If you’re a frequent traveler, you’ll know the hassle that comes with extra data plans, physical foreign SIM cards, and trying to find free WiFi overseas. However, with the rise of eSIM packages, this is set to become a problem of the past.
With so many different options to choose from, which are the best eSIMs on the market right now? Let’s dive in and find out more.
What is an eSIM
First things first, what actually is an eSIM, and how does it work? Essentially, an eSIM is a temporary, digital SIM card that you can use while you’re away. Simply buy a package that works for your destination and duration, and you’ll be able to use your mobile data while you’re abroad – without racking up tons of extra roaming charges.
You can choose individual country plans or regional data packages depending on the company that you buy your eSIM through. In fact, some companies even offer global packages to cover you in multiple regions and continents, however, you need to check the company’s network reach to see if they’re genuinely worldwide or not.
When you buy an eSIM, you can connect to phone networks all around the world without having to mess around with physical SIM cards or buying local packages when you get to your destination.
How to choose an eSIM
Choosing an eSIM can be tricky, with more and more vendors entering the marketplace. Crucially, you’re looking for packages that will work in your target destination, for the amount of days you need, and with the amount of data you need.
Some companies don’t offer services or coverage in all countries. For example, Holafly, a popular Spanish-based eSIM provider, doesn’t currently have any plans in Africa. It does, however, offer unlimited data packages in North America and Europe. So, it’s all about what works for you and your trip.
If you’re a digital nomad, an unlimited data package might be worthwhile, however, if you’re only going away for a couple of days and just need enough data to run Google Maps in between hotel and cafe WiFi stops, then a couple of GB might be enough to keep you going.
The key things you need to consider are:
- Duration
- Availability of WiFi
- Price
- Countries covered
- Loyalty programs and rewards
These will help you decide which packages work for you, or whether you need an eSIM in the first place. If you’re traveling somewhere where there is a lot of public WiFi, then you might not need an eSIM at all.
Activating an eSIM
Most of the time when you’re traveling, you’ll be operating on a dual SIM system. This means that you keep your regular SIM card in your phone and add the eSIM as your second SIM in the dual SIM setup.
Once you’ve bought your eSIM package, you’ll be sent an email with a QR code and activation instructions. You need to activate it before you leave your home country, otherwise, you’ll have to wait to find WiFI at your destination, which kind of defeats the point of having an eSIM.
Remember not to activate it too early, otherwise, you’ll be wasting your data in your home nation where you’re already covered by your existing data plan. Activating it at the airport is always a good move.
So, in order to set this up, you just need to follow these standard steps:
- Go to your phone settings
- Scroll to mobile data
- Click Add Data Plan
- You can scan the QR code that’s been emailed to you
- Confirm the plan
You need to have WiFi or mobile data to activate your eSIM, so make sure you’re connected before you try and add it to your phone.
Advantages of an eSIM
So, the benefits of having an eSIM are far-reaching. They enable you to travel and remain connected without having to keep switching roaming data plans or purchasing varying physical SIM cards at your destination.
However, the main advantages of an eSIM are:
- Flexibility
- Affordability
- Convenience
- The ability to keep your number
eSIM data packages tend to be a lot more affordable than paying for roaming charges through your phone provider. We all love a bargain when we’re traveling, so this is a great way to explore abroad without spending a fortune.
The convenience of eSIMs is one of the main reasons why people use them. You literally just buy a package online and click a few buttons to activate and you’re well on your way. Compared to wasting time on your holiday trying to find a local SIM, this is a super convenient way to get online during your trip.
Finally, the ability to keep your number might not sound like a huge thing, but it means that you’re still connected to your network back home even if you’re on the overseas eSIM. This means no switching between SIMs to get your messages, and nothing gets missed along the way.
Features to look out for
Although there are a lot of different eSIM providers offering different packages and features, here are a few key offerings to look out for.
- Loyalty programs
- Data allowances
- Durations
- Regional plans versus one-country plans
- Hotspot usability
- 24/7 customer support
- App-based assistance
- Any local call plans
Compatible Devices
Honestly, there are hundreds of compatible devices that work with eSIMs now. Essentially, you need to have a phone with dual SIM capability.
For iPhones, this means having an iPhone from the 2018 XS onwards (11, 12, SE, 13, 14, 15 etc).
If you have a relatively new and up-to-date smartphone, then the chances are good that your device is going to be compatible with an eSIM.
For Samsung devices, Galaxy models that are S20s and newer are compatible except for the S20 FE 4G or 5G. You can also use an eSIM with Galaxy Note 20 and newer, all Galaxy Folds, Galaxy Z Flip, and the Samsung Watch.
If you have a Google phone, you’ll need the Pixel, but it depends on where you bought the phone or the operator you’re using. eSIMs don’t work on Google phones bought in Australia, Taiwan or Japan, or if you use a US or Canadian provider other than Spring or Google Fi.
There are plenty of other phones from other companies that work with eSIMs, so it’s best to check with your individual device. However, as a rule of thumb, if it’s a newer model than the popular phones listed above, then an eSIM should work with your device.
Where can I use an eSIM?
Depending on the eSIM company you opt for, you may be able to use your eSIM all around the world. Some companies offer global plans that have borderless connectivity capabilities, while others are restricted to set countries or regions. It all depends on the plan and company you choose.
For example, Holafly only has approximately 160 countries and territories available across its plans, whereas Maya Mobile offers over 190 different places. So, as you can see, it does depend on the plan you purchase.
Of course, as eSIM data packages work the same as traditional mobile data, you need to be in locations where there is a phone signal. So, if you’re in the middle of the jungle or out on the open ocean, chances are that your eSIM package isn’t going to work.
What are the best eSIMs for international travel?
The best eSIMs for international travel are the plans that have borderless capabilities known as global plans. This means that you don’t need to apply for a new plan every time you move countries. This is great because a lot of the time you end up losing data each time you swap onto a new data plan or buy a new local SIM card. Having a global eSIM data package or a wide-reaching regional plan solves this problem for a lot of people.
A lot of the borderless eSIMs on the market at the moment are either continent-specific, or from companies that have limited countries in their network – more around the 50/60 country mark than the ones that have 150+ countries on their roster.
If you’re looking for international travel eSIMs, providers like Eskimo, Jetpac, and Maya Mobile are great, especially if you’re enjoying multi-country travel.
What are the best eSIMs for Europe
To be honest, most eSIM providers on the market have coverage in Europe. So, finding the best eSIM for Europe has a lot of options to choose from. However, eSIM providers like Maya Mobile have unlimited data plans available across Europe.
If you’re a digital nomad or you’re going to be traveling around Europe for a while, having unlimited data can be really worthwhile, especially if there’s hotspot availability and you can share the data with your mates or family members.
As I’ve mentioned, Maya Mobile is great for use across Europe, thanks to its regional plan and unlimited data packages. However, many eSIM packages, like Holafly, have similar wide-reaching regional and unlimited plans across Europe, making it the ideal place to try an eSIM overseas.
What are the best eSIMs for the USA?
Similarly to the best eSIMs in Europe, the best eSIMs for the USA tend to be the operators that offer unlimited data packages. While you won’t necessarily need a regional North American plan unless you plan on going to Canada, Mexico, further south into Central America, or the Caribbean, it’s really the unlimited plan that’s going to be the differentiator here.
When you’re traveling around the US, especially if you’re road tripping, there are plenty of gaps without WiFi but with mobile signal, so having an eSIM solely for navigational purposes is a great idea. However, Google Maps can rinse your data, so the unlimited plan comes in really handy here.
Again, the best plans for unlimited coverage in the USA tend to be Maya Mobile and Holafly, however if you’re looking for a cost-effective eSIM package in the US, Airalo is a popular budget option.
The Best eSIMs on the Market
So, without further ado, let’s dive in and find out more about the best eSIMs on the market!
Holafly
This Spanish-owned eSIM company has been a popular option for a while now, thanks to having coverage in 160 countries and a wide range of unlimited data packages for specific regions like Europe and the US.
One of the cool things about Holafly is the length of the different plans. You can get eSIM packages with Holafly that are up to 90 days long, which is the standard length of visa-free entry to a lot of countries. So, if you’re spending three months exploring a country or region and want to be covered for the entire time that you’re there, without having to worry about renewing, Holafly might be perfect for you.
The other thing to consider with Holafly, especially if you’re using their services in Europe, is that they include 60 minutes of local call time on their European data plans. This might not sound super useful if everyone you know uses WiFi calling or WhatsApp, but if you need to contact a local taxi service, your accommodation host, or even ring a restaurant for a reservation, this hour of free local phone calls might come in handy.
The major downside of using Holafly for longer trips or digital nomadism is the lack of hotspotting available. One of the common perks of unlimited data allowances is that you can share your data with other people or at least use it on your laptop as well through hotspotting. This isn’t possible with a Holafly eSIM and it’s a bit of a shame.
After all, Holafly isn’t the cheapest provider out there, mostly because of the unlimited data packages, but if you can’t share it, it does make it a less viable option for many travelers and digital nomads who rely on multi-device connectivity.
Pros
- Long package lengths up to 90 days in some regions
- Unlimited data packages available in some regions
- 60 minutes of local calling included in European packages
- Multilingual 24/7 customer support team
- Connectivity in over 160 countries
Cons
- No hotspotting availability
- No local calling availability outside of Europe
- Lack of plan options in certain areas – there are dozens of duration options in France for instance, but only one or two options for Thailand.
- No global plan
Maya Mobile
Honestly, Maya Mobile is the perfect example of eSIMs doing things right. Its long list of features are things that are genuinely useful when you’re on the road, rather than things that seem like benefits but you don’t actually tend to use.
With one of the largest networks of any eSIM provider at 194 different countries across the world, and a whole host of unlimited plans, it’s easy to see why this provider has become the go-to eSIM option for many digital nomads.
The fact that Maya Mobile has allowed hotspots to be used on their eSIMs is a huge win. If I’m paying $110 for a money-long unlimited pass around South America, I want to be able to use it on my laptop for work and any other devices I like. It might sound expensive, but when you think about the fact that you can share it across multiple devices, you can share one package as a couple and work as you travel relatively easily.
Some packages are cheaper than others as well. By contrast, the 30 days European unlimited pass is only $50 and that’s cheaper than many standard phone packages, let alone one that lets you use your mobile data in 50 different countries.
If you are traveling for a while and have bought the 30 day plans, Maya Mobile also has an auto-renewal feature that means you don’t get caught out between plans, or waste data switching over. This is a cool feature that’s really handy for multi-month travel, and makes up for them not offering any plans longer than a month.
Maya Mobile also offers a money-back guarantee if your eSIM doesn’t work or isn’t compatible with your phone. This is reassuring if you’re not sure about your device or your destination, however, if your eSIM doesn’t work while you’re away, you’re going to waste time finding an alternative or buying a local SIM in the meantime.
Pros
- Hotspot availability
- 190+ countries available
- Unlimited data plans
- Regional plans
- Auto-renewal feature
- Money back guarantee
Cons
- No global plan
- No local phone number or calling plans
Eskimo
Now, you might not have heard of Eskimo yet, but they are growing and gathering a great following online. That’s for a few reasons but their headline feature has to be their two-year-long validity period. Unlike many eSIM companies that offer durations like five or ten days, Eskimo offers 180 days, 365 days, or 2 year durations.
This doesn’t mean that you have to be traveling for this long, but for instance, if you buy a European eSIM package, go on holiday and didn’t use all of your data while you were there, if you go back within you designated time frame, you can pick up where you left off when it comes to your eSIM.
I love this feature, and it’s made even better if you buy a global pass that lasts up to two years, because then you can enjoy borderless connectivity and just top up as you go on their handy app if you run out of data.
That being said, the global plan is kind of a misnomer as Eskimo is only available in around 80 countries at the moment, so it’s worth checking out where it is available before committing to a high data, long-term eSIM plan.
Another thing that sets Eskimo apart from many eSIM providers is the fact that they actively have a data sharing feature. In addition to allowing hotspotting, Eskimo allows you to send or transfer data to other people while you’re away. This is ideal if you’re traveling as a family and want to do your own thing or if you don’t want the slower speeds of everyone jumping on one hotspot.
The main downside with Eskimo for me is the lack of unlimited data plans. Yes, you can top up as you go on the app, and the plans are largely affordable with a 10GB 2-year Global eSIM costing just $39, but with the data sharing options, having unlimited data packages would be really useful.
Pros
- Allows hotspotting
- Long validity period
- Global and regional plans
- Data sharing feature
- User-friendly app
- Affordable rates
Cons
- Only available in 80 countries so far
- No local phone number
- No unlimited data plans
Jetpac
Honestly, Jetpac is one of the newer eSIM providers on the scene and has risen in popularity pretty quickly, and won awards along the way. However, the main issue with Jetpac is the limited number of companies in its network. It currently only operates eSIM packages in around 50 countries, and these are spread all around the world.
That means that whereas other providers will offer a European plan that covers 50 countries within Europe, Jetpac’s European plan only covers 28 countries within Europe, so you need to look carefully at where it is included.
Apart from the lower number of countries in their network, Jetpac is doing some interesting things. They have an affordable global plan (within their 50 countries) and hotspot availability on all their plans which is a nice touch. However, they don’t offer any unlimited plans at the moment, so if you want to use an eSIM to work while you travel, you might have to top up a lot while you’re away.
A cool bonus is the SmartDelay feature. If you register your flight before you travel on the app, if your flight is delayed you’ll automatically be sent a LoungeKey travel voucher which can be used at 1000 airport lounges worldwide. It’s not a huge benefit, but it’s a nice touch that other eSIM companies aren’t offering at the moment.
Pros
- Won 2023 Travel Product of the Year at the Asia Telecom Awards
- Hotspot availability
- Global plan available
- Free lounge access if your flight is delayed
Cons
- Only 50 countries on their packages
- No unlimited data allowances
Airalo
If you’ve spent any time on travel Instagram or TikTok, then chances are good that you’ve heard of Airalo. Known for their partnerships with influencers and bloggers, Airalo is quickly becoming one of the biggest eSIM providers on the market.
One of the key reasons for this is that they’re highly affordable and have a wide-reaching network. For example, to get a global data package that works in 127 countries and territories, with 20GB of data and a year-long duration, it’ll only cost you $69. If you wanted that same plan with 200 call minutes and 200 texts, it’ll only cost you $89. That’s super reasonable compared to other e-SIM providers.
As with many eSIM providers you can use your hotspot while accessing an Airalo e-SIM, and keep an eye on your data usage, and add top ups through their dedicated app. There’s also a loyalty scheme in the app that rewards you when you spend, which is a cool touch, especially if you’re a frequent traveler or digital nomad who’s likely to use Airalo a lot.
However, there currently aren’t any unlimited data packages which is a shame, especially considering they have longer-term packages of up to a year on their website. This together with the focus on hotspotting as a feature would definitely benefit from an unlimited data package.
The other thing to watch out for is the individual countries and territories that are covered in their regional and global plans. As we’ve mentioned, Airalo says they have 200+ countries and territories in their network, but then their global plan only covers 127 of these. Similarly, the European plan only covers 39 out of the 50 countries in Europe, so it’s worth checking!
Pros
- Hotspot availability
- Works in 200+ countries and territories
- Affordable rates
- Loyalty scheme
- User-friendly app
- Additional call packages available
- Long duration plans available
Cons
- No unlimited data packages
- Regional passes don’t necessarily include all countries
Conclusion
So, all in all, there are plenty of amazing eSIM companies out there at the moment. However, our personal favorite would have to be Maya Mobile for their combination of having a huge number of countries in their network, hotspot availability, and unlimited data plans at reasonable rates.
Overall, compared to Airalo, Holafly, Eskimo, and Jetpac, Maya Mobile ticks more boxes, especially for digital nomads, multi-device users, or long-term travelers. While Airalo and Holafly have huge networks as well, Airalo’s lack of unlimited data packages and Holafly’s lack of hot-spotting availability let them down.
Although Eskimo and Jetpac are doing interesting things, especially when it comes to data sharing on Eskimo’s part and the SmartDelay on Jetpac’s side, the small network of countries and lack of unlimited data packages ultimately make them less competitive and flexible than Maya Mobile’s packages.
As we mentioned earlier, data allowances, varied durations, regional plans, and hotspot usability, are all key features to look out for, add in Maya Mobile’s money-back guarantee if your device isn’t compatible and it ticks a lot of boxes as the best eSIM on the market.
