Yesim vs. Saily: Which eSIM Provider is Better

Yesim vs. Saily: Which eSIM Provider is Better for Travelers in 2025?

Yesim Team
Yesim TeamUpdated 03 Sep 2025
12 minutes to read

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We have tested both services across multiple trips, talked to dozens of travelers, and dug into the real numbers. Here's what you need to know about Yesim vs Saily without the marketing fluff.

The stakes are higher than you might think. Pick the wrong provider and you're buying overpriced airport WiFi, missing important calls, or worse: getting lost because Google Maps won't load. Pick the right one, and connectivity becomes invisible, which is exactly how it should be.

Today we're breaking down two popular Saily eSIM alternatives: Yesim and Saily itself. Both serve travelers who refuse to pay ridiculous roaming fees, but they solve the problem in completely different ways. Here's what actually matters when choosing between them.

What Are Yesim and Saily?

Yesim

Yesim logo

Yesim launched in 2019 as a global eSIM provider focused on simplicity and flexibility.

Company Background

  • Founded: June 1, 2019
  • Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
  • Global Offices: UAE and Europe
  • Coverage: 200+ destinations worldwide
  • Customer Base: 3+ million users
  • Rating: 4.9 ★★★★★

Unlike competitors that force you to buy separate plans for each destination, Yesim offers one International eSIM (Pay As You Go) that works across 200+ countries. Top up once, travel everywhere. They've also expanded beyond basic data plans to include virtual numbers and B2B solutions for companies managing multiple devices.

Saily

Saily eSIM

Saily positions itself as an eSIM provider with built-in security features. Backed by NordVPN's parent company, Saily offers traditional destination-specific eSIM plans alongside security tools like ad blocking and web protection. They serve 200+ destinations with a focus on users who prioritize privacy and security.

Company Background

  • Founded: 2024
  • Headquarters: Canada
  • Global Offices: Canada and Europe
  • Coverage: 200+ destinations worldwide
  • Customer Base: 1+ million users
  • Rating: 4.7 ★★★★★

The fundamental difference? Yesim simplifies your eSIM stack with one global plan, while Saily adds security layers to traditional destination-based pricing. Both approaches have merit, but they serve different travel styles and priorities.

How Yesim and Saily Work

The thing about eSIM technology, it sounds complicated but works like magic once you get it. No more hunting for tiny SIM ejector tools or explaining to shop owners that you need a "data-only SIM card" in broken Spanish.

Both services follow the same basic drill: download their app, buy a plan, scan a QR code, and boom – you're connected to local networks. The difference is in the details, and those details matter a lot when you're actually traveling.

Yesim takes the "one ring to rule them all" approach. Install their International eSIM once, and it adapts wherever you land. Thailand this week, Germany next week, your phone just connects automatically.

Saily follows the traditional model most prepaid eSIM providers use. Buy a plan for Thailand, install that eSIM. Buy another plan for Germany, install another eSIM. It's like collecting digital SIM cards instead of physical ones.

Yesim vs. Saily: Head-to-Head Comparison

Both providers cover similar ground on paper, but the details reveal their different philosophies. Saily focuses on security-conscious travelers who don't mind managing multiple eSIM profiles. Yesim targets frequent travelers who value simplicity and global coverage under one plan.

CriteriaYesimSaily
Cheapest planUS$0.60 (500 MB, 3 days)US$1.99 (1 GB, 7 days)
Unlimited dataAvailable in select destinationsAvailable in select destinations
Number of destinations200+200+
Security featuresYesim VPN service (iOS only)Ad blocker, web protection, virtual location
Virtual numbersAvailable for Canada, Israel, Netherlands, USA, plus WhatsApp/TelegramNot included
Customer support24/7 (in-app chat, email)24/7 (in-app chat, email)
Ideal forUsers seeking global flexibility with virtual numbersUsers wanting built-in security features

Pricing Comparison: The Real Numbers That Matter

Let's cut through the marketing speak and look at what you'll actually pay. We have broken down the costs for popular destinations because that's where the rubber meets the road. When comparing global eSIM plans, context matters more than headline prices. That bargain eSIM that costs $2 but dies after 3 days? Not such a bargain when you're scrambling to buy another plan mid-trip.

Country-Specific Pricing

CountryProviderPlanPrice
ItalySaily1 GB (7 days)US$3.99
Saily3 GB (30 days)US$8.99
Saily5 GB (30 days)US$12.99
Saily10 GB (30 days)US$20.99
Saily20 GB (30 days)US$28.99
Yesim500 MB (3 days)US$0.60
Yesim3 GB (7 days)US$12.00
Yesim5 GB (15 days)US$16.80
Yesim10 GB (30 days)US$24.00
Yesim20 GB (30 days)US$34.80
JapanSaily1 GB (7 days)US$3.99
Saily3 GB (30 days)US$7.99
Saily5 GB (30 days)US$10.99
Saily10 GB (30 days)US$17.99
Saily20 GB (30 days)US$24.99
Yesim3 GB (7 days)US$12.00
Yesim5 GB (15 days)US$14.40
Yesim10 GB (30 days)US$20.40
Yesim20 GB (30 days)US$28.80

But here's what those numbers don't show: the mental overhead of managing multiple eSIMs, the risk of running out of data mid-trip, and the convenience factor of having one global plan that just works everywhere.

If you're the type who visits one country for 2-3 weeks, Saily's pricing advantage is real and meaningful. If you're bouncing between countries or don't want to think about connectivity, Yesim's premium starts making sense.

Regional plans show where things get interesting. The Yesim vs. Saily network speed and pricing equation shifts depending on where you're heading:

Regional PlansSailyYesim
Europe (5 GB, 30 days)US$19.49US$16.80
Asia & Oceania (5 GB, 30 days)US$19.49US$26.40
North America (5 GB, 30 days)US$23.99US$19.20

Yesim beats Saily in Europe and North America, while Saily wins in Asia. But here's the kicker, with Yesim's global plan, you don't need to predict which regions you'll hit or juggle multiple regional plans.

The Hidden Cost of Complexity

Saily's lower individual prices come with an operational cost: eSIM management complexity. Install a plan for Italy, another for France, a third for Germany. Your phone's eSIM slots fill up quickly, and you'll spend time deleting old profiles to make room for new ones.

Yesim's International eSIM eliminates this entirely. One installation, global coverage. You pay slightly more per GB in some regions, but you save time and mental energy. For frequent multi-country travelers, this convenience premium often justifies itself.

Network Coverage: Real-World Performance That Counts

Both providers boast 200+ destinations, but coverage maps only tell part of the story. What matters is how well they actually work when you're navigating narrow streets in Prague or trying to upload photos from a beach in Bali.

eSIM Coverage in Europe, USA, Asia: The Reality Check

eSIM speed depends more on local infrastructure and network congestion than your provider choice. Both Yesim and Saily typically connect to the same premium local networks in any given country.

Where you'll notice differences is in consistency. Yesim's global plan tends to maintain more stable connections when transitioning between countries or cell towers. Saily's destination-specific approach sometimes hiccups during border crossings or when traveling between regions with different eSIM profiles.

  • Europe: Both services connect to premium networks like Vodafone and Orange, so you'll get solid performance in major cities. The difference shows up in smaller towns and rural areas. Yesim's global plan sometimes switches between networks more smoothly, while Saily's destination-specific plans can get sticky on inferior network partnerships.
  • USA: Strong performance on all major networks. Both handle the transition between carriers well, though Yesim users report slightly better experience with T-Mobile network prioritization in congested areas like airports and conference centers.
  • Asia: This is where things get interesting for digital nomads. Both providers work great in developed markets (Japan, Singapore, South Korea), but performance varies wildly in emerging destinations. Vietnam, Cambodia, and Indonesia show the biggest differences depending on which local networks each provider has deals with.

User Experience: What Actually Happens When You Travel

Forget the polished marketing videos. Let's talk about what happens when you're jet-lagged, your phone is at 15%, and you need to get online right now. That's where the Yesim vs. Saily user experience really shows its colors.

What Real Users Say About Yesim

4.7/5 Trustpilot Rating

"I contacted technical support about this issue and received an answer and REAL help within a few minutes!!! Following received instructions, the problem was solved in 5 minutes, while standing in line to check passports at the Airport."

This review captures something crucial: Yesim's support team actually helps you solve problems in real-time, not just sends automated responses. When you're dealing with connectivity issues while traveling, this matters enormously.

"I've tried many eSIM providers before, but this one is by far the easiest to set up. QR code arrived immediately after purchase, and the whole process took less than 5 minutes. Internet speed was stable even during peak hours."

The "easiest to set up" comment comes up repeatedly in Yesim reviews. Users consistently mention the simplicity of having one global eSIM versus juggling multiple destination-specific plans.

What Real Users Say About Saily

4.6/5 Trustpilot Rating

"Data stability was excellent in Switzerland and a tad spotty in the UK. I will come back to Saily next time I visit Europe."

This review highlights a common theme in Saily feedback, performance varies significantly by destination. Switzerland works great, UK gets spotty. For travelers, this inconsistency can be frustrating.

"I purchased a plan only to find out it's not compatible with my phone. However online chat service was helpful and refunded my purchase."

Device compatibility issues pop up more frequently in Saily reviews. While their support handles refunds well, having to request a refund because your phone isn't supported isn't ideal when you're about to board a flight.

The pattern in reviews shows Saily working well for specific destinations but struggling with consistency across different markets. Their security features get positive mentions, but many users don't find them essential enough to offset other limitations.

Yesim App vs Saily App Battle

Yesim App: Clean, almost boring interface that gets the job done. You see your current balance, data usage, and network status. Want to top up? One tap. Need to check which networks you're connected to? It's right there. No hunting through menus or feature tabs.

The genius is in what's NOT there, no complicated plan selection for each destination, no managing multiple active eSIMs, no wondering which profile to use in which country. Just one balance, one plan, one less thing to think about.

Saily App: More bells and whistles, which can feel overwhelming when you just want to get online. The app includes security features, multiple plan management, and various settings. It's more powerful but requires more mental bandwidth to navigate.

For tech-savvy users who enjoy controlling every aspect of their connectivity, Saily's feature-rich approach has appeal. For everyone else, Yesim's "it just works" philosophy wins.

What Extras Do Yesim and Saily Offer?

Basic data connectivity is table stakes now, every decent eSIM provider can get you online. The real differentiators live in the extras, those features that either solve genuine problems or create unnecessary complexity.

Both Yesim and Saily go beyond simple data plans, but they've chosen completely different paths. Yesim focuses on communication tools that extend your connectivity options, while Saily doubles down on security and privacy features. Let's see which approach actually adds value to your travels.

Yesim's Unique Advantages

  • Virtual Numbers: Yesim offers virtual phone numbers for Canada, Israel, Netherlands, USA, and popular messaging services including WhatsApp and Telegram. This feature sets Yesim apart from most competitors who focus solely on data plans.
  • B2B Solutions: Companies can manage multiple eSIMs and virtual numbers through Yesim's admin panel. Features include bulk purchasing, usage monitoring, and API integration for automated management. Most consumer-focused eSIM providers ignore business needs entirely.
  • One Global Plan Philosophy: Install once, travel everywhere. No need to research optimal plans for each destination or manage multiple eSIM profiles cluttering your device.

Saily's Security Focus

  • Ad Blocker: Built-in ad blocking reduces data consumption and improves browsing speed. Particularly valuable when using limited data plans in expensive destinations.
  • Web Protection: Blocks malicious websites and phishing attempts. Essential when connecting to unfamiliar networks in foreign countries.
  • Virtual Location: Masks your actual location, useful for accessing geo-restricted content while traveling.

Pros and Cons: The Complete Picture

Neither provider dominates across all scenarios, but they serve different travel personalities and patterns.

YesimSaily
✅ Advantages✅ Advantages
One global eSIM: Install once, use everywhere across 200+ countriesLower individual country prices: Best-in-class pricing for single destinations
Virtual numbers included: Business and privacy benefits most competitors can’t matchBuilt-in security suite: Ad blocking, web protection, virtual location included
Excellent customer support: Consistently fast, helpful responsesNordVPN backing: Strong security reputation and infrastructure
B2B solutions: Proper business account management and API integrationFlexible plan options: Wide range of data amounts and validity periods
Simple app interface: No confusion about which plan to use whereNo balance management: Traditional pre-paid model
❌ Disadvantages❌ Disadvantages
Higher per-GB costs: Individual country plans cost more than Saily’s equivalentMultiple eSIM complexity: Separate installations for each destination/region
iOS-only VPN: Security features limited compared to Saily’s cross-platform approachLimited payment options: Only Visa and Google Pay accepted
Pay-as-you-go model: Requires active balance management vs. pre-paid plansNo virtual numbers: Missing this increasingly important feature
No business solutions: Individual consumer focus only

Go with Yesim if:

  • You're a digital nomad bouncing between countries regularly;
  • You value simplicity over feature complexity;
  • You need virtual numbers for business or privacy;
  • You don't want to research eSIM options for every destination;
  • You travel to multiple countries per trip.

Go with Saily if:

  • You typically stay in one country for extended periods;
  • You're budget-conscious and don't mind managing multiple eSIMs;
  • Security features like ad-blocking matter to you;
  • You're comfortable with traditional eSIM management;
  • You want the absolute lowest per-GB pricing.

The Real Decision Point

Ask yourself this: Do you want to think about connectivity, or do you want connectivity to be invisible? If you're the type who enjoys optimizing every aspect of travel, researching the best local eSIM deals, managing multiple plans, maximizing value per dollar, Saily's approach aligns with that mindset.

If you want to install something once and forget about it while focusing on actually experiencing the places you visit, Yesim's global simplicity makes more sense.

Both are reliable prepaid eSIM providers that work as advertised. The choice comes down to whether you prefer optimizing for price or optimizing for peace of mind. Your travel style will make the decision obvious.

Seamless mobile internet in 200+ countries –– at a cup of coffee price!
Take away!

Seamless mobile internet in 200+ countries –– at a cup of coffee price! Take away!

Take away!

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FAQ

Is Yesim better than Saily for digital nomads?

Yes, Yesim works better for eSIM for digital nomads who change countries frequently. The global eSIM eliminates the need to research and install new plans for each destination. You install once and stay connected across all 200+ countries, which saves significant time and mental energy when you're already managing work across different time zones.

Which provider offers better pricing - Yesim or Saily?

Saily generally offers lower per-GB pricing for single destinations, especially on longer-term plans. However, Yesim often beats Saily on regional plans and eliminates the complexity of managing multiple eSIMs. The best value depends on whether you prioritize lowest cost per GB or convenience and simplicity.

Do both Yesim and Saily work on iPhone and Android?

Yes, both providers support devices with eSIM capability, including newer iPhones and Android devices. However, Saily users report more device compatibility issues based on reviews. Always check device compatibility before purchasing, especially with older devices that may have limited eSIM support.

Which eSIM provider has better customer support?

Yesim consistently receives higher ratings for customer support responsiveness and problem resolution. Users report getting actual solutions within minutes, even while traveling. Saily provides 24/7 support but users more commonly mention longer response times and standard responses rather than personalized troubleshooting assistance.

Can I use virtual phone numbers with both services?

No, only Yesim offers virtual phone numbers as part of their service. You can get virtual numbers for Canada, Israel, Netherlands, USA, and popular messaging services like WhatsApp and Telegram. Saily focuses on data plans and security features but doesn't include virtual number capabilities.

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