If you're choosing a China eSIM, you've probably narrowed it down to a few names. This is an honest comparison of three popular options — Holafly, Airalo, and OVOSIM — focused on what actually matters for a China trip: how they're priced, what you can do with the data, and the catches that aren't obvious until you've bought.
We'll be upfront: we're OVOSIM, so we have a side. But the comparison below sticks to verifiable facts about how each option works, because the goal is for you to pick the one that fits your trip — even if that isn't us.
First, the one thing that's true for all three: every international travel eSIM bypasses China's Great Firewall the same way — by routing your data through a network outside China. So Holafly, Airalo, and OVOSIM all let you use Google, WhatsApp, and Instagram in China without a separate VPN. The differences aren't about whether the firewall is bypassed — they're about price, data model, and the fine print.
The core difference: unlimited vs. capped data
The biggest split between these three is the pricing model.
Holafly uses an unlimited-data model. You pay a daily rate for unlimited data — convenient if you don't want to track usage, but you pay for "unlimited" whether you use it or not, and unlimited plans carry a fair-usage policy that can reduce speed after very heavy use. There's also a hotspot/tethering cap (around 500MB/day), so it's less suited to sharing a connection with a laptop or travel companions all day.
Airalo and OVOSIM use a capped-data model. You buy a bucket of GB (say 3GB, 5GB, 10GB) for a set period. This is usually cheaper for typical travelers, because most people don't use as much data as they fear — and you're not paying for an "unlimited" allowance you'll never touch.
Which model is right depends on you. If you stream video for hours daily and never want to think about a counter, unlimited has appeal. If you use maps, messaging, and the occasional upload — which is most travelers — a capped plan usually costs less for the same real-world experience.
Quick comparison
| Holafly | Airalo | OVOSIM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Data model | Unlimited (daily rate) | Capped (buy GB) | Capped (buy GB) |
| Starting price | ~$1.55–6.90/day | Varies by plan | From €2.99 |
| Hotspot/tethering | ~500MB/day cap | Allowed | Allowed |
| Top-up mid-trip | N/A (unlimited) | Yes | Yes |
| Bypasses Firewall (no VPN) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Hong Kong on China plan | No (separate plan) | Check plan | Check plan |
Prices and terms current as of June 2026 — always verify on each provider's site before buying, as plans change.
What to actually look for in a China eSIM
Beyond the brand, these are the factors that determine whether your trip goes smoothly:
Tethering, if you need it. If you travel with a laptop or want to share data with a partner, check the hotspot rules carefully. Unlimited plans often cap tethering even when the main data is unlimited. Capped plans typically let you use your full allowance however you want, including hotspot.
Top-up options. Can you add data mid-trip if you run low? With OVOSIM you can top up from anywhere with Wi-Fi (though, like all providers, you'll want to do it before entering China if possible, since the site is blocked inside). This matters more on capped plans.
Hong Kong and Macau coverage. These operate as separate telecom regions. Holafly's standard China plan does not include Hong Kong — you'd need a separate plan or a combined China+HK+Macau plan. If your itinerary crosses into Hong Kong, check this for any provider before buying.
Honest speed and coverage claims. Be wary of any provider promising guaranteed 5G everywhere — China's urban networks are excellent, but coverage in remote and mountain regions is genuinely patchy for everyone. Honest providers say so.
Where OVOSIM fits
We'll be straightforward about who we're a good fit for, and who we're not.
OVOSIM is a good fit if you want a capped China plan at a transparent price (from €2.99), full use of your data including hotspot, the ability to top up, and the same firewall bypass as anyone else — without paying an unlimited premium you may not need. You can see our China plans here.
A competitor might suit you better if you're a genuinely heavy data user who wants true unlimited and doesn't mind paying for it, or if you need a specific feature on someone else's plan. We'd rather you get the right plan than the wrong one with our name on it.
The rule that applies no matter which you choose
Whichever provider you pick, the single most important step is the same: buy and install your eSIM before you fly to China. You cannot install a new foreign eSIM once you're inside the country — the activation needs open internet, and the Great Firewall blocks it. Install at home on Wi-Fi, keep it switched off, and activate when you land. (More detail in our China eSIM guide.)
The bottom line
All three — Holafly, Airalo, OVOSIM — bypass China's Great Firewall and let you use your normal apps without a VPN. The real choice is the data model: Holafly's unlimited suits heavy users who don't want to track usage; Airalo and OVOSIM's capped plans usually cost less for typical travelers. Check tethering rules, top-up options, and Hong Kong coverage before you commit — and buy before you fly.
OVOSIM's China eSIM starts at €2.99 — capped plans, full hotspot use, firewall bypass with no VPN, and easy top-ups. See China plans → Use code OVOSIM15 for 15% off.
FAQ
Is Holafly or Airalo better for China? It depends on your usage. Holafly offers unlimited data at a daily rate (better for heavy streamers who don't want to track GB), while Airalo offers capped plans that are usually cheaper for typical travelers. Both bypass the Great Firewall.
Do Holafly, Airalo, and OVOSIM all work in China without a VPN? Yes. All three are international eSIMs that route data outside China, which bypasses the Great Firewall automatically — so Google, WhatsApp, and Instagram work without a separate VPN on any of them.
Does Holafly's China plan include Hong Kong? No — Holafly's standard China eSIM does not cover Hong Kong, which is a separate telecom region. You'd need a separate or combined plan. Check Hong Kong coverage with any provider if your trip includes it.
Which China eSIM is cheapest? Capped-data plans (like Airalo and OVOSIM) are usually cheaper than unlimited plans for typical travelers, because most people use less data than they expect. OVOSIM China plans start at €2.99. Always compare current prices, as they change.
Can I buy any of these eSIMs after I arrive in China? No. You must buy and install before you fly — installing a new foreign eSIM requires open internet that the Great Firewall blocks. This applies to all providers.