Firsty eSIM Review: Free Data Abroad, Daily Plans and Monthly Options
At Traveltomtom we recently came across Firsty, an originally Dutch eSIM company with a pretty bold idea: making mobile data abroad easier, more flexible and even available for free.
As you probably know by now, I am always curious about new eSIM providers, especially when they claim to do things differently. Firsty is not just another travel eSIM company selling country-specific data plans. Instead, Firsty works through one global eSIM and gives travelers the option to use basic mobile data for free, or upgrade to paid Daily and Monthly plans when they need more speed and convenience.
That immediately sounded interesting to me, so I ordered a Firsty eSIM, downloaded the app and tested how it works. In this honest Firsty eSIM review I will explain how Firsty Free works, what you can realistically do with the free data, what the paid Daily and Monthly plans are about and whether Firsty is actually worth using when traveling abroad.
About Firsty
To be honest, Firsty seems and feels like a game-changer in the world of eSIMs and global data. Firsty offers travelers instant and seamless access to cross-border mobile data connectivity without ever having to switch eSIM cards or data plans.
Firsty offers a freemium service, where free data is offered in exchange for viewing ads. The premium versions, Comfort+ and Firs Class, offer unlimited data starting at 1 euro per day. It's Firsty's mission to make mobile data connectivity accessible to everyone around the world.
Firsty is a brand new company. The beta version of the Firsty app was launched across Europe, the UK, Turkey, Switzerland and the US in January 2024. Now they operate in 160 countries and are constantly adding more.
See here the list of countries where Firsty operates eSIMs with free data.
Firsty is a European based company and prices on their website and in the app are all in Euros, not in USD. There is no option to change the currency as of writing this review.
Firsty App
At Firsty it all starts with downloading the Firsty app. You cannot really use Firsty without the app, so that is good to know before getting started. You can log in with a Google Account, Apple ID or create an account based on your phone number.
Once you are inside the app, you can activate your Firsty eSIM and choose the option that fits your trip best. Firsty now works with a simple structure around Firsty Free, Daily plans and Monthly plans. The free version is meant for basic connectivity, while the paid options are there for travelers who need more speed and a smoother data experience.
The app is also where you manage everything: activating your eSIM, checking your current plan, upgrading to a paid plan, pausing eligible paid data days and contacting customer support through the in-app chat.
Check the Firsty website for the latest app download links, available destinations and current plan details.
{ruxin_related_articles}Firsty Free
One of the most unique things about Firsty is that it offers a genuinely free way to stay connected abroad. After downloading the app and activating your eSIM, you can use Firsty Free by watching short advertisements in the app. In return, you get a limited period of basic mobile data at reduced speed.
In practice, Firsty Free is best suited for essential travel needs like messaging, maps, email and basic apps. During my test it worked well for exactly that. If you are simply trying to stay reachable, check directions, call an Uber or send a message on WhatsApp, then Firsty Free can definitely be useful.
It is however important to manage your expectations. Reduced-speed data is not designed for heavy use. Streaming videos, using your phone as a hotspot or doing anything data-intensive is not what Firsty Free is made for. So yes, the free data really works, but it works best as a basic backup connection rather than a full replacement for a regular travel eSIM plan.
Firsty Daily
If you need more than just basic connectivity, Firsty now also offers a Daily Plan. This is the paid option for travelers who want a faster and smoother connection without relying on advertisements. According to the current Firsty website, Daily plans start from around €1 EUR per day, though exact pricing may vary depending on destination and how many days you purchase.
The Daily Plan is a better fit for travelers who want to use social media, browse the web more comfortably and enjoy a more reliable travel data experience. It is the logical upgrade if Firsty Free feels too limited for your trip.
That said, I would still recommend checking the live pricing inside the Firsty app before purchasing. Firsty has recently updated its plan structure and some older pages on their website still mention previous plan names. So for the most accurate pricing and package details, the app itself remains the best reference point.
Firsty Monthly
For longer trips, remote work, digital nomads or frequent travelers, Firsty also offers a Monthly Plan. This is the newer long-term option and according to the current public information on the Firsty website, Monthly plans start from around €4.50 EUR per month.
The Monthly Plan is designed for travelers who want the convenience of keeping one eSIM active across multiple destinations without having to buy a new package every couple of days. Compared to Firsty Free, it offers a more complete and worry-free experience, and compared to Daily plans it makes more sense for anyone traveling for a longer period of time.
What I like about the Firsty concept is that it remains very flexible. You can start with the free version, see if the service works for your needs and then upgrade to a Daily or Monthly Plan whenever you want more speed or convenience.
Important update: Firsty previously marketed plans under names like Comfort+ and First Class. The eSIM provider now appears to be shifting toward a simpler structure with Firsty Free, Daily and Monthly. Because of that, older screenshots or pricing references for Comfort+ and First Class may no longer reflect the current setup.
Try Firsty on your next trip
Firsty offers a flexible way to stay connected abroad with free basic data and paid Daily or Monthly plans for travelers who need more speed and convenience.
Data speed Firsty
One of the most important things to understand about Firsty is that the data speed depends on the plan you are using. Firsty Free is designed for basic connectivity, while the paid Daily and Monthly plans are meant for travelers who need a faster and more practical mobile data experience.
With Firsty Free, you should not expect high-speed data. It is reduced-speed mobile data that works best for simple travel tasks like sending WhatsApp messages, checking emails, using Google Maps, ordering an Uber or quickly searching something online. In my test, those basic things worked fine, but streaming videos or using data-heavy apps is not what Firsty Free is made for.
The paid Daily Plan and Monthly Plan are the options to look at if you want more speed and a smoother connection. These plans are better suited for travelers who want to browse the internet more comfortably, use social media, upload content or stay connected for longer periods without relying on the free ad-based version.
That said, I would still be careful with calling Firsty an unlimited high-speed eSIM. Like with most international eSIM providers, the actual data speed can depend on the country you are in, the local mobile network you connect to, network congestion and the fair-use policy of the plan you activate.
Firsty says it connects users to available local networks, but as always at Traveltomtom, I prefer real-life testing over marketing claims. That means I would recommend checking the latest plan details inside the Firsty app before purchasing, especially if you need reliable high-speed data for hotspot use, video calls, streaming or remote work.
In short: Firsty Free is useful for basic travel connectivity, while the paid Daily and Monthly plans are the better choice if you want a faster and more comfortable eSIM experience abroad.
Pause data
One of the useful features of Firsty is that you can pause your paid data days and continue using them later. This is especially handy if you buy multiple days of data but do not need mobile internet every single day of your trip.
For example, if you have a travel day with airport WiFi, a day at the hotel or a day where you simply do not need much mobile data, you can pause your remaining paid days in the Firsty app instead of letting them go to waste.
According to Firsty, pausing is possible when you have purchased more than one day of paid data. The pause does not start immediately in the middle of an active day. Your current 24-hour period continues until it runs out, and the pause starts after that. You can then resume your remaining days later through the app.
Another useful detail is that Firsty says you can even resume your remaining days in another country. If local data costs are higher in that country, an additional charge may apply, but the app should show this before you continue.
This pause function is one of the things that makes Firsty more flexible than many traditional travel eSIM providers. With most eSIMs, your validity starts counting down immediately after activation. With Firsty, you have a bit more control over when you actually use your paid data days.
Comparison Firsty vs. other eSIM providers
Firsty is difficult to compare directly with most other eSIM providers because it works in a different way. Most travel eSIM companies sell country-specific or regional data plans. You choose a destination, select a data package, pay for a fixed amount of GB and use it until the data or validity runs out.
Firsty takes a different approach. Instead of buying a separate eSIM for every destination, you install one Firsty eSIM and then choose how you want to use it: free basic data, a paid Daily Plan or a Monthly Plan. That makes Firsty especially interesting for travelers who move between countries often or simply want one eSIM solution that stays on their phone.
The biggest difference is obviously Firsty Free. Most eSIM providers do not give you free mobile data in exchange for watching ads. Some companies occasionally offer a small amount of free data as a promotion, but Firsty has built its concept around free basic connectivity. That makes it useful as a backup eSIM, especially for things like messaging, maps, email, ride-hailing apps and basic travel searches.
However, Firsty Free is not the same as buying a regular high-speed travel eSIM. If you want to stream videos, upload content, use hotspot, make video calls or work online, then a paid Firsty plan or a traditional travel eSIM will be a better option.
Compared to regular eSIM providers, Firsty is strongest when it comes to flexibility. You can start with the free version, upgrade when needed, pause paid data days when you do not use them and continue using the same eSIM in different countries. That is a big advantage compared to many standard eSIMs where the validity starts counting down as soon as the plan is activated.
The downside is that Firsty is less straightforward if you simply want to compare fixed data bundles. With many other eSIM providers you immediately see something like 10 GB for 30 days or 20 GB for 30 days. Firsty works more around access, speed levels and daily or monthly usage. That can be convenient, but it also means you should always check the latest plan details in the Firsty app before purchasing.
| Feature | Firsty | Most other eSIM providers |
|---|---|---|
| Free data | Yes, basic reduced-speed data after watching ads | Usually no, except occasional promotions |
| Plan structure | Free, Daily and Monthly options | Fixed country or regional data bundles |
| Best for | Basic connectivity, flexible travel and multi-country use | Travelers who want a fixed amount of high-speed data |
| Ease of comparison | Less straightforward because pricing and usage depend on plan type | Easy to compare by GB, price and validity |
| Flexibility | Very flexible, especially with one global eSIM and pause options | Usually less flexible once activated |
| Best choice for heavy data users | Paid Daily or Monthly plans may work, but check the latest app details first | Often better if you want a clear high-speed data allowance upfront |
My honest take is that Firsty is not necessarily trying to be the cheapest eSIM provider for every destination. Its main strength is convenience and flexibility. If you are looking for the absolute cheapest 10 GB or 20 GB eSIM for one specific country, then a traditional travel eSIM provider may still be easier to compare.
But if you like the idea of having one eSIM installed on your phone that gives you free basic data when needed and paid upgrades when you want more speed, then Firsty is one of the most interesting eSIM concepts on the market right now.
For me, Firsty makes the most sense as a backup eSIM for frequent travelers or as a flexible option for people who cross borders often. It gives you peace of mind knowing that you can at least get connected, open maps, send messages or check something online without immediately buying a full data package.
Try Firsty on your next trip
Firsty offers a flexible way to stay connected abroad with free basic data and paid Daily or Monthly plans for travelers who need more speed and convenience.
Our experiences with Firsty
My first impression of Firsty is positive. It is a very different concept compared to most other eSIM providers and that is exactly what makes it interesting. Firsty is not trying to sell you a standard country-specific data bundle. Instead, it gives travelers one global eSIM with the option to use free basic data or upgrade to paid Daily and Monthly plans when more speed and convenience is needed.
The app is simple and user-friendly. Everything starts inside the Firsty app and from there you can activate the eSIM, check your current plan, upgrade when needed and manage your account. It is not an extensive platform with endless destination pages and complicated data packages, but that is also part of the appeal. Firsty keeps things simple.
What I liked most during my test is that Firsty Free actually works for basic travel needs. I was able to use simple apps, maps, emails and messaging without problems. That makes it useful as a backup eSIM, especially when you just landed in a new country and need to order an Uber, check Google Maps, send a WhatsApp message or quickly look something up online.
But it is important to be realistic. Firsty Free is not made for heavy data use. It is not the eSIM I would rely on for uploading videos, working online, streaming, using hotspot or spending hours on social media. For that kind of use, you should look at the paid Daily or Monthly plans, or compare Firsty with a regular travel eSIM that gives you a fixed amount of high-speed data.
The customer service was also a positive surprise. Their support is available through the chat in the app and when we tested it, including on a Sunday and in the evenings, the replies came quickly. For a relatively new eSIM company, that is a good sign. Fast support matters a lot when you are abroad and your mobile data connection is not working as expected.
Firsty is still a young company and the product is clearly developing fast. The plan structure has already changed since we first tested the service. Older Firsty plan names such as Comfort+ and First Class have been replaced by a simpler setup with Free, Daily and Monthly options. That makes the service easier to understand, but it also means you should always check the latest prices and plan details inside the Firsty app before purchasing.
I like the bold idea behind Firsty. Making mobile data abroad more accessible, and even offering a free way to get connected, is something that stands out in the eSIM market. Whether Firsty can really disrupt the travel eSIM industry remains to be seen, but the concept is definitely refreshing.
For me, Firsty is most interesting as a backup eSIM for frequent travelers and as a flexible solution for people who travel between countries often. It gives you peace of mind knowing that you can at least get online for basic things without immediately buying a full data package.
Would I use Firsty as my only eSIM for every trip? Not always. If I need lots of high-speed data, hotspot use or a clear 10 GB or 20 GB bundle for one specific country, I would still compare Firsty with other eSIM providers. But as a flexible travel eSIM with free basic data and easy paid upgrades, Firsty is definitely one of the more interesting eSIM concepts I have tested.
Is Firsty worth it?
Yes, I think Firsty is worth trying, especially if you like the idea of having a backup eSIM on your phone that can get you connected in many countries without immediately buying a full data package.
The biggest reason to try Firsty is Firsty Free. The free data is not fast and it is definitely not made for streaming, hotspot use or heavy social media, but it is good enough for basic travel needs. Think WhatsApp, Google Maps, email, ride-hailing apps and quickly searching something online. For that alone, Firsty can be a very useful travel tool.
The paid Daily and Monthly plans make Firsty more interesting for travelers who want more speed and convenience. I especially like the flexibility of being able to start with the free version and upgrade only when needed. That is different from many traditional eSIM providers where you immediately have to buy a fixed data package before you even know how much data you will actually use.
That said, Firsty is not automatically the best eSIM for every traveler. If you need a lot of high-speed data, want to use hotspot every day, upload videos, work online or simply prefer a clear package like 10 GB or 20 GB for one specific country, then it is still worth comparing Firsty with other travel eSIM providers.
My honest conclusion is that Firsty is one of the most interesting eSIM concepts I have tested. It is best for frequent travelers, multi-country trips and anyone who wants a flexible backup eSIM with free basic data. For heavy data users, I would still check the paid plan details carefully inside the Firsty app before relying on it as your main eSIM abroad.
Firsty is not perfect, but it is refreshing. And in an eSIM market where many companies basically sell the same kind of data packages, Firsty actually brings something different to the table.