Are you a frequent traveler looking for the best way to stay connected while abroad? Using an eSIM is an increasingly popular solution that offers easy setup, affordable pricing and broad global coverage.
But with multiple eSIM providers on the market, it can be tough to determine which one best suits your needs.
Two of the most prominent options are Nomad and Holafly. Both enable you to get online in numerous countries without the hassle of swapping physical SIM cards or racking up expensive roaming fees.
However, each has unique strengths that make them ideal for different types of travelers.
To help you choose, we’ve compiled an in-depth comparison of Nomad and Holafly eSIMs. We’ll cover critical factors like connection speeds, data allotments, plan options, customer support and more.
Our goal is to arm you with the insights needed to confidently select the right eSIM for your next international adventure.
Contents
Data Speeds & Allowances
One of the most important considerations when evaluating eSIM providers is the amount and speed of data you get. After all, staying connected is the primary reason you’re using an eSIM in the first place.
On this front, there are notable differences between Nomad and Holafly:
Nomad eSIM
- Plans have specific data caps, ranging from 1GB to 100GB max
- No unlimited data options
- Typical user consumes 2-3GB per day for basic apps & browsing
Holafly eSIM
- Unlimited data offered in many destinations, especially in Europe
- Eliminates worry of running out of data or paying overage fees
- Ideal for data-heavy activities like video streaming & cloud backup
The clear advantage goes to Holafly if you’re a power user who needs a large amount of fast, unthrottled data. With Holafly’s unlimited plans, you can stream, download and surf as much as you want without keeping a close eye on your usage.
That said, Nomad’s capped plans may be sufficient if you’re a lighter user who mostly sticks to basic web browsing, navigation and messaging. Just be aware that once you hit the data limit, you’ll need to top up your plan, which means paying additional fees.
Ultimately, it’s smart to overestimate your anticipated data needs and err on the side of a Holafly unlimited plan for true peace of mind. There’s nothing worse than losing your connection in the middle of an important task or running up surprise charges.
Plan Options & Pricing
Another key factor is the variety and flexibility of eSIM plans each provider offers. You’ll want to find an option that aligns with the length and location of your trip without paying for extra time or coverage you don’t need.
Here’s how Nomad and Holafly stack up in terms of plans:
Nomad eSIM
- Durations of 1, 7, 15, 30 or 60 days depending on country
- Not all destinations have each plan length available
- Pricing varies widely, i.e. $6.50 for 1GB/7 days or $18 for 50GB/7 days in USA
Holafly eSIM
- Extensive duration options from 5 days up to 90 days
- Over 180 destinations covered, 70+ with unlimited data
- Simple, affordable pricing, i.e. $27 for unlimited/7 days or $69 for unlimited/30 days
Holafly is the clear winner when it comes to plan flexibility and transparent pricing. With durations available from less than a week to several months, you can easily find a Holafly eSIM that matches your precise travel schedule.
The range of plan options is especially helpful for longer trips, like extended vacations, study abroad semesters or work assignments. Nomad maxes out at 30 or 60 days depending on your destination.
Holafly’s unlimited data offering also makes their pricing very straightforward compared to the complex table of Nomad’s country-specific prices and data caps. And in many cases, Holafly comes out cheaper, especially for shorter trips under 2 weeks.
While Nomad does technically offer 1-day plans in some locations, which Holafly lacks, a single day is often insufficient for most travelers’ needs. Overall, Holafly provides the most versatile and cost-effective options for the majority of users.
Customer & Technical Support
Accessible and knowledgeable customer service is essential for any eSIM provider, particularly if you run into activation issues or other technical difficulties during your travels. Both Nomad and Holafly offer user support, but the specifics differ:
Nomad eSIM
- Support in English only
- Contact via in-app chat or email
- No listed hours or response time
Holafly eSIM
- Support in 7+ languages (Spanish, English, German, French, Italian, Japanese, etc.)
- 24/7 availability
- Multiple contact options
In a foreign country where you may not speak the language, having reliable access to service in your native tongue can make a huge difference. Holafly’s multilingual 24/7 support has a clear edge over Nomad’s English-only system.
The ability to get help any time of day is also a major perk since you never know when a connectivity problem might pop up, potentially at odd hours due to time zone changes. With Nomad, you may end up waiting an unspecified amount of time for a response.
Holafly also has a leg up when it comes to overall customer satisfaction. On the trusted review site Trustpilot, Holafly earns a stellar 4.7 rating across over 19,000 reviews. Nomad’s score is lower at 4.3 with under 2,000 reviews.
More plentiful and positive customer feedback indicates that you can count on Holafly for a smooth experience from purchase to tech support. It’s extra assurance that you’ll be taken care of if any snags arise during the eSIM setup or activation process.
eSIM Compatibility & Installation
Before you pull the trigger on purchasing an eSIM plan from either Nomad or Holafly, you’ll need to verify that your mobile device actually supports eSIM technology. Not all smartphones offer eSIM functionality, especially older models.
In general, the following devices are eSIM compatible:
- iPhone XS, XS Max, XR or newer (iOS 12.1+)
- Google Pixel 3, 3a, 4, 5
- Samsung Galaxy S20, S20+, S20 Ultra, S21, S21+, S21 Ultra, Fold LTE, Z Fold2 5G, Z Fold3 5G
- Samsung Galaxy Note 20, Note 20 Ultra
- Huawei P40, P40 Pro
This is not an exhaustive list and compatibility may depend on your wireless carrier and country. To confirm that your specific phone model supports eSIM, it’s best to check your settings or contact your carrier directly.
The good news is that as long as your device is eSIM capable, activating your Nomad or Holafly eSIM is a quick and easy process:
- Purchase your eSIM plan of choice
- Receive the eSIM in the form of a QR code via email
- Scan the QR code with your phone
- Follow the installation prompts to add the eSIM to your device settings
- Activate the eSIM data plan once you arrive at your destination
No physical SIM cards, store visits or tricky installations required. The whole process is digital and can be completed in a matter of minutes.
Pro tip: For the smoothest experience, install your eSIM before leaving on your trip while you still have a stable local internet connection. You can wait to activate the plan until you reach your destination to maximize your days of service.
The Verdict: Holafly Wins
After thoroughly evaluating Nomad and Holafly eSIMs across the categories that matter most to travelers, we’ve determined that Holafly is the superior choice for most users’ needs.
Holafly’s key advantages include:
- Unlimited data in 70+ top travel destinations
- Wide variety of plan lengths up to 90 days
- Simple, affordable pricing across all plans
- Excellent 24/7 multilingual support
- Higher customer ratings & reviews
For frequent travelers who want the best possible connectivity experience with the least limitations and inconveniences, Holafly eSIM is the way to go. With a Holafly eSIM, you’ll enjoy seamless, secure, high-speed data access everywhere you roam.
While Nomad eSIM is a solid option with widespread compatibility, the limited high-speed data allotments, shorter plan lengths and less accessible support prevent it from being the top pick. Nomad may make sense for lighter-usage travelers taking short trips, but Holafly is the all-around better choice.
To see for yourself why Holafly earns our strong recommendation, consider taking advantage of an exclusive discount for our eSIMYard community. Use promo code PASSPORT at checkout to save 5% on your Holafly eSIM purchase. With Holafly in your pocket, you’ll be able to post, stream and navigate with full confidence wherever your adventures take you.
So what are you waiting for? Head to the Holafly website now to browse their eSIM plans and find the perfect match for your next trip. With a few clicks and our special discount code, you’ll be on your way to nonstop connectivity.
Stay connected & bon voyage!
