December 19, 2025
·7 min
Holafly eSIM review
Discover our review of Holafly eSIM: reliable but expensive and slow to respond to customer support requests. Compare it with voilà, the ideal alternative for staying connected while traveling.
eSIM vs. JUNE 2026 Comparison
Holafly vs. Ubigi: Which eSIM provider is the best in 2026?
After comparing official prices with user feedback, we make a decision.
Holafly and Ubigi are among the best-known travel eSIMs in 2026, but with different market positions. Holafly has become the leader in unlimited data plans based on duration, while Ubigi (a subsidiary of the French group Transatel) has built a reputation as a stable and professional eSIM provider, drawing on its background in industrial IoT connectivity. Holafly is this year’s clear winner when comparing the two services based on overall experience and perceived value for the majority of users.
Despite this, a comparison of official rates and user reviews reveals that Holafly offers significantly better value for money than Ubigi for most standard travel profiles. Keep reading this Holafly vs. Ubigi comparison to find out why Holafly is the best choice for about 70% of travelers in 2026, and in which specific cases Ubigi remains a very relevant option.
Rony
March 20, 2026
Updated: June 2026
15 min read
Résumé express
Holafly vs. Ubigi: At a Glance
Holafly is the clear winner of the 2026 awards, having won 6 out of 10 categories: unlimited data, 24/7 support via chat and WhatsApp, mobile app, refund policy, and perceived value.
Ubigi comes out on top in four specific areas: lower starting rates on fixed-data plans, unrestricted connection sharing on data plans, network stability rooted in its IoT heritage, and billing in euros (convenient for European travelers).
Two things to watch out for with: Holafly’s unlimited plan is subject to a Fair Usage Policy that throttles speeds after 2 to 5 GB per day, and data sharing is capped at 500 MB per day on standard plans. With Ubigi, once your data limit is reached, you must purchase a new plan or top up, and 24/7 live chat support is not available in all markets.
Choose based on your profile: Holafly for short stays, multi-country trips, or travelers who don’t want to worry about daily data usage. Ubigi for European travelers who use little data and appreciate the reliability of an established carrier.
An alternative to consider: a travel eSIM like voilà, which offers transparent pricing, data sharing included with all plans, no blocked apps, and live customer support.
Scoreboard
Rankings for the 10 rounds
Before getting into the details, here is a summary of the results for each category tested:
- 01Admission pricesUbigiHolaflyStarting at $6.90 (1-day unlimited pass)UbigiStarting at $4 (500 MB) or $9 (3 GB)
- 02Unlimited dataHolaflyHolaflyYes, more than 200 destinationsUbigiVirtually absent
- 03Global coverageHolaflyHolafly260+ destinations, local and global mapsUbigi190+ destinations, with an international focus
- 04Network stabilityUbigiHolaflyStable, premium operatorsUbigiHighly stable, IoT operator DNA
- 05Internet sharingUbigiHolafly500 MB/day on the unlimited planUbigiAvailable on volume
- 06Customer SupportHolaflyHolafly24/7 Chat + Multilingual WhatsAppUbigiEmail and chat, depending on the market
- 07Mobile appHolaflyHolafly4.7/5, built-in guides, and polished UXUbigiFunctional, robust management
- 08Billing in EURUbigiHolaflyUSD/EUR (market rate)UbigiNative EUR, French VAT
- 09Refund PolicyHolaflyHolaflyConsistent, clear, 3 to 7 daysUbigiVariable, restrictive after activation
- 10Total valueHolaflyHolaflyConsistent premium serviceUbigiA reliable option for controlled use
Final score
6–4
Final score: Holafly wins in 6 out of 10 categories—with a clear lead in unlimited data, customer support, the app, and overall value. Ubigi wins in 4 categories: starting rates, network stability, unrestricted tethering, and billing in euros.
Round 1
Prices and packages
Ubigi is inherently cheaper than Holafly for small data volumes, because it sells fixed-volume plans starting at 500 MB. This is its traditional pricing approach as a French telecom operator.
Holafly
Holafly PackagesHolafly offers a simple plan: you choose the number of days (from 1 to 90), and data is unlimited for the entire period. For frequent travelers, Holafly Plans offers monthly plans starting at $39.90/month (10 GB) up to $64.90/month (unlimited with extended hotspot sharing).
Ubigi
Ubigi PlansUbigi offers fixed-data plans (500 MB, 3 GB, 10 GB, 50 GB) with terms ranging from 30 days to 1 year, depending on the destination. Prices start at around $4 for 500 MB / 30 days and go up to about $60 for 50 GB on a global plan. Billing is in euros, which makes it easier for European travelers to understand their bank charges.
Direct price comparison (June 2026)
| Destination (7 days) | Holafly | Ubigi | Ideal Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | ≈ $29.90 (unlimited) | Approx. $9 (3 GB) | Ubigi for light use |
| Japan | ≈ $29.90 (unlimited) | ≈ $12 (3 GB) | Ubigi for short stays |
| United Kingdom | ≈ $29.90 (unlimited) | Approx. $9 (3 GB) | Ubigi: Data Mastery |
| France | ≈ $29.90 (unlimited) | Approx. $7 (3 GB) | Ubigi, if used properly |
| Europe (10 GB / 30 days) | ≈ $74.90 (unlimited for 30 days) | ≈ $19 | Ubigi if volume is known |
| Comprehensive Plan (10 GB) | ≈ $84 (unlimited) | ≈ $35 | Ubigi for multiple countries |
The detail that makes all the difference: if your usage is light or occasional (under 5 GB per trip), Ubigi remains the more economical option. However, as soon as you want to stop worrying about daily data usage, Holafly becomes the better value again, because one or two Ubigi top-ups often cost as much as a multi-day Holafly plan.
SOUTH KOREA
active
20 Go
remaining
Operator
SKTelecom, LGU+
Expires
In 3d • Jun 12
Top up
THAILAND
active
20 Go
remaining
Operator
AIS
Expires
In 3d • Jun 12
Top up
JAPAN
active
20 Go
remaining
Operator
NTT docomo
Expires
In 3d • Jun 12
Top up
No more roaming fees
Travel abroad with confidence: no more roaming fees, connection struggles, or unexpected top-ups. With a travel-friendly eSIM, stay connected everywhere, stress-free and surprise-free.
No blocked apps
Tethering enabled
24/7 customer support
Round winner·Ubigi
Ubigi is the better choice for light usage and billing in euros. Holafly is the better choice for unlimited plans or short-term daily rentals.
Round 2
Global coverage and regional plans
Ubigi lists approximately 190 destinations, while Holafly covers over 260 countries directly. Holafly has the edge in terms of breadth and execution quality, with a consumer-focused brand approach, whereas Ubigi retains its technical operator DNA.
Holafly
Holafly CoverHolafly operates in over 260 destinations with its own exclusive plans, negotiated directly with local operators. Holafly’s global plan covers 113 countries simultaneously. Quality is consistent across the brand: no matter where you are, you’re dealing with the same Holafly and receiving the same guarantees.
Ubigi
Ubigi CoverUbigi covers more than 190 destinations using the infrastructure of Transatel, its parent company specializing in MVNO and IoT connectivity. The brand is particularly well-established in Europe and offers long-term plans (up to one year), which is rare in the consumer eSIM market.
Round winner·Holafly
Holafly for its wide coverage and consumer-friendly brand. Ubigi if you're traveling in Europe or looking for a reliable provider with long-term plans.
Round 3
Unlimited data and usage limits
That’s the main reason travelers choose Holafly. The entire brand is built around unlimited usage by duration, whereas Ubigi sticks to a fixed data allowance.
Holafly
Holafly UnlimitedAll Holafly standard plans offer unlimited data. You pay by the day, not by the gigabyte. It’s this simplicity that appeals to millions of travelers every year, especially those who aren’t tech-savvy and don’t want to keep track of their data usage down to the last byte.
Ubigi
Unlimited plans at UbigiUbigi does not offer truly unlimited plans. Its approach remains focused on fixed data allowances (ranging from 500 MB to 50 GB), a legacy of its roots as a traditional telecom operator. This approach allows the company to offer low entry-level rates but requires travelers to accurately estimate their data usage.
SOUTH KOREA
active
20 Go
remaining
Operator
SKTelecom, LGU+
Expires
In 3d • Jun 12
Top up
THAILAND
active
20 Go
remaining
Operator
AIS
Expires
In 3d • Jun 12
Top up
JAPAN
active
20 Go
remaining
Operator
NTT docomo
Expires
In 3d • Jun 12
Top up
No more roaming fees
Travel abroad with confidence: no more roaming fees, connection struggles, or unexpected top-ups. With a travel-friendly eSIM, stay connected everywhere, stress-free and surprise-free.
No blocked apps
Tethering enabled
24/7 customer support
Round winner·Holafly
Holafly by a long shot. Unlimited data is a built-in feature available in over 200 destinations, whereas Ubigi doesn't offer it at all.
Round 4
Internet sharing
When it comes to connection sharing, Ubigi has the edge. This is one of the few areas where Holafly objectively falls short.
Holafly
Holafly data sharing: 500 MB per day limitHolafly's standard unlimited plans include a data-sharing limit of around 500 MB per day. Once that limit is reached, the hotspot stops working until the next day. For phone use only, this limit isn't a problem. But for someone who connects their laptop to work, 500 MB can be used up in just 30 minutes of video conferencing.
Ubigi
Ubigi Share: Open Source by DesignAt Ubigi, since our plans offer a fixed data allowance, there are no contractual restrictions on sharing your connection. The gigabytes are yours to use however you like—whether on your phone, laptop, or tablet. This is especially useful for digital nomads or travelers who connect multiple devices at the same time.
Round winner·Ubigi
Definitely Ubigi. Unlimited data sharing on all fixed-data plans, with no daily limit.
Round 5
Security, Privacy, and App Blocking
Both services comply with mobile security standards (carrier encryption, no storage of communication content). The real privacy concern when traveling is app blocking.
Holafly
App Blocking on HolaflyHolafly does not impose its own blocks, but certain restrictions may be imposed by local partner carriers. Some plans in Asia block local payment apps, while others restrict European banking apps. Holafly does not explicitly state that it does not restrict apps.
Ubigi
App Blocking at UbigiUbigi isn't any better. Blocking still depends on local partner carriers. On some regional plans, messaging or banking apps may be restricted. Ubigi does not contractually guarantee that apps will not be blocked.
SOUTH KOREA
active
20 Go
remaining
Operator
SKTelecom, LGU+
Expires
In 3d • Jun 12
Top up
THAILAND
active
20 Go
remaining
Operator
AIS
Expires
In 3d • Jun 12
Top up
JAPAN
active
20 Go
remaining
Operator
NTT docomo
Expires
In 3d • Jun 12
Top up
No more roaming fees
Travel abroad with confidence: no more roaming fees, connection struggles, or unexpected top-ups. With a travel-friendly eSIM, stay connected everywhere, stress-free and surprise-free.
No blocked apps
Tethering enabled
24/7 customer support
Draw
It's a tie. Both rely on local carriers and do not offer a contractual guarantee of access to apps.
Round 6
Streaming, video conferencing, and heavy use
Both services support streaming and video calls, but they have very different features: Ubigi has a data cap, while Holafly limits data speeds once a daily threshold is exceeded.
Holafly
Streaming with HolaflyUnlimited data = you can watch Netflix, YouTube, and Twitch as much as you want, until you trigger the Fair Usage Policy. In practice, 2 to 3 hours of HD streaming per day is still comfortable. Beyond that (continuous 4K streaming, massive cloud backups), speeds slow down and the experience deteriorates.
Ubigi
Streaming with UbigiYou pay for a data allowance. With a 10 GB plan over 30 days, you can watch about 10 to 15 hours of Netflix in HD before you run out. Then you have to recharge. The advantage: no speed throttling—you keep your full speeds until the very last drop. The downside: you have to plan ahead and buy larger plans for long stays.
Everyday use cases
| Use cases | Holafly (unlimited) | Ubigi (10 GB) |
|---|---|---|
| GPS + 30 days of messages | OK, unlimited | ≈ 3 GB used, OK |
| 1 hour of HD streaming per day | OK, under FUP | Recharge required halfway through the trip |
| 3 hours of Zoom per day | Data cap may apply on certain days | ≈ 13 GB, 2x data top-up |
| Laptop tethering | Limited to 500 MB per day | Free |
Round winner·Holafly
Holafly for easy mobile streaming and the convenience of multi-day plans. Ubigi for professional video calls with unlimited data sharing—as long as you keep your data usage in check.
Round 7
Operator stability and long durations
Ubigi has the edge in terms of network stability—thanks to its Transatel and IoT heritage, as well as its long contract terms (up to one year on certain plans).
Holafly
Holafly: stable but mainstreamHolafly negotiates with premium carriers to provide good network quality in most destinations. However, the brand remains positioned as a mass-market service, lacking the operational rigor of a traditional telecom carrier. The Fair Usage Policy (FUP) may catch some heavy users off guard.
Ubigi
Ubigi: Telecom DNAUbigi is a subsidiary of Transatel, a French MVNO operator specializing in industrial connectivity (IoT, connected cars, and professional equipment). This focus translates into high operational stability and exceptionally long contract terms (up to 365 days on certain plans), which are rare among consumer eSIM providers.
SOUTH KOREA
active
20 Go
remaining
Operator
SKTelecom, LGU+
Expires
In 3d • Jun 12
Top up
THAILAND
active
20 Go
remaining
Operator
AIS
Expires
In 3d • Jun 12
Top up
JAPAN
active
20 Go
remaining
Operator
NTT docomo
Expires
In 3d • Jun 12
Top up
No more roaming fees
Travel abroad with confidence: no more roaming fees, connection struggles, or unexpected top-ups. With a travel-friendly eSIM, stay connected everywhere, stress-free and surprise-free.
No blocked apps
Tethering enabled
24/7 customer support
Round winner·Ubigi
Ubigi for operator stability and long runs. Holafly if you want a more accessible, mainstream experience.
Round 8
Customer Support
In terms of customer support, Holafly is pulling ahead of Ubigi. This is also the most important factor when things go wrong during a trip.
Holafly
Holafly SupportHolafly offers 24/7 live chat accessible via the app and website, with support available in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, and Portuguese. A dedicated WhatsApp channel allows you to contact support even when your eSIM isn’t working (via your physical SIM card). Typical response times range from a few minutes to a few hours.
Ubigi
Ubigi SupportUbigi offers email and chat support depending on the market. The primary language of support is English, but French is available in the European market. Response times are reasonable but are asynchronous: there is no 24/7 live chat and no dedicated WhatsApp channel. Typical resolution times range from 24 to 72 hours for non-trivial cases.
Refund Policy
| Holafly | Ubigi |
|---|---|
| A unified policy across the board | Varies depending on the eSIM and destination |
| Refund if not activated within the specified time frame | Restrictive after activation |
| Typical turnaround time: 3 to 7 days | Typical turnaround time: 1 to 2 weeks |
| Multilingual (EN, ES, FR, DE, IT, PT) | EN (main), FR (EU) |
| 24/7 Chat and WhatsApp | Chat via the app, no WhatsApp |
Round winner·Holafly
Holafly clearly stands out for its 24/7 multilingual chat and WhatsApp support, compared to Ubigi’s primarily asynchronous support.
Round 9
Mobile App and User Experience
Holafly has the edge over the mainstream mobile app. Its app is polished, highly rated, and offers built-in guides, whereas Ubigi remains functional but more basic.
Holafly
The Holafly appA clean, well-rated app (4.7/5 on the App Store, 4.6/5 on Google Play). It features guided onboarding, step-by-step setup guides for each device (iOS, Samsung, Pixel, Xiaomi, other Android devices), and a downloadable PDF guide for situations without an internet connection. The experience is designed for non-technical travelers who are new to eSIMs.
Ubigi
The Ubigi appThe Ubigi app is robust and reliable, with clear management of plans and data usage. The user experience is more basic than Holafly’s: the design is less polished, the onboarding process is more technical, and there are few built-in guides. It’s sufficient for users already comfortable with eSIMs, but a bit rough around the edges for those less tech-savvy.
Round winner·Holafly
Holafly, clearly. An app designed for the general public, not for eSIM power users.
Verdict final
Final verdict: Holafly or Ubigi in 2026?
After comparing the 10 categories, Holafly comes out on top in most of them—with a clear lead in unlimited data, customer support, the app, and overall value. Ubigi wins in terms of entry-level rates, network stability, unrestricted hotspot sharing, and billing in euros.
For the vast majority of travelers (about 70% of users), Holafly is the best choice in 2026. The higher cost compared to Ubigi is justified by the quality of the experience: a true, end-to-end responsible consumer-facing provider, 24/7 multilingual support via WhatsApp, one of the best apps in the industry, and unlimited data in over 200 destinations.
Ubigi is still a great choice in two specific situations: if you’re a European traveler who keeps your data usage under 5 GB per trip and prefers billing in euros, or if you need a long-term plan (up to 1 year). If either of these scenarios fits your profile, Ubigi is unbeatable.
PodiumFinal podium
- #2voilà
The balance between price, connection sharing, support, and zero restrictions
2e - #1Holafly
Consistent premium service, 6 out of 10 categories
1er - #3Ubigi
The reliable choice for controlled applications and long-term use
3e
voilà — Here are the figures (June 2026)
- 1
More than 175 destinations worldwide
- 2
Plans ranging from 1 to 50 GB with some of the lowest prices per GB on the market
- 3
No blocked apps (TikTok, banking apps, WhatsApp, Asian payment apps)
- 4
Responsive, human customer support
- 5
4.7/5 on the App Store and Google Play based on over 100,000 reviews
Ready to compare prices for your next destination?
Explore the voilà plansFAQ: Holafly vs. Ubigi
Rony is our in-house travel-connected expert. Always curious and never too far from an airport, he explores the latest destinations while testing the newest eSIM solutions. He signs our articles on travel and mobile technology, with a single mission: to turn his discoveries into clear, reliable, and smart advice to accompany you anywhere in the world.
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