eSIMs have gained a lot of traction in recent years, especially with travelers. Gone are the days of visiting carrier outlets to get a physical SIM when you visit a new country. Instead, you can buy and install eSIMs in a few steps and enjoy speedy internet access as a tourist.
The U.S. is one of the most visited destinations globally, and people often wonder about the best eSIMs to choose when visiting. We tested and curated the best ones so that you don’t have to. This guide will help you choose an eSIM package you’ll be satisfied with.
The best eSIM for USA in 2024 in full:
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Best eSIM overall
Airalo is an excellent eSIM with widespread coverage across the U.S. It offers affordable data plans for use in all 50 U.S. states plus Puerto Rico. You can start with a plan as low as 1 GB and go up to 20 GB. Besides the U.S., Airalo offers eSIM plans in virtually all other countries.
This eSIM doesn’t have strict identification requirements, which makes buying and activating it easier. The tradeoff is that Airalo offers no plan that includes a phone number for SMS and phone calls– any eSIM provider offering a phone number requires identification. However, you can use your data to call via WhatsApp, Skype, and other VoIP apps.
Airalo’s plans include $4.50 for 1 GB, valid for 7 days; $8 for 2 GB, valid for 15 days; $11 for 3 GB, valid for 30 days; $16 for 5 GB (30 days); $26 for 10 GB (30 days); and $42 for 20 GB (30 days). The plans are relatively affordable, and you can top up your data if the initial allocation runs out.
As an Airalo user, you can access 24/7 customer support and robust network coverage to make your U.S. trip enjoyable. The main drawback is that, unlike some rival products, Airalo’s eSIM doesn’t offer unlimited data.
Best eSIM for affordability
Nomad is an eSIM marketplace that offers affordable prepaid plans for U.S. visitors. You can opt for a local U.S.-only eSIM or a North American eSIM that works in the U.S. and Canada.
This eSIM connects you to the AT&T and T-Mobile networks across the U.S., giving you a speedy internet connection in virtually all regions. Nomad offers a variety of prepaid plans for your eSIM. You can pay $4.5 for 1 GB for 7 days, $11 for 3 GB for 30 days, $14 for 5 GB for 30 days, $24 for 10 GB for 30 days, or $35 for 20 GB for 30 days.
Nomad also offers a plan of 1 GB per day plus unlimited data at a throttled 512kbps. The cost of this plan depends on the duration, ranging from $4 for 1 day to $22 for 10 days.
With Nomad, you can access AT&T and T-Mobile’s stellar 5G coverage across the U.S. If that isn’t available, you can use 3G or 4G to surf the web. Like its counterparts on this list, Nomad doesn’t offer a phone number for calls or SMS.
Best eSIM for pay-as-you-go
The BNE eSIM is designed for travelers. It gives you widespread network coverage in the U.S. and many other countries. A good thing about BNE is that you can subscribe to a plan or pay-as-you-go, unlike many eSIM providers that don’t support the latter.
BNE offers data plans ranging from 1 GB to 20 GB. Your data allocation never expires with the pay-as-you-go option, while subscription plans are valid for up to 30 days. The tradeoff is that buying the same data via pay-as-you-go is more expensive than on a fixed plan. For instance, the 30-day 10 GB plan costs $16.10, while the pay-as-you-go (non-expiring) 10 GB plan costs $22.52.
This eSIM’s U.S. coverage is powered by T-Mobile, the country’s third-largest mobile carrier. Once you visit the U.S. with an activated BNE eSIM, you’ll enjoy the same speedy internet services that local T-Mobile customers enjoy.
BNE doesn’t require documentation to buy an eSIM, and you can activate it immediately after buying it. However, this eSIM doesn’t include a phone number for calls and SMS.
Best eSIM for voice calls
GlobaleSIM offers affordable eSIM data plans for U.S.-based users. This eSIM gives you speedy internet powered by AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon’s network infrastructure. These are the three biggest telecom companies in the U.S., so having access to their networks gives stellar coverage.
GlobaleSIM stands out from other eSIM providers because it offers a phone number for voice calls. You can request a U.S. phone number to call or receive calls from anywhere. However, you must buy voice minutes separate from your data allocation.
You can choose from various plans from this eSIM provider, including $4 for 1 GB for 7 days, $6.5 for 2 GB for 10 days, $8 for 3 GB for 14 days, $10 for 5 GB for 21 days, $17 for 10 GB for 30 days, $26.5 for 15 GB for 30 days, or $32 for 20 GB for 30 days. You can also pay $10 for 100 voice minutes or $17 for 200 voice minutes.
This eSIM is easy to activate and use. You’ll receive a QR code by email after paying for your package. Then, scan this QR code to install your new eSIM line seamlessly. Customers have access to 24/7 chat support to resolve their issues.
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 $25 for unlimited data for 7 days, $47 for 15 days, or $64 for 30 days. Yesim also offers capped data plans ranging from 3 GB to 20 GB. For instance, the 7-day 3 GB data plan costs $13, and the 30-day 20 GB data plan costs $32.
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.
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.
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.
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