In the past, if you wanted to access the internet while traveling, you were forced to either get a local SIM card or rely on public Wi-Fi. Nowadays, with eSIM technology, you can purchase a local mobile data plan without replacing your actual SIM card — you only need to install an app.
Ubigi eSIM is one of the most popular providers of this service. Its affordable pricing, high-speed connections, and extensive network of over 200 destinations certainly make it an attractive pick for different types of travelers.
The main questions are:
What makes Ubigi stand out from the competition and how does it benefit users?
| Website | cellulardata.ubigi.com |
| Pricing | Starts at $2 per day (may differ depending on the destination) |
| Platform compatibility | Android, iOS, Windows, supported vehicle infotainment systems |
| Supported mobile networks | 3G, 4G, 5G |
| Phone calls | No (data only) |
| Mobile hotspot support | Yes |
Key takeaways from testing Ubigi
- Ubigi eSIM provides travelers with seamless global internet connectivity without requiring a physical SIM card.
- In addition to affordable and flexible data plans, Ubigi eSIM also provides 5G connectivity at no extra cost.
- Setting up Ubigi is easy and quick via QR code and its user-friendly app, making it accessible for all types of users.
- Ubigi can also be used to establish internet access in a connected vehicle to its entertainment system or as a simple Wi-Fi hotspot.
- Check out the best Ubigi deals and discounts to get connected for less.
Overview of Ubigi eSIM
If you’ve never heard about eSIMs, you might be confused as to how they work.
It’s straightforward, really — Ubigi is a digital SIM that uses the circuitry of a physical SIM soldered onto a mobile device’s circuit board. This allows Ubigi and other eSIM services to provide you with a data plan without requiring you to swap your regular SIM card.
As such, an eSIM is a perfect solution for those traveling abroad to receive a reliable internet connection. In the case of Ubigi, the company covers over 200 international destinations, ensuring users stay connected regardless of where their journey takes them.
This is especially convenient for travelers embarking on lengthy trips or digital nomads that change locations often.
What makes Ubigi special is that it’s not limited to phones, as it also works in supported cars, which can significantly enhance the driving experience.
Who should consider Ubigi eSIM?
Short answer — everyone! Ubigi is the most convenient way to get data on the go since you won’t have to juggle multiple SIM cards.
Whether you’re going on a short trip or starting your digital nomad adventure that will take you across multiple countries, Ubigi will be enough to meet your connectivity needs. The combination of a straightforward setup, affordable pricing, and reliable connections is simply tough to beat.
The fact that Ubigi also works on internet-enabled vehicles is just the icing on the cake, making this solution amazing for domestic use too.
Pros and cons of Ubigi eSIM
As Zucc once said: there’s plenty here to be excited about.
For starters, Ubigi has an extensive network spanning over 200 destinations scattered across five continents. It also offers flexible plans, providing users with the choice of local country plans, regional plans consisting of multiple destinations, and a global plan that includes all the locations in the network.
As expected, Ubigi eSIM offers a user-friendly app that makes purchasing, activating, and managing plans a breeze. Even if you aren’t tech-savvy, you’ll quickly learn your way around the app.
Fiscally speaking, the plans are priced fairly and there are no hidden fees (common when dealing with traditional SIM cards). Ubigi’s approach grants you plenty of options, including one-off (limited duration) and annual plans. Thus, Ubigi eSIM can meet the needs of different sorts of travelers.
The “One eSIM” option is a cool addition. If you opt for it, you can keep one eSIM and top-up data for different destinations — amazing for digital nomads and those who prefer to wing it in terms of their travel itineraries.
Another advantage of Ubigi eSIM is its unlimited hotspot support. Feel free to share data with whomever you’re traveling with by enabling the hotspot functionality. If you’re traveling as a group, this is a huge bonus.
Despite these advantages, there are a few issues that hold Ubigi back from being the best eSIM on the market.
The service is data-only, which means you won’t be able to make phone calls or send texts. This isn’t an issue if you generally rely on apps like WhatsApp or Viber, but it may represent a significant limitation for more demanding users.
Perhaps the biggest drawback is the low amount of data on shorter plans. One glance at the pricing (which we’ll explore deeper in the next section) and you can make an educated guess that Ubigi is primarily aimed at attracting customers who need an eSIM for lengthy periods. For instance, a 7-day plan comes with just 1GB of data, while some 30-day plans are limited to 3GB.
This isn’t much of an issue as you can easily top up data if you run out, but it can be inconvenient as you’ll have to spend extra time managing how many GBs you have remaining.
It’s also worth noting that Ubigi doesn’t have a dedicated North American plan that covers the US, Canada, and Mexico. There are ‘Canada & US’ and ‘Americas’ plans, but both have limited data and duration options. While you can circumvent this by purchasing multiple smaller plans, it’s still a major drawback. Similar issues can be found in the global and some local plans which are lacking compared to competing services.
+ Pros
- Available in 200+ destinations
- Easy to use
- Affordable
- Intuitive UI
- Available for internet-enabled cars
- Mobile hotspot support
- Data for different locations is easy to top up
– Cons
- Data-only (no phone calls)
- Low amounts of data with shorter plans
- Certain regional/country plans are limited
Data plans and pricing
Overall, Ubigi offers competitive pricing with a lot of variety. In spite of shorter plans being deficient in data, Ubigi makes up for it in other areas. The prime example is the amount of data plans available. You get the choice of one-off (1 day, 7 days, 15 days, and 30 days), monthly, and annual plans.
The data allowances range from 500MB to 60GB, with the option of unlimited data in some countries and regions.
Since Ubigi (like other providers) relies on local cellular companies for their data, the pricing will vary between countries and regions. To keep things simple, we’ll break down the pricing for global, European, USA & Canada plans, as well as prices for Turkey and the USA.
- World plan
- 500MB (30 days) $14
- 1GB (30 days) $25
- 3GB (30 days) $45
- USA & Canada plan
- 500MB (1 day) $4
- 1GB (7 days) $12
- 3GB (15 days) $24
- European plan
- 500MB (1 day) $2
- 3GB (30 days) $9
- 10GB (7 days) $15
- 10GB (30 days) $18
- 25GB (30 days) $36
- 50GB (30 days) $66
- Unlimited (7 days) $28
- 5GB (monthly) $8/mo
- 20GB (monthly) $25/mo
- 24GB (annually) $24/mo
- 60GB (annually) $69/mo
- United States
- 500MB (1 day) $2.90
- 1GB (7 days) $4
- 3GB (15 days) $7
- 10GB (7 days) $9
- 10GB (30 days) $14
- 25GB (30 days) $28
- 50GB (30 days) $45
- Unlimited (7 days) $26
- Unlimited (30 days) $65
- 5GB (monthly) $7/mo
- 20GB (monthly) $18/mo
- Unlimited (monthly) $48/mo
- 24GB (annually) $32/mo
- 60GB (annually) $66/mo
- Turkey
- 1GB (7 days) $6
- 3GB (30 10 days) $14
- 10GB (7 days) $29
- 10GB (30 days) $35
What devices are compatible with Ubigi eSIM?
If your device supports eSIM technology and is not carrier-locked, you’re in the clear. However, this tech is fairly recent so it’s best to check first before making a purchase.
In short, Ubigi is supported on Apple devices such as newer iPads, iPhones (models 11 and up, SE2, SE3, and the XS series), and most newer Android phones such as Google’s Pixel series, Samsung, Oppo, Huawei, and Motorola.
Ubigi also works on eSIM-enabled laptops from major manufacturers like Asus, Dell, and Acer.
We recommend you google your model to check if it’s eSIM compatible. Alternatively, you can sift through the following section of Ubigi’s website.
Installation and setup process
Setting up Ubigi is quick and painless, especially compared to the process of purchasing a local SIM card, putting it in your phone, and activating mobile data.
With an eSIM, you can do everything from the comfort of your own home.
Installing Ubigi eSIM via QR code
The easiest way to set up Ubigi is to first download the app. Follow the instructions on the screen to create an account. You’ll have to connect an eSIM to proceed, after which you’ll be asked whether you have a QR code. If you purchased your eSIM via the website, select ‘Yes’. Otherwise, click ‘No’ to proceed.
Finally, after tapping ‘Install my free eSIM profile’, you’ll have to allow Ubigi to use your phone’s eSIM interface.
To activate the eSIM, go to your SIM manager screen and choose Ubigi under preferred SIMs.
That’s it — you’re all set!
Using the Ubigi app
Its bare-bones design aside, the Ubigi app oozes quality. Not only is it easy to use, but it also boasts integrations with advanced security features such as FaceID and fingerprint.
You won’t find plenty of additional functions here, but that’s not necessarily a drawback. The only thing you need is the app to track your data consumption and recharge your data. In that field, the Ubigi app is perfect.
User experience with Ubigi eSIM
We praised the app, and we scoffed at some of the puzzling limitations with data plans. Now it’s time to evaluate the overall user experience. Let’s see what you’re in for if you go with Ubigi eSIM:
Performance and reliability
Overall, Ubigi is reliable and consistently delivers fast connections that will do the trick for video conferencing and other heavy data usage tasks.
Nonetheless, despite the company’s best efforts, you have to remember that it still relies on local cellular providers for data. As such, the performance will be slightly worse in less-developed countries and remote areas.
Similarly, you can expect the speed to go down significantly during rush hours in large urban centers, but thankfully nothing major.
Customer support
In case you run into a few hiccups, you may have to reach out to Ubigi’s customer support. Is it good, though?
For starters, you have multiple support channels to choose from. Although Ubigi has email support and a live chat, there’s no phone number, which is a bit odd. For most users, this will be more than enough to resolve most issues.
Most users report their ticket was closed within 24 hours, which is solid.
If you don’t have 24 hours to spare, Ubigi offers plenty of “self-help” resources such as a knowledge base and FAQs for troubleshooting the most common difficulties.
Comparison with alternative eSIM providers
Ubigi isn’t the only eSIM provider on the market that offers reliable mobile data on the go. Some companies may actually be a better match for you.
Holafly stands out with its unlimited plans and support for traditional calls, making it ideal for demanding travelers. However, Ubigi is more budget-friendly and flexible. For example, while Holafly’s 30-day unlimited Europe plan costs $74.90, Ubigi offers a 50GB plan for $66 or a 25GB plan for just $36. Sure, Holafly offers unlimited data, but this isn’t something all users require — especially for shorter trips, as reflected in our Holafly review.
Sure, Holafly offers unlimited data, but this isn’t something all users require — especially during shorter trips.
Another eSIM that supports voice calls is aloSIM. Although Ubigi is data-only, it knocks aloSIM out of the park in the affordability department. aloSIM’s 30-day 10GB plan costs $37 — a hefty price compared to Ubigi’s identical plan which you can purchase for just $18. Is phone call support worth paying double for an eSIM? That’s for you to decide after going through our dedicated aloSIM review.
What about other data-only eSIMs?
First up, there’s Nomad, known for its cost-effective pricing. Put head-to-head against Ubigi, it doesn’t seem as exciting. A 30-day 20GB plan costs $35, and while this is objectively cheap, Ubigi’s most similar plan costs $36 but comes with extra 5GBs of data. That said, Nomad’s plans are much more consistent than Ubigi’s, especially in regions like North America. If you’re considering this solution, we recommend you read our detailed Nomad review.
Another data-only competitor is Airalo, which is $1 more expensive on average than Nomad, meaning Ubigi is obviously the more favorable option in that regard. What may be enough to offset the price differences are discounts you can get with Airalo. This company is famous for its exciting loyalty program which makes their eSIM possibly the best option for frequent travelers. Check out our Airalo review for more info.
There’s also Saily, an eSIM provided by the company behind the famous NordVPN. Its pricing can be steep compared to Ubigi (most of Saily’s plans cost double), but Saily excels in terms of overall consistency, ease of use, flexibility, and customer support. It may also be the safest eSIM on the market, courtesy of NordVPN’s powerful encryption, which you can read more about in our detailed Saily review.
The last eSIM on the list is Jetpac, which is surprisingly cheaper than Ubigi. Case in point — Jetpac’s 30 day 40GB European plan will run you just $39, while a 20GB plan is a measly $22. Compare this to Ubigi’s 50GB 30-day plan priced at $66 and a 25GB plan at $36, and it’s clear that Jetpac offers more data for your buck. Still, affordability isn’t everything — Jetpac struggles with inconsistent customer support and occasional connectivity issues.
Keep in mind that affordability isn’t everything. Jetpac has its share of problems, such as questionable customer support and occasional connectivity drops.
Summary — Budget-friendly and built to perform
All things considered, Ubigi is a reliable eSIM that may have its share of quirks like questionable plans, but the overall experience is more than positive.
It’s not only one of the less costly providers in the market, Ubigi also supports a wide array of devices, including some laptops and car entertainment systems. Plus, the global coverage is rather extensive, installation takes just a few minutes, the app is easy to use, and customer support is solid. In other words, Ubigi will provide you with everything you need for your next trip.
While some limitations do exist (like lack of voice calls and SMS and the aforementioned plan quirks), you really can’t go wrong with Ubigi if you require seamless connectivity on the go.
Ubigi eSIM FAQ
What is an eSIM and how does Ubigi eSIM work?
An eSIM is a virtual SIM card you can use to get mobile data without a carrier. As such, it’s super convenient for travel since you don’t need to purchase a local SIM card. To take advantage of this technology, you need to install the Ubigi app, purchase a plan, and you’ll have reliable access to the internet whenever you go abroad.
How do I install the Ubigi eSIM on my device?
To install the Ubigi eSIM, scan the QR code you receive after purchasing a plan from its website. You can also install the app first and follow the on-screen prompts to activate a data plan.
What types of data plans does Ubigi offer?
Ubigi has a range of data plans, including one-off, monthly, and annual plans that come with as little as 500MBs to 60GBs of data (even unlimited in some cases). You’ll find no hidden fees or activation charges, which is a huge plus.
What are the main pros and cons of using Ubigi eSIM?
Ubigi eSIM offers great ease of use, global coverage, and reliable service, but you should be aware that it lacks voice call and SMS features. It’s also worth mentioning that some plans (like the North American one) have certain limitations and that the cheapest plans supply you with just 500MB of data, which may not be enough for modern travelers.
This Ubigi eSIM review was last updated on January 14, 2025.
Leave a Reply