Saily vs. Airalo: Which eSIM provider offers better service in 2025?

Saily vs. Airalo: Overall comparison overview

Upon first glance, both Saily and Airalo share quite a few similarities: both services are easy to use, provide reliable eSIM data connection (including 5G coverage), and cover more than 200 destinations worldwide. However, after a closer look, some differences emerge.

The information about eSIM features in this comparison was last verified on the eSIM providers’ official websites on April 2, 2025. The Trustpilot ratings were also checked on their respective Trustpilot pages on the same date. This information is subject to change.

*According to the information collected from official Saily’s website on April 2, 2025, Saily’s US$1.99 price applies to the 1 GB plan for Bulgaria, the Czech Republic (Czechia), and Mayotte only. 

**According to the information collected from the official Airalo website on April 2, 2025, Airalo’s US$4.50 price applies to the 1 GB plan in countries such as Italy, Turkey, and Lithuania. In addition, Airalo offers free Welcome eSIM plans for 1GB in countries such as Turkey, the UK, and Portugal.

While both Saily and Airalo allow users to set up mobile hotspots, it’s clear that Saily offers more flexibility with its reusable eSIM feature. In addition, the Saily eSIM app comes with extra security benefits, and offers cheaper eSIM data plans.

Saily vs. Airalo: Plans and pricing

When it comes to affordability, Saily’s pricing seems to be more pocket-friendly than Airalo’s. With the lowest data plans ranging from US$1.99 (in Bulgaria, the Czech Republic [Czechia], and Mayotte only) Saily beats the cheapest Airalo plans by at least a couple of dollars. Here’s the breakdown of some of the most popular plans and pricing from both eSIM service providers.

This data was taken from each eSIM service provider’s website on April 2, 2025, and is subject to change.

When it comes to payment methods, both service providers cover the most common transaction methods, including online payment platforms. However, contrary to Saily, Airalo also offers payments via AliPay (in mobile app only).

The data in this comparison was taken from each eSIM service provider’s website on April 2, 2025, and is subject to change.

Saily vs. Airalo: Coverage of destinations

In terms of coverage, these eSIM services are on par. Both Saily and Airalo offer 3G, 4G, and 5G connections, providing eSIM plans in more than 200 destinations worldwide. When it comes to coverage in regional plans, Saily marginally leads in such regions as Caribbean islands and Middle East (with North Africa), while Airalo covers slightly more destinations in Europe, Africa, Latin America, and Asia.

Saily vs. Airalo: Activation process

Activating an eSIM on your phone shouldn’t be a herculean task. Saily and Airalo both recognize and stand by that. Each service provides a simple eSIM activation process, offering at least a few different methods to install and start using your eSIM in just a few clicks (or taps).

The data in this comparison was taken from each eSIM service provider’s website on April 2, 2025, and is subject to change.

When it comes to eSIM activation, the biggest difference between the two eSIM competitors is Saily’s 30 day activation window. While Saily’s eSIM plans activate automatically upon arrival to the destination (or if a user buys the eSIM while in the destination country), users can also opt to activate the service manually, within 30 days upon buying the eSIM data packet. In comparison, Airalo’s eSIM data packets activate instantly after purchase, or upon connecting to the local network, once you’re in your travel destination.

Saily vs. Airalo: Additional features

Some might say that additional features are where Saily surpasses Airalo. That seems to be true, given the extra safety benefits Saily app users can get while using the app.

The data in this comparison was taken from each eSIM service provider’s website on April 2, 2025, and is subject to change.

Security features

While both service providers use base security features (such as data encryption, privacy protection, and user verification), Saily, made by the creators of NordVPN, offers additional safety benefits, particularly, the ad blocker, web protection, and virtual location features. Saily’s ad blocker, powered by NordVPN’s Threat Protection, provides users with a less distracting browsing experience, while the web protection feature blocks malicious sites and limits online trackers.

Homesick travelers may also enjoy using Saily’s virtual location feature that allows users to browse with more privacy and access their home content in seconds. Travelers can choose from more than 115 virtual locations around the world, including the US, Japan, France, and Australia.

Business profile

For business travelers, both Saily and Airalo offer a business profile feature, providing companies with a convenient solution for managing eSIM data. These business profiles allow companies to allocate data plans to their employees, purchase eSIMs in bulk, and manage them under one corporate account. 

The key differences between the  Saily and Airalo business profiles emerge in three particular cases. First, Saily allows businesses to assign profile roles and track data, while Airalo lacks role-based account management. Saily’s data tracking leads to its second feature — usage analytics, which allow companies to review the use of eSIM data. It’s yet another benefit that Airalo doesn’t have. As for the third difference between two services, while Saily offers convenient data tracking and analytics, Airalo provides centralized billing features, allowing easier expense management. 

Saily vs. Airalo: Discounts and refund policy

Discounts and the refund policy are important characteristics when choosing an eSIM provider. When it comes to Saily vs. Airalo, users may feel a bit conflicted, since both services offer some nice eSIM deals.

Discounts

Special offers and seasonal deals are always on the table for any Saily or Airalo user. You can save some money by using some of the options, such as:

• Referral programs. Regardless of whether you use Saily or Airalo, referring a friend will earn you some money (which you can use to buy another eSIM plan). A successful referral will earn you US$5 on Saily, and US$3 on Airalo.*** Referred users will receive the same amount of credits for their first purchase.
• Discount codes. Both Saily and Airalo use seasonal and other discount codes for their eSIM data plans. For example, you can get the latest Saily discount code by visiting Saily’s online home page. If you’re looking for an Airalo discount code, you might need to keep checking its website for new upcoming offers.
• Special offers. When it comes to special offers, Airalo is taking the charge here. This eSIM provider offers a free eSIM for first time users (in specific regions) along with an attractive cashback program. Every data plan Airalo users buy earns them a small amount of Airmoney — an in-app reward currency that existing customers can use to buy more eSIM data.

***The data was taken from each eSIM service provider’s website on April 2, 2025, and is subject to change.

Refund policy

The return policy for Saily and Airalo is somewhat similar. Both service providers offer a full refund within 30 days of the purchase (although Airalo does that for unused data plans only). However, some exceptions may apply, particularly, in cases of terms of service violations.

This data was taken from each eSIM service provider’s website on April 2, 2025, and is subject to change.

Saily vs. Airalo: User experience and customer support

The final round of the Saily vs. Airalo bout is all about user experience and customer support capabilities. Here, while still somewhat of a rookie, Saily manages to stand its ground against the eSIM market heavyweight. Here’s how they match up.

User experience

Both Saily and Airalo provide a simple app interface, with Saily focusing on making it easy for travelers to manage their eSIM plans. Airalo, meanwhile, seems to put more focus on simple navigation and easy plan activation. Both apps are easy to use, however, Saily seems to be a bit more friendly on the eyes and fluid, allowing users to switch between local and regional data plans with a simple swipe across the screen. What’s also great about Saily, is that the country list immediately shows the price of the cheapest data packets without having to go to the country’s page (as opposed to Airalo).

Customer support

If you’re looking for help with your eSIM app, both Saily and Airalo will provide quick and reliable assistance. Each provider has an in-app chat, where you can get the answers to all your eSIM related questions.

The data was taken from each eSIM service provider’s website on April 2, 2025, and is subject to change.

Overall, the customer support channels for both eSIM services seem to be efficient in providing efficient support and troubleshooting. Which for some users may lead to the final dilemma of choosing the right eSIM app for their needs.

How can you choose between Saily and Airalo?

Choosing between Saily and Airalo can be tough. Both apps provide a reliable and convenient eSIM service, and yet, both have unique strengths that distinguish one from the other. However, while Airalo’s cashback program can make it an attractive choice, Saily’s safe browsing features might be a more alluring benefit. 

While the final choice is always up to the user, Saily seems to be a better eSIM data choice, particularly for those looking to get an affordable mobile connection. While they both cover around the same amount of destinations, Saily’s security features, cheap and flexible data plans, convenient interface, and 24/7 customer support, makes it a better choice for tourists, digital nomads, and business travelers. For more information and a thorough analysis on the app’s pros and cons, you can also check out our Saily review.