Short answer: If you want the same kind of travel eSIM as Saily for less money, eSIM Signal is a strong alternative. In our 17 October 2026 price check, it cost 48–62% less than Saily for five typical trips in Italy, Turkey, the USA, Japan and across Europe, and it was cheaper in 51 of 55 matching plans overall. You install it from an emailed link or QR code, with no app needed, and its Europe plan covers 41 countries against Saily's 35. Saily remains the better pick if you want its built-in privacy tools, a US phone number, a 180-day window to start your plan, or 30 days of unlimited data in Italy, Turkey or Thailand.
Why travellers look for a Saily alternative
Saily, from the company behind NordVPN, is easy to use and well reviewed. People usually look elsewhere for one of these reasons:
- Price. On fixed-data plans, eSIM Signal was usually 40–65% cheaper than Saily in our check.
- Another app. Saily's setup runs through its app. Some travellers would rather install from a link and keep their phone uncluttered.
- Europe coverage. Saily's Europe plan lists 35 countries. eSIM Signal's covers 41, including Turkey and much of the Balkans.
- You do not need the extras. If you already use a VPN, or never use one abroad, the security features are not worth paying for.
Five trips priced: Saily vs eSIM Signal
We priced five common trips with the public euro prices on both websites on 17 October 2026. Plan sizes follow our guide to how much eSIM data you need.
- A week in Italy, 5 GB. eSIM Signal cost about 51% less for 5 GB over 7 days.
- A week in Japan, 5 GB. About 48% less for 5 GB over 7 days.
- Two weeks in Turkey, 10 GB. About 49% less for 10 GB over 15 days.
- Two weeks across Europe, 5 GB on one regional plan. About 62% less for 5 GB over 15 days.
- A month in the USA, 20 GB. About 59% less for 20 GB over 30 days.
The savings apply to every phone, so a family of four travelling together saves the same share four times over. The only plans where Saily was cheaper in our check were 30-day unlimited plans in Italy, Turkey and Thailand. See the full Saily vs eSIM Signal comparison for every figure.
Installing an eSIM without an app
With eSIM Signal there is nothing extra to download. After you pay, we email you an install button and a QR code within minutes:
- On the phone itself, tap the install button and follow the steps in your phone's settings.
- From another screen, scan the QR code with the phone's camera.
The eSIM also waits for you in My eSIMs on the website, where you can check your data and top up. If you prefer an app, ours is on the App Store and Google Play and gives 5% cashback on purchases. Either way, our installation guide shows each step on iPhone and Android.
What you keep when you switch from Saily
- Your plan starts at your destination. On most eSIM Signal plans, the days start counting when the eSIM first connects to a network abroad.
- Your home SIM stays in the phone, so your number, bank texts and WhatsApp keep working.
- You can top up the same eSIM if you run low, and we email you at 80% used.
- Hotspot works, so a laptop or tablet can share your data.
- Your VPN still works. Any VPN app you use runs on eSIM Signal data like on any other connection.
- Support is there 24/7, on WhatsApp and by email.
When Saily is still the better choice
- Privacy tools in one app. Virtual locations, malicious-site blocking and ad and tracker blocking come with Saily.
- A phone number. Saily sells an optional US number with calls and texts. eSIM Signal plans are data-only.
- Buying far ahead. Saily gives you 180 days to start a plan. With eSIM Signal we recommend using your eSIM within 30 days of purchase.
- Refund flexibility. Saily offers a full refund within 30 days if the eSIM was not installed or the plan not activated. eSIM Signal refunds before activation within 24 hours of purchase.
- A month of unlimited data in Italy, Turkey or Thailand, where Saily's 30-day plans were cheaper.
Other Saily alternatives
- Airalo is the best-known travel eSIM, with prices close to Saily's on most fixed-data plans. See Airalo vs eSIM Signal or our Airalo alternative guide.
- Holafly sells unlimited data only. See Holafly vs eSIM Signal.
- Nomad charges in US dollars and offers a free 1 GB trial. See Nomad eSIM vs eSIM Signal.
Find your plan: Italy, Japan, Turkey, the USA or Europe.
How we compared: we used the public euro prices shown on the Saily and eSIM Signal websites on 17 October 2026, for the same destination, data allowance and validity. Prices change often, so treat the percentages as a snapshot and check the live price before you buy. Saily and NordVPN are trademarks of their owners. eSIM Signal is not affiliated with Saily or Nord Security.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good alternative to Saily?
eSIM Signal is a good Saily alternative if price matters most. On 17 October 2026 it cost 48–62% less than Saily for five typical trips, it installs without an app, and its Europe plan covers 41 countries. Airalo and Nomad are other well-known options.
Is there an eSIM cheaper than Saily?
Yes. In our 17 October 2026 comparison, eSIM Signal was cheaper than Saily in 51 of 55 matching plans across Italy, the USA, Japan, Turkey, Thailand and Europe, usually by 40–65% on fixed-data plans.
Can I use a travel eSIM without downloading an app?
Yes. eSIM Signal emails you an install button and a QR code. Tap the button on your phone or scan the code from another screen, and the eSIM installs through your phone's own settings.
Can I use Saily and eSIM Signal on the same phone?
Yes. Phones hold several eSIM profiles, so you can keep a Saily eSIM installed and add eSIM Signal for another trip. You choose which line handles mobile data in settings.
Does eSIM Signal include security features like Saily?
No. eSIM Signal provides mobile data only, without built-in virtual locations or ad blocking. Any VPN or privacy app you already use works on it.