# Sim Local eSIM vs holiday.com

The clearest difference is ads: holiday.com at none against Sim Local eSIM's shown. Sim Local eSIM's advantage is rating (4.8 vs 4.5) and review sentiment (78% vs 69%). On price, update cadence, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

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

Sim Local eSIM holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Sim Local eSIM has 669 ratings behind it against 132, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 78% of Sim Local eSIM's written reviews are positive against 69% of holiday.com's.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 22, 2026 and October 21, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Sim Local eSIM | holiday.com |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (669 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sim-local-esim/id1554947648/reviews)** | [4.5 (132 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/holidaycom/id6738407696/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **669** | 132 |
| Positive reviews | **78.0% of reviews** | 68.6% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 66 MB | 49 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 15.1 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Sim Local (Ireland) Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/1014842228) | [Express VPN](https://appshunter.io/developer/1687252195) |

## What reviewers say

### 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


### holiday.com

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/holidaycom/id6738407696)

Stay connected globally with unlimited mobile data in over 150 countries. This app provides an eSIM for seamless internet access without roaming fees or overpriced international plans. Enjoy fast, reliable data and easy setup for worry-free travel.

**Highlights:** Unlimited mobile data in 150+ countries, No roaming fees, High-speed, reliable connections, Simple eSIM installation, 24/7 customer support, Digital and secure connectivity

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Sim Local eSIM free?

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

### Is holiday.com free?

holiday.com is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Sim Local eSIM or holiday.com?

Sim Local eSIM is rated higher. Sim Local eSIM averages 4.8 out of 5 from 669 ratings, while holiday.com averages 4.5 from 132 ratings.

### Do Sim Local eSIM or holiday.com have ads?

Sim Local eSIM shows ads; holiday.com does not.

### Which is updated more often, Sim Local eSIM or holiday.com?

Sim Local eSIM ships an update every 3 weeks, and holiday.com every 3 weeks. Most recently, Sim Local eSIM was updated on October 22, 2026 and holiday.com on October 21, 2026.

---

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