The 7+ best eSIM providers for international travel

Have you ever dreamed about traveling without having to worry about an internet connection? eSIM technology has turned that dream into reality. With the best eSIM providers, international travel is not only simpler, but you also ensure you always have a stable internet connection, no matter where you are in the world. Let’s explore the best eSIM providers options for those who love to explore the world.

The 7+ best eSIM providers for your trip

Depending on your specific needs, each eSIM provider will have its own advantages and disadvantages. Here is an overview of some of the best eSIM providers today:

1. Esimwise

Each member of Esimwise has an immense passion for exploration, cultivating a deep love of travel, driving our dedication to bringing unforgettable eSIM experiences to you. We’re innovative and constantly working to pioneer and simplify global connectivity, ensuring connectivity is always at your fingertips for seamless adventures.

What I like: 

• Easy use: Easily configure your data plan with a quick scan of a straightforward QR code. Upon arrival, activate your eSIM for instant connectivity. Rest assured, all our products include comprehensive instructions for seamless setup. In addition, our diverse range of packages caters to every adventure, whether it’s a brief escapade or an extended expedition, promising uninterrupted connectivity throughout your travels. 
• No roaming charges: Eliminate those pesky roaming fees with the freedom of eSIM technology, allowing you to journey effortlessly without the weight of additional charges. Stay globally connected worry-free, as eSIM ensures a seamless experience without unexpected costs.
• Community & Social Responsibility: By advocating for the adoption of eSIMs over traditional physical SIM cards, we strive to minimize our collective environmental footprint. This initiative stands as our pledge toward a more sustainable future while empowering our customers with top-notch connectivity solutions.

What I don’t like:

• Esimwise is a relatively new eSIM provider. However, this does not affect our enjoyable eSIM utility experience.

Not only is Esimwise a mobile service provider, but we are also a companion on every journey, always ready to create unlimited connections, and bring maximum freedom and convenience to all customers. Try using our eSIM and give us feedback!

2. Airhub

Airhub is rated as one of the best eSIM providers. It emerges as a vast online marketplace offering eSIMs across 190+ countries globally. The extensive range of eSIM plans includes data, local and international call minutes, and SMS services.

• Price: Starts at $11 for 10GB per month
• Supported Devices: Android, iOS
• Website: www.airhubapp.com 

What I like:

• Intuitive and clean app and website design: The Airhub app features a clean and intuitive interface, simplifying the user experience. Upon login, users can navigate through country selection via three tabs: local eSIMs, regional eSIMs, and Monthly plans (with the global package included in the regional eSIM category).
• Excellent speed across most countries: Airhub’s regional plans present enticing pricing options, spanning North America, APAC, Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. Notably, the Europe plan stands out for those embarking on a European tour, covering 49 countries with plans starting at $11 per month, offering 3GB data. 
• Plans encompass data, voice minutes, and SMS: While typical eSIM providers offer 3-5 plans per country, Airhub boasts up to 15 varied plans for each nation, empowering users to choose the ideal match for their preferences. The majority of plans on the platform are prepaid, with select postpaid options available, notably in the United States. 

What I don’t like:

• Checkout incurs payment service fees
• Limited regional plans: However, its coverage in Latin America is notably lacking, with limited or absent plans in countries such as Cuba, Chile, Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Ecuador.

In summary, Airhub distinguishes itself through diverse and competitive plans, minimalist app design, and user-friendly website, making it an ideal choice for budget-conscious travelers and remote workers seeking reliable eSIM solutions.

3. Airalo

Airalo emerges as a top-tier eSIM provider. The standout feature lies in strong partnerships with local telecommunication companies worldwide, enabling it to maintain the position as a cost-effective leader in the industry.

• Price: Starting at $4.5 for 1GB of data over 7 days
• Devices supported: Android, iOS
• Website: www.airalo.com 

What I like:

• Extensive coverage across approximately 200 countries: Airalo offers travelers an affordable and dependable solution across more than 200 countries. Moreover, the platform offers a dedicated global plan granting access to approximately 84 countries, catering specifically to international travelers
• Tailored, customizable plans for all users: Airalo presents a diverse portfolio of 7 regional plans, including coverage for regions like Latin America and the Caribbean Islands, areas often underserved by other eSIM providers.
• Cost-efficient options available: Users can select data volumes ranging from 1GB to 20GB, available over periods from 7 to 180 days.

What I don’t like:

• Most packages exclude voice minutes: One aspect to consider before opting for an Airalo eSIM is that the majority of plans do not include voice minutes; they primarily offer data-only plans. For users heavily reliant on voice calls, exploring alternative options might be more suitable, although internet calls remain a viable communication method.
• Higher pricing in some African regions: It’s essential to note that Airalo’s pricing structure is influenced by the destination, local data costs, validity periods, and data limits.

The above characteristics have made it one of the best eSIM providers currently.

4. Nomad

Next, Nomad is also the best eSIM provider. It stands out as an excellent choice for short-term travelers seeking an affordable travel eSIM. Tailored for brief excursions of 7 to 15 days, Nomad offers both regional and individual country plans.

• Price: starting at $1.3 per GB, $6 for 7 days
• Devices supported: Android, iOS
• Website: www.getnomad.app 

What I like:

• User-friendly app: Nomad’s user-friendly app simplifies navigation, enables real-time data tracking, and facilitates the addition of extra data on the go. The setup process, featuring step-by-step guidance with visual aids, caters to users seeking simplicity in installation.
• No hidden costs: Nomad ensures transparent pricing without one-time connection or SIM card fees, providing peace of mind against unexpected charges or exorbitant roaming costs.

What I don’t like:

• No live chat support

While lacking live chat, Nomad offers reliable 24/7 message support for inquiries. Overall, it’s a solid choice for frequent travelers, offering affordable short-term packages and an effortless interface, backed by commendable user-friendliness and dependable customer support.

5. Holafly

Holafly boasts some of the best eSIM cards offering unlimited data plans, perfect for those who require uninterrupted connectivity. With Holafly, concerns about data limits vanish, allowing you to freely share videos and photos with your family across various countries. Even where unlimited data isn’t available, Holafly’s data limits surpass many competitors.

• Price: Commencing at $19 for a 5-day unlimited internet plan
• Devices supported: Android, iOS
• Website: https://esim.holafly.com/ 

What I like:

• Payment available in Euros, US dollars, or Mexican pesos: Holafly simplifies eSIM installation through QR code scanning and provides guidance for every step. Payment methods include credit cards, debit cards, PayPal, Google Pay, Apple Pay, or manual installation using a code if QR scanning isn’t preferred.
• Most eSIMs offer unlimited data.: Holafly offers impressive flexibility in plan durations, catering to trips lasting 5 to 90 days across approximately 160 countries they serve.
• Useful features like app-based validity tracking: This enables users to conveniently monitor the expiration or duration of their eSIM plans directly within a dedicated mobile application.

What I don’t like:

• Lack of support for data sharing among devices: Holafly currently doesn’t support data sharing among devices, an essential consideration for families intending to use a single eSIM.
• Positioned as one of the more expensive options in the market: While Holafly’s data plans excel, not all plans include calls or SMS service. Nevertheless, leveraging internet-based communication apps like WhatsApp or Skype serves as a practical alternative in today’s communication landscape.

6. GlobaleSIM

GlobaleSIM caters to global travelers with eSIM plans spanning more than 150 countries and affiliations with over 400 network carriers. As one of the early adopters of eSIM technology since its launch in 2016, the service provides a range of plans tailored for various countries.

• Price: Starting at $3.00 for 500MB in 63 countries
• Devices supported: Android, iOS
• Website: https://globalesim.app/ 

What I like:

• Extensive Coverage: Partnerships with over 400 carriers worldwide
• Transparent Pricing: No hidden costs, clear pricing structure. Including: most popular plan (available in 63 countries); most popular + plan (available in 93 countries); special plan (available in 115 countries); and special + plan (available in 143 countries). For instance, the “Most Popular Plan” offers 500MB of data for 5 days at $3.00, with options to add call minutes and select a US, UK, or Canadian number. 
• Simplify the process: Unlike many eSIM providers requiring account creation, GlobaleSIM streamlines the process. Simply provide basic details like name, surname, and email address, and proceed to payment via PayPal or credit card.

What I don’t like:

• Lack of Dedicated App: A notable drawback is the absence of a dedicated app, necessitating direct purchases via their website.
• Customer Service Limitations: Support mainly through email, slower response times. Customer support primarily relies on emails, lacking real-time chat support. Finding their support section isn’t intuitive, buried deep within the website, leading to subpar customer service experience.

In summary, GlobaleSIM offers easy access to global eSIM plans, making it a viable choice for travelers seeking hassle-free setup and straightforward purchasing options.

7. BNESIM

BNESIM is one of the next best eSIM providers on this impressive list. It stands out with its extensive coverage across more than 170 countries, surpassing the offerings of many providers like Nomad. Regardless of your travel destination, BNESIM ensures a suitable plan is available for your needs. 

• Price: Starts at $4.37 for a 1GB monthly plan
• Devices supported: Android, iOS
• Website: https://www.bnesim.com/ 

What I like:

• Simple account management tools ideal for beginners: BNESIM’s website hosts an extensive “Support” section with comprehensive guides for installing eSIMs on various devices, making the process easier with visual aids.
• Diverse range of plans catering to various needs: A significant advantage with BNESIM is “pay-as-you-go” plans, free from any expiration date. For instance, with the $6.73 1GB USA data plan, your usage remains valid until you exhaust the data without any time constraints. This flexibility caters well to users with minimal data requirements.

What I don’t like:

• Customer support might not meet expectations: BNESIM primarily focuses on short-duration plans, with a maximum validity of 30 days, which might not suit those seeking longer-duration options. Additionally, the “auto-renewal” feature requires manual cancellation through the website or app, which might inconvenience some users.

8. AloSIM

The last name we want to mention among the best eSIM providers is AloSIM. It is based in Canada, offers budget-friendly prepaid data SIMs. The AloSIM app boasts an innovative data calculator, estimating your internet usage for daily, weekly, and monthly needs. This feature underlines the brand’s commitment to transparency, preventing overspending on unnecessary data.

• Price: Starts at $4.5 for 1GB
• Devices supported: Android, iOS
• Website: https://alosim.com/ 

What I like:

• Supports data sharing: Data sharing support enables personal hotspot connections or sharing with others. The platform also offers an extensive range of 11 regional plans, among the highest in the market.
• Auto-installation ease: AloSIM provides three easy eSIM installation methods

• Automatic installation: Allows immediate plan activation.
• QR code scanning: A common activation method among eSIM providers.
• Manual installation: Offers step-by-step instructions for setup and activation.
• Cost-effective pricing: AloSIM’s prices are notably competitive. For instance, the 5GB for 30 days plan is available for just $16 in the US, a significant difference from typical home SIM plans. 

What I don’t like:

• No phone or SMS plans: Similar to most data-only eSIMs, AloSIM doesn’t include a phone number, and there’s no unlimited data plan available for heavy users.
• Lack of unlimited data plan: The absence of a regional plan for Africa or a comprehensive Asian plan is noticeable. The Asian regional plan covers just five Southeast Asian countries, making it less suitable for Eastbound travelers.

How to choose a suitable eSIM provider?

These 10 factors will help you choose the best eSIM provider that suits your needs and desires.

• Scope of service: 

Clearly define your needs. Do you need an eSIM for your mobile phone, tablet, or IoT device? Do you need it for travel, work, or use in a stationary device? This will limit your options to suitable suppliers.

• International coverage: 

If you frequently travel or work in multiple countries, choose an eSIM provider with extensive international coverage to ensure flexibility for use in different locations.

• Price lists and packages: 

Carefully compare price lists and packages of different providers. Sometimes, packages may change depending on your intended use.

• User reviews: 

Learn about other users’ experiences with that provider. Read online reviews and opinions from real users for a more detailed overview.

• Customer support: 

Evaluate the quality of customer support services from the supplier. Timely and effective support is important when experiencing technical issues or needing account assistance.

• Flexibility in service plans: 

Some eSIM providers offer great flexibility, allowing you to change service plans or expand coverage without too much hassle.

• Security and confidentiality: 

Check the security and confidentiality measures the provider has in place to ensure your personal information is kept safe.

• Compatibility: 

Make sure your carrier’s eSIM can work on your device. Not all devices support all eSIM carriers.

• Network stability: 

Check if the provider’s network is highly stable, especially in the area you frequently use.

• Cancellation and refund policies: 

Check the provider’s cancellation and refund policies so you have the flexibility to change services when necessary.

Combining and carefully considering the above factors will help you choose the best eSIM provider that suits your specific needs.

FAQs

1. Which carrier has the best eSIM?

In reality, no provider is perfect for everyone. Determining the best eSIM provider can depend on many factors.

Specific reasons for considering these providers may include broad service coverage, flexibility in plans, positive reviews from real users, compatibility with multiple devices, and simplicity in using the service. However, the choice depends on each user’s specific needs and personal preferences.

2. Can I use more than one eSIM provider?

Yes, you can use more than one eSIM provider on the same device with the flexibility and convenience. However, using multiple eSIM providers can also cause complexity in service management and costs. Careful consideration should be given before deciding to use multiple eSIM providers to ensure that this suits your needs and priorities.

Wrap up

With flexibility, diverse features, and excellent location capabilities, the best eSIM providers have changed the way we experience travel. Absolutely, each eSIM provider has its own purpose and mission. And Esimwise believes that our mission is not only to provide services but also to create unforgettable memories in each of your trips. Now, are you confident in setting foot in the world with this useful article? Please leave comments and regularly follow us to collect more interesting shares every day!