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easySim vs Holafly (2026): A Travel eSIM Comparison

22 February, 2026

Jim Guest

Article contents

Travelling internationally now almost always means one thing:

You need data the moment you land.

Roaming charges can still be unpredictable. Airport SIM cards are inconvenient. Physical SIM swaps are outdated.

That’s why travel eSIMs have become the preferred solution for staying connected abroad.

Two of the most frequently compared providers are easySim and Holafly.

Both offer:

  • Instant activation

  • Global coverage

  • No physical SIM required

  • Quick click-to-install setup

  • Flexible travel data plans

But they approach pricing, data structure, and positioning differently.

This guide breaks down the real differences - transparently - so you can decide which is right for your trip.


About the Brands

easySim

easySim is part of the easy® family of brands - widely recognised in the travel industry for simplicity and accessible pricing. The easy brand has long been associated with straightforward travel experiences. That positioning carries into easySim: simple installation, transparent pricing and practical data options.

A notable element of the brand:

50% of easy brand royalty fees go to the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation, supporting charitable causes globally.

easySim focuses on:

An easySim mobile app is currently in development.

Holafly

Holafly is a global travel eSIM provider known primarily for offering unlimited data plans in many destinations.

Their model is simple:

  • Choose your destination

  • Choose number of days

  • Receive unlimited data

Holafly also offers some fixed-data plans in certain regions, but unlimited is their main positioning.

Both providers operate internationally and support a wide range of destinations.

Is easySim cheaper than Holafly?
In many destinations, easySim’s fixed data bundles cost significantly less than Holafly’s unlimited plans - especially for moderate users. However, for consistently heavy data usage, unlimited plans may feel simpler.

Is Holafly really unlimited?
Holafly offers unlimited data in many destinations, typically governed by fair usage policies depending on network conditions.


Installation: Click-to-Install for Both

Both easySim and Holafly now use modern click-to-install activation.

The process is straightforward:

  1. Purchase your plan

  2. Receive installation link

  3. Tap to install

  4. Activate upon arrival

No QR code scanning is required.

In practical terms, installation takes 2–3 minutes on compatible devices.

On this point, there is little difference between the two providers.

The Core Difference: Fixed Data vs Unlimited

This is where the comparison becomes meaningful.

Holafly’s Model: Unlimited Data

Holafly’s primary offering in many destinations is unlimited data for a fixed number of days.

Advantages:

  • Psychological reassurance

  • No need to track usage

  • Simplicity in decision-making

Considerations:

  • Unlimited plans typically operate under fair usage policies

  • High-speed data may be subject to daily limits

  • Hotspot use may be restricted in some destinations

Unlimited is convenient - but it’s important to understand how it operates.

easySim’s Model: Fixed Data Bundles

easySim primarily offers data-based plans (e.g. 5GB, 10GB, 20GB+).

Advantages:

  • Clear usage limits

  • No throttling within your allowance

  • Often lower cost

  • Pay only for what you need

Considerations:

  • You need to estimate your likely usage

  • Heavy users may prefer unlimited reassurance

Both approaches are valid - they simply suit different types of travellers.

How Much Data Do Travellers Actually Use?

Most leisure travellers typically use:

  • 1–3GB on a short trip

  • 5–10GB over a week

  • 10–20GB over two weeks

Usage increases significantly if:

  • Streaming daily in HD

  • Working remotely

  • Uploading large media files

  • Using hotspot heavily

For many travellers, unlimited provides peace of mind.
For others, a well-sized data bundle is more cost-efficient.

Real Pricing Examples (2026)

Let’s compare realistic trip scenarios.

7 Days in France

Holafly

Unlimited: approx £25

easySim

3GB: approx £6
5GB: approx £8
10GB: approx £13

If your usage stays under 10GB, fixed data is more economical.
If you stream daily or use high volumes, unlimited may feel a better fit.

10 Days in the USA

Holafly

Unlimited: approx £30

easySim

5GB: approx £9
10GB: approx £16
20GB: approx £24

Again, the difference depends on your expected consumption.

14 Days in India

Holafly

Unlimited: approx £50

easySim

5GB: approx £19
10GB: approx £29
20GB: approx £47

For moderate usage, the price difference becomes more noticeable.

Speed & Throttling

This is one of the most misunderstood areas.

  • Unlimited plans often include fair usage policies.

  • Fixed plans usually provide full speed up to your data cap.

As with many unlimited mobile data services globally, speeds may be managed under fair usage policies depending on destination and network conditions.

easySim does not throttle speeds within your purchased allowance.

The key takeaway:
Unlimited does not always mean unrestricted high-speed data - but fixed plans do have hard limits.

Hotspot & Tethering

Hotspot policies can influence your decision.

easySim plans generally support hotspot functionality (subject to network compatibility).

Holafly unlimited plans may restrict or limit hotspot usage in some destinations.

If you plan to:

  • Connect a laptop

  • Share with family

  • Work remotely

  • Use multiple devices

Check hotspot policies carefully before purchasing.

Coverage & Network Performance

Both providers partner with established local carriers in each country.

Performance depends largely on:

  • Local network infrastructure

  • Destination coverage quality

  • Device compatibility

In major cities and tourist areas, both providers offer strong coverage.

In rural areas, performance depends on the local partner network rather than the eSIM brand itself.

App Experience

Holafly offers an app for plan management.

easySim’s app is currently in development.

At present, both services can be managed through:

  • Device settings

  • Email confirmations

  • Customer support portals

An app adds convenience, but connectivity itself is unaffected.

Brand & Positioning

easySim benefits from being part of the easy® family of brands, recognised within the travel sector.

Additionally, 50% of easy® brand royalty fees go to the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation.

Holafly operates as an independent travel eSIM provider without that broader travel brand association.

For some travellers, brand recognition matters.
For others, price and data structure matter more.

Which Is Better for Different Travellers?

Short City Break

3GB–5GB fixed plan is usually sufficient.

Two-Week Holiday

10GB–20GB covers most moderate users.

Heavy Social Media & Streaming

Unlimited may offer reassurance — check fair usage details.

Remote Workers

Compare both hotspot policies and fair usage terms carefully.

Pros & Cons Summary

easySim

Pros

  • Transparent fixed pricing

  • No throttling within allowance

  • Click-to-install setup

  • Often lower cost for moderate users

  • Travel brand backing

  • Philanthropic contribution

Cons

  • No unlimited option yet (coming soon)

  • App coming soon

Holafly

Pros

  • Unlimited plans available

  • App support

  • Simple day-based pricing

Cons

  • Typically higher pricing

  • Fair usage limits may apply

  • Hotspot restrictions in some cases

Final Thoughts: Which Should You Choose?

Both easySim and Holafly are legitimate, widely used travel eSIM providers.

The decision largely comes down to preference:

Choose unlimited if:

  • You want reassurance

  • You do not want to monitor usage

  • You expect heavy daily data consumption

Choose fixed data if:

  • You want predictable pricing

  • You prefer paying only for what you use

  • You want full speed within your allowance

  • You are a moderate user

There isn’t a universal winner.

There is only the best fit for your specific trip.