Airalo or Saily: which eSIM should you choose for your trip?
Traveling outside Europe and decided to get an eSIM to avoid roaming charges? Good idea. But when it's time to choose, two names come up everywhere: Airalo and Saily. Both are reliable, both cover more than 190 countries. So which one should you pick? Here is a simple, honest comparison, without jargon.
1. Airalo and Saily in a nutshell
Airalo is the pioneer. Founded in 2019, it presents itself as the world's first eSIM store. Today it is one of the best-known providers among travelers, with plans by country, by region or for the whole world.
Saily is newer: launched in 2024 by Nord Security, the company behind NordVPN. What makes it different: security features built into the app, at no extra cost.
2. Coverage: almost a tie
Both advertise coverage in more than 190 countries and regions. For a typical trip (Bali, Thailand, Japan, the United States, Morocco…), you will find plans with both.
The difference lies in multi-country plans: Airalo's global plan covers slightly more countries than Saily's. If you are going around the world or on a long trip across several regions, Airalo has a slight edge.
My advice: before buying, look up your exact destination on both websites and compare the available plans.
3. Calls and texts: Airalo wins
This is the most important difference:
- Saily offers internet only (data). To make calls, you need WhatsApp, Messenger or another app.
- Airalo offers some plans, including its global Discover+ plan, that come with a phone number to make calls and send texts in many countries.
If you need to call a hotel, a driver or a local number without an app, Airalo is more convenient.
4. Security and comfort: Saily wins
This is where Saily stands out, thanks to NordVPN's experience. Included at no extra cost:
- an ad blocker, which also helps you save data: according to Saily, around 28% on average;
- web protection, which blocks dangerous or fraudulent websites;
- a virtual location, which lets you browse as if you were in another country, for example to access some services from home.
Useful if you often use your phone for bookings, payments or banking while traveling.
5. Prices: very close
Prices change often and depend on the destination, the amount of data and the duration. Overall:
- Saily's entry prices are often slightly lower;
- Airalo regularly runs promotions and has a loyalty program, Airmoney, which gives you back part of each purchase as credit for your next eSIMs.
My advice: don't choose on price alone. For the same trip, the difference is often just a few euros. Choose first based on your needs: calls, security, number of countries.
6. Installation: easy with both
With both, you buy your plan, install the eSIM in a few minutes, and activate it when you arrive. With Saily, everything is done in the app. With Airalo, you can use the app or install the eSIM with a QR code.
Before buying, whichever you choose: check that your phone is compatible. Dial *#06#: if an EID number appears, you're good. Your phone must also be unlocked (not tied to a carrier).
7. Our verdict based on your profile
Choose Airalo if:
- you need a phone number to make calls or send texts;
- you are visiting many countries on a long trip;
- you travel often and want a loyalty program.
Choose Saily if:
- you mostly need internet (maps, WhatsApp, social media);
- you often use public Wi-Fi and want more security;
- you want to save data with the ad blocker;
- you are looking for the lowest entry price for a short stay.
Either way, you'll make a good choice. The most important thing is not to leave Europe without a solution.
Compare all our travel eSIMs →
Your checklist before buying an eSIM
- ✅ *#06# test: the EID line appears
- ✅ Phone unlocked
- ✅ Destination checked on both websites
- ✅ Need calls? → Airalo. Mostly internet and security? → Saily
- ✅ eSIM installed at home, on Wi-Fi, before departure
- ✅ Home SIM card kept for bank text messages
And for your hotel, Prixofy lets you compare the rate on several platforms in one click, then sends you a free reminder at D-14, D-7 and D-3 to check the price again if you booked with free cancellation.
Article updated in October 2026. Providers' plans, prices and features change: always check the conditions on their websites before buying.
Transparency: Prixofy is a partner of Airalo and Saily. If you buy through our links, we may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you. This doesn't change our opinion: we recommend one or the other based on your needs.
Your take
Which eSIM would you choose for your next trip?
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