n recent years, eSIM has become a real game-changer for travelers. No more hunting for mobile shops, dealing with physical SIM cards, showing passports, or waiting to get connected. Everything happens in a few taps. And the most popular name in this space is Airalo — almost anyone who’s looked into eSIMs for travel has come across it. But one question remains: is Airalo really the best? And are there better options depending on your needs?

Airalo is popular for good reason: it offers a wide selection of countries, has a simple interface, fast activation, and apps for both iOS and Android. You can buy local plans for single countries or regional plans that cover, say, all of Europe or Asia. Customer support is responsive, and pricing is clear.But like any service, Airalo isn’t perfect. Here are a few downsides:– It doesn’t always connect to the fastest or best local networks.– Internet speed may be capped on cheaper plans.– Not all packages allow tethering/hotspot usage.– Balance top-ups aren’t always seamless and may require buying a new plan.

If you're looking for solid alternatives, here are some reliable and well-reviewed eSIM providers:

1. Nomad – Sleek interface, fast setup, and often slightly better pricing than Airalo. Works especially well in Europe and the U.S. Many plans support hotspot, and speeds tend to be more stable in weak-signal areas.

2. Holafly – Known for its unlimited data plans (with fair-use speed limits). Great coverage in Asia, Europe, and Latin America. The main advantage is the data limit-free experience, but speeds can be inconsistent.

3. Ubigi – A more premium-oriented provider with excellent coverage and fast speeds. Prices are higher, but if you work remotely or need rock-solid performance, it’s worth considering.

4. AloSIM – A newer player with competitive pricing and an easy-to-use app. Most plans support hotspot and offer flexible top-up options.

5. Airhub / Yesim / GigSky – Lesser-known providers, but occasionally offer excellent rates, especially in less common travel destinations. Worth checking case-by-case depending on your country.

What should you look for when choosing an eSIM?

✅ Check which local carriers the plan connects to. It makes a huge difference in speed and coverage.✅ Verify whether hotspot/tethering is allowed — especially if you plan to share your data.✅ Make sure you can top up your plan without starting from scratch.✅ Watch the validity period — some plans expire within 7–15 days after activation.✅ Read reviews by country — a provider that works great in Europe may perform poorly in Southeast Asia.

Bottom line: Airalo is a reliable and beginner-friendly choice — it works well for most travelers. But if you care about higher speed, better connectivity, or more flexibility, it’s worth exploring alternatives. The eSIM market is growing fast, and that's great news: more options = better value for you.