# Nomad eSIM vs Sim Local eSIM

Nomad eSIM and Sim Local eSIM both sit at 4.8 stars, but that hides the real split: 78% of Sim Local eSIM's written reviews are positive against 58% of Nomad eSIM's. Sim Local eSIM also leads on device support (3 vs 1) and iOS requirement (15.0 vs 18.0). Nomad eSIM's advantage is ratings volume (17K vs 676) and chart position (#188 vs unranked). On price, rating, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.8 for Nomad eSIM against 4.8 for Sim Local eSIM. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Nomad eSIM has 17K ratings behind it against 676, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 58% of Nomad eSIM's written reviews are positive against 78% of Sim Local eSIM's.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 31, 2026 and October 27, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Nomad eSIM | Sim Local eSIM |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.8 (17K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nomad-esim-prepaid-data-plan/id1521602300/reviews) | **[4.8 (676 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sim-local-esim/id1554947648/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **17K** | 676 |
| Positive reviews | 58.0% of reviews | **78.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | **#188** | — |
| Size | 160 MB | 66 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [LotusFlare](https://appshunter.io/developer/1244047701) | [Sim Local (Ireland) Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/1014842228) |

## What reviewers say

### Nomad eSIM

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nomad-esim-prepaid-data-plan/id1521602300)

**Currently charting:** #188 Top Free · Travel (US App Store)

This app provides convenient and affordable eSIM data plans for international travel. Connect to the internet in over 200 destinations without contracts or traditional SIM cards. Enjoy fast activation and flexible data options.

**Highlights:** eSIM data plans for 200+ destinations, Fast 5-minute activation, No contracts or hidden fees, Regional and country-specific plans, Data usage tracking, Referral discounts

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Easy to set up and use
- 💰 Affordable data plans
- 🌐 Reliable connectivity in multiple countries
- ⭐ Excellent customer service
- 🌍 Convenient for travelers

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Inconsistent connectivity and coverage issues
- ⚠️ Activation and setup problems
- 🕰️ Slow data speeds in some regions
- 📞 Unresponsive support in some cases
- 🔒 Security and privacy concerns

**Reported bugs**

- eSIM not activating properly
- Incorrect data usage reporting
- Compatibility issues with newer devices

**Requested features**

- Ability to share data across devices
- Automatic data top-up notifications
- Support for more countries and networks


### Sim Local eSIM

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sim-local-esim/id1554947648)

Easily purchase and download local eSIM data, call, and text plans for over 100 countries. Keep your existing phone number and SIM card while enjoying cheaper data from local networks. Stay connected globally with instant setup and flexible plan management.

**Highlights:** Local eSIM data plans, International calls and texts, Keep existing phone number, Instant eSIM download, Manage multiple plans, Track data usage

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Very easy and simple to use app
- 🌍 Extensive coverage across many countries
- 💰 Competitive and affordable pricing
- 🚀 Quick setup and activation process
- 📱 Seamless eSIM installation

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 App UI navigation issues and confusing user journey
- 📵 Poor or no coverage in certain countries (Dominican Republic, Chile, remote Vietnam)
- ⚠️ Data usage discrepancies between app and phone
- ⏱️ Slow customer service response times
- 🚫 SMS code delivery issues for registration

**Reported bugs**

- Filter functionality traps users and prevents app navigation
- Data usage discrepancies between app display and actual phone usage
- Service activation failures requiring multiple attempts
- Unexpected service disconnection despite remaining data
- Network settings reset causing loss of original phone number

**Requested features**

- Ability to purchase multiple eSIMs simultaneously
- Alternative SMS code delivery methods (WhatsApp, email)
- Temporary phone number inclusion with plans
- Improved data usage tracking and transparency
- Better coverage in remote areas


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Nomad eSIM free?

Nomad eSIM is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Sim Local eSIM free?

Sim Local eSIM is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Nomad eSIM or Sim Local eSIM?

Sim Local eSIM is rated higher. Nomad eSIM averages 4.8 out of 5 from 17K ratings, while Sim Local eSIM averages 4.8 from 676 ratings.

### Do Nomad eSIM or Sim Local eSIM have ads?

Both Nomad eSIM and Sim Local eSIM show ads.

### Which is updated more often, Nomad eSIM or Sim Local eSIM?

Nomad eSIM ships an update every 3 weeks, and Sim Local eSIM every 3 weeks. Most recently, Nomad eSIM was updated on October 31, 2026 and Sim Local eSIM on October 27, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*