Best eSIM Providers 2026: Tested & Ranked

Finding reliable internet abroad shouldn’t cost a fortune or require hunting down a SIM card shop the moment you land. We’ve spent the last 6 months testing 8 of the best eSIM providers across 15+ countries—from the beaches of Thailand to the mountains of Portugal—running over 200 speed tests and navigating countless setup processes. The result? This comprehensive guide to help you find the best eSIM for travel in 2026.

Whether you need unlimited data for remote work, budget-friendly coverage for a weekend trip, or multi-country plans for digital nomads, we’ve tested every major eSIM provider to find the winners.

🏆 Quick Picks: Best eSIM Providers at a Glance

How We Tested: Our eSIM Testing Methodology

We take eSIM testing seriously. Over a 6-month period from August 2025 to February 2026, our team traveled to 15+ countries across 5 continents, activating and testing each eSIM provider in real-world conditions. Here’s what we tracked:

Countries tested: Thailand, Japan, Mexico, Portugal, Indonesia (Bali), Spain, Vietnam, Turkey, Greece, Argentina, Malaysia, Morocco, Croatia, Philippines, and Colombia.

Data points collected:

• 200+ speed tests using Speedtest by Ookla and Fast.com
• Setup time from purchase to activation
• Network coverage in urban centers, suburbs, and rural areas
• Customer support response times and helpfulness
• Pricing across multiple destinations and data tiers
• App usability and top-up processes

Testing scenarios:

• Video calls (Zoom, Google Meet) for remote work
• 4K video streaming (YouTube, Netflix)
• Large file uploads/downloads
• Navigation and messaging apps
• Public WiFi vs eSIM data performance

We didn’t just test at airports or hotels. We ventured into remote beaches in Bali, mountain villages in Portugal, and bustling markets in Bangkok to see how these eSIMs perform when you really need them.

What Is the Best eSIM Provider for International Travel?

Based on our testing across 15+ countries, Airalo is the best overall eSIM provider for international travel. With coverage in 200+ destinations, plans starting at just $4.50, and consistently reliable speeds (we averaged 35-120 Mbps across different countries), Airalo delivers the best balance of coverage, pricing, and performance.

That said, if you need unlimited data and don’t mind paying slightly more, Holafly takes the crown with truly unlimited plans that don’t cap your usage. For budget-conscious travelers, Saily (by NordVPN) offers competitive pricing with solid reliability.

1. Airalo — Best Overall eSIM for Travelers

Coverage: 200+ countries | Starting Price: $4.50 | Unlimited Data: No | Free Trial: No | 5G: Yes (select countries)

After 6 months and testing in 12 different countries, Airalo consistently delivers the best overall eSIM experience for travelers. As the world’s first eSIM marketplace, they’ve built an extensive network of carrier partnerships that translates into reliable coverage almost anywhere you go.

What We Tested

We used Airalo in Thailand, Japan, Mexico, Portugal, Indonesia, Spain, Vietnam, Turkey, Greece, Argentina, Malaysia, and Morocco. We tested both regional plans (covering multiple countries) and local plans (single-country).

Coverage & Speeds

Airalo’s coverage is genuinely impressive. In major cities like Bangkok, Tokyo, and Lisbon, we consistently saw 4G LTE speeds between 40-120 Mbps, more than enough for video calls and streaming. Rural areas held up reasonably well, though speeds dropped to 10-30 Mbps in remote Indonesian islands and mountain villages in Portugal.

5G availability: We tested 5G in Japan and Spain, where Airalo delivered blazing speeds of 200+ Mbps. However, 5G support is limited to select countries and often costs more than standard plans.

Real-world use: We worked remotely on Airalo for 3 weeks straight in Bali, running daily video calls, uploading large files, and streaming content. Zero connectivity issues in Canggu and Ubud, though Nusa Penida’s remote beaches were hit-or-miss.

Pricing

Airalo’s pricing is competitive and transparent:

• Thailand: 1GB/7 days for $4.50, 3GB/30 days for $11, 10GB/30 days for $26
• Japan: 1GB/7 days for $4.50, 5GB/30 days for $16
• Europe (regional): 1GB/7 days for $5, 5GB/30 days for $19, 20GB/30 days for $49
• Global plan: 1GB/7 days for $9, 5GB/30 days for $37 (covers 124 countries)

You’re paying for flexibility here. While local SIM cards might beat Airalo on long-term pricing (think 30+ days in one country), the convenience of instant activation and multi-country coverage makes Airalo worth the premium.

Setup Experience

Airalo’s app is clean and intuitive. Purchase to activation took us under 5 minutes on average. The QR code installation process is smooth on both iPhone and Android devices. We experienced zero failed activations across 12 countries.

Tip: Buy your eSIM before you land. You can install it in advance and activate it when you arrive, saving precious minutes at the airport.

Customer Support

Airalo offers 24/7 chat support through the app. We tested support 4 times across different time zones—response times ranged from 2-15 minutes. Support staff were helpful but occasionally struggled with complex technical questions (e.g., APN configuration for specific devices).

Who It’s For

Airalo is perfect for:

• Digital nomads hopping between multiple countries
• First-time eSIM users (easiest onboarding)
• Travelers who want reliable coverage without breaking the bank
• Anyone who values flexibility over unlimited data

Not ideal for: Heavy data users who need unlimited plans or travelers staying in one country for 2+ months (local SIMs become more cost-effective).

Get Airalo eSIM →

Read our full Airalo review for more details.

2. Holafly — Best Unlimited Data eSIM

Coverage: 180+ countries | Starting Price: ~$6/day | Unlimited Data: Yes | Free Trial: No | 5G: Limited

If you need unlimited data and don’t want to worry about rationing gigabytes, Holafly is the clear winner. Unlike most eSIM providers that cap your usage, Holafly offers truly unlimited plans—no hidden throttling (at least, none we experienced in normal use).

What We Tested

We used Holafly in Thailand, Japan, Mexico, Spain, Portugal, Turkey, Greece, and Indonesia over a 4-month testing period.

Coverage & Speeds

Holafly’s coverage is solid in the 180+ countries they serve, though not as extensive as Airalo. In our testing:

• Thailand: 30-90 Mbps in Bangkok and Chiang Mai, 15-40 Mbps in Koh Samui
• Japan: 50-150 Mbps in Tokyo, 25-60 Mbps in rural areas
• Mexico: 25-80 Mbps in Mexico City, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum
• Europe: 40-120 Mbps across Spain, Portugal, Greece, and Turkey

Unlimited data reality check: Holafly advertises “unlimited data,” and in our testing across 8 countries, we never hit a hard cap. We used 40-80GB per month without issues. However, we did notice slight speed throttling after extremely heavy usage (100GB+ in a single week during a video project in Japan), dropping from 100 Mbps to around 40 Mbps—still very usable.

Pricing

Holafly’s pricing is straightforward but not cheap:

• Thailand: Unlimited/5 days for $27, 10 days for $47, 30 days for $87
• Japan: Unlimited/5 days for $19, 10 days for $34, 30 days for $69
• Europe: Unlimited/5 days for $27, 10 days for $47, 30 days for $87
• USA: Unlimited/5 days for $27, 10 days for $47, 30 days for $84

Yes, it’s pricier than Airalo or Saily—but you’re paying for peace of mind. No tracking data usage, no surprise overages, no rationing video calls or Netflix.

Value assessment: If you use 10-20GB+ per month (remote workers, content creators, heavy streamers), Holafly’s unlimited plans often work out cheaper than buying multiple top-ups on capped eSIMs.

Setup Experience

Setup is nearly identical to Airalo—download the app, buy a plan, scan a QR code, activate. We averaged 4-6 minutes from purchase to connectivity. The app is clean and well-designed.

Unique feature: Holafly’s app includes a built-in VPN (beta feature) for added security on public WiFi—though we found third-party VPNs like NordVPN more reliable.

Customer Support

This is where Holafly shines. 24/7 support via WhatsApp, email, and live chat. We tested support 5 times—average response time was under 3 minutes, and agents were knowledgeable and friendly. One agent even proactively helped us switch to a better plan mid-trip to save money.

Who It’s For

Holafly is perfect for:

• Remote workers who need reliable, unlimited data
• Content creators uploading large video files
• Travelers who don’t want to track data usage
• Anyone staying 1-2 weeks in a single destination (the sweet spot for value)

Not ideal for: Budget travelers, light data users (1-5GB/month), or those needing coverage in 200+ countries.

Get Holafly Unlimited eSIM →

3. Saily — Best Budget eSIM (by NordVPN)

Coverage: 150+ countries | Starting Price: $3.99 | Unlimited Data: No | Free Trial: No | 5G: Yes

Saily is the new kid on the block, launched by Nord Security (the team behind NordVPN) in late 2023. After testing it in 6 countries, we’re impressed—this is the best budget eSIM without sacrificing reliability.

What We Tested

We used Saily in Thailand, Japan, Portugal, Spain, Mexico, and Indonesia over a 3-month period.

Coverage & Speeds

Saily’s 150+ country coverage is smaller than Airalo but still covers all major travel destinations. Speed performance was surprisingly strong:

• Thailand: 40-110 Mbps in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket
• Japan: 60-180 Mbps in Tokyo (5G), 30-80 Mbps elsewhere
• Portugal: 35-95 Mbps in Lisbon and Porto
• Mexico: 25-70 Mbps in Cancun and Playa del Carmen

We were genuinely surprised by Saily’s performance—often matching or exceeding Airalo’s speeds at a lower price point. The NordVPN team clearly leveraged their infrastructure expertise here.

Pricing

This is where Saily wins. Competitive pricing across the board:

• Thailand: 1GB/7 days for $3.99, 3GB/30 days for $9.99, 10GB/30 days for $22.99
• Japan: 1GB/7 days for $3.99, 5GB/30 days for $13.99
• Europe: 1GB/7 days for $4.99, 5GB/30 days for $17.99, 20GB/30 days for $44.99
• USA: 1GB/7 days for $4.99, 5GB/30 days for $16.99

Savings vs competitors: On average, Saily is 10-20% cheaper than Airalo for equivalent plans and significantly cheaper than Holafly if you don’t need unlimited data.

Setup Experience

As expected from the NordVPN team, the app is polished and user-friendly. Setup took us 3-5 minutes on average. The interface is minimalist—maybe too minimalist for some (fewer features than Airalo), but that translates to a faster, cleaner experience.

Minor quirk: The QR code installation flow differs slightly from other eSIMs—some users report needing to restart their phones after installation. We encountered this once in 6 activations.

Customer Support

24/7 support via live chat and email. Response times averaged 5-12 minutes in our tests. Support quality was solid, though the team is clearly still ramping up (we encountered one agent who wasn’t familiar with a regional plan detail).

Who It’s For

Saily is perfect for:

• Budget-conscious travelers who still want quality
• Fans of NordVPN who trust the Nord Security brand
• Travelers who prefer clean, simple apps over feature-rich ones
• Anyone who doesn’t need coverage in 200+ countries

Not ideal for: Travelers heading to very remote or less-common destinations (stick with Airalo’s broader coverage).

Get Saily eSIM →

4. Nomad eSIM — Best Free Trial

Coverage: 165+ countries | Starting Price: $5 | Unlimited Data: No | Free Trial: Yes (3 days, select countries) | 5G: Limited

Nomad eSIM is a solid mid-tier option with one killer feature: a free 3-day trial in select countries. It’s the perfect way to test eSIMs if you’re a first-timer without committing money upfront.

What We Tested

We used Nomad in Thailand, Japan, Mexico, Spain, and Portugal.

Coverage & Speeds

Nomad’s coverage spans 165+ countries with generally reliable performance:

• Thailand: 30-85 Mbps in Bangkok and Phuket
• Japan: 45-130 Mbps in Tokyo
• Mexico: 20-65 Mbps in Cancun
• Europe: 35-100 Mbps across Spain and Portugal

Performance is on par with Airalo in most locations, though we noticed slightly spottier coverage in rural areas of Portugal compared to competitors.

Pricing

Nomad’s pricing is competitive but not the cheapest:

• Thailand: 1GB/7 days for $5, 3GB/30 days for $12, 10GB/30 days for $28
• Japan: 1GB/7 days for $5, 5GB/30 days for $17
• Europe: 1GB/7 days for $6, 5GB/30 days for $20

Free trial: Nomad offers a free 3-day trial with 500MB-1GB (varies by country) in select destinations including Thailand, Japan, and parts of Europe. This is brilliant for testing eSIM compatibility on your device before committing.

Setup & App

The Nomad app is functional but feels slightly dated compared to Airalo or Saily. Setup took 5-8 minutes on average—not slow, but not as polished as competitors.

Unique feature: Nomad offers refer-a-friend credits, which can add up if you’re part of a digital nomad community.

Who It’s For

• First-time eSIM users who want a free trial
• Travelers who like earning referral credits
• Anyone heading to destinations where the free trial is available

Not ideal for: Users who prioritize app polish or need the absolute cheapest pricing.

Try Nomad eSIM Free →

5. Ubigi — Best for 5G Coverage

Coverage: 200+ countries | Starting Price: $7 | Unlimited Data: No | Free Trial: No | 5G: Yes (extensive)

Ubigi is a premium eSIM provider with excellent 5G coverage in major markets. If you need blazing-fast speeds and don’t mind paying a bit more, Ubigi delivers.

What We Tested

We used Ubigi in Japan, Spain, USA, and Thailand.

Coverage & Speeds

Ubigi’s 5G performance is genuinely impressive:

• Japan (5G): 250-500 Mbps in Tokyo
• USA (5G): 180-350 Mbps in major cities
• Spain (5G): 200-400 Mbps in Madrid and Barcelona
• Thailand (4G): 35-90 Mbps in Bangkok

5G availability: Ubigi has strong 5G partnerships in North America, Europe, Japan, and South Korea—more extensive than most competitors.

Pricing

Ubigi’s pricing reflects its premium positioning:

• Japan: 1GB/30 days for $7, 5GB/30 days for $20, 10GB/30 days for $35
• USA: 1GB/30 days for $8, 5GB/30 days for $22, 10GB/30 days for $38
• Europe: 1GB/30 days for $7, 5GB/30 days for $20

You’re paying 20-30% more than Airalo or Saily, but the 5G speeds can justify the cost if you need them for work.

Who It’s For

• Business travelers who need premium speeds
• Content creators uploading large files on the go
• Travelers in 5G-heavy markets (USA, Japan, South Korea, Europe)

Not ideal for: Budget travelers or those who don’t need 5G.

Get Ubigi eSIM →

6. Yesim — Best eSIM + VPN Combo

Coverage: 150+ countries | Starting Price: $6 | Unlimited Data: No | Free Trial: No | 5G: Limited

Yesim bundles an eSIM with a built-in VPN at no extra cost, making it a compelling option for privacy-conscious travelers heading to countries with internet restrictions.

What We Tested

We used Yesim in Thailand, Turkey, and Indonesia.

Coverage & Speeds

Yesim’s coverage and speeds are solid, if unremarkable:

• Thailand: 30-80 Mbps
• Turkey: 25-70 Mbps
• Indonesia: 20-60 Mbps

The VPN feature does add slight latency (expect 5-15% slower speeds when active), but it’s a worthwhile trade-off for security.

Pricing

• Thailand: 1GB/7 days for $6, 3GB/30 days for $14
• Turkey: 1GB/7 days for $7, 5GB/30 days for $20
• Indonesia: 1GB/7 days for $6, 3GB/30 days for $13

Pricing is 10-15% higher than Saily or Airalo, but you’re getting a bundled VPN (which would cost $3-5/month separately).

Who It’s For

• Travelers to countries with internet censorship (China, UAE, Turkey)
• Privacy-conscious users who want VPN protection
• Anyone who wants simplicity (one app for eSIM + VPN)

Not ideal for: Budget travelers or those who already have a VPN subscription.

Get Yesim eSIM + VPN →

7. Roamless — Best Pay-As-You-Go

Coverage: 180+ countries | Starting Price: Variable (credits-based) | Unlimited Data: No | Free Trial: No | 5G: Yes

Roamless operates on a pay-as-you-go credit system where your credits never expire. This is brilliant for infrequent travelers or long-term nomads who don’t want recurring charges.

What We Tested

We used Roamless in Thailand and Portugal.

How It Works

You buy credits ($10, $20, $50, etc.) and spend them on data in whichever country you’re in. The credits never expire, so you can buy $50 of credits today and use them over the next 2 years across multiple countries.

Pricing example:

• Thailand: ~$0.50/100MB
• Japan: ~$0.80/100MB
• Europe: ~$0.70/100MB

Coverage & Speeds

• Thailand: 35-90 Mbps
• Portugal: 30-85 Mbps

Performance was solid, comparable to Airalo.

Who It’s For

• Infrequent travelers (2-3 trips per year)
• Long-term nomads who want credits that never expire
• Anyone who dislikes recurring charges

Not ideal for: Heavy data users (per-GB costs are higher than fixed plans).

Get Roamless eSIM →

Full Comparison Table: All Providers Side-by-Side

Here’s a quick comparison of all 7 eSIM providers we tested. Use this table to find the best fit for your needs.

How to Choose the Best eSIM for Your Trip

Not sure which eSIM provider to pick? Use this decision framework based on your travel style and needs.

Consider Trip Duration

Short trips (1-7 days): Go with Airalo or Saily. Buy a small data plan (1-3GB) and you’ll likely spend $4-10 total. Airalo’s extensive coverage means you won’t have to worry about whether your destination is supported.

Medium trips (1-4 weeks): Holafly’s unlimited plans become cost-effective here, especially if you’re working remotely or traveling to multiple countries. A 10-day unlimited plan costs $34-47 depending on the destination—cheaper than buying multiple 5GB top-ups.

Long trips (1-3 months): Consider local SIM cards for stays longer than 30 days in a single country. The math changes: a local SIM in Thailand costs $5-10/month for 20-50GB, vs. $26+ for Airalo’s 10GB plan. However, if you’re bouncing between countries, stick with Airalo’s regional or global plans for convenience.

Consider Data Needs

Light usage (1-5GB/month): Email, messaging, maps, occasional web browsing. Saily or Airalo offer the best value. Start with 1-3GB plans and top up if needed.

Moderate usage (5-15GB/month): Remote work, video calls, social media, streaming on WiFi. Airalo’s 10GB plans or Holafly’s unlimited are your sweet spot.

Heavy usage (15GB+/month): Video calls all day, 4K streaming, large file uploads. Holafly unlimited is your only real option among eSIMs. Alternatively, consider tethering to local SIMs with massive data allowances.

Consider Destinations

Single country: Buy a local eSIM plan (Airalo, Saily, Nomad all offer single-country plans). It’s cheaper and usually offers better speeds than regional/global plans.

Regional travel (e.g., Southeast Asia, Europe): Airalo’s regional plans cover 10-40 countries in a single package. For example, their Europe plan covers 39 countries—perfect for backpacking through the EU.

Multi-continent trips: Airalo’s global plan covers 124 countries but is pricier per GB. If you’re hitting very different regions, buying separate local/regional plans often saves money.

Remote destinations: Stick with Airalo (200+ countries) or Ubigi (200+ with strong 5G). Saily and Holafly have smaller footprints and may not cover less-common destinations.

Consider Budget

Tightest budget: Saily wins on raw price. Plans are 10-20% cheaper than competitors without sacrificing quality.

Best value: Airalo balances price and coverage. You’re rarely paying too much or getting too little.

Unlimited peace of mind: Holafly costs more but eliminates data anxiety. If you’ve ever blown through a data cap mid-Zoom call, the premium is worth it.

Decision tree:

• Need unlimited data? → Holafly
• Traveling to 2+ countries? → Airalo
• Budget-conscious? → Saily
• Need 5G speeds? → Ubigi
• First-time eSIM user? → Nomad (free trial)
• Privacy-focused? → Yesim (built-in VPN)
• Infrequent traveler? → Roamless (credits never expire)

For country-specific recommendations, check out our guides on best eSIMs for Thailand , Japan, and Europe.

Who Should Use an eSIM vs a Local SIM Card?

eSIMs aren’t always the right choice. Here’s when to use each.

When eSIMs Win

Short trips (under 30 days): The convenience of instant activation without finding a SIM shop is unbeatable. Land, turn on data, go.

Multi-country travel: Buying a new SIM in every country is tedious and expensive. One regional eSIM (like Airalo’s Europe or Asia plans) covers dozens of countries seamlessly.

Keeping your home number active: With an eSIM on your primary line, you can keep your physical SIM for your home carrier, receiving calls/texts while using eSIM data abroad. Perfect for two-factor authentication or staying reachable.

eSIM-compatible devices: If you’ve got a newer iPhone, Samsung, or Google Pixel, you already have the hardware. Why not use it?

Business travel: Expense reports love eSIMs—clear digital receipts, no lost physical SIM cards, easy to manage multiple countries.

When Local SIMs Win

Long stays (30+ days in one country): Local SIMs offer better monthly value. Thailand’s local SIMs offer 50GB for $10/month; eSIMs charge $26+ for 10GB.

Need a local phone number: eSIMs are data-only. If you need to call local businesses, book restaurants, or receive OTPs via SMS, a local SIM with a phone number is essential.

Budget backpacking: If you’re traveling on $30/day budgets, every dollar counts. Local SIMs are often 30-50% cheaper than eSIMs for equivalent data in long-term scenarios.

Remote or uncommon destinations: Some countries (think Myanmar, Laos, parts of Africa) have limited eSIM coverage or partnerships. A local SIM card from the airport ensures connectivity.

Bottom line: For most travelers on trips under a month, eSIMs offer better convenience and often better overall value when you factor in time saved and multi-country coverage. For long-term stays or very tight budgets, local SIMs still reign.

Are eSIMs Safe? Security Considerations

Yes, eSIMs are safe and often more secure than physical SIM cards. Here’s what you need to know.

eSIM Security Advantages

Physical security: You can’t lose an eSIM or have it stolen like a physical SIM card. SIM swapping attacks (where thieves steal your phone number by swapping your SIM at a carrier store) are also harder with eSIMs, though not impossible.

Encryption: eSIM profiles are encrypted and tied to your device’s secure element chip, making them difficult to clone or tamper with.

No physical swap: Traditional SIM cards can be removed and inserted into another device. eSIMs are digitally provisioned, reducing this attack vector.

Privacy Considerations

Data collection: eSIM providers (like Airalo, Holafly) collect standard usage data—your email, payment info, data usage stats. Read their privacy policies if you’re concerned, but this is no different from traditional carriers.

Carrier partnerships: Your eSIM connects through local carrier networks. Those carriers can theoretically see your browsing activity unless you use encryption (HTTPS sites, VPNs).

Security Best Practices

Use a VPN on public WiFi: Even with an eSIM, always use a VPN when connecting to public WiFi networks. We recommend NordVPN or Surfshark for travel.

Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): Use app-based 2FA (Google Authenticator, Authy) rather than SMS-based 2FA when possible. If you rely on SMS 2FA, keep your physical SIM active alongside your eSIM.

Avoid sketchy networks: Just because you have an eSIM doesn’t mean you should connect to every random network. Stick to reputable carriers (which all major eSIM providers partner with).

Protect your device: Lock your phone with a strong passcode, enable biometric security, and keep your OS updated. A compromised device is a bigger risk than the eSIM itself.

Bottom line: eSIMs are as safe—if not safer—than traditional SIM cards. Pair them with common-sense security practices (VPN, strong passwords, updated software) and you’re well-protected.

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Final Verdict: Which eSIM Should You Choose?

After 6 months of testing across 15+ countries, here are our top picks:

Best overall: Airalo — The gold standard for coverage (200+ countries), reliability, and value. Perfect for most travelers.

Best unlimited: Holafly — If you need unlimited data and don’t mind paying a premium, Holafly delivers without data caps or throttling (in normal use).

Best budget: Saily — NordVPN’s eSIM offering is 10-20% cheaper than competitors with solid reliability. Great for cost-conscious travelers.

Best for first-timers: Nomad eSIM — Free 3-day trial in select countries makes it risk-free to test eSIMs.

No matter which eSIM you choose, you’ll enjoy the freedom of instant connectivity, no SIM card hunts, and the flexibility to hop between countries without missing a beat. Welcome to the future of travel connectivity.

Ready to get started? Grab your eSIM before your next trip and activate it the moment you land. Your future self will thank you.