Saily vs Holafly eSIM: which is better in 2024?
Both Saily and Holafly eSIMs offer travelers the convenience of digital SIM cards, enabling mobile data access without needing a physical SIM. This technology simplifies connectivity, helping you avoid expensive international roaming and making it easier to navigate foreign destinations.
Both eSIMs performed well in my testing; however, Saily edges out Holafly in several key areas. Saily is cheaper than Holafly and allows users to utilize a hotspot without daily data cap limits — an important consideration for heavy data users. Additionally, it features a user-friendly interface that makes activation and installation quick and straightforward.
While Holafly also offers reliable service, it didn’t quite match Saily’s overall convenience and value. I purchased and tested both eSIMs on my Google Pixel 9, and while Holafly is a solid alternative, Saily ultimately stands out as the more attractive option for travelers in 2024.
Saily vs Holafly: comparison
Both eSIM services offer reliable internet access worldwide but significantly differ in price and plan flexibility. Compare Holafly vs Saily using this comparison chart.
| Feature | Saily | Holafly |
| Our rating | 9.6 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 8.8 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price starts from | $1.99 | $6.00 |
| Countries | 150+ | 197+ |
| Cellular networks | 3G, 4G, 5G | 3G, LTE, 4G, 5G |
| Compatibility | All eSIM-supported devices | All eSIM-supported devices |
| Allows phone calls | ❌No | ✅Yes |
| Supports mobile hotspot | ✅Yes | ✅Yes |
| Customer support | 24/7 live chat, email, FAQs | 24/7 live chat, email, FAQs |
Saily is generally cheaper than Holafly, with a starting price of $1.99 compared to Holafly’s $6.00. It makes Saily a better option for budget-conscious travelers. Holafly, however, has broader coverage, offering plans for 197 destinations, whereas Saily covers 150+. Additionally, Holafly supports phone calls, which Saily does not.
In terms of network quality, both Saily and Holafly performed well for me. They offer strong cellular network support, including 5G options, and support mobile hotspots. Regarding customer support, both eSIMs provide 24/7 live chat, email, and FAQs, ensuring reliable assistance for users at all times.
So, if you’re traveling on a budget and don’t need phone support, Saily is a better option than Holafly, as it offers reliable performance and lower prices. However, if broader coverage and the ability to make phone calls are important to you, Holafly may be worth the extra cost.
eSIMs plans and coverage
When it comes to eSIM plans and coverage, both Saily and Holafly provide local, regional, and global options, making them versatile choices for travelers. Holafly stands out with a broader reach, covering over 197 countries, while Saily’s coverage spans over 150 destinations, focusing mainly on Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Both providers allow users to choose from varying amounts of internet data and durations. Still, Saily offers more flexibility with customizable data packages and shorter duration plans, making it ideal for short trips.
Both services vary in pricing based on the country or region and the selected plan duration, so comparing options for your specific needs is essential. Generally, Saily’s flexible plans are more cost-effective for short-term data needs, while Holafly’s broader coverage might justify the higher cost for international travelers looking for a more extensive network.
Holafly vs Saily eSIM pricing
When comparing pricing, Saily generally offers cheaper rates than Holafly, making it a more budget-friendly option for travelers focused on cost. Saily’s price for a 1 GB 7-day plan starts at as low as $1.99, while Holafly’s comparable plan is priced at $6, making Saily significantly more affordable for the same data and duration. Saily’s lower prices can be attributed to its targeted regional plans, whereas Holafly’s extensive global coverage results in higher prices. However, for countries with high data demand or long-term plans, Holafly’s prices can offer better value due to more comprehensive data packages.
| Country | Saily (7 days, 1GB) | Holafly (7 days, 1GB) |
| eSIM for Japan | $10 | $19 |
| eSIM for the UK | $12 | $17 |
| eSIM for Canada | $15 | $27 |
| Australia | $11 | $20 |
| Singapore | $9 | $16 |
| Thailand | $8 | $15 |
| Indonesia | $7 | $14 |
| Turkey | $10 | $18 |
As shown in the table above, Saily is more affordable in all the selected countries, particularly in Southeast Asia, where it offers plans at almost half the price of Holafly’s. For example, Saily’s 7-day plan in Indonesia costs $7, whereas Holafly’s equivalent plan costs $14. This trend is consistent across most regions, making Saily the more economical choice for travelers who prioritize budget over extensive coverage.
Regional pricing and coverage comparison
| Provider | Regions covered | Plan types | Countries covered | Price range (7 days) |
| Saily | Asia, Europe, North America, South America | Local, regional, global | 150+ | $7/week (1GB) to $20/week (3GB) |
| Holafly | Asia, Africa, Europe, North America, South America | Local, regional, global | 197+ | $14/week (1GB) to $35/week (3GB) |
When comparing by region, Saily’s prices are consistently lower, offering better value for local and regional plans. For instance, Saily’s weekly plans in Asia start at $7 for 1GB, whereas Holafly’s pricing begins at $14. In Europe and North America, Holafly’s larger coverage and stronger network stability might justify the price, but Saily’s plans still provide a more cost-effective option for shorter trips.
Overall, Saily is the better choice for travelers seeking more affordable short-term data plans, especially in countries with lower data costs. Holafly, on the other hand, is a good option for those prioritizing broader global coverage and more extensive data packages despite its higher pricing.
Payment methods
| Payment method | Saily | Holafly |
| Credit or debit cards | ✅Yes | ✅Yes |
| PayPal | ❌No | ✅Yes |
| Apple Pay | ❌No | ✅Yes |
| Google Pay | ✅Yes | ✅Yes |
| Alipay | ❌No | ❌No |
| Airmoney | ❌No | ❌No |
| Shop Pay | ❌No | ❌No |
When comparing Saily vs Holafly in terms of payment methods, Saily offers support for credit and debit cards as well as Google Pay, while Holafly provides more versatility. Holafly supports credit and debit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Pay, making it the better option for those who prefer diverse payment methods. Unfortunately, Saily lacks options like PayPal and Apple Pay, which might be a drawback for users who rely on these platforms. Neither provider currently supports other payment methods such as Alipay, Airmoney, or Shop Pay.
Supported devices
When comparing Saily vs Holafly, both eSIM providers support a wide range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, and laptops. They are compatible with the latest and most popular models from brands like Apple, Samsung, Google, and Huawei. It means iPhones (iPhone 11 and newer), iPads, and Google Pixel devices are all supported. Additionally, new Samsung Galaxy S and Note series models can also easily use Saily or Holafly eSIMs.
One key difference is that Holafly generally ensures support not only for newer models but also for select older devices with eSIM capabilities. While still highly compatible, Saily is more focused on the latest devices and might lack support for some older or lesser-known models. I encourage you to check the compatibility list on each provider’s website to ensure their device is supported before making a purchase.
Which one is faster, Saily or Holafly eSIM?
The speed of both Saily and Holafly eSIMs largely depends on the local carrier they partner with in each country, as well as the network technology available (LTE, 4G, or 5G). For example, in countries with robust 5G infrastructure, both providers can offer high-speed connections, but their performance may differ based on the quality of their local partnerships.
Holafly tends to leverage well-established carriers in most of its 197+ covered countries, which can result in more stable and faster connections in regions with extensive 5G availability. Despite covering fewer countries, Saily often selects high-quality local providers like T-Mobile in the US, EE in the UK, or Docomo in Japan, ensuring competitive speeds, especially in Europe and Asia. Therefore, speed may vary significantly depending on the country, making it crucial for users to check which networks each eSIM supports in their specific destination.
During my week-long stay in the UK, I tested both Saily and Holafly eSIMs to compare their real-world performance. Both eSIMs connected to the local EE network, and while the speeds were consistently fast on both, Saily stood out with noticeably smoother transitions between 4G and 5G in busy areas like central London. Whether streaming videos or navigating maps, Saily maintained a more stable connection, particularly in crowded spots where Holafly occasionally experienced brief slowdowns. Based on my experience, Saily’s excellent partnership with top-tier local providers ensured a superior browsing experience.
User experience
When comparing my experience with Saily vs Holafly, I found that both providers offer intuitive and user-friendly app interfaces with easy eSIM activation processes and accessible in-app customer support. However, Saily stood out due to its straightforward setup process. I could purchase, install, and activate my Saily eSIM directly within the app without needing a QR code or another device. It made Saily faster and more convenient to set up, taking just a few minutes.
While still user-friendly, Holafly required me to buy plans either via the app or on another device, often utilizing a QR code for activation. This extra step was rather inconvenient compared to Saily’s one-device process. On the other hand, Holafly’s app provided more detailed usage statistics, showing data usage, activation date, and expiration, while Saily’s data tracking is somewhat basic but still effective.
Overall, I found Saily to be easier to use due to its streamlined setup and seamless in-app purchase experience.
Holafly vs Saily: customer support
Both Holafly and Saily offer 24/7 customer support through live chat, making it easy for users to get assistance at any time. Saily’s live chat is accessible directly within the app and through their help center, which includes FAQs and troubleshooting guides. I received a response within 1-2 minutes during testing, and the agent efficiently addressed my query.
Holafly provides similar support options, including live chat via the app or WhatsApp, along with the option to fill out a contact form for follow-up assistance. My experience with Holafly’s chat was equally quick, with the agent responding within 1-2 minutes and even offering a discount code after resolving my question.
Overall, Saily’s customer support stood out for its seamless integration within the app and straightforward access to help resources. While both services provide prompt responses, Saily’s streamlined support experience makes it easier for users to get the help they need without navigating multiple channels.
Saily and Holafly additional values
Both providers offer unique benefits that enhance the user experience; however, Saily has some distinct advantages.
Saily excels with its data top-up feature, allowing users to add more data when they run out quickly. This ensures uninterrupted connectivity without purchasing a new plan, which is especially helpful for travelers who may unexpectedly require extra data. The user-friendly app interface also simplifies data management, enabling users to monitor their usage efficiently and activate eSIMs without needing QR codes or additional devices.
Holafly, while offering solid features, focuses more on versatility. It supports unlimited data sharing, allowing users to share their plans with friends or family members, making it an excellent choice for group travelers. Holafly also enables voice calls through third-party applications, providing an extra layer of communication options while abroad. Additionally, Holafly offers a more extensive network coverage in various countries, giving users more choices for their travel destinations.
In summary, while both services provide valuable features, Saily’s emphasis on accessible data top-ups and a streamlined user experience positions it as a user-friendly option for travelers seeking straightforward connectivity. Holafly’s features add versatility but may not meet the same level of convenience that Saily provides.
Conclusion: which eSIM is better in 2024?
When evaluating Saily and Holafly in 2024, both eSIM providers present compelling options tailored to different user needs. Saily stands out with its intuitive app, allowing for hassle-free data top-ups and quick eSIM activation without needing extra devices. This focus on simplicity and efficiency makes it an attractive choice for travelers who prefer a seamless experience.
Conversely, Holafly offers valuable features such as unlimited data sharing and voice call capabilities, which cater well to groups and those seeking enhanced communication options. Its extensive network coverage further expands its appeal for users visiting multiple destinations.
Ultimately, your choice between Saily and Holafly should reflect your travel style and preferences. Whether you prioritize ease of use and straightforward data management or value additional features and broader coverage, both providers offer solid solutions for international connectivity.
You may also like to read:
Saily eSIM Review 2024
Holafly eSIM Review 2024: is this card worth the investment
Best eSIM for travel in 2024
Best eSIM for Europe travel: card and data plans in 2024
Best eSIM for France travel in 2024
Best eSIMs for Canada in 2024: plans and prices
FAQ
Which eSIM is cheaper, Saily or Holafly?
Saily is generally cheaper than Holafly. While both providers offer competitive pricing, Saily tends to have lower base prices for its plans, especially with its convenient data top-up feature that allows you to manage its costs effectively. I advise you to compare specific plans based on your travel destination for the best value.
Does Saily or Holafly have a more user-friendly interface?
Saily has a more user-friendly interface than Holafly. Its app is designed for easy navigation, enabling users to activate eSIMs without needing additional devices or QR codes. This streamlined process makes it quick and convenient. While Holafly’s interface is also intuitive, the extra steps required for activation may hinder the overall user experience compared to Saily’s straightforward approach.
Which is better, Holafly or Saily, if you need a lot of data?
Holafly is better if you need a lot of data. Its unlimited data sharing feature allows you to share your plan with multiple users, making it ideal for group travel. While Saily offers a handy data top-up option for when you run low and unlimited data with some plans, Holafly’s capability to support extensive data sharing provides more flexibility for high data users.
