Top 7 best eSIM for UK: Which Providers Are Best?

Hey wanderlust-driven techies! If you’re like me, constantly on the go and exploring the wonders of the UK, you’ll know how important it is to stay connected. Whether it’s navigating the bustling streets of London, discovering hidden gems in the countryside, or sharing your epic adventures with friends, having the best eSIM for the UK is essential.

Join me on my journey to finding the perfect eSIM for smoothie connectivity and hassle-free travel. Are you ready to revolutionize the way you stay connected while gallivanting through the charming landscapes of the UK? Let’s dive in!

The 7 best eSIM for UK 

My search for the best eSIM for UK has led me to explore many different providers. Each claims to offer the fastest speeds, widest coverage, and user-friendly interfaces. After comparing reviews, checking coverage maps, and consulting with fellow travelers, I narrowed my choices down to a few promising contenders. 

1. Esimwise 

Esimwise presents a smooth connectivity solution for travelers heading to the UK, ensuring a quick and hassle-free experience with their UK eSIM service. The activation process was incredibly simple – just a quick scan of the QR code, and I was instantly connected to versatile 2G, 3G, and 4G networks throughout the country.

One of the standout features of Esimwise is the flexibility it offers in data plans. With packages ranging from 0.3GB to a generous 52GB, I could easily customize my plan based on my individual data usage needs. The rates, ranging from $3 to approximately $90, catered to my budget, and the availability of daily, weekly, and monthly options, along with two data types – day pass data and fixed data, provided ample choices.

The performance of Esimwise was impressive, ensuring optimal 4G/LTE connectivity for high-speed internet access. Tethering and hotspot capabilities were convenient additions, allowing me to seamlessly share my connection with other devices. The built-in VPN was a particularly valuable feature, enhancing security and privacy for worry-free browsing.

What I found especially convenient was the ability to keep my WhatsApp number on my mobile phone without the need for roaming or reliance on public WiFi networks. This ensured that I stayed connected quickly and efficiently throughout my journey in the UK. Choosing a suitable package for my budget was a breeze with Esimwise, making it a reliable choice for a connected and worry-free travel experience.

What I like:

• Offers a stable connection and fast internet speed.
• Activate and manage mobile connections remotely without physical SIM card changes.
• eSIM offers heightened security, adding an extra layer of protection against unauthorized access.
• The compact nature of eSIM contributes to space-saving, ideal for slim device designs.
• eSIM ensures seamless activation and maintains constant connectivity on devices.
• Compatible with various devices, UK travel eSIM simplifies international travel by eliminating the need for physical SIM cards.

What I don’t like:

• None

2. Ubigi

Ubigi, is the second alternative on our list of best eSIM for UK. With over 20 years of experience in providing internet connections on a global scale, Ubigi is a reliable choice for staying connected wherever your journey takes you. In the UK, Ubigi offers eSIM plans suitable for travelers. For instance, a 12-month plan costs €29 per month.

Ubigi offers flexibility in obtaining an eSIM, allowing customers to either visit their website or download the eSIM app to manage their connectivity preferences. The main features of Ubigi include a variety of data plans, customer support in multiple languages, regional and local data plans, and compatibility with different devices.

However, it’s important to note that Ubigi does not offer unlimited data packages. Additionally, phone calls are not included as there is no provision of a phone number. Potential users should be aware that creating an account is a prerequisite for making a purchase with Ubigi, which may extend the time required to complete the transaction.

In summary, Ubigi provides a well-established and versatile solution for global internet connectivity, catering to diverse needs with various data plans. While it may lack unlimited data packages and phone call features, its compatibility with different devices and multilingual customer support make it a viable option for those seeking reliable connectivity during their travels.

What I like:

• Ubigi eSIM offers reliable and stable internet connectivity, especially when traveling abroad.
• Ubigi’s eSIM technology allows significant savings, up to 10 times on roaming fees, making it a cost-effective choice for travelers.
• Users can recharge their Ubigi eSIM anywhere through the app, even without data or Wi-Fi.

What I don’t like:

• Changing devices might not be easy, as not all carriers allow quick eSIM transfers.
• Doesn’t offer unlimited data packages or phone call features. 
• Ubigi’s short-term plans have limited gigabytes, and they do not include calls and SMS.

3. Nomad UK

Introducing Nomad UK, a versatile eSIM provider offering data plans in over 100 countries, spanning the Americas, Europe, and Asia, with options for regional and global coverage.

Having personally tried Nomad, I found it to be a reliable option, although it may not be my top choice due to its focus on short-term plans, typically lasting up to 30 or 60 days. Nomad offers both regular and unlimited plans specifically tailored for the UK, providing users with a variety of data options.

What sets Nomad apart is its user-friendly approach – allowing users to top up plans before running out of data, thereby extending the usability of the same eSIM as long as the plan has not expired. This feature alleviates the stress of purchasing a SIM card upon arrival at a new destination.

Nomad’s eSIMs also offer the convenience of regional or global plans for those exploring multiple destinations. The extensive global coverage makes sure a fast connection as soon as you disembark, eliminating the need to struggle with airport Wi-Fi.

In my experience with Nomad, the UK travel eSIM worked efficiently, providing quick and easy access to the Internet within minutes.

What I Like:

• Legitimate and safe eSIM provider
• Most extensive global coverage (110 countries in the global plan)
• Wide range of short-term plans with top-up options
• Availability of unlimited data plans in select destinations

What I don’t like:

• Relatively higher cost compared to other options on the market. 
• Device compatibility issues, as not all devices support eSIMs. 

4. SimOptions

SimOptions stands out as a highly reliable eSIM card provider. With numerous positive experiences, I want to recommend SimOptions to anyone seeking an eSIM card.

When it comes to UK eSIM cards, SimOptions offers superior plans, making it the recommended choice for tourists visiting the UK. SimOptions provides a variety of UK eSIM cards, many of which are international and valid across Europe and beyond. Most notably, these eSIM cards often come with unlimited calling and texting features.

While SimOptions doesn’t specify the mobile network operator in the UK, it’s important to note that most international eSIM cards offer a maximum data speed of 4G/LTE.

All eSIM cards ordered through SimOptions come with a phone number, allowing both incoming and outgoing calls and SMS. Many of these eSIM cards even feature unlimited calling and texting throughout Europe. The validity of these eSIM cards is one year, and credit validity starts instantly after installation, even if you are not in the UK.

What I Like:

• eSIMs from SimOptions can be set up before arriving in the UK, providing flexibility and convenience for travelers.
• Users can save on international roaming fees by using SimOptions’ prepaid eSIMs.

What I don’t like:

• Not all carriers support eSIMs, potentially limiting options depending on the user’s location.

5. Vodafone

Vodafone, a prominent mobile carrier in Europe, holds a significant position as one of the best choices for mobile services in the UK. To get started with Vodafone’s eSIM, I signed up for a monthly data plan, and the transition from a physical to a virtual SIM card was surprisingly quick and straightforward. Vodafone offers a range of packages, catering to different needs, including data-only plans and those encompassing messages and phone calls.

For specific eSIM plans and pricing, Vodafone’s offerings are quite competitive. Starting at £7 per month, the plans include unlimited minutes, texts, and a data allowance with impressive 4G speeds. It’s a reasonable deal considering the comprehensive features included.

However, one potential drawback is that travelers may encounter challenges in purchasing the eSIM when visiting the UK. Despite this, the array of data packages, 5G capabilities, and assistance with activation make Vodafone a compelling choice for those seeking a reliable eSIM solution in the United Kingdom.

What I Like:

• Availability of different data packages, offering both pay-as-you-go and monthly plans.
• Access to 5G speeds within the UK.
• Varied pricing options for different data packages.
• Assistance with the activation process.
• Vodafone stands out as a reliable option for users in the UK. 

What I don’t like:

• Changing devices may not be straightforward with eSIMs, and not all carriers allow easy eSIM transfers between devices
• To keep your number, you still need to request a Porting Authorization Code (PAC) with eSIMs, similar to traditional SIM cards 

6. O2

For those who prefer to rely on a local carrier while in the UK, O2 emerges as a primary choice for eSIM services. O2 UK eSIM is available with various plans. Prices may vary, and it’s recommended to check the official O2 website for details on Pay As You Go and Pay Monthly options.

eSIM plans in the UK, including O2, can start from just £7 per month, offering flexibility and convenience. There is no specific cost for the O2 eSIM itself, but a data plan is required, which is priced at £5 per month. O2 eSIM data packages can also be purchased separately, with options for different durations and data allowances.

O2 UK’s eSIM provides features such as 650GB data, unlimited UK calls/texts, 5G, WiFi calling, and EU roaming at no extra cost. Various platforms offer O2 eSIM data packages, enabling users to access O2 network services with UK prepaid eSIM data plans.

All in all, O2’s eSIM service stands out for its affordability, local coverage, and 5G capabilities, making it a viable choice for those seeking a reliable eSIM solution in the UK. However, users should be aware of the current limitations in plan options and consider individual preferences before opting for O2’s eSIM service.

What I Like:

• O2 offers competitively priced data packages, making it an economical choice compared to other local carriers.
• As a local carrier, O2 boasts excellent coverage within the UK, ensuring a reliable connection for users.
• O2 provides access to 5G services within the UK, allowing users to experience high-speed connectivity.

What I don’t like:

• The eSIM service with O2 may require further optimization, with room for improvement in providing a seamless experience for users.
• O2’s eSIM service currently only offers monthly plans, limiting flexibility for travelers who may prefer pay-as-you-go options.
• O2 does not provide specific data packages tailored for travelers, potentially limiting the suitability of their eSIM service for those on the go.

7. GigSky

GigSky stands as the final alternative among the best data plans for travelers, having been in operation for over 13 years. As a growing option for consumers seeking eSIMs for global travel, including the UK, GigSky offers a user-friendly experience through its website or app.

I appreciated the different data plans tailored for specific countries and regions, allowing me to choose an option that perfectly suited my travel needs.

One notable aspect is the potential cost savings. GigSky’s eSIM solutions come with prices available on their official website and app, promising savings of up to 90% on roaming charges. This affordability adds significant value to the overall travel experience.

GigSky’s commitment to customer support in various languages enhances accessibility and assistance for users worldwide. This support can be particularly reassuring when navigating potential issues during travel.

The availability of data plans with capacities of up to 50GB ensures that users have more than enough data to meet their travel requirements. This flexibility in plan options caters to a range of data usage needs, from light browsing to data-intensive tasks.

What I Like:

• The activation process is simple and easy.
• GigSky offers advantageous eSIM data plans, making it a cost-effective option for those seeking innovative technology.
• GigSky eSIM is compatible with both Android devices and Apple iPhones.

What I don’t like:

• GigSky does not provide unlimited data plans, which may be a limitation for users with high data consumption needs.
• GigSky lacks the provision of a phone number, potentially impacting users who require a dedicated number for calls and texts.

Despite these limitations, GigSky remains a favorable option for those traveling to the UK, offering a variety of destination-specific plans, multilingual support, and substantial data allowances. Users should weigh the advantages and disadvantages based on their individual preferences and requirements when considering GigSky for their eSIM needs.

Buy eSIM for UK travel: What to consider?

When selecting an eSIM provider for my travel needs in the UK, I carefully evaluated several key aspects to ensure a seamless and reliable experience. Here’s a guide on what to consider:

Coverage and data plans

I prioritized eSIM providers with extensive coverage in the areas I planned to visit. Checking the coverage maps of major networks like O2, Vodafone, and Nomad helped me make an informed decision. Additionally, I compared data plans, considering factors such as data allowances, speed, and any additional perks offered by each provider.

Connectivity speeds

As my activities often require high-speed internet, I paid close attention to the connectivity speeds provided by the eSIM services. This ensured that I could engage in activities like video streaming and work-related tasks without disruptions. Reviews from other users helped me gauge real-world performance.

Compatibility with devices

Verifying compatibility with my device was a important step. Although most modern smartphones support eSIMs, confirming this compatibility in advance helped prevent any unforeseen issues. I checked my device settings and user manual to ensure a seamless integration of the eSIM.

Calling and texting options

For comprehensive communication capabilities, I carefully reviewed eSIM plans to confirm the inclusion of calling and texting features. Some eSIMs may prioritize data services, so ensuring that the chosen plan met my specific communication needs was essential.

Ease of activation

Opting for an eSIM provider with a user-friendly activation process was a priority. Providers offering remote activation were particularly appealing, allowing me to set up the eSIM before arriving in the UK. This streamlined the process and ensured immediate connectivity upon arrival.

Top-up and renewal options

Understanding the procedures for topping up data or renewing plans was crucial for a hassle-free experience. I looked for eSIM providers that offered straightforward top-up options, ensuring I could easily extend the eSIM’s validity or add more data when needed.

Security features

As security and privacy are paramount, I explored eSIM providers that offered additional security features such as built-in VPN services. This added layer of protection helped safeguard my data and online activities during my stay in the UK.

FAQs

1. Can you get eSIM in the UK?

Yes, eSIM services are available in the UK, with several mobile providers and online stores providing comprehensive eSIM data, voice, and SMS plans. Users have the flexibility to purchase eSIM services within the country or obtain eSIM plans before arriving in the United Kingdom. This convenient option allows travelers to seamlessly access connectivity services and choose plans that suit their needs, enhancing the overall experience of staying connected in the UK.

2. How can I get eSIM in the UK?

To get an eSIM in the UK, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Verify that your mobile network supports eSIM. 
• Step 2: Visit the Esimwise website at esimwise.com.
• Step 3: Explore the available eSIM plans for your destination, including the UK eSIM and Gibraltar (UK) eSIM.
• Step 4: Choose a data pack that suits your needs.
• Step 5: Follow the instructions to scan and install your eSIM for instant connectivity.

3. Which UK carriers support eSIM?

In the United Kingdom, several carriers offer eSIM support, providing travelers with convenient and flexible connectivity options. As mentioned above, Esimwise, Ubigi, Nomad, SimOptions, Vodafone, O2, and GigSky are among the carriers that cater to diverse needs, offering varying data plans, coverage, and additional features. This range of choices allows users to select the eSIM service that best aligns with their preferences and requirements for seamless connectivity in the UK.

Check out more some the UK eSIM providers for your next trip here!

Wrap up

After navigating through the maze of eSIM options, I can confidently say that eSIM provider Esimwise emerged as the best fit for my UK adventures. With reliable networks, flexible data plans, an easy activation process, and broad device compatibility, it ticks all the boxes.

Remember, the best eSIM for you might depend on your unique needs, so take the time to explore and find the perfect fit. Happy eSIM hunting!