Nomad vs Ubigi 2026
We compare and contrast these two eSIM heavyweights to find out which is best
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For us, travel eSIMs have changed the game when it comes to getting online while overseas. Whereas in the past, we would end up paying expensive roaming fees, losing physical SIM cards or struggling in local shops, nowadays it’s as simple as buying a plan online prior to arriving in a new country and switching on upon arrival. This has smoothed the process over for us significantly and helped out when we hit immigration issues recently (thank you yellow fever restrictions).
We’ve been using and recommending eSIMs for a number of years, with Nomad and Ubigi being a big part of that. In this article we will pit these two heavyweight eSIMs against each other and recommend which we think you should get for your next trip.
Our winner is Ubigi. Want to jump straight to the head to head breakdown to find out why? Click here.
The Key Facts:
| Nomad | Ubigi | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 5/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Prices | Varies significantly depending on Location. Prices can be around: $5 for 1 GB Up to $20-$27 for 20GB | Varies significantly depending on Location. Prices can be around: $6 for 3 GB Up to $36 for 50 GB |
| Discounts | 20% OFF for all users with code TRAVELESIMEXPERT. Our Nomad promo code page has all the details. | TEE10 – 10% off for new users. More information on our Ubigi coupon page. |
| Services Included | Most plans data only, no phone calls or SMS | Mobile data only, no phone calls or SMS |
| Cellular Network | 4G and 5G, depending on location | 4G and 5G, depending on location |
| Number of Countries | Available in 170+ individual country and region options | Available in 200+ countries/regional/global options |
| Best in… | Winner None Yet | Winner 🥇: Best eSIM for Korea 🥇: Best eSIM for Vietnam |
Nomad
Nomad was among the first eSIM for travel providers that we used thanks to its strong reviews and brand awareness. Nomad was developed by LotusFlare, headquartered in Santa Clara, CA. Nomad currently works in 170 countries and locations.
After using Nomad in every country we’ve been to in the past year or two, we can confirm that Nomad is one of our favorites on the market. Our summary over on our Nomad review page, confirms that:
“One of, if not the best travel eSIM provider available right now. We have been impressed with Nomad’s signal strength, pricing and ease of use. Nomad is also amongst the best in the number of available networks to choose from. However, we do think their loyalty scheme and support could be improved.”
Nomad scores highly on all of the factors we rank as most important. In our review we awarded it our top score, 5 stars. Based on reviews online, the public agrees…
- App Store score: 4.8/5
- Play Store score: 5/5
- TrustPilot score: 4.5/5
Ubigi
In the other corner, we have Ubigi, a heavyweight that has exploded in interest in 2024. Established in 2018 by Paris based Transatel, it’s now a subsidiary of Japanese NTT Group. Ubigi claims to offer “High-end global cellular connectivity and eSIM services in over 200+ destinations with a large range of affordable prepaid data plans for smartphones, tablets and laptops and connected cars.”
Ubigi is another big favorite of ours that has improved significantly over time. Here’s our summary from our recent Ubigi review.
You’ll want to check out Ubigi for your next trip as it’s often amongst the cheapest and fastest eSIMs available in the market, with great signal to boot. There are a few exceptions where prices will be unreasonable however.
We’ve been impressed by Ubigi thanks to it regularly being faster and cheaper than the competition. For that reason we’ve also given it our top score, 4.5/5. Public reviews online are a little more critical than in Nomad’s case…
- App Store score: 4.6/5
- Play Store score: 3.7/5
- TrustPilot score: 4.2/5
Nomad vs Ubigi: Plan and pricing comparison
Nomad vs Ubigi: Speed test scores (Mbps)
| Country | Nomad | Ubigi |
|---|---|---|
| UK | 155 | 108 |
| Portugal | 95.6 | 243 |
| Vietnam | 87.1 | 181 |
| Korea | 149 | 351 |
| Malaysia | 49.2 | 59.7 |
Nomad speed test scores
Nomad Speed Test: UK
Nomad Speed Test: Portugal
Nomad Speed Test: Vietnam
Nomad Speed Test: Korea
Ubigi speed test scores
Ubigi Speed Test: United Kingdom
Ubigi Speed Test: Portugal
Ubigi Speed Test: Vietnam
Ubigi Speed Test: Korea
The breakdown: Nomad eSIM vs Ubigi eSIM
Note: We award the winner of each key factor with a medal.
Nomad
VS
Ubigi
Nomad: One of the best for signal worldwide. Nomad usually offers many networks to choose from in most countries, including the best networks available.
Ubigi: Generally good signal where we’ve tried it. Usually doesn’t offer many networks to choose from however. We have had a few issues of signal loss in some countries.
Nomad: Consistently fast. Almost always top 3 amongst eSIMs tested.
Ubigi: Sometimes the fastest by a distance (Asia especially), usually solid speeds, occasionally underwhelming.
Nomad: Consistently solid value, often cheaper than competitors in various places. Offers discounts too.
Ubigi: Usually also solid value and slightly cheaper than Nomad in many regions and specific countries, especially in Europe and Asia.
Nomad: Very functional, detailed and visually appealing too, especially for dark mode lovers. Not always the easiest to navigate.
Ubigi: App is not the most functional or easy to use, the design is fairly dated and it logs us out regularly.
Nomad: Somewhat complicated scheme. Reward comes in at 5% credit back of nearest $5 spend.
Ubigi: None.
Nomad: Quick and helpful responses from a ticketing system at various times throughout the day. No live chat though.
Ubigi: A weakness. Responses are slow and not super thorough.
Nomad: Available in 170+ countries and regions.
Ubigi: Available in 200+ countries and regions.
Nomad: SMS only plans available in USA and Canada only and travelers Telegram group.
Ubigi: Nothing else.
Our opinion:
Nomad vs Ubigi is extremely close. Both providers usually offer value, strong signal and at least fast speeds.
Our top factors in picking an eSIM are signal, speed and price/value. For these, Ubigi takes a close 2-1 victory thanks to regularly being the fastest eSIM tested and offering great value in many regions/countries. For that reason, we’ve chosen Ubigi as the better option for your next trip.
Nomad is also worth consideration thanks to being a general all rounder, offering solid value, speeds and signal, whilst also offering a loyalty scheme, a better app and improved customer support.
In conclusion, we think that it’s hard to go too far wrong with either, but Ubigi generally offers the better experience overall.
Nomad vs Ubigi winner: Ubigi
Why you can trust us
59 Providers personally tested 455 Total verified speed tests run 20 Countries tested
- We test each product personally.
- Our feedback and comments are entirely our own, we are not influenced by any third parties.
- We test extensively and back it up with data (speed tests, screenshots and more).
- We keep our content updated and our information accurate.
- We are a truly multi-national team coming from, living in and traveling to many different countries. As a result, we have genuinely used these products for years.
- We have an extensive background in writing, editing, strategizing and working on content creation in the UK, France, USA and South America with a combined experience of over 15 years.
- More on why you can trust us
🧾❗We brought receipts. Click for proof we’ve used these travel eSIM services.
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