Saily is NordVPN's newly launched eSIM, tailored for global travelers.
But is it the right fit for your travels, and which plan is best? If these are your questions, you've come to the right place.
Our review thoroughly examines Saily's features, coverage, and pricing, providing the essential insights to determine if this is the best eSIM option. Let’s get started!
What is Saily eSIM?
Introduced in 2024 by NordVPN, Saily eSIM is available in over 150 countries. It leverages eSIM technology, enabling you to activate and manage mobile data plans through an intuitive app, eliminating the need for physical SIM cards.
What is eSIM?
An eSIM, or embedded SIM, allows you to activate your cellular data plan directly on your device without needing a physical SIM. This is particularly advantageous for you as it removes the complications and risks of obtaining local SIM cards wherever you travel.
Many eSIM providers cater to international travelers. For example, iRoamly offers services across over 100 countries with various data packages, including local, regional, and global plans, featuring daily, total, and unlimited data options to suit various needs.
Next, we'll examine Saily's features and offerings to better understand their eSIM service.
Methodology and Our Conclusion
Following our introduction to Saily eSIM and its basic functionalities, this review will further dissect its pros and cons, aiming to analyze its services comprehensively. Our goal is to present a balanced overview that will help you gauge whether Saily eSIM effectively meets your needs.
Pros and Cons: First, we outline the advantages and disadvantages of using Saily eSIM. This gives you a snapshot of what to expect.
Detailed Analysis: We will then delve into each aspect, including packages and data plans, pricing, operators, coverage, data speeds, and additional services such as app functionality, activation time, data management tools, and customer support.
Pros:
Worldwide Availability: Saily is accessible in over 150 countries, making it highly versatile for international travelers.
User-Friendly App: The Saily app supports Android and iOS and is designed for easy use, ensuring quick setup and activation within minutes.
Transparent Pricing: Saily stands out for its straightforward pricing with no hidden fees, which enhances users' budget management.
Reliable Support: Around-the-clock live chat support can assist with any inquiries or issues.
Hotspot Capability: Supports mobile hotspot usage, allowing you to share your data connection with other devices.
Trusted Brand: Backed by NordVPN, known for its strong security and reliability.
Cons:
Limited Functionality: Saily supports data-only plans, meaning no phone calls or SMS capabilities are included.
No unlimited or daily data plans are available.
Limited Plan Options: The range of plans is somewhat restricted, which could be a drawback for users seeking more flexibility.
App Dependency: To activate and manage your eSIM, using the Saily app is essential, which might not suit everyone's preferences.
Now, let’s dive deeper into the specifics of Saily's offerings.
Saily eSIM Packages, Coverage & Data Plan
Data Plans:
Understanding the different types of data plans available is crucial as it affects how you use your device abroad. Typically, eSIM providers offer three main types of data services:
Data Only: This plan provides internet access but doesn’t support voice calls or SMS.
Data & Call Only: This includes internet and voice calls but excludes SMS.
Data, Call, & SMS: The most comprehensive, covering data, voice calls, and text messaging.
Based on the typical offerings, data plans can be categorized into three general types: Daily, Total, and Unlimited. While the naming may vary, the core concept remains consistent across different providers.
Saily eSIM Data Plans Available
Data Plan | Explain | Is ByteSIM Available | Validity Periods Range |
---|---|---|---|
Daily | Fixed data amount per day, resets every 24 hours. | No | N/A |
Unlimited | Unlimited data usage but may experience throttling. | No | N/A |
Total | Total data allowance with no daily limits. | Yes | Mainly 7/15/30 days, up to 365 days |
Saily eSIM Packages Coverage
Package Type | Explain | Saily eSIM - Data Allowance | Saily eSIM - Data Coverage | Saily eSIM - Data Plan |
---|---|---|---|---|
Local eSIMs | Offers data service within a specific country. | 1/3/5/10/20GB | 150+ countries | Data only, Total plan |
Regional eSIMs | Covers several countries within a region. | 1/3/5/10/20/50/100GB | Asia, Africa, Middle East, etc | Data only, Total plan |
Global eSIMs | Provides connectivity across multiple continents. | 1/3/5/10/20GB | 105 countries | Data only, Total plan |
Summary of Saily eSIM's Offerings:
Data Type: Saily provides data-only options, meaning that voice calls and SMS are not supported.
Data Allowance: The primary offerings range from 1GB to 20 GB. Larger packages are scarce and typically confined to certain regions, with no options for daily or unlimited plans.
Plan Flexibility and Duration: Most packages for specific countries or regions are available for fixed periods of 7 or 30 days, whereas global packages can extend from 7 to 365 days. Options within these durations are limited, usually with just one data plan available per duration, although 30-day plans may present more variety.
Coverage: Saily offers regional and global packages for over 150 destinations. However, its global coverage is limited to 105 countries, and the range of available regional data plans is somewhat restricted.
Final Thoughts:
Saily provides a range of fixed options with moderate coverage best suited for travelers, with itineraries lasting from a week to a month. The data allowances are generally modest, with 1GB plans being ideal for those looking to manage their data usage without wastage.
However, the limited flexibility and lack of higher data allowances could pose constraints for those requiring more versatile or extensive data needs. Always verify that your destination is adequately covered by Saily’s services to ensure seamless travel connectivity.
Saily eSIM Pricing
Having examined Saily eSIM's packages and coverage, let's now focus on another critical aspect: pricing.
Methodology
To provide a clear view of Saily eSIM's pricing, we've organized tables showing the costs for Local, Regional, and Global plans.
These tables emphasize the most popular travel destinations, primarily featuring 1GB or 1-day plans for straightforward comparison. In cases where these aren't available, we list the smallest package, such as 3GB, to maintain clarity.
Here's how Saily eSIM's plans are priced across various prominent travel destinations:
Local Plans (USD)
Plan | United States | France | Japan | Spain | China | Portugal | United Kingdom | Colombia | Indonesia | Canada |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 GB - 7 days | $3.99 | $3.99 | $3.99 | $3.99 | $4.49 | $3.99 | $4.49 | $6.99 | $4.79 | $5.29 |
Regional eSIM Plans (USD)
Plan | Africa | Asia | Caribbean Islands | Europe | Latin America | Middle East and North Africa |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 GB - 7 days | $26.79 | $4.99 | $14.99 | $4.99 | $13.99 | $13.99 |
Global Plans Pricing (USD)
1 GB - 7 days | 1 GB - 15 days | 3 GB - 30 days | 5 GB - 60 days | 10 GB - 180 days | 20 GB - 365 days |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
$8.99 | $16.49 | $23.49 | $33.99 | $56.99 | $66.99 |
Conclusion on Saily eSIM’s Price
Starting price: Saily's starting price is quite reasonable at around $3.99.
Regional Price Differences: However, regional price variations are significant. For instance, while 1 GB for 7 days costs $26.79 in Africa, it is much cheaper in Egypt at $6.29. This suggests that if your travel is limited to a few countries, opting for country-specific packages might be more cost-effective.
Recharge Costs: Additional costs may accrue from top-ups, especially if opting for smaller, weekly plans.
Final Thoughts:
Prices are generally moderate, but some are higher. The 1GB options help manage costs effectively.
When selecting a plan, consider your travel itinerary, data needs, and how the price per GB or day compares to other eSIM providers, especially for regional and global packages where the possibility of needing a top-up should be weighed carefully.
Evaluate the ease of switching between plans or carriers as your travel needs change.
Look for additional benefits such as free trials, bundled services, or exclusive deals that could enhance the value of your eSIM purchase.
Saily’s Operators, Coverage, Data Speeds, and More
After delving into pricing details, it’s crucial to explore Saily eSIM's network support features, which directly affect your overall experience.
Overview
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Operators | Varied and solid, depending on the destination. |
Support Countries | Coverage in over 150 countries. |
Offered Cellular Networks | Includes 5G, 4G, 3G, and LTE, varies by destination. |
Phone Call & SMS | Not available; Saily offers data-only plans. |
Device Support | Extensive; includes a compatibility list for eSIM-capable devices. |
Operating System Compatibility | Supports iOS, Android, Google, and more. |
Summary
Saily eSIM provides robust network support with coverage in over 150 countries and access to high-speed networks, including 5G, depending on your destination.
However, it’s important to note the absence of voice and SMS services, which could be a drawback for users needing comprehensive communication options.
Additional Features Evaluated
Moving on, let's consider the additional features that enhance the usability and functionality of Saily eSIM.
Overview
Feature | Description |
---|---|
App | Available; enhances plan management and user experience. |
Activation Time/ How to Use It | Quick activation via QR code or manual setup in phone settings. |
Data Management Tools | Comprehensive tools to monitor and manage data usage. |
Customer Support Channel | It includes 24/7 live chat, a help center, email, and FAQs; no phone support exists. |
Setup and Activation Guide | Detailed guides are available to facilitate setup. |
Hotspot | Supported; allows sharing of internet connection. |
Summary
Saily eSIM’s additional features are strong, with a user-friendly app, efficient setup and activation options, and robust data management tools.
The support channels are comprehensive, though the lack of phone support might be a limitation for some users.
The Bottom Line
This wraps up our review of the Saily travel eSIM.
We've spotlighted its extensive network coverage in over 150 countries, competitive pricing, and useful features. Nonetheless, the limitations in data plan variety, lack of voice and SMS capabilities, and the necessity for app-based management are factors to weigh carefully when selecting your travel eSIM solution.
Happy travels!