Airhub
Instabridge
Airhub vs Instabridge: Which eSIM Should You Buy?
Updated September 15, 2026
The Short Answer
Airhub usually has the cheaper sticker price per gigabyte before any code is applied, and it bundles in SMS and a local number that Instabridge doesn't. Instabridge counters with a much bigger 20% code (against Airhub's 5%) plus a free WiFi hotspot database bundled into the same app. Do the math with both codes applied rather than assuming the cheaper raw price wins: in several countries it doesn't.
Per-GB Price Snapshot (before any code)
| Destination | Airhub (per GB) | Instabridge (per GB) |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $0.94 (3GB pack, $2.82) | $2.00 (1GB) |
| France | $1.17 (3GB pack, $3.50) | $2.00 (1GB) |
| Italy | $1.67 (3GB pack, $5) | $2.00 (1GB) |
| Thailand | $0.85 (1GB) | $1.00 (1GB) |
| Japan | $1.55 (1GB) | $2.50 (1GB) |
| Spain | $2.00 (3GB pack, $6) | $2.00 (1GB) |
| Turkey | $2.25 (1GB) | $2.00 (1GB) |
| Malaysia | $1.38 (4GB pack, $5.50) | $1.00 (1GB) |
| UAE | $2.80 (1GB) | $3.00 (1GB) |
Airhub sells fixed multi-GB blocks (3GB, 4GB) rather than 1GB units, so the numbers above are the pack price divided by its GB size for a fair per-GB comparison. Airhub is cheaper before any code in six of these nine countries; Instabridge is cheaper in Turkey and Malaysia, and Spain is a dead tie. That ranking shifts once each provider's own code is applied, see below.
Discount Codes
- Airhub: ESIMOFFER5, 5% off. Our own code, ADAMANDLINDS, isn't currently applying at checkout (reported to Airhub, believed temporary), so this is the code to actually use for now. Full code list →
- Instabridge: SP20, 20% off (or TRAVELESIMEXPERT, same 20%). Full code list →
Instabridge's 20% code is a public one, and it only works on Instabridge's web store at checkout, not typed into the phone app.
The Bigger Code Wins More Often Than the Sticker Price Suggests
Instabridge's 20% code is four times the size of Airhub's 5%, and once both are applied that gap outweighs Airhub's cheaper raw price in more countries than it doesn't. Working the numbers with both codes applied: Airhub still comes out ahead in the United States, France, Italy, and Japan, where its per-GB price starts low enough that 5% off still beats Instabridge's 20% off a higher number. But Instabridge ends up cheaper after codes in Thailand, Spain, Turkey, Malaysia, and the UAE, including two countries (Thailand and the UAE) where Airhub was actually the cheaper option before any code was applied. If you're deciding on price alone, run both codes for your specific destination rather than assuming the cheaper sticker price wins at checkout.
Two Things Worth Knowing Before You Decide
Instabridge isn't just an eSIM app. It started as a WiFi-hotspot sharing app with a community database of over 20 million free hotspot passwords, and the eSIM is a paid bolt-on for when free WiFi isn't around. Airhub has no equivalent; it only ever sold data. If free hotspot coverage where you're headed is decent, Instabridge's app has value on top of whatever the eSIM comparison above shows.
Airhub includes SMS and, in many destinations, a local phone number; Instabridge's eSIM plans are data-only. Neither includes voice calls. If you need to receive a verification text or hand out a number that isn't your own, that's an Airhub-only feature between these two.
For device setup and eSIM basics that apply to both providers, see our eSIM compatible devices guide.
Is Airhub or Instabridge the Right Pick
Go with Airhub if…
- You're headed to the US, France, Italy, or Japan, where it's cheaper even after both codes
- You want SMS or a local number included with the data
- You want a straight per-GB eSIM with no separate app ecosystem to learn
Go with Instabridge if…
- You're headed to Thailand, Spain, Turkey, Malaysia, or the UAE, where its 20% code beats Airhub's price after both codes are applied
- You're going somewhere with strong free-WiFi hotspot coverage and want the eSIM as a backup, not your main connection
- You don't need SMS or a local number, just data
Airhub vs Instabridge FAQ
Which is cheaper, Airhub or Instabridge
It depends on the country and whether you're comparing before or after codes. Airhub's raw per-GB price is lower in most of the countries we checked, but Instabridge's 20% code is four times bigger than Airhub's 5%, which flips the after-code winner to Instabridge in Thailand, Spain, Turkey, Malaysia, and the UAE.
Does either include calls or texts
Airhub includes SMS and, in many destinations, a local phone number, but not calls. Instabridge's eSIM plans are data-only with no SMS or calls.
Why would I use Instabridge over a plain eSIM app
Instabridge bundles a free database of over 20 million community-submitted WiFi hotspot passwords into the same app, so the eSIM works as a backup for when free WiFi isn't available rather than your only option.
Can I enter the Instabridge code in the app
No. Instabridge's promo codes only work at checkout on its web store (store.instabridge.com/mobile-data), not inside the phone app.
Which one sells bigger data packages
Airhub, which sells fixed 3GB and 4GB blocks in most countries. Instabridge sells in smaller 1GB units, so buyers who need more data end up stacking more individual purchases.
Some codes and links on this page are affiliate codes and links, including our own (ADAMANDLINDS, where it applies). If you use one, we may earn a commission. We show our own code more prominently where we have one, not because it's automatically the best deal. See our about page for the full breakdown.