Saily vs. GlobalYO eSIM: Which is better for travel?

Saily vs. GlobalYO: Key differences at a glance

At a glance, both apps give you extensive global coverage with prepaid plans. But their philosophies diverge. GlobalYO embraces in-app currency, content perks, and small, short-term plans. Saily focuses on privacy-first tools, long-lasting plans, and a clean user experience built for travelers who just want things to work.

This data was taken from each eSIM service provider’s website on June 20, 2025.

*As of June 20, 2025, Saily’s US$1.99 price applies to the 1 GB, 7-day plan for Bulgaria, the Czech Republic (Czechia), and Mayotte. As of June 20, 2025, GlobalYO’s US$0.59 price applies to the 500 MB, 1-day plan for Macao, Vietnam, and Thailand only.

While GlobalYO’s base price is lower, it comes with trade-offs: less data and shorter plan validity. If you just need a quick top-up for a layover or a short transfer day, it might do the job. But for multi-day trips, Saily’s offer may stretch further.

Which one is cheaper: Saily or GlobalYO?

Pricing can vary by region and plan size, but GlobalYO often comes out ahead on affordability, especially for lighter data users or shorter trips. Saily, on the other hand, often offers longer validity periods for smaller data packages and built-in security features.

Here’s a comparison, starting with the biggest plans from both Saily and GlobalYO.

Global data plans: For frequent flyers and digital nomads

These are the largest plans each provider offers in terms of coverage — ideal for those hopping continents with few breaks in between. Saily’s Global plan spans 113 countries, while GlobalYO’s World Explorer XXL extends to 125.

Here’s how these huge global plans compare:

The information about eSIM prices in this comparison was last verified on the eSIM providers’ official websites on June 20, 2025.

While GlobalYO clearly wins on short-term pricing, especially under 10 GB, Saily leans into extended validity — some plans last up to a full year. For travelers who don’t want to think about topping up every month, Saily’s structure can offer more peace of mind.

Prepaid data pricing in tourist hotspots

For travelers headed to popular destinations like the US, Japan, or Spain, here’s how the pricing stacks up across various data tiers:

The information about eSIM prices in this comparison was last verified on the eSIM providers’ official websites on June 20, 2025.

GlobalYO frequently undercuts Saily on price in these locations. But again, it’s worth noting that many of GlobalYO’s lower prices come with shorter plan validity periods or daily caps. For longer stays, Saily’s 30-day duration plans may prove more practical.

Regional plan comparison: Unlimited data in Europe 

Europe is one of the most popular eSIM regions for good reason. With dozens of countries packed into a relatively small area, it’s common for travelers to hop borders every few days. And when your train crosses from Spain into France or from Germany into Austria, your data shouldn’t cut out. That’s why unlimited regional plans are especially appealing: They offer peace of mind across multiple destinations.

Both Saily and GlobalYO offer unlimited data plans for Europe, but with different structures and pricing. Here’s how their offers compare:

The information about eSIM prices in this comparison was last verified on the eSIM providers’ official websites on June 20, 2025.

On paper, it looks like GlobalYO easily beats Saily on price. Its 15-day and 30-day unlimited plans cost significantly less, even in the Premium tier. But as always, the devil is in the details, or in this case, the data caps.

Saily’s unlimited plan gives you 5 GB of high-speed data per day, with full speed restored every 24 hours. After the cap, your speed drops to 1 Mbps, which is still fast enough for smooth browsing, messaging, and even light video streaming.

GlobalYO, by comparison, splits its unlimited offers into two categories. The Basic plan gives you 1 GB of high-speed data per day, after which your connection drops to 512 kbps. The Premium plan raises the cap to 2 GB, but the same 512 kbps throttling kicks in once that’s reached. That’s half the speed you get with Saily after throttling.

To better understand this crucial difference, here’s a quick comparison of how each unlimited plan handles daily data caps and speeds after you reach them:

The information about eSIM prices in this comparison was last verified on the eSIM providers’ official websites on June 20, 2025.

So while GlobalYO’s plans look better for the budget, Saily’s give you more data daily. That higher allowance and faster fallback speed make it a better choice for travelers who want consistency without needing to think about every megabyte.

Is Saily or GlobalYO more trustworthy?

Both apps are trusted by thousands of users. Saily currently holds a 4.2 rating on Trustpilot from 3,741 reviews, while GlobalYO scores slightly higher at 4.3, based on 1,513 reviews. The numbers are close, and both reflect strong user satisfaction. However, Saily’s higher volume of reviews suggests a broader customer base and a more consistently reviewed product.

There’s also the question of who’s behind the platform. Saily is developed by the team behind NordVPN, a name that carries weight in the world of digital privacy and security. That connection means Saily’s infrastructure benefits from the same kind of reliability, stability, and attention to user protection that has made NordVPN one of the most trusted names in the industry. For some users, that kind of pedigree may offer additional peace of mind.

Which one offers better network speed?

Both Saily and GlobalYO rely on local mobile networks in the countries you visit, so your connection speed will mostly depend on regional infrastructure. That said, what the eSIM provider does with that connection still matters.

Saily includes a built-in ad blocker that stops intrusive ads, tracking scripts, and unwanted banners before they even load. By stripping away unnecessary elements, your data goes further and your pages load faster. In practical terms, an ad blocker can reduce your data usage by 28.6%. That means smoother scrolling, less lag, and fewer frustrating delays while navigating abroad, especially helpful when using maps, booking tools, or other essential apps on the go.

GlobalYO doesn’t currently offer anything comparable. If efficiency and performance matter to you, Saily offers a more streamlined digital experience.

Unique features and benefits

Saily is built around simplicity and security. It’s designed for people who want to stay connected without distractions and without burning through their data on background trackers or ads. It comes with web protection baked in, which helps block malicious websites, and it includes a virtual location feature with access to over 115 countries. That means you can access your usual paid content while abroad.

Saily also officially supports personal hotspot sharing via your phone. There’s even a guide on setting up an eSIM hotspot. GlobalYO, by contrast, has documentation centered around external hotspot devices. So while tethering via phone may still be possible, it’s not something the company clearly advertises or supports for mobile use.

GlobalYO, meanwhile, adds more social aspects to its offering. Beyond offering mobile data, the app turns into something closer to a digital travel companion. After purchasing a plan, users gain access to local travel recommendations, city guides, and a feature called YO.map — a tool that highlights interesting spots shared by other travelers. The app also rewards user engagement through an internal currency called YOYO$, which can be used for perks and discounts. Additionally, GlobalYO does offer a VOIP solution called YO SHOUT that allows international calls to regular phone numbers.

In short, GlobalYO focuses on content and community. Saily focuses on connection and control. Both have value, depending on how much you want your eSIM provider to be part of your trip.

Saily vs. GlobalYO: The verdict

If you’re a casual traveler who values the cheapest price and doesn’t mind short plan durations (like 1–3 days) or topping up often, GlobalYO has the edge on pricing. Its smaller plan sizes and YOYO$ system are also appealing for people who use the app frequently and want to unlock small perks.

But if you’re traveling longer, care about data security, or just want to limit trackers and avoid data-sucking ads, Saily is built for you. It offers long-lasting plans and extensive security features — all from the team at NordVPN, which knows a thing or two about cybersecurity.

For digital nomads, privacy-focused travelers, or anyone who values simplicity, Saily holds its own, even if it doesn’t always win on price.