If you’re embarking on a trip to the States, chances are you’re looking for a way to connect to the internet. Fortunately, you don’t need to scout for local SIM cards when you land, because your smartphone may support an eSIM.
Although most mainstream eSIM solutions will provide you with high-speed data and extraordinary user experience, the details of each service will vary. Considering there are too many eSIMs to choose from, we’ll round up the ones that offer the best terms in the United States.
Key takeaways
- eSIM solutions are an affordable way to achieve hassle-free connectivity in the USA without any hidden fees.
- Top eSIM providers for the USA are Saily, Nomad, Airalo, aloSIM, and Jetpac, all of which offer something unique to travelers and those who want to avoid dealing with cellular companies.
- eSIM apps are straightforward, allowing you to set up a data plan in minutes without having to purchase a local SIM card.
Why opt for an eSIM?
While there is no shortage of ways to get online when traveling the Land of the Free, the most convenient method is an eSIM. You can avoid juggling multiple physical SIMs and dealing directly with local providers, all the while having reliable connectivity.
As luck would have it, eSIM technology is also cost-efficient, eliminating hidden fees while allowing you to manage your data expenditure. You can activate and deactivate your plan whenever you please, paying only for the data you use — perfect for budget-conscious travelers.
Choosing the best eSIM for your USA trip
There are several factors involved in selecting an eSIM. In the basic sense, you should go for a reliable service that provides solid download speeds in the USA. Next is simplicity. You don’t want to wrestle with technology during your trip, after all.
It’s also very important to check the overall price, as well as the flexibility of the data plans. That said, all the eSIMs on this list are reasonably priced and offer plans that vary both in length and the amount of data.
Apart from that, it’s down to your personal preference.
Top USA eSIMS overview
All the following eSIMs scream quality and are known for offering a dependable service, so you can’t go wrong with choosing any of them. Nonetheless, details certainly matter when you’re putting down your hard-earned money, which is why we’ll give you the complete picture — warts and all.
1. Saily — Best overall
Starting price | $3.99 for 30 days |
Platform compatibility | Android and iOS |
Number of countries | 180+ |
Supported mobile networks | 3G, 4G, 5G |
Coupon | 5% off any Saily plan > |
Saily is a relatively new eSIM that quickly established itself as one of the best in the biz. When it comes to the USA, it is definitely the most rounded pick on this list. Although it doesn’t have any perks, it more than makes up for in terms of reliability.
The performance is top-notch, and most users report no connectivity issues when exploring urban and rural areas in the US. Activation is lightning-fast, and the app has a user-friendly interface that even those struggling with technology will learn to use in record time.
The team behind Saily is none other than Nord Security (makers of NordVPN), meaning you can expect top-notch customer support. You can reach Saily’s support team in just a few minutes through the live chat feature on the website or the app.
The NordVPN association is also a great sign if you’re worried about your overall security. Saily employs robust encryption, and its privacy policy ensures the company retains data only as long as you’re using the service.
Pricing
The cherry on top is Saily’s budget-sparing approach. With plans that cater to long-term and short-term visitors, you get a range of choices to tailor the service to your trip.
Here’s how much you can expect to pay:
- 1GB (7 days) $3.59
- 3GB (30 days) $8.09
- 5GB (30 days) $12.59
- 10GB (30 days) $20.69
- 20GB (30 days) $33.29
+ Pros
- Worldwide coverage of 180+ countries
- User-friendly user interface
- Simple to install
- Works on Android and iOS devices
- Mobile hotspot support
- 24/7 customer service
- No hidden fees
– Cons
- Limited extra features
- Data-only (no SMS or phone calls)
Exclusive Discount for Saily
Get 5% off any Saily plan when you use the code Cyber5.
(Coupon code is applied automatically with the link above.)
2. Nomad — Best for high-speed data
Starting price | $4.50 for 30 days |
Platform compatibility | Android and iOS |
Number of countries | 190+ |
Supported mobile networks | 3G, 4G, 5G, LTE |
If you have the need for speed (at least in regards to your internet), then Nomad may be just what you’re looking for.
This eSIM provider is not only easy on the wallet, but through its partnerships with AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile, you’ll be getting robust coverage across the entire territory with impressive 5G/4G/LTE download speeds.
To boot, activation is easy, and so is using the convenient Nomad app.
Pricing
Nomad may not have a lot of plans, but the offering is still diverse enough to suit different data usage needs. Plus, all the data plans are on the cheaper side, so you really can’t complain.
- 1GB (7 days) $4.50
- 3GB (30 days) $11.00
- 5GB (30 days) $14.00
- 10GB (30 days) $15.00
- 20GB (30 days) $22.00
+Pros
- Extensive global coverage
- Affordable pricing
- Ample choice of plans
- User-friendly app
- Multi-device support
- Discounts for bundle purchases
-Cons
- No SMS or voice call support
- Connectivity issues in some regions
3. Airalo — Best for user experience
Starting price | $4.50 for 7-day plans |
Platform compatibility | Android and iOS |
Number of countries | 190+ |
Supported mobile networks | 3G, 4G, 5G |
While a no-frills kind of provider, Airalo turns that into one of its major strengths. Not only is user experience top-notch with 24/7 customer support available via live chat, but the installation is super simple and you can easily manage any future top-ups through an intuitive app.
It may also be one of the best choices for frequent travelers. Through its loyalty program, Airalo will provide future discounts for frequent buyers that can go up to 10%.
Pricing
Airalo's pricing is clear and to the point. There are plenty of plans to choose from, and even though the plans seem to be on the slightly more expensive side, discounts through the loyalty program may offset some of that cost.
Here’s how much you can expect to pay for data in the USA:
- 1GB (7 days) $4.50
- 2GB (15 days) $8.00
- 3GB (30 days) $11.00
- 5GB (30 days) $16.00
- 10GB (30 days) $26.00
- 20GB (30 days) $42.00
A testament to their customer-centric approach is Airalo’s welcome eSIM you can snag for free. It comes with 500MB of data for 4 days — really have to appreciate any freebies!
+Pros
- Over 190 locations
- Simple installation process
- Flexible plans
- No contracts
- 24/7 customer support
- Affordable pricing
- Interesting loyalty program
-Cons
- Voice and SMS support are limited to the global plan
- Connectivity issues in some locations
4. aloSIM — Best for voice calls
Starting price | $4.50 for local 7 days |
Platform compatibility | Android and iOS |
Number of countries | 175+ |
Supported mobile networks | 5G, LTE |
So far, all the eSIMs we talked about were data-only, meaning you’ll have to rely on VoIP apps like WhatsApp for making voice calls. If this sounds like a major drawback, you’ll be happy to learn that aloSIM provides a free phone number with every data plan.
aloSIM also packs a hefty punch in other areas like customer support, ease of use, and quality of network connections.
Pricing
aloSIM offers a versatile range of pricing plans, attractive for both long-term and short-term trips:
- 1GB (7 days) $4.50
- 2GB (15 days) $8
- 3GB (30 days) $11
- 5GB (30 days) $16
- 10GB (30 days) $26
- 20GB (30 days) $42
Because of its support for voice calls and all-around good quality, aloSIM is an ideal choice for the USA if you want the convenience of an eSIM with all the functionalities of a physical SIM.
+Pros
- Comprehensive network (175+ countries)
- Mobile hotspot support
- Voice call support through a Hushed phone number
- User-friendly app
- 24/7 customer support
- Ability to top up more data
-Cons
- No global plan
5. Jetpac — Most affordable option
Starting price | $1 for 4 days |
Platform compatibility | Android and iOS |
Number of countries | 150+ |
Supported mobile networks | 3G, 4G, 5G, LTE |
Looking for data without busting the bank?
Then Jetpac is for you.
With flexible data packages and intuitive apps, the lower price of admission certainly doesn’t reflect this provider’s overall quality. Several extras will give you even more value for your dollar, including the SmartDelay lounge access and a $1 1GB plan available to all new users.
The only snag is the fact that some users report customer service can be unresponsive. That wasn’t our experience but it’s still worth a mention.
Pricing
The biggest draw with Jetpac is the price catered to budget-conscious travelers who are still looking for quality. Here are the available data packages for the USA:
- 1GB (4 days) $1 (available only to new users)
- 3GB (7 days) $5
- 5GB (30 days) $8
- 10GB (30 days) $13
- 15GB (30 days) $20
- 20GB (31 days) $22
Getting 20GB of data for just $22 is something that’s hard to ignore, especially when you consider you’ll receive 1GB of data for just $1.
+Pros
- Competitive pricing
- Coverage in 150+ countries
- Intuitive app interface
- Flexible data plans
- Hotspot support
-Cons
- Data-only (no voice or SMS)
- Inconsistent customer support
Honorable mentions
If none of the solutions so far clicked with you, Holafly may get the job done with its unlimited data plans. After all, who doesn’t like an unlimited amount of gigabytes when out and about?
Do note that Holafly is much pricier than its competition, as you can read in our detailed Holafly review.
Ubigi, on the other hand, is relatively affordable and offers plenty of flexibility, catering to both travelers and those living in the US. For example, you have a selection of standard one-off plans but you can also opt for an annual subscription. If that sounds interesting, check out our Ubigi review.
How to install and activate your eSIM
Setting up and connecting to the internet with an eSIM is a piece of cake. While the process may vary slightly between providers, these are the general steps:
1. Choose your eSIM provider
After carefully analyzing what they offer, you’ll hopefully settle on an eSIM. Check out their website or simply find their app on your mobile device’s app store.
2. Purchase a plan
Next, you’ll have to select a data plan that suits your needs via the website or the app. Enter the basic information such as your email address and complete the checkout process to proceed.
3. Activate your eSIM
A few seconds after your purchase goes through, you’ll receive a nifty QR code in the app or the email. This is by far the easiest way to activate an eSIM, and it involves navigating to your device’s cellular or mobile data settings, choosing the eSIM option, and scanning the QR code.
Which devices are eSIM compatible?
Since the technology is becoming more popular, almost all modern mobile devices support the eSIM feature. This includes the latest smartphones from Apple (all modern models from XR and onwards), Samsung (S20 and later), and Google Pixel 3 and up. Even if you own a budget device, the latest devices by manufacturers like Huawei, Xiaomi, and others also support eSIMs.
If you’re unsure whether you can use a digital SIM card, then Google is your best friend. Simply look up your device online to check if it supports eSIMs and you’re golden.
Summary — A perfect eSIM for your American adventure
The best eSIM for USA is somewhat of a personal choice as it ultimately depends on your specific needs. All the solutions we talked about today will get the job done, the only question is what you’re trying to achieve. For instance, Saily offers the best overall performance, which makes it the safest choice. However, if you want voice calls or some extra perks, you may be better off with either aloSIM or Jetpac.
By considering both the length of your intended stay, the amount of data, and some tiny technicalities, you’ll be able to find an ideal eSIM provider for your American adventure — and enjoy seamless connectivity throughout.
Other eSIM Guides:
- Saily Review
- Airalo Review
- Jetpac Review
- Nomad Review
- aloSIM Review
- Holafly Review
- Ubigi Review
- Best eSIM Providers
- Best eSIM for Europe
- Best eSIM for Japan
- Best eSIM for International Travel
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an eSIM and how does it work?
An eSIM is a digital SIM that eliminates all limitations associated with physical cards. You get the freedom of a data plan without dealing with local cellular providers, while also maintaining constant and reliable connectivity.
Can I use an eSIM with any device?
You can use an eSIM only with devices that support the technology. Thankfully, if your particular model was released in the last few years, it most likely works with an eSIM. To avoid any unpleasant surprises, check online if your phone supports eSIM technology.
How do I activate my eSIM?
To activate an eSIM, you’ll need to scan the QR code provided by your provider after enabling an eSIM in your phone’s mobile data or cellular settings.
Are there any hidden fees with eSIM plans?
No! In stark contrast to traditional cellular plans, eSIMs come without hidden fees. You’ll only pay for the data, and that’s it.
What is the best eSIM for USA?
While Saily checks all the boxes and is reliable across the board, other providers like Nomad, aloSIM, and Airalo offer a few extra perks that may better suit your traveling needs.
This Best eSIM for USA guide was last updated on February 15, 2025.
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