Even as a UK resident, I rely heavily on eSIMs at home. Traditional UK phone contracts usually tie you in for years. Not ideal if you’re a full-time traveller, a short-term visitor, or just someone who values flexibility.
Unlike old-school contracts, eSIMs let you choose the amount of data you need for the time you need it. Install, activate, and you’re online – no strings attached. If you’re not sure what an eSIM is, check out my quick guide here.
But with so many options, choosing the right eSIM is important. Especially when reliable internet is essential for navigation, communication, or streaming on the go.
In this guide, I’ll share my top UK eSIM recommendation: Saily. It’s fast, reliable, and has become my go-to eSIM whether I’m in London, exploring the historic streets of Oxford or Cambridge, hiking in the Lake District or Peak District, or enjoying Cornwall’s beaches.
How to pick the best UK eSIM?
When it comes to picking the best eSIM for the UK, I believe it is important to consider the following criteria:
- Reliable coverage throughout the UK, including busy cities and rural areas.
- Enough data to comfortably use messaging apps, social media, web browsing, and Google Maps.
- Access to 4G and 5G speeds where available.
- Affordable and flexible data plans that suit your needs.
In my experience, Saily meets all these criteria, and then some. With features like a built-in ad blocker that can save up to 28% of your data, it makes staying connected even easier and more cost-effective.
Learn more in my thorough Saily review. Read on to find out more about my experience with their UK eSIM!
Please note: if you are looking for calls and text messages in the UK, you may want to consider a traditional physical SIM card with a local phone number.
Enjoy 5% off your first Saily plan when you click on the link above, or use code: MVT5
Why I recommend Saily UK eSIM
Even whilst at home in the UK, I rely on Saily to stay connected. This eSIM provider from the team behind NordVPN lets you top up a single eSIM for multiple destinations, so no need to juggle new eSIMs.
Coverage is reliable, speeds are fast, and you can even use your data as a hotspot. With flexible UK data plans from 1GB to unlimited, Saily makes it easy to stay online whether you’re exploring London, hiking the Lake District, or relaxing in Cornwall.
Read on to find out more!
Affordable prices
I find the price of Saily’s UK eSIM to be very reasonable, competitively priced against other popular eSIM providers. Here’s a quick comparison with two of their main competitors (Airalo and Holafly):
- Saily vs. Airalo (10GB for 30 days): Saily costs $19.99 (with extra security features included), and Airalo costs $19.50.
- Saily vs. Holafly (unlimited for 30 days): Saily costs $71.99, compared with Holafly at $74.90.
I like that Saily offers both limited and unlimited data plans, giving you flexibility to pick what works best for your UK trip.
Both options are generally around the same price as Airalo and Holafly, but Saily offer additional features like a built-in ad blocker and a virtual network (which works like a VPN), making Saily a smart choice for staying connected while travelling around the UK.
Reliable connection
The UK may be quite a small country, but there are many great destinations to visit, both rural and urban. No matter where you are going, you will want a reliable connection with fast speeds.
I’ve put Saily to the test in a whole variety of locations across the UK. Importantly, it works perfectly in London, even in the busiest tourist areas (think Piccadilly Circus and Trafalgar Square). Moreover, I always have great coverage throughout the city.
On top of this, it works seamlessly in other cities and towns across the country. Including Oxford, Cambridge, Sheffield and Bath. Even in more rural areas, like my parents’ house in Suffolk, I’ve been able to access the internet using Saily. Even if a little patchy in areas (just like any mobile network in places like these).
Saily utilises some of the best UK networks, which is why I’ve been able to enjoy such great coverage throughout!
Additional security features
One of the things that makes Saily stand out from other eSIM providers is the extra security built right into their app. These features include:
- Ad blocker: Speeds up browsing and can save you up to 28% of your data.
- Web protection: Blocks access to websites that might contain malware or other online threats.
- Virtual network: Keeps your data private on public WiFi and lets you browse securely from anywhere.
You don’t even need an active eSIM to use these security tools!
For me, the built-in ad blocker has made a noticeable difference in data usage, and as someone who travels frequently, it’s reassuring to know I can browse safely while in the UK or abroad. It’s a small feature that makes a big difference in convenience and peace of mind.
Enjoy 5% off your first Saily plan when you click on the link above, or use code: MVT5
UK eSIM comparison table
With so many eSIM providers offering plans for the UK, it’s worth comparing them to Saily’s options. Here, I’ve highlighted three popular competitors: Holafly, Airalo, and GigSky, looking at their data allowances, plan durations, pricing for 10GB, and any additional features.
| Brand | Data | Duration | Price for 10GB | Extras |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saily | 1GB to unlimited | 7 to 30 days | $19.99 | One eSIM download, ad blocker (saving up to 28% of data), security features |
| Holafly | Unlimited (with throttling) | 1 to 90 days | N/A (unlimited only) | None |
| Airalo | 1GB to unlimited | 7 to 30 days | $19.50 | None |
| GigSky | 1GB to unlimited | 7 to 180 days | $21.99 | Cruise line plans |
Prices are similar across the board, but Saily edges ahead with the extra security features and the simplicity of only needing one eSIM download.
Who should buy the Saily UK eSIM?
Honestly, almost anyone visiting or living in the UK can benefit from a Saily eSIM. With flexible data plans, from 1GB up to unlimited, reliable coverage across cities and rural areas, and built-in security features, it suits a wide range of travel and lifestyle needs.
For me, as a remote worker, having fast speeds and plenty of data has been a lifesaver. I can take video calls, send large files, and keep on top of work whilst travelling between any major cities, like London, Manchester, and Edinburgh. If you need to work on the go, Saily makes it easy.
Even if you’re a lighter user, Saily still makes sense. Navigating new cities with Google Maps, ordering Ubers, checking restaurant reviews, or keeping in touch with family via WhatsApp is simple and hassle-free.
It is also a solid option for the USA, and is my favourite overall eSIM for my travels.
Enjoy 5% off your first Saily plan when you click on the link above, or use code: MVT5
How to get started with Saily
Getting set up with Saily is quick and straightforward. Here’s how I did it:
- Check your phone compatibility: Most newer iPhones and Androids support eSIMs, but it’s worth confirming before you buy. Here’s a helpful guide from Saily.
- Pick your plan: Saily offers flexible UK data options (browse them here). Choose the amount of data and duration that suits your trip or daily needs.
- Install your eSIM: After purchasing, you will be provided with clear step-by-step instructions. Activation is fast, and you’ll be online in minutes.
- Download the Saily app: Available for both Apple and Android, this is where you can manage your eSIM. You can also browse new plans and make purchases within the app. If you prefer, you can start this whole process by downloading the app first.
- Top up as needed: Running low on data or extending your stay? You can easily add more without downloading a new eSIM, making it perfect for repeat use.
Enjoy 5% off your first Saily plan when you click on the link above, or use code: MVT5
My verdict: Best UK eSIM
After having used my Saily eSIM in a multitude of countries, and then coming back home to the UK, I am really happy that it continues to work seamlessly!
What I love most is the combination of flexible UK data plans, reliable coverage across cities and rural areas, fast 4G and 5G speeds, and built-in security features.
I can take video calls, upload photos to social media, check Google Maps, and keep in touch with family – all without worrying about losing connection or running out of data. Particularly thanks to their ad blocker, which saves me data.
For anyone travelling or spending time in the UK, I think Saily is an excellent choice for hassle-free, reliable connectivity.
Enjoy 5% off your first Saily plan when you click on the link above, or use code: MVT5
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