Firsty review | TechRadar
Firsty is a new player For example market. Firsty is a Dutch startup launching in 2024 that offers a very innovative freemium model – a basic free plan with speed-capped data, followed by full-speed access starting at €1.98 or $2.10/day Paid plan.
Despite being a newcomer, Firsty has quickly become popular with budget-conscious travelers and travelers looking for backup data options. The service now covers more than 160 countries around the world, with a free basic plan and premium paid options
After testing Firsty in multiple scenarios, we were impressed with its unique ad-supported free tier, which provides usable data for basic tasks, albeit at slower speeds. Paid plans offer reliable, full-speed connections at competitive prices.
First: Pricing and Planning
Firsty offers two main plans: Firsty Free and Firsty Fast. Firsty Free offers a basic, ad-supported data connection for free, allowing users to access basic services like messaging and email at extremely slow speeds. Firsty Fast is a premium paid plan that offers 2GB of high-speed data per day, starting at €1.98 or $2.10 per day.
| area | Data volume | effectiveness | Price (USD) |
| free | unlimited | daily | not applicable |
| worldwide | 2GB | daily | 2.10 every day |
Firsty’s freemium model and global plans set it apart from most eSIM providers, which require switching plans and subscriptions when you move from one location to another. While Firsty isn’t the cheapest eSIM option on the market, its always-on connectivity and unique pricing make it a good choice for most travelers looking for flexibility.
First: Features
Firsty is a unique eSIM provider that differentiates itself from the competition primarily with its freemium model and transparently priced global plans. Here are some of the key features:
freemium model
One of the most notable features of Firsty is its freemium model. With Firsty Free, users enjoy a basic, ad-supported data connection for free, allowing them to stay connected to perform basic tasks like messaging and email. This makes Firsty one of the few providers to offer a truly free plan.
Seamless global connectivity
Firsty’s global plans offer seamless connectivity across borders. Users can automatically connect to the best available network without having to manually switch SIM cards or purchase local eSIM plans. This makes staying connected while traveling a breeze, eliminating the hassle of traditional roaming.
Affordable high-speed data
For those who need faster speeds, Firsty Fast offers high-speed data at competitive prices. Plans start at €1.98 per day for 2GB of data, with transparent tracking and fair recharge options. This allows travelers to enjoy streaming, video calling, and other data-intensive tasks without breaking the bank.
First: Installation and Activation
Firsty makes getting started with eSIM service incredibly easy. The onboarding process is designed to be user-friendly and intuitive, with clear instructions guiding you through each step.
Simply download the Firsty app, select your plan and scan the QR code provided to install the eSIM profile on your compatible device.
The app will walk you through the setup required to activate your eSIM, such as tagging it and setting it as your preferred data line. Firsty provides ample resources to assist new users, including detailed FAQs, step-by-step guides, and responsive customer support.
One key aspect that 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 is crucial to turn off data switching after activation to prevent accidental use of your local operator’s data.
First: coverage and speed
As of 2024, Firsty currently offers eSIM services in more than 160 countries, including the United States, Europe and Asia. It leverages partnerships with local telecom operators to ensure reliable connectivity and competitive data speeds in most areas. Firsty is suitable for:
- USA
- U.K.
- Germany
- France
- Spain
- Italy
While Firsty’s coverage isn’t as good as some of its more established competitors (e.g. Airalothe company is rapidly growing its network. Speed ​​tests show that Firsty’s paid “Fast” plan offers good performance, with download speeds of around 200+ Mbps and upload speeds of around 25-30 Mbps, depending on local network conditions. However, the free ad-supported tier is noticeably slower, with download speeds around 0.05 Mbps and upload speeds around 0.10+ Mbps, which is only good enough for basic messaging and email.
Compared to other eSIM providers, Firsty stands out with its unique freemium model, offering a basic always-free plan as well as competitively priced paid options. While Firsty’s coverage and top speeds may not rival the most comprehensive providers, Firsty’s flexibility and affordability make it an attractive option for budget-conscious travelers.
First: support
Firsty offers multiple support channels to assist users, including support via email support@firsty.appan online help center with FAQs and troubleshooting guides. The app also provides in-app instructions to guide users through setup and usage.
Customer reviews indicate that Firsty’s support team is responsive and helpful. One user on the App Store mentioned that the support team is “dedicated” and “available to help 24/7.” Reviewers on Trustpilot were impressed with the service, saying it was “very useful as a backup” and “very easy” to use.
However, some users on Reddit have reported mixed experiences, encountering some issues during installation and configuration. When setting up your eSIM, always make sure you have a strong internet connection (preferably Wi-Fi) to avoid issues.
First: Final Judgment
Firsty is different from other eSIM providers. There’s no marketplace to buy region-specific plans based on your travel destination, nor the need to activate and reactivate when you move.
Instead, there are only two plans, one free and the other paid. While the free plan offers enough features to perform basic tasks, the paid plans are competitively priced and follow the same pricing model no matter where you are located.
We’ve found Firsty to be a reliable eSIM provider, with fast speeds and reliable coverage, despite its offbeat pricing for eSIMs. While its unified global plan can be expensive for some regions, you may find it cost-effective depending on where you’re targeting for international travel.
First: Frequently Asked Questions
What is number one?
Firsty is a mobile app that uses eSIM technology to provide travelers with seamless global connectivity. It offers two main products:
First free: A basic speed connection is provided for free, allowing you to email, message and use basic apps. You get 60 minutes of free data, after which you need to watch a 30-second ad to reconnect.
First quick: Premium paid plans offer high-speed data up to 2GB per day, perfect for streaming and video calling. Prices in Europe start at approximately €1.98/day.
How does Firsty eSIM work?
Firsty leverages eSIM (embedded SIM) technology to provide connectivity. An eSIM is a digital SIM card built into your phone, allowing you to download Firsty and instantly connect to mobile networks without the need for a physical SIM card.
How much does the Firsty app cost?
The Firsty app itself is completely free to download and use. There is no charge to install an eSIM profile.
In the free tier, you can use unlimited data at limited speeds to complete basic tasks. After 60 minutes, you watch a brief commercial and then reconnect for an hour.
If you upgrade to Firsty Fast for high-speed data, prices in Europe start at €1.98 per day for 2GB. You only pay for the number of days of high-speed access you need, with no monthly or subscription fees.
