Esim Nomads

Airalo vs Nomad: Which eSIM Provider Should You Pick in 2025?

June 26, 2025, by John G.

Planning a trip in 2025 and want to stay connected without hassle?

If you’re deciding between Airalo and Nomad, this guide will help you make the right choice. We’ll compare prices, data plans, coverage, device compatibility, customer feedback, and more so you can choose the eSIM that fits your travel plans perfectly.

Comparing Airalo and Nomad: How Do Prices Stack Up?

Both Airalo and Nomad offer cost-effective solutions, but their pricing structures suit different types of travelers:

Airalo focuses on small data packages at affordable prices — ideal for light users or short trips.


Nomad offers competitive pricing on larger data plans and daily unlimited options that appeal to heavier users.


Take a look at how their 7-day plans compare for popular destinations:

 

Data Plans: Flexibility vs. Unlimited Access

Choosing the right provider isn’t just about price — it’s about finding a plan that suits your data needs:

Airalo offers plans ranging from 1 GB to 20+ GB, with unlimited options in certain locations.

Nomad provides plans up to 50 GB, as well as daily unlimited plans that throttle after a high-speed limit.

Coverage: Where Can You Use Airalo and Nomad?

Both Airalo and Nomad provide extensive global coverage, with availability in over 200 countries and regions. They also offer regional and global plans suitable for multi-country trips.

Regional reach at a glance:

  • Asia: Airalo (18+ countries), Nomad (20+ countries)
  • Africa: Airalo (36+), Nomad (10+)
  • Europe: Airalo (40 countries),
  • Nomad (35+ countries)
  • North America: 3 countries each
  • South America: Airalo (10+ countries), Nomad (7 countries)
  • Oceania: Airalo (5+ countries), Nomad (8 countries)

Device Compatibility: What Works With Each Provider?

Both providers support a broad selection of phones, tablets, and laptops. Here’s how device compatibility compares by brand:

iPhone (Airalo & Nomad)

  • Compatible with: iPhone SE (2020/2022), XR, XS, XS Max, 11–16 series

Samsung

  • Airalo: S20 and newer (S/FE models except some China/HK versions), Note 20+, Z Fold/Flip (all gens), selected A Series, XCover7 Pro, original Fold
  • Nomad: S20 and newer, Note 20+, Z Fold/Flip (all gens), selected A Series, XCover7 Pro

Xiaomi

  • Airalo: 12T Pro, 13 / 13 Pro / Lite, 13T / 13T Pro, 14 / 14 Pro / T / T Pro, 15 / 15 Ultra; Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G, Note 13 / 14 Pro / Pro+; Poco X7
  • Nomad: 12T Pro, 13 / 13 Pro / Lite, 13T / 13T Pro, 14 / 14 Pro / T / T Pro, 15 / 15 Ultra; Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G, Note 13 / 14 Pro / Pro+; Poco X7

Google Pixel

  • Airalo: Pixel 2 / 2 XL, Pixel 3 / 3 XL / 3a / 3a XL, Pixel 4–9 series (including Fold variants)
  • Nomad: Pixel 2 / 2 XL, 3 / 3 XL / 3a / 3a XL (with some restrictions), Pixel 4–9 series, Pixel Fold

Tablets

  • Airalo: iPad 7+, Air 3+, Pro (11"/12.9" 3rd+ gen), Mini 5+, some Android tablets
  • Nomad: iPad 7+, Air 3+, Pro (11"/12.9" 3rd+ gen), Mini 5+, Galaxy Tab S9

Laptops

  • Airalo: Windows 10/11 laptops with eSIM
  • Nomad: Selected models from Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, Lenovo, Panasonic, Samsung, Microsoft Surface

Customer Feedback: What Travelers Are Saying

Airalo earns mixed reviews — users highlight its affordability and easy setup, especially for use in major cities. However, connectivity issues outside urban areas, slow customer support, and tricky refund processes are common complaints. Trustpilot rating: 3.0

Nomad generally receives positive feedback for reliable service, simple setup, and good value. Many travelers praise its wide coverage and strong signals. Some users report connectivity issues in locations like Italy and China, or find the setup challenging if not tech-savvy. Trustpilot rating: 4.4

How can you pay?

Both Airalo and Nomad offer a variety of convenient payment options, including credit and debit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. Airalo also supports payments through AirMoney (available only in the Airalo app) and Alipay via its app. Nomad, on the other hand, accepts Alipay but does not support AirMoney.

Refund Policies: What to Expect

Airalo

Refunds apply if technical issues prevent usage and are reported within 30 days. Refunds aren’t available if data is used, the plan expired, or the device is incompatible. The process can take up to 30 business days and refunds may be issued as AirMoney or back to the original payment method.

Nomad

Refunds are possible if the request is made within 30 days, the eSIM hasn’t been installed, or minimal data was used and technical failure occurred. Refunds aren’t available if data has been significantly used or the plan expired. The process typically takes up to 10 business days.

Final Verdict: Airalo or Nomad?

Both Airalo and Nomad are excellent choices for travelers in 2025, offering wide coverage and flexible plans.

Airalo is great for budget-friendly small data packs and short-term use.

Nomad is better for larger data needs, daily unlimited plans, and those wanting reliable connectivity across regions.