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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 Physical SIM swaps are outdated.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.
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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:
Fixed data bundles
Clear pricing
No throttling within your allowance
Local carrier partnerships
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:
Purchase your plan
Receive installation link
Tap to install
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.