Chicago eSIM Comparison – Find Your Perfect Data Plan (2025)

Introduction

Chicago is known as the "Windy City," famous for its stunning architecture including the Willis Tower, deep-dish pizza, and blues music heritage. It's a major financial center, home to beautiful Lake Michigan waterfront, world-class museums, innovative urban planning, and the historic Chicago Theatre district.

Using an eSIM means avoiding high roaming fees and setting up everything at home. The next chapters include straightforward installation steps, practical travel guidance, and a complete overview of your choices so you can enjoy Chicago without stressing about internet service or billing surprises.

eSIM Plans in Chicago at a Glance

Best eSIM Providers for USA

eSIM4Travel in USA

8.8/10 ★★★★★

eSIM4Travel is an American eSIM provider with coverage in 170 countries, offering very competitive prices and reliable connection without an app.

Basic Information

170 countries, local and regional eSIM plans.

No app, everything through website.

No app, everything through website.

Supports data top-ups.

Hotspot allowed.

No speed limitations.

Pros and Cons

Simple installation and activation.

Very competitive prices.

Excellent customer support.

Immediate functionality without restart.

Mobile app is missing.

Absence of unlimited data plans.

Testing

Go to eSIM4Travel website View full review

eSIM4Travel relies on Verizon and AT&T networks in Chicago and the United States. These are two of the largest American network operators and offer remarkable coverage throughout America. eSIM4Travel delivers an economical and practical answer for travel needs in Chicago and across the US. After it's activated, it operates right away, customer care is ready and answers fast. Their fees are among the most reasonable on the market. They provide speeds without limits, don't need you to install other software, and give flexible choices to add more data to your running eSIM when your first bundle doesn't last.

Airalo eSIM in Chicago

6.8/10 ★★★☆☆

Airalo is a popular eSIM marketplace with coverage in 211 countries, fast activation and affordable prices. However, it's not always the best choice for unlimited data.

Basic Information

211 countries, local, regional and global eSIM.

Excellent iPhone app. 4.6 from 61,000 reviews.

Excellent Android app. 4.5 from 72,000 reviews.

Supports data top-ups.

Hotspot allowed.

No speed limitations.

Pros and Cons

Wide coverage (211 countries) and easy activation.

User-friendly app and website.

Immediate functionality after installation without needing to restart.

No artificial speed limitations.

Significantly higher prices compared to some competitors.

More challenging setup for beginners.

Inability to purchase additional data without Wi-Fi after depleting the package.

Testing

Go to Airalo website View full review

Airalo is a reliable eSIM option for Chicago visitors. It connects through major networks such as T-Mobile and Verizon, providing fast 4G and 5G internet throughout the city. Travelers find it convenient because you can set up the eSIM before departure and activate it when you arrive in Chicago.

Saily eSIM in Chicago

8.6/10 ★★★★☆

Saily is a modern travel eSIM provider created by NordVPN with coverage in 180 countries. It offers a top-notch app with sophisticated features like integrated VPN and fast customer support.

Basic Information

180 countries, global, regional and local eSIM.

Excellent iPhone app. 4.6 from 2,000 reviews.

Excellent Android app. 4.8 from 17,000 reviews.

Supports data top-ups.

Hotspot allowed for occasional use.

Speed limit for unlimited plan after 1GB/24h.

Pros and Cons

Clear and intuitive app with modern design.

Very fast and efficient customer support.

Smooth eSIM installation directly from the app.

Need to install the app to get eSIM after purchase.

App doesn't work after data depletion (no zero-rating).

Problematic personal data processing from GDPR perspective.

Testing

Go to Saily website View full review

Saily is an eSIM service from the makers of NordVPN that keeps travelers connected in Chicago and other US destinations. The app automatically selects the best available network in your location for optimal connection quality. Setting up is straightforward with a clean, user-friendly interface that even first-time eSIM users can navigate easily.

Yesim eSIM in Chicago

6.1/10 ★★★☆☆

Yesim is a Swiss eSIM provider with coverage in 135 countries, offering fixed and unlimited data packages at competitive prices. Best suited for experienced users who don't need much customer support.

Basic Information

135 countries, local, regional and global eSIM (including unlimited).

Good iPhone app. 4.4 from 600 reviews.

Average Android app. 3.6 from 2,000 reviews.

Supports data top-ups.

Hotspot allowed.

Possible speed limitation with excessive use.

Pros and Cons

Excellent prices per GB of data.

Offers both fixed and unlimited data packages.

Fast activation and good connection speeds.

Very slow and inefficient customer support.

More complex purchasing process with occasional issues.

Inaccurate display of remaining data in the app.

Testing

Go to Yesim website View full review

Yesim offers eSIM solutions for travelers visiting Chicago. You don't need a physical card since everything is digital and activates right away. Yesim partners with top American carriers like AT&T and T-Mobile for solid 4G/5G coverage across the city. Get the app, install your eSIM profile, and you're online quickly.

Global YO eSIM in Chicago

8.0/10 ★★★★☆

Global YO offers eSIM plans with coverage in more than 200 countries. It stands out with very low prices and modern app design focused on younger generations, but has weaker customer support.

Basic Information

200+ countries, eSIM for individual and multiple countries.

Modern app for iPhone.

Modern app for Android.

Supports data top-up.

Hotspot allowed.

Speed according to local network.

Pros and Cons

Very low prices for data packages.

Smooth and quick eSIM installation.

Modern and stylish app.

Option to add calling for an extra fee.

Purchase only possible through the app.

Slower customer support.

App doesn't work after data is depleted.

Testing

Go to Global YO website View full review

Global YO is an eSIM provider that offers mobile data in Chicago and throughout the United States, with plans covering over 200 global destinations. The service includes YO SHOUT calling features that let you make crystal-clear voice calls in over 180 countries using VoIP technology. You can top up your data easily through the app whenever you need more without having to reinstall anything.

Best eSIM Plans for Chicago

Free Data in Chicago

If you only need basic internet connection, for example to check emails or quick orientation after arrival, Roamless offers 500 MB of data for the USA for free.

Alternatively, you can try GigSky, which provides a test eSIM with 100 MB of data for free without requiring credit card registration. This trial version is ideal for testing eSIM functionality on your device before purchasing a paid package.

For more detailed information about free data options, visit our specialized article Free eSIM | How to Get Free Data for USA and Abroad. A comprehensive overview of all available offers including free options can be found in our USA eSIM comparison tool.

Roamless

How to Set Up eSIM for Chicago

Setting up an eSIM for the USA is an efficient process that will spare you many difficulties during your trip. The key advantage is being able to complete all necessary steps before leaving, which ensures that when you touch down in the USA, you'll have instant connectivity without having to find SIM card vendors or navigate potential language barriers.

• Detailed instructions for activating eSIM on iPhone
• Clear procedure for setting up eSIM on Samsung phones
• Complete list of devices supporting eSIM technology

1. Check device compatibility: Prior to obtaining an eSIM, it's imperative to verify that your device supports this technology. The vast majority of contemporary smartphones from Apple, Samsung, Google, and other manufacturers are fully compatible with eSIM. For complete assurance, refer to our updated overview of phones with eSIM support or complete list of compatible devices for.

2. Choose the optimal provider: For the USA, you have several proven providers available such as Airalo, Holafly, Yesim, eSIM4Travel, JetPac, Global YO, or GigSky. When selecting a data package, consider the length of your stay and planned activities – for basic use of navigation and social networks, 2 GB is usually sufficient, for more intensive use we recommend 5 GB or 10 GB packages. For the most accurate comparison of all available options, use our USA eSIM comparison tool, where you can filter offers according to your specific requirements.

3. Installation via QR code: Upon purchasing your eSIM, you'll receive an email with a QR code or activation code. Access your device's settings, navigate to the "Mobile Data" or "Mobile Plan" section and tap "Add Data Plan" or "Add eSIM". Scan the QR code and proceed as directed by the on-screen prompts. If you only received an activation code, it can be easily converted to a QR code using online tools.

Our advice is to complete the installation and activation of your eSIM before your journey begins, preferably with access to a reliable Wi-Fi connection. This preparation ensures that when you arrive in the USA, you'll be connected immediately without encountering any technical difficulties. 

Frequently Asked Questions about eSIM in Chicago

Summary

Traveling to Chicago is significantly more convenient and cost-effective with eSIM technology. No need to locate physical SIM cards after arrival, struggle with language barriers, or pay excessive international roaming fees. Secure your internet connection before departure and be fully connected immediately upon landing in the Windy City.

Our detailed guide analyzes the leading eSIM providers for the USA, including Airalo, Holafly, Yesim, eSIM4Travel, Jetpac, Global YO, and GigSky. Each provider offers unique benefits, and the best choice will depend on your Chicago visit duration, planned activities, and personal preferences.

Commonly selected data packages include 5 GB for typical usage, 2 GB for weekend trips, 10 GB or 20 GB for longer stays, or unlimited packages for business travelers or intensive users exploring Chicago's architectural wonders.

For an economical and reliable solution, we recommend eSIM4Travel. Their service works immediately after installation, their customer support is responsive and available, and their pricing structure is among the most favorable. They don't limit connection speed, don't require additional applications, and offer flexible options to purchase extra data on an already activated eSIM.

For visitors preferring unlimited data while in Chicago, the optimal choice is Holafly, which stands alone in offering exclusively unlimited data packages for the USA with various validity periods.

We strongly advise installing and activating your eSIM before your trip begins. This ensures a trouble-free start to your Chicago visit with immediate connectivity upon arrival, which is particularly valuable when navigating from O'Hare or Midway to your downtown accommodation or communicating with local contacts.

For the most precise and up-to-date comparison of all available eSIMs for the USA, use our comprehensive eSIM comparison tool, which allows you to filter offers by data amount, validity period, and other parameters exactly according to your individual needs.