Flexiroam review

Expensive provider with transparency issues, but lots of unique features

Flexiroam landing page
(Image: © Flexiroam)

TechRadar Verdict

This provider boasts reasonable speeds, good coverage, and standout features like app-based tethering, multiple carrier options, and physical SIMs. However, it does not let you see which carrier options you have available before you purchase a plan. It’s also more expensive than other providers.

Pros

  • +

    Coverage across 200+ countries, with a range of pricing options

  • +

    Multiple carrier options across each country

  • +

    App-based data-sharing mechanism that doesn’t eat up your battery

Cons

  • -

    Data-only plans with no international numbers, voice minutes, or text

  • -

    Expensive in several locations compared to other eSIMs

  • -

    Does not disclose carrier information until after plan purchase

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

Flexiroam is an eSIM provider that offers connectivity across 200+ countries around the world. While its plans are more expensive than most providers, Flexiroam has a few standout features that set it apart, like the ability to ship a physical SIM to your location if your phone isn’t eSIM compatible.

This provider boasts reasonable speeds and decent coverage across most locations, though the lack of carrier information disclosure before you purchase a plan can be a downside for some. It also provides an alternative to WiFi tethering that eats less cell phone battery, by enabling users to share data directly through the app.

Flexiroam: Plans and pricing

Flexiroam offers a variety of eSIM plans catering to different travel needs, with a global plan starting at just $9 for 7 days. Here’s a breakdown of popular options: 

Swipe to scroll horizontally
RegionData AmountValidityPrice
Global1 GB7 days$9.00
North America1 GB7days$6.50
Europe1 GB7 days$5.00
Asia1 GB7 days$5.00
Africa1 GB7 days$19.00

Prices are often higher compared to competitors, but the option to choose multiple carrier options per location is a good addition.  

Flexiroam: Features

Flexiroam offers a few distinct features to improve the user experience, here are the ones we liked the best during our time with it:

Free eSIM

Flexiroam offers a free eSIM to every new user of the platform, with the added option to get free data plans each time you refer a friend to the company. That way, you can save money on international connectivity if you’re a frequent traveler. 

Network Switching

Flexiroam's modern eSIM technology enables users to switch between mobile operators seamlessly via remote service provisioning. You always have uninterrupted access to the internet, even when visiting regions too remote for your primary carrier.

FlexiShare Functionality

FlexiShare is a unique feature offered by Flexiroam that allows users to share their data plans with others through the Flexiroam X app. This is a great alternative to WiFi tethering because it doesn’t eat away at your cell phone battery at the same speed. 

Flexiroam: Installation

Flexiroam installation

(Image credit: Flexiroam)

Flexiroam offers a straightforward onboarding process for its eSIM service. The entire process takes just a few minutes to complete.

Once the eSIM plan is purchased, users receive a QR code or eSIM profile via email. They can then install the eSIM by simply scanning the QR code using their device's camera or following the provided instructions to download the eSIM profile.

The first-time setup process is entirely digital, performed through your phone’s settings. There is also an in-app guide to help you along if you feel confused. Flexiroam eSIMs activate automatically upon reaching your travel destination, so there is no unintended data loss.

Flexiroam: Coverage and speed

Flexiroam offers coverage in over 200 countries and regions, partnering with multiple local service providers in each country for the best possible performance. 

In terms of data speeds, some users have reported issues with slow connections or throttling, particularly in certain destinations like Japan. Compared to other eSIM providers, Flexiroam's coverage exceeds even Airalo. However, Airalo partners with local telecom providers directly, which can lead to better speeds.

While Flexiroam offers a wide variety of plans with different validity periods, plans can be priced highly in certain countries. Since you can’t see carrier information before purchasing a plan, experience in remote locations can be a hit or a miss.

Flexiroam: Support

Flexiroam support

(Image credit: Flexiroam)

Flexiroam offers several customer support channels, including email (support@flexiroam.com), social media (Facebook, Instagram), messaging apps (Line, WhatsApp), and in-app support through the Flexiroam X app.

However, the customer support team gets mixed reviews for responsiveness. Many customers have reported challenges with timely assistance and issue resolution, so there’s surely room for improvement.

Unfortunately, there’s no phone support, which further complicates matters for users requiring an immediate solution. However, Flexiroam appears to be actively working on enhancing its customer support. In response to negative reviews, representatives have reached out to customers directly to offer a speedy resolution.

Flexiroam: Final verdict

Flexiroam is a solid choice for an eSIM provider, offering extensive global coverage, a user-friendly app, and a variety of plans to suit different needs. Standout features, like the app-based data-sharing functionality and the multiple carrier choices per location, further polish its offering. 

However, customer support is a significant downside of this platform. While the company seems to be working to resolve that, plans still remain expensive compared to other providers.

Flexiroam: FAQs

What does Flexiroam do?

Flexiroam provides eSIM (embedded SIM) solutions that allow users to access mobile data services in over 200 countries without the need for physical SIM cards. It also provides global deployment and connectivity solutions for IoT devices. 

How long does it take to activate Flexiroam?

Flexiroam’s activation process is estimated to take around 10 minutes. eSIMs are usable as soon as the activation process is completed. Plans can be purchased up to 3 months in advance. 

Where is Flexiroam based?

Flexiroam has offices in several locations, but its headquarters are located in Australia. Its plans are accessible throughout the world, however, with support for multiple global payment methods. 

Ritoban Mukherjee

Ritoban Mukherjee is a freelance journalist from West Bengal, India. His work has been published on Tom's Guide, TechRadar, Creative Bloq, IT Pro Portal, Gizmodo, Medium, and Mental Floss. Ritoban is also a member of the National Association of Science Writers.