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eSIMs have gained a lot of traction in recent years, especially with travelers.
We tested and curated the best ones so that you dont have to.
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Best eSIM overall
1. it’s possible for you to also opt for USA + Canada plans.
The provider also has 5G coverage for the U.S. and data tethering.
However, a live chat option is available.
Read our fullUbigi review.
Best eSIM for speed
2.
Airalo
Airalo is an excellent eSIM with widespread coverage across the U.S.
It offers affordable data plans for use in all 50 U.S. states plus Puerto Rico.
Besides the U.S., Airalo offers eSIM plans in virtually all other countries.
This eSIM doesnt have strict identification requirements, which makes buying and activating it easier.
Airalo offers a free eSIM for the USA.
The free eSIM gets you 500MB for 3 days and doesn’t include calls and texts.
The plans are relatively affordable, and you could top up your data if the initial allocation runs out.
The main drawback is that, unlike some rival products, Airalos eSIM doesnt offer unlimited data.
Read our fullAiralo review.
Best eSIM for affordability
3.
Nomad
Nomad is an eSIM marketplace that offers affordable prepaid plans for U.S. visitors.
Nomad offers a variety of prepaid plans for your eSIM.
Nomad also offers a plan of 1 GB per day plus unlimited data at a throttled 512kbps.
If that isnt available, you could use 3G or 4G to surf the web.
Like its counterparts on this list, Nomad doesnt offer a phone number for calls or SMS.
Read our fullNomad review.
Best eSIM for beginners
4.
Saily
Nord Security, a renowned cybersecurity firm, has introduced a new eSIM service.
Launched this year, Saily offers affordable mobile data plans in over 150 countries, including the United States.
The service is compatible with both iPhone and Android devices.
Also, Sailys activation is done by simply tapping “Active eSIM before your trip.
Saily provides comprehensive customer support, including a detailed knowledge base for self-service and 24/7 in-app live chat assistance.
For general inquiries, you’ve got the option to also email support@saily.com.
Read our fullSaily review.
Best eSIM for voice calls
5.
GlobaleSIM stands out from other eSIM providers because it offers a phone number for voice calls.
you’re free to request a U.S. phone number to call or receive calls from anywhere.
However, you must buy voice minutes separate from your data allocation.
Options include $10 for 100 minutes and $17 for 200 minutes.
GlobaleSIM also provides bundled plans.
For example, customers can purchase a Europe+USA plan that covers 47 countries in Europe.
This eSIM is easy to activate and use.
You’ll receive a QR code by email after paying for your package.
Then, scan this QR code to install your new eSIM line seamlessly.
Customers have access to 24/7 chat support to resolve their issues.
Best eSIM for web connection coverage
6.
Yesim
Yesim is a very affordable eSIM with widespread coverage in the U.S.
Hence, users enjoy unprecedented coverage for a reasonable price.
Unlike the others mentioned earlier, this eSIM offers unlimited data plans.
Yesim also offers capped data plans ranging from 3 GB to 20 GB.
For instance, the 30-day 10 GB data plan costs $17.60.
Yesim doesn’t require user documentation; you could activate your eSIM immediately after payment.
you could activate it by downloading the app or scanning the QR code sent to your email address.
Best eSIM for long term stays
7.
Keepgo
Keepgo offers affordable eSIM bundles for U.S. visitors.
you might choose from various plans of 100 MB to 50 GB.
Access to unlimited data is undoubtedly better, but that isnt available here.
Best eSIMs for international travel FAQs
What is an eSIM?
eSIM, or Embedded SIM, is a digital version of a SIM card.
With an eSIM, you might join new networks directly from your phone without changing SIM cards.
Everything works via software, making connecting to new mobile carriers seamless.
Simply switch to a local mobile connection via a software interface, and you’re good to go.
eSIMs first emerged in the early 2010s, thanks to research funded by the GSM Association (GSMA).
However, they didnt gain widespread popularity in smartphones until 2018, whenApplebegan making iPhones compatible with only eSIMs.
This change led many people to adopt eSIMs, most of whom refused to return to physical SIMs.
eSIM gear sales are expected to reach14 billion shipmentsin 2030, compared to 350 million in 2021.
Why do I need an eSIM when visiting the U.S.?
The global telecoms market is siloed and strictly regulated.
The mobile carrier in your country wont work in the U.S. unless youre on a roaming plan.
If you want a SIM from a U.S.-based carrier, the documentation and purchase process can be stressful.
Instead, they have data pipe-sharing agreements with domestic carriers in various countries.
Is my phone compatible with the listed eSIMs?
Most phones made after 2018 are eSIM-compatible, save for a few exceptions.
Since Apple released an eSIM-compatible iPhone in 2018, other manufacturers followed suit to avoid being left behind.
you’re able to always confirm eSIM compatibility from your iPhone or Android options.
What factors to consider when choosing a U.S. eSIM package?
- connection coverage
Does your eSIM provide coverage in all 50 U.S. states?
Which mobile carriers infrastructure does your eSIM give you access to?
Can you browse with 5G?
These are essential questions to ask when choosing an eSIM.
It is also important to consider if you oughta make long-distance calls on your trip.
Pricing
Different eSIM providers offer different prices, and its wise to shop around for the best deal.
Always compare similar packages from different providers to see if youre getting the best deal.
