Airalo Europe eSIM vs Europe Number: Which €25 Plan Gets You More in 2026?
Is Airalo’s Europe eSIM Worth It When You Could Get Double the Data?
Airalo is one of the most recognised names in travel eSIMs — and for good reason. Their app is polished, their coverage is broad, and their plans are easy to buy. But when you line up their flagship 10GB Europe eSIM against Europe Number’s 20GB plan at roughly the same price, the comparison gets uncomfortable for Airalo fast.
This article breaks down both plans in detail: data allowance, local number access, coverage, and which type of traveller each one actually suits.
| Provider | Plan | Price | Data | Local Number | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Europe Number | 20GB Europe eSIM | ~€25 | 20GB | Yes — real local number | 35+ countries |
| Airalo | Europe eSIM 10GB | ~€24–26 | 10GB | No — data only | 39 countries |
| Nomad | Europe eSIM 10GB | ~€22–25 | 10GB | No — data only | 35+ countries |
TL;DR: At nearly the same price, Europe Number gives you 20GB of data and a real local European number. Airalo gives you 10GB and data only. If you want more data and the ability to receive calls and texts on a local number, Europe Number is the stronger buy. Airalo makes sense if you prioritise brand familiarity or need coverage in a country Europe Number doesn’t reach.
What You Get for ~€25: A Closer Look
Airalo Europe eSIM — 10GB
Airalo’s Europe plan covers 39 countries across the continent using a data-only connection. The 10GB allowance is modest for a longer trip but workable for a week or two of light use — maps, messaging, and occasional browsing. Setup is handled through Airalo’s app, which is one of the slicker eSIM interfaces available. You won’t receive calls or texts on a local number; if someone tries to reach you on your home number, they’ll pay international rates.
Airalo’s strength is brand trust and app experience. If you’ve used them before and had a good experience, that consistency has real value. But on pure data-per-euro, this plan doesn’t compete.
Europe Number 20GB eSIM with Local Number
Europe Number’s €25 plan doubles the data to 20GB and adds something Airalo can’t match at this price: a real local European number. That means you can receive calls and SMS on a local number — useful for booking restaurants, confirming hotel check-ins, or any situation where a contact abroad needs to reach you without international charges on their end.
The europe esim with number from Europe Number is built for travellers who want a complete mobile presence in Europe, not just a data pipe. If you’re travelling for more than a few days, or doing anything that requires local contact — apartment rentals, car hire, meeting locals — the number matters.
Data Allowance: 10GB vs 20GB
The practical difference between 10GB and 20GB depends entirely on how you use your phone. A week of typical tourist usage — maps, Instagram, WhatsApp, occasional streaming — can consume 5–8GB easily. Heavy users, remote workers, or anyone tethering a laptop will burn through 10GB in three or four days.
At the same price point, 20GB is simply a better buffer. You’re less likely to run out mid-trip, less likely to scramble for a top-up, and less likely to ration your usage nervously. For a trip of a week or longer, the 20GB plan from Europe Number is the more relaxed choice.
A Local Number: More Useful Than You Think
Most travellers underestimate how often a local number matters until they need one. Booking a table at a popular restaurant and they ask for a callback number. Picking up a rental car and the desk needs a local contact. Listing your accommodation on a platform that requires SMS verification.
Data-only eSIMs like Airalo’s handle none of this. You’d need to rely on internet calling apps — which only work when you have signal — or your home number, which may trigger international rates for the caller.
An europe esim that includes a real local number solves these friction points without any workaround. Europe Number’s plan assigns you an actual European number that receives calls and texts like any local SIM would.
Coverage Comparison
Airalo covers 39 European countries on their flagship Europe plan — one of the broader footprints in the market. Europe Number covers 35+ countries, which covers all the major destinations: France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Greece, Portugal, the Netherlands, and the rest of Western and Central Europe.
For most travellers, the coverage difference is academic. Unless you’re specifically heading to an obscure Eastern European destination, both plans will serve you. It’s worth checking both providers’ country lists against your itinerary before buying — but for mainstream European travel, either covers you.
Which One Should You Buy?
If your trip is a week or longer, you want a local number for practicality, or you simply want more data for the same price, the europe esim with number from Europe Number is the better value. You get twice the data and a real mobile presence in Europe.
Airalo is worth considering if you’ve used them before and want the familiarity of their app, or if your destination is in their coverage area but not Europe Number’s. Their data-only plan is well-executed — it’s just hard to justify when a competitor offers double the data and an included local number at the same price.
For travellers who want the most from their €25, the europe esim from Europe Number is the straightforward choice in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Airalo’s Europe eSIM data only?
Yes. Airalo’s Europe eSIM plans are data-only. You won’t receive a local phone number and cannot receive standard calls or SMS. For those features, you need a plan like Europe Number’s eSIM that includes a real local number.
Does Europe Number’s eSIM include a real phone number?
Yes. Europe Number’s eSIM plan includes a genuine local European number that can receive calls and SMS — not just data connectivity. This is one of the key differences from data-only competitors like Airalo.
Which is better value — Airalo 10GB or Europe Number 20GB at the same price?
On a pure data-per-euro basis, Europe Number’s 20GB plan offers twice the data for a comparable price. It also includes a local number, making it the stronger value option for most travellers.
Can I use a Europe eSIM on any smartphone?
eSIMs work on any eSIM-compatible device — most iPhones from the XS onwards and the majority of Android flagships from 2020 onwards. Check your device’s settings or manufacturer specifications to confirm eSIM support before purchasing.
How many countries does Europe Number’s eSIM cover?
Europe Number’s eSIM covers 35+ European countries, including all major Western and Central European destinations such as France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Greece, Portugal, and the Netherlands.
Can I top up my Europe Number eSIM if I run out of data?
Top-up options vary by plan. Check Europe Number’s website for the latest top-up terms before travelling, so you know your options if you use your allowance before your trip ends.
