Saily vs. Holafly: Which eSIM service to choose in 2026

Disclaimer: The trademarks shown are for illustrative purposes only. NordVPN and Saily have been developed by related entities, both part of the same corporate group.

Saily vs. Holafly: An overall comparison

Saily is a new eSIM app created in 2024 by Nord Security, the company behind NordVPN, that is quickly growing in popularity. 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 quickly compare their main features to better understand what each service has to offer.

The information on eSIM service features presented in this comparison was last verified on the service providers’ official websites on September 5, 2025. The Trustpilot ratings were also checked on their respective Trustpilot pages on the same date. This information is subject to change.

¹According to the information collected from the official Saily website on September 5, 2025, the US$1.99 price for Saily is limited to the 1 GB plan in Bulgaria, Czechia (the Czech Republic), and Mayotte.

²As of September 5, 2025, Saily’s unlimited data plans are only available for Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, United Kingdom, and United States destinations, plus the Europe regional plan.

³According to information collected from each destination page of the official Holafly website on September 5, 2025, the US$3.90 price for a Holafly data plan is limited to the one-day plan in 111 destinations.

⁴As of September 5, 2025, Holafly includes a European phone number with their Light and Unlimited subscription plans. 

At first glance, both Saily and Holafly look like solid eSIM service options. They cover more than 200 destinations worldwide and offer plans for all kinds of trips. But once you look closer, their differences start to show, and those details can help you figure out which one works better for your travels.

Saily gives its users a lot of options to choose from. Plans start at just US$1.99, and you can choose any amount from 1 GB to 100 GB of data or go with the unlimited plan. Durations are just as flexible, ranging from a quick 7-day plan to a full year. If you like having control over how much data and time you pay for, Saily has plenty of choices.

Holafly, on the other hand, offers unlimited data only, starting at US$3.90. Plans last from 1 to 90 days. While it has a pricier starting point, it can be a handy option for shorter trips or for travelers who don’t want to think about how much data they’re using.

When it comes to network speed, both providers support up to 5G. However, keep in mind that 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. For hotspot sharing, Saily allows unlimited tethering, whereas Holafly restricts it to 1 GB per day.

Saily also offers a few extras that Holafly doesn’t — a single eSIM that works across all destinations and built-in security features. Both providers support regional and global plans, and both have clear refund policies. Customer support is available 24/7 through live chat, email, and resources such as FAQs and blogs, with Holafly also offering support via WhatsApp.

When it comes to reviews, Holafly has a huge base with 61,000+ ratings and a 4.5/5 score on Trustpilot. Saily is newer, but it’s off to a strong start with a slightly higher rating of 4.6/5 from 9,000+ 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.

These prices and other related information were taken from the official websites of each eSIM service provider on September 5, 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. 

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$3.90. 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.

Discounts and special offers

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 a discount off their first order while the referrer earns 500, 600, or 700 HolaCoins, depending on their tier. 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.

On top of that, Saily recently introduced the Saily Ultra plan, which is meant for travelers who want maximum flexibility at a competitive price. Starting at US$59.99/month,⁵ Ultra includes an unlimited global data plan, 8% cashback in credits, priority customer support, and a free monthly NordVPN subscription to keep you safer online. Coming soon, Ultra subscribers should also get other nice perks, like airport lounge access or fast-track service — a nice add-on to make travel more comfortable.

Holafly also offers subscription-based eSIM plans. These plans give travelers unlimited data with simple monthly billing, but unlike Saily Ultra, they don’t include added perks such as bundled security tools or travel benefits.

⁵The price for the Saily Ultra plan is accurate as of September 5, 2025, and may change over time.

Payment methods

Both Saily and Holafly make it easy to pay for your eSIM plans with a variety of options. You can use all the standard payment methods, like credit or debit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. Plus, if you prefer, you also have the option to pay with in-app currency.

The data in this comparison was taken from each eSIM service provider’s website on September 5, 2025, and is subject to change.

Saily vs. Holafly: Coverage and connectivity

When choosing between Saily and Holafly, coverage and connectivity are two of the biggest factors to consider. After all, even the best-priced plan won’t matter if the service doesn’t work where you’re going. Both providers promise global reach and high-speed connections, but some key differences are worth noting. Let’s take a closer look at how they compare in terms of destinations covered, network speed, and overall reliability.

Coverage of destinations

Both eSIM service providers cover a wide range of destinations worldwide, but their reach differs slightly. Saily currently covers 202 countries, while Holafly offers coverage in 271. Both services include most of the world’s major travel destinations, but they approach coverage in different ways:

• Holafly offers city-specific and even U.S. state-specific plans, such as California, Hawaii, Las Vegas, Paris, and Tokyo. These can be handy if you’re staying in one place, but if you decide to travel beyond that area, you’ll need to purchase another plan.
• Saily, on the other hand, covers entire countries rather than single cities, giving you the freedom to move around without switching plans. 
• Holafly also includes destinations like China, Iran, and Russia, which Saily doesn’t cover.
• Saily includes destinations not offered by Holafly, such as Afghanistan, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe.
• Both providers also offer regional plans across Europe, North America, Latin America, Africa, and the Caribbean. The main difference is in Asia. Saily combines Asia and Oceania into one plan, while Holafly separates them. Saily also includes North Africa in its Middle East plan, whereas Holafly keeps them separate.

As you can see, both eSIM services provide extensive global coverage, ensuring that travelers can stay connected in most destinations worldwide. The key differences lie in the specific regions and countries each provider supports, so the best choice for you will ultimately depend on where you plan to travel.

Speed and reliability

Speed is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing an eSIM. Nobody wants to deal with endless loading screens, choppy video calls, or maps that refuse to update when they’re on the move.

The good news is that both Saily and Holafly support speeds up to 5G, so you can expect fast browsing in most destinations. Saily works across 3G, 4G, LTE, and 5G networks, while Holafly states it supports 3G, 4G, and 5G.

Keep in mind, though, that speeds will always depend on the local carrier and infrastructure. In big cities, 5G is usually accessible, but once you head into rural or remote areas, the connection may fall back to 4G or even 3G. So while both services are capable of reaching 5G speeds, that doesn’t mean you’ll always get them.

Saily vs. Holafly: Ease of use

When you’re traveling, the last thing you want is to waste time figuring out complicated setups or clunky apps. Ease of use can make a big difference in how quickly you get connected and how smoothly you manage your plan afterward. Let’s see how both eSIM providers compare in these areas.

Activation process

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

The information provided in this table was taken from the official websites of each eSIM service provider on September 5, 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.

User experience and interface

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.

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 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.

The information provided in this table was taken from the official websites of each eSIM service provider on September 5, 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, keeping your browsing safer while you travel. Saily’s ad blocker saves your data by cutting down on unnecessary ads, which makes browsing smoother and less distracting. 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 they take slightly different approaches to how organizations can manage data and users:

• Account management. Saily gives businesses a dedicated account manager and flexible data plans, so it’s easy to assign different data packages to different employees. Holafly focuses on centralized management and lets companies keep track of all users under one account.
• Plan structure. Saily is all about flexibility, with tailored data options to match different employee needs. Holafly offers both prepaid and postpaid plan models, so businesses can pick the payment style that works best for them.
• Purchasing options. With Saily, businesses can buy eSIMs either in bulk or one by one and generate activation codes for employees to share them for quick setup. Holafly also supports both wholesale and retail purchasing.

Both platforms have solid business options, but the right choice depends on how your team uses data. Choose Saily if you want flexibility, personalized plans, and direct support from an account manager. Go with Holafly if you prefer centralized management and a prepaid billing option.

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 receive a cashback of 5%, 6%, or 7% of their total purchase, 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.

Saily vs. Holafly: Customer support and refund process

When you’re traveling, not everything always goes as planned, so reliable customer support and a clear refund policy can be just as important as data speed or coverage. Both Saily and Holafly offer these, but let’s see how they compare and what customer reviews have to say.

Customer support options

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.

The information provided in this table was taken from the official websites of each eSIM service provider on September 5, 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 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.

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. 

The information provided in this table was taken from the official websites of each eSIM service provider on September 5, 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. Saily users can request a refund through a dedicated auto-refund center on their website, while Holafly requires users to contact customer support.

Customer reviews

Customer reviews are a good way to see how these eSIMs work in real life, beyond what the companies promise.

The information provided in this table was taken from the Trustpilot pages of each eSIM service provider on September 5, 2025, and may change over time. 

Both providers have strong ratings on Trustpilot. Saily review shows a 4.6/5 score from about 9,000 users, while Holafly review has a 4.5/5 rating with over 61,000 users.

Based on our review of public feedback on both providers, Saily is often praised for its quick setup and helpful customer support, though a few users mention coverage gaps or device compatibility issues. Holafly, on the other hand, gets high marks for unlimited data and easy QR activation, but some travelers criticize slow customer support and patchy connections in certain regions.

Which one should you choose: Saily or Holafly?

Both providers offer reliable eSIM services with coverage in over 200 destinations, but each has its own strengths. So choosing between Holafly and Saily ultimately boils down to your travel needs, data usage, and preferences.

Consider Saily if…

• You want the most affordable option, with plans starting as low as US$1.99.
• You value a service backed by Nord Security.
• You're looking for built-in security features, like an ad blocker that saves data and web protection to keep your browsing safer.
• You prefer simplicity and ease of use through an app.
• You’re traveling to one region or country and want flexible plan lengths.
• You’ll need hotspot access without restrictions.
• You like the convenience of automatic activation.
• You’re interested in the Ultra plan, which includes extras like NordVPN, NordPass, NordLocker, and Incogni.

Consider Holafly if…

• You need a lot of data with unlimited plans.
• You want long-duration plans for up to 90 days.
• You prefer not to rely on an app for activation or management.
• You’re after a pay-per-day pricing model, ideal for short trips.
• You’re traveling to specific regions that Holafly covers and Saily doesn’t, such as China, Iran, or Russia.