Best eSIM for International Travel: KnowRoaming vs. Airalo

Best eSIM for International Travel: KnowRoaming vs. Airalo

Ditch physical SIM cards and embrace the convenience of eSIMs for international travel. We compare KnowRoaming and Airalo's global data offerings, examining data speeds, support, and pricing to help you choose the best eSIM for your needs.

Provider Overviews: Specific to Global eSIM Plans

Each provider offers services in over 100 countries, but the quality of service, data speeds, and customer experience vary significantly.

• KnowRoaming: Offers both fixed and unlimited global eSIM plans across 143 countries, making it a flexible and reliable choice for travelers.
• Airalo: Provides fixed global plans across 138 countries, known for its affordability and simplicity.

Global eSIM Comparison: Breaking Down the Details

We tested the eSIM providers across multiple factors, including pricing, data speeds, app usability, and customer service. All using their Global eSIM plans.

1. KnowRoaming

Price: $9.00 for 1GB over 7 days. An unlimited plan is available for $7.99 for 3 days (Sale Price)

Data: 1GB fixed plan (or choose their unlimited plans).

Duration: 7 days, aligning with typical short-term travel needs.

Coverage: Available in 143 destinations, providing one of the most extensive coverage maps for Global eSIMs.

Multiple Networks: Yes, ensuring stronger connectivity by switching between networks where available.

App Usability: Excellent user experience. Clearly displays remaining data allowance, offers seamless top-ups, and includes a convenient 24/7 WhatsApp support button for quick assistance.

Customer Support: Took 1 minute and 13 seconds to get in touch with a live agent. The bot provided useful help before the handoff.

Installation and Setup: Easy automatic installation with the app. No issues at all.

Data Speed: Download: 45.9 Mbps | Upload: 10.4 MbpsFast and reliable for browsing, social media, and light streaming.

User Reviews: 4.7/5

Final Comments: Best for travelers who want fast, reliable service and global coverage. The fixed 1GB plan is ideal for short-term trips, while the unlimited option is great for high-data users.

All Destinations Covered: 200+

Fixed or Unlimited Plans: KnowRoaming is the only provider, in this comparison, that offers both Fixed and Unlimited eSIM Plans.

2. Airalo

Price: $9.00 for 1GB over 7 days.

Data: A 1GB fixed plan with a predictable pricing model.

Duration: 7 days, aligning with the needs of most short-term travelers.

Coverage: 138 destinations.

Multiple Networks: Yes, providing coverage across various regions.

App Usability: Data tracking isn’t always accurate. Users reported instances where the app displayed no data usage despite usage.

Customer Support: We attempted to contact an agent through their built in support. We waited over 10 minutes before giving up.

Installation and Setup: The setup process is easy, but the app forces users to go through a virtual tour before activation, which cannot be skipped. This makes the setup process longer than necessary.

Data Speed: Download speeds were 12.7 Mbps, while upload speeds were 67.0 Mbps. The download speed is significantly lower than KnowRoaming and Saily, making browsing slower.

User Reviews: 2.6/5

Final Comments: Airalo is a decent choice for budget travelers, but its slow customer service response times and low download speeds could be a concern for those who need consistent access.

All Destinations Covered: 200+

Fixed or Unlimited Plans: Fixed only.

KnowRoaming vs. Airalo: Best Global eSIM for Reliable Connectivity?

When comparing KnowRoaming and Airalo for global eSIM services, KnowRoaming stands out for its superior reliability and comprehensive offerings. With significantly faster customer support response times and a wider range of fixed and unlimited data plans, KnowRoaming ensures seamless international connectivity. Their expansive global coverage network provides consistent service across numerous destinations, making it the preferred choice for travelers who prioritize dependable and robust eSIM solutions.