Best eSIM cards for mobile data in the United Kingdom

Introduction

The United Kingdom is one of the most popular European destinations for tourists, business travelers, and students. London, Edinburgh, Manchester, and other cities attract millions of visitors annually who admire the rich history, cultural heritage, and modern metropolitan lifestyle.

When traveling to the United Kingdom, many visitors face the question of mobile connectivity. Although EU citizens no longer enjoy the roaming benefits they once did, the costs of standard roaming can still be substantial. Finding a physical SIM card after arrival also represents an unnecessary complication, which is why more and more travelers choose eSIM – a digital alternative without the need to handle a physical card.

This comprehensive guide focuses on leading eSIM providers for the United Kingdom, including Airalo, Holafly, Yesim, eSIM4Travel, Jetpac, Global YO and GigSky. We'll explore their most popular data packages (2 GB, 5 GB, 10 GB, 20 GB or unlimited) and help you choose the optimal solution for your trip.

With eSIM, you'll avoid unpleasant surprises in the form of high roaming charges and handle everything conveniently online. In the following chapters, you'll find detailed information about installation, useful travel tips, and a clear comparison of individual plans so you can enjoy your stay in the United Kingdom without worrying about internet connectivity.

Best eSIM Providers for the United Kingdom

eSIM4Travel in the United Kingdom

4.4/5 ★★★★☆

eSIM provider eSIM4Travel from the USA offers very competitive prices for data plans and coverage in 170 countries. It doesn't offer an app, but allows easy setup via QR code and has excellent customer support through online chat.

Basic Information

170 countries, regional plans (Asia, Middle East, Latin America, Europe).

Supports data top-ups.

Hotspot allowed.

No speed limitations.

Pros and Cons

Simple installation and activation.

Very competitive prices.

Excellent customer support.

No mobile app.

Absence of unlimited data plans.

Testing

Go to eSIM4Travel website View full review

eSIM4Travel in the United Kingdom utilizes networks of all major operators - O2, H3G (Three), EE and Vodafone. This provides excellent coverage across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. For travelers seeking reliable and affordable solutions, eSIM4Travel represents an optimal choice. The service works immediately after activation, and customer support is known for its quick response and direct contact with real operators. Their prices are competitive and often among the lowest on the market. Another advantage is the absence of speed limitations, no need to install any additional applications, and the ability to easily purchase additional data for your existing eSIM if needed.

Airalo eSIM in the United Kingdom

3.4/5 ★★★☆☆

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.

Significantly higher prices compared to competitors.

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

Low rating on Trustpilot (2.6/5).

Testing

Go to Airalo website View full review

Airalo in the United Kingdom operates through the EE network, which is known for its extensive coverage and high-quality services. EE (formerly Everything Everywhere) is the largest mobile operator in the country and provides excellent coverage in both urban and rural areas. Airalo users report positive experiences across the entire United Kingdom, including London, Edinburgh, Manchester, and other major cities. eSIM activation is quick, taking just a few minutes, and the intuitive Airalo app allows for easy monitoring of data usage and the option to purchase additional data packages.

Holafly eSIM in the United Kingdom

3.5/5 ★★★☆☆

Holafly is a leading Irish eSIM provider with truly unlimited data in more than 160 countries. However, if you only need a small amount of data, it might be more expensive.

Basic Information

160 countries, local and regional unlimited eSIM.

Average iPhone app. 3.5 from 150 reviews.

Excellent Android app. 4.6 from 1,000 reviews.

Supports additional data purchases.

Hotspot mostly limited to 500 MB.

Speed limited according to Fair Use Policy (approx. 4.5 GB/day).

Pros and Cons

Truly unlimited data in 160+ countries.

Fast and helpful customer support.

Low transparency regarding FUP limits.

Hotspot not available in all countries.

Testing

Go to Holafly website View full review

Holafly uses O2, Vodafone, and Three networks in the United Kingdom. This combination ensures exceptional coverage and high-speed internet in Scotland, Wales, England, and Northern Ireland and their major cities. However, it's worth noting that coverage may be less stable in more remote areas. Holafly's main advantage is offering exclusively unlimited data packages, meaning you don't have to worry about running out of data during your trip. For visitors to the United Kingdom, unlimited packages are available ranging from $6.90 to $139.90, valid from one to 90 days.

It's important to mention that although the data is labeled as unlimited, excessive usage (such as long-term HD streaming or downloading large files) may result in temporary speed reduction. According to user experiences, this limitation typically occurs after using approximately 4-5 GB of data with intensive usage in a short time period.

Yesim eSIM in the United Kingdom

4.4/5 ★★★★☆

Yesim is a Swiss eSIM provider with coverage in 135 countries. It offers both fixed and unlimited data packages at very competitive prices.

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.

May limit speed during excessive use.

Pros and cons

Top prices per GB.

Offers both fixed and unlimited packages.

More complicated installation than competitors.

Frequent spam notifications via email and app.

Go to Yesim website View full review

Yesim offers access to all major networks in the United Kingdom - O2, Three, EE, and Vodafone. This provides seamless mobile connectivity in Birmingham, Birstall, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Manchester, Newcastle, Portsmouth, and other cities across the United Kingdom. For more detailed information about Yesim services, we recommend our comprehensive overview.

Jetpac eSIM in the United Kingdom

3.8/5 ★★★☆☆

Jetpac offers eSIM plans with coverage in more than 150 countries. Data packages from 1 GB to 40 GB, attractive pricing and benefits such as access to airport lounges during flight delays.

Basic Information

150 countries, eSIM for individual and multiple countries.

Average iPhone app. 3.8 from 46 reviews.

Average Android app. 3.6 from 224 reviews.

Supports additional data purchase.

Hotspot allowed.

Speed limited according to Fair Use.

Pros and Cons

Low price per GB and stable speeds.

Free airport lounges and ExpressVPN.

No unlimited data plans available.

No SMS and call support.

Go to Jetpac website View full review

Jetpac in the United Kingdom partners with O2 and Three (H3G) networks. These networks provide good coverage in most areas, especially in larger cities and tourist centers. O2 is the second-largest operator in the country and provides stable connectivity across the entire territory. Three focuses primarily on data services and offers competitive prices. For more information about Jetpac, check out our detailed guide.

Best eSIM Plans for the United Kingdom

Overview of selected most popular eSIM data packages for the United Kingdom. For a comprehensive comparison of all available options, use our eSIM comparison tool for the United Kingdom, where you can filter offers by data volume, validity period, and many other criteria.

Free Data in the United Kingdom

If you only need basic connectivity for checking emails or quick searches, Roamless offers a free package with 150 MB of data for the United Kingdom.

An alternative option is GigSky, which provides a trial eSIM with 100 MB of data completely free without requiring credit card registration. This test package allows you to try the functionality of eSIM before potentially purchasing a paid plan.

For more information about free data options, visit our article Free eSIM | How to get free data for the USA and abroad. A complete overview of all available solutions can be found in our eSIM comparison tool for the United Kingdom, which includes free offers.

Roamless

How to Set Up eSIM for the United Kingdom

Setting up eSIM for the United Kingdom is a straightforward process that will save you many hassles during your trip. The main advantage is the ability to complete all preparations before departure, so you'll be connected immediately after arrival without having to search for SIM card vendors or deal with language barriers.

• Complete guide to activating eSIM on iPhone
• Clear procedure for setting up eSIM on Samsung phones
• Complete overview of devices supporting eSIM technology

1. Check device compatibility: First, verify if your phone supports eSIM technology. Most modern smartphones from Apple, Samsung, Google, and other manufacturers are already compatible with eSIM. To be sure, you can check our current list of phones supporting eSIM or complete overview of compatible devices for 2024.

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

3. Installation via QR code: After purchase, you'll receive an email containing a QR code or activation code. In your phone settings, find the "Mobile Data" or "Mobile Network" section and select "Add Data Plan" or "Add eSIM". Scan the QR code with your camera and follow the on-screen instructions. If you received only an activation code, you can easily convert it to a QR code using online tools.

4. Connection configuration: In most cases, network settings will configure automatically after installation is complete. If this doesn't happen, you may need to manually enter the APN (access point) according to the provider's instructions. Also remember to check that you have data roaming enabled for the eSIM profile in your phone settings – don't worry, no additional charges will be applied for this.

We recommend installing and setting up your eSIM before departure, ideally in an environment with stable Wi-Fi connection. This gives you confidence that you'll be connected immediately upon arrival in the United Kingdom without any complications. Additional useful information about first-time setup can be found in our guide First eSIM | Everything from A to Z.

Tips for eSIM in the United Kingdom

The United Kingdom offers visitors a diverse mix of historical landmarks, modern metropolises, and beautiful nature. Whether you're traveling for exploration, business, or study, reliable internet connectivity will significantly ease your navigation and enhance your stay. Here are practical tips for maximizing your eSIM use during your visit:

Security and Data Protection

The United Kingdom has a highly developed digital infrastructure, but security precautions are still necessary. When connecting to public Wi-Fi networks in cafes, hotels, or transport, we recommend using a VPN (Virtual Private Network). A quality VPN service ensures encryption of your connection and protects your personal data from potential threats. Unlike some other countries, in the United Kingdom, it's not necessary to use a VPN to access common websites and services, but it provides an additional layer of protection, especially when accessing sensitive information such as internet banking.

Monitoring Data Usage

Effective monitoring of data usage will help you avoid running out of data at inconvenient times. Most eSIM providers offer their own apps with an overview of current usage. You can also set alerts directly on your phone. For maximum data savings before your trip, visit our article Saving Data on Vacation | Practical Advice and Tips, where you'll find useful information such as:

• Pre-downloading maps of London, Edinburgh, and other cities for offline navigation
• Optimizing the quality of multimedia content streaming
• Deactivating automatic updates and background synchronization
• Using hotel Wi-Fi for data-intensive activities like photo backups

If you're unsure about how much data you'll need, check out our guide How Much Data You Need for Various Activities, which will help you choose a suitable data package. For the most precise selection, use our eSIM comparison tool, where you can filter offers by data volume and validity period exactly according to your needs.

Communication with Home

Most eSIMs for the United Kingdom provide only data services without traditional voice calls and SMS. However, this doesn't limit your ability to communicate with family and friends. Thanks to data connectivity, you can use applications like WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram, or FaceTime for free calls and messaging. If you need to call standard phone numbers, read our specialized article Calling from Data e-SIM | How to Make Phone Calls Cheaply from Abroad, where you'll find detailed information about VoIP services and other options.

Payment Methods and Finances

Digital payment services and online banking are very widespread in the United Kingdom. Applications like Revolut, Monzo, or Wise offer favorable exchange rates and the ability to pay in British pounds without unnecessary fees. With a functional eSIM, you'll have constant access to your financial resources and the ability to immediately respond to unexpected expenses. The United Kingdom is also very advanced in contactless payments, so with mobile payment applications like Apple Pay or Google Pay, you can pay virtually everywhere.

Traveling Around the Region

Planning to visit other European countries? Many providers offer regional eSIM packages for Europe that cover not only the United Kingdom but also other European destinations such as Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, or EU countries. These packages are often more economical than purchasing separate eSIMs for each country. To find the most advantageous regional eSIM, use our eSIM comparison tool, where you can select specific countries you plan to visit.

✈️ Expert advice: In the United Kingdom, many historical buildings, underground spaces, and some rural areas have weaker mobile signals due to thick walls or geographical barriers. If you're planning to visit more remote places like the Scottish Highlands, Lake District, or parts of Wales, download important information, maps, and contacts offline in advance so you're not completely dependent on mobile connectivity.

Alternative Internet Connections in the United Kingdom

eSIM represents a modern and practical solution for internet connectivity while traveling, but it's not the only available option. If for any reason you cannot or do not want to use eSIM, there are several alternative methods:

Traditional Physical SIM Card

Local British SIM cards are readily available at airports, shopping centers, supermarkets, and specialized electronics stores. The main providers are EE, Vodafone, O2, and Three, who offer various prepaid packages for tourists with data, calls, and SMS.

The advantages of a physical SIM card include availability (from £10 for a basic package) and the ability to use a local phone number for calls and SMS. The disadvantage is the need to physically visit a store after arrival, potential language barriers during purchase, and the need to remove your home SIM card if you don't have a dual-SIM phone.

If you decide to go with a local SIM card, we recommend purchasing from official retailers or reputable stores. In the United Kingdom, it's also necessary to register the SIM card, so you'll need a valid ID. Make sure your phone isn't locked to a specific carrier (so-called SIM lock) and that it supports the frequency bands used in the United Kingdom.

Mobile Wi-Fi Hotspots

A portable Wi-Fi device represents a universal alternative to SIM cards. These compact devices create their own Wi-Fi network to which you can connect multiple devices simultaneously - smartphones, tablets, laptops, or smartwatches. They're ideal for families or groups of travelers who want to share one connection.

Mobile hotspots can be rented before your trip from specialized companies or purchased directly in the United Kingdom. Some models also function as power banks, which every traveler will appreciate during long days away from the hotel. More detailed information about these devices can be found in our guide Best Portable WiFi Hotspots for Travel.

The main disadvantage of these devices is that they represent another item you must keep with you and regularly charge. Also, the purchase price or rental is usually higher than for eSIM or a local SIM card.

International Roaming

Using roaming services from your home operator is the simplest but typically the most expensive solution. After Brexit, the United Kingdom no longer falls within the EU roaming zone, which means that American operators may charge higher fees for using mobile services in this country.

Prices for roaming outside the EU can be significantly high - often in the range of dozens of dollars for 1 GB of data. Some American operators offer special roaming packages for the United Kingdom, which may be more affordable, but still significantly more expensive than local solutions or eSIM. Before traveling, always verify the current roaming tariffs with your operator and consider whether this option is worth it given the length of your stay and planned data usage.

Public Wi-Fi Networks

The United Kingdom has excellent coverage with public Wi-Fi networks, especially in larger cities. Free Wi-Fi can be found in cafes, restaurants, shopping centers, libraries, museums, and even in some public transportation such as trains or the London Underground. Many cities also offer free Wi-Fi zones in central areas.

The main risk of public Wi-Fi networks remains security. Unsecured networks can be exploited to intercept your activities or even steal personal data. If you decide to use public Wi-Fi, always use a VPN to encrypt your connection and avoid logging into internet banking or entering sensitive information.

Relying exclusively on public Wi-Fi means you'll be offline whenever you leave an area with coverage. This can be problematic when navigating, searching for transport connections, or in emergency situations. Therefore, we recommend always having a backup solution for internet connectivity.

Mobile Networks and Operators in the United Kingdom

The United Kingdom has an advanced telecommunications infrastructure with several major operators providing quality services to both local residents and visitors. Understanding the local market will help you select the most suitable eSIM or other connection option.

Main British Mobile Operators

EE (formerly Everything Everywhere) is the largest operator with the most extensive coverage. This network was formed by merging Orange and T-Mobile operators and now belongs to BT Group. EE is known for its excellent 4G and 5G network coverage and high quality of services, which is reflected in slightly higher prices. It covers approximately 99% of the United Kingdom's population and was the first network to launch 5G services in the country.

Vodafone represents the second major operator with a long history in the British market. It offers excellent coverage in cities and rural areas and competitive prices. Vodafone is known for its quality international services, which can be an advantage for travelers planning to visit multiple countries.

O2, owned by the Spanish company Telefónica, is the third major player in the British market. O2 focuses on a balanced offering of services and prices and is known for its O2 Priority loyalty program, which offers exclusive deals and priority access to concerts and events. O2 also operates an extensive network of Wi-Fi hotspots throughout the country.

Three (H3G) is the youngest of the four main operators and focuses primarily on data services. Three was the first operator to offer unlimited data in the United Kingdom and often offers competitive prices, especially for users with high data consumption. Their coverage has significantly improved in recent years, but in some rural areas, it may still be somewhat weaker than the competition.

Coverage and Signal Quality

The quality of mobile signal in the United Kingdom is generally very good, especially in urban and suburban areas. In major cities like London, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, or Glasgow, you can expect excellent coverage with fast 4G and growing 5G connectivity from all major operators.

In more remote rural areas, coverage may be more variable, especially in mountainous regions of Scotland, Wales, or the Lake District. In these areas, EE typically provides the best coverage, followed by Vodafone. Some very remote areas, such as parts of the Scottish Highlands or islands, may have limited coverage or only 3G connectivity.

For current and detailed information about coverage in specific areas of the United Kingdom, we recommend using the interactive map from nPerf.com or official coverage maps of individual operators, which will help you determine which operator offers the best signal in the places you plan to visit.

Which Networks Do eSIM Providers Use?

International eSIM providers collaborate with local operators to offer their services. Here's an overview of which British networks the most popular eSIM services use:

• Airalo: Uses the EE network, which provides the most extensive coverage in the country
• Holafly: Partners with O2, Vodafone, and Three networks for maximum flexibility
• Yesim: Offers access to all four major networks - O2, Three, EE, and Vodafone
• eSIM4Travel: Supports all four major networks with automatic switching
• Jetpac: Uses O2 and Three networks
• GigSky: Works primarily with the EE network, in some cases also with Vodafone

When choosing an eSIM provider, consider your travel plans. For trips to major cities and tourist areas, any provider will work well. If you're heading to more remote areas, we recommend selecting a service that uses the EE network or a provider with access to multiple networks for the best coverage. For easy comparison of all available options, use our eSIM comparison tool for the United Kingdom, which will help you find the optimal solution according to your specific needs.

How to Call from the United Kingdom

Maintaining contact with family, friends, or business partners is an important part of every trip. With eSIM in the United Kingdom, you have several options for staying connected without having to pay exorbitant amounts for international calls.

Internet Calling via Data eSIM

Most eSIM packages for the United Kingdom contain only mobile data, not standard voice services. However, this doesn't present a problem since with a data connection, you can use various applications for internet calling (VoIP - Voice over Internet Protocol).

WhatsApp is the world's most widespread application for sending messages and calling over the internet. It's very popular in the United Kingdom as well and offers quality voice and video calls. Other popular alternatives include Signal, which is known for its emphasis on privacy and security, FaceTime for Apple device users, and Microsoft Teams or Zoom for business communication.

For communication with locals, you can use the same applications because these services are widely used in the United Kingdom. WhatsApp is especially popular for personal communication, while Microsoft Teams or Slack are often used for work purposes.

More detailed information about internet calling can be found in our specialized article Calling from Data e-SIM | How to Call and Receive Calls Cheaply from Abroad?

Specialized Services for International Calling

If you need to regularly call standard phone numbers in the United States or elsewhere in the world, there are specialized services offering more advantageous rates than standard international calling.

Skype is among the best-known services for international calling with competitive rates. Skype Credit allows you to call landlines and mobile phones worldwide at low prices. Calling to the United States starts at prices around 2 cents per minute, which is significantly less than standard international rates.

Rebtel represents another reliable alternative that offers quality international calls over the internet. The service works via Wi-Fi or mobile data and provides a stable connection. Prices for calling the USA are similar to Skype, starting at approximately 1-2 cents per minute depending on the type of number called.

eSIM with Calls and SMS

Some eSIM providers are beginning to offer packages that include traditional calls and SMS in addition to data. These services work through local networks and allow you to call as with a regular SIM card.

Airalo Global Calls is a supplementary service that Airalo offers in some destinations including the United Kingdom. You can activate this service as an add-on to your data package and gain the ability to call international numbers at competitive rates.

Some eSIM packages from local operators like EE or O2 include a local phone number with a certain amount of minutes and SMS in addition to data. These packages are usually more expensive than purely data eSIMs but can be advantageous if you need to be available on a local number or regularly call British numbers.

Frequently Asked Questions about eSIM in the United Kingdom

Summary

Traveling to the United Kingdom is now much more convenient thanks to eSIM technology. You don't have to worry about finding physical SIM cards, visiting local operators, or paying high roaming fees. You can secure internet connectivity before departure and be online practically immediately after arrival.

In our guide, we've presented the most popular eSIM solutions and providers such as Airalo, Holafly, Yesim, eSIM4Travel, Jetpac, Global YO and GigSky. Each offers specific advantages, and the final choice depends on the length of your stay, planned data usage, and personal preferences.

Among the most sought-after data packages are 5 GB for standard use, 2 GB for short visits, 10 GB or 20 GB for longer stays, or unlimited plans for demanding users, digital nomads, or those who need frequent access to video conferences or streaming.

If you're looking for a cost-effective and reliable solution, we recommend considering eSIM4Travel. Their service is known for quick activation, accessible customer support, and competitive prices. It doesn't require installing an additional application and offers flexible options for purchasing additional data on an already activated eSIM.

For unlimited data, Holafly represents an optimal choice, as it provides truly unlimited data packages for the United Kingdom valid for up to 90 days.

We recommend installing and activating your eSIM before traveling. This ensures seamless connectivity immediately upon arrival in the United Kingdom and helps you avoid potential complications with setup in an unfamiliar environment.

For the most accurate and up-to-date comparison of all available eSIMs for the United Kingdom, use our eSIM comparison tool, which allows you to filter offers by data volume, validity period, and other parameters according to your individual requirements.