Short answer: For fixed-data plans, eSIM Signal was cheaper than Airalo in 41 of the 42 matching plans we priced on 17 October 2026, usually by 45–60% in Italy, the USA, Japan, Turkey and across Europe, and by about a quarter in Thailand. Unlimited data is closer. eSIM Signal was cheaper for every 7-day unlimited plan we checked, while Airalo was cheaper for 30-day unlimited plans in Italy, Turkey and Thailand. If you know roughly how much data you need, eSIM Signal usually costs less. If you want a full month of unlimited data in one of those three countries, Airalo can be the better buy.
Airalo vs eSIM Signal at a glance
Both companies sell prepaid travel eSIMs. You buy a data plan online, install it before you fly, and it connects to a local network when you land. Your usual SIM stays in the phone, so your number and WhatsApp keep working. The differences are in price, plan shapes and a few policies.
- Coverage: Airalo lists 200+ locations. eSIM Signal covers 210+ countries, plus regional and global plans.
- Fixed-data plans: both sell plans from 1 GB upwards. In the destinations we checked, Airalo's 1 GB plans last 3 days. eSIM Signal's 1 GB plans last 7 days.
- Unlimited plans: both sell them, and both apply a fair-use policy, so very heavy use can be slowed.
- Top-ups: both let you add data to the eSIM you already have. eSIM Signal also emails you when 80% of your data is used, and can top up automatically when you drop below 10%.
- Currency and payment: Airalo shows prices in several currencies. eSIM Signal charges in euros and takes cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay and PayPal, with no subscription.
- App: Airalo's app is available in 53 languages. eSIM Signal has an app for iPhone and Android, but you can also buy on the website and install from the link and QR code we email you within minutes.
- Groups: eSIM Signal sells up to five eSIMs in one order, each with its own install link.
Airalo prices vs eSIM Signal, destination by destination
We took the public euro price of each plan on both websites on 17 October 2026 and matched the plans on data and validity. Where the plans were not identical, we matched Airalo's plan with an eSIM Signal plan that gives at least as much. For example, Airalo's 1 GB plan lasts 3 days where ours lasts 7, and Airalo's 3 GB plan lasts 7 days where ours lasts 30.
How much less eSIM Signal cost for the same data:
- Italy: 5 GB for 30 days was about 47% less, 10 GB for 30 days 45% less, and 20 GB for 30 days 33% less. See Italy plans
- USA: 5 GB for 30 days was 55% less, 10 GB for 30 days 60% less, and 20 GB for 30 days 60% less. See USA plans
- Japan: 5 GB for 7 days was 51% less and 5 GB for 30 days 46% less. Our 3 GB plan was 44% cheaper than Airalo's and lasts about four times as long. See Japan plans
- Turkey: 5 GB for 30 days was 48% less, 10 GB for 30 days 47% less, and 20 GB for 30 days 40% less. See Turkey plans
- Thailand: 5 GB for 30 days was 27% less and 10 GB for 30 days 23% less. Airalo's 50 GB plan was about 6% cheaper than ours. See Thailand plans
- Europe (one plan, 41 countries on both sides): 5 GB for 30 days was 61% less, 10 GB for 30 days 60% less, and 20 GB for 30 days 59% less. See Europe plans
The gap is widest on the sizes most travellers buy, 5 to 20 GB, and on Europe-wide plans. Not sure what size you need? Our guide to how much eSIM data you need puts a normal one-week holiday at 3–5 GB.
Airalo unlimited vs eSIM Signal unlimited
Unlimited is where Airalo is most competitive:
- 7 days: eSIM Signal was cheaper in all six destinations, from 7% less in Italy to 35% less in the USA.
- 15 days: eSIM Signal was cheaper in five of six. Airalo was about 6% cheaper in Turkey.
- 30 days: Airalo was cheaper in Italy (about 13%), Turkey (about 8%) and Thailand (about 25%). eSIM Signal was cheaper in the USA (16%), Japan (5%) and Europe (3%).
"Unlimited" on a travel eSIM usually means a daily allowance at full speed, then slower speed until the next day. Check the plan details on either side before you buy, especially if you plan to run a laptop from your phone's hotspot. Our explainer on what unlimited really means covers the fine print.
Where Airalo is the better choice
- A month of unlimited data in Italy, Turkey or Thailand. At the time of writing, Airalo's 30-day unlimited plans in those countries cost less than ours.
- Very large plans in Thailand. Airalo's 50 GB plan was slightly cheaper.
- You want the app in your own language. Airalo's app is available in 53 languages. Our website is in eight.
- You already hold Airalo credit. Spending Airmoney you already have beats any new purchase.
Where eSIM Signal is the better choice
- Fixed data in almost any size. That is where the biggest savings were in our comparison.
- Multi-country trips in Europe. Our Europe plan cost around 60% less for 5–20 GB.
- Short trips on light data. A 1 GB plan that lasts a week covers a city break with maps and messaging.
- Paying in euros, including with PayPal, with nothing to cancel afterwards.
- Families and groups. Up to five eSIMs in one order, each with its own install link and QR code.
Airalo refunds and support vs eSIM Signal
Read the refund rules before you buy, because the two companies work differently. Airalo refunds a wrong purchase or a change of plans as Airmoney, its in-app credit, and offers a refund to your card for installation problems or an eSIM that does not work. At eSIM Signal, an activated eSIM cannot be refunded. Before activation, we refund duplicate orders, a wrong plan picked by mistake or an eSIM that never reached you, if you contact us within 24 hours of purchase, and the money goes back to your original payment method.
Both offer 24/7 support. eSIM Signal answers on WhatsApp and by email and usually replies within the hour.
How to switch from Airalo to eSIM Signal
- Check that your phone is eSIM-compatible and unlocked on our devices page.
- Open your destination, pick a plan size and pay. The eSIM arrives by email within minutes.
- Install it at home on Wi-Fi. You do not need to delete your Airalo eSIM: most phones hold several eSIM profiles and switch between them in settings.
- When you land, turn on the eSIM Signal line, switch on data roaming for it, and set it as your mobile data line.
The installation guide walks through each step on iPhone and Android.
How we compared: we used the public euro prices shown on the Airalo and eSIM Signal websites on 17 October 2026, for the same destination, data allowance and validity, or a longer validity on our side where the plans differ. Both companies change prices often, so treat the percentages as a snapshot and check the live price before you buy. Airalo is a trademark of its owner. eSIM Signal is not affiliated with Airalo.
Frequently asked questions
Is eSIM Signal cheaper than Airalo?
For fixed-data plans, yes. In our 17 October 2026 comparison, eSIM Signal was cheaper in 41 of 42 matching plans across Italy, the USA, Japan, Turkey, Thailand and Europe, usually by 45–60%. For unlimited plans the result was mixed: Airalo was cheaper for 30-day unlimited in Italy, Turkey and Thailand.
Is Airalo a good eSIM provider?
Yes. Airalo is one of the best-known travel eSIM brands, with wide coverage and a well-rated app. Its weak point is the price of fixed-data plans, where smaller providers such as eSIM Signal often charge far less for the same gigabytes.
Can I keep my Airalo eSIM and add an eSIM Signal plan?
Yes. A phone can store several eSIM profiles, so you can keep an Airalo eSIM installed and add eSIM Signal for your next trip. Only the line you choose for mobile data uses data.
Which is cheaper for Europe, Airalo or eSIM Signal?
On 17 October 2026, eSIM Signal's Europe plan was about 60% cheaper than Airalo's Europe plan for 5, 10 and 20 GB over 30 days, and both plans cover 41 countries. For unlimited Europe data the gap was smaller, between 3% and 22% depending on the length.
Can I use Airalo or eSIM Signal as a hotspot?
Hotspot sharing generally works with both. eSIM Signal plans allow hotspot use. On unlimited plans from any provider, data you share counts toward the daily full-speed allowance.
How were these prices compared?
We compared the public euro prices on both websites on 17 October 2026, matching destination, data and validity. Prices change often, so check the live plans before you buy.