Airalo vs Ubigi
The marketplace giant against the brand of an actual network operator. Polish versus pedigree.
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Airalo
The biggest eSIM store on earth, and it acts like it.
Ubigi
Telecom-grade eSIM from an actual network operator.
| Feature | Airalo | Ubigi |
|---|---|---|
| Our score | 4.6 / 5 | 4.3 / 5 |
| Price | $19.50 | $19 |
| Free plan | No | No |
| Best for | First-time and frequent travelers | Japan trips, connection stability |
| Category | Data bundles | Specialists |
| Provider | Airalo | Transatel (NTT) |
| Visit Airalo | Visit Ubigi |
Our verdict
Airalo wins for general travel. A better app, broader catalog, and prices that match or beat Ubigi on most routes. Ubigi wins where the network is the point.
Its NTT/Transatel infrastructure makes it our pick for Japan, and its connection stability and monthly recurring plans suit frequent business travelers who want one eSIM that simply stays configured. Tourists take Airalo. Japan-bound and stability-first travelers take Ubigi.
“The default choice for a reason. More countries than anyone, a mature app, and fair prices. Not always the absolute cheapest per gigabyte, but the combination of coverage, reliability, and ease keeps it on top of our shortlist.”Editorial team, on Airalo
“The network-grade option. Ubigi is run by Transatel, an NTT company that actually operates mobile infrastructure. Connections feel carrier-stable, Japan coverage is best-in-class, and it works in cars and laptops too. The app is more utilitarian than the startups.”Editorial team, on Ubigi
Frequently asked questions
Airalo or Ubigi: which is better?
Airalo for general travel, Ubigi when the network itself is the point. Airalo has the better app, the broader catalogue, and prices that match or beat Ubigi on most routes. Ubigi is the consumer brand of Transatel, an NTT-owned operator, which makes it our default recommendation for Japan and a sensible choice if you value a connection that simply stays up.
Is Ubigi more expensive than Airalo?
No, they land in roughly the same place. Our June 2026 check put a 5 GB, 30-day Europe plan at about $19 at Ubigi and about $19.50 at Airalo, in US dollars. One caveat applies. Ubigi also sells monthly recurring plans, which do renew, so read the ongoing rate before subscribing. Airalo sells one-off packs, with loyalty discounts on repeat purchases.
Which eSIM is best for a trip to Japan?
Ubigi, on our reading. It runs on Transatel, part of the Japanese NTT group, and its Japan coverage is the strongest we see. Airalo works there too and its app is friendlier, so if Japan is one stop in a multi-country trip, the convenience and the wider catalogue can outweigh the network advantage.
Is Ubigi worth it if I travel for work several times a year?
It can be, mostly because of the recurring plans. Ubigi lets you keep one eSIM configured and running month after month instead of buying a fresh pack per trip, and its operator background shows in connection stability. The trade-off is a purchase flow that feels more telecom than startup. Travel twice a year and Airalo's one-off packs stay simpler.