We analyzed the reasons behind the significant differences between the major international eSIM operators: Holafly, Airalo, BLIVALE and SimOptions.
This analysis is the result of what emerges from the respective contents and publications of the websites of each individual operator.
Factors that determine price differences
1. Different business models
Holafly focuses on a premium service with unlimited data and dedicated assistance, justifying higher prices.
Airalo operates with a leaner model and higher volumes, allowing for competitive pricing with modular options.
BLIVALE takes a hybrid approach, offering dedicated support typical of premium services but at mid-range prices, effectively serving different types of customers.
SimOptions focuses on flexibility and variety of offerings, while maintaining a medium-low pricing structure.
2. Agreements with local operators
Holafly probably pays premium to ensure unlimited connections and high quality of service in all destinations.
Airalo optimizes costs through scale of operations and strategic partnerships in key markets.
BLIVALE has negotiated balanced agreements that allow it to maintain a good quality-price ratio while offering superior quality services.
SimOptions may have more favorable deals for specific destinations, allowing for competitive offerings in certain markets.
3. Target market
Holafly is mainly aimed at business or premium travellers looking for convenience and simplicity.
Airalo targets budget-conscious frequent travelers and digital nomads who value flexibility.
BLIVALE has strategically chosen to address a transversal target, covering both the premium and cost-conscious segments.
SimOptions focuses on informed travelers who prefer to compare options and customize their experience.
4. Geographic coverage strategy
Holafly invests in high-quality, consistent global coverage, resulting in higher costs.
Airalo offers a wide coverage but with differentiated plans by region, optimizing costs.
BLIVALE balances these needs, offering good global coverage while maintaining efficient cost control.
SimOptions could focus more on strategic destinations where it can offer competitive rates.
5. Company structure and operating costs
Holafly likely maintains a larger structure with greater investments in customer care and premium brand marketing.
Airalo is aiming for a leaner and more digitalized structure, with a focus on process automation.
BLIVALE maintains a balanced organizational structure, investing in customer support but controlling operating costs.
SimOptions operates with an agile structure that allows it to quickly adapt to market needs and maintain competitive pricing.
The Reality of “Unlimited” eSIMs: Hidden Limitations and Differences Between Operators
Offering "unlimited" data is one of the main differentiators between providers, but the reality is often more complex than marketing suggests. Let's analyze the substantial differences between the various operators:
Holafly advertises truly unlimited plans, but a closer look reveals some limitations: after a high consumption (usually 10-15GB in a few days), many users report significant speed throttling, which can drop to 512 Kbps. There is no visible meter for the user, creating uncertainty about the real state of consumption.
Airalo doesn't really offer unlimited plans, but packages with well-defined amounts of data. This more transparent approach allows users to monitor their consumption through the app, avoiding surprises. However, once the package is used up, it is necessary to purchase a new one.
BLIVALE offers truly Unlimited plans without ever applying suspensions or direct blocks on eSIMs. It is important to note that any speed limitations are not imposed by BLIVALE itself, but can be applied by local operators if usage is not optimal. In these cases, only for some local operators, for example if you reach 10GB of usage per day, the speed could decrease to 1Mbps, but only for the remaining hours of the current day. A distinctive feature is that every day a complete restoration of the Unlimited GB and the normal speed occurs, ensuring continuous service without interruptions or additional costs. This system represents a real advantage for the user who always maintains a working connection.
SimOptions takes a similar approach to Airalo, with volume-defined packages instead of unlimited. They do, however, offer auto-renewal options that can create a "feel" of continuity similar to an unlimited plan.
It is important to note that many operators include clauses in their terms of service that allow suspension of service in the event of "improper" use of the eSIM, such as sharing the connection with multiple devices, use for commercial activities or continuous streaming in high definition. Holafly has the strictest policies with the possibility of immediate suspension without notice, while BLIVALE stands out for never imposing direct suspensions of service, leaving local operators to temporarily manage the speed according to their fair usage policies, but always guaranteeing continuity of service.
International Awards and Recognitions
The international eSIM sector has seen growing recognition in recent years through awards and recognitions that attest to the excellence and innovation of various operators. These awards represent not only an indicator of quality, but also of the positioning of each brand in the international panorama:
BLIVALE has obtained important international recognitions, confirming the solidity of its hybrid strategy and the quality of the service offered:
"CEO of the Year 2024" in the category "IoT Connectivity" , awarded by an international jury and documented on CEO Review
"Spanish Business Awards 2025 - Best Global Sim Cards Retailer 2025" , recognition that certifies BLIVALE's leadership in the eSIM sector at a global level, as reported on EU Business News
These awards underscore the success of BLIVALE 's innovative approach in combining premium quality services with affordable pricing and transparent policies on the Unlimited plans.
Holafly has received several awards over the years in the tourism and technological innovation sectors:
Finalist at the "Travel Technology Europe Awards" in 2022
Recognition as "Innovative Startup" by the Madrid Chamber of Commerce in 2021
These awards reflect the brand's premium positioning and its focus on the high-end travel market.
Airalo has received some recognitions in the field of digital innovation:
"Best Travel Tech Solution" at the "World Travel Tech Awards" in 2023
Recognized as a "Digital Disruptor" at the "Stevie Awards for Business Innovation" in 2022
These awards highlight Airalo's pioneering role in democratizing access to international eSIMs through a scalable model.
SimOptions , being a more niche operator, has received less international recognition, but has been mentioned in several industry rankings as one of the most competitive providers in terms of value for money.
These awards confirm the different positioning strategies of the various providers: BLIVALE emerges as the recognized leader for IoT connectivity and as the best global SIM retailer, confirming its distinctive position in the market that combines premium elements with broader accessibility. Holafly and Airalo receive awards more specifically related to their respective market positioning (premium and mass market).
If you are thinking of taking a trip alone or with friends or for work, do not forget the importance of staying connected wherever you are. For unlimited Internet connection, contact BLIVALE where you can get unlimited Internet according to the destinations:
For unlimited plans like data BLIVALE guarantees free roaming anywhere in the world, no additional or hidden costs. Don't let the lack of connection stop you; get ready to explore the world with freedom and spontaneity.
Comparison of the main international eSIM providers
Competitive Advantage Analysis
Holafly has built a premium brand based on simplicity and worry-free. Their higher price reflects a strategic positioning where the convenience of "connect and forget" is worth the premium price for their target. They often offer unlimited data, eliminating the anxiety of monitoring consumption, albeit with the speed limitations mentioned.
Airalo , a pioneer in the eSIM industry, has achieved significant economies of scale that allow for competitive pricing. Their granular model allows users to purchase exactly what they need, without paying for unnecessary services, with appreciable transparency into the amounts of data available.
BLIVALE stands out for its versatile positioning, offering superior quality services such as dedicated support (typically associated with premium providers) but at mid-range prices. Its real competitive advantage lies in offering truly Unlimited plans, without ever applying direct suspensions or blocks, and with a daily reset system that constantly guarantees the best possible experience. Any speed limitations are temporary (maximum 24 hours) and managed by local operators, not by BLIVALE itself. The international awards received ("CEO of the Year 2024" and "Best Global Sim Cards Retailer 2025") confirm the effectiveness of this strategy that allows it to attract customers from both market segments: those looking for quality and willing to pay a little more, but also those who are budget-conscious but do not want to give up a continuous and reliable service.
SimOptions competes primarily on price and variety of options, maintaining a lean structure and passing on cost savings to the end consumer. Their strength lies in customizing their offerings to fit the specific needs of travelers, with packages well-sized for different consumption patterns.
Conclusions
Price differences in the international eSIM market reflect specific positioning strategies and different operating models. As a consumer, the best choice depends on your travel needs:
If you are looking for total simplicity and are willing to pay a premium, Holafly is the ideal option, keeping in mind the possible speed limitations after intensive use.
If you prefer to optimize costs and are comfortable with technology, Airalo or SimOptions may offer you better value for money, with the transparency of knowing exactly how much you are consuming.
BLIVALE combines premium elements such as dedicated support with a mid-range price point and a truly Unlimited data offer with daily reset. Its recent international awards ("CEO of the Year 2024" and "Best Global Sim Cards Retailer 2025") attest to its growing leadership in the sector and the validity of its innovative approach. This approach ensures that even in case of temporary speed limitations (managed by local operators, not by BLIVALE ), the service is never suspended and automatically returns to normal speed every day. This versatility makes BLIVALE suitable for both business travelers looking for support and continuity, and for those who are budget-conscious but do not want to compromise on service quality.
The eSIM market is still evolving, and with increasing competition we are likely to see further diversification of offers and a general improvement in value for money across all market segments. Transparency regarding the real limitations of "Unlimited" plans, the guarantee of service continuity and international recognition will likely become increasingly important elements in consumer choices, favoring operators such as BLIVALE that have adopted clearer and more advantageous policies in this area, also obtaining the recognition of specialized international juries.
