Revolut eSIM vs GigSky: Price, Plans, and Performance Side by Side

Staying connected abroad without breaking the bank has become the holy grail for savvy travelers. 

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You've probably found yourself searching for WiFi or paying outrageous roaming fees that make your credit card statement look like a small mortgage payment.

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Enter eSIM technology – the game-changer that's revolutionizing how we stay connected while exploring the world. 

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But here's where things get interesting: you've got traditional eSIM providers like GigSky going head-to-head with financial apps like Revolut that are now dabbling in the connectivity game.

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If you're scratching your head wondering which one works better for your travels, you're not alone.

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This Revolut eSIM vs GigSky comparison will break down everything you need to know about these two different approaches to keeping you connected abroad.

GigSky & Revolut: Two Paths to eSIM Connectivity

GigSky isn't just another tech startup jumping on the eSIM bandwagon. They've been in the game since 2010, and when Apple was developing the first iPhone supporting the eSIM technology (the iPhone XS), they invited GigSky to help shape the standard.

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Today, GigSky operates as what's called a heavy MVNO (mobile virtual network operator), which means they run their own network infrastructure, so if you struggle to get a signal in the middle of nowhere, GigSky automatically switches you to the strongest local network without you lifting a finger. 

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They're the only eSIM provider that keeps you connected both on land and at sea, covering 200+ countries and 200+ cruise ships.

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Revolut, on the other hand, is a sleek financial app you probably already have on your phone for managing your money, making payments, and keeping track of your spending while traveling. 

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In 2024, they decided to throw their hat into the eSIM ring, offering connectivity services as an add-on to their financial ecosystem.

Coverage Comparison Across Regions

Here's where the differences in this Revolut eSIM vs GigSky comparison become crystal clear. 

GigSky’s global plan covers 172 countries, compared to Revolut’s 108. It offers stronger regional coverage across Africa, Asia, North America, the Caribbean, and Oceania, giving travelers broader access in less-served destinations. GigSky also leads with Middle East, Caribbean and Oceania coverage, where Revolut has none.

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Revolut, however, offers slightly more countries in Europe and Latin America.

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Overall, GigSky provides the widest reach globally and in most major regions.

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While Revolut's coverage is respectable, it's about half of what GigSky offers.

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And GigSky is popular in places like Cuba, where getting reliable internet is difficult. Since GigSky operates as a network provider rather than a reseller, they can deliver connectivity even in remote areas where other services struggle.

Pricing and Plans: What You Pay

Revolut's pricing starts at $4.13 for country-specific plans, $4.72 for regional plans with data options ranging from 1GB to 100GB. Their global plan begins at $8.85 for 1GB. Unlimited plans aren’t available.

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The pricing is straightforward, and since you're probably already using Revolut for your travel finances, the payment process is seamless – it charges your existing account.

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GigSky takes a different approach with plans ranging from 1GB to unlimited data, with validity periods up to 365 days. 

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GigSky offers country plans starting at $4.99, regional plans from $5.99, and global plans from $19.99. Cruise plans are also available starting at $19.99, and long-term eSIM data subscriptions begin at $33.99.

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While GigSky's pricing may appear higher, frequent travelers report that GigSky keeps reliable connectivity when other eSIM providers fail to deliver.

But here's where GigSky shines for budget-conscious travelers in this GigSky eSIM review: they offer free plans. 

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Everyone gets 100MB free in 175 destinations, and if you're a Visa Infinite or Signature cardholder from the Americas or Caribbean, you can score 1-3GB of free data for up to 15 days.

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That free trial is one of the most generous in the industry. You can test the service before committing any money, and this isn’t available on the Revolut eSIM.

Activation Steps Compared Across Providers

Both services handle the technical headaches for you. With Revolut, if you're already using their app, adding an eSIM feels natural. 

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You search for "eSIM" in the app, pick your destination, choose your plan, buy it, and install it directly through the app. Since your payment info is already stored, there's no fumbling with credit cards.

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GigSky offers one eSIM that works everywhere. You install it once and reuse it across all your trips, whether you're hopping around Europe or taking that cruise you've been planning. 

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You can install it through QR codes if you prefer that way, but no switching profiles – it works automatically when you land.

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The convenience factor here depends on your travel style. 

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If you're someone who takes occasional trips and already lives in the Revolut ecosystem, their approach feels effortless. 

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But if you're a frequent traveler who's tired of managing multiple eSIM profiles for different trips, GigSky's one-size-fits-all approach is refreshing.

Network Access in Cities, Rural Areas, and at Sea

This is where GigSky's network operator status shows its value in this detailed GigSky eSIM review. 

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Because they control their own infrastructure, they can automatically connect you to the strongest available network in any location. 

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This smart switching happens behind the scenes – you don't even know it's working until you realize you've had solid connectivity all day in places where other travelers are struggling.

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Revolut, being a reseller rather than a network operator, relies on third-party providers. 

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While this works fine in major cities and tourist areas, you might hit connectivity walls in remote locations or during peak usage times when networks get congested.

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The real test comes when you're in challenging environments – think rural areas, small islands, or yes, those cruise ships. 

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GigSky's maritime coverage delivers around 3Mbps down and 1Mbps up on cruise ships, which is more than enough for staying in touch with home or getting work done.

Special Features GigSky vs. Revolut

GigSky recently launched GigSky One – an eSIM subscription for digital nomads, business travelers, and frequent flyers. 

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For under $30 per month, you get year-round connectivity in 120+ countries with data allowances ranging from 25-75GB. 

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If you're someone who travels more than a few times a year, this subscription model can save you serious money compared to buying individual plans.

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Revolut's special feature is integration. If you're already managing your travel budget, exchanging currencies, and tracking expenses through their app, adding connectivity to that same ecosystem creates a seamless experience.

Customer Support: Differences Between GigSky & Revolut

Both companies offer 24/7 support, but their approaches differ significantly. 

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GigSky, operating their own network, can troubleshoot connectivity issues directly and often resolve problems faster. 

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Their multilingual support team understands the technical side of network operations.

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While Revolut's customer support is responsive, resolving connectivity-related issues often involves additional steps since they coordinate with third-party network providers.

Which One Works Better for You?

Choosing between these options in our Revolut eSIM vs GigSky showdown isn't just about features and pricing – it's about matching the service to your travel style and priorities.

Revolut makes sense if you're already deep in their ecosystem, take occasional trips, and value the simplicity of managing everything through one app. 

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The pricing is competitive, especially for European travelers, and the user experience is seamless if you're already a Revolut user.

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GigSky is the better choice if you're a frequent traveler, need reliable connectivity in remote areas, or want the peace of mind that comes with a provider that controls their network infrastructure. 

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The free trial alone makes it worth testing, and the yearly subscription option is valuable for anyone who travels regularly.

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For frequent travelers and digital nomads, GigSky's network operator status and global coverage give it a clear edge. 

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The ability to automatically switch to the strongest network, combined with coverage in challenging locations like cruise ships and remote areas, makes it more reliable when you need it.

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If you're price-sensitive but also value reliability, start with GigSky's free trial. 

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You'll get a real feel for the service without spending a dime, and you can always switch to Revolut later if their integration appeals to you more.

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Remember, staying connected abroad isn't just about convenience anymore – it's about security, navigation, translation, and staying in touch with what matters most. 

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Choose the service that keeps you connected when it counts.

GigSky vs. Revolut eSIM [Recap]

• Coverage: You get 172 countries with GigSky vs 108 with Revolut with the global plan.
• Network strength: With GigSky, you’re on the strongest local network automatically, even in remote areas or at sea. Revolut depends on resellers, so you may hit limits outside big cities.
• Pricing: Revolut is simple and cheap per GB (€3.50–€7.50). GigSky offers flexible plans, longer validity, and a generous free trial (100MB in 175+ places, and up to 3GB for Visa Infinite/Signature cardholders).
• Ease of use: Revolut integrates into the app you already use for money. GigSky gives you one eSIM you install once and reuse anywhere, including cruises.
• Special features: GigSky One subscription ($30/month) gives you 25–75GB across 120+ countries, ideal if you travel often. Revolut’s strength is bundling connectivity with your finances.
• Support: GigSky can solve network issues faster since they run their own infrastructure. Revolut passes fixes through third parties.
• Best fit: Use Revolut if you travel occasionally and already rely on the app. Choose GigSky if you’re a frequent traveler, digital nomad, or need connectivity where others fail.