You have seen the ads, but now you are wondering: Is Airalo legit? With over 10 million downloads, Airalo is the biggest name in travel data, but being popular doesn’t always mean being good. In this comprehensive Airalo review, we test their speeds, coverage, and customer support to see if they are worth your money in 2025.
Spoiler Alert: Yes, it is legit, but there are specific settings you must get right to avoid issues.
Airalo At A Glance: The Pros & Cons
| The Good (Pros) | The Bad (Cons) |
|---|---|
| ✅ Instant setup (No ID required) | ❌ No phone number (Data only) |
| ✅ Covers 200+ countries | ❌ Not always the cheapest option |
| ✅ Great App Interface | ❌ Customer support can be slow |
What is Airalo?
Airalo is an “eSIM Marketplace.” They don’t own the cell towers; instead, they resell data from local networks (like AT&T in the USA, Softbank in Japan, or O2 in the UK). This allows you to switch carriers instantly without visiting a store.
If you are planning a trip to Asia, check out our guide on the Best eSIM for Japan to see how Airalo compares to local competitors.
Airalo Review: Speed and Coverage Test
The most important part of any Airalo review is the speed. Does it actually work fast enough for Instagram and Maps?
The “Eurolink” Test (Europe)
We tested the regional Europe package. In Paris and Berlin, we connected to 5G networks instantly. Speed tests showed an average of 45 Mbps download, which is fast enough to stream Netflix in HD.
The “Change” Package (USA)
In the US, Airalo connects to T-Mobile or Verizon. We experienced consistent 4G LTE signals even in rural areas. It is significantly cheaper than paying AT&T or Verizon daily roaming fees.
How Much Does Airalo Cost?
Pricing is Airalo’s biggest selling point. Here is a typical breakdown for popular destinations:
- USA: $4.50 for 1GB (7 Days)
- Europe (39 Countries): $5.00 for 1GB (7 Days)
- Global (84 Countries): $9.00 for 1GB (7 Days)
Pro Tip: Always buy slightly more data than you think you need. Top-ups are easy, but running out of maps in the middle of a city is stressful.
Is Airalo Legit? (Our Verdict)
After testing the service in multiple countries, our Airalo review verdict is positive. The app is incredibly polished, the installation is beginner-friendly, and the connection is reliable.
Who is Airalo for?
- Travelers who want convenience.
- People with unlocked iPhones (XR and newer).
- Budget backpackers.
Who is it NOT for?
- People who need a local phone number for calls/SMS.
- People with “Locked” phones (from carriers like Verizon or AT&T).
Final Rating
If you want to save money and skip the line at the airport kiosk, download Airalo here. It is the gold standard for travel connectivity.
Read more: Best eSIM for Japan Guide