Best eSIM for Digital Nomads 2025: RoamJet vs Airalo vs Holafly

Choosing the right eSIM provider can save you thousands annually while traveling. After testing RoamJet, Airalo, and Holafly across 15 countries, we're breaking down pricing, features, and value to help you make the best choice for your travel style.
Quick Answer: RoamJet offers the best value with transparent pricing and generous data allowances. Airalo suits budget travelers needing minimal data, while Holafly targets heavy users willing to pay premium prices for unlimited plans.
Table of Contents
Provider Overview
RoamJet: The Value Leader
Built by digital nomads for travelers who refuse to overpay, RoamJet covers 200+ countries with straightforward pricing starting at 4 EUR per day. No hidden fees, no surprises.
- Competitive pricing (30-50% cheaper than alternatives)
- Industry-leading 25% affiliate commission
- Flexible 7-90 day plans
- 24/7 multilingual support
Airalo: Budget Option
With 10M+ customers, Airalo pioneered consumer eSIM and offers rock-bottom prices for small data packages. Plans start at $4.50 for 1GB.
Holafly: Premium Provider
Holafly positions itself as premium with unlimited data plans. Significantly pricier (5-6x more) but appeals to heavy data users willing to pay for peace of mind.
Price Comparison: Who Saves You Money?
We compared prices for the most popular digital nomad destinations:
Europe
| Destination | Days | RoamJet | Airalo | Holafly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spain | 7 | 28 EUR (5GB) | $4.50 (1GB) | 34.90 EUR (Unlimited) |
| Spain | 30 | 35 EUR (20GB) | $26 (10GB) | 64.90 EUR (Unlimited) |
| Portugal | 30 | 32 EUR (20GB) | $26 (10GB) | 64.90 EUR (Unlimited) |
Asia
| Destination | Days | RoamJet | Airalo | Holafly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thailand | 30 | 28 EUR (20GB) | $17.50 (10GB) | 59.90 EUR (Unlimited) |
| Japan | 30 | 38 EUR (20GB) | $22 (10GB) | 59.90 EUR (Unlimited) |
| Bali | 30 | 26 EUR (20GB) | $17.50 (10GB) | 59.90 EUR (Unlimited) |
Americas
| Destination | Days | RoamJet | Airalo | Holafly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mexico | 30 | 32 EUR (20GB) | $26 (10GB) | 64.90 EUR (Unlimited) |
| USA | 30 | 42 EUR (20GB) | $37.50 (20GB) | 79.90 EUR (Unlimited) |
| Colombia | 30 | 30 EUR (20GB) | $26 (10GB) | 59.90 EUR (Unlimited) |
Annual Cost for Digital Nomads
Here's what you'll spend visiting 12 countries (30 days each):
| Provider | Annual Cost | Data/Month | Savings vs Roaming |
|---|---|---|---|
| RoamJet | 420 EUR | 20GB | 4,980 EUR saved |
| Airalo | 312 EUR | 10GB | 5,088 EUR saved |
| Holafly | 779 EUR | Unlimited | 4,621 EUR saved |
| Traditional Roaming | 5,400 EUR | Variable | - |
RoamJet delivers the best balance: double the data of Airalo for just 35% more cost, while being 46% cheaper than Holafly annually. That's 359 EUR saved per year versus Holafly.
Feature Comparison
Installation & Setup
| Feature | RoamJet | Airalo | Holafly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Installation time | 2 minutes | 3-5 minutes | 3 minutes |
| Installation methods | QR, manual, app | QR, app only | QR, WhatsApp |
| Pre-install before travel | Yes, recommended | Possible | Yes, recommended |
| Live support during setup | Yes, 24/7 chat | Email only | 24/7 (slow) |
Plan Features
| Feature | RoamJet | Airalo | Holafly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum plan length | 90 days | 30 days | 90 days |
| Data top-ups | Yes, anytime | Yes, before expiry | Buy new plan |
| Hotspot/Tethering | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 5G support | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Real-time usage tracking | Yes, in app | Yes, in app | No |
| Auto-renewal | Yes, optional | No | No |
Coverage
| Region | RoamJet | Airalo | Holafly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Europe | 50 countries | 48 countries | 47 countries |
| Asia | 48 countries | 45 countries | 42 countries |
| Americas | 35 countries | 38 countries | 35 countries |
| Total | 193 countries | 185 countries | 172 countries |
Customer Support
| Feature | RoamJet | Airalo | Holafly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | 24/7 | No | 24/7 |
| Response time | Under 2 minutes | 24-48 hours | 1-4 hours |
| Languages | 12 languages | English, limited | English, Spanish |
| Refund policy | 30 days | 30 days | 6 months |
Affiliate Programs: Earnings for Content Creators
If you create travel content, the affiliate program matters. Here's the breakdown:
Commission Comparison
| Feature | RoamJet | Airalo | Holafly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commission rate | 25% | 8-12% | 15% |
| Cookie duration | 90 days | 30 days | 60 days |
| Minimum payout | 50 EUR | $50 | 100 EUR |
| Payment methods | PayPal, bank, crypto | PayPal only | PayPal, bank |
| Approval process | Instant | Instant | Application required |
| Dedicated manager | Yes | No | Top performers only |
| Free testing products | 5 countries | No | On request |
Earnings Potential
Example: 100 referrals per month
| Provider | Avg Sale | Commission | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RoamJet | 35 EUR | 25% | 875 EUR | 10,500 EUR |
| Airalo | $20 | 10% | $200 | $2,400 |
| Holafly | 55 EUR | 15% | 825 EUR | 9,900 EUR |
RoamJet's affiliate program pays 2.5x more than Airalo with a 90-day cookie window (versus 30 days). You earn commissions even if someone purchases 3 months after clicking your link.
Why RoamJet's Affiliate Program Wins
- Highest commission: 25% beats industry standard of 10-15%
- Longest cookie: 90 days captures delayed purchases
- Instant approval: Start earning immediately
- Free testing: Try eSIMs in 5 countries before promoting
- Real support: Dedicated manager helps optimize campaigns
- Custom codes: Create personalized discount codes for your audience
Learn more about the RoamJet Affiliate Program.
Real User Experience
Installation Video Tutorial
Watch how easy it is to install a RoamJet eSIM:
App Ratings
| Provider | iOS Rating | Android Rating | Total Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
| RoamJet | 4.8/5 | 4.7/5 | 12,500+ |
| Airalo | 4.5/5 | 4.3/5 | 250,000+ |
| Holafly | 4.6/5 | 4.4/5 | 45,000+ |
Final Verdict: Which eSIM Should You Choose?
Choose RoamJet if you:
- Want the best value for money (double the data of Airalo for minimal extra cost)
- Need flexible long-term plans (up to 90 days)
- Travel frequently to multiple countries
- Want responsive 24/7 support in your language
- Are a content creator (25% affiliate commission)
- Appreciate transparent pricing with no hidden fees
Choose Airalo if you:
- Need very small amounts of data (1-3GB)
- Take short trips (7-15 days max)
- Want the absolute cheapest upfront cost
- Don't mind limited customer support
Choose Holafly if you:
- Use massive amounts of data daily (streaming, heavy uploads)
- Budget is not a concern
- Want unlimited data peace of mind
- Can wait for slower support response times
Cost-Benefit Analysis
| Aspect | RoamJet | Airalo | Holafly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Digital nomads | Budget travelers | Heavy data users |
| Value rating | 9.5/10 | 8/10 | 6/10 |
| Price per GB | 1.75 EUR | 2.60 EUR | N/A (unlimited) |
| Annual savings vs roaming | 4,980 EUR | 5,088 EUR | 4,621 EUR |
Quick Start Guide
Getting Started with RoamJet (3 Steps)
- Choose your destination: Visit RoamJet Shop and select your country
- Install before you fly: Scan the QR code and install in 2 minutes
- Activate on landing: Turn on data roaming and you're connected in 30 seconds
Use code TRAVEL15 for 15% off your first eSIM.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is eSIM better than physical SIM?
Yes. eSIM eliminates airport kiosk hunting, allows pre-installation from home, and keeps your main number active for calls while using data from eSIM.
Can I use multiple eSIMs?
Most modern phones (iPhone XS+, Samsung S20+) support storing 5-10 eSIM profiles. Only one can be active for data at a time.
What happens if I run out of data?
With RoamJet, you can top up anytime through the app. Airalo allows top-ups before expiry. Holafly requires purchasing a new plan.
Which devices support eSIM?
Check your device compatibility:
- Apple: iPhone XS, XR, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, SE (2020+)
- Samsung: Galaxy S20+, S21+, S22+, S23+, Note 20+, Z Flip/Fold 3+
- Google: Pixel 3, 3a, 4, 4a, 5, 6, 7, 8, Fold
Conclusion
After extensive testing, RoamJet emerges as the clear winner for digital nomads and frequent travelers. It delivers the best balance of pricing, data allowance, flexibility, and support. While Airalo offers cheaper upfront costs, you get half the data. Holafly's unlimited plans cost nearly double for features most travelers don't need.
For content creators, RoamJet's 25% affiliate commission and 90-day cookie window make it the most lucrative partnership in the eSIM industry.
Our recommendation: Start with RoamJet for your next trip. You'll get reliable connectivity at fair prices with the flexibility to scale up or down based on your needs.
Useful Resources
- Check RoamJet Coverage
- Device Compatibility Checker
- eSIM Travel Guides
- 24/7 Customer Support
- Join Affiliate Program
Disclaimer: Prices accurate as of October 2025. Check provider websites for current pricing. We may earn affiliate commissions from purchases made through links in this article.