Finding the best eSIM can be challenging because there are so many on the market! It feels like there’s a new one out every day — but not all are created equal. I’ve tested some myself and trawled through user reviews to help you narrow your search. Here are the pros and cons of the major eSIM providers out there, including Holafly, Saily, Jetpac, Airalo, and ETravelSim. I’ve also included discounts codes wherever possible.
This post may contain affiliate links. Buying an eSIM through some of these links generates a small commission for me at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!
Choosing the best eSIM for you
While all eSIMs are more convenient than traditional SIM cards, they’re not all made equal and you’ll have to do some digging to choose the best eSIM for your needs and travel style. (And you’re already here researching it, so that’s half the battle!) Here are some key factors to consider:
- Pricing. Is it affordable?
- Ease of Use. Will it be easy to purchase, install, and activate?
- Customer support. Will someone be available to help you if you run into issues?
- Compatibility. Does it work with your phone model?
- Coverage. Is it available in the region you’re traveling to?
These little travel tools are becoming increasingly popular, and quickly.
There were almost 600 million eSIM smartphone connections worldwide in 2024, more than three times the number reported in 2022. (via Statista)
So it’s worth seeing what all the hype is about and trying an eSIM on your next trip. It’s pretty low risk. Like, even if it doesn’t go well, you can always fall back on finding a traditional SIM at your destination.
Read more: Is an eSIM Useful for Short Trips?
Pros & cons of the best eSIM options I've tried
My article about my experience with Airalo is my most popular blog post ever, lol. Not something I expected when I wrote it. But that is what prompted me to test out more and write this list of the best eSIM providers out there! In no particular order, here’s what I think of the eSIMs I’ve tried.
What sets it apart: The unlimited data packages! This is standard for every Holafly eSIM. This is the best one I’ve used so far, and I’m currently using their Holafly Plans recurring subscription (more on this below).
Pros: Unlimited data makes Holafly the best eSIM option for people who run through data quickly. You just pay a set fee for the amount of days you’re traveling and never have to think about how many gigabytes you’ve used or worry about topping up. (Unless you extend your trip, that is!) I also found their customer service very helpful and the instructions simple to follow.
Cons: Holafly is significantly more expensive than the other options out there. If you just need data to check your socials occasionally, you’re better off with a more affordable eSIM provider like Saily or Jetpac.
Here’s my detailed Holafly eSIM review.
Discount: Get any Holafly eSIM at a 5% discount with my link or NAOMILAI in the promo code box.
If you’re on a multi-month trip and doing a lot of country-hopping, you’ll want to check out Holafly Plans. This is a newly released subscription option, and I go into more detail about it here.
Features:
- It’s currently $65/month for unlimited data (with 10 and 25GB plans for less)
- Global coverage — so it works anywhere in the world and you don’t have to keep downloading eSIMs for different locations.
- Hotspotting to multiple devices
- You pay monthly (and don’t need to lock in for a set period)
- I can getcha an exclusive 10% off every month for 12 months
- Use RUNAWAYTRAVELLER in the promo code box for the discount
What sets it apart: Saily was created by NordVPN, the most reliable and widely known VPN service out there — I’ve used it for years. All Saily eSIMs come with security features like an ad blocker, web protection, and the option to change your virtual location.
Especially with the concerns coming out about Airalo, Saily is the best eSIM alternative with solid security.
Pros: Saily is the best eSIM option if you’re on a budget. It’s one of the most consistently affordable options I’ve found! Saily Ultra is also their new subscription model.
Cons: It took a little longer for my eSIM to start working. But once it was up and running, it was smooth Sailing… (Get it?) The support team was helpful in resolving the activation problem. That said, other people don’t seem to have had the same startup issue, so maybe it was just a fluke.
Here’s my detailed Saily eSIM review.
Discount: Get 5% off any Saily eSIM with NAOMI5 in the promo code box at check out.
What sets it apart: ETravelSim is one of the few options that offers calling with some packages. This means you’ll get a local phone number with your plan. I’ll admit this is rarely a necessity, however I’ve now had a couple situations where I needed to make a phone call to a landline when all I had was an eSIM with data.
Pros: They have some great regional packages for places you’re likely to country hop, like Southeast Asia, Europe, and Africa (on special for $27/30 days as of August 2025). It’s also great that you can hotspot with most plans. It’s definitely the best eSIM for call and text abroad. Also, ETravelSim offer the most competitive discount at 15% off for first time users.
Cons: They have a $5 or 30% refund transaction fee, which isn’t cool IMO. But I guess the flip side to this is that they’re more likely to actually give you a refund.
Here’s my detailed ETravelSim honest review.
Discount: Get 15% off with NAOMI15 in the promo box on your first ETravelSim. Or, if you’ve used it before, you can still get 10% off with code NAOMI10.
What sets it apart: The notable thing about Jetpac has to be its free lounge access through Dragon Pass. The caveat is that you only get said access when your flight is delayed or if you pay for it. It’s definitely the “coolest” eSIM provider. Like… look at that ad haha.
Pros: Frequent sales on data packages (as low as $1/1GB). It’s the top-rated eSIM on Trustpilot (more on this below). And some plans in 50 countries now let you make outgoing calls to landlines.
Cons: Complex subscription system for the perks they highlight. I was low key hoping my flight got delayed so I could test the free lounge access, but alas, everything ran on schedule.
Discount: Use RUNAWAY10 at checkout for 10% off any Jetpac eSIM over 10 USD.
Airalo
What sets it apart: Airalo describes itself as “the world’s first eSIM store.” And it is probably still the most prominent provider on the market.
Pros: Hotspotting to another device is allowed with most plans.
Cons: Airalo’s customer service has a horrible reputation — I’ll share some reviews below. I had an issue getting a refund when an eSIM stopped working and only managed to get credit after a lot of back and forth.
Here’s my detailed Airalo eSIM review.
Important update
There are some unconfirmed privacy concerns with Airalo. Posts have been popping up on Reddit claiming accounts were hacked, with many believing there was a data breach Airalo has not made public. Proceed with caution and remove your card details from the app. Paying through Apple or Google Pay is more secure.
Other eSIMs worth checking out
There are literally dozens of eSIM providers out there. Other popular options for data abroad include these ones. Most of which offer discounts, of course:
- Roamless (20% discount: RUNAWAY20)
- Kolet (10% discount: KOLET10)
- BambooSIM (10% discount: RUNAWAY10)
- Yesim (10% discount: YESIMSPECIAL10)
- Alosim (5% discount: ALOTRIP)
- Nomad
- Ubigi
It would take me ages to test them all out, but I’ll come back to update this post if/when I give them a go.
I went full-on ADHD hyper focus mode for like 100 hours creating this detailed spreadsheet to help you compare/contrast 14 different eSIM companies. Prices, discounts, perks, refund policies, support, device compatibility… the whole deal.
Click below for a PDF version of the full list. Hopefully you find this useful!
Best eSIM providers based on user reviews
Look, they all claim to be something along the lines of the #1 eSIM, the best international eSIM, the top eSIM for Europe, the best eSIM for the US, the most reliable eSIM for Japan, etc. But it’s unclear where those self-appointed titles come from. So beyond my personal experience, let’s turn to the word of the people.
Trustpilot prevents companies from offering incentives to remove or change reviews, so it’s one of the most reliable sources. I’ve found some informative reviews with pros and cons. Jetpac, Holafly, and Saily seem to have the most reliable service with the best overall reputations.
Jetpac reviews
Trustpilot: 4.8/5 star rating. 88% 5-star reviews, which is a great indication that it’s reliable!
- 5 Star review: “Solid consistent coverage in Europe. I misread the usage screen thought my data was almost done. Bought a second pack. Reached out on WhatsApp for a refund and Jay responded right away and sorted me out. Very satisfied customer.” — Julie, April 1, 2025
- 1 Star review: “We r currently waiting for the lounge pass. I have texted their helpline and they simply push us away, claiming it is Dragonpass liability. This is not a real benefit, it’s getting more like a scam to differentiate Jetpac from the rest.” — R, April 7, 2025
Saily reviews
Saily on Trustpilot: 4.7/5 star rating. 81% of the ratings are 5 stars. They have consistently strong reviews about their customer service, which is exactly what I experienced as well.
5 Star review: “I had difficulty using my eSim plan when I arrived in-country. After describing my issue, the support team resolved my issue and I was able to enjoy the rest of my holiday without any issues.” — JohnD, April 7, 2025
1 Star review: “Tried Daily in Kenya and Albania neither time could l get it working even though l spent hours following their support advice. Will not use again.” — Phil Jowett, March 31, 2025
Holafly reviews
Holafly on Trustpilot: 4.5/5 star rating. 84% of views are 5-star. They also have a whopping 65,000+ reviews, so a consistently strong rating across that many users is huge news.
- 5 Star review (coverage): “Excellent coverage both in Okinawa and Shanghai! Never had to worry about data service, even in the middle of the ocean! Also the customer service support were super on top of it! Will definitely be getting these eSIMs again! Super good value for money!” — Roxanne Wong, April 5, 2025
- 1 Star review: “I purchased a virtual SIM card for Japan from Holafly. […] but it never worked. My partner, who has the exact same phone and purchased the same card, was able to connect without any issues, which made it clear that my card was “defective” […] They refuse to refund me for the service I was unable to use.” — Marta Moya, April 6, 2025
ETravelSim reviews
ETravelSim on Trustpilot: 3.7/5 star rating. 64% are 5-star reviews. But there are a fair amount of 1-star reviews that drag the rating down.
5 Star review: “I always buy these and they work perfectly. Customer service is answering immediately and they are very helpful and kind – the eSIMs work instantly! Overall – highly recommended!” — Frederique, March 21, 2025
1 Star review: “Although i had full 5g connection, i had an internet speed of lower than 5mb/s. I compared it with holafly – there i had 30mb/s at the same location.” – Michael, March 29, 2025
Airalo reviews
Airalo on Trustpilot: 3.9/5 star average rating. This has gone up since I originally wrote this review article — it rose from 3.4 to 3.9. So I guess they’re doing better.
- 5 Star review: “I bought an Airalo eSim card for my 3 days trip to Lebanon. Although Lebanon has one of the weakest and most unstable networks in the world, I didn’t have any issues with Airalo. I recommend it in Lebanon and else where in the Middle East.” — Isam Abdel Rahman, April 4, 2025
- 1 Star review: “My eSIM didn’t work. I was in contact with their support staff on Whatsapp […] but nothing resolved my issue. […] As soon as I asked for a refund, they stopped responding to me.” — Ailbhe Treacy, April 6, 2025
Key takeaways
Ultimately, the biggest takeaway here is that when eSIMs work, they work really well. But when they don’t work? It’s hard for customer service to pinpoint why and you may or may not get your money back.
My best advice is to start with a basic package to test it out, and you can always top up if you have a good experience.
And no matter which way you slice it, an eSIM is more convenient and cost-effective than paying for roaming.
Troubleshooting common eSIM issues and how to get the best results with customer service
I’m not really a tech girly but here are some quick and easy steps you can take if your eSIM isn’t working. If it’s your first time using an eSIM, changing the settings can be a little daunting. But once you get it, you get it.
Common eSIM issues
- eSIM won’t activate: As silly as it sounds, turn it on and turn it off again. Restart your phone and check your settings. If everything seems fine but it isn’t activating, contact customer support.
- Slow data speeds: Try switching networks manually. You’ll likely have access to a few different local network options. So select a new one and wait a bit to see if it has a stronger connection. If none work, contact customer support.
- No signal in a specific country: Confirm the eSIM is valid for that region. Someone complained that they bought an Airalo package for the UK which worked fine in London but not Dublin. But Dublin isn’t part of the UK, so likely wasn’t included in the package they bought!
Best eSIM results with customer service
Customer service seems to be the most consistent pain-point users experience with ALL the best eSIM providers.
One of my experiences with Airalo (in South Africa) was unsuccessful after a top-up. I never found a solution and requested a refund. They were originally reluctant to give me one, but I found some vague phrasing in their T&Cs that basically suggested the rep could make a final decision on a case-by-case basis, which eventually got me a full credit, not a refund.
So my best advice is to remain friendly with your request, but scour through those T&Cs if you’re told “no” unfairly.
FAQs about eSIMs
Can I use an eSIM and a physical SIM at the same time?
Yes. Most phones now support “dual SIM functionality,” so you can use a physical SIM and an eSIM at the same time.
It’s great if you want to keep your regular SIM active for calls and use the eSIM for local data. I do this occasionally and it works well. You can choose which SIM you want to handles calls, texts, and data in your settings.
Do eSIMs worth with all phones?
No. Only certain phones support eSIMs. However, if you have a new-ish model you’ll be totally fine.
For example, iPhones from the X onward and Androids like Pixel 3+, Galaxy S20+, and some Motorola, Huawei, and Oppo models are compatible. Each eSIM provider will have a detailed list of which phones are compatible, like this page on Holafly. You should always double check before you lock in your purchase, as most providers will have something in the T&Cs about not refunding eSIMs purchased for an incompatible phone.
Can I get an eSIM for my iPad or tablet?
Yes. If you have a device with 4G capability, you can install your eSIM on an iPad or tablet.
An unlimited Holafly eSIM would be pretty useful if you do any work from your tablet or love to wind down with some Netflix on your iPad after a busy day. Saily and many other eSIM providers also work with iPads and tablets.
Can I get an eSIM for my laptop?
Maybe. No Apple laptops offer this yet, but some that run windows, including Asus, Dell, and HP have eSIM-compatible models.
Nomad eSIM has a comprehensive list here. I reckon Holafly is the best eSIM for any laptop activity since you’ll likely be using up more data, making the unlimited option ideal.
Are eSIMs cheaper than local SIM cards?
Maybe. Usually, no.
You’re paying for the convenience of not having to faff about with tracking down a local SIM card in every new country or region you visit. However, eSIMs may be cheaper in some destinations with crazy high data prices like Canada and the US.
Can I top up an eSIM, or do I need to buy a new one?
Maybe. It depends on the provider.
Some let you top up your eSIM even if you’re in a new country, while others require buying a new plan and setting it up again. Check before buying, as some apps make it easy and others don’t.
Tell me about the best eSIM you've used
Let me know which eSIMs you’ve tried that have worked well, which ones haven’t worked, and if I’m missing any good ones on this list!