Choosing a global eSIM can be challenging, especially with so many options available for international use. Roamless and Nomad are two popular choices, both offering data plans for people traveling abroad. Nomad focuses on prepaid data-only packages, while Roamless offers more flexible plans along with extra features like in-app calling and coverage at the city level. Understanding how these two services differ can help you choose the one that better fits your connectivity needs while traveling.

Before beginning the feature comparison, it’s important to recognize the rapid expansion of the eSIM market. The global number of eSIM-enabled devices reached approximately 1.2 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow to 3.4 billion by 2028, driven by widespread 5G adoption and increasing demand for embedded SIM technology in smartphones, wearables, and IoT devices [1]. This growth has prompted providers like Roamless and Nomad to continuously evolve their offerings to meet the diverse needs of international users.

Roamless vs. Nomad: Overall comparison

Before exploring pricing by country or specific use cases, it helps to start with a structured overview of each provider’s core features. The table below compares Roamless and Nomad across nine essential criteria, including plan types, coverage, speed, calling features, and customer support.

Table 1: Comparison of key features offered by Roamless and Nomad

For more information, you can also check out our post on the Best eSIM for International Travel.

Disclaimer: The details and features provided in this comparison are based on information available from Roamless and Nomad’s official websites as of July 2025. Prices, plans, coverage, and features may change over time. Please verify the latest information directly with each provider before making a purchase decision.

Roamless vs Nomad: Who should use which eSIM?

Roamless and Nomad offer different advantages depending on how you use mobile data abroad. The table below compares common scenarios to help identify which provider may suit your needs.

Table 2: Recommended eSIM providers based on common use cases

Roamless vs Nomad: Plan and pricing comparison by popular destinations

Plan types and pricing vary between eSIM providers, even when coverage appears similar. While both Roamless and Nomad offer service in over 200 countries, their pricing models and available data plans may differ based on the destination.

The table below compares sample 1 GB plan prices in 10 popular countries. This can help you evaluate which provider offers better value for your travel needs:

Table 3: 1GB data plan pricing and validity comparison by country for Roamless and Nomad

Note: Roamless offers both fixed and pay-as-you-go data plans, along with a free trial and welcome credit. Trial data amounts vary by country and are automatically applied when activating a plan. Nomad provides prepaid plans with fixed durations and may include a limited free data trial, which is valid for 24 hours in select countries.

For more information, you can also check out our pages on eSIM United States of America, eSIM Canada, eSIM Italy, eSIM France, eSIM Germany, eSIM Netherlands, eSIM Switzerland, eSIM Turkey, eSIM Australia, eSIM Japan.

Disclaimer: All prices are listed in USD. The information above is based on data available on the official websites of Roamless and Nomad as of July 2025. Please confirm current pricing and plan availability directly with the respective provider before purchasing.

How do Roamless and Nomad compare in global data coverage and pricing?

Roamless and Nomad both provide eSIM plans in over 200 destinations worldwide. However, they organize their coverage and global plans differently, which can influence how well they match your data usage habits and travel patterns.

Roamless

• Provides coverage in 200+ destinations, with country-level, regional, and city-level plans available.

• Regional options include Africa, Asia & Oceania, Europe, Latin America, Middle East, North America, and Global.

• The Global plan is offered through RoamlessFix, includes a 100 MB free trial, 30-day validity, and multiple data sizes up to 20 GB.

Nomad

• Also offers eSIM coverage in over 200 destinations through country and regional plans. City-level plans are not available.

• Regional options include Global, Global-EX, CN-JP-KR, SG-MY-TH, IT-FR-DE, Europe, APAC, North America, SEA-Oceania, Africa, Middle East, Caribbean, Balkans, and Latin America.

• Global plans are available in two coverage levels (106 or 112 countries) with 7–30 day validity.

Table 4: Global eSIM plan pricing comparison for Roamless and Nomad by data size and coverage

Note: Roamless offers its Global plan through a single, easy-to-understand structure with wide device compatibility, consistent 30-day validity, and multiple data sizes up to 20 GB. In contrast, Nomad provides two versions of its Global plan (covering 106 or 112 countries), each with different pricing, which may require additional attention when selecting the right option.

Disclaimer: All prices are listed in USD. The data in this table was retrieved from official websites of each provider in July 2025 and may change over time. Please verify current details directly with Roamless and Nomad.

Which eSIM provider offers faster internet speeds?

Both Roamless and Nomad support 4G and up to 5G speeds, and both allow hotspot and tethering usage. According to Ericsson’s Mobility Report, 5G subscriptions worldwide are projected to exceed 5 billion by 2025, reflecting how embedded SIM technologies like eSIMs are increasingly crucial for accessing high-speed mobile connectivity [2].

Roamless

• Offers mobile data at speeds up to 5G where local infrastructure allows.

• Does not apply speed throttling; data stays at full speed for the plan’s duration.

• Supports unlimited hotspot and tethering across all plans.

• Applies the same speed policy to all plan types (RoamlessFix and RoamlessFlex), without restrictions.

Nomad

• Also offers mobile data at speeds up to 5G, depending on local network conditions.

• Uses a “Day Plan” model where a chosen high-speed data allowance resets every 24 hours.

• Once the daily high-speed limit is reached, speeds are throttled to 512 kbps until the next reset.

• Hotspot and tethering are supported but may be affected by the daily speed limit under heavy use.

Note: Both services allow hotspot and tethering. Roamless maintains full-speed connectivity without daily restrictions, as long as the local network supports it. In comparison, Nomad’s daily throttling may affect web browsing and streaming, especially when using multiple devices.

Can you make international calls with Roamless and Nomad?

Yes, but their capabilities are different. Roamless offers direct international calling through its own app, while Nomad provides voice calling via third-party applications.

Roamless

• Offers international voice calls directly in the Roamless app using mobile data.

• You can call over 200 destinations worldwide without needing a separate SIM card or phone plan.

• Call rates start at $0.01 per minute and are deducted from your Roamless wallet, which is also used for data.

• Works anywhere mobile data is available, without requiring a separate VoIP app.

• A new feature, Roamless Numbers, is under development. It will allow users to receive calls with local numbers from many country codes and use local caller ID for outgoing calls.

Nomad

• Nomad is a data-only eSIM service and does not support mobile voice calls or SMS.

• All international calls must be made through third-party VoIP apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, FaceTime, or Skype.

• This works for app-based communication, but the service lacks built-in calling features or support for local numbers.

• No plans for voice or SMS features have been officially announced.

Disclaimer: Pricing and feature availability were retrieved from the providers’ websites in July 2025 and may change over time. Please verify the most current details directly with both eSIM providers.

Which eSIM app offers a simpler eSIM activation and setup process?

Roamless stands out for offering instant eSIM activation, which is useful for people who need immediate access to mobile connectivity. Both providers support QR code and manual installation, but there are differences in how and when the eSIM becomes active.

Roamless

• On iOS, eSIM can be installed via single click (iOS 17.4+), QR code, or manual input.

• On Android, manual setup is supported.

• Once activated, the eSIM remains usable and does not require reactivation unless you switch devices.

• You can transfer your eSIM to another device using the same Roamless account.

Nomad

• Nomad eSIM can be installed via QR code or manual input on both iOS and Android.

• It activates automatically 60 days after purchase, or earlier if you connect to a supported local network.

• If the eSIM is not used before auto-activation, you can request a refund by contacting support via the website or app.

• The eSIM can be reinstalled on a different compatible device using your Nomad account.

Disclaimer: The activation information was retrieved from official provider websites in July 2025. Please verify details with each provider before setting up your eSIM.

Which eSIM service offers more accessible customer support options?

Both Roamless and Nomad offer helpful customer support for tasks like eSIM setup, troubleshooting, and account-related questions. While they share some similarities in how support is delivered, each has its own structure for accessing help.

Roamless

• Support is available through a contact form in both the mobile app and the official website.

• Responses are typically delivered by email and are known to be fast and solution-focused.

• The support team can assist users in multiple languages, helping people from different regions.

• Many users report that the support team responds clearly and provides helpful solutions.

Nomad

• Support is available via in-app chat or the live chat feature on Nomad’s website.

• Most replies are handled through email, even if initiated in the app.

• Users can find detailed guides on activation, refunds, and troubleshooting in Nomad’s Help Center on their official website

• Nomad also provides multilingual support within the app, making help more accessible globally.

Disclaimer: This information was retrieved from Roamless and Nomad’s official websites and apps in July 2025. Support options and availability may change, so please verify the most recent information directly with each provider.

What extra features and benefits do Roamless and Nomad provide?

Roamless and Nomad provide several extra benefits that go beyond just mobile data, enhancing the overall user experience.

Roamless

• $5 top-up bonus: Get a $5 bonus credit when you add $20 or more to your wallet (applies only on the first top-up).

• eSIM referral program: Invite friends and both receive $5 bonus credit after their first eSIM purchase.

• Roamless Numbers (coming soon): Allows users to receive incoming calls and display local phone numbers as caller ID in over 200 countries.

• Usage tracking and data management: The app provides detailed tracking of data balance, usage history, and plan management.

Nomad

• Referral program: Users can invite friends and both receive $5 credit after the friend purchases their first eSIM.

• Data usage tracking: The app allows users to monitor their data consumption, remaining balance, and plan validity.

• Nomad Points (Loyalty program): Users earn points with each data purchase, which can be redeemed for discounts on future plans. Additional points can be earned through referrals.

• Plan validity extension: Users can extend their eSIM plan’s validity period directly through the app without purchasing a new plan.

Disclaimer: The bonus offers, referral programs, and app functionalities outlined here reflect details published on each provider’s official website as of July 2025. These may be updated or modified over time. For the latest and most precise information, please consult Roamless and Nomad directly.

Roamless or Nomad: Which one is better in 2025?

Roamless is generally the better choice for people planning international travel who want options that adapt to their needs. It covers over 200 destinations and offers both 30-day fixed data plans (RoamlessFix) and pay-as-you-go plans with no expiration on unused data (RoamlessFlex), giving users more control over their data usage during short or long trips. Roamless also provides extra benefits like welcome bonuses, referral rewards, and built-in international calling directly within the app. Moreover, the upcoming Roamless Numbers feature will allow users to receive calls using local phone numbers, making communication abroad more convenient.

Roamless stands out with its instant activation right after installation, unlimited data speeds without throttling, and unlimited hotspot and tethering support. Its entry-level 1GB plans tend to be priced slightly lower than Nomad’s comparable offerings, and Roamless also offers a free trial data allowance for every country.

On the other hand, Nomad offers prepaid eSIM plans valid from 3 to 365 days, including some plans that offer unlimited data. It covers more than 200 destinations and supports up to 5G speeds. Its app provides a straightforward activation process, but activation only occurs after 60 days if the eSIM is not used sooner. Nomad does not offer pay-as-you-go plans or integrated voice calling, and it does not currently provide city-specific data plans.

Roamless has a 4.7 out of 5 rating on the Apple App Store, with users worldwide appreciating its easy-to-use app, variety of plan options, and useful features designed for international travel.

For those planning trips abroad who want a travel eSIM with payment options that fit different needs, quick activation, reliable data speeds, and the ability to make international calls directly through the app, Roamless is often the better choice.

FAQ

Is Roamless more affordable than Nomad?
- Roamless generally offers slightly lower prices for entry-level data plans like 1GB. It also provides pay-as-you-go plans without expiration on unused data. Nomad offers prepaid plans with fixed validity periods and some unlimited data options but does not support pay-as-you-go.

How extensive is the coverage of Roamless and Nomad?
- Both providers cover over 200 destinations globally. Roamless offers country, regional, and city-level plans, giving users more localized options. Nomad provides country and regional plans but currently does not have city-specific options.

Can I carry over unused data with Roamless or Nomad?
- Only Roamless supports data rollover through its pay-as-you-go plans, allowing unused data to remain valid indefinitely. Nomad’s plans have fixed expiration dates and do not support data rollover, although some plans offer unlimited data within their validity period

Can I make international calls using Roamless or Nomad?
- Roamless supports in-app international calls starting at $0.01 per minute to over 200 destinations. Nomad does not offer integrated voice calling; users need third-party VoIP apps to make calls.

Can I send SMS with Roamless or Nomad?
- Neither provider currently supports SMS. Users must rely on messaging apps like WhatsApp or iMessage. Roamless plans to introduce SMS functionality soon via its Roamless Numbers feature.

Do Roamless and Nomad support hotspot and tethering?
- Yes, both providers allow unlimited hotspot and tethering usage where permitted by local networks. However, Nomad may apply speed throttling after a certain amount of data usage, which can affect hotspot performance.

How easy is it to activate and set up Roamless and Nomad eSIMs?
- Roamless offers instant activation right after installation, while Nomad’s eSIM activates automatically 60 days after purchase if not used earlier. Both providers support QR code and manual setup on iOS and Android.

Can I use Roamless or Nomad on multiple devices at the same time?

- Currently, both providers allow eSIM transfer between devices, but simultaneous use of the same eSIM on multiple devices is generally not supported due to carrier restrictions.

Can I transfer my eSIM between devices with Roamless or Nomad?
- Both providers allow eSIM transfer between compatible devices using the same user account.

Sources

[1] MWC GSMA. "eSIM Summit: Dismantling Myths", February 2024. - https://www.gsma.com/solutions-and-impact/technologies/esim/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/GSMA-MWC24-eSIM-Summit-28.02.2024.pdf

[2] Ericsson. Ericsson Mobility Report, June 2025. - https://www.ericsson.com/49e9b6/assets/local/reports-papers/mobility-report/documents/2025/ericsson-mobility-report-june-2025.pdf