Whether you’re planning a world trip, working remotely from Asia, or spending a weekend in London — staying connected abroad has never been easier thanks to eSIMs. But what exactly is an eSIM? What do you need to use it? And which providers are best in 2025? Here’s your complete guide.
What Is an eSIM?
An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a small chip built into your smartphone, tablet, or laptop that replaces the traditional plastic SIM card. Instead of swapping physical SIMs, you can download a digital eSIM profile directly to your device — instantly.
Benefits for travelers:
- No more fumbling with SIM cards at the airport
- No need to wait for shipping or activation
- Buy and activate from anywhere in minutes
- Often much cheaper than roaming packages from your mobile provider
What You Need to Use eSIMs
To use eSIMs while traveling, you’ll need:
- An eSIM-compatible device – iPhones XS and up, Pixel 4+, Samsung Galaxy S20+, newer iPads, etc.
- An unlocked phone – so you can use any provider
- Wi-Fi or mobile connection – to download your eSIM profile
Tip: You can store multiple eSIMs and switch between them as needed.
How It Works
- Choose a provider (see comparison below)
- Pick a plan (e.g. 5 GB for 30 days in Europe)
- Install the eSIM via app or QR code
- Activate it in your phone settings
That’s it! Your device now connects using the new data plan.
The Best Travel eSIM Providers in 2025 (Compared)
Below is a selection of trusted and globally available eSIM providers, each with unique strengths:
1. Airalo – The most popular global choice
- ✅ Affordable data in 200+ countries
- ✅ Easy setup via app
- ❌ No unlimited data plans
- airalo.com
2. Holafly – For heavy data users
- ✅ Unlimited data in 100+ countries
- ✅ Fast support and simple setup
- ❌ No hotspot/tethering allowed
- ❌ Higher prices (e.g. 5 days in EU = ~$19)
- holafly.com
3. Nomad – Best for Asia and budget travelers
- ✅ Very low rates in Asia (e.g. 1 GB < $2)
- ✅ Unlimited options in select countries
- ❌ No global plan available
- getnomad.app
4. Saily – Best price-performance surprise of 2025
- ✅ Created by the NordVPN team
- ✅ Very low rates, global coverage
- ✅ One eSIM works worldwide
- ❌ Data only, no voice/SMS
- saily.com
5. BNESIM – For digital nomads and frequent travelers
- ✅ Data, voice, and virtual numbers
- ✅ Unlimited regional data plans available
- ❌ More complex to use
- bnesim.com
6. Flexiroam – Long-term and in-flight use
- ✅ Long validity (up to 12 months)
- ✅ Global coverage, usable in planes
- ❌ Slightly higher prices
- flexiroam.com
7. Roamless – Your data never expires
- ✅ Global eSIM with non-expiring balance
- ✅ Great app with pay-as-you-go logic
- ❌ No voice/SMS options yet
- roamless.com
8. Pangia Pass – An alternative to Google Fi
- ✅ Global eSIM with monthly or lifetime plans
- ✅ No throttling or fair-use issues with normal use
- ❌ Newer player in the market
- Read our full review →
9. SimOptions – eSIM marketplace with real support
- ✅ Multiple global brands in one place
- ✅ Offers physical SIMs too (if needed)
- ❌ Slightly higher prices than direct providers
- simoptions.com
10. MobiMatter – Deal hunter’s paradise
- ✅ Aggregates 500+ prepaid eSIMs
- ✅ Frequent regional discounts (Europe, Asia, USA)
- ❌ Limited customer service (you deal with original seller)
- mobimatter.com
What About Google Fi, Mint Mobile, and Visible?
These US-based options are popular only if you have a U.S. address:
- Google Fi: Excellent global plan, but only available for U.S. residents
- Mint Mobile: Great eSIM plan for U.S. users – not usable abroad
- Visible by Verizon: Cheap unlimited plan with hotspot, but domestic-only (USA)
For international travelers or digital nomads from other countries, services like Pangia Pass, Flexiroam, or Airalo are better choices.
Recommendations by Travel Type
- Backpackers & short-term travelers: Airalo, Saily, Nomad
- Remote workers & long-term travelers: Pangia Pass, Flexiroam, BNESIM
- Heavy data users: Holafly, Nomad Unlimited
- Those needing a virtual number: BNESIM
Final Thoughts
In 2025, using an eSIM while traveling just makes sense. It’s faster, easier, and almost always cheaper than buying a roaming plan from your mobile carrier. With just one app, you can stay connected wherever you go — from Bali to Berlin.
Our top picks? Try Airalo or Saily for short trips, and Pangia Pass if you’re in it for the long haul.
Tip: Download 2–3 eSIM apps before your trip so you can compare and activate the best plan on the spot.