Holafly vs Saily: Which eSIM is Better in 2026?
- Nico Dudli
- May 30
- 10 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
I've tested Saily across 12+ countries — from Thailand and France to the UAE and Switzerland. For Holafly, I've combined my own checkout tests (code NOVICE verified June 2026) with real community feedback from Reddit and Trustpilot to give you an honest picture of both providers.
Quick Answer: Saily vs. Holafly
Choose Saily if you want lower prices, flexible data packages and full hotspot sharing.
Choose Holafly if you want unlimited data and do not want to track your data usage.
Saily discount: Code TECHNOVICE gives 10% off eligible Saily plans worldwide. For a limited time, it gives 35% off Saily North America Regional Plans. The discount was verified at checkout on June 10, 2026.
Holafly discount: Code NOVICE gives 5% off Holafly travel eSIMs and 10% off Holafly Plans for the first 12 months. The code was verified at checkout in June 2026.
Affiliate disclosure: TechNovice is an affiliate partner of both Saily and Holafly. I may earn a commission when you use code TECHNOVICE for Saily or code NOVICE for Holafly, at no additional cost to you. The comparison uses the same criteria for both providers, including price, coverage, features and practical use.
Quick Facts: Holafly vs Saily at a Glance
Saily | Holafly | |
|---|---|---|
Founded | 2024 (Nord Security / NordVPN) | 2017 (Pedro Máiquez & Yingyan Hu) |
Total users | Growing rapidly | 15+ million eSIMs sold worldwide |
Trustpilot | 4.7/5 on Trustpilot (25700+ reviews) | 4.6/5 on Trustpilot (95800+ reviews) |
Best For | Most travelers / Remote work | Heavy users / Streamers |
Promo Code | TECHNOVICE (35% North America / 10% other) | NOVICE (5% eSIM / 10% Plans) |
About this review: Saily test results are from my personal field tests across 12 countries (Thailand, France, Switzerland, UAE, and more). Holafly data is sourced from community experiences on Reddit and verified Holafly Trustpilot reviews, combined with my own checkout verification of code NOVICE in June 2026. You can also verify the rapid growth of Nord Security's eSIM product directly via the official Saily Trustpilot profile. I earn a commission from both providers — this does not influence my ratings.
2026 Comparison Table: Holafly vs Saily
Feature | Saily | Holafly |
|---|---|---|
Promo Code | TECHNOVICE (35% North America / 10% other) | NOVICE (5% off eSIMs / 10% off Plans) |
Best For | Most travelers / Remote work | Heavy users / Streamers |
Data | Fixed GB plans | Unlimited data |
Hotspot (Tethering) | ✅ Fully Allowed (Shares your plan's full speed) | ⚠️ Allowed (Unlimited plans subject to daily fair-use speeds) |
Price | Low to Mid (from $3.99) | High (from ~$19.99/3 days) |
Network Encryption | Standard eSIM Encryption | Standard eSIM Encryption |
In-App Privacy Features | ✅ Yes (Built-in Ad & Tracker Blocker via app) | ❌ No |
Subscription tiers | ✅ Saily Ultra (Standard / Plus / Premium) | ✅ Holafly Plans (Light / Unlimited) |
Coverage | 200+ countries | 200+ destinations |
Support | 24/7 Live Chat | 24/7 WhatsApp |
Speed throttling | No | Possible (fair-use policy on heavy daily use) |
Trustpilot | 4.7/5 on Trustpilot (25000+ reviews) | 4.6/5 on Trustpilot (95000+ reviews) |
1. Pricing: Saily Wins for Most Travelers
Saily Pricing (verified June 2026)
Destination | Data | Validity | Price | With TECHNOVICE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
USA | 1 GB | 7 days | $3.99 | ~$3.59 (−10%) |
USA | 10 GB | 30 days | $22.99 | ~$20.69 (−10%) |
Europe | 10 GB | 30 days | $34.00 | ~$30.60 (−10%) |
Global | 20 GB | 365 days | $67.00 | ~$60.30 (−10%) |
Saily Ultra Standard | 5 GB + Unlimited 1 Mbps | Monthly | $29.99 | ~$26.99 (−10%) |
Saily Ultra Premium | 30 GB + Unlimited 1 Mbps | Monthly | $59.99 | ~$53.99 (−10%) |
North America | 20 GB | 30 days | $54.99 | $35.74 (−35%) ✅ verified June 10, 2026 |
→ See all Saily eSIM plans compared (/en/post/saily-esim-plans) to find the right data tier for your trip.
Holafly Pricing (verified June 2026)
Destination | Data | Validity | Price (USD) | With NOVICE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
USA | Unlimited | 3 days | ~$19.99 | ~$18.99 |
USA | Unlimited | 30 days | ~$85.00 | ~$80.75 |
Holafly Plans Light | Unlimited | Monthly | $44.90 | ~$40.41 |
Holafly Plans Unlimited | Unlimited | Monthly | $64.90 | ~$58.41 |
Holafly Plans Annual | Unlimited | Annual | ~$590.00 | ~$531.00 (−10% for Plans) |
Source: https://esim.holafly.com/plans/
Verdict: For a 10-day trip with moderate data use, Saily costs roughly 4× less than Holafly. Holafly only wins on value if you stream daily or travel non-stop for 30+ days.
2. Data: Unlimited vs. Fixed GB
Saily sells fixed GB plans. If you run out, top up instantly in the app. For most travelers, 10 GB covers navigation, messaging, social media, and occasional video calls for 2–3 weeks.
Holafly sells unlimited data only (except Holafly Plans). No tracking needed. The trade-off: you pay a premium for that simplicity.
Important caveat from community reviews: Holafly claims it does not throttle data — but the local network operator you connect to may slow your connection during busy periods (fair-use policy). Some Reddit and Trustpilot users have reported slower speeds in busy city centers during peak hours.
Who should choose Holafly: Heavy streamers, users joining multiple hours of video calls per day, or those who simply don't want to think about data limits.
Who should choose Saily: Standard travelers using data for navigation, social media, and messaging, or anyone who needs a reliable, unthrottled hotspot for their laptop.
3. Hotspot: Saily Wins Clearly
Saily: Full unlimited hotspot on all plans. In my own tests across France, Thailand, and Switzerland, I connected 2 laptops and 2 phones simultaneously without any throttling.
Holafly: Hotspot tethering is allowed, but it is strictly governed by a Fair Use Policy. If you pass high daily thresholds on your laptop, your speed will be throttled to 1 Mbps, making it a tough choice for heavy café remote work.
Verdict: If you ever use your phone as a mobile hotspot for work, choose Saily.
→ I tested Saily's hotspot extensively in my full Saily eSIM review across 12 countries.
4. Security: Saily Wins
Holafly utilizes standard, secure network encryption to protect your data over cellular towers. Saily, however, leverages Nord Security’s expertise to inject in-app privacy features directly on top of your connection. All plans include a built-in ad blocker (saving up to 28% of data) and a Web Shield to block malicious tracking scripts.
For travelers connecting to stadium Wi-Fi or public airport hotspots, Saily's integrated app layer provides a genuine privacy advantage. (Note: Full end-to-end VPN protection is exclusive to their Saily Ultra subscription tier, which natively bundles a full NordVPN account).
5. Support & Coverage: Holafly Wins
Based on consistent community feedback, Holafly's 24/7 WhatsApp support responds within minutes. For European and Latin American coverage, Holafly also has a slight edge — with 40+ European countries vs. Saily's 35+.
Saily also offers 24/7 live chat with strong reviews. Both providers are highly reliable for support.
→ Common Saily activation issues and fixes: Saily eSIM problems & troubleshooting guide.
6. Subscription Plans: Holafly Plans vs. Saily Ultra
Holafly Plans
Plan | Monthly | Annual | With Code NOVICE |
|---|---|---|---|
Light | from $44.90 | — | ~$40.41/month |
Unlimited | $64.90 | ~$44/month | ~$58.41/month |
Unlimited Annual | — | ~$527 CHF | ~$475 CHF ✅ tested |
Key benefit: Always On — when your plan ends, you keep 1 GB/month free in 70+ countries automatically (for subscribers who joined after November 4, 2025).
Saily Ultra
Plan | Monthly | With Code TECHNOVICE |
|---|---|---|
Saily Ultra | from $29.99 | from ~$26.99 |
Verdict: Holafly Plans is better for travelers who need massive data volume everywhere. Saily Ultra is the clear financial and technical winner for digital nomads who prioritize high speed, full hotspot tethering, and premium airport perks.
7. Real-World Test Results
Saily — tested personally across 12 countries
Country | Speed | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
France | 70 Mbps (Montpellier café) | Flawless for remote work |
Thailand | 84 Mbps 5G (Bangkok) | Best value destination |
Switzerland | 271–370 Mbps (St. Gallen) | World-class infrastructure |
Germany | 54.6 Mbps (ICE train) | Dead zones in rural areas |
UAE | Stable for video calls | Solid transit connectivity |
→ For a detailed multi-country Europe breakdown: Saily eSIM Europe Review.
Holafly — based on community reviews (Reddit, Trustpilot, verified sources)
Country | Community Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Greece / Italy / Croatia | Positive | 20–50 Mbps typical, occasionally 100+ Mbps on 5G |
Japan | Positive | Reliable in cities, used by long-term travelers |
Busy city centers | Mixed | Some users report slowdowns during peak hours |
Activation issues | Occasional | Resolved via 24/7 support in most cases |
Transparency note: Saily results are from my own field tests. Holafly community data is sourced from Reddit, Trustpilot, and independent travel blogs. I have verified code NOVICE works at checkout (June 2026, screenshot verified).
The Decision Matrix: Which eSIM for Which Traveler?
Your Situation | Best Choice | Code to Use |
|---|---|---|
Short trip (under 2 weeks) | Saily | TECHNOVICE (10% off non-NA plans) |
Budget traveler / Moderate data | Saily | TECHNOVICE (10% off non-NA plans) |
Remote worker / Hotspot user | Saily | TECHNOVICE (10% off non-NA plans) |
Multi-country trip (USA + Mex + Can) | Saily North America Plan | TECHNOVICE (35% off) |
Heavy streamer (Netflix/YouTube daily) | Holafly | NOVICE (5% off eSIM) |
Long trip (30+ days) with heavy data | Holafly | NOVICE (5% off eSIM) |
Frequent traveler wanting unlimited sub | Holafly Plans | NOVICE (10% off Plans) |
→ See our dedicated World Cup 2026 eSIM guide for full plan breakdown.
Verified Saily and Holafly Discount Codes (June 2026)
Provider | Code | Discount | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Saily | TECHNOVICE | 10% worldwide, limited-time 35% on North America Regional Plans | ✅ Tested June 2026 |
Holafly | NOVICE | 5% on travel eSIMs, 10% on Holafly Plans for the first 12 months | ✅ Tested June 2026 |
No expiration date — both codes are active during our ongoing affiliate partnership with both providers.
→ See all tested Saily coupon codes 2026 including $5 referral codes.
What is the "Reddit Sentiment"?
Saily: Growing fast. Users praise the price-to-data ratio and Nord Security backing. Common feedback: "Set it and forget it — just works." Criticism: weaker signal in rural areas.
Holafly: Established brand with 15+ million users. Users love the simplicity of unlimited data. Common criticism: pricing is high for short trips, some report speed slowdowns during peak hours. Support consistently praised for quick WhatsApp responses.
The emerging Reddit consensus: "Use Saily if you need value and hotspot. Use Holafly if you don't want to think about data at all."
FAQ: Holafly vs Saily 2026
Is Holafly or Saily better in 2026?
It depends on your travel style. Saily is the better choice for most travelers — lower prices, unlimited hotspot, and built-in Nord Security features. Holafly is better for heavy data users who stream daily or travel for 30+ continuous days. For a 10-day trip with normal use, Saily is up to 4× cheaper than Holafly.
What is the best Holafly discount code in 2026?
Code NOVICE gives you 5% off any Holafly travel eSIM, or 10% off Holafly Plans for the first 12 months — tested and working as of June 2026. The 10% discount on Holafly Plans is especially valuable for frequent travelers since it applies for the full first year of the subscription.
What is the best Saily discount code in 2026?
Code TECHNOVICE gives you 35% off the Saily North America Regional Plan and 10% off all other Saily plans — tested and working as of June 2026. Verified at checkout June 10, 2026: 20 GB $54.99 → $35.74.
What is Saily Ultra?
Saily Ultra is a new monthly subscription model starting at $29.99/month (depending on the region and term) with unlimited data across 121 countries (30 GB at full highspeed, followed by unlimited 1 Mbps). It is highly recommended for frequent travelers or digital nomads who constantly switch countries and want premium perks like free airport lounge access and an integrated NordVPN subscription. The code TECHNOVICE gives you 10% off the subscription price, reducing it to just $26.99 for your first month.
Does Holafly have truly unlimited data?
Holafly offers unlimited data in 160+ destinations — but hotspot sharing is capped at 500 MB to 1 GB per day on most plans. Network operators may also slow speeds during peak hours (fair-use policy). For truly unlimited hotspot use, Saily is the better choice.
Is Saily cheaper than Holafly?
Yes, significantly for most travelers. Saily's 10 GB USA plan costs $22.99 for 30 days. Holafly's unlimited USA plan for the same period costs approximately $85–90. Saily wins on price unless you need unlimited data.
→ Full Saily vs Airalo comparison with head-to-head pricing across 200+ countries.
How big is Holafly?
Holafly was founded in 2017 in Spain and has sold more than 15 million eSIMs worldwide. Saily launched in early 2024 backed by Nord Security and is growing rapidly.
Does Holafly throttle data?
Holafly states it does not throttle data. However, network operators may apply fair-use policies during peak hours. Some Reddit and Trustpilot users have reported slower speeds in busy city centers. Typical speeds: 20–50 Mbps, occasionally 100+ Mbps on strong 5G.
Which eSIM works better for the World Cup 2026?
For most World Cup travelers, Saily's North America plan ($43.99 / 10 GB / 30 days, covering USA, Mexico, and Canada) is the best value. Holafly is the choice for streaming every match live. Use code NOVICE for 5% off Holafly or TECHNOVICE for 35% off the Saily North America plan (10% off all other destinations).
Can I use both Holafly and Saily?
Yes — both are eSIM providers and don't interfere with each other or your physical SIM.
What is Holafly Always On?
Always On is a free lifetime benefit for Holafly Plans subscribers who joined after November 4, 2025. When your plan ends or you cancel, your eSIM gives you 1 GB/month free data in 70+ countries automatically.
Is Holafly good for Europe?
Yes — Holafly covers 40+ European countries. Unlimited data is attractive for long multi-country European trips. Saily's Europe Pass covers 35+ countries at a lower price for moderate users. Use code NOVICE for 10% off Holafly Plans or TECHNOVICE for 10% off
Saily Europe.
Final Verdict
Choose Saily if you want the best price-to-data ratio, need unlimited hotspot for your laptop, or value built-in software privacy features. Use code TECHNOVICE for 35% off North America plans or 10% off all other destinations.
Choose Holafly if you are a heavy data user, stream video daily, or want the simplicity of unlimited data combined with a free 1 GB monthly backup plan. Use code NOVICE for 5% off eSIMs or 10% off Plans.
Both providers are legitimate and reliable with 200+ country coverage and strong support. The right choice depends entirely on your travel style.
About the Author: Nico Dudli is a Lecturer in Business Informatics, Digital Technologies, and AI at Swiss higher education institutions (HF level), and founder of Heyweb GmbH and TechNovice.net. Based in St. Gallen, Switzerland, he tests technology under real-world conditions — from Bangkok to Zurich — and writes about AI, cybersecurity, and practical digital trends for curious readers.
Affiliate disclosure: This article contains affiliate links for both Saily (code TECHNOVICE) and Holafly (code NOVICE). We earn a small commission when you purchase using these codes, at no extra cost to you.
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