Saily offers a compelling data-only eSIM for frequent travelers or those seeking affordable prepaid data. Its pricing is in line with competitors, and its service covers much of the world. Saily’s eSIM doesn’t include phone and text service, which may be a drawback for some people. If you’re headed overseas and need data on the cheap, Saily’s eSIM is a good place to start. If you need voice and text, a local provider’s eSIM may be better suited for your needs.How Does Saily Work?Saily is a data-only eSIM service provider from Nord Security, the makers of NordVPN. The company says that eSIMs aren’t that different from VPNs in that both provide secure and reliable internet connections. An eSIM is an electronic version of the long-lived physical SIM card, which holds your wireless carrier subscriber information. Most modern phones support eSIMs, which can be installed in a variety of ways, such as through a QR code or app.
To use Saily, you download its free app, which is available on Android and iOS. As a data-only eSIM, you do not receive a phone number, nor can you port one over. Conventional phone calls and text messaging will not work when using Saily, though communication apps like WhatsApp are fully functional for voice calls and text messages. Saily points out that iMessage on iOS will work on its service as long as the iMessage account is associated with an email address in addition to a phone number. Most other apps on your phone should run the same as they do on a traditional wireless carrier. Plans and Supported PhonesSaily provides service in over 150 countries. Plan pricing varies depending on the amount of data you want and whether you select a country-specific or region-specific option. You can choose plans for individual countries, such as China, India, and Japan, or opt for one of the eight regional plans, which include Africa, Asia, and North America. A Global plan covering 105 countries is also available.There are a variety of plans, with higher tiers providing more data for more money. In the US, for example, Saily offers five plans. The lowest-cost option is $3.99 for 1GB of data over seven consecutive days. For a 30-day period, you can choose from 3GB for $8.99, 5GB for $13.99, 10GB for $22.99, or 20GB for $36.99. You can purchase more data if you exceed your allotment. Unused data, however, will expire 30 days after activation and does not carry over to the next cycle.
(Credit: Iyaz Akhtar)
You can add new destinations to your existing Saily eSIM without the need to purchase a second eSIM, though you can load separate eSIMs onto your phone if needed. The same eSIM cannot be installed on multiple devices, but a Saily eSIM can be transferred from one device to another. These prices and policies are competitive with other data-only eSIM providers like Airalo and Nomad. For example, Airalo charges $4.50 for 1GB with seven days of access, and its 30-day plans include 3GB for $11, 5GB for $16, and 20GB for $42. Like Saily, Airalo’s data expires at the end of the 7- or 30-day window, and it does not allow you to transfer eSIMs between devices. Saily relies on roaming partners around the world, which means variable connection quality by region. In the US, Saily uses T-Mobile’s sub-6GHz 5G network, while in Canada, it partners with Rogers, which supports mmWave 5G. Due to variations like these, Saily does not guarantee minimum download or upload speeds. To use Saily, your device must be unlocked and eSIM compatible. Most flagship phone models can run a Saily eSIM, including the Apple iPhone XR and newer, the entire Samsung Z Flip and Fold series, and the Google Pixel 2 and later. Additionally, Saily is compatible with select phones from manufacturers like Honor, Motorola, Oppo, Rakuten, and Sony.Easy SetupSaily says setting up its service takes just three steps: choose a plan, download the app to install the eSIM, and activate the plan before you head to your destination. I found the process to be straightforward on a Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6. Note that you need an internet connection, such as Wi-Fi, to complete this process.
(Credit: Saily/PCMag)
After downloading the app, you’re prompted to sign up with your Apple or Google account. I prefer to use a separate email address, but these are the only options for now. The company plans to add more sign-in options in the future. I used a Google account and chose the 5GB plan in the US and then added my payment details. It took roughly 10 seconds to install the eSIM, which remains inactive until you manually activate it. If you haven’t activated it within 30 days, the eSIM activates automatically and remains active for its allotted time whether you use it or not.Activation took just a few seconds, though it may be several minutes before the eSIM connects to the network and provides reception. At first, the Z Flip 6 wouldn’t connect to Saily’s network. The instructions in the Saily app provided troubleshooting advice and the eventual solution. The Galaxy Z Flip 6 required a restart, and then it connected with Saily quickly. The entire process took less than ten minutes, even with the small issue.
(Credit: Saily/PCMag)
Mostly Good ServiceOnce setup is complete, using a phone on Saily’s data-only network is generally smooth. During testing in New York City, I saw average download speeds in the neighborhood of 200Mbps, while upload speeds hovered around 30Mbps. I noticed occasional signal drops when indoors, which required toggling mobile data off and on to reconnect, but I didn’t experience this outside. A Saily representative says this behavior is not common and it is investigating the matter. Also, if you require voice and message services, be prepared to use a service that relies on mobile data, like Google Voice or WhatsApp.
(Credit: Iyaz Akhtar)
The Saily app itself is simple, but it contains all of the essentials. Your data usage is presented each time you launch the app, along with the plan’s expiration information and the ability to add more data. The app also has tabs for Credits, Help, and your Profile. There is no clutter, which makes administration hassle-free.Verdict: A Simple and Affordable eSIM for TravelThe Saily eSIM service offers attractive data-only options for globetrotters or those who simply want cheap data for their connected devices. The ability to transfer the eSIM from one device to another is convenient, making it easy to switch phones when needed. If you need voice and messaging service, a local SIM card may be a better option, but for those who only need data when traveling, Saily’s eSIM is easy to recommend.
Pros
Competitive pricing
Good speeds
eSIMs are transferrable
Straightforward setup
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The Bottom Line
Saily’s eSIM service is a breeze to set up, and its affordable pricing and worldwide coverage make it an easy choice for travelers and bargain hunters alike.
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About Iyaz Akhtar
Mobile Analyst
I’m one of PCMag’s mobile analysts. That means I check out phones, hotspots, and mobile networks. Technology has been my passion and hobby since I was a child. I’ve covered tech professionally for over 15 years at outlets including The Apple Blog, This Week in Tech, and CNET.
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