Best eSIMs for Europe in 2025: Stay Connected Effortlessly

Ready to embark on your European adventure? While finding perfect accommodation and putting together an engaging itinerary is really important, so is figuring out how you’ll connect to the internet. 

No worries, though. You no longer need to track down a SIM card in a country you’re visiting as you can simply purchase an eSIM plan. This technology makes everything convenient — you’ll save money and time (no hidden fees), and spare yourself the hassle of swapping physical SIM cards!

Not all eSIM providers offer the same terms and options in Europe. This is exactly why we decided to make the choice a bit easier by providing you with a list of the best eSIMs for Europe.

Key Takeaways

• eSIMs provide connectivity across Europe, eliminating the need for physical SIM cards. 
• Top options like Nomad, Saily, and Holafly stand out for their affordability and flexible data plans that cater to travelers of varying needs.
• Straightforward activation and the intuitive nature of the apps make managing your connectivity while abroad super simple and efficient, allowing you to focus on your travels in peace. 

Key factors when choosing an eSIM for Europe

Finding the right eSIM is a big deal. Think of it this way:

When traveling, you want to keep your overall spending in check. At the same time, you should ensure that the eSIM company you go with provides stable connections and adequate data allowance. That way, you won’t be stranded in the middle of Europe without a working internet connection.

Here’s what you should look at:

Coverage

One of the most crucial factors is whether the country you’re traveling to is available in the eSIM provider’s network. Despite appearing small on a map, Europe is a large and diverse continent, and some locations (such as the more niche ones located in the Balkans or Eastern Europe) may not be covered.

This is especially important if you’re going to cover multiple countries. With most eSIMs, you have the option of purchasing a plan that covers several locations. Still, it’s wise to check if all the destinations your trip takes you to are included in the regional plan.

Data allowance

Once you determine that your destination of choice is covered, it’s time to evaluate your data consumption. For most users, anything between 5 and 10 gigabytes is good for around two weeks. That said, you should consider bumping up that amount if you plan on doing remote work or watching videos. 

Fortunately, major eSIM providers allow you to choose between different data allowance options and offer as high as 100GB. This may feel limiting when it comes to extended trips, in which case, you’ll be better off with an eSIM that comes with unlimited data. 

Network quality

One of the more annoying things of the modern era is a dodgy internet connection. As a rule, eSIM companies provide their service through partnerships with local carriers. Yet, these partnerships vary between eSIMs, so there may be a noticeable difference in the quality of the connection. 

In our experience, established providers are more or less similar in this department. If there are any issues with the connection, it’s most likely the problem with the local carrier or the location itself — can’t expect high-speed internet in a rural area, after all.

Extras

Apart from providing users with easy online access, some vendors also throw in a wide array of perks. You may take advantage of a loyalty program (and make some extra savings) in some instances, while in others, you may even receive goodies like lounge access in select airports.

This shouldn’t be a main selling point by any means, but it does give you more bang for your buck, which is hard to say no to. 

Top eSIMs for Europe in 2025

Because the eSIM industry is growing and new solutions keep popping up each year, picking just one can be overwhelming. Also, there are tiny differences between different eSIMs in terms of price, data allowance, and performance, so it’s really easy to get the dreaded paralysis analysis.

To make the task less daunting for you, we rounded up our top picks for Europe:

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 by far the most reliable all-around eSIM provider in the world. This isn’t a surprise, though, as it was created by Nord Security (creators of the famous NordVPN) who obviously know their way around software. 

Although Saily’s European plans are by no means the cheapest and have no extras, the performance is top-notch, the app is intuitive, and the data plans are more than flexible. 

It’s also impossible to ignore just how helpful Saily’s customer support team is — in most cases, you’ll connect with a real agent within minutes. In our experience, Saily is very stable, both in terms of software and connection quality.

Let’s talk price, shall we?

With Saily, you can opt for local or regional plans. For instance, a plan for Italy costs just $3.99 for 7 days, a 30-day 3GB plan will run you $8.99, and a 30-day 10GB one is $20.99. 

Regional plans covering multiple countries are a bit pricier, as expected. A 7-day European plan with 1GB of data comes at $4.99, and a 3GB 30-day plan is reasonably priced at $12.49. There are also plenty of larger plans, such as 50GBs for 90 days that cost $95.99 — ideal for lengthier excursions. 

The only drawback (which may not be a big deal for some users) is the fact Saily is data-only, meaning traditional voice calls are not supported. 

2. Holafly: Best for unlimited data

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

Holafly is an eSIM catering to more demanding users who, in addition to constant connectivity, require unlimited data and voice call support. It’s a solid package with a straightforward app, exemplary customer support, and amazing performance in terms of speed.

So, how much does unlimited data in Europe cost?

Sticking with Italy, a Holafly unlimited plan will run you $29.90 for seven days. For 30 days, expect to pay $74.90.

The good news is that regional plans are priced similarly to individual country plans since a 7-day regional plan costs $29.90 and a 30-day one $74.90. Taking into account that you’re getting unlimited data, this is a total steal.

There are a few drawbacks you’ll have to contend with. Even though you have unlimited data, local cellular providers may throttle your download speed to keep you in check. To overcome this, you’ll have to invest in a VPN to hide your data usage — our list of best VPN services can help you with this. 

Holafly also enforces a 1GB per day data tethering (hotspot) limit, which is something you should look out for. 

Either way, if unlimited data is your main consideration, Holafly is arguably the best eSIM there is despite these tiny snags. 

3. Nomad: Best savings

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

One of the most cost-effective eSIM solutions in the market, Nomad offers plenty of flexibility and smart savings for European travelers. This is a no-frills solution, with the main draw being its price tag. Because of this, we’ll jump straight to the main course — pricing.

Since we’re firmly set on visiting Italy, a 1GB 7-day plan is priced at $4.50, while a 30-day 5GB plan will set you back $14. Higher amounts of data offer better price-to-performance prices, so a 30-day 10GB plan is just $19 dollars. European plans are a steal too: a 1GB 7-day plan is $5, with a 90-day 10GB plan costing as little as $24. 

The reason why Nomad is considered the most affordable (despite only slightly edging out Saily in this regard) is the fact it often offers massive discounts. For example, at the time of writing, the 30-day 10GB Italy plan is going for $12 — a whopping $7 of savings.

Not all is rosy, though. Nomad is data-only (can’t expect voice calls at such a low price point) and some users claim that customer support isn’t very responsive. Still, Nomad is a great solution if you can see past these flaws.

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

If you require voice call support but don’t care for unlimited data, then you’ve got to try aloSIM. Created by the same company behind Hushed (a temporary number service), aloSIM already has a strong reputation in the industry. 

It’s not just phone calls as this provider delivers in other areas. A good example is the European region plan that is broken down into even smaller plans such as those for Western Europe, Scandinavia, or the Mediterranean — a flexibility extravaganza one might call it. 

aloSIM is relatively wallet-friendly. A 1GB 7-day Italian plan costs $4.50 with a more serious plan going for $14.50. There’s also an unlimited data option that costs $35 and is valid for 15 days.

Regional plans are also fairly cheap with a 7-day 1GB plan costing just $5, a 30-day 3GB plan will set you back $13, while a 50GB 90-day plan is locked at $100. 

With reliable performance, a simple app, and responsive customer support, aloSIM is solid across the board and you really can’t go wrong by giving it a shot.

How to activate your eSIM

When compared to traditional SIM cards, setting up an eSIM is a walk in the park and can be completed in just a few minutes.

Here’s what you can expect:

Receiving your QR code

Steps may vary between providers but in general, you can purchase a data plan through the app or the website. Either way, seconds after entering the necessary information and completing a standard checkout process, you’ll receive a QR code via email or through the app. 

Scanning the code will install your eSIM. In some cases, you may need to manually set up the SIM in your mobile device’s settings.

Installing your eSIM

The same ease goes for manual installation. The eSIM service will provide a series of steps to prepare the eSIM for use. In most scenarios, you’ll have to navigate to your mobile data or cellular settings where you can select the eSIM you purchased. 

If you run into any issues, you can visit the provider’s website as they offer FAQs and tutorials. Alternatively, you can contact the 24/7 live chat offered by all major services.

Activating upon arrival

To connect to the internet, you only need to activate the eSIM after arriving at your destination. Simply turn on data roaming in your mobile device’s settings and that’s it — you just got uninterrupted connectivity when traveling without inserting a local SIM card.

Advantages of using an eSIM in Europe

We briefly mentioned the benefits of switching from a physical SIM so if you’re still unsure whether this technology is right for you, the following will convince you:

Convenience

The biggest benefit of an eSIM is convenience. This modern piece of tech allows you to connect to local carriers with ease and receive a data plan without having a physical SIM card. If you’ve ever traveled, you can already see what a game changer an eSIM is for international trips. 

You can also share eSIM data with other devices. Just fire up a mobile hotspot and you’ll be able to connect to the internet from your other devices — a huge bonus for digital nomads.

Cost-effectiveness

Not only is an eSIM convenient, but it will also help you save money in most circumstances. For starters, an eSIM is much cheaper than a local SIM card. This is especially true if your trip will take you across different countries. Purchasing a physical card at each destination will quickly put a dent in your wallet (and don’t get us started on what a hassle this is). 

Plus, there are no hidden fees with eSIMs, which is something local carriers are notorious for. 

Flexibility

Last but not least, eSIMs are known for their flexibility. You can find an optimal data plan (in terms of data allowance, length, and geographical coverage) that meets your on-the-go internet needs down to the last detail — all of it through an app.

Even if you misjudge your data expenditure and end up requiring more data, you can easily top up your plan with a few extra GBs. 

Maximizing your eSIM usage in Europe

There are a few things that will enhance your entire eSIM experience and see to it that you stay connected without running into any hiccups. 

Download offline maps

When up and about in a foreign country, you’ll have to keep checking your map app to find your way around. While handy, this will quickly burn through your data and potentially leave you stranded without a connection. 

To avoid this issue and conserve a hefty amount of data, download offline maps before embarking on your journey.

Monitor your data usage

Since they come with mobile apps, most eSIM solutions allow you to monitor your data usage. That way, you can ensure you have enough data for the duration of the trip, thus avoiding any unpleasant surprises.

Share data with other devices

As we said earlier, you can share your mobile data with other devices to maximize your eSIM plan. This can be very beneficial if you’re traveling with a group. However, if you plan on doing this, keep a close eye on your data consumption.

Summary — Perfect companion for your European adventure

Just making the choice of relying on an eSIM for your data needs is advantageous on its own. To get the best experience possible, you should go with a provider with a positive track record in Europe.

Thankfully, you can’t go wrong with any of the solutions mentioned in this article. Yet, some are better than others in certain areas. For example, if you need an eSIM that’s reliable on all fronts, you should choose Saily. If saving money is your main concern, then Nomad is your best bet. Alternatively, if you need unlimited data, opt for a provider like Holafly. 

Now that you have everything you need to make an informed decision, safe travels to you and enjoy your sparkly new eSIM!

Other eSIM guides:

• Saily Review
• Airalo Review
• Jetpac Review
• Nomad Review
• aloSIM Review
• Holafly Review
• Ubigi Review
• Best eSIM Providers
• Best eSIM for Japan
• Best eSIM for USA
• Best eSIM for International Travel

Frequently Asked Questions

This Best eSIM for Europe guide was last updated on February 15, 2025.