Roamless and Airalo are two popular global eSIM providers, each with its own approach to data offerings, pricing models, and app functionality. This review compares the key differences in coverage, speed, data plans, and user experience to help determine which eSIM service is better suited for your international mobile connectivity needs.

Roamless vs. Airalo: Overall comparison

When choosing an eSIM provider for international use, it’s important to compare data flexibility, coverage, pricing, setup process, customer support, and more. Below is a summary of the key differences between Roamless and Airalo:

Data plans

• Roamless offers both fixed (RoamlessFix) and pay-as-you-go (RoamlessFlex) data plan options with no expiration on unused data.

• Airalo provides prepaid bundles with expiration dates ranging from 7 to 365 days, depending on the plan.

Pricing

• Roamless generally has lower average prices for 1 GB in most destinations.

• Airalo offers competitive rates, but plans tend to be slightly more expensive for the same data.

Coverage

• Roamless and Airalo both cover 200+ destinations with country-specific, regional, and global plans.

Speed & mobile connectivity

• Both providers support speeds up to 5G and allow personal hotspot usage where supported by the device and network.

International calling

• Roamless includes in-app international calling to 200+ destinations with rates starting at $0.01/min.

• Airalo includes calling only in Discover+ Global plans, all other plans are data-only.

Activation & reusability

• Roamless offers single click setup, QR scan, and manual install. No reactivation is needed for future trips.

• Airalo offers QR, manual, and in-app installation but requires reinstallation depending on the device or plan.

App experience

• Roamless offers a simple, user-friendly app to manage your mobile data easily. The app supports multiple languages, helping users from different regions navigate the interface.

• Airalo also has multiple languages support in its app.

Additional features

• Roamless provides welcome credits, referral bonuses, and a top-up bonus.

• Airalo offers a loyalty program and a referral program.

Customer support

• Roamless provides email support via a short contact form with fast response times.

• Airalo uses an AI-powered chatbot with the option to continue support via WhatsApp.

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

Which data plans do they offer, and which is more affordable?

Roamless is generally more affordable than Airalo across most countries and regions, though both eSIM services offer reliable global mobile connectivity. While each supports international use, their pricing models and levels of flexibility differ.

Roamless provides two main data plans:

• RoamlessFix, designed for higher data needs or longer trips, offers a fixed data option valid for 30 days.

• RoamlessFlex is a pay-as-you-go plan where data never expires. You only pay for what you use and can carry over any unused balance for future trips.

In contrast, Airalo focuses on fixed-term bundles that are usually valid for 7 to 30 days, depending on the destination and plan type. It also offers global plans with longer validity periods, which may suit those on extended international stays.

Roamless vs Airalo: 1 GB pricing comparison for popular destinations

Canada

• Airalo: $6.00 (1 GB) expires in 7 days, available as a short-term prepaid plan in Canada.

• Roamless: $4.95 (1 GB) expires in 30 days with RoamlessFix, or available as pay-as-you-go with RoamlessFlex without expiration.

USA

• Airalo: $4.50 (1 GB) expires in 7 days, available as a short-term prepaid plan in the United States.

• Roamless: $3.95 (1 GB) expires in 30 days with RoamlessFix, or available as pay-as-you-go with RoamlessFlex without expiration.

Japan

• Airalo: $4.50 (1 GB) expires in 7 days, available as a short-term prepaid plan in Japan.

• Roamless: $3.95 (1 GB) expires in 30 days with RoamlessFix, or available as pay-as-you-go with RoamlessFlex without expiration.

Australia

• Airalo: $4.50 (1 GB) expires in 7 days, available as a short-term prepaid plan in Australia.

• Roamless: $3.95 (1 GB) expires in 30 days with RoamlessFix, or available as pay-as-you-go with RoamlessFlex without expiration.

Indonesia

• Airalo: $5.50 (1 GB) expires in 7 days, available as a short-term prepaid plan in Indonesia.

• Roamless: $4.95 (1 GB) expires in 30 days with RoamlessFix, or available as pay-as-you-go with RoamlessFlex without expiration.

Thailand

• Airalo: $4.50 (1 GB) expires in 7 days and available for short stays for tourists.

• Roamless: $2.95 (1 GB) expires in 30 days with RoamlessFix, or available as pay-as-you-go with RoamlessFlex without expiration.

Germany

• Airalo: $4.50 (1 GB) expires in 7 days, available as a short-term prepaid plan in Germany.

• Roamless: $3.95 (1 GB) expires in 30 days with RoamlessFix, or available as pay-as-you-go with RoamlessFlex without expiration.

Italy

• Airalo: $4.50 (1 GB) expires in 7 days, available as a short-term prepaid plan in Italy .

• Roamless: $3.95 (1 GB) expires in 30 days with RoamlessFix, or available as pay-as-you-go with RoamlessFlex without expiration.

France

• Airalo: $4.50 (1 GB) expires in 7 days, available as a short-term prepaid plan in France.

• Roamless: $3.95 (1 GB) expires in 30 days with RoamlessFix, or available as pay-as-you-go with RoamlessFlex without expiration.

North America (regional)

• Airalo: $6.50 (1 GB) expires in 7 days and can be used across the US, Canada, and Mexico.

• Roamless: $5.95 (1 GB) expires in 30 days with RoamlessFix, or available as pay-as-you-go with RoamlessFlex without expiration.

Europe (regional)

• Airalo: $5.00 (1 GB) expires in 7 days and works across multiple European countries.

• Roamless: $4.95 (1 GB) expires in 30 days with RoamlessFix, or available as pay-as-you-go with RoamlessFlex without expiration.

For more information, you can also check out our pages on eSIM Canada, eSIM USA, eSIM Japan, eSIM Australia, eSIM Indonesia, eSIM Thailand, eSIM Germany, eSIM Italy, eSIM France, eSIM North America, and eSIM Europe.

Disclaimer: All prices are listed in USD. Pricing information was retrieved from each eSIM provider’s website on May 7, 2025, and may change over time. Please verify the most current details directly with both eSIM service providers.

Which one has better coverage for travel destinations?

Both Roamless and Airalo offer extensive global coverage with eSIM plans available in over 200 destinations, including individual countries, regional packages and global options. While the number of locations is similar, the way their plans are organized and the type of global offers they provide differ:

Roamless

• Offers coverage in over 200 destinations with country, region and city-specific plans.

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

• The global plan is part of the RoamlessFix option and includes 99 countries.

• Global plan options:

  
  • 1 GB for $8.95
  • 2 GB for $16.45
  • 3 GB for $23.95
  • 5 GB for $33.95
  • 10 GB for $56.95
  • 20 GB for $69.95

Airalo

• Also provides coverage in over 200 destinations, including countries, broader regions and global plans.

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

• Global plans are available with different data amounts and durations, from 7 to 365 days.

• Global plan options:

  
  • 1 GB for $9 (valid for 7 days)
  • 2 GB for $17 (15 days)
  • 3 GB for $24 (30 days)
  • 5 GB for $35 (60 days)
  • 10 GB for $59 (180 days)
  • 20 GB for $69 (365 days)

Disclaimer: All prices are listed in USD. The pricing and coverage information provided is based on details available from each provider’s website as of May 7, 2025. These details may change over time, so it is recommended to verify the latest information directly with Roamless and Airalo.

Which eSIM service offers faster and more consistent speeds?

Both Roamless and Airalo support high-speed mobile internet connections, offering speeds up to 5G where available. This allows users to browse the web quickly, stream content without interruptions, and make video calls without lag or poor quality in most urban areas. 

However, your actual connection speed depends largely on the local mobile network in the destination you are traveling to. In remote or rural regions, service may fall back to 4G or even 3G depending on local coverage. Both Roamless and Airalo work with multiple carriers in many countries and typically connect to the strongest available network.

You can also use your personal hotspot to share your data connection with other devices, as long as this feature is supported by your phone and the local network.

Do both Roamless and Airalo support in-app calls, and at what cost?

Yes, but with differences in availability and pricing. Roamless offers a built-in international calling feature that lets users call over 200 destinations directly from the app. Rates start at $0.01 per minute. The cost of these calls is deducted from the same Roamless wallet balance used for data. There’s no need to purchase a different plan option for voice calls. Roamless has also announced that a local number feature called Roamless Numbers is in development. It will enable users to receive calls through local phone numbers from over 80 country codes and use those numbers as their CallerID when making outgoing calls through the app.

Airalo only supports in-app calling through its Discover+ Global eSIM plan. This plan includes data, calls, and SMS. Depending on the selected plan option, users get between 10 and 200 minutes of call time, with prices ranging from $15.00 to $89.00. This global plan is suitable for users who want a single eSIM that combines data, voice, and texting while traveling across multiple countries. Other Airalo plans are data-only and do not include calling or texting features.

Disclaimer: Pricing information was retrieved from each eSIM provider’s website on May 7, 2025, and may change over time. Please verify the most current details with the providers directly.

How responsive is customer support at Roamless and Airalo? 

Roamless provides assistance via email through a short and user-friendly contact form, accessible within the app or on the website. According to many user reviews, the support team responds quickly and effectively, often resolving questions related to setup, account, or usage. Roamless is frequently noted for its fast and professional communication.

Airalo, on the other hand, offers support through an AI-powered chatbot system, which is integrated into its help center. In addition to automated guidance, users are also given the option to continue the conversation via WhatsApp for further assistance.

What’s the difference between their activation processes?

Roamless stands out the most for offering a single click activation option on newer iOS versions and for not requiring reactivation after initial setup. Here’s how Roamless and Airalo compare when it comes to their setup and activation processes:

Roamless offers a flexible and straightforward activation process for both iOS and Android users:

• On iOS devices, users can choose from three methods:

  
  

  1. Single click activation (for iOS 17.4 and above)

  2. QR code scan

  3. Manual installation

• On Android devices, activation is done manually.

• Once activated, no reactivation is needed when traveling again.

• Roamless eSIMs can also be transferred to another device. Users can simply delete the eSIM from their old phone, install it on the new one, and get back online within minutes.

Airalo, on the other hand, provides several activation options depending on the device and operating system:

• Users can install their eSIM by:

  
  

  • Direct installation via the Airalo app

  • Scanning a QR code

  • Entering details manually

• Instructions are provided through the “My eSIMs” section of the app under “View Instructions” guiding users step-by-step through the process.

Key difference in setup

While both providers offer manual and QR-based activation, Roamless includes a single click option for iOS devices running version 17.4 or later, which simplifies setup by removing the need for QR scanning or manual entry. Roamless also does not require reactivation after the first setup, whereas Airalo may require users to reinstall or refresh their eSIM depending on the plan or device. This flexible activation option and device transfer flexibility contribute to Roamless being one of the more easy to use options for setting up an eSIM on modern smartphones

Worth noting: To avoid roaming charges, make sure your primary SIM’s data roaming is turned off. If you also want to avoid charges for calls and SMS, you can disable your primary SIM entirely while abroad. Just be aware that you won’t receive SMS while it’s turned off. 

Which one offers more additional benefits?

Roamless appears to offer more value through higher bonus credits, flexible payment options, and an easy to use rewards structure. This becomes more evident when comparing the bonus systems, user incentives, and overall convenience each eSIM provider delivers.

While both Roamless and Airalo include features designed to enhance the user experience, their approach to rewards and promotions differs noticeably.

Roamless provides several user-focused perks:

• Welcome credit of $1.25 to try the service.

• Bonus $5 when topping up your wallet with $20 (only applies to your first top-up).

• eSIM referral program that gives both you and your friend $5 in bonus credit.

• User-friendly app interface to track usage and manage data.

• Wide language support in the app and help center to improve accessibility.

Airalo, on the other hand, offers:

• Referral program that gives $3 in Airmoney to both the user and the referred friend.

• Loyalty program offering 5% to 10% cashback (as Airmoney), depending on user level.

• Airmoney can be used to purchase new eSIMs or top up existing ones.

• Wide language support in the app and help center for greater accessibility.

While both providers reward active users, Roamless emphasizes direct credits and flexibility, whereas Airalo focuses on a level-based reward system.

Disclaimer: The prices, features and technical details mentioned may change over time. Please check the latest information directly with both eSIM service providers.

Roamless or Airalo: Which one is better in 2025?

Roamless provides better value for most people going abroad thanks to its flexible data plans, lower average pricing, pay-as-you-go option, and additional features.

Airalo offers strong global coverage, structured regional and global plans, and a loyalty program that gives benefits to users who continue using the service. It supports multiple languages in its app and help center, making it a practical option for many.

Roamless, on the other hand, provides greater flexibility with its RoamlessFlex plan that lets you keep unused data, quick iOS setup with single click activation, and extra perks like welcome credits and top-up bonuses. Roamless also supports multiple languages in its app and help center. The app is also designed for ease of use, allowing users to manage data effortlessly.

With a 4.7 out of 5 rating on Apple Store, Roamless is widely trusted by international users looking for a reliable and easy to manage eSIM solution. 

If you're looking for a travel eSIM with international coverage, user-friendly features, and an easy setup process, Roamless might be an ideal choice for your next international trip.

FAQ

Is Roamless more affordable than Airalo?

- Yes, Roamless generally offers lower prices for 1 GB across many countries.

Do Roamless and Airalo have global coverage?

- Yes, both Roamless and Airalo offer coverage in over 200 countries and regions, with options for country-specific, regional, and global eSIM plans.

Can I keep my unused data with Roamless or Airalo?

- Yes, but only with Roamless. The RoamlessFlex plan allows users to carry over unused data with no expiration. In contrast, Airalo plans have fixed expiration dates and do not support data rollover.

Do Roamless or Airalo offer a free trial?

- Yes, Roamless offers $1.25 in free credit for first-time users. Airalo also has free eSIM offers for first-time users, but only in select countries like China, Spain, the United States, Turkey, Greece, Japan, Portugal, and the United Kingdom.

Can I make calls with Roamless or Airalo?

- Yes, Roamless supports in-app calls starting at $0.01/min. Airalo also includes calls but only in Discover+ Global plans.

Can I make SMS with Roamless or Airalo?

- Not yet for Roamless, but SMS support is coming soon with the Roamless Numbers feature. Partially for Airalo, as texting is only available in Discover+ Global plans.