The eSIM card or virtual SIM card is a technological device aimed at the future of mobile connectivity. It is expected to replace the traditional SIM card. That’s the reason why, in this article, we are going to make a comparison between the eSIM card from Airalo, and the eSIM card from Nomad. Two virtual stores where you can get this product.
In Roaming, we know about the importance of picking an eSIM card with mobile data. So, in case you are planning to buy an eSIM card from any of these two companies, we are going to give you all the important information for you to make the best decision.
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What is an eSIM card?
Before we get started, you have to know what is a virtual SIM card. Well, an eSIM card, is a device implanted in the cellphone’s hardware, that does not need a physical installation. Also, it is smaller than a nano-SIM, and you use a QR code for the configuration.
Nowadays, virtual SIM cards are available for high-end smartphones, such as iPhones, tablets, and some smartwatches. You have to make sure that your device can manage the eSIM technology before buying it.
How does the Airalo eSIM card work?
Let’s begin with the first store: Airalo is a virtual store, that specializes in international eSIM cards. Nowadays, Airalo offers great eSIM coverage worldwide, and their devices are aimed at frequent travelers.
One of the most interesting things about this company is that it has an official mobile app (for Android and iOS). By using this app, users have the possibility of buying, managing, and recharging their eSIM cards. And if we talk about data plans and prices, we can tell that Airalo has a wide variety of GB for many countries.
What devices are compatible with the Airalo eSIM card?
Before you buy an eSIM card, you have to make sure that your device can manage this technology. That’s the reason why we have listed below the eSIM compatible devices.
iOS
iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPhone 13 Mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, iPhone SE, iPad Air, iPad Air, iPad Pro 11‑inch, iPad Pro 11‑inch, iPad Pro 11-inch, iPad Pro 12.9‑inch, iPad Pro 12.9‑inch, iPad Pro 12.9-inch, iPad (8th generation), iPad (9th generation), iPad Mini (5th generation), iPad Mini (6th generation).
Android
Samsung Galaxy S22 5G, Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G, Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G, Samsung Galaxy Fold, Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G, Samsung Galaxy S20, Samsung Galaxy S20+, Samsung Galaxy Z Flip, Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G, Samsung Galaxy Note 20+, Samsung Galaxy Note 20, Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2. Google Pixel 3 & 3 XL, Google Pixel 3a & 3a XL, Google Pixel 4, 4a & 4 XL, Google Pixel 5, Google Pixel 6, Google Pixel 6 Pro. HAMMER Explorer PRO, HAMMER Blade 3, HAMMER Blade 5G, Motorola Razr 2019, Motorola Razr 5G, Huawei P40, Huawei P40 Pro, Huawei Mate 40 Pro, Nuu Mobile X5, Gemini PDA 4G+Wi-Fi, OPPO Find X3 Pro, Sony Xperia 10 III Lite.
Windows 10 and 11
ACER Swift 3, ACER Swift 7, ASUS Mini Transformer T103HAF, ASUS NovaGo TP370QL, ASUS Vivobook Flip 14 TP401NA, Dell Latitude 9510, Dell Latitude 7410, Dell Latitude 7310, Dell Latitude 9410, Dell Latitude 7210 2-in-1, HP Elitebook G5, HP Probook G5, HP Zbook G5, HP Spectre Folio 13, Lenovo Yoga C630, Lenovo Miix 630, Lenovo Yoga 520, Lenovo Yoga 720 convertibles laptops, Surface Go 2, Surface Pro X, Surface Pro 5 LTE Advanced.
Airalo eSIM card coverage
Nowadays, Airalo is one of the companies that offer wide coverage in the world. If you get an eSIM card from this company, you can pick one of the 190 different destinations. Also, their eSIM cards are rechargeable for any destination.
Airalo eSIM card prices
Let’s talk about the prices of the eSIM card from this company. This is one of the most important aspects. The prices of this company vary depending on the eSIM card you acquire, it can be local, regional, or worldwide. Their prices and GB vary depending on those three options. If you want to know more about it, you can check the whole information on the Airalo website.
Advantages of the Airalo eSIM card
Now that you have read about this device, we are going to tell you about its advantages, so you can compare it with the Nomad eSIM card and pick the one that best suits your needs.
- It has a mobile app to manage the eSIM card.
- You can recharge the eSIM card from Airalo. Such a great advantage if you want to get more mobile data.
- The online purchasing process is very simple.
- 24-hour customer service and support, through the website and the mobile app.
Disadvantages of the Airalo eSIM card
- To buy the eSIM card from this company you will have to create an account on their website.
- The eSIM card from this company is aimed at high-end smartphones. So, if yours is not one of them, you won’t be able to use the eSIM card.
How does the Nomad eSIM card work?
Let’s start talking now about the second alternative: Nomad. It is a mobile app/virtual store, that has coverage in more than 100 countries all over the world. Their user experience is 100% managed through their mobile app, (currently available for iOS).
This company classifies its eSIM cards as a country, region, and global. This way you can pick the one that best suits your needs. This store also uses a QR code for the eSIM activation.
What devices are compatible with the Nomad eSIM card?
Having in mind that it is very important to know if your cellphone can manage this technology or not, you can read below the list of the devices that are compatible with the eSIM card from Nomad.
iOS
iPhone 13, 13 Mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max, iPhone 12, 12 Mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max, iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max, iPhone XS, XS Max, iPhone XR, iPhone SE (2020). iPad Pro 12.9-inch(3rd/4th gen), iPad Pro 11-inch (1st/2nd gen), iPad Air (3rd/4th gen), iPad mini (5th gen), iPad (7th/8th gen).
Android
Galaxy S21(5G/Ultra 5G), Galaxy Note 20 (FE/FE 5G), Galaxy Note 20 (Ultra/Ultra 5G), Samsung Note 20+, Samsung Fold LTE model, Galaxy Z Flip &Z Flip 4G, Galaxy S20, S20+, S20 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold2 5G, Galaxy Fold. Pixel 5 & 6, Pixel 4a & 4a 5G, Pixel 4&4XL, Pixel 3a &3a XL, Pixel 3 &3XL. Find X3 &X3 Pro, Reno 5A. Motorola Razr & Razr 5G, Microsoft Surface Duo. Huawei P40 &P40 Pro, Mate 40 Pro.
Nomad eSIM card coverage
Nowadays, the coverage of this company is 112 countries all around the world. In most countries, the eSIM card from this company connects to 4G networks, and there are specifically used for mobile data only.
Nomad eSIM card prices
The prices from this company are pretty accessible. They may vary depending on the number of days you need. Usually, their data plans go from 1 to 5GB, from $8 to $17. Anyway, if you want more information you can find it on the Nomad official website.
Advantages of the Nomad eSIM card
Let’s check what are the advantages of the eSIM card from this company:
- You can buy its eSIM card either on its mobile app or website.
- Service and support are available on their two platforms: the official app and the website.
- Accessible prices. Their prices may be of your interest.
Disadvantages of the Nomad eSIM card
Now that you have read about their advantages, it’s time you know about their negative aspects. You can read them below:
- Their mobile app is only available for iOS, (iPhone and iPad). It is not available for Android.
- They offer coverage for only 112 countries.
Our recommendation
Now that you have read all the information about both companies, their characteristics, advantages, disadvantages, prices, and coverage, we recommend you pick the eSIM card that best suits your needs, expectations, and budget.
Airalo VS Nomad: another eSIM alternative
If after reading all this information, you are still not sure about which option you should choose, we are going to tell you about another alternative. We are talking about the Holafly virtual store, where you will be able to get an eSIM card for many destinations all over the world, with different data plans, and accessible prices. Also, it is an eSIM card that has many advantages.
