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Quick answer
Choose Nomad if price matters most: across all the trips we compare, it scores much higher on value for money (checked 20 October 2026). Choose Holafly if you want unlimited data, very strong customer ratings and a longer refund window.
Holafly vs Nomad eSIM at a glance
On price, we compared the two on 559 like-for-like trips across 176 destinations: Holafly was cheaper 16 times and Nomad eSIM 543 times.
| Holafly | Nomad eSIM | |
|---|---|---|
| eSIM Mentor score | 7.9 | 9.3 |
| Value for money | 5.1 | 9.0 |
| Features | 10.0 | 10.0 |
| Coverage | 10.0 | – |
| Customer ratings | 9.5 | 9.1 |
| Countries covered | 200+ | – |
| Top-ups | Not stated | Yes |
| Plans with a phone number | Not stated | Not stated |
| Refund policy | Refund requests within 6 months of purchase; conditions depend on whether the eSIM was activated or its QR code scanned. | Full refund within 30 days of purchase if the eSIM is not installed or the plan not activated. |
| App Store rating | 4.8 (40,865) | 4.8 (16,982) |
| Trustpilot rating | 4.7 (115,145) | 4.3 (46,647) |
Cheapest plan for common trips in Japan
| Trip | Holafly | Nomad eSIM |
|---|---|---|
| 3 GB for 7 days | $27.50 | $7.00 |
| 10 GB for 15 days | $50.50 | $16.00 |
| 20 GB for 30 days | $73.90 | $23.00 |
| Unlimited for 7 days | $27.50 | $25.00 |
| Unlimited for 15 days | $50.50 | $49.00 |
Prices are the cheapest plan from each provider that covers the trip, from single-country plans checked on each provider’s own site. Scores and facts are worked out the same way for every provider. Not a hands-on test. Facts and ratings checked 20 Oct 2026. How we rate
The table updates itself when prices, facts or ratings change. Green prices are the cheaper of the two for that trip.
Price
Nomad’s value-for-money score is much higher than Holafly’s across the trips we compare (checked 20 October 2026). Check the table above for your destination.
Data and extras
Holafly is known for unlimited-data plans, with limited hotspot sharing on the plans we track. Nomad offers add-on data on some plans and a local phone number on some eSIMs.
Refunds
Holafly accepts refund requests within 6 months, depending on activation. Nomad gives a full refund within 30 days if the eSIM isn’t installed or the plan isn’t activated.
Support and ratings
Both offer 24/7 support. Both have very high App Store ratings; Holafly’s Trustpilot rating is higher.
Who should pick which
- Nomad eSIM if you want the lower price for a typical trip.
- Holafly if unlimited data and a longer refund window matter more than price.
Deals
5% off your eSIM
Last verified 18 Oct 2026
Get the dealNo verified Nomad eSIM code right now. We only list codes after we test them, so check back soon.
See Nomad eSIM plansWant more detail? Read our Holafly review and Nomad eSIM review, or compare every provider for your trip in the eSIM finder.
Frequently asked questions
In most of the trips we compare, yes: Nomad scores much higher on value for money (checked 20 October 2026). The table above shows current prices for Japan.
Nomad sells unlimited plans in some destinations. Use the eSIM finder to see them for your trip.
Holafly accepts requests within 6 months, depending on activation. Nomad refunds within 30 days if the eSIM isn’t installed or activated.
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Joseph Larkin is the founder and editor of eSIM Mentor. He compares travel eSIM plans and checks every price on the provider's own website before it goes on the site, and every coupon is tried at checkout before it is listed. His aim is simple, honest advice that helps travelers pick the right plan and avoid roaming bills.
