PCMag has been covering eSIM technology since it started. We were the first to use T-Mobile’s eSIM app for iPhones back in 2018. Since then, eSIMs have become a lot more common, especially after Apple removed the physical SIM card tray from iPhones in the US. Whether you’re looking to save money on coverage for international travel or just need an extra line, an eSIM can help you stay connected without needing to order, receive, and swap a physical SIM card. Read on for the best eSIMs we’ve tested for a variety of different use cases, followed by everything you need to know to pick the right eSIM for you.
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
- Customizable plans
- Competitive pricing
- Useful AI tools
- Network prioritization
- Simple setup
- Coverage is limited to Verizon’s network
MobileX doesn’t offer global coverage, but it does serve the US with fast and reliable access on Verizon’s network. Users are treated like regular Verizon customers, which means no throttling or reduced priority. We appreciate the service’s learning period, which tracks your usage and recommends a plan that fits your needs. Also, this is the only eSIM service on this list that includes a local US phone number and messaging in addition to data.
For those who want an alternative to the big three carriers, MobileX is a great choice for pay-as-you-go service. You get the dependability of a big network without the big price tag.
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- Worldwide coverage
- 365-day activation window
- Easy setup
- Data-only, no voice or text
- Non-transferrable
GigSky provides coverage for more than 190 countries. It features seven regional plans and a global plan that works in more than 150 nations. The service also offers combo plans for cruisegoers, with support for more than 200 ships and up to 134 countries. If that’s not enough, you can use GigSky for free for seven days without providing your payment details. It’s limited to 100MB, but it costs you nothing.
If you are going from country to country, either by air or sea, GigSky offers a convenient way to stay connected wherever you are.
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- Competitive pricing
- Good speeds
- eSIMs are transferrable
- Straightforward setup
- Data-only service, no voice or text
- Occasional signal drops
Saily is from the makers of NordVPN. It offers support for more than 150 countries, seven regional plans, and a worldwide plan covering more than 100 nations. Saily is one of the few eSIM providers that allows you to transfer its eSIM from one phone to another.
If you use different devices while you travel, Saily is convenient because you can easily transfer your eSIM when needed.
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- Wide global coverage
- Competitive pricing
- Clearly defined options
- Quirky installation
- Not all eSIMs are transferable
Nomad offers competitive pricing for data in more than 190 countries, with 11 regional plans and two global ones. It lets you choose between six 30-day plans and daily plans that range from 1 to 10 days, which means you can pay day by day if you prefer.
Nomad is for anyone who wants excellent coverage worldwide, without the pressure of long-term commitment.
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- Competitive pricing
- Unlimited data options
- Easy setup
- Data-only service
- Nontransferrable
KnowRoaming is available in more than 150 countries and offers 10 regional options and a global plan. The service stands out for having 30-day unlimited plans for multiple countries and a 180-day global plan covering 144 countries. You can pay once and be set for half the year.
This service is for the most data-hungry travelers who don’t want to monitor their usage. KnowRoaming offers unlimited plans that let you get online and stay there without worry.
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Buying Guide: The Best eSIM for 2025
Does My Phone Support eSIM?
When choosing an eSIM, there are a few things to consider. Most services work the same way and require an internet connection (Wi-Fi) to get started, so be sure to set up your eSIM before you leave home. To install it, you typically scan a QR code or download the provider’s app, which lets you manage your account and track usage from your phone.
Most modern phones support eSIM, but not all of them do. Apple added support starting with the iPhone XS in 2018, Google began with the Pixel 2, and Samsung’s Galaxy S line has supported eSIM since the Galaxy S21. To check your device, dial *#06#. If you see an EID number, your phone likely supports eSIM, but you can make sure by searching the web for your phone model. You can also check the eSIM provider’s site, which usually offers device compatibility lists and setup instructions. Your device must be unlocked and not tied to a carrier for our recommendations to work.
What Kind of eSIM Service Do You Need?
Other than MobileX, the eSIM services we list here provide data only, which is good for email, maps, messaging apps, social media, and browsing the web. Traditional phone and texting apps will not work on these kinds of plans, but messaging apps like WhatsApp or Zoom will function if you have a fast enough connection, as will iMessage and FaceTime if you’re using an iPhone.
If you need a regular phone number for calls or texts, look for a local provider at your destination that offers eSIMs that include voice and SMS support. If you need your own number to work while travelling, you’ll have to settle for roaming with your existing service provider, which can cost as much as $10 per day.
You don’t need to limit yourself to a single-country plan. Every global eSIM provider on this list offers country-specific plans in addition to regional or global options that cover multiple destinations with one eSIM. This is ideal if you’re hopping between countries.
The duration of eSIM plans varies, with some services offering coverage for just a day, and others stretching for weeks or months. Pick a plan that fits the length of your trip to avoid overpaying.
How Much eSIM Data Do You Need?
If you’re unsure about how much data to buy, check your phone for information:
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On Apple iPhones: Settings > Mobile Data
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On Google Pixel phones: Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > App Data Usage
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On Samsung phones: Settings > Connections > Data Usage
From there, you can do some basic math to figure out how much data you need over a given time period. To minimize data use on metered connections, download maps and media in advance, set music and video apps to offline or low-quality modes, and disable automatic backups like Google Photos unless you’re on Wi-Fi.
You can stretch your eSIM’s data allotment by being mindful. Streaming video eats up data quickly, though usage depends on resolution and bitrate. Keep an eye on your habits to make the most of your plan.
This article was published by WTVG on 2025-05-15 13:00:00
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