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Staying connected while you travel has never been easier—thanks to eSIM apps that eliminate the need for physical SIM cards and let you switch plans with just a few taps. After years of testing various eSIM solutions on our own travels, we’ve found that a few standout apps not only offer competitive pricing but also excel in ease of activation, reliable coverage, and user-friendly design. In our comprehensive review, we reveal our top 10 eSIM apps that every globetrotter should consider for seamless connectivity on the go.
The Short Answer
For most international travelers, our top pick is Airalo. Scoring a solid 9.3/10 in our tests, Airalo consistently outperforms competitors like Holafly and Ubigi in key areas such as affordability, activation speed, and global coverage. If you’re looking to enjoy hassle-free connectivity with a simple, intuitive app, Airalo is the one to beat.
What to Look For in an eSIM App
When choosing the right eSIM app for your travels, consider these crucial factors:
Pricing
Even though many eSIM apps offer a range of data plans—from as little as 1 GB for short trips to unlimited options for heavy data users—the key is finding the best value for your money. Look for transparent pricing with no hidden fees and competitive rates that suit your travel duration and data consumption habits.
Activation & Ease of Use
The beauty of an eSIM is that it should be activated quickly and effortlessly. A top-notch app will provide clear, step-by-step instructions, whether you’re scanning a QR code or installing the profile manually. Our favorite apps streamline the entire process so you’re online almost immediately upon arrival at your destination.
Data Plans & Coverage
Reliable connectivity is non-negotiable. Ensure your chosen eSIM app offers plans that provide solid coverage in your travel destinations—be it local, regional, or global. Look for partnerships with major carriers that support 4G/LTE and 5G networks, as well as flexible plan durations.
Advanced Features & Customer Support
Extra features like real-time data tracking, hotspot sharing, and multilingual customer support can enhance your experience. Whether you’re a digital nomad or a casual traveler, robust 24/7 support is invaluable in resolving any issues swiftly.
The Best eSIM Apps Compared & Reviewed
The eSIM apps below will satisfy your needs, but take the time to compare each one carefully before choosing one.
You can quickly compare our 10 favorite eSIM apps in the table below:
| Airalo | Holafly | Ubigi | Yesim | Saily | Truphone | Jetpac | Nomad | MobiMatter | Global YO | |
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| Overall Rating | 9.3/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.6/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.3/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.0/10 |
| Global Coverage | 9.9 | 9.8 | 9.0 | 8.8 | 9.0 | 8.7 | 8.5 | 8.3 | 8.0 | 8.0 |
| Plan Flexibility | 9.2 | 9.0 | 8.8 | 8.5 | 8.7 | 8.3 | 8.0 | 8.0 | 7.8 | 7.5 |
| Activation & Setup | 9.9 | 9.5 | 9.0 | 9.3 | 9.9 | 9.0 | 9.8 | 9.5 | 9.2 | 9.0 |
| Data Speed | 9.7 | 9.1 | 9.3 | 9.0 | 9.0 | 8.8 | 9.8 | 9.3 | 9.0 | 9.2 |
| Security | 8.6 | 8.8 | 8.7 | 8.5 | 8.9 | 8.7 | 8.2 | 8.3 | 8.1 | 8.0 |
| User Experience | 9.9 | 9.5 | 9.3 | 9.1 | 9.9 | 9.0 | 9.8 | 9.5 | 9.2 | 9.0 |
| Additional Features | 6.4 | 6.9 | 7.0 | 7.1 | 7.0 | 6.8 | 7.2 | 7.0 | 7.5 | 7.1 |
Based on extensive hands-on testing and user feedback, here are our top recommendations:
1. Airalo
- Overall Rating: 9.3/10
- Highlights: Extensive global coverage (over 190 countries), diverse data and data + voice/text plans, 5G readiness, multilingual app support, and a smooth activation process.
- Why We Love It: Airalo’s intuitive interface and affordable rates make it our top pick for travelers who want reliable connectivity anywhere in the world.
2. Holafly
- Overall Rating: 9.0/10
- Highlights: Unlimited data plans ideal for streaming and remote work, city-specific packages, and quick activation.
- Why We Love It: Perfect for heavy data users, Holafly ensures uninterrupted connectivity—just note that it’s primarily a data-only service.
3. Ubigi
- Overall Rating: 8.8/10
- Highlights: Excellent for on-the-go data monitoring with insightful usage analytics, robust regional options, and competitive pricing.
- Why We Love It: Ubigi is a reliable choice for those who want detailed control over their data consumption while traveling.
4. Yesim
- Overall Rating: 8.7/10
- Highlights: Budget-friendly plans, ease of use, and flexibility with local and regional packages.
- Why We Love It: Yesim offers great value for money, especially for travelers on a budget who still demand solid performance.
5. Saily
- Overall Rating: 8.6/10
- Highlights: Fast activation, a user-friendly interface, and exceptional customer support.
- Why We Love It: Saily eSIM’s focus on security and streamlined setup makes it an excellent choice for those new to eSIM technology.
6. Truphone
- Overall Rating: 8.5/10
- Highlights: Ideal for business travelers with its dual SIM management, high-security standards, and flexible plans.
- Why We Love It: Truphone excels in offering robust, secure connectivity for professionals juggling multiple lines on one device.
7. Jetpac
- Overall Rating: 8.3/10
- Highlights: Affordable, short-term travel plans that are perfect for spontaneous trips and last-minute data needs.
- Why We Love It: Jetpac’s low-cost entry plans (sometimes as low as $1 for a few days) make it great for travelers looking for a quick fix.
8. Nomad
- Overall Rating: 8.2/10
- Highlights: Flexible regional data plans with easy top-up options and a modern, clean app design.
- Why We Love It: Nomad offers a balance between affordability and reliability, especially for multi-country trips.
9. MobiMatter
- Overall Rating: 8.1/10
- Highlights: Niche market focus with competitive international plans, suitable for specialized travel needs.
- Why We Love It: MobiMatter is a solid option if you’re looking for plans tailored to less common destinations or need specific regional coverage.
10. Global YO
- Overall Rating: 8.0/10
- Highlights: Innovative rewards system that offers discounts through in-app credits and dual SIM management.
- Why We Love It: Global YO’s creative approach to incentivizing usage and its flexible plan options make it a worthy contender for the tech-savvy traveler.