The Best eSIM for 2026

PCMag has been covering eSIM technology since it first broke onto the scene. We were the first to use T-Mobile's eSIM app for iPhones back in 2018. Since then, eSIMs have become a lot more common, especially after Apple removed the physical SIM card tray from iPhones in the US. Whether you're looking to save money on mobile service for international travel or just need an extra line, an eSIM can help you stay connected without needing to order, receive, and swap a physical SIM card. Read on for the best eSIMs we've tested for a variety of different use cases, followed by everything you need to know to pick the right eSIM for you.

Best for the US

MobileX eSIM

Score: 4.5

Pros & Cons

• + Customizable plans

• + Competitive pricing

• + Useful AI tools

• + Network prioritization

• + Simple setup

• - Customizable plans

• - Competitive pricing

• - Useful AI tools

• - Network prioritization

• - Simple setup

Why We Picked It

MobileX doesn't offer global coverage, but it does provide fast and reliable access in the US on Verizon's network. We appreciate the service's learning period, which tracks your usage and recommends a plan that fits your needs. Also, this is the only eSIM service on this list that includes a local US phone number and messaging in addition to data.

Who's It For

Cost-cutters who want reliable coverage: For those who want an alternative to the big three carriers, MobileX is a great choice for pay-as-you-go service. You get the dependability of a big network without the big price tag. 

Those who want plan flexibility: Instead of locking in a specific plan, MobileX's plans are month-to-month. This lets you change things up whenever you want, depending on how you'll use your phone. 

Best for Short Trips

Nomad eSIM

Score: 3.5

Pros & Cons

• + Wide global coverage

• + Competitive pricing

• + Clearly defined options

• - Wide global coverage

• - Competitive pricing

• - Clearly defined options

Why We Picked It

Nomad offers competitive pricing for data in more than 190 countries, with 11 regional plans and two global plans. It allows you to choose between six 30-day plans and daily plans that range from 1 to 10 days, enabling you to pay day by day if you prefer.

Who It's For

Globe-trotters:Nomad is for anyone who wants excellent coverage worldwide, without the pressure of long-term commitment. With coverage in over 190 countries and regional plans, Nomad should have you covered. 

First-time eSIM users:Nomad offers a free 1GB eSIM to new users, valid for three days. This trial SIM is available in over 80 destinations, including China, Germany, and South Korea.

Best for Switching Phones

Saily eSIM

Score: 4.0

Pros & Cons

• + Competitive pricing

• + Good speeds

• + eSIMs are transferrable

• + Straightforward setup

• - Competitive pricing

• - Good speeds

• - eSIMs are transferrable

• - Straightforward setup

Why We Picked It

Saily is from the makers of  NordVPN . It offers support for more than 150 countries, seven regional plans, and a global plan covering more than 100 nations. Saily is one of the few eSIM providers that allows you to transfer its eSIM from one phone to another.

Who It's For

Phone switchers:If you find yourself juggling several phones, Saily eSIMs are easily transferable from one device to another. Some other services do not offer this option, which is particularly troublesome if you lose your phone. 

People who like perks:Saily's Ultra Plan offers unlimited international data for around $60 per month, and it also includes airport lounge access, an ad blocker, NordVPN, and more. It provides 30GB of data at speeds of up to 1Mbps. 

Best for Cruises

GigSky eSIM

Score: 4.0

Pros & Cons

• + Worldwide coverage

• + 365-day activation window

• + Easy setup

• - Worldwide coverage

• - 365-day activation window

• - Easy setup

Why We Picked It

GigSky provides coverage for more than 190 countries. It features seven regional plans and a global plan that works in more than 150 nations. The service also offers combo plans for cruisegoers, supporting more than 200 ships and up to 134 countries. If that's not enough, you can use GigSky for free for seven days without needing to provide your payment details. It's limited to 100MB, but it costs you nothing.

Who It's For

Cruisers: GigSky has partnerships with popular cruise lines, including Carnival, Disney, and Princess, which provide data beyond the ship's Wi-Fi. When you go ashore, you can continue to use the GigSky eSIM without fussing with your phone. 

The eSIM curious: If you want to get the hang of using an eSIM without a commitment, download GigSky's free trial eSIM with 100MB of international data. That is not a lot, but it should give you a feel for GigSky's service without incurring any costs. 

Best for Long Trips

KnowRoaming eSIM

Score: 3.5

Pros & Cons

• + Competitive pricing

• + Unlimited data options

• + Easy setup

• - Competitive pricing

• - Unlimited data options

• - Easy setup

Why We Picked It

KnowRoaming is available in more than 150 countries and offers 10 regional options, as well as a global plan. The service stands out with its 30-day unlimited plans for multiple countries and a 180-day global plan covering 144 countries. You can pay once and be set for half the year.

Who It's For

Heavy data users: This service is designed for the most data-hungry travelers who prefer not to monitor their usage. KnowRoaming offers unlimited plans that let you stay online without worry.

Does My Phone Support eSIM?

When selecting an eSIM, several factors should be taken into consideration. Most services operate similarly and require an internet connection (Wi-Fi) to get started, so be sure to set up your eSIM before you leave home. To install it, you typically scan a QR code or download the provider's app, which lets you manage your account and track usage from your phone.

Most modern phones support eSIM, but not all of them do. Apple added support starting with the iPhone XS in 2018, Google began with the Pixel 2 , and Samsung's Galaxy S line has supported eSIM since the Galaxy S21 . To check your device, dial *#06#. If you see an EID number, your phone likely supports eSIM; however, you can confirm this by searching the web for your phone model. You can also check the eSIM provider's site, which usually offers device compatibility lists and setup instructions. Your device must be unlocked and not tied to a carrier for our recommendations to work. That means you can't be making monthly payments on it or owe your carrier money for it.

What Kind of eSIM Service Do You Need?

Other than MobileX, the eSIM services we list here provide data only, which is good for email, maps, messaging apps, social media, and browsing the web. Traditional phone and texting apps will not work on these kinds of plans, but messaging apps like WhatsApp or Zoom will function if you have a fast enough connection, as will iMessage and FaceTime if you're using an iPhone.

If you need a regular phone number for calls or texts, look for a local provider at your destination that offers eSIMs that include voice and SMS support. If you need your own number to work while travelling, you'll have to settle for roaming with your existing service provider, which can cost as much as $10 per day.

You don't need to limit yourself to a single-country plan. Every global eSIM provider on this list offers country-specific plans, in addition to regional or global options that cover multiple destinations with a single eSIM. This is ideal if you're hopping between countries.

The duration of eSIM plans varies, with some services offering coverage for just a day, and others stretching for weeks or months. Pick a plan that fits the length of your trip to avoid overpaying.

How Much eSIM Data Do You Need?

If you're unsure about how much data to buy, check your phone for information on how much you already use:

• On Apple iPhones: Settings > Mobile Data

• On Google Pixel phones: Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > App Data Usage

• On Samsung phones: Settings > Connections > Data Usage

From there, you can do some basic math to figure out how much data you need over a given time period. To minimize data usage on metered connections, download maps and media in advance, set music and video apps to offline or low-quality modes, and disable automatic backups, such as Google Photos, unless you're connected to Wi-Fi.

You can stretch your eSIM's data allotment by being mindful. Streaming video consumes data quickly, although usage varies depending on resolution and bitrate. Monitor your habits to maximize the effectiveness of your plan.

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