Saily vs. Airalo: Which eSIM service is the best one to choose in 2026?

Key takeaways — Saily vs. Airalo

Both Saily and Airalo offer the same service, but they have some differences in pricing, coverage, ease of use, and overall value. If you're wondering which one is the better fit for your next journey, we've compared the key features side by side:

The Saily eSIM app stands out with its all-in-one eSIM for multiple destinations, live chat support, and extra security features, making it a better option for frequent travelers. And while Airalo is an established eSIM provider known for its ease of use, it lacks key benefits, such as multi-destination support and reusability.

Saily overview

Saily is an eSIM app built by the company behind NordVPN, and it’s quickly becoming a favorite among travelers who want an easier way to stay connected abroad. Unlike some eSIM providers that make setup feel like a chore, Saily keeps things refreshingly simple — you download the app, pick a plan, and you’re online in just a few seconds.

Coverage spans more than 200 destinations, with flexible plans that start at just US$1.99. But what makes Saily stand out isn’t just affordability — it’s the extra layer of care built in. The app includes security features, which consist of an ad blocker, web protection, and even a virtual location feature. And when you move between destinations, you don’t need to juggle multiple eSIMs — Saily lets you top up or switch plans instantly.

For many travelers, this ease of use and global reliability make Saily a strong Airalo alternative, especially if you value security as much as staying connected. If you want to learn more about how Saily works in practice, you can check out our full Saily review.

Airalo overview

Airalo has built a strong reputation as one of the most trusted eSIM providers for travelers, and customer reviews give a good sense of how it performs in practice. Many users love how simple it is to get started — purchasing a plan through the app is straightforward, and setup only takes a few taps if you follow the instructions. Travelers also appreciate the pricing, often pointing out that Airalo’s data plans feel like solid value for money.

Of course, no service is flawless. Some travelers mention patchy connectivity in certain regions, particularly in more remote areas where local networks are weaker. Others highlight frustrations with customer support, noting that while you can reach out via email, there’s no phone line, and responses can take up to a day. Read our full Airalo review if you want to learn even more about it.

Breakdown — Saily vs. Airalo

Saily and Airalo take different approaches to keeping travelers connected, but which one is a fit for you?

Saily gives you plenty of flexibility, with plans ranging from 1 GB to 100 GB and validity options between a week and a year, depending on your plan and destination. Whether you're on a quick trip or planning a long adventure, you’ll find an option that fits your needs. Airalo also offers data packages from 1 GB to 100 GB, with validity varying by destination.

However, one of the biggest perks of the Saily eSIM app is that you can use a single eSIM for multiple destinations — no need to keep installing new eSIMs as you travel. Airalo also offers local, regional, and global eSIMs, but if you're using a local plan, you'll have to install a new eSIM for each country.

Also, Saily has recently introduced a Saily Ultra plan — a monthly eSIM service subscription. With Ultra, you get an unlimited Global data plan, 8% cashback in Saily credits, priority support, a free monthly NordVPN subscription to keep you safer online, and even airport lounge access and a fast-track service.

Both options allow you to activate your eSIM once installed, have 24/7 support if you run into issues, and let you use your phone as a hotspot to share data with other devices. But Saily comes with additional bonuses. The app helps you manage your data with notifications when you hit 80% usage, so you're never without a connection. 

If you want a single eSIM that works across multiple destinations with generous data options, enough validity, and additional features that can help you stay connected, Saily is the app to download. But if you're looking for a quick local eSIM with instant activation for a specific country, Airalo could be a good fit as well.

All in all, here’s what it really comes down to:

Which eSIM service is cheaper — Saily or Airalo?

No one wants to overpay for data while traveling, right? You'd rather spend the money on delicious meals, museum tickets, or souvenirs! That’s why pricing is one of the most essential factors when choosing an eSIM app. Let's compare the pricing between some of the most popular destination plans as well as some regional and global plans, offered by Saily and Airalo:

These prices were taken from each eSIM service provider’s website on September 1, 2025.

Saily is definitely cheaper than Airalo, especially if you need a bigger data package or a longer-lasting plan. Airalo, on the other hand, might be more affordable for short trips or super-light data users, but its costs can climb up fast when you need more data.

Is Saily or Airalo more trustworthy?

Both Saily and Airalo have solid reputations and are widely used by travelers everywhere in the world. Neither company has been involved in major controversies, making them both reliable choices. However, there are some differences when it comes to trust, security, and customer support.

Airalo has been in the eSIM market longer and is one of the most widely recognized brands. It offers a broad selection of plans and follows standard security practices. While it covers the basics well, some users have reported delays in customer support responses, especially when dealing with urgent connectivity issues.

Saily was created by Nord Security — yep, the same company behind NordVPN, one of the biggest names in online privacy. For that reason, Saily naturally focuses on security, offering an extra layer of protection that most eSIM services don’t include. Some users on Trustpilot also praise Saily’s responsive, real-time customer support that ensures travelers get help quickly when needed.

Both services are trusted and widely used, but the right choice depends on what matters most to you. If you prioritize security and fast, reliable support, Saily may be the better fit. If you prefer a more established brand with a long track record, Airalo could be your first choice.

Which one offers a better network speed?

Speed is a big deal when picking an eSIM service. No one wants to deal with pages that never load, laggy video calls, or buffering. However, your connection speed depends on the local carrier and the type of network your eSIM supports.

The good news is that both Saily and Airalo offer speeds up to 5G, so you won’t be stuck with a terrible connection with either of these options. That’s part of why they’re two of the biggest names in the eSIM market.

Remember that 5G may not always be available because it’s usually only accessible in bigger cities. If you venture into more remote areas, it might drop to 4G or 3G.

Saily or Airalo — which one has better reviews?

Both Saily and Airalo have garnered attention, each with its strengths and areas for improvement. Many travelers who used Airalo left reviews on Trustpilot praising the easy setup and prices — right now, Airalo has a rating of 3.8 stars. However, some mention variability in data speeds, especially in high-traffic zones or remote areas, slow customer support, and struggles in getting a refund.

With a 4.6 rating on Trustpilot, Saily receives praise for its prices and easy setup. However, some users did have problems with 5G speed in some destinations, but 24/7 customer support solved many of those issues.

Additional features

Beyond data plans and coverage, the extra perks can really set one eSIM service apart from another — this is where Saily has a big advantage. It comes with added security features, which is something most eSIM services don't offer. Also, as mentioned before, Saily has a monthly eSIM subscription called the Saily Ultra plan, which comes with various perks.

Airalo, on the other hand, keeps things simple. It's a solid eSIM service that gives you access to plans in over 200 destinations, but that's pretty much it. There's no extra security or an ad blocker baked in — it's just a way to stay connected.

Both providers offer different rewards programs, too. Airalo has a loyalty program in which you earn Airmoney (store credit) with every purchase. If you save enough credit, you can then use it toward future eSIMs. This is a nice bonus if you travel frequently and stick with Airalo for all your trips.

Saily has a referral program and takes a different approach. You can invite friends to try Saily, and both of you get discounts on your next purchase. It’s an easy way to save if you have travel buddies who also need an eSIM.

Saily vs. Airalo — which one is the winner?

When comparing Saily and Airalo, it's clear that both have their strengths, but Saily stands out as the better option for most travelers.

Airalo is a big, well-known brand that offers good pricing, so it’s a solid choice for many travelers. However, some report inconsistent speeds, connectivity issues, and limited customer support, so you might want to consider that.

Saily, on the other hand, provides a smooth experience with faster network speeds, responsive 24/7 support, and added security features — a significant plus for those who want to save data and feel safer online.

Price-wise, Saily is also the more budget-friendly choice for many destinations, offering better value for long-term and high-data users. It's also the only eSIM service with built-in privacy protection, ensuring that your browsing experience is safer no matter where you go.

If you're looking for a reliable connection, better pricing, and top-tier security, you should consider Saily as your eSIM service.

We do our best to keep everything accurate and up to date, but eSIM service provider prices, plans, and features can change quickly. If you spot something that seems outdated or incorrect, feel free to get in touch with us at [email protected] — we’d really appreciate the heads-up!