Become a TechRadar Insider
Getting ready for your next adventure abroad? Then you'll want to pack the best eSIM for international travel along with everything else in your luggage. They're a great way to make sure you're always connected wherever you are in the world, whether you're going on holiday to Asia or taking a short business trip to Europe.
I've tested the best options for reliable coverage, easy set-up, and costs, and Ubigi is the one that really stands out to me. Connection speeds are fast, pricing is competitive, and I love that there's a massive range of plans available for every type of traveler.
In testing each of the best eSIMs in this round-up, I've looked specifically at three primary areas that I think every traveler and holiday-maker worries about: speed, coverage, and cost. Here, you'll find my favorite providers for short stays, unlimited data plans, and all-inclusive services for data, text, and calls.
Update: In my latest update, based on our new reviews for 2026, I've refreshed the entries for Airalo, Nomad, and Saily (my personal favorite eSIM with a host of Nord-backed features for secure browsing).
Best eSIM overall
Developed by Translatel-NTT, Ubigi has been a pioneer in the eSIM market since 2017. With the mission of connecting people everywhere, Ubigi covers over 200 countries. To cater to diverse needs, Ubigi offers a variety of data plans tailored for each destination.
I like that Ubigi has a range of data plans for every destination. Users can find more than five plans per country, with multiple regional and global plans available.
Pricing
The pricing is competitive with no hidden costs or additional fees. Global plans are available, covering 200+ destinations. I also like that even the global plans offer monthly subscription choices.
For example, you can get 5GB of data per month for $30. Ubigi has also rolled out unlimited data plans. Unlimited data plans for Europe start from $28, which I’ve found to be quite affordable compared to other providers.
Setup
Setting up a Ubigi eSIM is quick and easy. All you need to do is download the app, choose your desired plan, and you will receive a QR code via email. Simply scan it for instant activation, and you are ready to jet set. What's great about the Ubigi app is that even if you run out of data or cannot connect to the local Wi-Fi, you can still top up your eSIM on the app without an internet connection.
If you need further assistance installing your eSIM, I found the Ubigi Help Center to be user-friendly. Ubigi has also introduced a live chat option where customers can get support in real time.
Other features
And if you plan to use multiple devices on your trip, Ubigi allows you to use mobile hotspot functionality without any restrictions, perfect for sharing data with friends and family. Additionally, Ubigi claims to provide a 5G network in over 40 destinations.
One limitation that is worth highlighting is that Ubigi plans do not include a phone number, meaning you cannot make or receive traditional calls. However, you can still make voice and video calls over WiFi using apps like WhatsApp or Instagram.
We've partnered with Ubigi to bring you an exclusive reader offer that gets you 10% off on all plans on your first purchase- use code TECHRADAR to claim it.
Read our full Ubigi review.
Best eSIM for security
Saily, from Nord Security, is an exceptionally user-friendly global eSIM provider delivering competitive pricing and a host of security features that an ad blocker, web protection, and virtual location. While it might not be the best overall, it is my personal favorite.
Pricing
Saily's coverage spans over 200 destinations, including the United States, Thailand, Malaysia, Japan, and India. However, behind that headline figure, the Global plan is actually for 121 destinations, so I recommend checking you'll get service before signing up. What I like about Saily is that it connects to local carriers, which delivers a more reliable service. However, it can
Setup
It's incredibly simple to set up this eSIM on your device - select a plan on the app and the eSIM installs. It's completely hassle-free - although you'll need an internet connection to activate, so I recommend doing this before leaving on your trip. Once you land at your destination, the service will automatically start, so you're up and running immediately.
Other features
When it comes to features, Saily is right at the top for me. Outside of phone coverage, you get a host of completely free security tools - which, as a Nord Security product, won't come as a huge surprise.
These include secure web protection, virtual location that lets you browse as if you're in any part of the world, and an ad blocker. That last one is an important extra, since an independent study showed this feature actually saves around 30% of mobile data while traveling. The provider also offers tailored plans for companies with employees undertaking business trips.
Saily's Ultra Plan is a good choice for frequent travelers. Naturally, it offers unlimited internal data across 121 destinations for a monthly fee, which ranges between $29.99 for the Standard plan with 5GB of high-speed data, up to the Premium plan's $59.99 for 30GB and unlimited data at up to 1 Mbps. It also adds in plenty of extras, including airport lounge access and NordVPN.
Customer support is equally good, with live chat functionality offering 24/7 help whenever you need it.
Overall, Saily is an exceptionally good eSIM for global travelers, delivering relatively broad and very reliable international coverage. For those concerned about secure connections while abroad, there's no beating it.
Read our full Saily review.
Best eSIM for global plans
Airalo is easily one of the best internal eSIM providers thanks to its customizable plans and wide coverage across 200 countries - although the Discover Global plan supports 169 countries and carriers.
Pricing
Prices for Airalo's Discover Global start from $8.50 for 1GB for 7 days for the data-only plan. The most expensive plan - 20GB data, 200 minutes, and 200 texts for 365 days - is $89. Overall, the broad range of plans makes it suitable for both occasional and regular travelers.
Setup
Setting up Airalo on your device is pretty simple. First, select your plan in the app or on the site and pay. This unlocks a QR code tied to your account. Point your camera at this and the eSIM is automatically downloaded to your device, ready for when you land at your destination.
Other features
The feature-set is one of the highlights of Airaloa's global eSIM. The core features you'd expect include a raft of local, regional, and global plans with worldwide network access to keep you connected internationally. There are also no roaming charges.
Beyond that, the provider has a loyalty program, Airmoney, offering account credit when you purchase an eSIM, add data, or refer friends and family.
More useful for those taking multiple devices abroad, it does allow tethering and mobile hotspotting. This lets you share a single connection with other devices, instead of relying on hit-and-miss public Wi-Fi in airports and hotels.
Overall, I find plenty to like about Airalo. During testing, speeds were good for most general tasks, like navigating a map app, browsing the internet, and messaging contacts.
Airalo is offering a 15% discount to all TechRadar readers on all eSIM plans with the code FUTURE15.
Read our full Airalo review.
Best eSIM for easy installation
AloSIM is a Canada-based tech company that offers great prepaid data SIMs at affordable prices.
Pricing
The prices at AloSIM are quite reasonable for the offering. Plus, data sharing is supported, so you can use your personal hotspot to connect to other devices or let a friend free ride with you.
Most data plans start at $4.50 for 1GB of data. AloSIM also offers as many as 12 regional plans. However, I couldn’t spot a regional plan for Africa. Thus, it isn’t a great option if you’re traveling in Africa.
Setup
When installing an aloSIM eSIM, I found the process to be straightforward. There are three ways in which you can do that:
1. Automatic installation — if you want to start using your plan straight away, you should go with this option.
2. Scanning QR code — this option is available in almost all eSIM providers — you just have to scan the QR code to activate your network.
3. Manual installation — You will have to go through a step-by-step instruction manual to adjust your settings and activate your eSIM.
Other features
One innovative feature of the app is its Data Calculator, which helps you find the estimated data that you will require depending on the things you use your internet for on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis. Once you have decided on the amount of data you need, you can head over to the eSIM area and select a plan to your liking.
The reason why this is so great is that it bears testimony to the brand's transparency and genuineness. Being able to calculate your daily requirements won't let you overspend on something you don't need.
Another thing I love about AloSIM is that you get to see which partnering networks you're gonna be connected with before you purchase any package, so that you can ensure that you are connected to a reliable network. You can also check the speed availability in the region (3G, 4G, 5G, or LTE).
AloSIM has teamed up with its sister app, Hushed, to offer an international phone number, so you can make and receive calls and texts, making it a low-cost travel solution. But this option is not included with all plans, so make sure to check if this is covered before you make a purchase.
One drawback is that there is no unlimited plan for you to rely on if you're a data junkie. Overall, AloSIM stands out with its transparency, auto-installation feature, and affordable price.
Read our full AloSIM review.
Best eSIM for network coverage
Airhub is a trusted player in the eSIM market, covering over 190+ countries worldwide. eSIM plans include data, local call minutes, SMS, and international call minutes.
While most eSIM providers usually have around 3-5 plans per country, Airhub provides up to 15 plans to choose from for a single country, which gives you the flexibility to select the plan that resonates best with your needs.
Pricing
Airhub has managed to make some of the best partnerships with local companies to offer the cost-effective deals that it does. If you're going to stay in a country for multiple months, you can simply go for the monthly subscriptions. Some of these plans I’ve seen also include unlimited voice minutes and SMS.
The majority of plans that you will find on the website are prepaid, with a few postpaid plans and a postpaid monthly subscription in a few countries, the most important one being the United States. The regional plans offer an attractive price proposition as well, with options available in APAC, Africa, North America, the Middle East, and Europe.
Setup
When you open the Airhub app, there's not a lot going on — the interface is clean and intuitive. After logging in, you will find a page that lets you select the country, with three tabs differentiating local eSIMs, regional eSIMs, and monthly plans (note that the global package is included in the regional eSIM category).
Other features
Airhub is particularly a good choice for those who will be traveling to remote areas. Unlike other providers, Airhub allows you to switch to different networks regardless of your location.
In my roundup, Airhub stands out with its great plans, minimalist apps, and websites, and ticks all the boxes of travelers and remote workers looking for an affordable and effective eSIM.
Read our full Airhub review.
Best eSIM for value for money
Nomad eSIM stands out as offering great value for money, particularly for those taking extended trips, with plans running for 7 days and 30 days.
Pricing
There are a broad range of plans here, with various prices for local, regional, and global data plans. For the standard Global plan, which spans 123 destinations, the cheapest price is $12 for 1GB for 7 days, maxing out at $103 for 20GB for 30 days.
While not available for every destination, I like that it includes a 50GB options on certain services, which is a useful for those who need a good chunk of data, but don't want to opt for an expensive unlimited plan. I recommend checking to see if it's available for your chosen area.
In general, I find it delivers great value for money across North America, Asia, and Europe. But less so in places like Latin America, where cheaper options are available.
Setup
Similar to providers like Airalo, setup sees you select a plan on the website or in the app, where you'll receive a QR code after purchase. Scan this and the eSIM is automatically installed to your device. Do this before you leave, as the profile needs an online download. Also, make sure not to activate the eSIM early, as you'll start using mobile data before you actually need it.
In terms of the app, Nomad is pleasingly easy to use, with a clean interface that's intuitive to use, even if you've never used an eSIM before.
Other features
Features are relatively light here, with a focus on mobile coverage and connection. Notably, Nomad's plans are all data-only, with no option to buy a plan that allows for text and calls.
However, it does support hotspot and device tethering for sharing your connection with other devices, and there is a responsive 24/7 live chat for customer support.
Read our full Nomad review.
Best eSIM for inflight data plans
eSIMs are an important part of Flexiroam's wide line of products, and it's one of the best data-only eSIM lines out there. You get access to more than 500 mobile networks worldwide through its partnership with Jersey Telecom, with multiple networks in a single place, meaning you are never limited to just one network with this one.
Pricing
There are more than 700 eSIM plans to choose from. I found Flexiroam's in-flight data plans to be quite unique – plans are available for 24 hours with 1GB, 2GB, and unlimited data options priced at $10, $18, and $25, respectively.
However, comparing the plans with other providers, I find Flexiroam to be slightly more expensive than its counterparts. For example, 1GB for 7 days in Spain costs $8. Whereas Airalo provides the same plan at $4.50.
Other features
When traveling, the eSIM automatically connects to the strongest network in that area for reliable and strong coverage, no matter where you go. If you still don't feel content with the connected network, you can manually switch to the provider of your choice and use it if you find that more comfortable.
Being a data-only eSIM, you don't get a phone number to call in case there's a network coverage issue and your internet stops working. However, there are options to buy separate voice and text plans.
In conclusion, Flexiroam is definitely worth your bucks if you are looking for customizable options, whether it is only data plans, in-flight plans, or voice and text plans.
Read our full Flexiroam review.
Best eSIM for cruises
GigSky is another strong contender in the business. The eSIM provides coverage in over 200 countries, with additional options for in-flight and cruise connectivity.
Pricing
GigSky offers both fixed and unlimited data plans. Fixed options range from 1GB to 100GB, giving frequent travelers a wider selection than many competitors. Unlimited plans are available for durations of 1 to 30 days.
The global plan covers 163 countries. I also like that the provider offers a separate Caribbean plan and cruise plans. Cruise plans are a notable differentiator, covering major cruise lines such as Carnival, Disney, and MSC, something few competitors currently offer.
Setup
Just like every other eSIM service, Gigsky's installation process is quite straightforward. Everything can be done with the app. It's worth installing the eSIM before your travels, and all you have to do is activate your eSIM once you have landed.
Should you run into any issues, GigSky does have a Help Center, and you can contact them by filling out the online form, though the lack of live chat or a phone line means response times can be slower.
Other features
GigSky also runs a visa program that works in 175+ countries, where customers can receive either complimentary or discounted global mobile data depending on the plan. While each plan has specific redemption conditions, it can be a useful perk for frequent travelers looking to cut costs.
Read our full GigSky review.
Best eSIM for frequent travellers
Jetpac is a Singapore-based eSIM provider founded in 2022. Jetpac offers reliable internet access through both regional and global plans, catering to a variety of travel needs. Whether you're on a short 4-day trip or an extended 30-day journey, Jetpac ensures you're always connected.
Pricing
Their flexible data plans range from 1GB to 40GB or more, ensuring you have the data you need for every situation.
Jetpac has partnered with local networks around the world to guarantee high-speed internet, with most connections offering 4G/LTE and even 5G speeds where available. This means you can enjoy smooth browsing, streaming, and communication no matter where you are.
Setup
Setting up Jetpac’s eSIM is straightforward and user-friendly. By downloading the Jetpac app, you are guided through the simple installation process. Additionally, Jetpac’s website offers detailed resources and guides to assist with any questions you might have.
Other features
One of Jetpac’s standout features is its SmartDelay service. By registering your flight with Jetpac, you can gain complimentary access to airport lounges if your flight is delayed or canceled.
This service can accommodate up to five travelers, making it a valuable perk for families or groups. Imagine the convenience of relaxing in a comfortable lounge, complete with refreshments and Wi-Fi, rather than waiting at the gate during unexpected delays.
Another notable feature is the ability to share your hotspot and connect with your laptop, tablet, or other devices to your Jetpac eSIM, ensuring that all your gadgets stay online wherever you go.
This feature is particularly beneficial for business travelers who need to stay productive or for families wanting to keep everyone connected on a single plan.
The company’s dedication to customer support is evident, with a team available around the clock to assist via email or live chat.
While the eSIM can be downloaded and installed before you depart, the data plan will only activate once you arrive in a supported country. Overall, I was impressed by Jetpac's perks and customer support options.
Read our full Jetpac review.
Best eSIM for unlimited data
Holafly eSIM cards are among the few options offering unlimited data plans — you can send as many videos and photos to your family without worrying about the data limit. In the few countries that don't give unlimited data, they offer higher data limits than most other providers.
Pricing
On the price front, Holafly is a little high-end, but it's worth the unlimited data and stress-free traveling it offers. For example, its 5-day unlimited data plan for the USA costs $19. It also offers regional plans.
In terms of duration, too, there's great flexibility. You can get plans that last 5, 10, 15, 20, 60, and 90 days. In short, there will always be a plan close to the number of days you're traveling for in about 160 countries that Holafly caters to.
Brands like Airalo are significantly cheaper than Holafly, but you will have to get top-up plans if you exhaust your data mid-journey, which can be troublesome if you travel alone and don't have anyone to provide your hotspot in the meantime.
Setup
Installing the eSIM is also a breeze with Holafly. Simply scan the QR code you receive after purchasing a plan and follow the prompts. You will be guided through each step of the process, and the payment can be made through various portals like a credit card, debit card, PayPal, Google Pay, or Apple Pay. You can also use a code for manual installation if you don't want to scan the QR code.
Other features
Holafly‘s customer support is one of the best in the market. You can expect a reply from them within less than a minute of entering your query. With language support in English, German, French, Italian, Japanese, and Spanish, you can easily access the 24/7 support via WhatsApp or chat. On top of that, there's a frequently asked questions section that will solve most of your queries regarding the installation of the eSIM.
However, if you plan to buy a single Holafly eSIM for your family, thinking that the unlimited data plan will do the trick, beware. Holafly eSIM doesn't allow data sharing with other devices as of now.
While Holafly has great data plans, it doesn't include calls with all plans or SMS service. Currently, you can make calls for up to 60 minutes and receive calls for up to 60 minutes in Europe, Spain, France, Italy, and Germany.
However, I didn’t find this off-putting due to the sheer non-functionality of SMS and calls these days. You can always make calls or send texts through Holafly’s unlimited Internet (WhatsApp, Skype, or other apps).
We have partnered with Holafly to bring you an exclusive reader offer: you can use the code TECHRADAR to get 5% off.
Read our full Holafly review.
Best eSIM for free speed-capped data
Firsty is a new eSIM player in the market and is the first global telecom provider that offers free mobile data for travelers in over 120 countries.
Pricing
This is how the free plan essentially works: Users download the free Firsty app, create a profile, and start using the free plan. Users get access to free data for the first 59 minutes, after which they need to watch a short ad to receive free data for another hour.
However, the free plan is only ideal for messages and emails, as the speed in this tier is quite slow. Users have the option to upgrade to two premium plans: Comfort Plus and First Class.
Both these plans are ad-free and offer data sharing. Users can get Comfort Plus for $1 a day, while First Class is available at $2.50 a day.
The main difference between these two premium plans is that you will get basic speed with Comfort Plus and high speed with First Class. In other words, if you plan to use streaming platforms on your trip, we would recommend purchasing the First Class plan.
Other features
Firsty's free plan covers over 120 countries, and the premium plans cover over 160 countries with additional locations being added soon. There are also regional plans available, including the Middle East and South America.
However, compared to other providers in the market, the coverage is quite limited. For example, Ubigi offers coverage in over 200 countries.
We also like Firsty's customer support. Users can find a detailed help center and in-app support page. If you need further assistance, you can also email Firsty directly at support@firsty.app.
Read our full Firsty review.
Best eSIM for 5G performance
By working with newtok partners and tapping into fast cellular data networks, ByteSIM can offer access to some of the fastest 5G speeds when it comes to using an eSIM.
For example, in Japan the company has KGGI as a network partner and so can offer 5G speeds of up to 871Mbps.
But on top of just offering speedy connections, ByteSIM has a lot of flexibility when it comes to users finding a data plan that works for them while they are traveling to a specific country. People who want fast but short-lived data access can opt for a 500-megabyte daily usage limit, with unlimited speeds throttled at 128kbps thereafter. Heavy data users can get unlimited plans, with fast speeds even under Fair Data Usage policies.
There's also the option to go for regional eSIMs to cover areas such as Europe, US and Canada, Africa, and more. And a global option can provide mobile data access across 125 countries, with prices starting at $4.90 a day.
Depending on the plan, there's also the option to use the data allowance as a hotspot to connect laptops and tablets to, and regional eSIMs can provide a number; just be aware that for local eSIMs there's no phone number option.
Installation is easy, with a QR code sent via email, and activation of a data plan only happening when your phone connects to a local network. And a 24/7 WhatsApp/VoIP service is there to give you access to a human support team.
Read our full ByteSIM review.
Best eSIMs for international travel FAQs
What is an eSIM?
eSIMs are digital SIM cards already embedded in your mobile device. They are small rewritable chips fixed inside your phone, which connect with an antenna to eliminate the need for a physical SIM.
Since an eSIM is rewritable, you can change your operator with just a simple setting change. The antenna connects to whichever network you select, so there’s no need to purchase a new SIM.
eSIMs have been around for quite some time. But when Apple decided to remove the good old SIM card slot and shift the iPhone to being completely eSIM-featured, this feature got its moment in the spotlight. The main reason eSIMs are preferred is because of their ease of use.
Some other reasons why eSIMs have gained popularity include environmental sustainability, reduced battery consumption, and the ability to switch networks on the fly in remote areas.
While there’s no major difference between using an eSIM card and a physical SIM card, eSIMs could be a slight turnoff when you want to switch phones. That said, the benefits of eSIM certainly outweigh physical SIM cards in most scenarios.
Why should I get an eSIM for international travel?
The best thing about an eSIM is that you can store as many as eight (sometimes even more) on your phone and activate them when needed without additional roaming charges.
Of course, if your current network operator provides free roaming service, there's no need to consider a travel-specific or local SIM. But if that's not the case, it can be quite a task to find the right operator and negotiate with language barriers.
eSIMs are also generally more secure than physical SIMs since there’s no way to remove them, so they can’t get lost. And if your phone gets lost or stolen, tracking it is much easier since eSIMs cannot be removed from the device.
Note that international roaming works the same way on physical SIMs and eSIMs. The only difference that sets the two apart is that while you can add only two physical SIMs at a time, you can conveniently purchase an eSIM from a local carrier and switch your eSIM operators as you visit multiple locations.
Is my phone compatible with eSIM?
Most phones manufactured after 2018 are compatible with eSIMs, except for a few exceptions depending on the location and carrier. iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR are among the first eSIM-compatible iPhones that came out in 2018.
To check if your phone supports an eSIM, follow these steps:
For iPhone
- Go to Settings > General > About
- Scroll down to find the Carrier Lock section
- If your device is unlocked, it will show "No SIM restrictions" If that's not the case, you need to unlock your device first.
- If you have an iOS 15 or later, Scroll down to "Available SIM" and if you have earlier iOS versions, find "Digital SIM"
- If your phone supports eSIMs, it will show a 15-digit IMEI number
For Android
Because different Android phones handle SIM and eSIM differently, it's best to check with the manufacturer. However, one process would be:
- Open Settings
- Select About Phone
- Look for SIM Status or a similar option
- Check for any mention of eSIM or Embedded SIM
Alternatively, go to Network & Internet in the Settings menu, and tap "eSIM cards". If you find a "Download a SIM instead?" option, your device is eSIM-compatible
You can also check if your phone has an EID (Embedded Identity Document Number), which is the serial number that matches the eSIM embedded in your device. To do this:
- Dial *#06# and press call
- If your device is eSIM-compatible, you'll be able to view your EID number
How to choose the best eSIM for international travel
Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you're buying the best. Find out more about how we test.
While all the providers have something or the other to offer, it's important to know the factors that make an eSIM the best among them.
1. Which place are you traveling to?
It's important to check the network coverage of an eSIM in the place you're visiting. eSIM providers often offer amazing coverage in particular countries but mediocre performance in others. This is because eSIMs collaborate or partner with local service providers in different countries to enhance network coverage.
So, make sure that you check the service of the local provider that's accessible to you and select the eSIM provider that has coverage for the place you're traveling to.
Depending on the number of places you are going to visit, you can select local, regional, and global eSIMs. Here's how they differ:
- Local eSIM — You should go for this eSIM if you're traveling to just one country. For example, if you're traveling to Paris, you can get a local France eSIM.
- Regional eSIM — This is a perfect option if you're going to travel to a couple of countries within the same region. Let’s say you're planning a European trip; in that case, instead of buying a local SIM for each country, it’s a lot more convenient to get a regional eSIM that will work in all the countries in Europe you're visiting.
- Global eSIM — Global eSIM allows you to connect to several countries all over the world, which is perfect if you're going to travel worldwide or to countries that are in different regions.
How much data will you need?
If your data requirements are ambitious, you should preferably look for a cheap eSIM or one that provides unlimited data. On the other hand, if your data needs aren't too demanding, but you need internet in remote places, you might have to shell out a bit more for quality internet. To get an idea of how much data different apps use up, have a look at this:
- Google Maps: 5MB per hour
- Social Media: 50MB per hour
- Internet Browsing: 50MB per hour
- Online Gaming: 70+MB per hour
- Streaming Music: 100MB per hour
- SD Video: 1GB per hour
- HD Video: 4GB per hour
- 4K Video: 7GB per hour
3. How long will you be abroad?
All eSIM providers have different validity options — you can choose between 7, 10, 15, 30, 60, 90-day plans, and so on. Find a plan with a validity period that outlines how long you're going to be using the eSIM.
Some eSIM providers provide plans shorter than 7 days; look out for them if you're going to be away for the weekend. On the other hand, if your data usage is moderate, but you are traveling for longer periods, an unlimited plan might be the best for you.
Can I use more than one eSIM provider when traveling abroad?
Yes, you can use more than one eSIM, depending on whether you use Android or iOS. When traveling, you’d want to use at least two SIMs simultaneously so that you don't lose touch with the older SIM contact when using the new local SIM.
iPhones can store up to 5-10 eSIMs on the device, depending on the exact model. For example, the iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13, and iPhone 13 Mini allow you to use two eSIMs simultaneously. On the flip side, you can use only one eSIM with iPhone 12 models, iPhone 11 models, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR.
Similarly, Androids can also store 5-7 eSIMs on the device. However, you can only activate and use one eSIM at a time.
This makes your work a lot easier. Suppose you’re traveling to Asia and Europe within a short span of time; you can purchase two eSIMs on your device. Simply activate the eSIM once you transition from one destination to another. This is more convenient compared to traditional SIMs, where you would have had to physically purchase a SIM at every destination you visit.
Traditional phones generally feature a maximum of 2 SIM cards in devices with dual SIM slots. In devices like iPhones that usually don't have a dual SIM feature, you will have to get a student device if you wish to use more than one SIM at once.
Are eSIM better than physical SIM cards?
eSIMs offer several advantages over traditional SIM cards. They provide greater flexibility, convenience, and security for users, all while saving device space and reducing battery consumption.
While the technology is still relatively new and not universally supported yet, eSIMs will likely become the standard in the coming years as more devices and carriers adopt them.
Here’s an overview of some key advantages of using an eSIM:
Seamless activation
One of the biggest advantages of eSIMs is the ease of activation and switching between carriers. With an eSIM, you can activate service or change providers with just a few taps on your device, without having to go to a store to get a physical SIM.
This makes it much more convenient, especially when traveling internationally.
Increased security
eSIMs offer enhanced security compared to physical SIMs. They cannot be physically removed or stolen from a device, reducing the risk of unauthorized access or SIM cloning. Some eSIMs even have self-destructing features that erase data after failed authentication attempts
Designs options
Since eSIMs are embedded directly into devices and don't require a separate slot, they free up valuable space inside smartphones. This allows manufacturers to make devices slimmer, include larger batteries, or add other features. The lack of a removable SIM tray also improves water and dust resistance.
Multiple profiles
A single eSIM can store multiple carrier profiles, allowing you to switch between them as needed. This is especially useful if you want to use separate lines for work and personal use on a single phone, or if you frequently travel and need to use local services in different countries.
With an eSIM, you can do this without juggling multiple physical SIM cards.
Reliable connectivity
eSIMs can provide more reliable connectivity than physical SIM cards. SIM cards can come loose, get damaged, or degrade over time, potentially leading to signal issues. The embedded nature of eSIMs makes them less prone to these physical connectivity problems.
Environmental sustainability
Switching to eSIMs offers significant environmental benefits compared to using physical SIM cards. eSIMs eliminate the need for plastic SIM card production, packaging, and transportation, reducing the telecom industry's carbon footprint.
By enabling remote provisioning and digital distribution of SIM profiles, eSIMs also cut down on the need for users to travel to stores for activation or changes, further decreasing emissions.
Are there any risks to using eSIMs?
eSIMs are no more dangerous than physical SIM cards. They both employ the same encryption methods and security protocols to protect user data.
The only possible security disadvantage of eSIMs is that they are a relatively new technology, and some users may find the setup process more complex.
But, in many cases, eSIMs may actually be safer. Unlike physical SIMs, eSIMs cannot be physically removed or tampered with, reducing the risk of SIM cloning or unauthorized SIM swapping.
Because they are a more recent technology, eSIMs also have additional security features like remote provisioning and encrypted communications, which make them safer to use.
All that said, eSIMs are not infallible. Just like physical SIM cards, they can be hacked into by an attacker with enough skills and determination.
As an eSIM user, you can protect yourself by using strong, unique passwords, keeping your eSIM software updated, and only downloading profiles from trusted sources.
How I tested the best eSIMs for international travel
For testing these providers, I looked at numerous factors, including pricing, network coverage, and setup. I also considered unique features like enhanced security suites, data tethering, multi-country support, and app usability.
By comparing these providers side by side, I've identified the best options for different needs, from budget-friendly choices to extensive global coverage.
This approach aims to ensure you have all the information you need to choose the right eSIM provider for your specific travel requirements.
You can find more on how we test, rate, and review products on TechRadar.
Udita Choudhary is a Content Sub Editor at TechRadar Pro where she manages several verticals including eSIM, programming and productivity. She also works on the affiliate side, managing the editorial needs of diverse clientele. She has written for publications such as Vogue Business, Marie Claire, and Homes & Gardens.