Airalo VS UPeSIM: Who offers the best travel eSIM?

The eSIM technology, available on most recent smartphones, allows you to instantly subscribe to a mobile or data plan. While traditional telecom operators have quickly embraced this technology, it has also paved the way for new uses… such as travel eSIMs! Are you looking for the best deal for your next trip abroad? Let’s help you choose between Airalo and UPeSIM plans.

Airalo VS UPeSIM: Which has the best offer?

Both Airalo and UPeSIM have a large catalog of eSIM plans available in many destinations with various validity durations.

Airalo's eSIM offer

Airalo offers its eSIM plans in over 200 destinations, with validity periods of 7, 15, and 30 days for most of its plans. The amount of data included in each plan varies based on the plan’s duration and the chosen destination.

For example, for the Airalo China eSIM plan, you can choose from:

A 7-day plan with 1GB for €5
A 15-day plan with 2GB for €8
A 30-day plan with 3GB for €11
A 30-day plan with 5GB for €15.50
A 30-day plan with 10GB for €26.50
A 30-day plan with 20GB for €46.50

Airalo also offers regional plans that allow usage across multiple countries in a given region: Asia, North America, Latin America... These are available for various durations, usually between 7 and 30 days (and up to 180 days for Europe).

The company also provides several global eSIM plans, valid in 135 countries for durations ranging from 7 to 365 days. These plans include options for data-only plans or plans that include calls and SMS.

UPeSIM's eSIM offer

UPeSIM offers a catalog of eSIM plans available in over 200 destinations, with validity periods of 7, 10, or 30 days. The amount of data included in each plan varies depending on the chosen duration: for each country, you can choose from:

A 7-day plan with 1GB
A 10-day plan with 5GB
A 30-day plan with 10GB

The price of the three offers varies based on the destination. Using the previous example, here are the different UPeSIM eSIM plans for China:

A 7-day plan with 1GB for €4.99
A 10-day plan with 5GB for €9.99
A 30-day plan with 10GB for €19.99

As of now, UPeSIM offers regional eSIM packs but does not provide global plans.

Conclusion

While both companies offer the same destinations, UPeSIM and Airalo do not have the same catalog. Whether it's for China, the United States, or other destinations, UPeSIM has fewer plans than Airalo, but with a much more attractive price-to-data ratio and a better fit for the validity period of each plan.

Airalo vs UPeSIM: Which is easier to use?

Having a lot of data for your trip is great, but installing your eSIM effortlessly is even better! Let’s compare the usability of UPeSIM eSIMs with those from Airalo.

How to use an Airalo eSIM?

Airalo distributes its eSIM plans via its website and mobile app, available on iOS and Android devices. The installation process varies depending on the purchasing platform:

For a purchase via the website, eSIM installation and activation are done via a QR code that you simply scan with your smartphone.
For a purchase via the mobile app, everything is done directly within the same interface. The app allows you to buy and install your eSIM directly on your device.

It is recommended to install your Airalo eSIM the day before or on the day of your departure to avoid activating your data plan too early. Once you reach your destination, the SIM card will automatically connect to the local network. You can then connect to the internet and share your connection upon arrival!

How to use a UPeSIM eSIM?

UPeSIM offers eSIM subscriptions through its website and mobile app, available on iOS (iPhone and iPad) and Android:

Via the UPeSIM website: A QR code sent via email allows you to proceed with the installation and activation of your eSIM.
Via the UPeSIM mobile app: The virtual SIM card is automatically activated after purchase and installation. You can install your eSIM the day before or on the day of your departure to enjoy it immediately upon arrival, with instant connection on your device or through tethering.

Conclusion

Both Airalo and UPeSIM provide a multichannel experience for those who prefer to subscribe to an eSIM via their computer or smartphone. In both cases, the installation is simple and fast, especially when using the dedicated mobile app! A bonus point: UPeSIM’s video tutorials guide you step-by-step through the process.

Airalo VS UPeSIM: Who has the best customer service?

Beyond the variety of offers or their price, the quality of service is a crucial criterion for deciding who, between Airalo and UPeSIM, offers the best travel eSIM.

Airalo's customer service and reviews

Airalo allows customers to contact support via a chatbot, which can then redirect to online advisors. While the chat is available in several languages, the advisors only speak English, which can be a hurdle for those who do not speak the language.

As for customer service quality, Airalo’s support is considered fairly responsive, with relatively fast responses via the chat. However, customers mention a lack of flexibility, as the service can help resolve issues but does not offer compensation in case of malfunctions.

This is one of the reasons Airalo receives a score of only 2.5 out of 5 on Trustpilot! Negative comments mostly mention non-functional eSIMs and customer support that, when unable to find a solution, leaves customers to fend for themselves. Reviews are more positive on the App Store and Google Play Store, where Airalo has ratings of 4.6 and 4.2 out of 5, respectively. However, reviews on network quality remain mixed.

UPeSIM's customer service and reviews

UPeSIM's customer service can be reached through a chat that allows you to directly chat with an online advisor without needing to go through a chatbot. You can also fill out a form to contact customer service via email, with a response time of less than 15 minutes. Both interfaces are available in several languages, as are the responses provided by the online advisors.

Customer reviews of UPeSIM's support are very positive, with a rating of 4.8 out of 5 on both the Apple and Android platforms. Customers mention quick responses and are satisfied with the solutions provided in case of problems. Overall, reviews highlight the ease of installation and the network quality provided by UPeSIM eSIMs.

Conclusion

Customer feedback is clear: UPeSIM has the best customer service, standing out with responsive and highly efficient customer support for both installation assistance and troubleshooting. UPeSIM also receives the most praise for network quality!

Final Thoughts: Airalo or UPeSIM, which eSIM should you choose for your next trip?

UPeSIM seems to be the best option for network quality and customer service, even though Airalo remains a cheaper option.

	Airalo	UPeSIM
Countries included	200 destinations	200 destinations
Plan types	Country plans 7, 15, 30 days	Country plans 7, 10, or 30 days
Multi-destination	Regional and global plans	Regional plans
Included data	From 1GB to unlimited data	1, 5, or 10GB
Example prices	China eSIM plan, 30 days, 10GB: €26.50	China eSIM plan, 30 days, 10GB: €19.99
eSIM purchase	Website or mobile app	Website or mobile app
Usage	Tethering available	Tethering available
Compatible devices	iOS and Android compatible	iOS and Android compatible
Customer service	Chatbot, online advisor	Online advisor, email
App store rating	4.6	4.8
Customer reviews	Variable network quality, unsatisfactory support	Good network, quality customer service

Both Airalo and UPeSIM offer a varied catalog of more than 200 destinations with three different validity periods. However, for the same destination, UPeSIM offers more attractive price-to-data plans, even for shorter durations.

Both providers have a very simple operation thanks to their website and app. It is possible to subscribe to an eSIM plan via both platforms and install it directly through the app or by scanning a QR code with automatic activation. UPeSIM stands out with video tutorials that explain the installation process step by step.

Airalo receives mixed reviews about the mobile network quality offered in different countries, as well as its customer service. According to customer feedback, UPeSIM is the operator that provides the best network and customer support, whether for helping with eSIM installation or solving connection issues.

In conclusion, UPeSIM is where you will find the best eSIM for your next trip! Airalo is known for being cheaper, but UPeSIM offers a much more interesting price-quality ratio.

In addition you can also consult our article which compare different providers here