GulfData.io vs Silk eSIM
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
GulfData.io
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Instant mobile data for the Gulf and 200+ destinations worldwide. Do physical SIM, no roaming bills, connected in under two minutes. ONE eSIM, THE WHOLE GULF Our plans work across all six GCC countries — Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman — so you stay connected as you cross borders, without buying a new SIM at every stop. (Please note, local restrictions may apply) HOW IT WORKS 1. Pick your destination and a data plan. 2. Pay securely and get your eSIM instantly. 3. Tap to install (iOS 17.4+) or scan the QR code so you're online the moment you land. WHY GULFDATA • Instant delivery — your eSIM arrives the moment you pay. • No roaming charges and no hidden fees. • Keep your number — your regular SIM stays put for calls and texts. • Capped or unlimited plans, with easy top-ups. • Track your data usage right in the app. Check your phone is eSIM-compatible first. Travel light and leave the roaming bills behind - data that crosses borders with you. GulfData is a trading name of Vector Retail Group Limited.
Silk eSIM
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Silk eSIM Mobile data abroad without a physical SIM card and without roaming overcharges. Choose a country, buy a plan and get connected in a couple of minutes. No need to look for a mobile store or swap your SIM card. Mobile data works right upon arrival. WHAT YOU GET • Plans for popular destinations. Find your destination with search, and see popular countries and starting prices. • Clear plans. Choose a plan by data volume and validity: from a small plan for a short trip to large plans for longer journeys. The best offers are highlighted in the list. • One eSIM for trips around the world. Silk eSIM only needs to be installed once, and new countries are added to the same profile. • Quick installation. Install your eSIM using the available method: your phone's setup screen, a QR code or manual entry. • Step-by-step guide. After purchase, the app shows how to install the eSIM and turn on mobile data, so your connection works the first time. • Plans on the Home screen. Track remaining data, open eSIM installation details and add new countries. Purchase history is available in your profile. • Convenient payment. Pay via SBP or cryptocurrency. Your receipt is sent by email. • Simple sign-in. Register with email, no phone number required. • Multi-language support. A knowledge base and live chat with an agent help if something goes wrong. HOW IT WORKS 1. Choose your country or region. 2. Choose a data plan. 3. Pay for your purchase. 4. Install the eSIM and turn on mobile data on it. 5. Use mobile data abroad. You can keep your main SIM card on for calls and SMS. WHO IT'S FOR For travellers who want to be online from their first minute at the airport, and for frequent flyers who don't want to buy a local SIM card every time. GOOD TO KNOW • Your phone must support eSIM and be unlocked for use with any carrier. • We recommend installing the eSIM before your trip to connect right upon arrival. • Do not delete the installed eSIM profile. It cannot be reinstalled. Download Silk eSIM and travel connected.
Screenshots
Verdict
GulfData.io and Silk eSIM are too close to call on the numbers: across 6 compared parameters — price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases among them — neither pulls far enough ahead to decide it. What separates them is feature set and interface, not measurable difference.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
GulfData.io ships an update every 4 days, Silk eSIM weekly. Both last shipped on October 31, 2026.
| Parameter | GulfData.io | Silk eSIM |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Update frequency | Every 4 days — better | Weekly |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 15.1 | 15.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 30 MB | 16 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | Chris Carter | SILK ROAD SIGNAL |
In-app purchases
GulfData.io
No in-app purchases
Silk eSIM
No in-app purchases









