Airalo Alternatives for UK Travellers in 2026

The main Airalo alternatives for UK travellers are Holafly, Saily, Nomad, Ubigi, Maya Mobile, Jetpac, Yesim and SimplySIM. Each works in a similar way, with a data eSIM you install before you go, but they differ on plan style, unlimited data, hotspot rules and whether prices are shown in pounds. This guide sets out the facts side by side so you can choose the one that suits your trip.

Last checked: 15 October 2026. Features and review scores were taken from each provider's own website and its UK Trustpilot page on that date. Providers change their plans often, so check before you buy. SimplySIM is our own service, and we have described it in the same way as the others.

Why look beyond Airalo?

Airalo is one of the best-known travel eSIM brands. It says it covers more than 200 locations and has served over 30 million people (airalo.com), and for many trips it is a good choice. Still, it is worth comparing, because:

• the cheapest provider changes from country to country, and sometimes from week to week
• some travellers want unlimited data rather than a fixed allowance
• some want a plan with calls or a local number, or a hotspot allowance for a laptop
• paying in pounds avoids foreign transaction fees on some UK cards

Airalo alternatives at a glance

"Check site" means we could not confirm that detail on the provider's own website on the day we checked. Saily's and Maya Mobile's websites blocked our automated checks. Trustpilot scores are more settled when based on many reviews, so look at the review count as well as the score.

The alternatives in more detail

Holafly

Holafly sells unlimited data plans only, from 1 to 90 days, in over 200 destinations (holafly.com). The plans are data only, with no calls or texts. Hotspot use is allowed with a daily cap. Holafly says refunds can be requested within up to six months, with conditions. It suits heavy users who don't want to track their data. Light users may pay more than they need to.

Saily

Saily is a travel eSIM brand from the makers of NordVPN. Its website blocked our checks, so we have not listed its features or prices. See saily.com for current details.

Nomad

Nomad sells mainly fixed-data plans, with unlimited options in some countries, and its site shows prices in pounds for UK visitors (nomadesim.com). It says its eSIMs support hotspot use, and some of its eSIMs include a local number.

Ubigi

Ubigi says it covers more than 200 destinations and offers an app (ubigi.com). Apple lists Ubigi among the providers that can set up eSIMs on iPhone in the UK.

Jetpac

Jetpac sells fixed-data plans, with no unlimited option, and voice packs from US$1.99 (jetpacglobal.com). It allows hotspot use and advertises a money-back guarantee. A notable extra is airport lounge access if your flight is delayed, subject to its terms.

Yesim

Yesim offers a pay-as-you-go option in over 170 countries and an unlimited day pass in some countries, with prices shown in pounds (yesim.app). It says unused plans can be refunded within 30 days.

SimplySIM

SimplySIM is a UK-based travel eSIM service with plans for more than 190 countries, priced in pounds. It sells fixed-data and unlimited plans, and hotspot use is allowed. Unlimited plans give 1GB a day at full speed, then a slower speed. Plans are data only, so you keep your UK SIM for calls and texts. Examples on 15 October 2026 were Spain 5GB 30 Days at £7.39 and Europe 10GB 30 Days at £15.12, which covers more than 30 countries.

How to choose

• Light user on a short trip: compare the cheapest fixed-data plans. The lowest price varies by country.
• Heavy user or remote worker: compare unlimited plans and check the fair-use limit and hotspot rules.
• Several countries: a regional plan is often cheaper than separate country eSIMs. Check the plan's country list includes everywhere you are going.
• Need a number: most travel eSIMs are data only. Check whether the provider sells a voice plan for your destination, or keep your UK SIM for calls.

Before you buy any eSIM, confirm your phone supports eSIM and is network-unlocked. Our compatibility checker covers most models. Ofcom's guide to using your mobile abroad also suggests turning off data roaming on your UK SIM to avoid surprise charges.

Things that matter more than the brand

All of these providers resell access to local mobile networks. What you actually get depends on:

• The local network the plan uses, which affects coverage in rural areas.
• When validity starts. Some plans start on installation, others when you first connect in the destination.
• Top-ups. Can you add data to the same eSIM, or do you need to install a new one?
• Support hours and how to reach a person if the eSIM doesn't connect.

Our eSIM no-data checklist covers the most common setup problems, whichever provider you choose.

A note on comparing prices

Headline "from" prices are usually for the smallest plan in the cheapest country, so they say little about what your trip will cost. Compare the same data allowance and validity for your destination across two or three providers on the day you buy. Check whether the price is in pounds, and whether unlimited plans slow down after a daily limit. Our unlimited eSIM price comparison does this for Spain and Turkey.

FAQs

Which Airalo alternative is cheapest?

It depends on the country, the plan size and the day you buy, because providers change prices often. Compare the same allowance and validity on two or three providers' sites. Our unlimited eSIM price comparison shows prices for Spain and Turkey on 15 October 2026.

Which Airalo alternative has unlimited data?

Holafly sells only unlimited plans. SimplySIM, Nomad and Airalo offer unlimited plans in some countries. Yesim has an unlimited day pass in some countries, and Jetpac does not offer unlimited plans.

Which travel eSIMs show prices in pounds?

On the day we checked, SimplySIM, Nomad, Airalo and Yesim showed prices in pounds. Holafly showed us US dollars. What you see may depend on your location and settings.

Can I keep my UK number with a travel eSIM?

Yes. Keep your UK SIM switched on for calls and texts, turn off data roaming on it, and use the travel eSIM for data.

Are Trustpilot scores a good guide?

They help, especially when based on many reviews. Read recent reviews too, as service can change over time.