Airalo vs aloSIM

TL;DR

• Price: on the public country pages we read in October 2026, aloSIM listed fixed-data plans (for example 5 GB for 30 days) at roughly $8 to $20 in our five sample destinations. The Airalo pages we fetched showed day-based plans labelled unlimited, from about EUR 45 to EUR 65 for 30 days. These are different plan types, so compare like with like.
• Choice of plans: aloSIM shows many data sizes per validity (1 GB up to 50 GB and unlimited). Airalo is the better-known brand.
• App: both have an app. aloSIM advertises one on the App Store and Google Play; Airalo also has an app.
• Refunds and support: aloSIM advertises a 30-day refund guarantee and 24-hour live chat. Check Airalo’s own terms for refund and support details before you buy.
• Not sure either fits? See a third option below.

How we checked

We read the public country pages on airalo.com and alosim.com in October 2026. Both sites displayed plan lists that depend on the page and sometimes on currency: Airalo’s pages showed euros, aloSIM’s showed US dollars. We have not converted currencies, so treat cross-brand comparisons as approximate. We could not read some pages in full (Airalo’s pages did not always show data amounts). Where we could not verify something, we say so. Prices change often, so check the page before you buy.

Price comparison for five destinations

All prices are for 30 days, as listed on each brand’s public page in October 2026.

Destination	aloSIM: 5 GB	aloSIM: unlimited	Airalo: 30-day plan (listed as unlimited)
Japan	$11.00	$74.00	EUR 63.50
USA	$14.00	$69.00	EUR 62.50
Turkey	$10.00	$72.50	EUR 63.50
Thailand	$8.00	$49.00 (duration plan)	EUR 45.00
Europe (aloSIM 35 countries, Airalo 41)	$19.50	$72.50	EUR 65.50

Notes:

• Airalo’s fixed-data plans. The Airalo pages we fetched did not show a 5 GB option for these destinations, only day-based plans labelled unlimited, so we could not put a 5 GB Airalo price in the table. Airalo’s pages may show other plan types depending on your region, so look at the live page.
• “Unlimited” is not always the same. aloSIM’s pages say its unlimited plans have limitations without spelling them out, and Airalo’s pages did not show data amounts. Read the plan details before you buy.
• Short trips. For 7 days, the same pages listed aloSIM unlimited at $27.00 (Japan, USA) and $29.50 (Turkey) and Airalo at EUR 24.50 (Japan), EUR 23.00 (USA), EUR 22.50 (Turkey) and EUR 19.50 (Thailand). Per day, the two brands are close; the bigger difference is whether a cheaper fixed-data plan fits your usage.

Coverage

Both brands sell country, regional and global eSIMs. For Europe, aloSIM’s page lists 35 countries and Airalo’s lists 41, so check that your route is covered before you buy. Both resell access to local mobile operators, so the network in the country is usually a partner of the brand, not the brand itself. Compare the operator names on each page for your destination.

Top-ups

We could not confirm a top-up policy on the aloSIM pages we read, and we did not verify Airalo’s rules. Top-ups matter if you run out of data mid-trip, so check each brand’s help pages for your plan.

App or no app

aloSIM advertises its app on the App Store and Google Play (4.6 average rating shown on its homepage in October 2026). Airalo also has an app. An eSIM can be installed from a QR code without the app on most phones; the app mostly helps with managing plans and data usage. If you do not want another app, check whether a QR code is sent by email.

Refunds

aloSIM advertises a 30-day refund guarantee, with a full refund for cases such as a phone that does not support eSIM or trouble connecting to a local network. You need your original receipt and must contact support. The page does not say whether the 30 days start at purchase or activation. We did not verify Airalo’s refund terms, so read them before buying.

Support

aloSIM lists 24-hour live chat and an email address for support. We did not verify Airalo’s support hours or channels. If you travel in a different time zone, live chat availability is worth a quick check.

A third option

If you want to compare more than two brands, here is where Simsimsim fits. We are a travel eSIM store, and we compete with both brands, so weigh this section accordingly.

• Prices: plans start from $2.69 for Japan and $2.29 for Turkey, with country pages showing the full list.
• Buy now, activate within 180 days. You do not need to install it the same day you pay.
• Top-up the same eSIM on most plans.
• Data only, with the QR code sent to your email, usually within minutes.
• Refunds: 180 days if you never installed the eSIM, 30 days if you installed it but did not activate it.

See the full side-by-side with another well-known brand in Airalo vs Simsimsim, or browse Japan and Turkey plans.

FAQ

Is aloSIM cheaper than Airalo?

On the pages we read in October 2026, aloSIM listed small fixed-data plans (for example 5 GB for 30 days) that cost less than the day-based plans we saw on Airalo for the same destinations. For unlimited-style 30-day plans the two were close. Check the live pages for your destination and plan size.

Is aloSIM a good alternative to Airalo?

Both are travel eSIM stores covering many countries. aloSIM shows more data sizes per validity, while Airalo is the more recognised name. The right choice depends on your destination, data needs and the refund terms you prefer.

Do I need the app?

Not necessarily. Most phones install an eSIM from a QR code or manual code. Apps help you track data and manage plans.

Can I get a refund?

aloSIM advertises a 30-day refund guarantee in cases such as an unsupported phone or connection trouble. Airalo has its own terms; read them before you pay.

Does the eSIM give me a phone number?

Travel eSIMs from most stores are data only. Calls and texts use messaging apps or your home SIM. Check the plan page to confirm.

Will my phone work with these eSIMs?

Your phone must support eSIM and be carrier unlocked. Check with our device checker first.