Airalo vs Holafly: Which is Better for the Philippines?
Staying connected in the Philippines can be a bit of a digital treasure hunt: one minute you’ve got blazing speeds in Manila, the next you’re waving your phone around on a beach in Bohol hoping for a signal.
If you’re a remote worker or digital nomad like me, picking the right eSIM isn’t just about convenience but survival.
I’ve road-tested both Airalo and Holafly across islands, cities, and sleepy towns, and let’s just say not all eSIMs are created equal.
Spoiler: Airalo’s Philippine eSIM seriously impressed me with its flexible data plans, smooth top-ups, and reliable coverage across both urban and rural spots. If you’re looking for the best internet for remote work while bouncing between rice terraces and rooftop cafes, you’re in the right place.
Let’s break down which eSIM truly delivers.
Variety of Plans
Holafly: Unlimited Data, But Is It Too Much?
Holafly keeps things simple. But maybe too simple. Their only offering for the Philippines is unlimited data, which sounds great on paper but comes with a “fair usage” policy.
That means your speed can drop if you go too hard on Netflix or TikTok binges. So yes, it’s unlimited, but not always at full throttle.
When hopping between co-working cafés and beach huts, unlimited plans feel a little excessive, especially when you’ll mostly use data for Google Maps, WhatsApp calls, and the occasional cloud upload.
Holafly’s all-or-nothing approach works best for streamers, remote editors, or content creators who burn through gigs. But if you’re just navigating Manila traffic or messaging your hostel, you might be paying for more than you need.
Airalo – Pick Your Size, Top It Up Later
Airalo takes the “choose your own adventure” route, offering plans from 1GB to 20GB and beyond. I really appreciate this flexibility.
If I’m bouncing through the islands for a week, a small plan does the job. Staying longer or heading off the grid? I just top up mid-trip through the app—easy as pie.
What stood out to me in Manila was the ability to test the waters with a low-data plan before committing. No pressure, no waste.
Plus, Airalo’s pay-as-you-need model just feels smarter when you’re juggling budget, unpredictable Wi-Fi, and spontaneous detours.
The ability to scale your data plan based on your itinerary? That’s a big win in my book. With Airalo, you can top up without switching SIMs, and it’s perfect for budget-conscious or casual users.
Price and Affordability
Holafly – One Price to Rule Them All
Holafly charges a flat rate for its unlimited plan in the Philippines, which sits higher than Airalo’s most generous packages. It’s upfront and simple but not necessarily wallet-friendly.
For short-term travelers or light data users, this could feel like dropping pesos into a bottomless pit you’ll never fill. You’re essentially paying for peace of mind: stream without limits, scroll without worry.
But if you’re like me and mostly use your phone for practical travel tasks, Holafly’s unlimited plan feels like renting a buffet when all you want is a sandwich. Helpful for heavy users, yes. Economical for minimalists? Not so much.
Airalo: Budget-Friendly by the Gig
Now let’s talk numbers. Airalo’s 20GB plan, which lasts 30 days, comes in at around $20. So that’s roughly $1 per day. That’s hard to beat.
For the cost of a street snack in Cebu, you can cover your daily data needs. And because you choose your plan based on how long you’re staying or how much you’ll use, there’s no overspending.
Another bonus? No sneaky activation fees or confusing taxes buried in the checkout flow. Just straight-up pricing, visible from the get-go. For budget-conscious nomads, Airalo is the clear winner here, as it offers control without the cost creep.
Network Coverage in the Philippines
While both Airalo and Holafly connect to the country’s leading networks, Globe and Smart, Airalo is more transparent about this dual-carrier setup, which gives it a noticeable edge in consistency.
I experienced strong speeds with Airalo in metro areas like Manila and Cebu, and even in more remote destinations like Siquijor and parts of Northern Luzon, it held up better than expected.
Holafly also performed well in cities, but signal stability dipped during inter-provincial travel and in rural pockets.
For travelers sticking to well-worn paths, either will do the job, but if you’re heading off the beaten track (and I highly recommend it), Airalo wins for more reliable coverage and fewer dropped connections.
Security
As someone who’s logged into multiple banking apps from beach cafés and sent client files from jungle lodges, I don’t take mobile security lightly.
Between the two, Airalo emerges as the clear winner with more transparent policies and stronger transparency. They encrypt your data, limit what they collect, and make it easy to find their privacy terms. That’s not just a bonus, it’s peace of mind for remote workers like me.
Holafly, while functional, doesn’t offer the same level of visibility when it comes to user data protection. Their privacy info is vague and a little harder to unpack.
I didn’t encounter any issues while using their eSIM in the Philippines, but when accessing sensitive accounts or using public Wi-Fi, clarity and accountability are crucial. And in that department, Airalo just feels more trustworthy.
Device Compatibility
Not all phones are created equal in the world of eSIMs. Airalo supports a wide range of devices, especially newer iPhones and many recent Android models.
We’re talking about newer iPhones (XR and above), recent Samsung Galaxy models, Google Pixel phones, and essentially any smartphone that has hit the market in the past few years.
If your phone supports eSIM technology, you’re set with either provider. Both services offer compatibility checkers on their websites, which honestly saved me from a potential headache
If your phone is eSIM-ready, you should be good to go. Their website even includes an easy compatibility checker so you’re not left guessing.
Trust me, finding out your phone isn’t supported after you land in the Philippines is the kind of plot twist no one needs.
Customer Support Experience
It’s not just about buying an eSIM; it’s about what happens when something goes sideways. I’ve reached out to both Airalo and Holafly on different trips, and the difference in support speed was noticeable.
With Airalo, I used their in-app support and got a helpful, clear response within an hour. Many travelers echo this, saying their 24/7 support team is fast and relatively reliable, especially when you’re in a pinch.
Holafly does offer live chat and email support, and they’re friendly. But based on both my experience and feedback from others online, the wait time can drag.
I’ve seen reports of people waiting several hours (even a full day in some cases) to get connection issues resolved. When your signal drops in the middle of a remote province, that kind of delay isn’t ideal.
User Experience & Ease of Use
The last thing you want after a red-eye flight is a frustrating tech setup. Thankfully, both Airalo and Holafly make installation relatively painless, but they go about it differently.
Holafly sends a QR code you scan to activate the eSIM, and boom, you’re online. It’s very beginner-friendly, and you don’t have to fiddle with too many settings.
Airalo, meanwhile, gives you a bit more control. You can install the app manually or via a QR code, and once you’re set up, it provides a clean dashboard to track your data usage.
For short, one-and-done trips, Holafly’s set-it-and-leave-it vibe is great. But if you’re bouncing from island to island or adjusting your plans mid-trip (hi, boat delays), Airalo gives you better flexibility.
The top-up feature alone saved me from having to find Wi-Fi just to switch providers.
Bottom line? If you’re not tech-shy and want a more customizable experience, go with Airalo. But if you just want something that works without too many taps or toggles, Holafly gets you online with minimal friction.
Comparison Guide: Airalo vs Holafly
| Feature | Airalo | Holafly |
| Data Plans | 1GB to 20GB+ | Unlimited only |
| Daily Cost | ~$1/GB/day | Higher upfront |
| Coverage | Great in cities and towns | Spotty in remote areas |
| Setup Ease | App + manual install | QR code + simpler flow |
| Device Support | Broad (iPhones + Androids) | More limited |
| Security | Transparent policies | Less clarity |
| Customer Support | Fast and reliable | Mixed reviews |
Final Verdict: Go Further with Airalo
If you’re headed to the Philippines and want a solid signal without the sticker shock, Airalo is the clear winner.
It offers flexible plans, improved coverage across islands, enhanced security, and budget-friendly pricing that doesn’t force you into an “unlimited” plan you may not need. Holafly has its perks for heavy data users, but for most travelers, it’s like ordering a buffet when you just wanted a snack.
After hopping between Manila, Palawan, and Cebu with both eSIMs, I’d pick Airalo again in a heartbeat. It’s the kind of travel tech that just works: quietly, reliably, and without fuss. And when you’re working remotely or navigating a new city, that peace of mind is priceless.
