Airalo vs Ubigi: Which eSIM provider to choose

Airalo and Ubigi are both eSIM providers that offer solutions for travelers seeking affordable and reliable internet connectivity. The right provider for you will depend on your needs, including your device, destination, data usage, and budget. 

There’s a growing demand for easy, seamless, and cost-effective data plans, and both Airalo and Ubigi stand out as popular options in the eSIM market. But how do they compare? We’ll tackle that in this Ubigi vs. Airalo review. We’ll compare their plans, pricing, coverage, and features, alongside user experience and flexibility.

Let’s get into the full Airalo vs. Ubigi review.

Who are Airalo and Ubigi?

Airalo and Ubigi are two of the leading eSIM providers, both offering global connectivity. So, what’s the difference?

Airalo, founded in 2019, is headquartered in Singapore. This eSIM provider operates in over 190 countries, with a focus on making mobile data more accessible and affordable for travelers. It also offers local, regional, and global data plans that cater to a variety of connectivity needs.

And what is Ubigi? It’s a brand of Transatel (a subsidiary of NTT Group) launched in 2018, based out of France. While its primary offering is eSIM services, Ubigi also offers IoT solutions and connectivity services, catering to a huge range of mobile internet uses. 

Both providers focus on global coverage and offer great eSIMs. 

Airalo vs. Ubigi – Comparison

If you’re stuck choosing between Airalo and Ubigi as your eSIM provider, understanding how they differ on several key factors is essential. Yes, both providers offer global connectivity through their eSIMs, but who comes out on top when you put them head-to-head?

Of course, there’s more to it than that. Check out a full Airalo and Ubgi eSIM review below. Find out more about Roami’s testing methodology and how we compare brands.

Airalo vs. Ubigi – Plans and features

Both Airalo and Ubigi offer a range of plans tailored to various destinations and travel needs. They both cover over 200 countries, too, so the difference there is minimal. However, Airalo is known for its wider selection of local plans, which is ideal for travelers looking for region-specific data solutions.

Ubigi offers monthly subscriptions that are ideal for digital nomads or those who move around a lot. Meanwhile, Airalo focuses on one-off data plans that you can top up as needed, which might suit short-term travelers better.

In terms of pricing, Ubigi has a slight edge, especially for larger data packages. Both companies offer varying prices depending on your destination and the amount of data you’re using, so it’s important to compare each provider depending on your destination.

While Airalo has more granular options (with plans for 2GB and 5GB), Ubigi has more substantial data packages of up to 50GB. This can also affect the price, so make sure you consider your budget!

Airalo vs. Ubigi – Phone and device compatibility

Both Airalo and Ubigi have wide compatibility with a variety of devices, there are some differences in the specific brands and models they support. 

Airalo supports most eSIM-compatible smartphones, including all the major brands like Apple, Samsung, Google, and Huawei. Their services also extends to smartwatches that support eSIM technology, and tablets or laptops.

Ubigi also offers extensive compatibility, supporting a broad range of smartphones, tablets, and laptops, including brands like Microsoft Surface. Ubigi also stands out for its use in connected cars, offering data plans for vehicles with built-in eSIMs. 

Airalo vs. Ubigi – Country coverage

Airalo has an extensive global reach of over more than 210 countries and regions. Its regional plans cover Asia, Europe, Africa, and beyond, allowing users to maintain data access across multiple countries on the same continent.

Meanwhile, Airalo’s global plans are popular among digital nomads and frequent flyers. These options are every better for those traveling between continents.

Ubigi also covers more than 200 countries and regions and, like Airalo, offers local and regional plans. In fact, Ubigi has some more specific regional options than Airalo, with plans covering places like Eastern Europe rather than the whole of Europe. Note, however, that Ubigi’s prices are much higher in certain countries, making Airalo a more popular choice for some travelers.

Ubigi’s global plans are also more comprehensive, covering 186 countries. For reference, Airalo’s global plans cover just 124. However, both of them cover popular destinations, so this likely won’t affect you unless you’re traveling somewhere obscure.

Airalo vs. Ubigi – Internet speed

Internet speed can be a crucial factor in deciding between two providers, and fortunately, both eSIM providers partner with local networks. As a result, the speed you get hinges on the local network in your destination.

Generally, Airalo partners with some of the best mobile networks in any given destination. So, in countries like the USA, Japan, and the UK, Airalo uses well-established, speedy networks with 4G LTE or 5G where available.

Ubigi also relies on leading carriers, also using 4G LTE or 5G. However, what sets Ubigi apart is its partnership with major telecom operators like Orange, providing strong network reliability wherever it’s available. Some users have reported slightly faster connections with Ubigi.

More often than not, the two providers offer similar performance.

Airalo vs. Ubigi – App and website

Usability is also a key factor–which provider has the most intuitive app or website?

Well, Airalo has a cleaner website layout. It organizes its eSIMs into three categories: local, regional, and global. That way, it’s easy to filter through and find the right plan for you. From there, the process of purchasing and setting up your eSIM is straightforward, with detailed setup instructions on the site.

On the other hand, Ubigi also provides detailed instructions. Its site filters eSIMs into one-time, monthly, and annual plans. However, this layout can be a little more confusing than Airalo’s.

In terms of apps, the Airalo app stands out for its user-friendly interface. You can use the app to easily browse, manage, and top-up your eSIM plan. And with its modern design and functional, responsive software, it’s incredibly easy to use.

The Ubigi app has similar functionality, but the user interface isn’t as good. It’s still functional, but lacks the same polished design or ease of navigation. 

Both providers include notifications to inform users when their data is running low or has expired, helping to prevent unexpected disruptions.

Airalo vs. Ubigi – Customer reviews

Both of these popular providers have garnered strong feedback, but it’s worth noting a few distinctions.

Airalo is often praised for its extensive coverage, and its app and website are also highlighted for being user-friendly. Reviews commonly mention that they enjoy Airalo’s flexibility, but not everyone is happy about the cost.

Ubigi also rakes in positive feedback for its competitive pricing, especially its lower starting prices in certain countries like the USA. Its strength lies in catering to frequent travelers who need more long-term plans or large data allowances.

You can compare the two easily on a few third-party sites and apps, like TrustPilot. It’s also worth checking out the app ratings on the App Store and Play Store.

Airalo vs Ubigi – Customer support

Airalo comes out on top when it comes to customer support. This is both considering response time and the variety of support options available.

Firstly, Airalo offers live chat, WhatsApp support, and an email-based ticket system, so you can find support however you want. They generally respond within 7 minutes, so you can get to the bottom of a problem rapidly. There’s also a comprehensive help center with troubleshooting resources and FAQs.

Meanwhile, Ubigi has an online help center and email support, but it lacks live chat options. As a result, the response time is much slower, taking over 5 hours to get a response in many cases. The help center is also less useful than Airalo’s, with less helpful information.

Airalo vs. Ubigi – Which one to choose

While both eSIM providers offer excellent services, they cater to different types of users.

If you’re a frequent traveler or a digital nomad, Airalo is likely the better choice. With a wide range of plans, better global coverage, and rapid customer support, it’s ideal for those who travel often and need flexible top-up options. 

On the other hand, Ubigi shines when it comes to affordable data for single countries and longer-term plans. If you’re going on vacation and are on a budget, Ubigi’s prices could be more appealing. And, while its customer support is slower, its plans are ideal for users who prioritize price over flexibility.

The best pick overall would be Airalo, but it’s really up to you to decide which eSIM caters more to your needs.

Airalo vs. Ubigi – FAQs

Cintia Soto Tomeu

Adventurer, passionate traveler, and tech enthusiast. On Roami, I aim at sharing the best solutions to help you navigate the complexities of staying connected abroad, ensuring a hassle-free experience. I enjoy playing chess, reading Brian Greene, and exploring different cultures!