Airalo vs Holafly vs Nomad vs Saily: which eSIM should you pick in 2026?
Four brands compared on what each one publishes: plan models, unlimited policy, top-ups, refunds and Thai-language support.
快速解答
- For a short single-city trip, a fixed-GB plan from any of the four will usually do, so compare the price for your exact dates and check when the validity clock starts.
- Heavy users should read each brand's daily speed rule, because every brand that sells unlimited plans attaches a cap or a fair-use limit.
- If you want Thai-language help, Nomad has a Thai help centre and Airalo has a Thai website, while Saily's app does not list Thai.
This comparison is based on the plans, policies and help pages each brand publishes as of October 2026, not on a test trip. Parts of Saily's site could not be read directly, so those points are marked as unconfirmed.
Who is behind each brand and how the plans are sold
Airalo calls itself the first eSIM store and sells prepaid data packages by country, region and worldwide. Holafly is run by Holafly Limited in Dublin and sells trip plans by number of days with unlimited data, plus a separate set of monthly subscriptions.
Nomad has data packages in 200+ destinations plus Unlimited and Day Plans. Saily's App Store listing names Nordvpn S.A. as the developer and shows shared plans for up to 4 people, cruise plans and a Saily Ultra subscription.
Side-by-side table
| 項目 | Airalo | Holafly | Nomad | Saily |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plan model | Prepaid packages by country, region, worldwide | Day-based unlimited trip plans and monthly subscriptions | Data packages plus Unlimited and Day Plans | Data plans, shared, cruise (per App Store) |
| Unlimited policy | Drops to 1 Mbps after 3GB a day until the 24h period ends | Unlimited, but terms let the network restrict excessive use | Mostly 2GB a day at full speed, then about 1 to 2 Mbps | Reported 5GB a day then 1 Mbps (unconfirmed) |
| 熱點分享 | Allowed if device and network support it; none limited on unlimited plans | Limited; Japan page shows 1GB a day, varies by destination | Works with most eSIMs, stability not guaranteed | Reported allowed (unconfirmed) |
| 電話號碼 | Mostly data only; some plans add voice and text | 僅使用數據 | Data only in general; exceptions are the Thailand TRUE eSIM and UK Voice | Optional paid virtual US +1 number |
| 加購 | Top-up packages exist for many eSIMs | Discontinued as of 1 Oct 2026; buy a new plan | Add-ons start when the original plan expires; not all plans support them | Top-ups listed on App Store |
| Validity start | Mostly at first connection in coverage; some at install | When roaming data is activated at the destination | On connection at destination, or auto on day 60 after purchase | Reported 180 days to activate (unconfirmed) |
| 退款 | Button only on eligible orders; some refunds are Airmoney credit | Full refund if bought direct, not activated, within 6 months; admin fee may apply | Within 30 days if not installed or activated; all Unlimited plans non-refundable | Reported 30 days if not installed (unconfirmed) |
| App | iOS, Android and web; app in 53 languages | Buy through Holafly's site and app | Web, iOS and Android | App on the App Store |
| Thai support | Thai website; Thai-speaking agents not stated | No Thai site found | Thai help centre exists | Thai is not in the app's language list |
Unlimited, hotspot and phone number
- Every unlimited plan has a condition. Airalo slows to 1 Mbps after 3GB a day, Nomad mostly gives 2GB a day before slowing, and Holafly points to a fair-use clause in its terms.
- If you plan to share data as a hotspot, Airalo says its unlimited plans have no device limit, while Holafly's Japan page caps hotspot at 1GB a day.
- Most of these eSIMs carry no phone number, so keep your Thai SIM active for bank OTP texts. Saily sells an optional virtual US +1 number, which is not a Thai number.
Top-ups, activation and refunds
Top-ups are where the four differ most. Holafly stopped offering them on 1 October 2026, so running out mid-trip means buying a new plan. Nomad sells add-ons, but they start only when the original plan expires and cannot extend validity.
On buying ahead, Nomad auto-activates on day 60 after purchase. Airalo states no fixed deadline but advises installing early, since networks may recycle unused eSIMs, often 90 days from purchase. Holafly states no activation deadline, and its full-refund window is 6 months.
Which one to pick by type of traveller
A short trip to one city
A fixed-GB package from Airalo or Nomad is straightforward: pick a size for your number of days and compare the price for your exact dates. Short trips rarely need an unlimited plan.
A heavy user
Holafly sells unlimited as its main model by days, but hotspot is limited and top-ups are gone. For frequent sharing, Airalo's unlimited plans with no device limit look better. Nomad Day Plans let you choose 500MB to 3GB a day for trips of 10 days or less.
A multi-country trip
Airalo and Nomad both sell regional and global packages. Open the package page and check that the country list matches every stop on your route.
Someone who wants Thai support
Nomad has a Thai help centre. Airalo has a Thai website and 24/7 live chat, though it does not say whether agents reply in Thai. Saily's app lacks Thai, and no Thai site was found for Holafly.
A fifth option: esimonline
This site sells eSIMs too, so here is the disclosure. Our plans are priced in baht, need no app, arrive as a QR by email, are data-only with no phone number, and come with Thai, English and Chinese support. You can request a refund yourself within 14 days if the eSIM is not installed, and each plan page lists the local networks it uses.
How to compare prices fairly
Compare only packages with the same days and data. Prices change weekly, so none are listed here. Check the display currency as well: Saily prices in US dollars, and Airalo has a currency selector, though a baht option is unconfirmed.
Common questions
常見問題
Which of the four still offer top-ups?+
Airalo has top-up packages for many eSIMs, Nomad has add-ons on some plans, and Saily's App Store listing mentions top-ups. Holafly has discontinued them.
Can I get a refund on an unlimited plan?+
It depends on the brand. Nomad says all Unlimited plans are non-refundable, while Holafly refunds in full if the plan is not activated within 6 months. Read the refund policy before paying.
How reliable is the Saily information here?+
The App Store details are confirmed. The speed, activation and refund points come from snippets of a site that blocked direct reading, so check the official pages again before buying.
Do I need a phone number abroad?+
Most plans are data only. Keep your Thai SIM for bank OTP texts and use apps such as LINE or WhatsApp for calls over data.
About the author
Porsch Kunnipat Siramanakul
- Co-founder of eSIMonline.asia
- Digital marketer
- Performance marketing and marketing planning
Instagram 和 TikTok 沒有網頁分享按鈕，因此我們會改為開啟手機的分享選單，或直接複製連結。