Firsty eSIM Review – At a Glance
Product: Firsty eSIM Global Travel Data
Website: firsty.app
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3.7/5 Stars)
Price: Free tier available, paid plans from €1/day
Pros:
- First truly free global data plan in the industry
- Single eSIM works across 160+ countries automatically
- Setup takes under one minute with QR code
- Transparent daily pricing with no hidden fees
- Perfect backup connectivity option
Cons:
- Free tier extremely slow (256 Kbps max)
- Data-only service with no voice or SMS capability
- Customer support response times exceed 24 hours
- Activation can fail and require repurchasing
Best For: Budget travelers, backup connectivity, short city breaks
Avoid If: Business travel, content creation, need reliable voice calls
This Firsty eSIM review examines whether this Amsterdam startup’s revolutionary free data promise delivers real value for frequent travelers.
What Makes Firsty eSIM Different From Everyone Else
Firsty eSIM launched in 2024 with a bold promise. Free global data forever. No other eSIM provider offers this.
Most travel eSIM services require purchasing separate plans for each country. Firsty eSIM breaks this mold completely. One eSIM installation covers 160+ countries automatically.
The company targets digital nomads and frequent travelers frustrated with expensive roaming charges. Their freemium model lets users test the service without financial risk. This approach directly challenges established players like Airalo and Saily.
Firsty eSIM operates on a simple premise. Travel connectivity should be affordable and seamless. Their single global eSIM automatically switches between optimal networks without manual intervention.
First Impressions and Setup Experience
The Firsty eSIM app immediately impresses with its clean, minimalist design. Download takes seconds on both iOS and Android platforms.
Account creation requires only an email address. No lengthy verification processes or document uploads. The interface feels intuitive even for less tech-savvy users.
eSIM installation process:
- Download the Firsty app
- Create account with email
- Select your plan (free or paid)
- Scan QR code with phone camera
- Wait 30-60 seconds for activation
Multiple reviewers confirm setup takes under one minute when everything works correctly. The app provides clear step-by-step instructions with visual guides.
However, some users report activation getting “stuck” for 8+ minutes. Technical issues can require deleting and repurchasing the eSIM. This represents a significant risk for travelers already at their destination.
Detailed Firsty eSIM Review: Features and Performance
Firsty eSIM offers three distinct service tiers designed for different travel needs and budgets.
Firsty Free Plan Analysis
The free tier delivers exactly what it promises. Free global data access. But the experience comes with serious limitations that affect practical usability.
Free Plan Specifications:
- Speed: 256 Kbps to 1 Mbps maximum
- Daily Data: Up to 300MB per 24-hour period
- Supported Apps: WhatsApp, email, Google Maps, Uber, iMessage
- Trade-off: 30-second advertisement every 60 minutes
Real-world testing reveals download speeds averaging 0.06 Mbps. This enables basic messaging but struggles with map loading or photo sharing. Video content becomes virtually impossible.
The hourly advertisements interrupt usage significantly. Users must watch 30-second ads to continue their data session. This creates frustration during navigation or urgent communication needs.
Comfort+ Plan Performance
The €1 daily Comfort+ plan transforms the experience dramatically. High-speed connectivity enables normal browsing, social media, and navigation without interruption.
Users receive 1GB of high-speed data daily before throttling occurs. The ad-free experience allows uninterrupted usage throughout travel days. Network switching happens automatically across countries.
First Class Plan Capabilities
The premium €2.50 daily First Class plan targets heavy data users and content creators. Five gigabytes of extra high-speed data supports video streaming and hotspot functionality.
Testing confirms consistent 80+ Mbps speeds in major cities. Rural coverage varies significantly but generally maintains usable connectivity. The plan includes unlimited throttled data after the daily allowance.
Real-World Testing Results
Independent testing across multiple countries reveals significant performance variations. Urban areas consistently deliver promised speeds and reliability. Rural regions show notable coverage gaps and slower connectivity.
Major Cities Performance:
- London: 85 Mbps average on First Class plan
- Amsterdam: 92 Mbps consistent speeds
- Tokyo: 78 Mbps with reliable coverage
- New York: 88 Mbps downtown, 45 Mbps suburbs
The automatic network switching works seamlessly in tested locations. Firsty eSIM connects to local carriers without manual configuration or settings changes.
Rural Area Challenges:
Countryside testing reveals connectivity limitations. Remote areas often show no signal or extremely slow speeds regardless of plan tier. This affects travelers venturing beyond major population centers.
Mountain regions and isolated beaches frequently lack coverage entirely. Travelers depending solely on Firsty eSIM may find themselves without connectivity in scenic destinations.
Battery Impact Assessment
Firsty eSIM shows minimal battery drain compared to traditional roaming. The eSIM technology proves more efficient than constantly searching for networks.
Dual-SIM functionality works well with most modern smartphones. Users can maintain their home number while accessing Firsty eSIM for data connectivity.
Comparing Firsty Against Top Competitors
The travel eSIM market includes several established players. Each offers different advantages for specific traveler types and needs.
Firsty vs Airalo Comparison
Airalo dominates the travel eSIM market with proven reliability and extensive country coverage. The comparison reveals distinct positioning strategies.
Firsty Advantages:
- Free tier option unavailable elsewhere
- Single global eSIM vs multiple country-specific purchases
- Unlimited data on paid plans
- Simpler pricing structure
Airalo Advantages:
- Established reputation with millions of users
- Faster customer support response times
- More comprehensive country-specific optimizations
- Better rural coverage in tested markets
Price comparison shows Airalo often costs less for short-term visits. Firsty eSIM becomes more economical for extended multi-country trips.
Firsty vs Saily Analysis
Saily, backed by NordVPN, positions itself as the premium security-focused option. The service includes built-in ad blocking and web protection features.
Firsty eSIM offers better value for budget-conscious travelers. Saily provides superior security features and customer support quality.
Key Differentiators:
Saily includes VPN functionality and malware protection. Firsty eSIM focuses purely on connectivity without additional security layers.
Customer support quality heavily favors Saily. Firsty eSIM users report response delays exceeding 24 hours consistently.
Major Limitations and Deal-Breakers
Firsty eSIM comes with significant limitations that affect specific traveler types. Understanding these restrictions prevents disappointment and connectivity issues.
Data-Only Service Restriction
Firsty eSIM provides zero voice calling or SMS capabilities. All communication must happen through internet-based apps like WhatsApp, Skype, or Telegram.
This limitation creates problems in cultures where traditional calling remains standard. Business travelers often need local phone numbers for reservations, emergencies, or client communication.
Two-factor authentication becomes challenging without SMS capability. Many banking and security services rely on text message verification codes.
Customer Support Concerns
Multiple user reports confirm customer support response delays. Firsty eSIM promises 24/7 support in 80 languages but fails to deliver timely assistance.
Response times consistently exceed 24 hours even for urgent connectivity issues. Travelers facing activation problems may wait days for resolution.
Support quality varies dramatically between agents. Some users receive helpful technical assistance while others get generic copy-paste responses.
Activation Reliability Issues
eSIM activation failures represent the most serious concern for travelers. Multiple users report activation getting stuck indefinitely requiring complete restart.
Deleted eSIMs cannot be reinstalled without purchasing new plans. This creates financial penalties for technical problems beyond user control.
The company lacks robust troubleshooting systems. Failed activations often require manual intervention from support teams with delayed response times.
Who Should Buy Firsty eSIM
Firsty eSIM works best for specific traveler profiles and use cases. Understanding the ideal customer prevents mismatched expectations.
Perfect Firsty Customers
Budget backpackers benefit most from the free tier option. The service provides essential connectivity for navigation, messaging, and ride-sharing apps without ongoing costs.
Digital nomads making frequent border crossings appreciate the single global eSIM approach. No need to research and purchase country-specific plans constantly.
Ideal Use Cases:
- Backup connectivity alongside primary eSIM providers
- Short city breaks requiring basic internet access
- Extended multi-country trips with budget constraints
- Testing new destinations before committing to expensive plans
Casual travelers who primarily use WhatsApp and Google Maps find the free tier adequate. Basic browsing and social media work acceptably on Comfort+ plans.
Who Should Avoid Firsty
Business travelers requiring guaranteed connectivity should choose established alternatives. Mission-critical communication needs reliable support and consistent performance.
Content creators need high-speed upload capabilities for photos and videos. Firsty eSIM throttling policies limit professional usage scenarios.
Avoid Firsty If You Need:
- Voice calling for business or emergency situations
- Immediate customer support for technical issues
- Consistent high-speed performance in rural areas
- SMS capability for two-factor authentication
Travelers visiting remote destinations should prioritize coverage reliability over cost savings. Firsty eSIM excels in urban environments but struggles in countryside locations.
Final Verdict and Recommendations
Firsty eSIM represents genuine innovation in travel connectivity. The industry’s first free global data plan breaks new ground and challenges expensive roaming models.
However, execution limitations prevent it from achieving must-have status for professional frequent travelers. The service works best as a complementary option rather than primary connectivity solution.
Overall Assessment
The free tier delivers on its promise but with severe speed restrictions. Only basic messaging and navigation remain practical at 256 Kbps speeds.
Paid plans provide solid value for budget-conscious travelers. €1 daily pricing competes well against traditional roaming charges exceeding €10-15.
Key Strengths:
- Revolutionary free global data concept
- Simple single eSIM for worldwide travel
- Transparent pricing without hidden fees
- Quick setup process when working correctly
Critical Weaknesses:
- Unreliable customer support response times
- Activation failures requiring repurchasing
- Data-only limitation excludes voice communication
- Inconsistent rural coverage
Implementation Strategy
Smart travelers should pair Firsty eSIM with established providers for optimal coverage. Use Firsty for backup connectivity and budget travel while maintaining reliable alternatives for critical trips.
The free tier works perfectly for testing new destinations. Upgrade to paid plans only when the coverage and speeds meet your specific needs.
This comprehensive Firsty eSIM review shows a promising service requiring maturation in customer support and activation reliability to reach its full potential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Firsty eSIM really offer completely free data?
Yes, the free tier provides 300MB daily at throttled speeds with hourly advertisements. This covers basic messaging and navigation permanently without charges.
Can I make phone calls with Firsty eSIM?
No, Firsty eSIM only provides data connectivity. Voice calls require internet-based apps like WhatsApp, Skype, or Telegram.
How many countries does Firsty eSIM cover?
Firsty eSIM works in over 160 countries worldwide with automatic network switching between destinations.
What happens if my eSIM activation fails?
Activation failures require contacting customer support, which typically responds within 24+ hours. Failed eSIMs cannot be reinstalled without purchasing new plans.
Is Firsty eSIM good for business travel?
No, business travelers should choose alternatives with reliable customer support and voice capabilities. Firsty eSIM works better for leisure travel and backup connectivity.
How does Firsty compare to Airalo pricing?
Firsty eSIM costs more for short trips but becomes economical for extended multi-country travel. Airalo offers better country-specific optimization.
Can I use Firsty eSIM as a mobile hotspot?
Yes, the First Class plan supports hotspot functionality. Lower tiers may have restrictions on sharing connectivity with other devices.
Does Firsty eSIM work in rural areas?
Rural coverage varies significantly by location. Urban areas provide consistent connectivity while countryside regions often show gaps or slower speeds.