| $/GB ▲ | Provider | Coverage | Unlimited | Price | Validity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nomad | Best price per GB · $/GB factor 0.55, coverage 209 countries/re, hotspot yes | Visit → | ||||
| Mobimatter | Absolute cheapest per GB · $/GB factor 0.55, coverage 200+ countries, hotspot yes | Visit → | ||||
| Airalo | Most popular, wide cover · $/GB factor 1.36, coverage 201 countries, hotspot yes | Visit → | ||||
| Holafly | Unlimited data plans · $/GB factor 1.5, coverage 197 countries, unlim yes | Visit → | ||||
| Ubigi | Good per GB, 5G coverage · $/GB factor 0.66, coverage 206 countries, hotspot yes | Visit → | ||||
| Saily | NordVPN-backed, VPN incl · $/GB factor 1.5, coverage 200+ countries, hotspot yes | Visit → | ||||
| Maya Mobile | Unlimited daily rates, f · $/GB factor 0.73, coverage 203 countries, unlim yes, hotspot yes | Visit → | ||||
| Yesim | Affordable unlimited, fl · $/GB factor 1.09, coverage 183 countries, unlim yes, hotspot yes | Visit → | ||||
| GigSky | In-flight data, wide cov · $/GB factor 1.31, coverage 188 countries, hotspot yes | Visit → | ||||
| Jetpac | Teaser pricing, lounge a · $/GB factor 0.55, coverage 127 countries, hotspot yes | Visit → | ||||
| BNESIM | Cheap, local numbers opt · $/GB factor 0.55, coverage 181 countries, hotspot yes | Visit → | ||||
| Instabridge | Simple pay-as-you-go · $/GB factor 0.88, coverage 161 countries, hotspot yes | Visit → | ||||
| Keepgo | Long validity, premium p · $/GB factor 1.5, coverage 169 countries | Visit → | ||||
| aloSIM | Budget-friendly, phone n · $/GB factor 1.25, coverage 175+ countries, hotspot yes | Visit → | ||||
| Flexiroam | Long validity, premium s · $/GB factor 1.5, coverage 200+ countries, hotspot yes | Visit → | ||||
| SimLocal | Unlimited data plans · $/GB factor 0.64, coverage 140+ countries, unlim yes, hotspot yes | Visit → | ||||
| Nomad (Global Regional) | Budget global option · $/GB factor 1.01, coverage 175+ countries, hotspot yes | Visit → | ||||
| Truphone / 1GLOBAL | Business-focused, enterp · $/GB factor 1.5, coverage 123 countries, hotspot yes | Visit → | ||||
| Roamless | Pay-as-you-go, never exp · $/GB factor 0.65, coverage 130+ countries, hotspot yes | Visit → | ||||
| Firsty | Free option available · $/GB factor 0.55, coverage 189 countries, hotspot yes | Visit → | ||||
| eSIM.sm | Basic global coverage · $/GB factor 1.27, coverage 181 countries, hotspot yes | Visit → | ||||
| eSIMo | Widest coverage availabl · $/GB factor 1.5, coverage 206 countries, hotspot yes | Visit → | ||||
| Wiiline | Lowest base price, globa · $/GB factor 0.55, coverage 206 countries, hotspot yes | Visit → | ||||
| Yatelo | Ultra-cheap global cover · $/GB factor 0.55, coverage 206 countries, hotspot yes | Visit → | ||||
| Redteago | Affordable regional focu · $/GB factor 0.55, coverage 174 countries, hotspot yes | Visit → | ||||
| GoMoWorld | Good value, reliable · $/GB factor 0.99, coverage 202 countries, hotspot yes | Visit → | ||||
| eSIMX | Mid-range global option · $/GB factor 1.04, coverage 186 countries, hotspot yes | Visit → | ||||
| eSimGlobe | Daily bundles, cheap · $/GB factor 0.55, coverage 175 countries, hotspot yes | Visit → | ||||
| Voye Global | Premium coverage option · $/GB factor 1.5, coverage 156 countries, hotspot yes | Visit → | ||||
| Tourist eSIM | Travel-focused branding · $/GB factor 1.09, coverage 190+ countries, hotspot yes | Visit → | ||||
| AlpineSIM | Alpine region specialist · $/GB factor 0.55, coverage 189 countries, hotspot yes | Visit → | ||||
| Monty eSIM | Simple, affordable optio · $/GB factor 0.55, coverage 186 countries, hotspot yes | Visit → | ||||
| Textr eSIM | Longer validity, budget · $/GB factor 0.55, coverage 147 countries, hotspot yes | Visit → | ||||
| eSIM2Fly | Premium niche coverage · $/GB factor 1.5, coverage 120 countries | Visit → | ||||
| eSimGo | Affordable, good support · $/GB factor 1.09, coverage 195+ countries, hotspot yes | Visit → | ||||
| eSIMphoney | Niche provider, budget · $/GB factor 1.09, coverage 131 countries, hotspot yes | Visit → | ||||
| KnowRoaming | Community rewards progra · $/GB factor 1.31, coverage 200+ countries, hotspot yes | Visit → | ||||
| Roami | Simple, reliable service · $/GB factor 0.87, coverage 200+ countries, hotspot yes | Visit → |
What an eSIM phone costs secondhand
An eSIM plan needs a phone that supports eSIM and is not locked to another carrier. These are the cheapest secondhand examples we can find today from families that support it. Support varies by variant and by where a handset was sold, so check the listing before you buy.
| Phone | Cheapest used | Per month over 2 years |
|---|---|---|
| Pixel 6a | $130 | $5.42 |
| iPhone XR | $140 | $5.83 |
| Galaxy S21 | $194 | $8.08 |
Cheapest genuine listing including shipping, from our used phone trackers, rechecked daily. Check the listing states the phone is unlocked and names the generation, because eSIM support arrived at different points in each range.
Common questions
How much data do I need for a trip?
Light use (maps, messaging) is ~1GB every few days. Normal use is ~3-5GB a week. Streaming or hotspotting, budget 10GB+. Most people over-buy, start smaller and top up.
Is a travel eSIM cheaper than roaming?
Almost always, by a lot. Roaming is often a daily fee or ~$10-15/GB; a local eSIM is often $1-2/GB. On two weeks that's $20 versus well over $100.
Will an eSIM work on my phone?
You need an eSIM-compatible, unlocked phone, most iPhones since the XS and recent Samsung/Pixel flagships. You install it by scanning a QR code, usually before you fly.
Can I keep my number and WhatsApp?
Yes. The eSIM runs alongside your normal SIM (dual-SIM). Keep your home number for calls, texts and WhatsApp, use the eSIM for data, and turn off roaming on your main line.