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When you’re getting ready for your next trip abroad, there’s often loads of things to consider and prepare. You’re probably thinking about what to pack, what sights you’ll visit, how to book tickets to that crazy-busy museum, and more. Plus, if you’re like most of us, you’re also wondering about the best way to make sure you can stay connected using your mobile device.
Luckily, technology has advanced to the point where keeping in touch with family and friends, and enjoying access to your important documents and reservations online is easier than ever. Using an eSIM from a reputable supplier is a simple and reliable way to make your travel to-do list one item shorter.
To help you choose the best eSIM for your next trip abroad, we’ve put together the guide below in which we compare 4 of the best eSIM providers: Orbit Mobile, Saily, Holafly, and Airalo. Read on to find out which company has the best option for you. Unlike most eSIM comparisons that stick to the usual names, we also include Orbit Mobile, so you can weigh four real options side by side before you travel. For broader context, see our roundup of the best eSIMs for Europe and our Holafly vs Airalo comparison.
An eSIM is an entirely digital SIM card that works with preinstalled software on your compatible device to connect you with data networks in destinations across the globe.
While a physical SIM card (like the one you get from your cell phone provider) has to be manually put into your device, an eSIM doesn’t have any physical components, so there’s no fussing with tiny parts.
As long as you have a compatible device, you can easily install an eSIM with just a couple steps using a QR code. Once it’s installed, you can access networks from multiple service providers in the country you’re visiting and enjoy data, texting, and calling options (depending on which eSIM plan and provider you choose).
Choosing to get an eSIM for your next trip is a great idea and can make staying connecting easy and stress-free.
Unlike with a physical SIM card that you have to manually put in your phone, an eSIM is entirely digital, so you don’t have to worry about keeping your regular SIM card safe while travelling.
eSIMs can also save you money compared to roaming or using your home service’s travel plans. Rogers Roam Like Home and Bell’s Roam Better options cost between $13 and $18 per day (as of June 2026), which can really add up over the course of a trip abroad. Comparatively, eSIM plans let you choose the services you need and will typically cost considerably less than $10 a day.
Additionally, eSIMs are easy to install before your trip, making you confident that you’ll be connected almost immediately after arriving at your destination.
Before we get into our comparison of the 4 best eSIM providers, there are a few things that you’ll want to consider when choosing a plan from one of the companies:
Now, let’s look at the details of what’s on offer with Orbit Mobile, Saily, Airalo, and Holafly to see how they compare in key areas.
To start our comparison, we’ll look at the variety of plans that are on offer with Orbit Mobile, Saily, Airalo, and Holafly.
To keep the comparison clear, we’ve arranged the information into the following table:
It’s also worth noting that Orbit Mobile, Holafly, Airalo, and Saily won’t always have the same agreements with telecommunication networks in each country you’re in.
For example, in some countries, one eSIM provider may use a single network regardless of where you’re travelling within the borders, while another provider may switch between two or even three networks based on signal strength.
Switching networks can be quite helpful if you’re travelling around a country since a network’s strength can change significantly as you move between regions.
To find out which network(s) will be used and whether you’ll be able to switch networks as you move around, you can look up the technical specs/additional information on each eSIM providers website.
In addition to the plans listed in the table above, a couple of our favourite eSIM vendors have also started providing an option to sign up for an on-going monthly plan/subscription.
Holafly currently offers two monthly plans, the Unlimited Plan and the Light Plan. Each of these give you global connection that automatically renews each month until you cancel. The Light Plan gives you 25 GB per month and the Unlimited Plan provides unlimited data plus a phone number. The price for these plans ranges from $68.95 to $89.95 per month (as of June 2026), and you can also qualify for a discount if you pay for a full year upfront.
The other eSIM provider that offers a subscription option is Saily. With Saily, you can sign up for Saily Ultra, which bundles a Global data eSIM plan with additional travel perks like the ability to skip lines at the airport, free airport lounge access, a complimentary subscription to NordVPN, and more.
Saily Ultra is a monthly subscription priced up to $59.99 USD per month depending on the plan and how much high-speed data you’d like (as of June 2026; check Saily’s website for current tiers).
At this time, neither Orbit Mobile nor Airalo are offering similar monthly plans.
Next, to compare the prices of plans across Orbit Mobile, Saily, Airalo, and Holafly, we’ll look at the cost for one country plan, one regional plan, and the global plans. As of June 2026, all prices below are pulled from each provider’s website and can change at any time, so check the current rate before you buy.
Note that Saily charges in US dollars, so if you end up choosing this provider, it’s a good idea to use credit card like the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card that doesn’t charge the usual foreign transaction fee. This way, you can save the 2.5% that’s charged by most other Canadian credit cards. For a deeper look at one destination, see our guide to the best eSIM for Mexico.
In addition to the above, Orbit Mobile also offers 50 GB 60-day plans for $48.00 and full-year plans with 100 GB for $88.00. Airalo offers a 180-day plan with 100 GB for $259.00
In terms of coverage, each provider covers the following number of countries as part of their Europe plan:
With Orbit Mobile, you can also get a Global Plan for a full year plan with 100 GB for $120.00. Saily also offers 180-day plans with 10 GB for $56.99 USD and full-year plans with 20 GB and 50 GB for $66.99 USD and $129.99 USD, respectively.
Additionally, Airalo offers 180-day plans with 10 GB for $80.00 and full-year plans with 20 GB for $92.50. This provider also offers global packages with limited calling and texting for an additional fee.
With the Global eSIM plans, each provider covers a different number of countries:
Orbit Mobile, Airalo, Holafly, and Saily all make it simple to download and install your new eSIM. In fact, all 4 providers offer nearly identical processes.
Regardless of which vendor you choose, the installation process is essentially as follows:
Alternatively, you can choose to manually install your new eSIM following similar prompts.
If you happen to struggle while downloading, installing, activating, or using your eSIM, Orbit Mobile, Saily, Airalo, and Holafly all have excellent customer service that can help you resolve any issues.
As a way to entice new clients and build customer loyalty, Orbit Mobile, Saily, Holafly, and Airalo each offer multiple ways for you to save on your next eSIM.
One way that a few of the eSIM providers help you earn some savings is through loyalty programs.
Holafly and Airalo each offer a different type of program to make it more attractive for you to return for your next eSIM time and again.
In addition to loyalty programs, all 4 eSIM providers offer additional ways to save through discounts, vouchers, coupons, and referral programs.
Orbit Mobile, Holafly, Airalo, and Saily all offer an impressive range of eSIM data plans that suit the needs of any traveller. Whether you’re looking for a lot of data or just a little, one of these 4 eSIM providers certainly has the right plan for you. To pair your eSIM with a card that earns on travel and skips foreign transaction fees, see our roundup of the best credit cards in Canada.
Orbit Mobile stands out for its simple install process, letting you download a single eSIM for all your future data plans. Plus you can save 10% off your eSIM plan with our special Milesopedia discount code: “MILES10“.
Travellers who don’t want to worry about running out of data may prefer Holafly, which only offers plans with unlimited data, or if you’re in the market for a single eSIM to use around the world, Airalo’s Global Plan tops this category, offering connectivity in 169 countries.
Or perhaps you prefer something like the Saily Ultra plan, which bundles an eSIM with additional travel perks for a singular monthly fee. In the end, choosing the right eSIM for your trip will come down to how long you’re travelling, where you’re headed, how much data you need, and whether any of the additional perks have won you over.
Once you’ve decided on which eSIM plan you like and you’ve made your purchase, we recommend you also explore our travel guides on using two-factor authentication while out of the country, enjoying your favourite TV shows from anywhere, and keeping your data safe with services like NordVPN. To stay on top of the latest travel and card offers, sign up for our newsletter.
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