Best Saily Alternatives in 2026: 7 Travel eSIMs Compared Honestly

Saily is the travel eSIM app from Nord Security, the company behind NordVPN. It is popular, well designed and heavily advertised, which is exactly why so many travelers search for "Saily alternatives" before they buy: they want to know whether another provider is cheaper, has better unlimited data, covers their route better or simply fits the way they like to buy. This guide compares seven alternatives by what actually changes your bill and your trip, not by brand names.

Key facts

• All the providers below sell data-only travel eSIMs. None of them replaces your phone number for normal calls and SMS. You keep your home SIM switched on for that.
• Prices change by destination, not by brand. A provider that is cheapest for Turkey can be expensive for Japan. Always compare the same data amount, the same number of days and the same country.
• Cheap headline prices often apply to a few countries only. NordVPN's own comparison says Saily's lowest 1 GB price applies to Austria, Bulgaria and Czechia.
• "Unlimited" almost always has a daily full-speed amount. NordVPN describes Saily's unlimited plan as 5 GB a day at full speed, then up to 1 Mbps. Many other unlimited eSIMs, including most TripoSIM unlimited plans, give 1 GB a day at full speed, then a slower speed until the next day.
• You can keep several eSIMs on one phone. Trying an alternative does not mean deleting Saily. You choose which line uses mobile data.

Why people look for a Saily alternative

1. The price for their destination is higher than expected

On small plans (1–5 GB for a week or two), the difference between providers on the same country can be large. Saily's advertised starting price is real, but only for a few countries. For many popular destinations, it is worth checking two or three providers. Our eSIM price index shows how much prices for the same plan can vary from country to country.

2. They want unlimited data with clear rules

Unlimited plans differ in the amount of full-speed data per day, the speed after that, whether hotspot is allowed and how many days you can choose. Saily's daily full-speed amount is high, which suits heavy users. If you mostly use maps, messaging and social media, a cheaper unlimited plan with 1 GB a day at full speed may be enough. See our guide to daily limits on unlimited eSIMs by country.

3. They need a phone number, not just data

Banks, delivery apps and WhatsApp verification often need a real phone number. A travel eSIM does not give you one. Some providers sell a number as an extra service. TripoSIM offers a separate US Number that works in an app, from any country, for calls, voicemail and texts such as WhatsApp codes.

4. Their route crosses several countries

If you visit Europe, the Balkans, Southeast Asia or the Gulf in one trip, one regional plan is usually easier than buying a new plan in every country. Check that every country on your route is listed, and pay attention to non-EU countries such as Switzerland, the UK, Serbia and Turkey.

5. They prefer to buy on a website, or their card keeps getting declined

Some travelers do not want another app, or they buy for a family member. Others have a card that is refused on international payments. Look for a provider that sells on its website, sends the QR code by email and accepts other ways to pay.

Saily alternatives at a glance

Saily itself remains a good choice if you value its web protection features in the same app and its higher daily full-speed amount on unlimited plans.

Which Saily alternative is best for you?

For the lowest price on a short trip

Compare 1 GB, 3 GB and 5 GB plans for your exact destination and trip length. On many countries, TripoSIM and Airalo are among the cheapest for small plans, but it changes from country to country. On TripoSIM, each destination page shows the live price of every plan before you pay, and first-time buyers get an extra discount at checkout.

For heavy data use

Pick an unlimited plan and compare three numbers: full-speed GB per day, speed after that, and hotspot. If you stream video or work on a laptop every day, a higher daily amount is worth paying for. If you mostly post photos and use maps, a cheaper unlimited plan or a large fixed plan (20 GB or more) is usually better value.

For Europe and multi-country trips

A regional plan such as Europe covers dozens of countries with one install. Check the country list for every stop, especially Switzerland, the UK and the Balkans.

For China

Most travel eSIMs connect in China through roaming, so many apps that are blocked on local networks still open. Read whether a travel eSIM bypasses China's firewall and compare China plans before you go.

For WhatsApp verification and a US number

A travel eSIM gives you data, not a number. If you need a US number for WhatsApp, banks or US contacts, compare a dedicated number service. See how to get a US phone number from outside the US.

For travel agencies and businesses

If you want to sell eSIMs to your own customers, a consumer app is not the right tool. Look at a reseller or API program with wholesale prices.

How to switch from Saily without losing anything

1. Leave your Saily eSIM installed for now. Phones can store several eSIMs, and you only choose one for mobile data.
2. Buy the new plan for your destination and install it at home on Wi-Fi from the QR code. Keep the new line switched off until you land.
3. When you arrive, turn on the new eSIM line, switch on Data Roaming for it and select it for Mobile Data.
4. Turn off the Saily line (do not delete it yet) so the phone does not use the wrong plan.
5. Keep your home SIM on for calls and SMS codes, with its data roaming switched off.
6. When the trip is over and everything works, delete any eSIM you no longer need.

Not sure how many eSIMs your phone can hold? See how many eSIMs an iPhone can hold.

Frequently asked questions

Is Saily a good eSIM?

Yes. Saily is a reliable travel eSIM with a well-designed app and extra web protection features. It is not always the cheapest, so compare the price for your destination before you buy.

Is Saily cheaper than Airalo?

It depends on the country and the plan size. Saily's lowest headline price applies only to a few countries. For many destinations, Airalo or TripoSIM is cheaper on small plans, and for others Saily is. Compare the same plan on the same country.

Does Saily have unlimited data?

Yes. NordVPN describes Saily's unlimited plan as 5 GB a day at full speed, then speeds of up to 1 Mbps. Other unlimited eSIMs use different daily amounts, so compare them before you choose.

Can I use Saily and another eSIM on the same phone?

Yes. Most eSIM phones store several eSIMs. You turn on the one you want and choose it for mobile data in your settings.

Which Saily alternative is best for Europe?

A regional Europe plan from any good provider is the easiest choice. Check that every country on your route is covered, including non-EU countries such as Switzerland and the UK.

Do Saily alternatives give me a phone number?

No. Travel eSIMs, including Saily and the alternatives in this guide, are data-only. For calls and SMS you keep your home SIM, or you add a separate number service such as the TripoSIM US Number.

Can I get a refund if I buy the wrong eSIM?

Each provider has its own refund policy, and most do not refund an eSIM after it has been installed. Check the policy before you buy, and buy for the right country and dates.

The bottom line

The best Saily alternative is the one that fits your trip: the cheapest small plan for a short holiday, an unlimited plan with a daily amount that matches how you use your phone, or one regional plan for a multi-country route. Compare the same plan on the same country, keep your home SIM on for calls, and you can try another provider without deleting Saily. Start with all destinations or our comparisons of TripoSIM vs Saily and the best Airalo alternatives.

Sources

Checked on 7 November 2026:

• NordVPN: Saily vs Airalo, which eSIM app offers better service
• Apple: Use eSIM on iPhone