Pick Saily for mobile data across one or many countries. Pick Lyca if you’re visiting the USA and want a US number with unlimited talk and text. They solve different problems.
The catch: Saily plans are data only, so calls and texts need its separate phone number add-on.
Saily and Lyca both sell eSIMs, but they come from different places. Saily is a travel data eSIM from Nord Security, the company behind NordVPN. Lyca Mobile is a mobile carrier, and its US site sells prepaid phone plans to visitors.
The key difference
Saily sells data plans for more than 200 countries and regions. You buy a plan in the app, install the eSIM from the app (no QR code needed) and it activates when you arrive. Calls and texts aren’t included, but you can add an optional US (+1) phone number with minute packages for calls in over 130 countries.
Lyca sells 30-day prepaid plans on lycamobile.us that come with a number, talk and text. Its travel page names three plans for visitors: the $33 High Data Plan, Unlimited Plus and Unlimited Pro. It says they cover the US, Mexico and Canada. You buy online, get a QR code by email and scan it in your phone’s settings.
Saily vs Lyca for a month in the USA
Here is Saily’s biggest US plan next to Lyca’s $33 High Data Plan, as listed on 24 Oct 2026.
| Feature | Saily USA 20 GB | Lyca $33 High Data Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Travel data eSIM | US prepaid phone plan |
| High-speed data | 20 GB | 18 GB, up to 5G |
| Valid for | 30 days | 30 days |
| Price | $36.99 (about $31.44 with 15% off) | $33 plan, with a promo price for the first 6 months on auto-renew |
| Calls and texts | Optional US number add-on | Unlimited US talk and text, plus talk and text to 100 countries |
| Hotspot | Yes, from your data balance | 10 GB of high-speed hotspot data |
| After the data | Top up in the app | Speed drops for the rest of the 30 days |
On 24 Oct 2026, Lyca showed promo prices below $33, but the promo figure wasn’t the same on every Lyca page, and the discount needs auto-renew. Check the price at checkout. Lyca’s 100-country calling covers the first 10 numbers you dial in each country.
For a shorter US trip, Saily’s smaller plans may be enough: 1 GB for 7 days ($3.99), 3 GB ($8.99), 5 GB ($13.99) or 10 GB ($22.99), each valid 30 days except the 1 GB plan. See our USA eSIM guide.
Beyond the USA
This is where the two split. Saily has country plans in 200+ destinations, plus regional plans: Europe (35 countries, from $4.99), North America (3 countries, from $5.99) and Global (121 destinations, from $8.99). The Lyca plans we read are US plans with Mexico and Canada included. Lyca runs services in other countries too, so check Lyca’s site for your country.
How setup compares
- Saily: buy a plan on saily.com or in the Saily app, then install the eSIM from the app.
- Saily: turn on data roaming for the Saily line. The plan activates when you arrive.
- Lyca: choose a plan on lycamobile.us, pick eSIM, then scan the QR code Lyca emails you.
Both need a phone that supports eSIM. Saily also needs it to be carrier-unlocked.
Which should you pick?
- A month in the USA, calling local numbers: Lyca, for the US number with unlimited talk and text.
- Several countries on one trip: Saily, with a regional or Global plan.
- A short US trip, data only: Saily’s 3 GB ($8.99) or 5 GB ($13.99) plan.
- Keeping your home number reachable: Saily on a dual-SIM phone, with your home SIM left on for calls.
- Need a number for verification codes: be careful with both. Saily says some services flag its number as VoIP, which can affect OTP and 2FA codes.
More on calling: does Saily eSIM have a phone number? and our best eSIM for calling guide.
- Data in 200+ destinations
- Regional and Global plans for multi-country trips
- Installs from the app, no QR code
- 15% off with our link
- Data only unless you buy the number add-on
- Lyca includes unlimited US talk and text
- Lyca’s promo price can beat Saily for a month in the USA
FAQ
Does Lyca eSIM work outside the USA?
Lyca’s US travel page says its plans cover the US, Mexico and Canada. For other countries, check Lyca’s site for that country.
Does Saily give you a phone number?
Only as an option. The Saily phone number add-on gives you a US (+1) number for calls and SMS. It doesn’t support MMS or call forwarding, and calls are local calls in supported countries.
Which is cheaper for a month in the USA?
Saily’s 20 GB plan is $36.99, about $31.44 with 15% off. Lyca’s $33 High Data Plan had a lower promo price on 24 Oct 2026 if you keep auto-renew on, so check its current price.
Can I keep my own number while using Saily?
Yes, if your phone supports dual SIM. Your primary number can still receive calls, but your carrier may charge roaming fees for them.
USA plans from $3.99 for 1 GB (7 days), checked on saily.com on 24 Oct 2026.