VAYO vs Airalo: which eSIM is better for your trip? (Japan prices, 2026)
VAYO and Airalo both sell prepaid travel eSIMs that you install from a QR code. VAYO lists 15 fixed-data Japan plans today, from $1.69 for 500 MB / 7 days. Airalo's Japan plans started at $4.00 for 1 GB / 3 days when we checked on 7 October 2026. Below: prices, unlimited data, networks, apps, support and refunds.
Last reviewed: · Competitor prices checked 7 October 2026 (USD) · VAYO prices are live · Published by VAYO
Disclosure: This comparison is published by VAYO, one of the products compared. VAYO is not affiliated with Airalo.
What is the difference between VAYO and Airalo?
Both are travel eSIM sellers: VAYO covers 200+ destinations and Airalo covers 200+ locations. VAYO sells fixed-data and daily unlimited plans you can buy with just an email address, with no account. Airalo adds iOS and Android apps in 53 languages, 24/7 WhatsApp support, top-ups and fixed-day unlimited packages.
Reviewed by VAYO · Read eSIM FAQs
VAYO vs Airalo at a glance
- Cheapest Japan plan
- VAYO: $1.69 (500 MB / 7 days). Airalo: $4.00 (1 GB / 3 days).
- Unlimited data
- VAYO: $3.99 a day (1 GB a day at high speed, then 256 Kbps until the next day). Airalo: from $11.50 for 3 days (full speed for the first 3 GB each day, then 1 Mbps until the next day).
- Apps and support
- VAYO: Website + iOS app, Help Centre and contact form. Airalo: iOS and Android apps, 24/7 WhatsApp support.
- Refunds
- VAYO: full refund if not installed or activated, within 30 days. Airalo: not stated on the page checked.
How do VAYO and Airalo compare for Japan?
| Japan plan | VAYO | Airalo |
|---|---|---|
| Cheapest Japan plan | $1.69 (500 MB / 7 days) | $4.00 (1 GB / 3 days) |
| 1 GB (lowest price, any validity) | $2.89 (7 days) | $4.00 (3 days) |
| 3 GB (lowest price, any validity) | $6.99 (15 days) | $7.50 (3 days) |
| 5 GB (lowest price, any validity) | $11.99 (30 days) | $10.00 (7 days) |
| 10 GB (lowest price, any validity) | $19.99 (30 days) | $17.00 (7 days) |
| 20 GB (lowest price, any validity) | $33.99 (30 days) | $24.00 (15 days) |
| Unlimited, 7 days | $27.93 (7 × $3.99 a day) | $26.50 |
| Unlimited, 15 days | $59.85 (15 × $3.99 a day) | $48.00 |
| Unlimited, 30 days | $119.70 (30 × $3.99 a day) | $69.00 |
| How unlimited works | 1 GB a day at high speed, then 256 Kbps until the next day | Full speed for the first 3 GB each day, then 1 Mbps until the next day |
| Japan networks listed | KDDI/au, NTT docomo, Rakuten Mobile, SoftBank | SoftBank, KDDI |
| Phone number | Not included: data only | Not included: the Japan packages list no calls or texts |
| Account | Not required: email address only | Not stated on the page checked |
| Apps | Website + iOS app | iOS and Android apps; app in 53 languages |
| Support | Help Centre, iPhone and Android install guides, contact form | 24/7 multi-language support, including WhatsApp chat |
| Top-ups / renewals | Not listed | Top-ups on many eSIMs; optional automatic renewal when 10% of data is left |
| Refunds | Full refund if not installed or activated and requested within 30 days | Not stated on the page checked |
| Coverage | 200+ destinations | 200+ locations |
| Source | Live from the VAYO catalog | airalo.com/japan-esim, checked 7 October 2026 |
"Not listed" or "Not stated" means it does not appear on the page we checked. It does not mean the provider can't offer it.
Where is VAYO stronger?
- Lower entry price: VAYO's cheapest Japan plan is $1.69 (500 MB / 7 days), and Airalo's was $4.00 (1 GB / 3 days).
- Lower price at 1 GB and 3 GB, comparing the lowest listed price for each data size (validity differs, see the table).
- No account: you can buy with only an email address, and the QR code arrives by email.
- Clear refund rule: a full refund if the eSIM has not been installed or activated and you ask within 30 days of purchase.
- More Japan networks listed: KDDI/au, NTT docomo, Rakuten Mobile and SoftBank.
Where is Airalo stronger?
- Lower price at 5 GB, 10 GB and 20 GB, comparing the lowest listed price for each data size (validity differs, see the table).
- Apps and languages: Airalo has iOS and Android apps, available in 53 languages. VAYO has a website and an iOS app.
- Support: Airalo offers 24/7 multi-language support, including WhatsApp. VAYO provides support through its Help Centre, installation guides for iPhone and Android, and a contact form.
- Top-ups and renewals: Airalo lets you top up many eSIMs and renew automatically when 10% of data is left. VAYO does not list this.
- More full-speed data on unlimited: Airalo's Japan unlimited packages give 3 GB a day at full speed, then 1 Mbps. VAYO's daily plan gives 1 GB a day at high speed, then 256 Kbps.
- Scale: Airalo says over 30 million people have chosen it.
Which one fits your trip?
- A week in Tokyo, mostly maps and messaging: About 1 GB is enough for light use. Cheapest plan with at least 1 GB for 7 days: VAYO $2.89 (1 GB / 7 days); Airalo $8.00 (3 GB / 7 days).
- Two weeks of streaming and hotspot use: Look at unlimited data. Airalo's 15-day package costs $48.00 (full speed for the first 3 GB each day, then 1 Mbps until the next day). VAYO's daily plan for 15 days costs $59.85 (1 GB a day at high speed, then 256 Kbps until the next day).
- Android user who wants everything in an app: Airalo has an Android app. VAYO has a website and an iOS app.
What would 7 days in Japan cost?
| Need | VAYO | Airalo |
|---|---|---|
| Light use (about 1 GB) | $2.89 (1 GB / 7 days) | $8.00 (3 GB / 7 days) |
| Moderate use (about 10 GB) | $19.99 (10 GB / 30 days) | $17.00 (10 GB / 7 days) |
| Unlimited | $27.93 (daily plan × 7, 1 GB a day at high speed, then 256 Kbps until the next day) | $26.50 (7 days unlimited) |
"Not listed" or "Not stated" means it does not appear on the page we checked. It does not mean the provider can't offer it.
How did we compare VAYO and Airalo?
We compared Japan plan prices, unlimited options, listed networks, phone-number support, account requirements, apps, support channels and refund rules. Airalo facts come from Airalo's own Japan page, checked on 7 October 2026 and shown in USD to a visitor outside Japan; they may differ by location and currency. VAYO prices, plan counts and networks are read live from the VAYO catalog, and VAYO policies come from VAYO's product facts. Check each provider's site before you buy. We review this page at least every 90 days.
- Airalo: airalo.com/japan-esim, checked
- VAYO: live prices from the VAYO catalog (Japan plans) and VAYO product facts
What else do people ask about VAYO vs Airalo?
Is VAYO cheaper than Airalo for Japan?
It depends on the plan. VAYO's cheapest Japan plan is $1.69 (500 MB / 7 days) today; Airalo's was $4.00 (1 GB / 3 days) on 7 October 2026. Comparing the lowest price for each data size, VAYO is lower at 1 GB and 3 GB. Airalo is lower at 5 GB, 10 GB and 20 GB. For 7 days of unlimited data, Airalo charges $26.50 and VAYO's daily plan costs $27.93 (1 GB a day at high speed, then 256 Kbps until the next day).
Which phones work with VAYO and Airalo eSIMs?
Both need a phone that supports eSIM. VAYO eSIMs need an unlocked, eSIM-compatible device and VAYO keeps a compatible-devices list; Airalo links to its own device compatibility article from its Japan page.
Do VAYO or Airalo eSIMs come with a phone number?
VAYO eSIMs are data-only and do not include a phone number, calls or SMS; your home SIM keeps your number. Airalo's Japan packages list no calls or texts, and Airalo says calls and texts apply only when included with an eSIM.
Do I need an account to buy a VAYO eSIM?
No. You can buy a VAYO eSIM with only an email address, and the QR code is sent by email after payment.
What happens after the daily data on VAYO's unlimited Japan plan?
You get 1 GB of high-speed data a day, then stay connected at 256 Kbps until the allowance resets the next day. The plan costs $3.99 a day.
Can I get a refund on a VAYO eSIM?
Yes, if the eSIM has not been installed or activated and you ask within 30 days of purchase. Partial refunds are not given after activation, and approved refunds are processed within 5–10 business days.
Does Airalo have 24/7 support?
Airalo's Japan page says it offers 24/7, multi-language support, including chat on WhatsApp (checked 7 October 2026). VAYO provides support through its Help Centre, installation guides for iPhone and Android, and a contact form.