Airalo or Nomad: which one fits you?
Nomad is ahead with 7.2/10 against 5.6/10 for Airalo, a gap of 1.6 points. The table shows where each one wins.
| Airalo | Nomad | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 5.6 | 7.2 |
| Price index | 1.08 | 0.97 ✓ |
| Unlimited price index | 1.1 | 0.97 ✓ |
| Destinations covered | 200 | 200 |
| Top-up | Some plans | Yes |
| Refund | – | Before activation |
| Unlimited plans | Yes | Yes |
| Hotspot | Yes | Yes |
| 5G | Yes | Yes |
| Phone number | On some plans | On some plans |
| Plan starts | First connection | First connection |
| App Store rating | 4.58 | 4.79 ✓ |
Nomad is ahead on: Price index, Unlimited price index, App Store rating.
Nomad edges out Airalo in our ratings, and both list 200 destinations. Nomad scores clearly higher overall. It also tends to be cheaper, especially on unlimited plans.
Where Nomad costs less, and where it does not
Nomad is cheaper for 5 GB plans in Japan, the USA, Dubai and the UAE, China, Italy and Mexico. The gap is widest in the USA. Spain is similar on both.
In Europe, Thailand and Turkey, Nomad is dearer. Those Nomad plans include 10 GB, though, while Airalo's include 5 GB.
For unlimited data, Nomad is also the cheaper pick. See unlimited eSIMs for more options.
Features and rules side by side
Both offer unlimited plans, hotspot use, 5G and a phone number on some plans. Each plan starts at first connection.
Airalo sets fair use on unlimited at 3 GB per day at 20 Mbps. After that, speed drops. Nomad's fair use limit is not confirmed on its pages.
Nomad offers a free trial and sells top-ups as add-ons. Airalo's free trial is not confirmed on its pages. Its top-ups exist on some plans.
Nomad allows refunds before installation and activation, or for a known technical problem. Airalo's refund rule is not confirmed on its pages.
App Store users rate Nomad higher. Airalo, however, has far more ratings behind its score.
Who should pick which
Nomad suits travelers to the USA or Japan who want lower prices. It also suits anyone wanting a free trial or clear refund terms.
Airalo suits travelers who value a large review base. Its stated fair use cap helps heavy unlimited users plan ahead.
Read the full Nomad review and Airalo review. Our methodology explains how scores work. You can also browse Airalo alternatives.
More options are on the Airalo alternatives page.
Frequently asked questions
Is Nomad cheaper than Airalo?
Often, yes. Nomad is cheaper in Japan, the USA, China, Italy and Mexico. It is dearer in Europe, Thailand and Turkey, but those plans include more data.
Does Airalo limit its unlimited data?
Yes. Airalo applies fair use of 3 GB per day at 20 Mbps, then reduces speed. Nomad's fair use limit is not confirmed on its pages.
Can I get a refund from Nomad or Airalo?
Nomad allows refunds before installation and activation, or for a known technical problem. Airalo's refund rule is not confirmed on its pages.
Editor's Choice is placed first; other rows follow the column shown. We earn a commission from some providers. Prices were checked on official sites and change often.
- November 10, 2026: Text revised