Saily eSIM review 2025 : I’m thrilled to share my firsthand experience using Saily eSIM during my recent travels. As a frequent traveler, I’ve tested multiple eSIM providers, but Saily stands out for its exceptional network strength, affordable pricing, and seamless user experience. Launched by Nord Security in 2024, Saily has quickly become a go-to choice for travelers seeking reliable, high quality data plans. This comprehensive Saily eSIM review covers its history, buying guide, pricing, activation process, QR code setup, comparisons with competitors like Airalo and Holafly, and unique pros and cons to help you decide if it’s the right eSIM for your next trip.
What Is Saily eSIM ? A Brief History
Saily eSIM, launched in spring 2024 by Nord Security, the creators of NordVPN, is a data-only eSIM service designed for international travelers. Nord Security, known for its cybersecurity expertise, entered the eSIM market to offer secure, affordable, and user-friendly connectivity. In just over a year, Saily has expanded to cover over 200 countries, making it a top contender in the eSIM industry. This Saily eSIM review highlights how its focus on simplicity and security sets it apart from traditional SIM cards and other eSIM providers.
Unlike physical SIMs, Saily’s eSIM is a digital SIM embedded in your device, allowing instant activation without swapping cards. Its integration of VPN-like features, such as ad-blocking and virtual location, reflects Nord Security’s commitment to privacy, making it a unique offering in the eSIM market.
Why I Chose Saily eSIM: My Experience
During my recent trip across Europe, I opted for Saily eSIM after reading positive Saily eSIM reviews online. I needed reliable data for navigation, video calls, and social media, and Saily delivered beyond expectations. The network strength was consistently strong, with 4G/LTE and even 5G in urban areas like Paris and Barcelona. I experienced no dropouts, even in crowded tourist spots, and the speeds were fast enough for HD streaming and remote work.
What impressed me most was the affordability. For a 10GB, 30-day plan in Europe, I paid just $22.99, which was cheaper than competitors like Airalo and Holafly for similar data amounts. The app’s intuitive interface and automatic activation made setup a breeze, saving me time and stress. This Saily eSIM review is based on real-world testing, and I can confidently say it’s a high-quality, budget-friendly choice for travelers.
Saily eSIM Buying Guide: How to Get Started
Purchasing a Saily eSIM is straightforward, but here’s a step-by-step Saily eSIM review buying guide to ensure a smooth experience:
- Check Device Compatibility: Ensure your device supports eSIM. Most modern smartphones (iPhone XR and newer, Samsung Galaxy S20 and above, Google Pixel 2 and later) are compatible. Check vox mobile’s esim compatibility checker tool for a full compatibility list.
- Download the Saily App: Available on iOS and Android, the Saily app is your hub for purchasing and managing plans.
- Choose Your Destination and Plan: Select your travel destination (single country, regional, or global) and pick a plan based on data needs and trip duration.
- Complete Payment: Use Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, or credit cards. Look for discount codes like ANV10 (valid until September 30, 2025) for 10% off.
- Install the eSIM: After purchase, you’ll receive a QR code via email or can install directly through the app.
- Activate and Connect: The eSIM activates automatically upon arrival or within 30 days of purchase.
Get saily eSIM app for iOS
Get saily eSIM app for android
Tip: Set up the eSIM at home using Wi-Fi to avoid connectivity issues abroad. Use promo codes like FREAKINGNOMADS5 or ANNA5 for 5% off your first purchase.
Saily eSIM Prices and Plans
Saily offers flexible, prepaid data plans tailored to various travel needs. Here’s a breakdown of its pricing structure as of 2025, based on my Saily eSIM review:
- Local Plans: For single-country travel, prices start at $1.99 for 1GB (7 days) in destinations like Thailand and go up to $49.99 for 50GB (30 days) in the US.
- Regional Plans: Ideal for multi-country trips (e.g., Europe, Asia), starting at $4.99 for 1GB (7 days) and up to $179.99 for 100GB (365 days).
- Global Plans: Covering 105–113 countries, starting at $69.99 for 20GB (30 days).
- Unlimited Plans: Available in select destinations, offering 5GB/day at full speed, then soft-capped at 1Mbps, starting at $31.99 for 30 days in France.
Unique Feature: You can top up data without reinstalling the eSIM, a feature I found incredibly convenient during my trip. Unused data expires after 30 days, so plan accordingly.
How to Activate Saily eSIM : Step by Step Guide
Activating Saily eSIM is one of the easiest processes I’ve encountered, as noted in this Saily eSIM review. Here’s how to do it:
- Download the Saily App: Install it from the App Store or Google Play.
- Sign In: Use your Google or Apple account to register.
- Select and Purchase a Plan: Choose your destination and data plan.
- Install the eSIM:
- Automatic Installation: On iOS 17+ or Android 12+, tap “Install eSIM” in the app and follow prompts.
- QR Code Installation: Open the email with the QR code, scan it using your phone’s camera (Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM on iPhone; Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile Network on Android), and enable data roaming.
- Activate: The eSIM activates automatically when you arrive at your destination or after 30 days. Ensure “Data Roaming” is enabled in your device settings.
- Rename for Clarity: Optionally, rename the eSIM (e.g., “Saily Europe”) to avoid confusion with multiple eSIMs.
Pro Tip: If you face connectivity issues, toggle mobile data off and on or restart your device. Saily’s 24/7 live chat support resolved a minor setup issue for me in minutes.
Price Comparison : Saily vs Airalo vs Holafly
To help you decide if Saily is the best eSIM, this Saily eSIM review compares its pricing with two popular competitors, Airalo and Holafly, for a 30-day plan in the US:
Provider | 1GB (7 days) | 5GB (30 days) | 20GB (30 days) | Unlimited (30 days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Saily | $3.99 | $13.99 | $36.99 | $31.99 (5GB/day) |
Airalo | $4.50 | $16.00 | $42.00 | Not available |
Holafly | Not available | Not available | Not available | $74.90 |
Key Observations:
- Saily is the most affordable for limited data plans, undercutting Airalo by 5–10% and offering better value than Holafly’s unlimited plans.
- Airalo covers 200+ countries but lacks transferability between devices, unlike Saily.
- Holafly excels for unlimited data but is pricier and less flexible for light data users.
Saily’s regional and global plans are also cost-competitive, with Europe’s 100GB plan at $179.99 compared to Airalo’s $185.00 for similar coverage. For budget-conscious travelers, Saily’s pricing and top-up flexibility make it a standout choice.
Pros and Cons of Saily eSIM
This Saily eSIM review wouldn’t be complete without weighing the pros and cons based on my experience and research:
Pros
- Affordable Pricing: Plans start at $1.99, cheaper than Airalo and Holafly for similar data amounts.
- Wide Coverage: Supports 200+ countries with 4G/5G speeds via top-tier carriers like T-Mobile (US) and Vodafone (Europe).
- User-Friendly App: Minimalist interface and one-tap eSIM installation simplify the process.
- Security Features: Free ad-blocker, virtual location, and web protection enhance privacy, a rare offering among eSIM providers.
- Flexible Top-Ups: Add data to existing eSIMs without reinstalling, saving time.
- 24/7 Support: Fast, responsive live chat and email support.
- Transferable eSIM: Move your eSIM to another device, unlike Airalo.
Cons
- Data-Only Plans: No voice or SMS, requiring apps like WhatsApp for communication.
- No Family Plans: Lacks bundled plans for multiple devices, unlike some competitors.
- Variable Speeds in Remote Areas: Performance depends on local carrier infrastructure.
- Limited Unlimited Plans: Available only in select destinations, unlike Holafly’s broader unlimited offerings.
Unique Insight: Saily’s integration of a data usage tracker in the app, which notifies you at 80% usage, helped me manage my 10GB plan effectively, avoiding unexpected data shortages.
Unique Features That Set Saily Apart
Beyond pricing and coverage, this Saily eSIM review highlights features not commonly covered in other reviews:
- Eco-Friendly Approach: By eliminating physical SIMs, Saily reduces plastic waste, appealing to environmentally conscious travelers.
- Customizable Plan Management: Organize multiple plans by region (e.g., Europe on eSIM 1, Asia on eSIM 2) for multi-country trips.
- Seamless Multi-Country Travel: Add new destinations to an existing eSIM without reinstalling, ideal for digital nomads.
- Japanese-Language Support: Saily offers 24/7 live chat in Japanese, catering to non-English-speaking travelers.
Who Should Use Saily eSIM?
Based on my Saily eSIM review, Saily is ideal for:
- Budget Travelers: Affordable plans and discounts make it cost-effective.
- Digital Nomads: Flexible top-ups and regional/global plans suit long-term travel.
- Security-Conscious Users: Built-in ad-blocker and virtual location enhance privacy.
- First-Time eSIM Users: The intuitive app and guided setup simplify the process.
If you need unlimited data or voice/SMS, consider Holafly or a local SIM. For most travelers, Saily’s balance of price, performance, and security is hard to beat.
Conclusion : Is Saily eSIM Worth It in 2025 ?
After testing Saily eSIM across multiple countries, I can confidently say it’s one of the best travel eSIMs in 2025. Its cheap prices, reliable network strength, and user-friendly app make it a top choice for staying connected abroad. The added security features and flexible top-up options further elevate its value. While it lacks voice/SMS and unlimited plans in some regions, these are minor drawbacks compared to its overall performance.
For your next trip, I highly recommend trying Saily eSIM. Use discount code ANV10 for 10% off or FREAKINGNOMADS5 for 5% off to save even more. Download the Saily app today and experience hassle-free connectivity !
FAQs about saily esim
How reliable is Saily eSIM ?
Saily eSIM is generally reliable, offering 4G/LTE and 5G connectivity in over 200 countries through partnerships with local carriers like T-Mobile in the US and Vodafone in Europe. My testing in Europe showed consistent performance for browsing, streaming, and navigation, with no major dropouts in urban areas. However, some users report slower speeds in remote locations or specific countries like Japan and Indonesia due to local network variability. Trustpilot ratings (4.2/5) praise its ease of use, though some mention occasional connectivity dips.
Does Saily eSIM give you a phone number ?
No, Saily eSIM is a data only service and does not provide a phone number. You’ll need to use apps like WhatsApp or Skype for communication. Saily’s website indicates they are working on adding phone number support in the future.
Who is behind Saily eSIM ?
Saily was launched in spring 2024 by Nord Security, the company behind NordVPN, known for its cybersecurity expertise. Based in Panama, Nord Security integrates privacy features like ad-blocking and virtual location into Saily, enhancing its appeal for security-conscious travelers.
Why is my Saily eSIM so slow ?
Slow speeds with Saily eSIM can stem from :
Local Carrier Limitations :
Speeds depend on partner networks (e.g., T-Mobile in the US).
Remote areas may have weaker 3G/4G signals.
System : Network Congestion High data usage in tourist areas can reduce speeds.
Device Issues : Ensure your device supports the local network bands.
Troubleshooting : Restart your device, toggle data roaming, or contact Saily’s 24/7 support. Some users reported slow responses in Japan, so verify local carrier performance.
Which is better, Airalo or Saily ?
Both Airalo and Saily are top eSIM providers, but :
Saily : Cheaper plans (e.g., $1.99/1GB in some countries), security features (ad-blocker, virtual location), and reusable eSIMs. Better for budget travelers and single-country trips.
Airalo : Slightly broader coverage (200+ countries), faster speeds in some regions (e.g., Colombia), and a polished app with a loyalty program. Ideal for multi-country trips. Choose Saily for affordability and security; Airalo for wider coverage and reliability in remote areas.
Does Saily eSIM allow texts ?
No, Saily is data-only and does not support SMS texting. Use internet-based apps like iMessage or WhatsApp for texting.
What network does Saily use in the USA ?
In the US, Saily partners with T-Mobile’s sub-6GHz 5G network, offering reliable 4G/5G connectivity. Speeds vary by location and device compatibility.
Can I use iMessage with Saily ?
Yes, iMessage works with Saily eSIM as long as it’s linked to an email address or your primary phone number. Since Saily is data-only, it relies on internet connectivity for messaging apps.
Is Saily or Holafly better?
Saily : More affordable (e.g., $13.99/5GB vs. Holafly’s $74.90/unlimited in the US), reusable eSIMs, and security features. Best for budget travelers with moderate data needs.
Holafly : Offers unlimited data plans, ideal for heavy users, but pricier and may throttle after 4.5GB/day. Better for data-intensive tasks like streaming. Choose Saily for cost and flexibility; Holafly for unlimited data.
Does Saily eSIM allow calls?
No, Saily does not support traditional voice calls. Use VoIP apps like WhatsApp, Skype, or Zoom for calls over data.
Is Saily a reputable company ?
Yes, Saily is reputable, backed by Nord Security, a trusted name in cybersecurity (NordVPN). It has a 4.2/5 Trustpilot rating, with praise for pricing and support, though some users report slow speeds in specific regions.
Is Saily or Nomad better ?
Saily : Lower prices, security features, and reusable eSIMs. Strong customer support but less polished app.
Nomad : Competitive pricing (e.g., $9/1GB in Latin America), SMS plans in the US/Canada, and high-speed 4G/5G in 170+ countries. Weaker customer support. Choose Saily for affordability and security; Nomad for SMS and short-term plans.
Can I hotspot with Saily eSIM ?
Yes, Saily supports hotspot and tethering without special settings, allowing you to share data with other devices like laptops or tablets.
Does Saily use 5G ?
Yes, Saily offers 5G in select countries where local carriers support it, such as the US (T-Mobile) and parts of Europe. Availability depends on local infrastructure and device compatibility, falling back to 4G/3G elsewhere.
What is the alternative to Saily ?
Alternatives to Saily include:
Airalo: Wider coverage, slightly pricier, supports calls/texts in some plans.
Holafly: Unlimited data plans, ideal for heavy users, but more expensive.
Nomad: Affordable, SMS support in select regions, good for short trips.
Jetpac: Reliable, includes calls/texts in some plans, competitive pricing.
Esim.sm: Budget-friendly, no app, limited regional plans. Each suits different needs; choose based on data, budget, and features.
For more details, check out my full Saily eSIM review 2025 !
Martin David is a seasoned tech writer and mobile technology expert with a Master’s degree in Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering. As the Senior Content Producer at Vox Mobile, he brings deep technical knowledge and a passion for simplifying complex topics related to eSIMs, smartphones, and digital connectivity. Martin is also an avid traveler who loves exploring new destinations, making him uniquely positioned to write about mobile tech from a global perspective.
