Firsty review | TechRadar

Firsty is a new player in the eSIM market. A Dutch startup launched in 2024, Firsty offers a very innovative freemium model — a basic free plan with speed-capped data, followed by paid plans with full-speed access starting at €1.98 or $2.10/day.

Despite being a newcomer, Firsty is quickly gaining popularity among budget-conscious travelers and those seeking a backup data option. The service now covers over 160+ countries worldwide, offering both a free basic plan and premium paid options

After testing Firsty across several scenarios, we’re impressed with its unique ad-supported free tier, which provides usable, if slow, data for essential tasks. Paid plans offer reliable full-speed connectivity at competitive prices.

Firsty: Pricing and plans

Firsty offers two main plans: Firsty Free and Firsty Fast. Firsty Free provides a basic, ad-supported data connection at no cost, allowing users to access essential services like messaging and email at extremely slow speeds. Firsty Fast, the premium paid tier, offers 2GB of high-speed data per day starting at €1.98 or $2.10 per day.

Firsty’s freemium model and global plans set it apart from most eSIM providers, which require switching plans and subscriptions whenever you move from one location to another. While not the cheapest eSIM option on the market, Firsty’s always-on connectivity and singular pricing make it a good option for most travelers looking for flexibility.

Firsty: Features

Firsty is a unique eSIM provider that stands out from the competition mainly thanks to its freemium model and transparently-priced global plan. Here are some key features:

Freemium Model

One of Firsty’s most distinctive features is its freemium model. With Firsty Free, users can enjoy a basic, ad-supported data connection at no cost, allowing them to stay connected for essential tasks like messaging and email. This sets Firsty apart as one of the few providers offering a truly free tier.

Seamless Global Connectivity

Firsty’s global plan provides seamless connectivity across borders. Users can automatically connect to the best available network without the need to manually switch SIMs or purchase local eSIM plans. This makes staying connected while traveling a breeze, eliminating the hassle of traditional roaming.

Affordable High-Speed Data

For users who need faster speeds, Firsty Fast offers high-speed data at competitive prices. Plans start at just €1.98 per day for 2GB of data, with transparent tracking and fair top-up options. This allows travelers to enjoy streaming, video calls, and other data-intensive tasks without breaking the bank.

Firsty: Installation and activation

Firsty makes it incredibly easy to get started with their eSIM service. The onboarding process is designed to be user-friendly and intuitive, guiding you through each step with clear instructions.

Simply download the Firsty app, select your plan, and scan the provided QR code to install the eSIM profile on your compatible device.

The app walks you through the necessary settings to activate your eSIM, such as labeling it and setting it as your preferred line for data. Firsty provides ample resources to assist new users, including detailed FAQs, step-by-step guides, and responsive customer support.

One key aspect new users should be aware of is the importance of having a strong internet connection, preferably Wi-Fi when installing and activating the eSIM. Additionally, it’s crucial to turn off data switching after activation to prevent unintended usage of your home carrier’s data.

Firsty: Coverage and speed

As of 2024, Firsty currently offers eSIM services in over 160 countries, including the US, Europe, and Asia. It leverages partnerships with local telecom operators to ensure reliable connections and competitive data speeds in most regions. Firsty is available in:

• United States
• United Kingdom
• Germany
• France
• Spain
• Italy

While Firsty’s coverage is not as extensive as some of its more established competitors like Airalo, the company is rapidly growing its network. Speed tests indicate that Firsty’s paid “Fast” plans deliver good performance, with download speeds around 200+ Mbps and upload speeds around 25-30 Mbps, depending on the local network conditions. However, the free ad-supported tier is notably slow at around 0.05 Mbps download and 0.10+ Mbps upload, sufficient only for basic messaging and email.

Compared to other eSIM providers, Firsty stands out for its unique freemium model, offering a basic always-free plan alongside competitively priced paid options. While its coverage and top speeds may not match the most comprehensive providers, Firsty’s flexibility and affordability make it an attractive choice for budget-conscious travelers.

Firsty: Support

Firsty offers multiple support channels to assist users, including email support via [email protected], an online help center with FAQs, and troubleshooting guides. The app also provides in-app instructions to guide users through setup and usage.

Customer reviews suggest that Firsty’s support team is responsive and helpful. One user on the App Store mentioned that the support team was “dedicated” and “available 24/7 to assist.” A reviewer on Trustpilot was impressed with the service, finding it “very useful as a backup” and “very easy” to use.

However, some users on Reddit reported mixed experiences, with a few encountering issues during installation and configuration. It’s important to ensure you have a strong internet connection, preferably Wi-Fi, when setting up the eSIM to avoid issues.

Firsty: Final verdict

Firsty is different from other eSIM providers. There’s no marketplace to purchase region-specific plans depending on your travel destination, nor is there a need to activate and reactivate as you move.

Instead, there are only two plans, a free one and a paid one. While the free plan offers enough functionality to perform basic tasks, the paid plan is competitively priced and follows the same pricing model irrespective of your location.

We found Firsty to be a reliable eSIM provider with good speeds and reliable coverage, despite its offbeat approach to pricing eSIMs. While its uniform global plan may be expensive for certain areas, you may well find it to be cost-effective depending on the regions you are targeting for your international trip.

Firsty: FAQs