Firsty vs Twilio: choosing a connectivity API for global apps

Twilio is the name many developers know for communications APIs. For cellular data, note one change first: Twilio's IoT business was acquired by KORE, and Twilio Super SIM is now KORE Super SIM (Twilio, checked 27 October 2026). This guide compares Firsty with that product.

TL;DR

KORE details are from KORE's docs and product page, checked 27 October 2026.

1. Network switching: who controls it

Both providers give access to several networks per country. KORE Super SIM lists available and backup networks per country, for example four in Italy and three in Switzerland. The networks a device may use are set per Fleet through a Network Access Profile (KORE docs, checked 27 October 2026).

Firsty switches automatically to the strongest available network in real time and switches before a connection drops. You can set network priorities and switching rules through the API and partner dashboard, and end users can override manually (Firsty). For travel apps, this means network rules can change per user or cohort without a code change.

2. Pricing: global rate vs per network

KORE prices Super SIM per SIM and per network. Each network may have a different price per MB, and an active SIM costs $2.00 a month (KORE, KORE docs, checked 27 October 2026).

Firsty offers global plans at a single global rate, or country plans that cost less per GB. API pricing is based on usage and volume (Firsty API). With a global plan, you can quote end users one price across countries.

3. eSIM provisioning

Firsty provisions in two steps: order the eSIM, then attach a data package when the user is ready. The activation code can be ready at checkout, and top-ups and plan changes are separate calls (Firsty quickstart).

With KORE Super SIM, a SIM takes its capabilities from the Fleet it belongs to. You create a Fleet, add the SIM and activate it, and the Fleet sets the allowed networks and data limit (KORE docs, checked 27 October 2026). This suits groups of identical devices. Firsty's per-eSIM packages suit products where each user buys a different plan.

4. Sandbox and developer experience

Firsty has a free sandbox: no card, no sales call, and a first test eSIM in under five minutes. Test activation codes are mock data, so they don't install on a phone (Firsty docs).

KORE sells Super SIMs through the KORE Shop and offers a free trial SIM (KORE docs, KORE, checked 27 October 2026).

5. When KORE Super SIM may fit better

If you manage a fleet of identical IoT devices and want to control networks and data limits per group, KORE Super SIM is built around that model. If your product only needs SMS, voice or WhatsApp messaging, Twilio's messaging APIs are a separate product and remain with Twilio.

Firsty's strength is connectivity for apps and brands: data, eSIM, phone numbers and white-label, for products that need users online in many countries.

Decision checklist

• Multi-carrier resilience matters? → Firsty.

• Global flat pricing? → Firsty.

• Instant eSIM API? → Firsty.

• Only messaging APIs? → Twilio.

• Both connectivity and messaging? → Firsty for connectivity, keep Twilio for SMS and voice fallback.

Try it

Spin up a free Firsty sandbox in under five minutes — provision a real eSIM, hit the API from your stack, and compare it side by side.