Saily vs. Holafly: Which eSIM service to choose in 2025

Saily vs. Holafly: An overall comparison

Saily is a new but quickly growing eSIM app created in 2024 by Nord Security — the company behind NordVPN. Holafly, on the other hand, has been around since 2017 and is well-known among travelers. Each has its perks, but based on your traveling style, one might be the better option than the other. Before we go into the specifics, let’s make a quick comparison of their main features to better understand what each service has to offer.ta

Note: The information on eSIM service features presented in this comparison was last verified on the service providers’ official websites on March 31, 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 the official Saily website on March 31, 2025, the US$1.99 price for Saily is limited to the 1 GB plan in Bulgaria, Czechia (Czech Republic), and Mayotte.

**As of March 31, 2025, Saily’s unlimited data plans are only available for France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States destinations.

***According to information collected from the official Holafly website on March 31, 2025, the US$5.90 price for a Holafly data plan is limited to the one-day plan in Switzerland and Tokyo.

At first glance, both Saily and Holafly are solid eSIM services with global coverage in over 200 destinations and a variety of plans. However, their pricing, data options, and extra features differ in ways that could make one a better fit than the other depending on your travel needs.

Saily offers fixed data plans starting at just US$1.99, with options ranging from 1 GB to 100 GB and unlimited data. It’s perfect for users who need flexibility, with plan durations from 7 to 365 days. Holafly, with its unlimited data plans, is a solid choice for heavy data users or long-term explorers. Its plans start at US$5.90 and are available for 1 to 90 days, making it ideal for shorter trips or those who prefer the simplicity of unlimited access. 

Both eSIM services support network speeds up to 5G. On its website, Saily states it offers LTE, 3G, 4G, and 5G speeds, and Holafly offers 4G and 5G network speeds. However, it’s worth noting that even if the service can go up to 5G, it doesn’t mean it will. The actual speed you get can vary depending on the destination’s infrastructure and local network providers, especially in remote areas. When it comes to hotspot sharing, Saily offers unlimited tethering, while Holafly limits it to 1 GB per day.

Holafly also has a higher Trustpilot rating of 4.6 and 53,000+ reviews, which suggests a strong track record of customer satisfaction and reliability among travelers worldwide. However, it’s important to note that while Saily’s Trustpilot rating of 4.0 may be lower, it is still relatively new on the market and only has 2,400+ reviews.

Now, let's examine some of these aspects more closely to see how Saily and Holafly compare.

Saily vs. Holafly: Data plans and pricing

For many, data plans and pricing are often the deciding factors when it comes to choosing an eSIM service. While eSIMs are generally cheaper than those steep roaming fees, costs can still add up pretty fast, so getting the better value for your money is what’s most important. Here's how Saily and Holafly compare in terms of pricing for some of the most popular destinations.

Note: These prices and other related information were taken from the official websites of each eSIM service provider on March 31, 2025 and may change over time. 

Comparing pricing between Saily and Holafly can be tricky since they take different approaches to their data plans. While both offer regional and global plans, Holafly’s plans only include unlimited data that you pay for per day. Saily, on the other hand, offers various data packages ranging from 1 GB to unlimited data options, with durations from 7 days to a full year. Both eSIM services accept all standard payment methods like PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and credit/debit cards.

Ultimately, it depends on how much data you’ll use and how long your trip is. If you don’t need much data, Saily is likely the more budget-friendly eSIM service option, especially since Holafly’s daily plans start at US$5.90. However, if you need a lot of data in a short time, you might want to go with Holafly’s unlimited data plans.

For longer trips, though, Holafly’s daily plan costs can add up, and you might end up paying for data you won’t even use. With Saily, you only pay for what you need. So do your math, think about your travel plans, and see which option is right for you.

Saily vs. Holafly: Coverage

Both Holafly and Saily cover over 200 destinations, but their coverage differs in a few ways, especially when it comes to specific regions and countries. While both services cover major travel destinations globally, Holafly offers city-specific and US state-specific plans, like California, Hawaii, Las Vegas, Paris, and Tokyo, which can be useful if you're staying in one place. However, if you purchase a plan for just one city, you’ll have to get another plan if you decide to explore beyond that area, which can be inconvenient.

Saily, on the other hand, covers entire countries, giving you more freedom to travel across the country without needing to change your plan for each city. While Holafly has specific location options like Bali or Bangkok, Saily lets you roam more freely within those places and beyond.

Additionally, some places are covered by one service but not the other. Holafly covers destinations like China, Iran, and Russia, which are not available with Saily, while Saily covers places like Afghanistan, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe, which Holafly doesn’t. 

Both offer regional plans for Europe, North America, Latin America, Africa, and the Caribbean. The main difference is the Asia plan. Saily combines Asia and Oceania in one plan, while Holafly separates them. Saily also includes North Africa in its Middle East plan, while Holafly doesn’t.

As you can see, both eSIM services offer extensive global coverage with a few notable differences. Ultimately, your choice might depend on where you’re planning to travel.

Saily vs. Holafly: The activation process

Getting your eSIM up and running shouldn’t be stressful. Thankfully, both Saily and Holafly make the process simple.

Note: The information provided in this table was taken from the official websites of each eSIM service provider on March 31, 2025 and may change over time. 

With both services, the eSIM installation process is fairly straightforward and intuitive. Once you purchase your plan, you’ll receive a QR code that can be scanned to install the eSIM on your device, or you can input the details manually in your device settings. 

However, one big difference between Holafly and Saily can make frequent traveling less convenient. Saily provides a one-time installation, meaning you can easily switch between destinations without needing to install a new eSIM every time you move to a new destination. Holafly, however, requires you to install a new eSIM each time you change locations, which can be a hassle for frequent travelers.

Another difference is in activation. Holafly requires manual activation during your flight or once you arrive, while Saily automatically activates your plan when you reach your destination.

Saily vs. Holafly: Additional features

Who doesn’t love a few extra perks? Both Saily and Holafly offer reliable eSIM services, but they also have additional features that can make the travel experience even better. Let’s look at what each service brings to the table beyond just coverage and pricing.

Note: The information provided in this table was taken from the official websites of each eSIM service provider on March 31, 2025 and may change over time. 

Now, let’s explore these features in more detail.

Security features

One way Saily stands out is by offering built-in security features. Based on NordVPN’s Threat Protection, security features on Saily include an ad blocker, web protection, and the ability to change your virtual location. The web protection feature helps block malicious websites and trackers, making your browsing safer, while the ad blocker reduces distractions and saves data. Saily also allows you to choose from 115+ virtual locations for added privacy while traveling. These extra features give Saily an edge over Holafly in terms of online safety.

Business profile

Both eSIM services cater to businesses but with different approaches. Saily offers dedicated account managers and customizable data plans, allowing businesses to assign different data packages as needed. Holafly, on the other hand, provides prepaid and postpaid options, along with wholesale and retail purchasing and the ability to manage all users under one account.

Loyalty program

Holafly offers a loyalty program, while Saily doesn’t have one at the moment. Holafly’s Travel Club lets users earn HolaCoins through eSIM purchases and referrals, which can be redeemed for exclusive discounts. Customers also get 5% cashback, which can be a useful perk for frequent globetrotters. While Saily has a referral program that rewards users for bringing new users, it’s not a full-fledged loyalty program. Keep reading for more information on the referral programs below.

Saily vs. Holafly: Discounts and refund policy

Saving money while staying connected is always a plus. Both Holafly and Saily offer discounts and fair refund policies to make their eSIM services more appealing.

Discounts 

Holafly and Saily frequently run seasonal promotions and offer affiliate discounts and referral programs to help users save on their eSIM data plan purchases. Holafly’s referral program gives new users 5% off their first order while the referrer earns €5 in credits. Saily also has a referral system, offering a US$5 discount to the new user and US$5 in Saily credits to the referrer. These programs make it easy for travelers to share savings with friends while also enjoying benefits themselves.

Refund policy

Both Holafly and Saily have flexible refund policies, ensuring that users can request a refund if their eSIM doesn’t work as expected. 

Note: The information provided in this table was taken from the official websites of each eSIM service provider on March 31, 2025 and may change over time. 

Both services allow refunds, but the conditions depend on whether the eSIM has been activated or used. If it hasn’t, Saily offers a full refund within 30 days, while Holafly extends this period to six months.

If the eSIM has already been activated, Saily may offer a full or partial refund if over 99% of the data is unused or if technical issues prevent the user from having full access. Holafly reviews refund requests on a case-by-case basis, especially for network issues. In both cases, users must contact customer support for a refund.

Saily vs. Holafly: User experience and customer support

A good eSIM service should be easy to use, and help should always be available when you need it. Both Saily and Holafly do a great job in this department, offering user-friendly apps and 24/7 customer support to ensure users are taken care of whenever they need assistance.

User experience

Both apps are user-friendly and easy to get around. When you open the Saily app, it takes you straight to the eSIM tab, where you can purchase data plans, manage existing ones, and activate the security features. Holafly’s app starts at the shopping screen, so you can browse and buy data plans first.

Other aspects of both apps are very similar. Both include a help section and a "Profile" area to manage account settings. The big difference is that Holafly separates the shopping and eSIM management sections, while Saily keeps everything in one place for quicker access. Plus, Saily gives you fast access to security features right from the main screen, making it even more convenient for users to browse with more peace of mind.

Customer support

When you're on the go, nothing is more frustrating than being stuck without help when you need it. Thankfully, both Saily and Holafly offer multiple customer support channels, so you're never left stranded and can always get assistance.

Note: The information provided in this table was taken from the official websites of each eSIM service provider on March 31, 2025 and may change over time. 

Both Saily and Holafly provide excellent customer support and various ways to reach out for help. They both offer a 24/7 in-app live chat, email support, FAQs, and setup guides, so you can find help whenever you need it. Response times are quick, with live chat usually offering answers within minutes. In addition to these options, both eSIM services also feature blogs with useful articles and tips on traveling and eSIM technology. The only difference between the two is that Holafly also offers support through WhatsApp, giving users another convenient way to get help.

How to choose between Saily and Holafly

Choosing between Holafly and Saily boils down to your travel needs, data usage, and preferences. If you travel frequently and value flexibility, Saily offers a range of data plans from 1 GB to unlimited, with durations from 7 days to a year. Its automatic activation and built-in security features make it a great choice for those looking for extra peace of mind — something you’ll often see mentioned in a Saily review.

On the other hand, if you're a heavy data user or simply prefer unlimited data plans, Holafly's pay-per-day model is a comfortable solution, especially for short trips. However, the need to install a new eSIM at each destination and the higher starting price may not work for everyone. Both services offer easy-to-use apps and coverage in many destinations, so you’ll be well taken care of no matter which you choose.