Airalo and Holafly are two of the best-known names in unlimited eSIMs, and Bloomy is a third option worth comparing. They may all use the word "unlimited," but the amount of data you can use at full speed, what happens to your speed afterward, and the rules around tethering (using your phone as a Wi-Fi hotspot for a laptop or other device) tend to differ from one service to the next. This guide breaks down how these three unlimited plans compare, with a focus on full-speed limits and tethering conditions, in a way that's easy to follow even if it's your first unlimited eSIM. Specifications can change, so we recommend confirming the current details on each provider's official page before you buy.
The Short Answer
- Airalo typically gives you full speed up to around 3GB per day, slows down after that, and tends to be relatively flexible with tethering.
- Holafly typically offers around 3–5GB per day at full speed, but its hotspot (tethering) cap can be on the stricter side.
- Bloomy Unlimited Max is designed so you don't have to keep a close eye on full-speed limits or throttling.
- None of these is "unlimited no matter what" — each operates within a fair use policy. Figures and conditions can change, so always confirm with each provider before purchasing.
What Is an Unlimited eSIM, and How Is It Different From a Capped Plan?
A standard eSIM comes with a fixed amount of data — say 3GB or 10GB — and once you use it up, you either buy more or your speed drops. An unlimited eSIM, by contrast, lets you use data without watching a fixed allowance. For trips and longer stays where you're streaming video, scrolling social media, or relying on maps for hours, that peace of mind can make a real difference.
That said, "unlimited" means different things at different services. Most unlimited eSIMs include a fair use policy that helps keep things equitable for everyone during busy periods, along with throttling that gently reduces your speed once you pass a certain amount of data in a day. So it's more accurate to think of it as "you're unlikely to run out" rather than "there is no limit at all." We cover these fundamentals in more detail in Is an Unlimited eSIM Really Unlimited? Understanding Throttling and Fair Use Policies.
The Three Services at a Glance (Approximate)
| Service | Full-speed limit (approx.) | Tethering (approx.) | Extra charges |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airalo (Unlimited) | Around 3GB/day, then reduced speed (resets at midnight) | Around 3GB/day | Depends on plan |
| Holafly (Unlimited) | Around 3–5GB/day, then reduced speed | Daily cap (roughly 500MB–1GB) | Depends on plan |
| Bloomy Unlimited Max | Designed so you don't watch the limit | Available within the fair use policy | No extra charges |
*Reference information based on publicly available details (as of June 2026). Conditions vary by country, region, plan, and timing, and are subject to change. Please confirm with each provider before purchasing.
Three Things Worth Checking When You Compare
1. The full-speed limit and how fast it is afterward
A "full speed up to X GB per day" figure means your speed eases off once you go past that amount. Even after it slows, you can usually still send messages and do light browsing, though things like high-quality video streaming may feel less smooth. Picturing how much you tend to use in a day makes it easier to compare these limits.
2. Whether tethering is allowed, and any cap
Tethering lets you share your phone's connection with a laptop or tablet. Even on an unlimited plan, tethering can come with its own separate cap. If you plan to work on a laptop during a study abroad stint, a long stay, or a workation, it's worth checking the tethering limit specifically, not just the overall data.
3. Whether extra charges can apply
Depending on how you use it, buying more data or extending a plan can add to the cost. Knowing in advance whether extra charges are possible helps you avoid surprise expenses while you're away.
How to Choose (Which Fits Whom)
If you'll be doing a lot of laptop work over tethering, start by checking the tethering cap. A small daily cap can feel limiting for laptop-heavy use. If you mostly stream video and use social media and would rather not think about your remaining data or speed, Bloomy Unlimited Max — designed so you don't watch the limit — is worth considering.
On the other hand, if your trip is short and you don't use much data per day, a standard capped plan can sometimes cost less than an unlimited one. Deciding up front whether you're a "heavy every day" user or a "just when I need it" user makes it easier to pick a plan that fits without overpaying.
How Setup and Sign-Up Generally Work
Using an unlimited eSIM isn't much different from a standard one. In most cases, the safest approach is to install the eSIM on your device before you leave, then activate the line once you arrive. Keep in mind that the timing and method of activation vary by plan, so follow the instructions provided at purchase. It's also a good idea to confirm your device supports eSIM before you sign up.
What to Try If You Can't Connect
If your connection isn't working as expected on arrival, don't panic — running through these steps in order often sorts it out.
- Toggle airplane mode off and on, or restart your device.
- Check that mobile data is on and that the line set for data is the correct eSIM.
- Confirm your data roaming setting matches the plan's instructions.
- Right after arrival, the network can take a little while to settle, so wait a few minutes.
If speeds feel sluggish, it's also worth checking whether you've passed that day's full-speed limit, or whether you're in a busy time of day or area.
Things to Keep in Mind
- Each provider's conditions, pricing, and supported countries vary by country, region, plan, and timing, and are subject to change. Check each provider's official page for the latest details.
- Bloomy eSIM and Bloomy Unlimited Max are data-only. They generally don't include a phone number, SMS, or voice calls. If you need a phone number or SMS verification, plan for a separate option as well. App-based calls such as WhatsApp can work where a data connection is available.
- Even on an "unlimited" plan, a fair use policy, throttling after a certain amount of use, and tethering conditions may apply. These plans suit extended use, but it helps to check these conditions in advance.
- Connection quality can vary depending on the local network, your device, the area, and congestion.
What You Can Do With Bloomy
Bloomy aims to make things easy to navigate, even if it's your first time using an eSIM abroad. If you're leaning toward unlimited, see Bloomy Unlimited Max; if you'd like to compare more broadly, including capped plans, the eSIM comparison page lets you search by country, data amount, and number of days. You can confirm pricing as shown at the time of purchase.
Related Links
- Unlimited eSIM Comparison: What Changes With and Without Throttling?
- Is an Unlimited eSIM Really Unlimited? Understanding Throttling and Fair Use Policies
- Bloomy Unlimited Max
- eSIM comparison page
Summary
The unlimited plans from Airalo, Holafly, and Bloomy each have their own character. When you're choosing, checking the full-speed limit, the tethering conditions, and whether extra charges apply makes it easier to find a plan that suits how you actually use data. The best choice shifts with your habits — whether you stream and scroll without wanting to watch your usage, or do a lot of laptop work over tethering. We explain the underlying differences in Is an Unlimited eSIM Really Unlimited? Understanding Throttling and Fair Use Policies, so it's a helpful companion read as you decide.
