Best travel eSIM: which one should you choose?
Three travel eSIMs compared with today's real prices, for Canadians' favourite destinations. There's no single winner: the right pick depends on how much data you use.
The 30-second verdict
- You want unlimited, hotspot or to work while travelling → Airzlink. True unlimited with hotspot, the cheapest of the three in the USA (US$19.90 for 7 days) and North America.
- You want to pay the least for a fixed amount → eSIMX. Cheapest fixed-data plans almost everywhere (10 GB for 30 days at US$10.90 in the USA).
- You care about security features and a polished app → Saily. Pricier, with a built-in ad blocker and web protection.
Prices compared (US dollars)
| Destination | Unlimited 7 days · Airzlink | 10 GB / 30 days · eSIMX | 10 GB / 30 days · Saily |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | US$19.90 | US$10.90 | US$22.99 |
| Mexico | US$24.90 | US$23.80 | US$23.99 |
| Costa Rica | US$63.00 | US$38.90 | US$36.99 |
| Dominican Republic | US$63.00 | US$28.80 | US$37.99 |
| North America | US$24.15 | US$29.80 | US$43.99 |
Sources: prices read on airzlink.com, esimx.com and saily.com on October 3, 2026 (some Saily prices come from archived copies from August 2026). Affiliate links: I earn a commission if you buy, at no cost to you.
The "unlimited" trap
"Unlimited" doesn't mean the same thing at all three. eSIMX's "Unlimited" gives 2 GB per day, then speed drops very low (128 kbps). Saily gives 5 GB per day at full speed in the USA, then about 1 Mbps. Airzlink advertises unlimited, but its fair-use limit isn't clearly stated on its site: check it before buying if you plan to use a huge amount.
Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic
For these two countries, Airzlink only sells unlimited, at US$63 for 7 days. That's expensive: for normal use (maps, WhatsApp, photos), a fixed plan from eSIMX or Saily costs two to four times less.
Ready to travel connected?
Install your eSIM before you leave: you'll have data as soon as you land.
See Airzlink unlimited →Frequently asked questions
What's the best eSIM for the USA?
For unlimited, Airzlink (US$19.90 for 7 days, October 3, 2026 price). For the lowest price on a fixed amount, eSIMX (10 GB for 30 days at US$10.90).
Do these eSIMs include a phone number?
No: they're data plans. Calls go through WhatsApp, FaceTime or other apps. Your Canadian number stays on your physical SIM.
Is my phone compatible?
Most iPhones since the XS and recent Androids (Samsung Galaxy S20 and up, Pixel 3 and up) support eSIM, as long as they're unlocked.
Sources: prices read on airzlink.com, esimx.com and saily.com on October 3, 2026 (some Saily prices come from archived copies from August 2026). Affiliate links: I earn a commission if you buy, at no cost to you.
Affiliate link: if you buy a Saily plan through this link (Impact program), I earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Saily has not reviewed this page.