The Best eSIM Providers in 2025

Traveling is exciting, but staying connected abroad can be a hassle — especially when local SIM cards come with hidden fees and unnecessary complications. That’s where eSIMs come in, offering a more convenient and cost-effective way to stay online while tailoring plans to your specific needs.

But with so many eSIM providers on the market, how do you decide which one is right for you? Each provider brings unique features designed for different types of travelers, making the choice overwhelming. To simplify your search, we’ve done the legwork for you. In this guide, we’ll help you find the best eSIM provider to match your travel style and needs.

Top 6 best eSIMs: A quick overview

1. Saily — Best all-around eSIM: It combines a simple setup, an intuitive app, and 24/7 customer support, providing a hassle-free experience for all travelers.

2. aloSIM — Best for customization and voice calls: With flexible plans and voice call options, aloSIM makes it easy for travelers to stay connected with both data and calls.

3. Airalo — Best for global coverage: With support in over 190 countries, Airalo is a top choice for travelers seeking reliable connectivity worldwide.

4. Jetpac — Best for budget travelers: Offering cost-effective data plans and great flexibility, Airalo is perfect for travelers looking to stay connected without breaking the bank.

5. Holafly — Best for data-rich plans: Offering unlimited data plans with no hidden fees, Holafly ensures uninterrupted internet access, perfect for heavy data users abroad.

6. Nomad — Best for Europe coverage and smart savings: Nomad offers flexible eSIM plans with great European coverage, giving travelers affordable options to stay connected.

Key takeaways from our eSIM guide

• eSIM service provides travelers with seamless connectivity in various destinations in the world without requiring them to swap physical SIMs.
• When picking the right eSIM solution, it’s necessary to consider its overall coverage, cost, flexibility, ease of use, customer support, and any unique perks it brings to the table. 
• The best all-rounder service is Saily. It has a few limitations, but this provider more than makes up for it in terms of overall reliability, customer support, and top-notch security. 

What is an eSIM?

In a nutshell, an eSIM is identical to a physical SIM — the only difference is that with an eSIM, all circuitry is hardwired to the phone’s circuit board. This allows users to purchase prepaid data through eSIM providers without requiring a physical SIM from a local cellular provider.

Travelers can switch between network providers seamlessly and purchase data in any country from the comfort of their homes. This is beneficial on multiple levels — you can buy convenient mobile data at a competitive price range, manage your data expenditure, and top up through an app.

Moreover, an eSIM affords you more flexibility as you can take advantage of various options available in the market such as unlimited data. The same goes in case you require plans in different countries — no need to purchase separate ones as most providers offer plans that cover multiple destinations.

If you spend any amount of time traveling, you already know how freeing this can be. You no longer have to waste valuable minutes of the day worrying about finding a good Wi-Fi connection or spend the first hours of your trip dealing with local vendors to set up a data plan. 

How to choose an eSIM

No one said settling on the best eSIM is easy. On the contrary — there are several factors you need to consider to get the best value for your money. 

Here’s what you should be looking out for:

• Coverage: Never choose a provider without first checking if they provide coverage in your destination country. This is especially important if you’re traveling somewhere niche. 
• Data plans and pricing: Each provider has unique data plans and pricing structures, as you’ll notice soon enough when we get to that part. Thus, pick a service according to its pricing structure and your personal usage habits. 
• Ease of use and setup: Installing and purchasing data should never be a struggle. As such, consider a provider that not only has a straightforward setup process but also comes with an app that makes managing data a walk in the park. 
• Customer support: In a foreign country, losing your connection can be a nightmare, especially for business travelers. That’s why choosing a provider with responsive customer support is essential.
• Unique features: Some eSIM providers go the extra mile with perks like airport lounge passes for delayed flights or loyalty rewards for frequent travelers, making your experience even better.

Next, we’ll take a closer look at the top eSIM providers.

What are the best eSIM providers?

Keep in mind there’s no such thing as the best in the world of eSIMs. Each provider has some features and perks that cater to a different kind of user. For example, Holafly offers only unlimited data plans that fit heavy-data users perfectly. More casual travelers will find this unnecessary and are better off picking an eSIM plan with less data. 

With that in mind, here’s the score:

1. Saily: Best all-around eSIM

Starting price	$3.99 for 30 days
Platform compatibility	Android and iOS
Number of countries	180+
Supported mobile networks	3G, 4G, 5G

Saily may be a newcomer, but it’s already making waves, thanks to its roots with Nord Security (the team behind NordVPN). It’s no surprise that Saily delivers admirably, catering to a variety of travelers.

While it skips the extra frills, the core package is solid. Setting up is a breeze — you can purchase a plan and connect to the internet in minutes with zero hassle. Likewise, the Saily app shines with a straightforward, intuitive interface that even tech newbies can navigate with ease.

And let’s not forget the stellar customer support. With 24/7 live chat, email, a detailed FAQ, and a help center, you’re covered. Most impressively, live chat connects you to an agent within minutes — a huge plus when you need quick help!

Data plans and pricing

Saily keeps things simple and flexible, suiting travelers of all kinds. With coverage in over 180 destinations, you can pick from global, regional, or country-specific plans that fit your journey like a glove.

Data amounts start at 1GB for 7 days and go up to 5GB, 10GB, 20GB, and even 50GB or more, depending on the region. While the initial data might not seem massive, no worries — you can always top up if you need more. The plans are just as adaptable, offering durations like 7-day, 15-day, 30-day, 60-day, and beyond. Whether you’re on a quick weekend escape or a months-long adventure, Saily’s got you covered.

And the prices? Super reasonable. For instance, a 7-day 1GB country plan costs about $4, while a 30-day 3GB plan is around $7–$8. Regional plans, which cover multiple locations, are slightly pricier but still affordable — a 7-day 1GB European plan is just $4.99, and a 30-day 3GB version is $12.49. For bigger trips, you can grab a 50GB 90-day plan for $95.99 or a 100GB 180-day plan for $179.99.

Global plans are another great option, starting at $8.99 for 1GB over 7 days and going up to a 20GB 365-day plan for just $66.99.

No matter your budget or data needs, Saily makes it easy to stay connected without breaking the bank — or the fun.

Overall user experience and potential drawbacks

Saily delivers quality connections, and many users have praised its speed. That said, like all eSIM providers, it depends on local cellular networks. This means occasional dropouts in rural areas or slowdowns during peak times in busy cities might happen.

On the security side, Saily shines. Backed by NordVPN’s robust encryption, your data stays safe, and the company only keeps your info while you’re actively using the service.

The main drawback? Saily is data-only, so you can’t make traditional calls or send SMS messages — though VoIP apps can fill that gap. Also, there aren’t any extra perks like loyalty programs, which might make it feel a bit basic compared to competitors. But with Saily’s solid performance, this is a minor quibble for most users.

2. aloSIM: Best customisation and voice calls

Starting price	$4.50 for local 7 days
Platform compatibility	Android and iOS
Number of countries	175+
Supported mobile networks	5G, LTE

Founded in Canada, aloSIM has been a major player in the eSIM industry since 2022. With 175 countries in its network, it’s a dependable choice for all types of travelers. 

Where this provider shines brightest is its support for voice calls — an area in which most other eSIM companies fall short. Since it’s created by the same team behind Hushed, a service for temporary phone numbers, most of aloSIM’s data plans also come with a complimentary phone number. As such, your eSIM will work identically as a regular SIM. 

Data plans and pricing

When it comes to data plans, aloSIM has tailored packages for single countries and regions. Unfortunately, there’s no global plan, which can be a huge drawback if your trip is taking you across different parts of the world. 

Either way, all plans are flexible and we love the fact that larger regions are broken down into smaller plans. For example, you can purchase plans for different parts of Europe (like Eastern Europe or the Mediterranean) or Asia — a huge bonus if you really want to get the most value from your investment. 

Price-wise, aloSIM is a tad more expensive than Saily (a ‘tad bit’ being about 50 cents to a dollar) — not much when you consider aloSIM hooks you up with a free phone number 

With country plans, 1GB of data for 7 days costs around $4.50, a 3GB 30-day plan is just $8 and you can snag 20GB for the duration of 30 days for just $26. Worth noting is that some country plans also offer the option of unlimited data — a fact that awards aloSIM some bonus flexibility points.

To the same extent, regional plans are as cost-effective with 1GB of data for 7 days in Europe being priced at just $5. Moving up to more “serious” plans, 3GB of data for 30 days is $13, and a whopping 50GB of data for 90 days can be purchased for $100.

Overall experience and potential drawbacks

Past customers praise aloSIM’s 24/7 customer support which is reachable via live chat or email. Yet, there’s a chance you’ll never have to reach out to them as there are plenty of self-help resources on the website you can use to troubleshoot the most common hiccups. 

Also, props to the creators of aloSIM for designing one of the most user-friendly apps we ever used. 

Surprisingly, the only major con is the lack of a global plan we already mentioned. In terms of performance, aloSIM is snappy with problems being occasional dips in speed in rural areas or during busy hours — which is also something other providers grapple with. 

Because of its reasonable pricing and overall reliability, aloSIM is by far the best eSIM with phone call support for budget-conscious travelers. 

3. Airalo: Best for global coverage

Starting price	$4.50 for 7-day plans
Platform compatibility	Android and iOS
Number of countries	190+
Supported mobile networks	3G, 4G, 5G

Airalo is one of the more established names in the eSIM industry. Fun fact: since launching in 2019, they claim to have provided mobile data to over 5 million customers. While reputation is undoubtedly important, what does this company bring to the table?

Well, you get the usual: flexible data plans, solid pricing, ease of installation and use — the whole nine yards. 

What makes Airalo stand out is its loyalty program. The way it works is you earn 5% cashback as a new user for each eSIM purchase. As you “climb the ranks” and buy new eSIMs, you unlock additional perks and a higher cashback rate (maximum of 10%). You can also refer friends to earn additional bonuses. Because of this, Airalo is a great eSIM if you’re on the go often and looking to save some extra cash. 

Data plans and pricing 

Airalo supports over 190 worldwide locations. Pricing doesn’t vary much from the likes of aloSIM and Saily. For a global plan, 1GB of data for 7 days costs $9, and 3GB for 30 days is $24. The largest global package will run you $69 for 20GB with a duration of an entire year. 

Regional Europe plan is also economical — 1GB of data for 7 days is priced at $5, and a 3GB 30-day plan is $13. The prices incrementally increase until you get to the 100GB plan which lasts 180 days and costs $185 — serious money for more demanding travelers. 

There are plenty of variations (you can blame that on local cellular companies). Country plans start at $4.50 for 1GB over 7 days, and $8 to $11 for 3GB for 30 days. The higher you go, the easier it is to notice the differences in pricing for local plans. For instance, a US 20GB 30-day plan costs $42, while an equal package for Turkey is much cheaper at $26. 

However, you can knock the price down significantly by taking advantage of the aforementioned loyalty program.

Overall experience and potential drawbacks

Airalo has the classic signal and connectivity issues that other providers also struggle with, but some users have reported annoying bugs. Case in point: a common issue causes the connection to slow down significantly because it routes the data to distant servers in neighboring countries. This is an uncomplicated thing to solve by switching networks, but it does significantly sour the experience. 

It’s also worth noting that Airalo’s voice and SMS support, while good, falls short of the service provided by aloSIM.

Why?

This option is only available in the Discover+ global plans, meaning most users will be left out, making voice support in Airalo seem like nothing more than a tease. 

That aside, you can’t go wrong by choosing Airalo, especially if you travel often. 

4. Jetpac: Best for budget travelers

Starting price	$1 for 4 days
Platform compatibility	Android and iOS
Number of countries	150+
Supported mobile networks	3G, 4G, 5G, LTE

Jetpac has carved a niche for itself by offering some of the most affordable eSIM plans on the market, making it a favorite among budget-conscious travelers. Despite its low prices, Jetpac doesn’t skimp on essential features, delivering solid connectivity and flexibility for users exploring multiple destinations.

One of Jetpac’s standout features is its transparent pricing structure. With no hidden fees or complicated terms, it’s easy to plan your expenses without surprises. Plus, Jetpac’s app is designed for simplicity, ensuring that even first-time eSIM users can activate their plans effortlessly.

Data plans and pricing

Jetpac provides a wide range of affordable data plans tailored to various destinations. For global travelers, prices are competitive, with options like 1GB for 4 days at just $1, 5GB for 30 days at $25, and a larger 40GB package for $140. These plans ensure flexibility for trips that span multiple regions without breaking the bank.

Regional plans are also cost-effective. In Europe, travelers can also secure 1GB for 4 days at $1, and the 5GB plan for 30 days comes at $7, or 40GB for the same duration at $39. These options cater to varying data needs, from light use to high-demand activities.

For country-specific plans, Jetpac continues its budget-friendly trend. In the United States, for example, prices start at $1 for 1GB over 4 days, while 5GB for 30 days costs $8, and a hefty 40GB for the same duration is available for $33, making Jetpac a solid choice for affordable connectivity.

Overall experience and potential drawbacks

Jetpac’s reliability has been praised by users, particularly in urban areas where network performance is consistently strong. However, as with most eSIM providers, occasional slowdowns in rural regions or during peak times may occur.

The app’s straightforward design is a major plus, but Jetpac lacks a loyalty program that some competitors provide. Additionally, it is a data-only service, which may deter users seeking integrated voice and SMS functionality.

Despite these minor drawbacks, Jetpac stands out for its affordability and ease of use, making it an excellent choice for travelers on a budget. What's more, Jetpac offers valuable travel perks, including SmartDelay, which grants lounge access for you and up to five companions if your flight is delayed or canceled by over 60 minutes. Additionally, the Fast Track pass lets you enjoy priority boarding at select airports for a smoother travel experience.

5. Holafly: Best for data-rich plans

Starting price	$6 per day
Platform compatibility	Android and iOS
Number of countries	200+
Supported mobile networks	3G, 4G, 5G, LTE

Holafly packs a hefty punch with truly unlimited data plans, ideal for those who require constant connectivity. Plenty of users nowadays want to stream content while traveling or require extra juice for remote working — which let’s face it, you simply can’t do with just 10GBs of data.

While all eSIM providers do allow you to easily top up data, this is just another inconvenience and something that can add unnecessary stress for most remote workers who go through more GBs on a daily basis. 

Holafly is simple to set up (as you should expect), and the app is a joy to use (although you won’t use it much past the initial setup as you won’t have to manage your data consumption).

The customer support is also excellent with Holafly offering multi-lingual 24/7 assistance via email and live chat. Plus, you can reach customer support via WhatsApp — good news for our Millennial and Gen Z readers.

Data plans and pricing

All Holafly’s plans are unlimited. While this limits its flexibility, Holafly does allow you to choose the exact duration of the plan. At the same time, since you get unlimited data, you should also expect to pay top dollar in each plan. 

For example, for global coverage, 5 days of unlimited data will cost $37.90, 7 days $45.90, and a 30-day plan will set you back a whopping $162.90. 

Regional plans are slightly cheaper — 5 days in Europe is $20.90, 15 days $50.90, and 90 days costs $139.90.

This varies from country to country, but most local plans we checked out were priced equally or just slightly less than the European counterpart. 

Overall experience and potential drawbacks

Holafly is generally reliable and most issues you may run into with the connection are the result of shortcomings with local providers. In the same vein, it’s also worth mentioning that while you get unlimited data, there is a high possibility you’ll run into issues with data throttling. 

This happens when the cellular provider limits your connection speed because they determined you’re using up too much data. The bad news is that Holafly doesn’t protect you from data throttling, but you can circumvent this problem by using a quality VPN service.

Also, while Holafly supports hotspots or tethering to share your plan with other devices, the amount of data is limited to 1GB per day — a major snag in our book.

Despite these issues, Holafly is a great provider that targets a niche group of users who need more data than what other eSIMs can offer. If you’re one of these users, you’ll easily justify Holafly’s costlier plans. 

6. Nomad: Best for Europe coverage and smart savings

Starting price	$4.50 for 30 days
Platform compatibility	Android and iOS
Number of countries	190+
Supported mobile networks	3G, 4G, 5G, LTE

Since 2020 (strange to launch an eSIM service during a global pandemic, but ok), Nomad established itself as one of the most cost-effective eSIM providers in the industry. With over 190 countries in its support network and a flexible approach to data plans, Nomad can fit the budget and needs of almost any traveler out there. 

While it’s data-only (no phone calls), Nomad is a true bargain so it’s really hard to complain about this limitation. 

Data plans and pricing

Generally speaking, Nomad’s pricing is comparable to that of Saily and Airalo. Where it takes the cake is in terms of discounts. At the time of writing, a 30-day 20GB European plan is on sale for just $22 (original price is $35), which is a steal. Nonetheless, to keep things fair, we’ll outline the original prices. 

Global plans start at $12 (1GB, 7 days), with a mid-level plan (10GB, 180 days) being appropriately priced at $40.

European plans are reasonable too — a 1GB 7-day plan costs $5, while a 3GB 30-day plan goes for $12. Longer plans are a steal, if we may say so since a 90-day 10GB plan is just $24 and a 30GB 365-day plan is $49. 

Country plans generally start at $4.50 for 1GB of data over 7 days and a more serious amount like 10GB (30 days) is priced around $15.

Overall experience and potential drawbacks

Nomad is solid across the board — a sentiment the majority of users agree with. Over 8000 people have reviewed Nomad positively on Trustpilot, which is saying a lot. 

Unfortunately, Nomad struggles in the area of customer support. Some sang praises about it, while others have called it inconsistent. The truth is somewhere in the middle and the complaints are only fair to point out. 

How to set up your eSIM

The best thing about eSIM solutions is that they are very easy to set up. There aren’t that many differences between different providers as almost all make the entire process a matter of scanning a QR code or following a few on-screen prompts. 

In most cases, you’ll purchase an eSIM from the app or the provider’s website followed by receiving a QR code. Upon completing the required steps, you’ll have to navigate to your phone’s mobile data settings where you can find the option of adding a cellular plan by scanning a QR code.

Typically, an eSIM will activate automatically when you arrive at your target destination. If not, you can activate it within the app in just a few minutes. 

Even if you’re not proficient with technology, you’ll likely experience no problems during this process. If you do, all providers have 24/7 customer support ready to assist you. 

Summary — Find a perfect companion for your trip

After years of struggling with local cellular providers, it’s a breath of fresh air to set up an international data plan from the comfort of your own home. Seeing so many eSIM providers enter the market is only a testament to how convenient this technology is — a good thing overall that makes finding the right provider a bit tricky.

To keep it safe, you can go for Saily as it’s a good fit for different kinds of scenarios. It also doesn’t hurt to explore a little bit as other companies may actually have more favorable pricing or plans in your destination country.

Either way, good luck on your trip and enjoy your flashy new eSIM!

Best eSIM Providers FAQ

This best eSIM providers guide was last updated on January 16, 2025.