad offers 3 types of regional eSIMs:

1. Nordic: Works in 4 countries (Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden)
2. APAC: Works in 8 countries (Australia, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, and Thailand)
3. Europe: Works in 35 countries

Global ESIMs

Finally, Nomad offers a global eSIM. It works in 112 countries. It’s a great option if you travel to multiple destinations. In fact, it’s the most extensive coverage we’ve seen on a global eSIM.

Holafly And Nomad eSIM Plans

Now that we’ve covered the coverage of each eSIM provider, it’s time to take a closer look at their eSIM plans.

Holafly eSIM Plans

Holafly offers two main types of plans: local and regional. They also have short-term and long-term options for each type of plan.

Short-term Holafly plans are valid for 5, 7, 10, 15, 20, or 30 days. Long-term plans are valid for 60 or 90 days.

Holafly offers unlimited data plans in several destinations. In fact, most destinations have unlimited data plan options, which can be excellent if you need a lot of data.

Nomad ESIM Plans

Nomad offers three main types of plans: local, regional and global. They have short-term options, mostly.

Nomad plans are valid for 1, 5, 7, 15, 30, and, sometimes, 60 days.

However, you can top up each Nomad plan as long as you do it before you run out of data.

Finally, Nomad offers unlimited data plans in some destinations, giving you more options to choose from.

Holafly And Nomad eSIM Prices

Now that we’ve covered the coverage and types of plans offered by each provider, let’s take a look at the prices.

Depending on the destination, prices may vary. But, usually, Nomad eSIM plans are cheaper than Holafly. I’ll compare a few destinations to show you the price differences.

United States

The cheapest plan on Holafly is $19 for 5 days, and the most expensive plan is $99 for 30 days. However, it’s important to note that the United States eSIM plans on Holafly include unlimited data.

The cheapest plan on Nomad is $7 for 7 days, and the most expensive plan is $30 for 30 days.

Europe

The cheapest plan on Holafly is $19 for 5 days, and the most expensive plan is $99 for 30 days. However, it’s important to note that the European eSIM plans on Holafly include unlimited data.

The cheapest plan on Nomad is $9 for 7 days, and the most expensive plan is $26 for 30 days.

Asia

The only Asia plan on Holafly costs $47. You’ll get 8GB, valid for 30 days.

The cheapest plan on Nomad is just $6 for 7 days, and the most expensive plan is $69 for 30 days. 

That said, you’ll get better value when buying an Asian eSIM plan on Nomad. We still recommend browsing options on both websites as prices can differ depending on the destination.

Our Experience With Holafly And Nomad

We’re testing all the providers on eSIM Roamers. That said, we tried Holafly and Nomad. Let’s take a look at our experience with both providers.

Purchase

The purchase process is easy and secure on both websites. The main difference is that Nomad requires a couple of extra steps, though (like identity verification).

Usability

While both eSIM providers are easy to navigate and understand, I think Nomad is a bit more user-friendly.

To activate your Holafly eSIM plan, you need to wait for an email. On Nomad, you’ll also need to confirm your identity, which means you can’t activate your eSIM immediately.

Mobile Data

To give you an idea, I’ve been using Holafly in Europe, and Nomad in Asia.

When I used Holafly, I didn’t have any issues, but it’s important to note that I’ve only used it for one month in one European country.

When I used Nomad, I didn’t have any issues, but it’s important to note that I’ve only used it for one week in one country. The network coverage was slightly better on Airalo in that country (Thailand).

Support

Holafly support is faster than Nomad. Holafly answered me within 19 minutes, and Nomad took more than 4 hours to answer me.

Verdict: Which Is Better?

I believe Nomad is better than Holafly because of the following reasons:

1. They offer more plans (including global plans)
2. Their plans are usually cheaper than Holafly

However, there’s one reason that could explain why you might prefer to use Holafly: unlimited data plans are available in multiple destinations. On top of that, the support is better on Holafly.

Frequently Asked Questions