The short version
- Choose Silent Link if you want the lowest advertised European rate or need a US phone number that can receive texts.
- Choose MoneroSim if you want to pay by card as well as crypto, see named partner networks per country before buying, or want a stated refund window and a Tor mirror.
- Both are no-KYC, data-focused, pay-as-you-go eSIMs with balances that don't expire.
Side-by-side comparison
| MoneroSim | Silent Link | |
|---|---|---|
| Identity checks | None. No email or account; one-time recovery token | None. "Not even an email address" |
| Coverage claimed | 200+ countries (30 itemised with networks) | 160+ countries |
| Pricing model | Per-MB from a USD balance, by country | Pay-as-you-go flat tariff |
| Advertised data rates | From $1.70/GB (Poland); $1.90 most of Western Europe; $2.60 US | "As low as $0.83/GB all over Europe and $1.60 in the USA" |
| Fees to start | $5 one-time setup fee + $10 to $100 balance | Initial balance; see their pricing page |
| Payment methods | Monero, Bitcoin, Lightning, USDT, cards | Bitcoin, Lightning, Monero, USDT, other crypto |
| Balance expiry | Never | Never ("funds and accounts never expire") |
| Phone number | No, data only | Optional US +1 number (US.PLUS), inbound SMS only, yearly lease |
| Voice calls | No | No (use VoIP apps) |
| Hotspot | Yes | Yes |
| Refunds | Unused balance in crypto within 30 days, minus fees | Not stated on the homepage |
| Tor mirror | Yes | Not stated on the homepage |
| Networks named per country | Yes, on the rates page | See their service areas page |
Sources: monerosim.com and silent.link, retrieved 3 October 2026. We have reviewed MoneroSim's published terms; we have not tested either service hands-on. Neither company is affiliated with this site.
Price
On headline numbers, Silent Link is cheaper: it advertises rates as low as $0.83/GB in Europe and $1.60/GB in the US, against MoneroSim's $1.70 to $1.90/GB across most of Europe and $2.60/GB in the US. "As low as" figures aren't always comparable with per-country list prices, so check both providers' pages for the specific country you're visiting. MoneroSim's $5 setup fee also makes a small first purchase more expensive; see our MoneroSim pricing breakdown.
Phone number and SMS
This is the clearest functional difference. MoneroSim is data-only by design. Silent Link's US.PLUS plan adds a US +1 number for a yearly lease that can receive (but not send) SMS, which is useful for verification codes. If the lease lapses, Silent Link says the eSIM keeps working as data-only. Neither offers traditional voice calls.
Payments and privacy
Both accept Monero, Bitcoin, Lightning and USDT. MoneroSim also accepts cards, which is convenient but links the purchase to your bank. Both avoid email accounts. MoneroSim documents a token-based recovery system and states that it stores only a hash of the token. For how to pay privately with either, see how to buy an eSIM with crypto.
Transparency
MoneroSim publishes partner networks and 4G/5G labels for 30 countries, a 30-day refund window for unused balance, and a Tor mirror. Silent Link's homepage is lighter on these details, though it has separate pricing and service-area pages. Neither publishes measured speed tests.
Which should you choose?
If price per gigabyte in Europe or the US is what matters most, or you need a number for SMS codes, Silent Link's advertised offer is stronger. If you value paying by card as an option, named networks per country before you buy, and a clear refund policy, MoneroSim is the better documented choice. Read our full MoneroSim review for the detailed scoring.
Frequently asked questions
Is MoneroSim or Silent Link cheaper?
On advertised rates, Silent Link: as low as $0.83/GB in Europe and $1.60/GB in the US, against MoneroSim's $1.70 to $1.90/GB in most of Europe and $2.60/GB in the US. MoneroSim also charges a one-time $5 setup fee.
Does Silent Link give you a phone number?
Its US.PLUS plan includes a US +1 number on a yearly lease that can receive SMS but not send it. Voice calls aren't supported. MoneroSim doesn't offer a number.
Do MoneroSim and Silent Link require KYC?
No. Neither asks for ID, and neither requires an email address.
Can I pay for MoneroSim or Silent Link with Monero?
Yes, both accept Monero, as well as Bitcoin, Lightning and USDT. MoneroSim also accepts cards.
What is a good Silent Link alternative?
MoneroSim is the closest alternative: also no-KYC and pay-as-you-go, with card payments, named partner networks and a 30-day refund window, but no phone number option.