If you're looking for information on Ubigi eSIM and are wondering whether to choose Ubigi or PuraSim for your next trip, this comparison will clarify things for you. Ubigi is a veteran brand with extensive coverage and recurring plans; PuraSim focuses on simple pricing and real support in Spanish. Let's look at it point by point.
What is Ubigi and where does it come from
Ubigi is an eSIM operated by Transatel (NTT group), a connectivity operator with years of experience in machine-to-machine and connected car connectivity. This makes it one of the most seasoned and technically robust options on the market.
Its industrial origin is evident: Ubigi started by providing connectivity to Windows laptops, tablets, and cars before becoming popular among travelers. That's why its catalog includes one-time country plans, regional packages, and recurring monthly plans designed for frequent travelers or remote workers. It has a comprehensive proprietary app and the ability to top up credit without changing your profile, which is convenient if you visit the same destinations repeatedly. On the other hand, its interface might seem a bit too technical for a user who just needs data for a week in Italy. If you're still unclear about the concept, reading what an eSIM is before comparing brands will help. Overall, Ubigi is a serious bet, backed by a real operator and not just a reseller.
What PuraSim offers
PuraSim is a travel eSIM designed for the Spanish traveler who wants the essentials without complications: buy, scan a QR, and have data upon landing. Its proposal revolves around clear prices with no fine print and support in Spanish.
Where Ubigi offers a wide and sometimes overwhelming catalog, PuraSim simplifies: plans by destination and zone with easy-to-understand data sizes, no hidden fees or automatic renewals you might forget to cancel. Activation takes about 1 minute from scanning the code. For the average Spanish traveler going to Thailand, the United States, or Morocco a couple of weeks a year, this simplicity is invaluable. You can see all available plans in the PuraSim eSIM store and choose your destination directly. And if you're wondering how it compares to other alternatives in the sector, we've also compared Airalo versus PuraSim in another guide.
Prices and plans compared
In terms of price, neither is "always the cheapest": it depends on the destination and the gigabytes. As a general reference in 2026, travel plans from both brands fall within similar ranges, with Ubigi slightly more expensive for smaller plans and PuraSim more competitive for short-term packages. These are typical indicative ranges, not official prices.
| Aspect | Ubigi | PuraSim |
|---|---|---|
| Small country plan (1-3 GB) | ~€5-15 | ~€4-12 |
| Regional plan (5-10 GB) | ~€18-35 | ~€15-30 |
| Recurring monthly plans | Yes, several | Travel-focused |
| Automatic renewal | Optional | No, one-time payment |
| Support in Spanish | Limited | Yes, native |
Exact amounts change due to destination and promotions, so check the official operator's website for the precise data before purchasing. If you want to see the complete overview of brands and prices, check our guide to the best eSIM for travel in 2026.
Traveler's tip: don't always buy the largest plan "just in case." Offline maps, WhatsApp, and navigation consume little data; 1 GB per week covers most urban trips.
Coverage and network quality
Here, Ubigi has a historical advantage: as an operator with direct agreements through Transatel, it usually offers very stable coverage in Europe, North America, and a good part of Asia. PuraSim supports its network with top-tier local partners, prioritizing the most in-demand destinations for Spanish travelers.
In practice, in large cities and common tourist routes, both work very well, and you'll notice little difference. Distinctions appear in exotic destinations or rural areas, where Ubigi sometimes connects with more local fallback operators. It's always advisable to check, in the plan details, which operators each eSIM supports in your specific country and if it includes 5G, because not all plans activate it. A useful detail: both usually allow you to continue using your Spanish number for WhatsApp and data calls, as the eSIM provides data and your physical SIM maintains your line. For very specific destinations, check recent traveler reviews in forums before deciding.
Support and language
This is one of the points where they differ most. Ubigi, due to its international scale, offers support primarily in English and French, with correct response times but not always in Spanish. PuraSim originated in Spain and offers native, one-on-one support in Spanish.
Why does it matter so much? Because problems with an eSIM almost always appear at the worst moment: you've just landed, it's 11 PM local time, and the eSIM isn't connecting. Being able to explain your problem in your own language, without technical misunderstandings, makes the difference between solving it in minutes or spending the night without data. For many Spanish travelers, that close support outweighs any minor price difference. If you particularly value this factor, you might also be interested in comparing PuraSim with other brands: here you have PuraSim versus Nomad and PuraSim versus Saily.
Installation and ease of use
For both brands, the process is essentially the same: you buy, receive a QR code, scan it from your phone's settings, and activate data upon arrival. Activation takes around 1 minute. The difference lies in how intuitive the flow is for a first-time user.
Ubigi pushes you towards its app, which is powerful but has more options and menus; perfect if you want to manage top-ups and recurring plans, but a bit more complex if you just want quick data. PuraSim opts for a minimalist flow: short, step-by-step instructions in Spanish, without any mandatory downloads. Basic steps common to both:
- Purchase your destination plan and check your confirmation email.
- Before traveling, with WiFi, scan the QR in Settings > Mobile Data > Add eSIM.
- Upon landing, activate the eSIM and deactivate roaming on your physical SIM.
- Check that the local operator appears and test the connection.
Requirements to consider before purchasing either:
- That your mobile is eSIM compatible (most from iPhone XS or recent high-end Android).
- That it is unlocked, without carrier lock.
- Have the QR saved or captured in case you lose the email.
Which one is right for your trip
There is no absolute winner: there is a winner for each profile. The key is to be honest about how you travel. Generally speaking, Ubigi shines for the frequent international traveler, and PuraSim for those who want something simple and in their language without surprises.
Choose Ubigi if you travel constantly, want recurring monthly plans, are comfortable with English, and value the coverage of a veteran operator in less common destinations. Its app and top-ups are a real advantage for digital nomads. Choose PuraSim if you are a Spanish traveler who goes a few times a year, prefers to pay once without renewals, wants clear prices, and, above all, values having support in Spanish when something goes wrong. For trips to Europe, Asia, or America with classic tourist destinations, the network difference will be minimal, and you will gain in convenience. If you are debating between several brands, our general comparison will help you finalize your decision.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ubigi or PuraSim better for a trip to Europe?
For a standard tourist trip through Europe, both work very well, and you'll notice little network difference in large cities. PuraSim is usually more convenient for Spanish travelers due to its simple pricing and Spanish support, while Ubigi is more appealing if you want a recurring monthly plan.
Does Ubigi have support in Spanish?
Ubigi offers support primarily in English and French, with correct response times, but not always native Spanish support. If it's important for you to resolve incidents in your language and without technical misunderstandings, PuraSim offers support in Spanish, which is very useful when a problem arises just after landing.
Can I keep my Spanish number using these eSIMs?
Yes. The travel eSIM only provides data, while your physical Spanish SIM keeps your number for WhatsApp, SMS, and data calls. It is advisable to deactivate roaming on your Spanish line to avoid charges and use the eSIM as your primary data connection during the trip.
How long do they take to activate?
In both cases, installation is very quick: after scanning the QR code, the eSIM is ready in about 1 minute. The ideal is to install it with WiFi before leaving home and activate data only upon landing, to arrive connected without relying on airport WiFi.
Do I need a special phone?
You need an eSIM-compatible and unlocked phone. Most iPhones from the XS onwards and many recent mid-to-high-end Android phones support it. You can confirm this in your phone settings by looking for the option to add an eSIM or by checking the manufacturer's website.
Which one is actually cheaper?
It depends on the destination and the gigabytes. PuraSim is usually more competitive for short-term packages, and Ubigi can be more cost-effective for recurring plans for frequent travelers. As prices change due to country and promotions, consult the official operator's website for the exact data before purchasing.
Conclusion
Ubigi is a veteran and solid option, ideal for frequent travelers who want recurring plans and maximum coverage. PuraSim wins in simplicity, clear pricing, and Spanish support, perfect for those who travel a few times a year. If you want data without complications and support in your language, check out PuraSim's plans for your next destination and travel connected from the moment you land.
