Best Travel eSIM Compared: Airalo vs Holafly vs Saily vs Revolut
Travel eSIMs make it easy to get mobile data abroad without changing your physical SIM card or paying expensive roaming charges.
The problem is deciding which provider to choose.
Airalo, Holafly, Saily and Revolut all offer international eSIM plans, but each suits a different type of traveller.
The quick verdict is:
🟢 Airalo is the best all-round travel eSIM.
🟣 Holafly is best for unlimited data.
🔵 Saily is best for value, hotspot use and added security.
🟠 Revolut is best for existing Revolut customers and light data use.
Prices and plan details can change, so always check the final terms before buying.
What Is a Travel eSIM?
An eSIM is a digital SIM card downloaded directly to a compatible phone.
You can use the eSIM for mobile data while keeping your normal UK SIM active for calls, text messages and verification codes.
This means you can:
Keep your usual phone number.
Continue using WhatsApp normally.
Avoid replacing your physical SIM.
Buy data before travelling.
Connect shortly after landing.
Your phone must support eSIM technology and be network-unlocked.
Airalo: Best Travel eSIM Overall
Airalo is the strongest all-round option because it offers a wide range of local, regional and global plans.
It covers more than 200 destinations and provides everything from small fixed-data packages to larger allowances and selected unlimited plans.
Most Airalo packages are data-only, although some global plans also include calls and text messages.
Airalo Advantages
🟢 Wide international coverage.
🟢 Local, regional and global packages.
🟢 Good choice of data allowances.
🟢 Hotspot use is usually supported.
🟢 Some plans include calls and SMS.
Airalo Disadvantages
🟠 The large number of plans can be confusing.
🟠 Most packages are data-only.
🟠 Unlimited plans may reduce speeds after a daily allowance.
Airalo Verdict
Airalo is the best choice for most holidaymakers, particularly those visiting several countries or wanting flexibility.
Rating: 9/10
Holafly: Best for Unlimited Data
Holafly specialises in unlimited-data eSIM plans.
Instead of choosing a fixed allowance, you normally select your destination and the number of days you need.
This makes Holafly attractive for travellers who use social media heavily, make video calls, stream content or upload videos.
Holafly Advantages
🟢 Unlimited data in many destinations.
🟢 Easy day-based pricing.
🟢 Good for heavy mobile users.
🟢 No need to monitor every gigabyte.
Holafly Disadvantages
🟠 More expensive for light users.
🟠 Most plans do not include calls or SMS.
🟠 Hotspot allowances can be restricted.
🟠 Unlimited data does not always mean unlimited maximum-speed data.
Holafly Verdict
Holafly is best for travellers who expect to use a lot of data and do not want to worry about running out.
Rating: 8.5/10
Saily: Best for Security and Hotspot Use
Saily is operated by the company behind NordVPN and combines travel data with additional privacy and security features.
Depending on the plan, these may include ad blocking, web protection and virtual-location tools.
Saily also supports hotspot use, making it useful for connecting a laptop or tablet.
Saily Advantages
🟢 Competitive fixed-data pricing.
🟢 Coverage in more than 200 destinations.
🟢 Built-in security and privacy tools.
🟢 Hotspot use is supported.
🟢 Simple app-based installation.
Saily Disadvantages
🟠 Standard plans do not include calls or SMS.
🟠 Unlimited plans may slow down after a daily high-speed allowance.
🟠 Global coverage can be narrower than its local destination coverage.
Saily Verdict
Saily is an excellent choice for travellers who want good value, easy tethering and extra online protection.
Rating: 8.8/10
Revolut: Best for Existing Revolut Customers
Revolut allows customers to buy travel eSIM plans directly inside the Revolut app.
This is convenient if you already use Revolut for spending abroad and only need a small amount of data for maps, messaging and occasional browsing.
Some Revolut plans start at a low price, and certain paid account tiers may include a monthly travel-data allowance.
Revolut Advantages
🟢 No separate app for existing customers.
🟢 Low-cost entry-level plans.
🟢 Easy usage monitoring.
🟢 Local, regional and global options.
🟢 Convenient for short trips.
Revolut Disadvantages
🟠 Smaller coverage range than Airalo or Saily.
🟠 Plans are data-only.
🟠 Validity may begin when the plan is purchased.
🟠 A Revolut account is required.
Revolut Verdict
Revolut is best for existing customers who want quick, convenient access to a small amount of travel data.
Rating: 8/10
Airalo vs Holafly vs Saily vs Revolut: Which Is Cheapest?
There is no single cheapest provider for every destination.
For light use, Airalo, Saily and Revolut usually offer lower-cost packages containing around 1 GB to 5 GB.
Holafly is more expensive because it focuses on unlimited data.
A small fixed-data package is usually enough for:
Google Maps.
WhatsApp.
Email.
Boarding passes.
Light web browsing.
Occasional social media.
Holafly may offer better value for people who stream video, upload content or use their phone as their main internet connection.
The cheapest plan is not always the one with the lowest headline price. It is the one that provides enough data without forcing you to buy repeated top-ups.
Which eSIM Has the Best Coverage?
Airalo and Saily offer the widest overall destination coverage.
Holafly covers many popular destinations and is particularly strong for unlimited-data plans.
Revolut covers fewer countries but still supports most common holiday destinations.
Coverage quality also depends on the local mobile network used by the provider. Before buying, check:
Which local network the eSIM connects to.
Whether 5G is included.
Whether hotspot use is allowed.
Whether your destination or island is covered.
Whether the plan works across borders.
Which eSIM Is Best for Unlimited Data?
Holafly is the clearest choice for unlimited data.
Airalo and Saily also offer unlimited plans in selected destinations, but these may include a daily high-speed allowance followed by slower data.
Reduced speeds may still be suitable for messaging, maps and basic browsing, but they can be frustrating for video streaming, large uploads or remote working.
Which eSIM Is Best for Hotspot Use?
Saily is one of the strongest choices for hotspot use.
Airalo also generally supports tethering, while Revolut data can be shared through a personal hotspot.
Holafly requires more careful review because some unlimited-destination plans limit the amount of data that can be shared with another device.
Laptop use can consume data quickly, particularly when cloud backups and automatic software updates are enabled.
Which eSIM Is Best for Calls and Text Messages?
Most travel eSIMs are data-only.
You can still make calls using WhatsApp, FaceTime, Signal, Teams or other internet-based services.
Airalo offers the strongest option for travellers who need conventional calls and text messages, as some of its global packages include these features.
You can also keep your normal UK SIM active for incoming calls and authentication messages, but check your network’s roaming charges first.
How Much Travel Data Do You Need?
1 GB to 3 GB
Suitable for a short break with light use:
Maps.
Messaging.
Email.
Boarding passes.
Occasional browsing.
5 GB to 10 GB
Suitable for most one-week holidays:
Daily navigation.
Social media.
Photo uploads.
Music streaming.
Occasional video calls.
20 GB or Unlimited
Better for:
Video streaming.
Frequent video calls.
Remote working.
Laptop tethering.
Uploading YouTube or social-media content.
Before buying an eSIM, check whether your UK mobile contract already includes roaming.
During my trip to Norway, I found that my existing UK allowance made buying another SIM unnecessary. Read the full experience in my tourist SIM card guide for Norway.
How to Avoid Roaming Charges
After installing your eSIM:
Select the travel eSIM for mobile data.
Enable roaming on the travel eSIM.
Disable roaming on your normal UK SIM.
Turn off automatic mobile-data switching.
Disable automatic app updates and cloud backups.
Download offline maps before travelling.
The most common mistake is leaving the UK SIM selected for mobile data.
Best eSIM by Type of Traveller
Best Overall
Airalo
Best for most holidays and multi-country trips.
Best for Unlimited Data
Holafly
Best for heavy users and content creators.
Best for Security and Hotspot Use
Saily
Best for travellers connecting laptops or using public networks.
Best for Existing Revolut Users
Revolut
Best for short trips and light data use.
Best for Calls and SMS
Airalo
Selected global plans include conventional calls and text messages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Airalo better than Holafly?
Airalo is better for most travellers because it offers more plan choices and lower-cost fixed-data packages. Holafly is better for people who need unlimited data.
Is Saily better than Airalo?
Saily may be better for hotspot use and added privacy tools. Airalo remains stronger for overall plan choice and global flexibility.
Is a Revolut eSIM worth using?
Yes, particularly for existing Revolut customers who only need a small amount of data. It is less suitable for heavy use or complex multi-country travel.
Can I keep my normal phone number?
Yes. You can normally use the eSIM for data while keeping your physical SIM active for calls and messages.
Will WhatsApp still use my normal number?
Yes. Installing a travel eSIM does not normally change your WhatsApp number.
Should I install the eSIM before travelling?
Yes. Install it while connected to reliable Wi-Fi, but check when the plan’s validity period begins.
Final Verdict
For most travellers, Airalo is the best travel eSIM overall because it combines wide coverage with flexible local, regional and global plans.
Saily is a close alternative for travellers who value hotspot use, competitive pricing and additional security features.
Holafly is the best choice for unlimited data and heavy mobile use.
Revolut is the most convenient option for existing customers who need a small amount of data on a short trip.
My final ranking is:
Airalo – best overall
Saily – best for security and hotspot use
Holafly – best for unlimited data
Revolut – best for convenience
Before buying, compare the plan’s data allowance, validity, hotspot rules, local network and activation policy.
For more advice on roaming, mobile connectivity and travel technology, visit the Signal & SIM guides.
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