Airalo or Yesim: which one fits you?
Yesim is ahead with 6.8/10 against 5.6/10 for Airalo, a gap of 1.2 points. The table shows where each one wins.
| Airalo | Yesim | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 5.6 | 6.8 |
| Price index | 1.08 | 0.94 ✓ |
| Unlimited price index | 1.1 | – |
| Destinations covered | 200 ✓ | 170 |
| Top-up | Some plans | Some plans |
| Pay as you go | – | Yes |
| Refund | – | 30 days, unused |
| Refund window, days | – | 30 |
| Unlimited plans | Yes | Yes |
| Hotspot | Yes | Yes |
| 5G | Yes | Yes |
| Phone number | On some plans | Data only |
| Plan starts | First connection | First connection |
| App Store rating | 4.58 | 4.63 ✓ |
Airalo is ahead on: Destinations covered.
Yesim is ahead on: Price index, App Store rating.
Yesim is cheaper than Airalo on 8 of 10 routes, while Airalo covers 200 destinations to 170. Yesim also scores higher in our ratings. It is our Editor's Choice.
Where Yesim and Airalo cost less
Yesim is cheaper for Japan, the USA, Europe, China and Italy. The gap is widest for Europe.
Prices are similar for Thailand, Turkey and Dubai, with Yesim slightly cheaper. Airalo is cheaper for Mexico and Spain.
Yesim's unlimited price index is not confirmed on its pages. So unlimited costs are not compared here. See the unlimited eSIM roundup for more.
Unlimited data, refunds and phone numbers
Both providers offer unlimited plans and 5G. Each plan starts at first connection. Top-up is available on some plans with both.
Airalo confirms hotspot for its Unlimited eSIMs. Yesim lists hotspot as supported.
Fair use differs. Airalo unlimited gives 3 GB per day at 20 Mbps, then reduced speed. Yesim says speed may be limited under the network operator fair usage policy.
Airalo offers a phone number on some plans, with calls and texts. Yesim plans are data only.
Yesim offers pay as you go and a 30-day refund on unused plans. Airalo's refund terms are not confirmed on its pages.
Both apps have similar App Store averages. Airalo has far more ratings.
Who each eSIM suits
Yesim suits travelers who want lower prices on most routes. It also fits anyone who values pay as you go and a clear refund rule. We earn a commission from Yesim. Read the full Yesim review.
Airalo suits travelers who need wider coverage or a number for calls and texts. It is also cheaper for Mexico and Spain. Read the Airalo review.
Our methodology explains how ratings are set.
Frequently asked questions
Is Yesim cheaper than Airalo?
Yesim is cheaper on 8 of the 10 routes compared. Airalo is cheaper for Mexico and Spain.
Which covers more destinations, Yesim or Airalo?
Airalo covers 200 destinations. Yesim covers 170.
Do Yesim and Airalo offer refunds?
Yesim refunds unused plans within 30 days. Airalo's refund terms are 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