Holafly vs Saily: Which eSIM is Better in 2026?
- Nico Dudli
- May 30
- 11 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
Disclosure: TechNovice is supported by affiliate partnerships. Saily and Holafly are partners of this site, but all evaluations follow the same transparent verification standards.
TL;DR: Saily vs Holafly Comparison (Verified Provider Comparison)
Overall Pick: Based on my own Saily field testing, I prefer Saily for travelers who want flexible fixed-data plans, hotspot use and built-in security features. Holafly can be the better choice for travelers who prioritize unlimited data. My Saily evaluation is backed by documented field tests across multiple countries, while my Holafly assessment combines checkout testing with provider documentation and external user feedback.
Best for Heavy Unlimited Data: Holafly offers unlimited data plans across 160+ destinations, making Holafly better suited for users streaming high-definition video daily who do not require extensive hotspot sharing.
Hotspot & Tethering: Saily permits unthrottled personal hotspot usage on standard fixed-data plans, whereas Holafly restricts hotspot sharing under daily fair-use policies on most unlimited options.
Network Transparency: Saily and Holafly connect to product page listed local carrier networks globally, with Saily relying on Nord Security's roaming infrastructure and Holafly utilizing regional partner arrangements.
EU / UK / Swiss Travelers: EU, UK, and Swiss travelers with inclusive domestic mobile roaming allowances may not require a Saily or Holafly travel eSIM for European travel unless secondary data lines or non-EU regional data are required.
Discounts & Promo Codes: I most recently checkout-tested Saily coupon code TECH for 15% off an eligible Saily country plan. Eligibility can vary by plan, account, region or campaign. For Holafly, I checkout-tested code NOVICE for 5% off a travel eSIM. See my Saily Coupon Guide for the latest Saily verification date and eligibility details.
Research Box & Testing Methodology
Evaluated By: Nico Dudli (TechNovice)
Testing & Data Basis: My Saily assessment combines hands-on travel use and documented speed tests across multiple countries, including Switzerland, France, Thailand and the UAE. For Holafly, I verified selected offers at checkout and supplemented provider documentation with external user feedback from sources such as Reddit and Trustpilot. The two providers were therefore not tested with identical field-test depth.
2026 Comparison Table: Holafly vs Saily
Feature | Saily | Holafly |
|---|---|---|
Promo Code | TECH – 15% in my latest eligible country-plan checkout test | NOVICE (5% off eSIMs / 10% off Plans) |
Best For | Most travelers / Remote work / Hotspot users | Heavy users / Streamers / Unlimited data |
Data | Fixed GB plans, unlimited options and Saily Ultra | Unlimited travel eSIMs and Holafly Plans |
Hotspot (Tethering) | Fully allowed on standard plans; great for laptop use | Allowed, but can be more limited depending on plan and fair-use rules |
Price | Low to mid, with fixed-data plans from $3.99 | Higher, especially for short unlimited trips |
Phone number | Optional US phone number add-on available in the Saily app | Some Holafly Plans may include a phone number |
Security features | Web protection, ad blocker and virtual location features | Standard eSIM connectivity; no comparable Nord Security feature bundle |
Top-ups | Easy in-app top-ups | Usually less relevant because Holafly focuses on unlimited data |
Usage alerts | 80% data usage notification before your plan runs out | Less important on unlimited-style plans |
Subscription tiers | Saily Ultra (Standard / Plus / Premium) | Holafly Plans (Light / Unlimited) |
Coverage | 200+ countries | 200+ destinations |
Support | 24/7 live chat | 24/7 WhatsApp support |
Speed throttling | Fixed-data plans are not throttled until data runs out; unlimited plans may have fair-use limits | Possible fair-use slowdowns depending on local network and plan |
Trustpilot | 4.7/5 on Trustpilot (25,000+ reviews) | 4.6/5 on Trustpilot (95,000+ reviews) |
Coupon eligibility and promotional terms can change. See my Saily Coupon Guide for the latest Saily checkout verification and eligibility details.
1. Pricing: Saily vs Holafly depends on how much data you need
Saily Pricing (example prices — discounts and promotions may change)
Destination | Data | Validity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
USA | 1 GB | 7 days | $3.99 |
USA | 10 GB | 30 days | $22.99 |
Europe | 10 GB | 30 days | $34.00 |
Global | 20 GB | 365 days | $67.00 |
Saily Ultra Standard | 5 GB + Unlimited 1 Mbps | Monthly | $29.99 |
Saily Ultra Premium | 30 GB + Unlimited 1 Mbps | Monthly | $59.99 |
→ See all Saily eSIM plans compared (/en/post/saily-esim-plans) to find the right data tier for your trip.
Holafly Pricing (example prices)
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: In the example plans I compared, Saily was cheaper for travelers who only needed a defined amount of data, while Holafly charged more for the simplicity of unlimited-style data. The better value depends on destination, trip length, current pricing and how much data you actually use.
2. Data: Unlimited vs. Fixed GB
Saily offers fixed-data country and regional plans as well as selected unlimited options and the recurring Saily Ultra subscription. Fixed-data plans can be topped up in the app. How much data you need depends on your trip length and activities, especially streaming, video calls and hotspot use.
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 performed better in my testing
Saily: In my own testing, Saily supported personal hotspot use without a separate hotspot cap on the fixed-data plans I used. During my France test, I connected up to two laptops and two phones through the Saily connection. Hotspot rules can differ for unlimited or future plan types, so check the current terms for the specific plan before purchasing.
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: Based on my own testing, I would favor Saily for travelers who regularly use their phone as a hotspot for laptop work. Heavy-data users should still compare the hotspot and fair-use terms of the specific Saily and Holafly plans before choosing.
→ I tested Saily's hotspot extensively in my full Saily eSIM review across 12 countries.
4. Security and Privacy Features: Saily offers more built-in tools
Holafly provides standard eSIM connectivity and relies on the security of the mobile network connection itself. Saily goes further by adding privacy and security features directly inside the app.
Saily includes built-in web protection, an ad blocker and virtual location features. Web protection helps block malicious websites and limit online trackers. The ad blocker can reduce distracting ads and unnecessary data use while browsing. Virtual location lets you browse more privately and choose from 115+ virtual locations.
For travelers using hotel Wi-Fi, airport Wi-Fi, café networks or public hotspots, these extra app-layer features make Saily feel more complete than a basic travel eSIM. Full NordVPN, NordPass, NordLocker and other Nord Security tools are part of Saily Ultra rather than every standard Saily plan.
5. Phone number, top-ups and travel convenience: Saily is catching up fast
Saily used to be easy to describe as a data-only eSIM provider. That is still true for its standard country data plans, but Saily now also offers an optional US phone number add-on inside the app.
This gives travellers a persistent +1 number for calls, texts, OTPs and app sign-ups. It is not a local number for every destination, so it is not the same as buying a local SIM card in Portugal, Thailand, Vietnam or Switzerland. But it does make Saily more useful than a basic data-only eSIM for travellers who want mobile data and a separate communication number in one app.
Saily also supports easy in-app top-ups and sends an 80% data usage notification before your plan runs out. For normal travel, that matters: you can start with a fixed-data plan, monitor your usage and add more data without buying a new eSIM or visiting a local SIM shop.
Holafly keeps things simpler with unlimited-style plans, which is useful if you do not want to think about data at all. But Saily now offers the more flexible travel setup: fixed data, top-ups, hotspot, privacy features, Ultra perks and an optional US phone number add-on.
6. Support & Coverage
Both Saily and Holafly provide customer support, but I have not conducted a controlled response-time comparison between the two providers. Holafly offers WhatsApp-based support, while Saily provides support through its own service channels.
Coverage also depends on the specific country, regional plan and available local partner networks. Because destination lists and support options can change, I recommend checking the current provider information for your destination rather than choosing solely on the total number of advertised countries.
→ Common Saily activation issues and fixes: Saily eSIM problems & troubleshooting guide.
7. 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 | Current verified checkout price |
|---|---|---|
Saily Ultra | from $29.99 | from ~$26.99 |
Verdict: Holafly Plans may suit travelers who prioritize unlimited-style data, while Saily Ultra is more relevant to frequent travelers who value a combination of mobile data, hotspot use, security tools and airport perks. I personally tested Saily Ultra during a month of remote work in France, but I have not conducted an equivalent month-long Holafly Plans field test.
8. Real-World Test Results
Saily — tested personally across 12 countries
Country | Speed | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
France | 70 Mbps (Montpellier café) | Stable throughout my remote work testing |
Thailand | 84 Mbps 5G (Bangkok) | Usable performance in my documented Bangkok test |
Switzerland | 515 Mbps (Chur) | Strong performance in several tested locations, with significantly weaker or unavailable connectivity in some Alpine areas |
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 For a dedicated Italy comparison, see my guide to the best eSIM for Italy, where I compare Saily, Airalo and Holafly by price, network partners, hotspot use and support. |
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).
Which eSIM would I choose for different travel needs?
Travel need | Provider I would consider first |
|---|---|
Short trip (under 2 weeks) | Saily |
Budget traveler / Moderate data | Saily |
Remote worker / Hotspot user | Saily |
Multi-country trip (USA + Mex + Can) | Saily North America Plan |
Heavy streamer (Netflix/YouTube daily) | Holafly |
Long trip (30+ days) with heavy data | Holafly |
Frequent traveler wanting unlimited sub | Holafly Plans |
Provider | Discount | Status |
|---|---|---|
Saily | Current verified offer (see coupon page) | ✅ Regularly checked |
Holafly | NOVICE (5 -10 %) | ✅ Tested |
Saily vs Holafly Discount Codes
Provider | Code | My latest verified result |
|---|---|---|
Saily | TECH | 15% off in my latest eligible country-plan checkout test |
Holafly | NOVICE | 5% off in my tested travel-eSIM checkout |
Coupon eligibility, discounts and promotional terms can change. For Saily, I document the latest checkout evidence, verification date and eligibility details in my Saily Coupon Guide.
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.
How I interpret the community feedback: Saily is often discussed positively by travelers looking for flexible data plans and hotspot use, while Holafly is frequently chosen for the simplicity of unlimited-style data. These comments are anecdotal user experiences rather than controlled performance data, so I treat them as supplementary evidence rather than a substitute for field testing.
FAQ: Holafly vs Saily 2026
What Saily coupon code did TechNovice verify in 2026?
In my latest checkout test, Saily coupon code TECH applied 15% off an eligible Saily country plan. Eligibility can vary by plan, account, region or campaign. I document the latest verification date, checkout evidence and current eligibility details in my Saily Coupon Guide.
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 Saily Ultra?
Saily Ultra is Saily's recurring travel subscription. Depending on the current tier and market, it can combine mobile data with benefits such as airport lounge access and Nord Security tools. I tested Ultra during a one-month remote-work stay in France and successfully redeemed lounge access at Zurich and Lisbon airports. Current data allowances, supported destinations, prices and benefits should be checked before subscribing.
Does Saily have a phone number?
Yes, Saily now offers an optional US phone number add-on inside the app. It gives you a persistent +1 number for calls, texts, OTPs and app sign-ups. However, this is not the same as getting a local phone number in every destination. Saily’s standard country eSIM plans are still primarily mobile-data plans.
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.
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. If Italy is your main destination, read my best eSIM for Italy comparison for a country-specific breakdown of Saily, Airalo and Holafly.
Final Verdict
Choose Saily if you want the best price-to-data ratio, full hotspot support, built-in security and privacy features, easy top-ups, usage alerts and the option to add a US phone number inside the app. Check my dedicated Saily coupon page for the latest verified discounts before purchasing.
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 across Europe, the Middle East and Southeast Asia, documenting field tests, public speed-test results and real travel use cases.
Affiliate disclosure: This article contains affiliate links for Saily and Holafly. I may earn a commission if you purchase through these links or use a discount listed on my coupon pages, at no additional cost to you.
Saily sucks! Nothing but connectivity problems last few trips. Spent 10 days chatting with customer service trying to resolve. They kept telling me to do the same things over and over. Finally gave up! Will not use them again.