Saily eSIM Ultra Plan: Let’s analyze it pros and cons
Discover the Saily eSIM Ultra Plan’s features, pros and cons, and how it compares to Holafly Unlimited for travelers.
If you’re heading abroad, one of the first things you’ll need to sort out is how to stay online. We live in a very connected world, and digitalisation is becoming the global norm. For remote workers, exchange students, entrepreneurs, digital nomads, and long-stay travellers, reliable internet is no longer a ‘nice-to-have,’ it’s a necessity. Mobile data needs to be reliable, secure, and hassle-free.
Recently, Saily, an eSIM service from Nord Security, launched its first renewable monthly eSIM subscription: The Saily Ultra Plan. Who does it suit and how does it compare to Holafly’s eSIM plans? This guide will help you identify the pros and cons of Saily’s Ultra Plan, and compare it with its main competitor: Holafly Plans, the current Holafly Unlimited Plan, plus the upcoming Holafly All In Plan.

What is the Saily eSIM Ultra Plan?
The Saily eSIM Ultra Plan is the top-tier option in Saily’s line-up — a monthly eSIM subscription priced at around $59.99. It’s aimed squarely at travelers who want more than just data on the go. Alongside fast mobile internet, it comes bundled with online security tools.
With the Saily Ultra Plan, users get 30 GB of high-speed data each month. Once they hit that limit, the speed drops to just 1 Mbps until the next billing cycle. With coverage in 113 destinations worldwide, and customers can share the connection freely with unlimited hotspot access.
Users can earn 8% cashback in Saily credits instead of the usual 5%, and have access to a suite of Nord Security tools:
- NordVPN for changing virtual location and blocking malicious sites
- NordPass for secure password storage
- NordLocker for encrypted file storage
- Incogni to remove personal data from online databases
There’s also priority 24/7 customer support. Upcoming perks include airport lounge access and fast-track boarding, plus other “additional exciting travel benefits” yet to come.
All in all, this plan is best suited to security-conscious travelers, tech-savvy digital nomads, and frequent flyers who like the idea of having robust online protection built right into their data plan.

What can I do with an internet speed of 1 Mbps?
An internet speed of 1 Mbps is good for emails, basic browsing, music streaming, and maybe low-resolution video calls. However, if you want to upload photos or videos, you can find that the internet speed is not fast enough.
Check out our table of real-life activities vs the feasibility using 1 Mbps:
Activity | Feasibility | Why |
Web browsing & email | ✅ Fine for text-heavy sites. | Web pages are usually small, unless image-heavy. |
Social media | ⚠️ Works, but images and videos load slowly. | Photos may take several seconds to appear. |
Music streaming (Spotify, etc.) | ✅ Usually okay. | Needs ~0.16–0.32 Mbps. |
SD video streaming (360p–480p) | ⚠️ Possible but might buffer. | 480p typically needs 1–2 Mbps. |
HD video streaming (720p–1080p) | ❌ Not smooth. | Needs 3–5 Mbps or more. |
Video calls (Zoom, Teams) | ⚠️ Low-quality only. | 1:1 low-res calls can run on ~0.6 Mbps up and down, but group calls struggle. |
Cloud-based design tools (Canva, Figma) | ❌ Frustrating. | Constant syncing and image uploads will feel slow. |
Large downloads (e.g., 1 GB file) | ⏳ ~2 hours and 13 minutes. | At 125 KB/s, big files take ages. |
This table is just a peek of how much internet you need. If you want to learn, check our post on How much data do I need for travel?
How does the Saily eSIM Ultra Plan work?
The process of using the Saily eSIM Ultra Plan is entirely Saily app-based but straightforward. There’s no need to visit a physical store, take out or insert SIM cards, or wait for postage.
How to activate the Saily eSIM:
- Download the Saily app.
- Choose your plan (Ultra or other options).
- Receive your eSIM QR code.
- Activate upon arrival in your destination or schedule automatic activation after 30 days.
Saily eSIM Ultra Plan work: Pros & cons
For remote workers and international students, Saily Ultra has plenty going for it – but it’s not without its drawbacks.
On the plus side, it’s big on privacy, bundling in advanced security tools like NordVPN, NordPass, NordLocker, and Incogni. There’s coverage in over 110 worldwide destinations, unlimited hotspot sharing, an 8% cashback loyalty reward, and priority 24/7 customer support.
There’s no physical SIM card required. It automatically switches between networks in supported countries, so you can stay connected, and you’ll get 5G speeds wherever it’s available. You can keep an eye on your data use straight from the Saily app, making it easier to manage your plan on the go. If you need to pause and restart your service, you can reactivate it each month without having to reinstall the eSIM.
The downsides? Users are limited to 30 GB of high-speed data before being restrained to 1 Mbps. There’s no phone number included, so calls and texts need to go through internet-based apps. It also covers fewer destinations than Holafly Plans, and those promised lounge and fast-track perks are still “coming soon.”
How Holafly Plans compares to Saily Ultra
Holafly’s Unlimited Plan is designed for travelers who prioritise uninterrupted high-speed data and broader coverage.
Holafly Plans cover over 170 destinations — that’s more than 57 extra locations compared to Saily — making them perfect options for future adventures. After all, once you start exploring, escapism or digital nomadism can become quite addictive. You’ll also enjoy unlimited high-speed data, meaning no frustrating slowdowns after reaching an initial cap, so you can stream, browse, and connect without restrictions.
On top of that, you’ll get a European phone number for calls and SMS, which is always handy — you never know when having a physical number might come in useful. The All in Plan also brings premium perks, including reliable in-transit internet, and priority support, so you’ll stay connected and cared for wherever you go.
Here’s a table for quick comparison:
Saily Ultra Plan | Holafly Unlimited Plan | Holafly All in Plan (coming soon) | |
---|---|---|---|
Price (USD) | $59.99/month | $64.90/month | TBC |
Coverage | 113 destinations | 170+ destinations | 170+ destinations |
High-Speed Data | 30 GB/month, then 1 Mbps | Unlimited full speed | Unlimited full speed |
Hotspot Sharing | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
Phone Number | No | Yes (European) | Yes (Local) |
Extra Perks | Nord Security tools (VPN, password manager, encrypted storage, data removal) | – | Personalized support |
Travel Perks | Airport lounge access and fast-track (coming soon) | – | Internet on planes and trains |
Customer Support | 24/7 priority for all | 24/7 standard | 24/7 priority |
Contract | Cancel anytime | Cancel anytime | Cancel anytime |
Ultimately, your choice depends on your needs: Saily if you value privacy and built-in security, Holafly if unlimited data and coverage matter most.
Important: If you are a frequent traveler and want to stay connected without worrying about expensive roaming or looking for a new SIM at every destination, Holafly’s subscription plans are for you. With a single eSIM, enjoy internet in more than 170 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. Travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍

Is the Saily Ultra Plan right for you?
For international students juggling studies across borders, digital nomads hopping between time zones, or frequent travelers who value both speed and security, the Ultra Plan is a strong contender. The Saily app makes setup simple, and with features like NordVPN and airport lounge access, it delivers a convenient, privacy-focused package.
However, the 30 GB limit, smaller destination list, and lack of a physical phone number mean some travelers will be better served by Holafly’s Unlimited Plan, which offers unlimited speeds or allows regular phone calls abroad. For those who crave not only unlimited high-speed data, but also broader coverage, and the convenience of a physical phone number — plus the upcoming luxury of in-transit internet — the Holafly All In Plan may be worth the wait.