Nomad vs Airalo eSIM Comparison: Features, Pricing & Coverage

Going on holiday soon and need to sort out your mobile data? An eSIM is an easy, convenient way to stay connected when travelling outside the UK, without facing costly roaming charges. eSIMs are simple to use and built into your device, allowing you to use mobile data without physically changing SIM cards.

Nomad and Airalo are two popular eSIM providers offering a variety of plans to suit different needs. In this Nomad vs Airalo comparison for 2025, we take a look at all the main features, plans, pricing and more, to help you make the right choice.

And, while you’re choosing eSIM providers, don’t forget to sort out your holiday money. The Wise debit card is a great travel companion, designed for low-cost spending in 150+ countries. It automatically converts your pounds to the local currency at the mid-market exchange rate, only adding a tiny, transparent conversion fee*.

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Jump to:

What is Nomad eSIM? What is Airalo eSIM? Nomad vs Airalo: Head-to-head comparison Pricing and plan options Device compatibility Ease of use and activation Features Which one is right for you? Travelling abroad? Get the Wise Card for low-cost international spending Nomad vs Airalo eSIM - FAQs Can I use Airalo eSIM on another device? Can I make calls using my Nomad eSIM? Can I top up my Airalo eSIM? Can I pause my Nomad data plan?

What is Nomad eSIM?

Nomad is an eSIM provider offering data-only plans that keep you connected in over 200 countries and regions. They claim to help users save up to 50% on roaming charges when travelling.¹

Nomad offers country-specific, regional and global plans. Their regional eSIMs can be used across entire continents or in selected neighbouring countries.¹

📶 Read our full Nomad eSIM review to find out more

What is Airalo eSIM?

Airalo claims to be the first company to launch an eSIM store. They offer plans for over 200 countries and regions, as well as global packages.² Some of Airalo’s global eSIMs also include calls and texts.³

📱 Check out our complete Airalo eSIM review here

Nomad vs Airalo: Head-to-head comparison

Here’s a quick breakdown of Nomad vs Airalo head-to-head:

Feature	Nomad	Airalo
Pricing	Plans for Italy start at £3.33 for 1 GB of data, with a 50 GB plan for £33.34. Global plans range from £18.52 (1 GB) to £33.34 (5 GB).	Plans for Italy start at £3.50 for 1 GB, with a 20 GB plan for £22. Global Discover+ plans start at £11.50 for 1 GB of data and 10 minutes of calls.
Coverage	Global eSIMs work in 106 or 112 countries. Regional and country-specific plans are also available.	Global plans cover 137 countries. Regional and country-specific plans are also available.
Calls & Texts	Most plans are data-only, but some include a local number. Tethering is supported.	Some packages, like the Discover+ global plans, include calls and texts. Tethering is supported.
Activation	Plans activate automatically once connected to a local network.	Activation can be either immediately after installation or when you connect to a supported network, depending on the plan.
Device Compatibility	Compatible with most iPhones, Google Pixel, Samsung phones and tablets, and some laptops. Also works on some smartwatches.	Supports many of the same devices, but laptops must run Windows 10 or 11. Some devices from China, Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan may not be compatible.
Additional Features	Offers a data calculator and a free Trial eSIM for new users. You can top up plans with add-ons.	Has a loyalty scheme called "Airmoney" that offers 5-10% cashback on purchases.

Let’s take a closer look at how Nomad vs Airalo compare:

Pricing and plan options

Nomad provides plans for individual countries, regions and global use. One version of their global eSIM works in 106 countries, while another covers 112. Regional plans include options for Europe, Africa, the Middle East, the Balkans, North America, Latin America and the Asia Pacific region. You can also buy plans for Southeast Asia and Oceania, the Caribbean and specific country combinations, such as their EU–US–Canada plan.¹

For example, their plans for Italy start at £3.33 for 1 GB of data. The most expensive option is the 30-day 50 GB plan at £33.34, with a 20 GB deal for around £15 as a mid-range choice.⁴ The larger global eSIM has three options - the 1 GB plan for £18.52, the 3 GB plan for £29.64 and the 5 GB deal for £33.34.⁵

If you’re not sure how much data you need, Nomad has a data calculator available that you might find helpful. After answering a few questions, like where you’re travelling to and what apps you use every day, you’ll get a plan recommendation.⁶

Airalo’s range also includes regional and global plans, with global coverage available in 137 countries. Their Discover+ global plans include calls and texts, starting from £11.50 for 1 GB of data and 10 call minutes. The largest Discover+ plan is the annual plan, which offers 20 GB and 200 minutes of calls for £68.⁷

Using Italy as an example again, the 1 GB Airalo plan costs £3.50, while the largest option is the 20 GB plan priced at £22.⁸

Device compatibility

Many modern devices support eSIM technology, including smartphones, tablets and laptops.

Nomad is available on a range of smartphones, including most iPhone, Google Pixel and Samsung models. You can also use their eSIMs on some Apple and Samsung tablets, including the iPad Pro 13-inch, Samsung Galaxy Tab S9, S9+ and S9 Ultra.⁹

If you’d like to use Nomad eSIMs on a laptop, it’s supported on some models from Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, Lenovo, Samsung and Surface. If you’re unsure whether your device is compatible, you can always reach out to Nomad for confirmation.⁹

Airalo supports many of the same devices, but they specify that laptops must run either Windows 10 or Windows 11. They also note that some devices bought in China, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan may not be compatible with their eSIMs.¹⁰

🌐 Read more: Best SIM cards for Europe

Ease of use and activation

The installation and activation process depends both on the provider and your device.

Nomad eSIM plans activate automatically once connected to a local network. If data roaming is enabled, no further action is needed. In some cases, however, you may need to activate the plan manually by following the instructions from the installation email.¹¹

You can install your Airalo eSIM by following the steps in the official Airalo app. The Additional Information section will tell you whether your eSIM activates immediately after installation or only once connected to a supported network. If it activates straight away, it’s best to install it just before you travel to avoid starting your plan too early.¹²

Features

Nomad offers both fixed-data and unlimited plans. Most are data only, but some plans, such as the one for Thailand, also include a local number.¹³ Tethering is supported, so you can share data with your friends.¹

When you start running low on data, Nomad will send you a notification. Some plans have add-ons available, so you can easily top up.¹

If you’re unsure whether you’d like Nomad’s plans, you can get their free Trial eSIM, which is available in 48 destinations. You can use 1 GB of data over a span of three days as a new user, without entering credit card information.¹⁴

Similarly, Airalo offers fixed-data and unlimited plans, with some packages featuring calls and texts. Certain plans support national calls within the country you’re in, as well as international calls.¹⁵

Airalo eSIMs can also be used for tethering, which can be useful even when you’re travelling alone, since you’ll be able to connect all of your devices.¹⁶ There’s also a loyalty scheme called Airmoney, where you can get 5-10% cashback on Airalo purchases and use that money toward future orders.¹⁷

Which one is right for you?

Nomad and Airalo are both trusted providers with a variety of eSIM plans designed for travellers. In the end, your decision between the two will largely depend on your preferences and travel plans.

Nomad generally offers lower prices than Airalo and provides a free eSIM for new users, making it a great option to test their network. They have fixed-data and unlimited plans covering over 200 destinations, as well as regional plans for travellers visiting more than one country.

Airalo is a great choice if you’re travelling to multiple countries. Their global eSIM covers more countries than Nomad’s, meaning you can use it in more destinations without needing separate plans. Additionally, some of Airalo’s plans include calls and texts for added convenience.

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Nomad vs Airalo eSIM - FAQs

Let’s answer some common Nomad vs Airalo questions:

Can I use Airalo eSIM on another device?

You can only use your Airalo eSIM on one device.¹⁸

Can I make calls using my Nomad eSIM?

You can only make phone calls with Nomad’s Thailand eSIM. With other plans, you can use apps like WhatsApp or FaceTime instead.¹⁹

Can I top up my Airalo eSIM?

If you run out of data, you can top up your plan in the Airalo official app or buy another eSIM.²⁰

Can I pause my Nomad data plan?

You can’t pause your Nomad plan, so make sure you activate it when you’re ready.²¹

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Sources used:

1. Nomad - homepage
2. Airalo - what is Airalo?
3. Airalo - Airalo offer
4. Nomad - Italy eSIM
5. Nomad - global eSIM
6. Nomad - data calculator
7. Airalo - global eSIM
8. Airalo - Italy eSIM
9. Nomad - supported devices
10. Airalo - supported devices
11. Nomad - how do I activate my Nomad eSIM?
12. Airalo - how to activate an Airalo eSIM
13. Nomad - Thailand unlimted 15-day eSIM
14. Nomad - Trial eSIM
15. Airalo - 20 GB Discover+ eSIM
16. Airalo - can you hotspot with an eSIM?
17. Airalo - Airalo Loyalty
18. Airalo - installing eSIM on multiple devices
19. Nomad - can I make calls using my Nomad eSIM?
20. Airalo - eSIM FAQs
21. Nomad - can I pause my data plan after activation?

Sources last checked on date: 05-Sep-2025