Airalo vs Mobimatter: Which eSIM is better?
With international travel booming again, staying connected abroad is more essential—and complicated—than ever. Two leading eSIM platforms, MobiMatter and Airalo, promise hassle-free mobile data without swapping physical SIMs. But which one truly delivers the best value, user experience, and coverage? In this deep-dive comparison, we break down pricing, coverage, app usability, customer experience, and the overall proposition—so you can choose the eSIM that suits your travel style.
1. Overview of Airalo and MobiMatter
Airalo
Airalo is an established player in the eSIM market, offering a variety of regional, global, and country-specific eSIMs. The company provides competitive coverage across a large number of countries through partnerships with multiple carriers.
MobiMatter
MobiMatter provides eSIMs with a focus on flexibility and affordability, often bundling data with competitive pricing. Unlike Airalo, MobiMatter is an eSIM marketplace which offers a variety of regional and multi-country plans, making it a strong contender for frequent travelers who visit multiple locations in one trip. With a wide selection of eSIM plans and straightforward pricing, it’s a smart option for those looking to stay connected without overspending.
2. Pricing Comparison
Pricing is a crucial factor when choosing an eSIM provider. Here’s how Airalo and MobiMatter compare:
eSIM Plan Types (random selection) | Mobimatter price | Airalo price | Better deal |
|---|---|---|---|
Local eSIM - USA 5 GB 30 Days | Clearly Mobimatter is better priced here. In fact, even 10 GB is available for less than $16 at Mobimatter | ||
Local eSIM - China 20 GB | Clearly Mobimatter is better priced here. | ||
Local eSIM - Japan 10 GB | Mobimatter is better priced here with a local provider. | ||
Local eSIM - Australia 5 GB | Both plans are valid for 30 days which makes Mobimatter the clear winner | ||
Local eSIM - Turkey 10 GB | MobiMatter is the clear winner here. We even have Airalo 10GB eSIM at just $8.99 which is lower than what Airalo offers on their website. | ||
Local eSIM - Italy 5 GB | Not only is Mobimatter cheaper, but it works in Italy and 32 more countries across Europe! | ||
Regional eSIM - Europe 10 GB | $12.49 works across 42 countries | $37 works across 42 countries | This Mobimatter 10GB package also gives an additional 2GB free! |
Regional eSIM - Asia 10 GB | $17.99 coverage in 10 countries | $37 coverage in 18 countries | The price difference is staggering! |
Regional eSIM - Middle East 10 GB | $25.99 coverage across 2 countries and not in the MENA region | $32 coverage in 13 countries across MENA region | Although Airalo covers more regions, Mobimatter’s global plan can easily fulfill the need to cover MENA region at an affordable price |
Global eSIM 20 GB | Similar pricing but more countries covered by Airalo. If every country you possibly need to visit is covered by Mobimatter, then you can go for the cheaper option. |
Not only are Mobimatter eSIMs cheaper, even the Airalo plans on Mobimatter are cheaper than the ones stated on Airalo’s website.
For instance the Turkey 20 GB on Airalo is for $22.5 but the Turkey 20 GB (Airalo operator) on Mobimatter is $13.99!!!!
Bonus find: MobiMatter often features Airalo-branded plans at reduced rates. Mobimatter furthermore has cheaper options for Turkey by other operators.
3. Coverage and Network Reliability
Feature | Mobimatter | Airalo |
Countries Covered | 200+ | 200+ |
Network Providers | Multiple per country | Multiple per country |
Connectivity | Generally good, depends on local providers | Generally good, depends on local providers |
While Airalo may offer a broader global coverage, MobiMatter stands out by delivering exceptional value in popular travel destinations. Both platforms ensure solid connectivity through multiple local network partnerships. However, in rare instances of poor reception, the issue typically stems from the local carrier's tower availability rather than the eSIM provider itself.
4. App Experience and Usability
Both Airalo and MobiMatter provide mobile apps that allow users to purchase, activate, and manage their eSIMs conveniently. Airalo’s app is sleek, user-friendly, and polished, offering a seamless experience when buying and tracking data usage. On the other hand, MobiMatter prioritizes functionality, with a simple yet efficient interface that makes navigation easy.
Additionally, both apps support top-ups. Mobimatter also supports payment by crypto.
MobiMatter consistently earns praise for its prompt and responsive customer support, setting it apart from many competitors. While Airalo offers a wide range of online resources and provides support through email and live chat, users often report moderate response times. In contrast, MobiMatter’s customer service—available via email and chat—is known for being faster and more efficient, delivering timely assistance when travelers need it most. This responsive support adds to the overall user-friendly experience that MobiMatter strives to provide.
Airalo’s Trustpilot rating - 3.0
MobiMatter’s Trustpilot rating - 4.3
Special Features and Unique Selling Points
Feature | Mobimatter | Airalo |
Referral Program | Yes | Yes |
First time user benefit | First time users can use a referral code and get 50% (upto $5) credit back in their MobiPay wallet | First free eSIM of 500 MB data with a 3 day validity |
Unlimited Data Plans | Yes, a few | Yes, a few |
Multilingual App | Yes | Yes |
Platforms | App, Website | App, Website |
Per GB | Mostly less than $1 | Mostly more than $1 |
Final Verdict: Which eSIM Should You Choose?
In conclusion, both Airalo and MobiMatter offer reliable eSIM solutions tailored to modern travelers. However, if you're basing your decision on overall value, pricing, and user satisfaction, MobiMatter clearly has the edge. With over 21,000 positive reviews and an impressive 4.3 rating on Trustpilot, MobiMatter significantly outshines Airalo, which holds a modest 3.0 rating from just 3885 reviews. For savvy travelers seeking affordability, flexibility, and trusted service, MobiMatter emerges as the smarter choice.
Now that you have all the details, the choice is yours. All we know is that smart travelers make smart choices.
FAQs
Q1. Which is better: Airalo or MobiMatter? Both Airalo and MobiMatter are popular eSIM providers with global coverage. However, MobiMatter is often preferred due to its lower pricing, better regional bundles, and higher Trustpilot rating (4.3 vs. 3). It also offers unique deals, including discounted Airalo plans hosted directly on its platform.
Q2. Does MobiMatter offer cheaper eSIM plans than Airalo? Yes, in most comparisons, MobiMatter offers significantly cheaper plans than Airalo. For instance, a 5GB USA plan costs $7.49 on MobiMatter vs. $16 on Airalo. Even Airalo-branded plans are often available at lower rates via MobiMatter.
Q3. Which eSIM platform has better customer support? MobiMatter is known for quicker and more responsive customer support through chat and email, while Airalo has broader documentation but slower support response times.
Q4. Do both Airalo and MobiMatter offer regional eSIMs? Yes, both platforms offer regional plans. However, MobiMatter stands out with better pricing and broader multi-country bundles, making it ideal for travelers exploring multiple destinations.
Q5. Can I use crypto to buy eSIMs from Airalo or MobiMatter? Currently, only MobiMatter supports cryptocurrency payments, offering flexibility for tech-savvy or international users.
Q6. Which app is more user-friendly: Airalo or MobiMatter? Airalo’s app is more polished visually, but MobiMatter’s app is simple, efficient, and practical, focusing on fast navigation and easy access to plans and top-ups.
Q7. Are there any referral or first-time user discounts? Yes, both platforms offer referral benefits. MobiMatter gives 50% (up to $5) cashback to new users upon using the referral code, while Airalo offers 500MB of free data on sign-up.
Q8. Does MobiMatter have better eSIM coverage than Airalo? Both platforms cover 200+ countries and rely on local carriers. But MobiMatter delivers better value in high-demand regions like the USA, Europe, and Asia.
Q9. Are Airalo plans available on MobiMatter? Yes. Many Airalo-branded eSIMs are available on MobiMatter at discounted prices, making MobiMatter a budget-friendly gateway for Airalo users.
Q10. Which is better for Europe travel – Airalo or MobiMatter? MobiMatter is typically better for Europe travel. It offers affordable plans that work in over 40+ European countries. For example, a 10GB Europe plan is only $11.99 on MobiMatter vs. $37 on Airalo.