Best eSIM for New York City 2025 – Compare Data Plans & Prices

Introduction

Known as "The Big Apple," NYC is famous for iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, and Central Park. It's a global center for finance (Wall Street), entertainment (Broadway), art (Metropolitan Museum), and culture, with world-renowned restaurants and diverse neighborhoods representing cultures from around the globe.

With eSIM, you'll avoid expensive roaming charges and set everything up from home. In the following sections, you'll find step-by-step installation guides, helpful travel advice, and a complete comparison of available options so you can enjoy your trip to New York City without worrying about internet access or unexpected bills.

eSIM Plans in New York City 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 uses Verizon and AT&T networks in New York City and across the USA. These two networks belong to the largest American operators and provide excellent coverage throughout the United States. eSIM4Travel represents an economical and effective solution for traveling around New York City and the USA. After activation, it works immediately, customer support is available and responds promptly. Their pricing policy is among the most competitive on the market. They provide unlimited connection speed, don't require installation of additional applications, and offer flexible options to purchase additional data on an already activated eSIM if your original package isn't sufficient.

Airalo eSIM in New York City

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 popular eSIM provider that works well in New York City. It offers data-only plans for travelers visiting the United States and connects to major networks like T-Mobile and Verizon, giving you fast 4G and 5G coverage throughout New York. You can download and install the eSIM before your trip, then activate it when you arrive, making it a reliable and easy way to stay connected while exploring the city.

Saily eSIM in New York City

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 provider made by the team behind NordVPN that helps travelers stay connected in New York and across the United States. The service offers data-only plans that work across all US states, and you can use apps like WhatsApp or Signal for calls and texts. Setting up Saily is easy because you just download the app, scan a QR code, and your plan activates automatically when you arrive.

Yesim eSIM in New York City

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 is an eSIM provider that offers mobile data plans for travelers visiting New York. You don't need a physical SIM card, and activation is instant. Yesim connects users to top networks like AT&T and T-Mobile, providing high-speed 4G/5G coverage across the city. To use it, simply download the Yesim app, install your eSIM, and get online in minutes.

Global YO eSIM in New York City

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 coverage in New York and across the United States, with plans spanning over 200 countries worldwide. The service features a unique rewards system where you earn YOYO$ points for app engagement that can be redeemed for discounts on future data purchases. Setup is straightforward with instant eSIM delivery via QR code, and your plan activates automatically as soon as you arrive in the city.

Best eSIM Plans for New York City

Free Data in New York City

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 New York City

Setting up an eSIM for the USA is a quick and easy process that will eliminate many headaches during your visit. The most significant advantage is the ability to make all preparations ahead of your trip, ensuring that when you land in the USA, you'll have immediate internet access without needing to look for SIM card retailers or face communication challenges.

• 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: Before moving ahead with an eSIM purchase, you should confirm that your device is compatible with this technology. A significant number of current smartphones from Apple, Samsung, Google, and other manufacturers support eSIM functionality. To eliminate any doubt, examine 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: Once your purchase is complete, you'll receive an email containing a QR code or activation code. Open your device settings, locate the "Mobile Data" or "Mobile Plan" area and select "Add Data Plan" or "Add eSIM". Proceed to scan the QR code and follow the subsequent instructions. If you only received an activation code, you can easily converted to a QR code using online tools.

We recommend completing the setup and configuration of your eSIM before your trip begins, ideally when you have a stable Wi-Fi connection available. This preparation ensures that as soon as you arrive in the USA, you'll be online without facing any technical complications. 

Frequently Asked Questions about eSIM in New York City

Summary

When traveling to New York City, using eSIM technology makes your journey significantly more convenient and cost-effective. No more hunting for physical SIM cards upon arrival, struggling with language barriers, or paying excessive international roaming fees. You can establish internet connectivity before your trip and be fully connected the moment you land in the Big Apple.

Our comprehensive analysis covers the top eSIM providers for the USA, including Airalo, Holafly, Yesim, eSIM4Travel, Jetpac, Global YO, and GigSky. Each provider offers distinct benefits, and the best choice will depend on your visit duration, planned activities, and individual requirements.

Popular data packages include 5 GB for regular usage, 2 GB for brief stays, 10 GB or 20 GB for extended visits, or unlimited data for digital nomads or heavy users exploring New York City.

For an affordable and dependable option, we suggest eSIM4Travel. Their service works immediately after installation, their customer support is responsive and accessible, and their pricing is among the most competitive. They maintain unrestricted connection speeds, don't require additional apps, and provide flexible options for purchasing extra data on an already active eSIM.

If unlimited data is your preference, Holafly stands out as the only provider exclusively offering unlimited data packages for the USA with various validity periods.

We highly recommend setting up and activating your eSIM before departure. This ensures a smooth start to your trip with immediate connectivity upon arrival in New York City, which is especially valuable when navigating from the airport to your accommodation or communicating with local contacts.

For the most current and detailed comparison of all available eSIMs for the USA, utilize our comprehensive eSIM comparison tool, which enables you to filter options by data amount, validity period, and other criteria according to your specific needs.