For most travellers, Saily is the lowest ordinary fixed-data entry plan at $3.99 for 1 GB over seven days, while Maya is the lowest checked three-day unlimited plan at $9.99. Airalo is the most flexible middle ground, with fixed plans from $4 and unlimited data from $11.50. The right choice depends less on the headline price than on daily data, hotspot use and the islands on your route.
This guide is for visitors who need mobile data in Manila, Cebu, Palawan, Boracay or between islands and want a verified comparison before buying.
Quick verdict
- Lowest ordinary fixed plan: Saily at $3.99 for 1 GB over seven days. Airalo starts at $4 for 1 GB over three days.
- Lowest checked three-day unlimited plan: Maya at $9.99, followed by Airalo at $11.50 and Holafly at $11.90.
- Most transparent unlimited threshold: Airalo gives 3 GB of high-speed data per day, then reduces speed to 1 Mbps until the daily reset.
- Clearest hotspot terms: Saily and Maya publish unrestricted personal hotspot use. Holafly allows 1 GB/day. Yesim makes support operator-dependent.
- Named Philippines networks: Airalo names Smart. Holafly and Maya name Globe. Saily and Yesim do not name a retained local carrier on the checked pages.
Philippines eSIM prices compared
| Provider | Useful verified plan | Network / speed | Hotspot | Condition to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airalo | 1 GB / 3 days — $4; unlimited / 3 days — $11.50 | Smart; 5G where available | Not verified | Unlimited falls to 1 Mbps after 3 GB/day |
| Holafly | Unlimited / 3 days — $11.90 | Globe; 5G/4G/LTE | 1 GB/day | A fair-use reduction can last up to one day |
| Saily | 1 GB / 7 days — $3.99; 10 GB / 30 days — $18.99 | Supported local networks; carrier not named | No stated restriction | Automatic activation after connecting in the Philippines |
| Maya | Unlimited / 3 days — $9.99 | Globe; 5G/4G/LTE | Included without restrictions | Personal cellular use only; router use is prohibited |
| Yesim | 1 GB / 30 days — $4.56; unlimited / 1 day — $4.08 | Partner not named; 5G where available | Depends on operator | Operator fair-use rules may reduce speed |
The $0.54 Yesim offer is a first-time 500 MB promotion, not a normal like-for-like plan. Saily also displays an unlimited option from $48.99, but the selected validity was not retained in the verified page state, so it is not used for a duration comparison.
Choose by trip length and data use
For a light one-week trip, Saily’s 1 GB for seven days costs $3.99. It suits messaging, ride-hailing and occasional maps if you download offline areas and keep photo backups disabled. Airalo’s $4 entry plan has the same allowance but only three days of validity, so the extra cent is not the important difference.
For a normal two- to four-week holiday, compare the larger fixed packages. Airalo lists 10 GB for 30 days at $19 and 20 GB at $30. Saily lists 10 GB for 30 days at $18.99 and 20 GB at $29.99. The prices are almost identical, so network preference, app experience and activation rules matter more than a one-cent difference.
For heavy use, Maya had the lowest checked three-day unlimited price at $9.99. Airalo cost $11.50 and Holafly $11.90 for the same duration. Airalo discloses a 3 GB/day high-speed allowance before a 1 Mbps reduction. Holafly does not publish a numerical full-speed threshold on the destination page, but it says an operator fair-use reduction can last no more than one day.
For a single very heavy day, Yesim’s one-day unlimited plan was $4.08. Its speed can still be reduced under the partner operator’s fair-use policy, and hotspot support depends on that operator.
Networks and island coverage
Airalo names Smart as its primary Philippines network. Holafly and Maya name Globe. The checked Saily and Yesim pages describe supported or partner networks without naming a Philippines carrier.
That distinction can matter on an archipelago of more than 7,000 islands. Strong coverage in central Manila does not guarantee the same result on a ferry route, a remote Palawan beach or inland mountain roads. Check the current Smart and Globe coverage maps for the exact places on your itinerary, and keep tickets, hotel details and offline maps available without data.
All five providers advertise 5G where supported or access to modern local networks, but actual speed depends on the partner network, your phone, congestion and location. A 5G label should not be treated as a promise of 5G on every island.
Hotspot and unlimited-data rules
Saily says hotspot and tethering are available without a stated restriction. Maya includes hotspot on all Philippines plans without restrictions for personal cellular use, but its acceptable-use terms prohibit using the eSIM as a fixed line or in a router.
Holafly allows 1 GB of hotspot data per day. A seven-day plan therefore includes up to 7 GB of shareable data even though the phone’s total data is advertised as unlimited. Airalo’s Philippines hotspot rule was not exposed in the verified page state, so confirm it before buying for a laptop. Yesim leaves hotspot support to the selected operator.
“Unlimited” does not always mean permanently unrestricted maximum speed. Airalo publishes the clearest threshold: 3 GB at high speed per day, followed by 1 Mbps until the reset. Yesim may throttle under operator policy. Holafly may apply a temporary fair-use reduction. Maya advertises no caps or throttling, subject to personal-use restrictions.
Install before you fly
First, confirm that your exact phone supports eSIM and is carrier-unlocked. Install the profile over reliable Wi-Fi before departure, save the QR code or manual setup details offline, and label the line “Philippines” in your settings.
After landing, select the travel eSIM for mobile data and enable data roaming on that line only. Saily activates automatically after it connects to a supported local network. Airalo and Yesim begin validity on connection. Holafly also starts when it connects to a supported network. Maya lets you select or control activation through its checkout and app flow.
The compared destination products are primarily data plans. Keep your home SIM active if you need your normal number, but disable mobile data and roaming on it to reduce the risk of accidental charges. Use WhatsApp, FaceTime or another internet calling service unless the exact plan says ordinary voice and SMS are included.
FAQ
Which Philippines eSIM had the lowest checked price?
Saily had the lowest ordinary fixed plan at $3.99 for 1 GB over seven days. Yesim displayed a lower $0.54 first-time deal, but it included only 500 MB for one day and is a promotion rather than a normal plan.
Which Philippines eSIM is best for unlimited data?
Maya had the lowest checked three-day unlimited price at $9.99. Airalo was $11.50 and Holafly $11.90. Airalo publishes the clearest numerical fair-use threshold, while Maya publishes the least restrictive hotspot terms.
Can I use a Philippines eSIM as a hotspot?
Saily and Maya publish unrestricted personal hotspot use. Holafly permits 1 GB/day. Yesim makes hotspot support operator-dependent. Airalo’s Philippines-specific hotspot rule was not verified, so check the live plan details if tethering is essential.
Should I buy a local SIM instead?
A local Smart or Globe SIM may be attractive for a long stay or if you need a local number. A travel eSIM is usually more convenient when you want to install before departure, keep your home SIM in the phone and connect soon after landing.
Planning another trip?
Compare our Japan eSIM guide, Thailand eSIM guide, or browse all published destinations. If this is your first digital SIM, start with what an eSIM is and check phone compatibility.