Vodafone vs. Saily: At a glance
Vodafone, a massive telecoms company, has been around since 1984, but it only started offering eSIM deals in 2020. By contrast, Saily is still relatively new to the scene, first appearing in 2023. While the eSIM business is just one small part of Vodafone’s operation, Saily specializes in eSIM technology — that’s one of the big differences between these companies.
Saily focuses on affordability, plan flexibility, and extra features to make getting online safer. Vodafone, meanwhile, provides fewer plan options, typically in a higher price bracket, but wins out on overall brand recognition, especially in Europe.
We shouldn’t underplay Saily’s credentials as an established company, though. The service was created by the team behind NordVPN, a massive and globally recognized cybersecurity company founded back in 2012. That’s why the Saily app includes a suite of powerful security features — something you won’t find with most eSIM providers, including Vodafone.
The two services don’t look very different on the surface, of course. Both offer eSIM connectivity as their main selling point and have essentially the same coverage. But as this table shows, that’s where the similarities end.
What is a Vodafone eSIM, and how does it work?
Vodafone’s eSIM performs the same function as a traditional data-only SIM card, but without the need for a physical product.
You choose an eSIM plan for whatever country you’re going to visit and download the new SIM profile onto your phone’s eSIM — a little chip embedded in the device. Once the eSIM profile is installed and activated, your phone connects to local networks in the specific region you bought it for. Get off the plane, turn off airplane mode, and connect to the internet without worrying about how international roaming works or where to find a physical SIM.
Vodafone offers eSIM plans for most unlocked, compatible devices, with deals for more than 200 destinations. You can select set amounts of data or choose an unlimited package, and pick from a range of country, regional, and “global” eSIM plans (eSIM plans described as “global” usually only cover a set number of locations, and don’t guarantee genuinely global coverage — that goes for Saily too).
What is Saily, and how does it work?
Saily is an eSIM service provider that specializes in international data plans for travelers, made available through an app. Developed by the company behind NordVPN, the app comes bundled with digital security features, but its primary function is to connect people to the internet while traveling.
You can buy a Saily eSIM plan through the company’s website or in the app, and then install your profile in a few taps. Saily offers plans for more than 200 destinations (including country-specific, regional, and Global packages), and durations run from one to 30 days. You’ll find a wide range of data allowances available on the Saily website or through the app, including unlimited data plans. Compared with roaming, eSIM plans are usually very affordable, and Saily is no exception.
By default, all of Saily’s eSIM plans are data only, but you can add a US phone number and use that to make calls and send text messages from anywhere in the world. Saily’s phone numbers cost US$0.99, and calling and SMS plans start at US$0.99.
Saily hasn’t been around nearly as long as Vodafone, but it’s already built an excellent reputation, in part due to its connection with NordVPN. The company offers 24/7 customer support and holds a Trustpilot rating of 4.7 based on over 30,000 reviews.
Coverage and network reliability
On the surface, Vodafone and Saily have similar coverage — both services sell eSIM plans for more than 200 destinations. The difference is how that coverage is actually delivered.
As a longstanding telecoms company, Vodafone spent decades building and buying physical networking infrastructure. In 17 countries across Europe and Africa, Vodafone actually operates the networks that its eSIM users rely on. Vodafone also partly owns or is at least closely involved with over 40 networks elsewhere in the world.
Saily, on the other hand, connects users to reliable mobile carriers in each destination, without owning or operating any part of the networks. For a user, the experience is the same — they arrive in a new country and get online. Speeds and network stability are generally the same, and the real points of difference come down to things like prices, plan flexibility, and app features.
Saily vs. Vodafone: Plans and pricing compared
Direct price comparisons between Saily and Vodafone aren’t always possible, because their plans rarely match up perfectly across data and duration. Vodafone offers high-priced plans with a lot of mobile data, while Saily prioritizes affordable plans with smaller data allowances.
Comparing Italian eSIM plans, for example, the closest fixed-plan comparison we could find was a 3 GB plan, though even that wasn’t an exact match. Vodafone’s 3 GB deal (for US$12) has a duration of 10 days, while Saily’s (US$8.99) lasts for 30 days. The majority of Vodafone’s plans are just much bigger and more expensive than Saily’s because Vodafone is appealing to travelers who want large data allowances and are happy to pay for them.
To get a clear sense of the value difference between the two companies, we can look at unlimited data plans. The destinations listed in the table below are examples, chosen at random — both providers cover many other destinations.
The information in the table above was sourced from the providers’ websites and was accurate as of August 28, 2026. Prices listed in this table do not reflect temporary discounts or special offers.
As this table shows, in a direct comparison across multiple locations, Vodafone and Saily are around the same price. Sometimes one is a little cheaper, but only by a dollar or two. But before making your choice, you should know about something else that differentiates these two companies — Saily’s Ultra plan.
Saily Ultra plan explained
The Saily Ultra plan is a subscription intended for frequent flyers, and it’s very different from anything offered by Vodafone. Most travel eSIM plans use a prepaid model, but on the subscription system, your Ultra benefits renew every month.
With a Saily Ultra subscription, you get perks like airport lounge access, fast-track service at security, and priority customer support. At certain locations, your Ultra plan even gets you into airport spas, making layovers a lot more relaxing.
One of the biggest benefits of Ultra isn’t actually eSIM related. Saily and NordVPN are both part of Nord Security, a company that owns multiple internet safety tools. With Saily Ultra, you get Nord Security’s extended toolkit — NordVPN, the NordPass password manager, secure cloud storage with NordLocker, and privacy-boosting Incogni.
A Saily Ultra plan isn’t going to be the right fit for everyone, but for people who travel regularly, this all-in-one package really sets Saily apart from competitors like Vodafone.
Calling and texting: Voice and SMS options
Vodafone eSIMs don’t come with a phone number, so you can’t send texts or make calls. That’s not unusual for an eSIM service provider — most companies in this industry offer data-only plans.
As of 2026, though, Saily now lets you add a phone number to your eSIM plan for US$0.99. It’s a US number, but you can use it wherever you are, with calls and text bundles starting from US$0.99 as well. Want to call a restaurant while you’re abroad? Need to text your tour guide when you’re running late? That’s where Saily’s phone number add-on really shines.
A number won’t be essential for most travelers, of course. Even if you only have mobile data, you can still make calls and send messages over apps like WhatsApp and FaceTime, since they just rely on an internet connection.
Security and privacy features
Vodafone and Saily are notably different when it comes to security and privacy features. That's not surprising — one is a legacy telecommunications brand, and the other was built by a cybersecurity company. Saily is leagues ahead in this space.
That’s not to say Vodafone isn’t a secure and reliable company — its services are used and trusted by millions of people — but Saily’s app comes with a range of useful safety tools. Web protection limits your exposure to malicious websites and viruses. For added privacy, you can use the virtual location feature to shield your IP address and route traffic through servers around the world.
Saily’s ad blocker is the standout feature, though. This system doesn’t just limit exposure to online ads (some of which can infect your device with malware). The ad blocker can save your data, so your allowance doesn’t run out as fast.
Vodafone will get you online, but Saily actively increases your security once you’re connected.
Ease of setup and customer support
Both Vodafone and Saily share the biggest benefit of eSIM technology — no physical SIM cards! Because the chip already lives inside your device, you can just download the eSIM profile to your phone, without removing your regular SIM.
Vodafone users are expected to either download their eSIM profile using a QR code and a series of steps in the device’s settings, or manually (inputting specific codes in their settings). You can take that approach with Saily if you want — or you can download the profile directly through Saily’s app.
If you run into any problems with your setup flow, both companies offer 24/7 customer support, though Vodafone’s support teams vary in size across different regions, so some users might get help faster than others. In general, issues are less likely to arise with Saily, since everything can be handled within the app, where instructions are clear and linear.
Which eSIM provider is better in Europe?
Vodafone’s European internet deals are slightly cheaper than Saily’s (though not by much). The company owns or is partially invested in a lot of the physical infrastructure on the continent, so it has greater control over pricing. Assuming you’re not going with one of Vodafone’s EU roaming deals, you’ll probably end up choosing from the provider's eSIM plans.
Since the price difference between Vodafone and Saily is minimal, however, the real question is — what are you getting for your money? Vodafone is a bare-bones option, connecting you to the internet and nothing more. Saily is at the other end of the spectrum — its app is packed with useful extra features and security tools. Add to the equation an easier in-app setup and a wider range of plan types, and Saily starts to look like the best option for a lot of travelers, in Europe and beyond.
When choosing your eSIM for Europe, it all depends on what you value as a traveler. Are you looking for the cheapest option, or the best overall value?
How does Saily compare to other eSIM providers?
If you compare Saily to other eSIM providers, it comes out on top across most metrics. It offers some of the more affordable solutions in the space, and even when other eSIM plans work out cheaper, they rarely offer as much value. Extra features and security tools are rare in the eSIM market at the moment.
A strong Trustpilot score and its close association with NordVPN reinforce the reputation of Saily as a reliable, trustworthy brand, even though it’s not been around as long as Airalo or Holafly. In a direct comparison with Vodafone, for example, Saily’s Trustpilot score is notably better, based on thousands more reviews.
Saily also has a big advantage in its focus on app features. Companies like Vodafone have an app, but their users are more likely to just buy a plan through a browser and then download the profile manually. Saily users can buy, download, and manage plans in one place while also enjoying all the security and ad-blocking benefits of the app.
Tips for planning your eSIM plan purchase for travel
Whatever eSIM provider you decide to go with, a few common-sense tips will help you choose the right plan and get online faster.
Check your device compatibility. Confirm that your phone supports eSIM technology before buying a plan.
Estimate your data usage. Think about how much you'll rely on maps, messaging apps, and streaming — it'll help you pick the right data allowance.
Install your eSIM before traveling. Download and activate your eSIM profile before you set off. Then, on arrival, your plan can activate automatically.
Choose add-ons, like phone numbers. Decide if you want to pay for any add-ons, like a mobile phone number. If you choose Saily, you have the option to get a US phone number (for use in any destination) for just US$0.99 (though minutes and texts are sold separately, from US$0.99).
Compare regional vs. country plans. Most providers offer plans for specific countries and wider regions. Think about where you’ll be traveling and how many countries you’re going to visit, and decide based on that.
Picking an eSIM plan is just one part of your travel prep, and it’s something you can do well in advance. Once you’ve chosen a provider and installed a plan that meets your travel needs, it’s time to pack your bags and focus on the fun stuff — the adventure ahead!
