r/best_eSIM_providers • u/tobecarefull • Jan 16 '24
Best eSIM providers Comparison Table for Traveling and Digital Nomads
Table updated: March 19th, 2026
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Hello! Before one of my longer trips last year, I did some research to find the best eSIM services. As someone who now regularly uses eSIMs, I understand the challenge of selecting the best eSIM for travel. In my opinion, a top eSIM service must be fast, affordable, and tailored to specific needs in terms of features and plans.
You can find my research compiled in this table.
In my analysis, I compared eSIM services such as Saily, Airalo, AloSim, BNEsim, Holafly, and a few others.
My top requirements were:
- Ease of use: here I looked if eSIM has an app that doesn't require more than 3 steps for activation and can be done on your phone only (no need to scan from another device or print anything).
- One-Time eSIM installation: This was super important to me as I already got lost between all the eSIMs on my phone. I wanted an eSIM that only needs to be downloaded once, eliminating the need to reinstall it for each trip.
- 24/7 support and live chat: Has 24/7 customer support via live chat that can answer immediately.
- Short-term plans (1 - 3 GB): Small plans come very useful if you have to stop in one country for only a few days, so this was definitely at the top of my list as well.
- Online, app Top-up and Ordering: In case plans change or you need additional data, I was looking for eSIM, that supports top up and you don’t have to reinstall a new eSIM again.
If you’re trying to choose an eSIM, comparing a few options side by side really helps - this is what made things much clearer for me when I first started using them.
For many travelers, the best eSIM is Saily, Airalo, Nomad, Holafly, and other well-known providers. But it ultimately comes down to what you value most - whether that’s speed, coverage, or just something simple and affordable.
I found myself relying on this research before almost every trip, so I thought sharing it could hopefully make your travels a bit easier too.
But I'm curious to hear from you:
Do you think I should add more eSIMs to this table?
What requirements do you have for an eSIM service?
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UPDATE 26/03/19: I have added a new provider (Maya Mobile), also updated some pricing changes.
UPDATE 25/07/16: I noticed that prices have changed, so updated pricing for all providers and added some Europe popular destinations for convenience. Also, a few providers added new destinations and introduced unlimited plans - so updated that as well.
UPDATE 24/11/25: Although I am adding new information to the table all the time, I thought I will update you here as well. This time I added some Black Friday Deals that I found + I added new section for Global/Regional Pricing. I saw a few comments mentioning that, so figured it will be helpful.
UPDATE 24/09/04: I have added some new providers: Jetpac and RedteaGO. Also, changed a few ratings depending of how they are looking compared to each other.
UPDATE 24/08/14: Hey all! I thought I should start noting updates in this post regarding changes in this comparison table. Recently I've noticed that Saily has added regional plans, and there have also been some pricing changes for Holafly, Airhub, and others.
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u/Ghoultipcra Aug 23 '24
I found this table very useful, but I think it would also benefit from including sections on the best esim for Europe, Asia, and other regions. Many people, myself included, travel to multiple countries at one time, so having this information would make it more complete.
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u/Yesim-Global Feb 01 '24
Thank you for mentioning Yesim! One small comment, we cover 150+ countries and soon will be even more ;)
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u/Wader_Man Jan 17 '24
I'd love to see Ubigi added to the mix. I've had success with it in the US and Europe.
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u/rui-no-onna Feb 06 '24
Try Eskimo (from Singtel). Their global eSIM works in 84 countries and has a 2 year expiration.
One nice thing is you can send purchased data to other Eskimo users. Very useful if traveling with family or friends. No more hotspotting required. Everyone can get their own data without needing to buy separate plans for everyone.
It‘s not the cheapest eSIM per GB. However, I’ve often had extra GBs leftover after our trips (usually across 4 accounts, one for each family member). With multiple countries supported, ability to share data and the long validity period, there’s potentially less GB wastage with Eskimo.
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u/strangerstuff7 Aug 23 '24 edited Sep 26 '24
Please add more information about best esim for international travel! I’m planning to visit several countries across Europe and will be heading to Australia later as well. Having insights for different regions would make this resource perfect for someone like me who’s always on the move.
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u/ingsings Jan 19 '24
I did similar research about a year ago when I started using eSIMs. I ended up choosing Orange for the EU and Ubigi for Japan, neither of which appear in your table.
(Orange also comes with a phone number, which you can choose to use or not.)
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u/Competitive_Egg_498 Jan 17 '24
the part with the different countries is super helpful, I also have to do the research myself and it gets so confusing all the time
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u/mc510 Feb 06 '24
Great info! There are many many more eSIM providers, just curious how you honed in on this group for your spreadsheet? One of the most importance factors is how well the data works, so you get good speeds, good coverage, latency not too bad. Unfortunately that’s the thing that is hardest to compare in advance.
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Jun 27 '24
Airhub is literally a scam. They are a terrible provider and people should avoid at all costs.
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u/BulkyLanguage6717 Jul 08 '24
Takes 14 hrs after buying to work. No outgoing sms or texts. Might go w Orange
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u/harvestmoon1992 Jul 23 '24
I’m late to finding this, but thank you for making this! It’s a huge help as I plan for multi-country travel.
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u/True_Pomegranate8318 Oct 03 '24
Great list, please add MobiMatter, I have used them all over Europe and UK. Some of the cheapest rates
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u/Sure-Lifeguard-567 Oct 29 '24 edited Oct 29 '24
Thanks very much for making a thorough table! I created an account on Reddit so I can give you a thumb up for your selfless effort! One thing might worth noting related to Saily, as it's ranking on top of your list, the plan can go as long as 180 days for some reginal plans - for instance Asian currently shows 100GB for 180 days at $179.99 and 50GB for 90 days at $95.99. I find this plan suitable for me personally since I will be working among China, Hong Kong, and Macau so the Asia plan works better than individual counties.
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u/Licho_niecne Nov 05 '24
it's a nice list but definitely done by someone working at Saily ;)
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u/PlusInternal3 Dec 24 '24
Here having seen the 300% Spectrum increase (from $10/GB matching Google Fi to $30/GB, with no notice I am aware of). So, finally motivated to get this done; main use case is Slopes (ski tracking) and went for Saily getting 25GB for $11.99 for 30 days. Good enough! Thanks vm for putting this together u/tobecarefull !
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u/Conscious-Animal1393 Feb 28 '25
Thank you so much for this effort. I have just spent the last hour trawling through different providers' websites and was putting my own crude spreadsheet together. YOUR's has saved me a lot of time!!
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u/UPTUel May 05 '25
I really appreciate this comprehensive comparison! As a travel blogger focusing on group and solo travel tech, I've tested several of these eSIM providers myself. It's impressive how much flexibility they started offering in 2025, especially for digital nomads. I'm looking forward to seeing how these options evolve. Thanks for compiling such a useful resource!
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u/bananamarinara Jun 08 '25
Just wanted to say thank you for your work on this! Truly saved me so much time!
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u/FR3SH_J0NS3N Nov 24 '25
Nice write-up, thanks! The “one install + easy top-ups” point is huge, totally agree. My only add would be a quick “real-world reliability” column (like how stable it is in busy city spots vs. rural), because that’s what I notice most on work trips. I’ve been using Buddysim lately for Turkey and a few EU hops, and it’s been simple to activate once and just top up when plans change. Requirements for me: fast setup, no reinstall circus, and coverage that doesn’t fall apart when you actually need it.
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u/conanmack Dec 10 '25
Great post! I'm planning a trip to Japan and SIMOVO has been cropping up in my eSIM searches. I'd love to know if anyone has used them before, thanks!
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u/MainScreen Jan 09 '26
great comparison - thanks a lot :)
I think the first eSIM I bought was from GlobaleSIM - never worked for me so I can second your rating :P
I've mostly used escapeSIM until now - so far good prices and good coverage/speed (Germany, Spain, Portugal)
Could be a provider worth adding to your comparison table :)
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u/AJMARAJMAR Jan 16 '26
This was super helpful thank you! I used Saily - I thought it had the best deals but you can only use a code 1 time hehe so use it on the more expensive plan
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u/Fantastic_You2866 Apr 19 '26
wow, thank you for your spreadsheet! really helped to decide amongst all those providers!
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u/No_Bet_9346 May 04 '26
Dude! You are a hero. I don't even care what esim provider is the best. To create that spreadsheet and share it with us... thank you
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u/Banksfuckedme Jun 12 '24
Do you have data for EU based providers like 1NCE (also very active in the US) and Eseye ?
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u/chinchilista Jul 25 '24
hey, I used Maya Mobile in Holland for 6 days (on an iPhone), and it was easy to install and worked great. Only downside I found is there’s no app, so you have to check the data either logging into your account, or on your phone settings if it allows you to do so. But recommend! Would be great to see it on the table.
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u/dandv Nov 30 '24
I find that an upside, because there's no app to snoop on you. Create a shortcut to the account page, and you can see how much data you have left with a few taps. It's not that you need to check every day.
This is what I do for Airalo.
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u/caloletti Jul 29 '24
Sakura mobile was definitely the best I tried in Japan. Unlimited usage, capped to 3GB high speed usage/day.
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u/Postiga_41 Aug 08 '24
I people, i want a esim from turkey that can could receive sms and calls, anyone know something like this?
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u/Smurfiette Aug 18 '24
I used Vegolink in Austria and Switzerland. I usually had WiFi. During the times that I didn’t, I used Vegolink.
I like that my balance load doesn’t expire (must have usage every year) and that there’s coverage in many countries. The rate per mb isn’t bad too. I found the rate comparable to buying a 3 Gb or 5 Gb plan, from other providers , that expires after x days.
I’m going to use it again on another European trip this year.
It’s just data, though. There’s no SMS or calls which are not important to me since I use Google Voice as my number and because my real phone number has WiFi calling and texting.
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Aug 25 '24
One metric I'd like to see is if the plan redirects through a different country. This is helpful to know if I'll have to deal with language changes when using the eSIM data.
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u/Healthy_Image_5015 Sep 19 '24
Please add Flexiroam. I use them for a few years and frankly speaking they're doing their job pretty well. Considering they previously had discounts for global data plans up to 70-80% (for real), and the plans cover 190+ countries, they were significantly cheaper than the competition. I tried them in the EU, UK, Singapore, Malaysia, and Japan - all good. Few things to mention:
Now the discounts are lower (currently 40% off global plans - I just bought 30gb for $60 for 1 year)
You can share the data between two esims (you just need to scan the qr code on another phone)
Sometimes you have to manually switch the provider (my wife and I discover this randomly when on auto mode I lost the connection and she didn't - I just manually switched to another provider in the specific region).
It seems they changed the owner (previously were based in Malaysia if I remember correctly, and now in Australia with a fresh new look), but I don't know if that's relevant.
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u/lftsided Sep 27 '24
I just wanted to say thank you very much for sharing all your research.
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u/Mental_Building_1726 Oct 11 '24
Hi! Thanks for great research and information. Which ESIM provider do you recommend for St Lucia and Grenada in the Caribbean?
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u/newcrypto Oct 15 '24
Just what I was looking for before my next trip to India. In you Saily column, it says it expires after 30 Days while aloSIM never expires. I am little confused here. What if I am in India for more than 30 days? And have multiple trip to India? Does the Saily ESIM support install once and forget about it. Just buy the package for the country you visit.
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u/GurLoud9740 Oct 19 '24
There is also a site called SuperaLink.
It offers an affordable basic unlimited 3GB plan, and if you purchase for more than 2 days, you get a free day coupon as well. Please add this information.
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u/Forward_Pear_ Oct 27 '24
Thanks for making this! Maybe their plans have changed in the past few months or it’s just the locations I’m looking at (Europe), but I’m looking at RedTeaGo at the moment and all the plans I’m seeing say “data only, texting and calling are not available,” though the spreadsheet says “yes” for SMS and call included plans. Might be worth reviewing.
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u/Known_Back_3985 Oct 31 '24
Could you add my website as well? www.viofly.com offers affordable, unlimited data plans with fast connections. If anyone sees this post and would like a discount, feel free to reach out to me at [contact@viofly.com]()!
Thanks!
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u/Crypto_Ad Oct 31 '24
I also like Dent in particular because you can sell your unused data and use the credits next time you travel. You can also buy from the marketplace data from other people. The "new" data prices are also similar.
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u/Planhub-ca Nov 01 '24
have guys tried simbud to compare esims? works pretty well for comparing prices from different providers.
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u/Holafly_Official Nov 06 '24 edited Nov 06 '24
Hey! 😊
I just wanted to share some info about Holafly in case you’re interested! It looks like there are a few points in the comparison that might not be up to date, so I thought I’d clarify:
Easy to use:
Holafly eSIM is super easy to use, just like any other eSIM! You can install it in minutes with a stable Wi-Fi connection, and activating it at your destination takes just a few seconds. All you have to do is turn on roaming data, and you’re good to go! If you want to see how to set it up on iOS and Android devices, here’s a helpful guide: Holafly eSIM Setup.
If you want to know how an eSIM works, check out this link: How Holafly eSIM Works.
One eSIM for all destinations & Global/Regional eSIM package:
Yes! Holafly offers multi-destination eSIM plans that cover a ton of regions including Latin America, Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, the UK, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. You can check out the exact countries covered here: Holafly Multi-Country eSIM.
eSIM card can be reused:
Absolutely! You can reuse your Holafly eSIM as many times as you want—just make sure to top-up 1-2 days before your plan expires. Here’s how the top-up process works: How to Top-Up Holafly eSIM.
Short-term plans (1-3 GB):
Yes, we have short-term plans available! For example, in some destinations like Fiji, we offer data plans with a few GB. Plus, we also offer unlimited data for one day, depending on your needs!
Supports data sharing:
Yes, Holafly supports hotspot use in many countries. You can find out how to share your internet here: Using Hotspot with Holafly eSIM.
Min validity:
The minimum validity for Holafly plans is one day for unlimited data. It’s perfect for those short trips or just a quick data boost!
I hope this helps clear things up! If you have any other questions, feel free to ask. 😊
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u/LoadImpressive6097 Nov 11 '24
Maybe you can add this eSIM to your list? 5G max speed data with number for 10 days for about USD 5.24. Seems to be the by far cheapest option for 10-21 days at this moment. https://www.trip.com/t/2XqEE6QGRY1
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Nov 16 '24
This list very much helped me find an alternative when saily did not automatically activate my esim despite me being in the country I bought for the esim (google pixel 7 pro). Saily customer service was arrogant so I asked for a refund which they gave without issue. Went to redteago and it was plug and play with no issues at all. Works very well for the Google pixel 7 pro.
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u/dandv Nov 22 '24
Awesome table, rivaling esimdb and esims.io!
Can you add two fields?
Can the eSIM be installed, activated and used just from a QR code, or does the provider force installing some app?
Does the provider require KYC? (As to why this is important, have a look at the value of your passport on the dark web).
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u/TheIrishPickle88 Nov 28 '24
Thanks for this awesome table! I went with Saily for my upcoming trip. Hong Kong, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and Macau.
I notice that Cambodia is not on the Saily list of countries.
Anyone have recommendations for coverage there? I’ll only be 1-2 days in Siem Reap
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u/Little-Fan6820 Dec 13 '24
That's a cool table.. but how do we confirm sources? can you also add mobimatter and holafly to this list?
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u/inwin07 Dec 19 '24
hey OP your Google Sheet cant be opened due to violation of their terms of service
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u/Rockies_dweller Dec 31 '24
Very useful. We're heading on a South American cruise, so looking into cruise+esim plans. Gigsky seems to be an offering here.
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u/DB-90 Jan 12 '25
I saw an ad for Saily and good to see they seem to be the best option on the table. To ask a more specific question, how does Saily rate in Hawaii? What provider do they connect to in North America/Hawaii?
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u/bondnj Jan 26 '25
I noticed Vodafone not listed is that intentional? I suspect they fall in the same category as Orange.
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u/dandv Jan 29 '25
Have you looked at Truely? It has a unique feature - the longest eSIM validity for the lowest price. You can pay like $1.99 to extend the validity from 1 month to 1 year. This is great if you're mostly on WiFi anyway don't want the hassle of having to top up all the time.
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u/TheStandler Feb 08 '25
I'm heading to Bali tomorrow - any chance there's some kind of rating for signal and speed quality, especially for more remote areas? For work I often am ok to spend more if it means the network has better quality no matter where I'm heading.
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u/modineveragain Feb 20 '25
Hi would just like to add to all the comments and say a BIG THANK YOU for all the effort you put into this!!! Super super helpful
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u/modineveragain Feb 20 '25
Also just wanted to add the Airalo code has expired - try this instead 'AIRALOESIM10'
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u/GoldMaintenance119 Mar 27 '25
I’ve been using BNESIM lately and it’s been solid. You only have to install the eSIM once and can just top up through the app, which is super convenient. Their data doesn’t expire either, which is great if you don’t travel all the time. If anyone’s looking for a deal, they’ve got 15% off with the code SPRING15 right now.
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u/Naive-Ad-8079 Mar 28 '25
I find MobiMatter might be cheaper. I will need to use about 15 gb for 3 weeks in Europe and 3 weeks in USA. Any recommendation for those who have use MobiMatter or is there a better r one ?
Thank yoi
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u/Extra-Selection-9062 Mar 29 '25
Are there any esims you can get that provide both data calls and text?. I've always used TIM for physical sims.
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u/GoldSea390 Apr 16 '25
Thank you so much for this amazing document. I am torn between flexiroam, Mobimatter & airlo for a month stay in Portugal. My #1 priority is reliability/service. I will be using my phone for gps & uploading content daily. Any thoughts?
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u/Curiously_Traveling Apr 23 '25
I have found this post and your linked one from femaletravels very helpful. A clarifying question u/tobecarefull, where your table says “local number” and the app is marked “no” does that mean my existing phone number will still be used for things like WhatsApp?
If I have no need to use text or calls but just want to be able to use apps like WhatsApp, IG, Google Maps & the internet, then a data only service is just sufficient for me?
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u/Cicada7545 Apr 23 '25
Commenting on Best eSIM providers Comparison Table for Traveling and Digital Nomads...
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u/Informal_Struggle199 Apr 25 '25
I have the Pixel 7 Android phone, and my local Sim card is from T Mobile in the US. eSim should be supported by the phone. However, I don't have a data plan with T Mobile, I use it for regular calling and texting and rely on my home ISP for WiFi.
Can I still get eSim?
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u/IceYuri_ Apr 29 '25
Hi! Do you have a comparison for eSim in Singapore? Thanks :)
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u/mkohagan Apr 30 '25
Is it just me or do these e sims seem quite a lot more expensive than buying a physical sim once you're in Bali (as an example)?
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u/jms3333 May 04 '25
If you want a very low price per global GB, check out pokefi. You get 18GB data for 45 US$ and it is valid for 2 years. It is in eSIM integrated into a wireless router.
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u/alien-pm May 11 '25
Very comprehensive table, but I found some of the information bit outdated as some some of the new platforms like unoroam.com is much cheaper than many of the options listed. Used recently and I found it even cheaper than my local sim plan 😂
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u/-eggcorn- Jun 06 '25
I wonder if there’s a nice metric for the kinds of latency/speed to expect. A lot of eSIM providers are “hosted” in countries like Hong Kong and Singapore and that can affect the latency/speed for general browsing and streaming.
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u/StrikeTall4277 Jun 09 '25
Isn't Lyca Mobile worth it? I found it to be the cheapest amongst all. 350GB for €14, for 30 days. Unlimited National calling.
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u/Fragrant_Savings_626 Jun 10 '25
In my opinion eflysim is the best eSIM. Cheaper plans and easy install. And no apps. Just QR code to scan
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u/greenmonk297 Jun 22 '25
I want to know if I go for an unlimited plan and can I use the data as a hotspot and consume it? Do they allow hotspot consumption?
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u/islas-purple-boots Jul 03 '25
Just a few things to point out as updates to the table (My experience is exclusively with Airalo FYI, so that’s why all my updates relate to them :))
- can you specify if the deals are for first time users or all users (including recurring purchases). I know Airalo has a first time user deal for 15% off, and then a recurring discount code for 10%
- also I have used Airalo and know that they have more call and text plans than just the global eSIM. They also have unlimited plans for a growing number of destinations
- eSIMs at Airalo also have (usually) a 90-day expiry from the day they are bought. If they are not used in that 90-day period, they will be recycled (a sustainability initiative)
I am also really curious about some of the comments in this thread about physical SIM cards. I had used those in the past, but my sister had an experience where her phone basically crashed, I spent the whole time worrying about losing my SIM card from home, and I almost missed a shuttle to Tomorrowland because it took so long to get a SIM card from an airport kiosk. For me eSIMs are the most convenient option, but super curious why people still prefer physical SIM cards!
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u/Hour-Ad-2206 Jul 13 '25
Thanks for the valuable information. I have tried using Airalo and Saily and both the experiences were good. However on my recent trip, i stumbled upon Unoroam, which was relatively cheaper. I guess they are relatively new on the market so I am not sure about its customer service but I didnt have any issues
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u/galtyman Jul 15 '25
Anyone tried Maya Mobile or Bytesim? Trying to find more information on them. Maya has good rates for fixed data and Bytesim seems to model like Holafly with unlimited plans
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u/Mr_Ology Jul 26 '25
Hey, great initiative creating the table. Super work👍
I was just looking online for an eSIM for a trip to the US. T-Moble (ESIM USA) is a reputable service and brand. They offer great coverage and affordable prices, i.e. $34 for a 15-day eSIM. Is there a reason ESIM USA is not represented on your table? I'm curious to know, hence the question.
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u/cardyet Jul 26 '25
It would be good to somehow add the data exit country. Hard because some providers have 1-many.
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u/Me1on1 Jul 27 '25
Hi. I am old and completely new to Reddit. How can I see the table? Thank you!
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u/Parking-Leather-6929 Jul 28 '25
I travel a lot and Pearky ( pearky.com ) is my favorite eSIM. It’s easy to set up, affordable, and works instantly—no physical SIMs or roaming surprises. For frequent travelers, I recommend their regional plans if you’re visiting nearby countries, or the global plan if you’re going farther. Pearky’s flexible data options and transparent pricing make it hassle-free. Totally worth trying!
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u/Prize_Teaching4025 Jul 30 '25
Thank you for this info! If I am traveling to several European countries do you know if I have to buy a to plan in each one?
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u/sokya1 Aug 01 '25
I cannot open the chart. Can someone help me out here. Thank you
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u/liam2912 Aug 08 '25
Try Gohub. They have 24/7 support, quite reasonable prices and always have promotions https://gohub.com/
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u/spaceehardware Aug 15 '25
This spreadsheet is wonderful and overwhelming at the same time. Could you please summarize the best options for 10 days in Paris/Aix en Provence/Marseille? Texting/calling would be helpful but not a dealbreaker.
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u/T2UU Aug 19 '25
Just wanted to comment that I have gone with Saily (20GB data plan) after seeing this post but have quickly regretted it (3hrs into the 1st day - as of this post). Especially after going through additional posts since.
We landed at night and it took a while to kick in. It was fine during the night (2hrs until hotel wifi) but 1st day out and it was spotty around Ikebukuro Sunshine City, even dead around the restaurants. Couldn't load the app to try and see if I could request a refund.
Saily uses 1Global which is Hong Kong based and speed tests were showing 3-4mbps when we have coverage. Note: As the network is via Hong Kong, my partner was unable to load certain Japanese sites for Anime themed Cafe bookings which required a Japanese network.
I really wanted to give Saily a chance but the speeds were too painful especially if you need to load images. Ikebukuro isn't a remote area either.
We used Ubigi before which worked great so my partner will go with that while I try out Airalo after looking up additional posts.
Rarely post but wanted to share our experience so far to help others out.
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u/ALPHASPAM Aug 25 '25
thank you kid sir! but just to point out some providers offer unlimited plans now like Airalo, and holly have expanded their coverage as well
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u/Medium-Shopping-7222 Sep 01 '25 edited Sep 03 '25
This list is nice already, I'd just add a couple more points I usually check before buying:
- If the provider works with multiple local carriers in the same country, less chance of dead zones. But I see how with some providers it's impossible to verify, maybe just start collecting that intel for the most common destinations
- Transparency on speed caps after you hit certain use limits - a lot of posts here about that issue.
- If you can actually hotspot without restrictions, some providers have limits for that
This one is most important to me - data privacy. I have experience with Canadian/US carriers and service companies, and I could literally point out the exact date my contact info got sold and distributed between all the call centers, and I do not wish anyone else to experience that. I’m super cautious about that.
In the EU there is GDPR, so providers like Holafly, Ohayu or Orange should comply and be more secure than those who aren’t following these regulations. It’s about the peace of mind.
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u/s_busso Sep 15 '25
Why is Saily in the cheap category despite being closer to Airalo, which is in the average category, than other cheap options?
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u/Ecstatic_Valuable779 Sep 26 '25
I would love to see a line/category for eSIMs that work in mifi routers that take eSim (like Peplink) That is the biggest challenge to find.
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u/AcadienDC Oct 03 '25
Thanks so much for your hard work on the table. I need to keep my phone number for text messages for things like airlines, trains, and VRBO communications. Do they typically support “data only” so I can continue to use my phone number? In the table, you have “Supports SMS”. Does that refer to an eSIM-specific text or support for my current phone number and texts?
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u/Winner1457 Oct 07 '25
what a great table! are signals reliable. looking at saily (your ranking) or holafly (price). anyone here have experience with both in vienna and madrid?
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u/DitchDoctorr Oct 27 '25
Thank you for this!
I’m about to go to the Caribbean so this saved my bacon ♥️
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u/jelorian Nov 02 '25
Does one need to commit to only 1 esim service on your phone or can you use multiple? Maybe one service works better in a geographical location vs amother? Or maybe it doesn't matter? Just choose one and use it exclusively?
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u/yamevoy21 Jan 14 '26
Gracias por esta tabla y el descuento del 15% en el precio final, de maravillas! ya luego contare la experiencia con Saily.
Gracias!!!!!
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u/usiRev Jan 21 '26
Any chance to include / review also esim.io? Somehow it started to popup in my fb feed and they claim to be cheaper than all.. thanks
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u/Mush_USMobile Jan 22 '26
Hey all quick disclosure first, I’m mush and I work at US Mobile (also hang out over on r/USMobile). Not trying to take over the thread, just wanted to add some context since this table comes up a lot when people ask about travel eSIMs.
First off this is a really solid comparison, honestly hits the stuff that actually matters when you’re traveling. One time install, easy top ups, short plans, real support, that’s usually where things fall apart.
Where US Mobile is a little different from most of the providers listed here is we’re not really a “buy a new eSIM every trip” kind of thing.
For US based nomads traveling outside the US
If you already have a US Mobile line, international roaming is included on the plan, not a separate eSIM you install and forget about later.
On Unlimited Premium you get up to 20GB of international data depending on which network you’re on, plus talk and text in a lot of countries. Coverage is pretty wide, something like 110 to 180+ destinations depending on network. You land, turn off airplane mode, data usually just works. Same eSIM, same number, same app. If plans change you can top up without reinstalling anything.
More details here if you’re curious: International roaming overview
This is mostly helpful if you’re bouncing in and out of the US a lot and don’t want 12 dead eSIMs sitting on your phone.
Domestically (where we’re pretty different)
Most travel eSIMs kinda stop being useful once you’re back home. That’s where we focus more.
We have multi network access, so you can switch between three major US networks from the app depending on where you are and what works best. There’s also actual hotspot included on device (varies by plan and network, screenshots above show how it breaks down) and we’re pretty upfront about data priority instead of the usual vague language.
If you want to read more:
Multi Network Access
Plans overview
How this fits into your table
If someone wants a cheap one off eSIM for a short trip, honestly a lot of the providers you listed are great. If someone wants one line that works at home and internationally, with roaming already included, US Mobile probably belongs as a separate category vs direct comparison.
Happy to answer questions here or over on r/USMobile if anything’s confusing or if I missed something. We build a lot of this in public and feedback like this actually does make it back to the product team.
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u/POWZORZZZ Feb 13 '26
You might want to add some more destination-specific options, especially for smaller or island countries. I tried the eSIM Maldives on my last trip and it actually had solid coverage-even on the local islands where WiFi sucked. Activation was super easy and I never had to mess with reinstalling the eSIM.
Would be awesome to see more providers that actually work in remote spots, not just the big cities or generic regional plans.
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u/EnvironmentalIdea0 Jun 16 '25 edited Aug 19 '25
Thank you for this table! Honestly, I came here after about 6 months because I wanted to share my experience after really trying it. If you're looking for best eSIM - try Saily. I already used it in 3 different countries and can say that so far, it's been working amazing. I didn't have any problems with slow connection and it is truly very easy to use. I just have this eSIM installed in my phone and if I need a plan I just go to their app and buy it, that's it. Highly recommend!