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With eSIM technology on the rise, travelers have more options than ever. Two names you’ll likely come across are Airalo and Ubigi — both offering international eSIM plans without the hassle of physical SIM cards. But which one offers better value, usability, and performance for your travel style?
In this article, we’ll explore how Airalo and Ubigi stack up against each other across several key areas that matter most to modern travelers. From pricing structures and regional coverage to the overall user experience and app functionality, we’ll take a closer look at what each provider brings to the table.
Pricing is often one of the most decisive factors for travelers choosing an eSIM provider. Both Airalo and Ubigi offer competitive rates, but they approach pricing with slightly different strategies.
| Destination | Airalo 7-day plan | Ubigi 7-day plan |
| 🇯🇵Japan | $4.50 for 1 GB | $14 for 10 GB or $26 for unlimited |
| 🇬🇧UK | $5 for 1 GB | $8 for 10 GB or $22 for unlimited |
| 🇨🇦Canada | $6 for 1 GB | $24 for 10 GB |
| 🇦🇺Australia | $4.50 for 1 GB | $6 for 1 GB or $22 for 10 GB |
| 🇹🇷Turkey | $4.50 for 1 GB | $4 for 1 GB or $16 for 10 GB |
Airalo clearly undercuts Ubigi in most of the selected markets when it comes to basic, short-term data plans. For example, in Japan and Australia, Airalo offers 1 GB for $4.50, while Ubigi's more comprehensive options (10 GB or unlimited) come at a much higher price point.
Interestingly, in Turkey, Ubigi edges out Airalo on the 1 GB price point ($4 vs. $4.50), making it the more affordable choice for light users in that country. In Canada and the UK, Ubigi’s plans are geared toward users who want more data upfront.
For travelers who just need a small data package to stay connected during a short trip, Airalo consistently offers better value. But if you're planning to stream, work remotely, or need data for multiple devices over several days, Ubigi’s larger and unlimited data plans start to make more sense.
Ubigi takes a very different approach to data plans compared to Airalo. Instead of offering a wide range of incremental data tiers (like 5 GB, 10 GB, or 20 GB), Ubigi tends to focus on larger, high-value plans, especially 10 GB and unlimited options.
For example, in Japan, Ubigi’s 10 GB plan is priced at $17, slightly undercutting Airalo’s $18 option. The UK shows an even starker contrast: Ubigi offers 10 GB for just $10, while Airalo charges $22.50 for the same amount — more than double the cost.
So, what does this mean in practice? If your data needs are minimal — say, 1–2 GB — Airalo’s straightforward low-tier options are likely more suitable. But if you plan to be connected throughout the day for streaming or work tasks, Ubigi offers unbeatable value at higher data levels.
| Destination | Airalo data plans | Ubigi data plans |
| 🇯🇵Japan | 1 GB, 5 GB, 10 GB, 20 GB | 1 GB, 5 GB, 10 GB, 20 GB |
| 🇬🇧UK | 3 GB, 5GB, 10 GB, +20 GB | 3 GB, 10 GB, + 20 GB |
| 🇨🇦Canada | 3 GB, 5 GB, 10 GB, +20 GB | 3 GB, 10 GB |
| 🇦🇺Australia | 1 GB, 3GB, 10 GB, 20 GB | 1 GB, 3GB, 10 GB, 20 GB |
| 🇹🇷Turkey | 1 GB, 10 GB, Unlimited | 1 GB, 10 GB, Unlimited |
When comparing Airalo and Ubigi in terms of country availability across different regions, both eSIM providers offer extensive global coverage, but with notable differences in regional reach.
In Asia, Ubigi has a slight edge, covering 24 countries compared to Airalo's 18. The difference is more pronounced in Africa, where Airalo leads with 36 countries, significantly more than Ubigi's 22. Europe shows nearly equal coverage, with Airalo present in 39 countries, while Ubigi supports over 35.
Overall, the better choice between the two may depend on your specific travel destinations, with Airalo excelling in Africa and South America, and Ubigi offering broader access in Asia and North America.
🌏 Asia
🌍 Africa
🇪🇺 Europe
🇺🇸 North America
🌎 South America
🌊 Oceania
If you're choosing between Airalo and Ubigi for your eSIM needs, device compatibility is a major factor to consider. Both providers support a wide array of smartphones, tablets, and laptops — but they differ in depth, range, and ease of activation, especially for laptops and region-specific devices.
Airalo supports a wide range of eSIM-enabled smartphones, tablets, laptops, and even some smartwatches. Device compatibility is subject to regional restrictions and device unlock status, so users should double-check with manufacturers when in doubt.
Ubigi offers broad compatibility across top smartphone brands, tablets, and an extended list of Windows laptops. Notably, many laptop models come preinstalled with a Ubigi eSIM, making setup especially seamless for frequent travelers or remote workers.
You can now view the full list of supported devices for both providers:
Airalo:
iPhone XR to iPhone 16 Pro Max (excluding most China/Hong Kong models)
Ubigi:
iPhone XR to iPhone 16 Pro Max (excluding China models)
Samsung:
Airalo:
Ubigi:
Xiaomi:
Airalo:
Ubigi:
Google Pixel:
Airalo:
Ubigi:
Airalo & Ubigi:
iPad Pro, iPad Air, iPad Mini (Wi-Fi + Cellular, newer generations)
Airalo:
Windows laptops including Surface, Dell Latitude, Lenovo Yoga, and others
Ubigi:
Extensive Windows laptop support, including preinstalled Ubigi eSIMs on VAIO, Panasonic, Fujitsu, and more
Note: The list of compatible devices comes from each providers’ compatible devices page. To see the full list of additional devices for Airalo and Ubigi, explore their respective compatible devices page.
Based purely on customer reviews, Ubigi is the more reliable and user-friendly option for most travelers. While Airalo has its strengths—particularly in broader country coverage—it suffers from a lack of consistent performance and support.
Airalo users are divided in their opinions. About 35% of reviewers gave it 5 stars, praising its affordability and usefulness once set up correctly. Many travelers found the app convenient and the pricing competitive, especially in countries like Japan, Canada, and the U.S.
However, a concerning 50% of reviews are 1-star, with complaints focusing on connectivity issues, difficulty during initial setup, and poor customer support. Users often reported that when something went wrong, they were met with chatbots and delayed human assistance.
In some cases, the eSIM wouldn’t work at all, or it would stop functioning mid-trip, with limited or no resolution from the support team. A few also mentioned frustrating refund experiences, where they were given credits rather than full refunds.
In contrast, Ubigi enjoys a much stronger reputation. With 64% of users giving it 5 stars, it is often described as reliable, easy to install, and great value for money. Travelers praised the eSIM’s automatic activation on arrival, along with helpful data alerts and easy top-ups via the app.
However, like any service, it’s not without issues. Around 12% of reviews are 1-star, usually related to slower data speeds in remote areas or misunderstandings about what an eSIM provides. In general, though, even the negative reviews noted that customer support was more responsive compared to Airalo.
When it comes to buying an eSIM, the ease and flexibility of payment is an important factor — especially for international travelers who rely on global payment methods. Both Airalo and Ubigi support a wide range of options, but there are subtle differences in how and where these methods can be used.
Airalo offers a more accessible experience, supporting popular payment options like PayPal, Apple Pay, and Alipay — though some are only available in specific countries or through the mobile app.
Ubigi, on the other hand, supports major cards and mobile wallets, but limits PayPal access to in-app purchases and does not support Alipay. This could limit accessibility for Chinese travelers, who often rely on Alipay as a primary payment method when making online purchases abroad.
Here’s how they compare:
| Payment method | Airalo | Ubigi |
| VISA | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Mastercard | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Union Pay | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| American Express | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| PayPal | ✔️ | available only in the app |
| Apple Pay | selected countries | ✔️ |
| Google Pay | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Alipay | only via the mobile app | ❌ |
When choosing an eSIM provider, refund flexibility can make a big difference—especially if your plan doesn’t work as expected. Airalo and Ubigi both offer refunds, but their policies differ significantly in terms of eligibility, process, and timing.
Below is a side-by-side breakdown to help you understand what each provider offers and how to claim a refund if needed.
Airalo offers refunds, but only under specific conditions and typically after troubleshooting efforts. Refunds are handled on a case-by-case basis and are not guaranteed for all issues.
✅ Eligible for a refund
❌ Not eligible for a refund
How to request a refund
Refunds, once granted, are typically processed via the original payment method or as Airalo credits (Airmoney). It can take up to 30 business days to appear, depending on your bank.
Ubigi has a stricter refund policy compared to Airalo, with a shorter 14-business-day window to request a refund versus Airalo’s 30 days. Refunds are automatically denied once the eSIM is activated or used, even if it doesn’t work as expected.
Unlike Airalo, Ubigi won’t issue refunds for device incompatibility if it was the user’s responsibility to verify compatibility before purchase. Additionally, refunds are only available for the original eSIM purchase—top-ups and recharges are non-refundable under any circumstances.
✅ Eligible for a refund
❌ Not eligible for a refund
How to request a refund
Airalo is the clear winner for entry-level pricing. For short trips, casual browsing, or light use cases like messaging and navigation, its low-cost data plans are significantly more affordable. This makes it ideal for backpackers or weekend tourists who simply want to stay connected without overspending.
Ubigi, however, plays in a different league. Rather than competing on ultra-low pricing, it focuses on delivering value through high-capacity plans. Its +10 GB data offerings are consistently more affordable than Airalo’s, and it shines in destinations like the UK and Japan where data-heavy users can save big.
Ubigi’s main shortcoming is its rigid refund policy. Once an eSIM is activated, there’s no going back—even if it doesn’t perform as expected. Airalo offers more flexibility here, which can be a crucial advantage for first-time users or travelers visiting regions with spotty coverage.
Ultimately, the better choice comes down to your needs. If you’re looking for low-cost, short-term data, Airalo will likely be your go-to. But if your trips involve high data usage, remote work, or consistent laptop access, Ubigi’s structure is better designed to meet those demands with reliability and scale. reliability and scale.
Ubigi tends to be cheaper for larger data plans in popular countries like the USA and Japan, starting at $4 for 1GB for 7 days in the USA. Meanwhile, Airalo starts at $4.50 for the same plan. It’s worth checking the specific plans available for your destination to see which provider is the cheapest.
Yes, Airalo is a trustworthy eSIM provider. It offers global coverage and affordable data plans, especially for travelers seeking longer-term options. It has a great range of cost-effective data plans with both monthly and annual subscriptions, appealing to budget-conscious travelers.
Yes, Ubigi is a trustworthy eSIM provider. It offers global coverage and affordable data plans, especially for travelers seeking longer-term options. It has a great range of cost-effective data plans with both monthly and annual subscriptions, appealing to budget-conscious travelers.
The best global eSIM provider
From $2.3/week
A reliable eSIM provider for budget travelers
From $2.4/week
The best global eSIM provider
From $2.3/week
A reliable eSIM provider for budget travelers
From $2.4/week
Our mission is simple: to make sure you never have to ask, “What’s the WiFi password?” again. All our tips come straight from personal experience — because we’d never recommend something we haven’t put to the test ourselves.
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