Before you pick one of the best eSIMs for the USA, let me set the scene. Most eSIMs are just for data but if you do need a number, I've included a provider for that.
I've also neutralised all prices and divided them across an average length stay so I can recommend providers for different length trips and data consumption.
Also, I've looked into the infrastructure to see which providers have the best coverage and least blackspots for your trip.
Based on our user reviews and my research I'm confident you'll find the best eSIM for your USA trip in this guide.
The best eSIM for USA in 2026 in full:
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Best value eSIM
It's hard to workout which provider is genuinely the best price when they all have different lengths of plans, data caps, and prices. When you neutralise everything into cost per data per day Ubigi wins. That being said, it's important to note that if you use more than the average amount of data, or plan to stay longer, or make return trips this might not be the case.
For the average person, on the average trip Ubigi is the top pick for me.
Installation is easy and because Ubigi allow you to keep your eSIM you don't need to remove it and add a new one for later trips. You just need to use the app to buy a new plan and you're good to go.
Read our full Ubigi review.
Best free trial
I'm confident Airalo, and honestly any eSIM in this guide, will work at your destination, but I can't promise it. Blackspots happen, activations occasionally fail, it's par for the course. We've all been there: done the research, downloaded the app, tried to connect, and… nothing.
That's what makes Airalo's free 500MB eSIM worth starting with. Before you pay for anything, you can install it, confirm your phone takes an eSIM, and check the app and activation all work on your device. The stuff that actually goes wrong at setup. If it works (and it should), you buy your plan with the doubt already gone. And since Airalo is the most established name here, with the biggest plan catalogue and the most polished app, that free trial is a no-risk way into the safest default choice in the guide.
Read our full Airalo review.
Best eSIM for moderate data use
Nomad is not the outright cheapest when you neutralise everything to cost per GB, Ubigi and a couple of others come in lower on a typical short trip. With Nomad, the more data you buy, the better value it gets. At the 20GB end of the plans it's actually the cheapest.
For moderate-to-heavy use without committing to an unlimited plan, it's the best. It's for the person who knows they'll get through a fair bit of data. A couple of weeks of maps, messaging, some streaming, maybe working on the road all eat up a modest data allowance.
If your usage is genuinely unpredictable or you might blow past even the big bundles, Nomad also does a per-day option that tops you up with 1GB a day plus slower unlimited data beyond that — a decent safety net without committing to a full unlimited plan.
Read our full Nomad review.
Best eSIM for security
Saily is the one eSIM here that comes from a security company (it's made by the team behind NordVPN). Alongside your data, you get a bundle of built-in protection tools: ad and malware blocking, and the option to mask your virtual location. On a trip that's a bigger deal than it sounds, because travelling means hopping onto exactly the kind of networks you should be wary of; like airport, hotel, and café Wi-Fi.
On price it sits mid-pack, so you're not paying a huge premium for the extra protection. Setup is straightforward too, so you're not trading ease for the added features.
If protecting your data on dodgy public networks is high on your list, Saily is the pick. If it isn't something you think about or you already have protection tools, one of the cheaper options will serve you just as well for less.
Read our full Saily review.
Best eSIM for cruise ships
GigSky is a bit of a specialist, and it earns its place for one reason the others can't touch: it works on cruise ships. If you've ever been stuck mid-ocean staring at the ship's own Wi-Fi pricing you'll be familiar with charges by the hour for a connection that barely loads a webpage. GigSky covers hundreds of cruise ships alongside normal land plans, so your data keeps working on sea days and port days both, on the one eSIM.
It's not the cheapest. Per GB it sits at the premium end, and if you're only travelling on land there are better-value picks in this guide. But that's not really the point of GigSky. For a cruise, the alternative isn't a rival eSIM, it's the ship's extortionate satellite Wi-Fi, and against that GigSky looks like a bargain. Coverage where nothing else reaches is worth paying for.
Read our full GigSky review.
Best eSIM for voice calls
Most travel eSIMs are data-only. For plenty of people that's fine — WhatsApp and other apps cover the calls and texts that matter. Still, sometimes you need a real number to call a hotel, book a cab, or catch an SMS verification code. That's what makes aloSIM the pick here, because nearly every plan comes with a free international phone number through its sister app, Hushed.
It's a genuine US (or Canadian) number that can call and text any number, anywhere, and it comes with $3 of starter calling credit built in. The number runs over the internet (Wi-Fi or data) rather than a native cellular line, which is fine for calls, texts and 2FA but worth knowing. Once the credit is gone you top up, though for most trips a bit of calling credit goes a long way. The number lasts as long as your data plan, and you can hang on to the Hushed number afterwards if you want to keep it.
On data, aloSIM sits mid-pack in the US. So you're not paying a premium for the number.
Read our full Alosim review
Best eSIM for network coverage
Yesim is a very affordable eSIM with widespread coverage in the U.S. This company has network-sharing agreements with Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile, three of the largest American carriers. Hence, users enjoy unprecedented coverage for a reasonable price.
Unlike the others mentioned earlier, this eSIM offers unlimited data plans. You can pay $28.60 for unlimited data for 7 days, $47.30 for 15 days, or $69.30 for 30 days. Yesim also offers capped data plans ranging from 3 GB to 20 GB. For instance, the 30-day 10 GB data plan costs $17.60.
Yesim doesn't require user documentation; you can activate your eSIM immediately after payment. You can activate it by downloading the app or scanning the QR code sent to your email address.
Best eSIM for long term stays
Keepgo offers affordable eSIM bundles for U.S. visitors. You can purchase an eSIM that works only in the U.S. or buy a bundle that works in the U.S. and many other countries. Keepgo's Solaris package gives you speedy internet access in the U.S. powered by AT&T and T-Mobile's infrastructure. You can choose from various plans of 100 MB to 50 GB.
We like that Keepgo offers plans of up to 50 GB, unlike most rivals whose fixed plans stop at 20 GB. Access to unlimited data is undoubtedly better, but that isn’t available here.
The best thing about Keepgo is that all its data plans are valid for at least 365 days (1 year). This robust validity period makes Keepgo an excellent option if you plan to stay in the U.S. for a long time.
Best eSIMs for international travel FAQs
What is an eSIM?
eSIM, or Embedded SIM, is a digital version of a SIM card. It's embedded directly into your smartphone, eliminating the need for physical SIM cards to be removed and replaced when switching carriers.
With an eSIM, you can join new networks directly from your phone without changing SIM cards. Everything works via software, making connecting to new mobile carriers seamless.
With an eSIM, you can travel across the globe without worrying about getting local SIM cards in each country you visit. Simply switch to a local mobile network via a software interface, and you're good to go.
eSIMs first emerged in the early 2010s, thanks to research funded by the GSM Association (GSMA). However, they didn’t gain widespread popularity in smartphones until 2018, when Apple began making iPhones compatible with only eSIMs. This change led many people to adopt eSIMs, most of whom refused to return to physical SIMs. eSIM device sales are expected to reach 14 billion shipments in 2030, compared to 350 million in 2021.
Why do I need an eSIM when visiting the U.S.?
The global telecoms market is siloed and strictly regulated. The mobile carrier in your country won’t work in the U.S. unless you’re on a roaming plan. However, roaming charges can be steep for traditional telecom networks, potentially running into hundreds of dollars for a short stay. If you want a SIM from a U.S.-based carrier, the documentation and purchase process can be stressful.
The alternative is to get a prepaid eSIM that works in the U.S. You’ll activate this eSIM in your country and start using it once you get to the U.S.
eSIM providers don’t operate their telecom infrastructure in different countries because that would be prohibitively expensive. Instead, they have network-sharing agreements with domestic carriers in various countries. When you buy an eSIM on this list, you’ll access network coverage from their partner carrier in the U.S. This way, you can surf the web seamlessly with the same infrastructure that U.S. residents use.
Is my phone compatible with the listed eSIMs?
Most phones made after 2018 are eSIM-compatible, save for a few exceptions. Since Apple released an eSIM-compatible iPhone in 2018, other manufacturers followed suit to avoid being left behind. You can always confirm eSIM compatibility from your iPhone or Android settings.
For iPhones
- Open Settings > General > About.
- Scroll down and find Carrier Lock.
- If your device is unlocked, it'll show "No SIM restrictions.” If you don’t see this text, that means you need to unlock the device first.
- Scroll down to Available SIM (or Digital SIM for older iOS versions). If your iPhone is eSIM-compatible, it'll show a 15-digit IMEI number under this section.
For Android phones
- Open the Settings app.
- Select About Phone.
- Look for SIM Status or a similar option.
- Check for any mention of eSIM or Embedded SIM. If you find it, your Android device is eSIM-compatible. If you don’t find such text, your Android device may not be compatible.
If you’re not still sure, the best option is to check your manufacturer’s website to see if your model is eSIM-compatible.
What factors to consider when choosing a U.S. eSIM package?
1. Network coverage
Does your eSIM provide coverage in all 50 U.S. states? Which mobile carrier’s infrastructure does your eSIM give you access to? Can you browse with 5G? These are essential questions to ask when choosing an eSIM.
It’s better to choose an eSIM that gives you access to multiple domestic networks, e.g., Yesim, which has network-sharing agreements with Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T. The wider your coverage, the more conveniently you can travel across the U.S. without worrying about an internet connection.
2. Data allowance
What amount of data do you need, and what’s the maximum you can buy with your eSIM? Your data plan depends on the duration of your trip, i.e., the longer your stay, the more data you’ll need. You can choose plans ranging from 1 GB to 50 GB or unlimited in some cases. The good news is that you can always top up your data if your initial allocation runs out. It is also important to consider if you need to make long-distance calls on your trip. Not all eSIMs offer phone numbers, however, you can use VOIP apps like WhatsApp, and Skype to still be connected with your loved ones.
3. Pricing
Different eSIM providers offer different prices, and it’s wise to shop around for the best deal. Always compare similar packages from different providers to see if you’re getting the best deal. For example, if you find a 30-day 10 GB package for $30 from one provider and $20 from another, the latter is worth looking at. The good thing about eSIM packages is that you always know the price beforehand, unlike conventional roaming where you can unknowingly rack up huge bills.
