Airhub
SimLocal
Airhub vs SimLocal: Which eSIM Should You Buy?
Updated October 10, 2026
The Short Answer
Both sit in our "Cheap" price bracket, but they're cheap in different ways. Pick Airhub if you just want the lowest per-gigabyte price and don't mind tracking usage. Pick SimLocal if you're headed to the UK specifically and want a real phone number bundled into the plan, plus a no-questions refund if it doesn't work out.
The Core Difference: Lowest Price-Per-GB vs. a Free Bundled UK Number
Airhub's whole pitch is per-GB pricing that undercuts most of the competition: $0.85 for 1GB in Thailand, $1.55 for 1GB in Japan, numbers that beat what Airalo or Saily charge for the same amount in the same countries. It sells multi-gigabyte blocks (3GB, 4GB) rather than single-day or single-GB units, and most plans bundle SMS and, in many destinations, a local phone number alongside the data, though not voice calls.
SimLocal takes a narrower but more complete approach to the number question: most of its UK plans include a full UK phone number capable of calls and texts, not just SMS, bundled directly into the plan at no extra cost. We bought one ourselves for a UK trip specifically for that reason and confirmed it worked. The catch is it's UK-only; SimLocal doesn't sell a bundled number for any other country the way it does for the UK.
Discount Codes
- Airhub: our own code, ADAMANDLINDS, currently isn't applying at checkout. ESIMOFFER5 is the code we actually recommend right now, for 5% off. Full code list →
- SimLocal: ADAMANDLINDS, 10% off all plans. Full code list →
Both codes are ours, but only SimLocal's is currently working at checkout. We've flagged the Airhub issue directly with Airhub and expect it to be fixed; until then, ESIMOFFER5 is the Airhub code to use.
Is Airhub or SimLocal the Right Pick
Go with Airhub if…
- You want the lowest price per gigabyte and are comfortable tracking usage
- You're headed somewhere Airhub prices sharply, like Thailand or Japan
- SMS is enough; you don't need a number that takes voice calls
Go with SimLocal if…
- Your trip is specifically to the UK
- You want calls and texts on a real local number, not just SMS
- You want a no-questions refund policy as a safety net
Two Things Worth Knowing Before You Decide
Airhub's data is cheaper almost everywhere, but its number coverage is wider and shallower. Airhub's local numbers (where offered) handle SMS across many destinations; SimLocal's bundled number is deeper (actual calls, not just texts) but limited to one country. If you need a real number for Thailand or Japan rather than the UK, Airhub's SMS-only number is the closer fit by default, since SimLocal doesn't offer one there at all.
SimLocal's refund policy is a genuine safety net Airhub doesn't match. SimLocal advertises "No Quibble Refunds," no explanation required. Airhub's own site advertises a 200MB no-commitment free trial instead, which is a different kind of risk reduction (try before you commit, rather than get your money back after).
For device setup and eSIM basics that apply to both providers, see our eSIM compatible devices guide.
Airhub vs SimLocal FAQ
Which is cheaper, Airhub or SimLocal
Airhub, on a pure per-GB basis in most destinations. SimLocal's value comes from the bundled UK number rather than beating Airhub on price per gigabyte.
Which one gives me a real phone number
SimLocal, if you're going to the UK: most UK plans include a full number for calls and texts. Airhub bundles a local number on many plans too, but it's SMS-only, no voice calls, and the destination lineup is different from SimLocal's UK-only offer.
Can I get a refund if I change my mind
SimLocal advertises a "No Quibble Refunds" policy with no explanation required. Airhub doesn't advertise an equivalent refund policy; it instead offers a 200MB free trial for new users to test before committing.
Is either provider's own discount code currently working
SimLocal's is. Airhub's own code, ADAMANDLINDS, currently isn't applying at checkout; we've reported it to Airhub and recommend using ESIMOFFER5 in the meantime.
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.