The best eSIM cards for mobile data in the United States

Introduction

The United States of America represents one of the most visited countries in the world. Every year, millions of tourists, business travelers, and digital nomads are attracted by iconic cities, breathtaking national parks, and rich cultural diversity.

When traveling to the USA, ensuring mobile connectivity is essential, but standard roaming is extremely expensive. Finding a local SIM card after arrival brings unnecessary complications, which is why more and more travelers choose eSIM – a digital solution that doesn't require physical card swapping.

In this comprehensive guide, we analyze the most reliable eSIM providers for the USA, including Airalo, Holafly, Yesim, eSIM4Travel, Jetpac, Global YO and GigSky. We'll discuss their most popular data packages (2 GB, 5 GB, 10 GB, 20 GB or unlimited) and help you choose the ideal solution for your trip.

With eSIM, you'll avoid astronomical roaming fees and handle the entire process from the comfort of your home. In the following chapters, you'll find detailed installation procedures, useful travel tips, and comprehensive comparison of available options so you can fully enjoy your trip to the USA – without worrying about internet access or unpleasant surprises on your bill.

Best eSIM Providers for USA

eSIM4Travel in USA

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 uses Verizon and AT&T networks in the USA. These two networks belong to the largest American operators and provide excellent coverage across the entire United States. eSIM4Travel represents an economical and effective solution for traveling around 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 USA

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 uses T-Mobile and Verizon networks in the USA. T-Mobile provides excellent coverage in cities, while Verizon is known for its extensive coverage even in more remote areas. Travelers report great experiences with Airalo not only in the USA but also in other North American countries like Canada and Mexico. eSIM activation is quick, typically taking just a few minutes, and the user-friendly application allows easy monitoring of usage and possible recharging during the trip.

Holafly eSIM in USA

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 T-Mobile and Verizon networks in the USA. With these networks, you'll enjoy quality coverage and speed in all major American cities such as Hawaii, New York, Miami, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and more. Baja California is not included in the coverage. When traveling to mountainous or desert areas like Page or Grand Canyon, coverage may be unstable. Holafly distinguishes itself from competitors by offering exclusively unlimited data packages, ensuring carefree internet use without worrying about exhausting your limit. For trips to the USA, unlimited data package prices range from $19 to $99, depending on the validity period from 5 to 90 days.

It should be mentioned that although data is labeled as unlimited, with excessive use (such as continuous HD streaming or downloading large files), there may be temporary speed restrictions. Users report that slowdowns can occur after consuming approximately 5 GB of data in a short period.

Yesim eSIM in USA

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 uses AT&T and Verizon networks in the USA. Thanks to these providers, it offers reliable mobile connectivity in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, and other American cities. Yesim focuses on simplicity of use and transparent pricing policy. More information about this provider can be found in our comprehensive overview.

Jetpac eSIM in USA

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 uses the Verizon network in the USA, which is known for its extensive coverage across the entire United States, including less populated areas. Jetpac offers competitive prices and flexible data packages suitable for various types of travelers. More detailed information about this service can be found in our detailed guide about Jetpac.

Best eSIM Plans for USA

Below is an overview of the most sought-after data packages for the USA from leading eSIM providers. For comprehensive comparison and filtering according to your specific requirements, we recommend using our USA eSIM comparison tool, where you can filter offers by data volume, validity period, and other criteria.

Free Data in USA

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 USA

Setting up an eSIM for the USA is a straightforward process that will save you many complications during your stay. The main advantage is the possibility of complete preparation before departure, which means that after landing in the USA, you'll be immediately connected without having to search for SIM card vendors or deal with 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: Before purchasing an eSIM, it's essential to verify if your phone supports this technology. Most modern smartphones from Apple, Samsung, Google, and other manufacturers work seamlessly with eSIM. To be sure, you can use our updated overview of phones with eSIM support or complete list of compatible devices for 2024.

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: After purchase, you'll receive an email containing a QR code or activation code. In your phone settings, find the "Mobile Data" or "Mobile Plan" section and select "Add Data Plan" or "Add eSIM". Scan the QR code and follow the displayed instructions. If you received only an activation code, it can be easily converted to a QR code using online tools.

4. Connection setup: In most cases, the connection 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 activate data roaming for the eSIM profile – don't worry, no additional fees will be charged.

We recommend performing the installation and setup of the eSIM before departure, ideally in an environment with stable Wi-Fi connection. This gives you the assurance that upon arrival in the USA, you'll be immediately connected without any technical complications. More information about initial setup can be found in our comprehensive guide First eSIM | Everything from A to Z.

Tips for eSIM in USA

The United States offers travelers an abundance of experiences from vibrant metropolises to majestic national parks. Whether you're traveling for discovery, business, or as a digital nomad, reliable internet connection is indispensable. Here are practical tips on how to maximize the use of your eSIM during your American adventure:

Security and Privacy Protection

Using a VPN in the USA is recommended, even though there isn't internet censorship as in some other countries. VPN (Virtual Private Network) provides an additional layer of security, especially when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks in hotels, cafes, or airports, where there's a risk of data interception. Some streaming services may also have geographical restrictions that a VPN helps bypass. For a trouble-free experience, we recommend installing and testing the VPN before departure.

Data Usage Monitoring

Regular checking of consumed data is key to preventing unpleasant situations. Most eSIM providers offer mobile applications where you can monitor current usage status. You can also set alerts in your phone settings. For maximum efficiency in data usage, we recommend reading our article Saving Data on Vacation | Proven Tips and Tricks, where you'll find valuable tips such as:

• Pre-downloading maps of cities and national parks for offline navigation
• Optimizing playback quality on streaming services
• Deactivating automatic updates and background synchronizations
• Using Wi-Fi in accommodation facilities for data-intensive activities

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

Communication with Home

Most eSIMs for the USA provide only data services without traditional voice and SMS functions. However, this doesn't present an obstacle to maintaining contact with loved ones. With a data connection, you can use applications like WhatsApp, Messenger, Skype, or FaceTime for free voice and video communication. For calling standard phone numbers, we recommend reading our article Calling from Data eSIM | How to Call Cheaply from Abroad, where you'll find detailed information about VoIP services and other alternatives.

Digital Finance and Payments

Mobile banking and payment applications can significantly simplify the financial aspect of your stay. Services like Revolut or Wise offer advantageous exchange rates and the ability to pay without unnecessary fees. With a functional eSIM, you'll have continuous access to your finances and the ability to flexibly respond to unplanned expenses.

Traveling Between States

Planning to visit multiple US states or neighboring countries? Most eSIM providers offer nationwide coverage across all US states for a single price. If your journey includes Canada or Mexico, consider regional packages for North America, which can be more economical than purchasing separate eSIMs for each country. To identify the most advantageous option, use our eSIM comparison tool, where you can specify all destinations of your trip. Also check out our guides for other popular destinations like the United Kingdom or Australia if you're planning more extensive travel.

✈️ Expert tip: Given the vastness of the USA and the existence of different time zones, we recommend downloading an application showing the current local time in different parts of the country, which will help you when planning calls home or booking activities. Also, don't forget to save offline copies of important documents, reservation confirmations, and addresses, because even with quality connection, you may find yourself in an area without signal, especially in national parks or remote regions.

Alternative Internet Connections in USA

Although eSIM represents the most modern and convenient solution for ensuring mobile connectivity when traveling to the USA, it's not the only available option. If for any reason you cannot or don't want to use eSIM, there are other alternatives:

Traditional Physical SIM Card

American SIM cards are available in many places - at international airports, mobile operator stores, electronic chains like Best Buy or Target, and even in some drugstores and supermarkets. The main providers are AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon, who offer special prepaid packages for tourists.

The advantages of a physical SIM card include wide availability, possibility of personal consultation with a seller, and obtaining an American phone number for local calls. The disadvantage is the necessity of physically visiting a store after arrival, time-consuming activation, and higher prices compared to pre-purchased eSIM. You'll also need an identification document for registration, which may cause complications for some travelers.

If you decide to go with a local SIM card, we recommend purchasing only from official retailers or reputable stores. Make sure your phone isn't locked to a specific operator (so-called simlock) and that it supports American frequency bands. If you don't have a dual SIM phone, you'll have to temporarily remove your home SIM card, which means unavailability of your regular phone number.

Portable Wi-Fi Hotspots

Travel Wi-Fi devices represent a versatile alternative to SIM cards. These compact devices create a private Wi-Fi network to which you can connect several devices simultaneously - phones, tablets, laptops, and smartwatches. They're ideal for families or work teams that need to share one connection.

Portable hotspots can be rented before your trip from specialized companies like Skyroam or TEP Wireless, or purchased or rented directly in the USA. Some models also function as external batteries, which is practical 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 disadvantages of these devices are higher purchase or rental costs compared to eSIM and the need to carry and charge an additional device. Some hotspots may also have limitations on daily data consumption or reduced speed after exceeding a certain limit.

International Roaming

Using roaming services from your American operator is undoubtedly the simplest solution, but typically also the most expensive. Roaming works based on partnership agreements between your home operator and American providers, which allows you to use your existing number and tariff in the USA as well.

Prices for roaming in the USA can be extremely high - commonly ranging between $9-$23 per 1 GB of data. Some American operators offer special travel packages for the USA, which can reduce costs, but still remain significantly more expensive than local solutions. Before traveling, thoroughly study the roaming conditions of your operator and consider activating a data limit to avoid unpleasant surprises when billing.

Public Wi-Fi Networks

The USA offers an extensive network of public Wi-Fi hotspots, especially in cities and tourist areas. Free connection can be found in cafes (especially chains like Starbucks), restaurants, libraries, shopping centers, museums, and some public spaces. Many hotels and accommodation facilities also provide free Wi-Fi for their guests.

The fundamental security risk of public networks is the possibility of interception and theft of sensitive data. Without additional security, your personal information and online activities may be vulnerable to cyber attacks. When using public Wi-Fi, always use a VPN to encrypt your connection and avoid logging into banking or entering sensitive information.

Relying exclusively on public Wi-Fi means you'll be without connection whenever you leave an area with an available hotspot. This can be problematic when navigating in an unfamiliar environment, searching for transportation information, or in emergency situations. Therefore, we recommend always having a backup solution for mobile connectivity, especially when traveling outside urban centers or when visiting national parks, where Wi-Fi coverage is minimal or non-existent.

Mobile Networks and Operators in USA

The United States possesses an advanced telecommunications infrastructure with several dominant operators ensuring coverage across the entire country. Understanding the local telecommunications market will help you select the most suitable eSIM solution for your specific travel plans.

Main American Mobile Operators

Verizon is the largest mobile operator in the USA with the most extensive coverage, especially in less populated and rural areas. Their network covers approximately 70% of the United States territory, including remote regions, national parks, and highway corridors. If you plan to travel outside major cities or visit natural locations, Verizon will likely offer the most reliable connection.

AT&T represents the second largest operator with very good coverage in cities and suburban areas. Their network is known for high speed and stability, particularly in metropolitan areas and on the east coast. AT&T also offers an extensive network of partner roaming agreements, which can be advantageous for international travelers.

T-Mobile, the third significant player in the market, is known for its competitive prices and excellent coverage in cities. Although their coverage in some rural areas may be weaker than Verizon or AT&T, it's absolutely sufficient for most tourist destinations. T-Mobile was also the first to introduce some innovative services for international travelers.

Among smaller but still significant operators are Sprint (now part of T-Mobile), US Cellular, and various virtual operators (MVNOs) like Metro by T-Mobile, Cricket Wireless (owned by AT&T), or Visible (belonging to Verizon). These providers often offer lower prices but may have limitations in speed or data priority during network congestion.

Coverage and Signal Quality

The quality of mobile signal in the USA varies considerably by location. In large cities like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, or Miami, you can expect excellent coverage with fast 4G/LTE connection and growing availability of 5G networks. Touristically attractive areas like Las Vegas, Orlando, San Francisco, or Washington D.C. also have excellent coverage from all major operators.

In more remote areas, coverage may be significantly more limited, especially in mountainous regions like the Rocky Mountains, desert areas of the southwest, or some parts of Alaska. National parks like Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, or Yosemite have signal primarily in visitor centers and main access points, while on hiking trails and in the wilderness, coverage may be minimal or none.

For current information about coverage in specific areas of the USA, we recommend using interactive coverage maps of individual operators or services like nPerf.com, which will help you determine which operator offers the best signal in places you plan to visit.

Which Networks Do eSIM Providers Use?

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

• Airalo: Uses T-Mobile and Verizon networks with automatic switching for optimal coverage
• Holafly: Collaborates with T-Mobile and Verizon, offers good coverage in large cities, but may have unstable signal in mountainous and desert areas
• Nomad: Provides access to AT&T and T-Mobile networks with intelligent switching for the best available signal
• Yesim: Operates on AT&T and Verizon networks, ensures reliable connection in all major American cities
• eSIM4Travel: Uses Verizon and AT&T networks for maximum coverage
• Jetpac: Operates exclusively on the Verizon network, ideal for trips to more remote areas

When selecting an eSIM provider, consider the planned route of your trip. If you'll be moving primarily in large cities and tourist centers, any provider will likely offer sufficient coverage. For trips to national parks, across rural areas, or on road trips, we recommend choosing a service using the Verizon network for the most reliable coverage. For simple comparison of all available options, use our USA eSIM comparison tool, which will help you find the optimal solution according to your specific requirements.

How to Call from USA

Maintaining contact with family, friends, or business partners is an important aspect of every foreign trip. With eSIM in the USA, you have several effective options for staying in touch without unreasonable costs for international calling.

Internet Calling via Data eSIM

Most eSIM packages for the USA include only data services, not standard voice calling. However, this doesn't represent a limitation, because with quality data connection, you can use various applications for internet calling (VoIP - Voice over Internet Protocol).

WhatsApp is the globally most widespread application for communication over the internet. It offers high-quality voice and video calls and is widely used in the USA as well. Alternatively, you can use FaceTime (for Apple device users), Facebook Messenger for contacts from your social network, or Skype, which allows calling to regular phone numbers at favorable rates.

For communication with local Americans, the most popular are standard text messages (SMS), iMessage (between Apple users), and increasingly WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger. Unlike some other countries where local applications are popular, the USA uses predominantly global communication platforms.

More detailed information about internet calling can be found in our specialized article Calling from Data eSIM | 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 regular international calling.

Rebtel is among the most reliable services for international calling with competitive prices. It works via Wi-Fi or mobile data and provides quality connection. Calling to the US starts at rates around 9-12 cents per minute, which is substantially less than standard international tariffs. Rebtel also allows receiving calls, which is useful during a longer stay.

Google Voice is extremely popular in the USA and provides an American phone number, which you can use for calling and SMS. Calls to many countries including the US are at very favorable prices. The advantage is full integration with other Google services, the disadvantage may be more complex initial setup for non-US residents, although there are ways to overcome this limitation.

eSIM with Calls and SMS

Some eSIM providers are beginning to offer comprehensive packages, which besides data include traditional voice services and SMS. These services operate through local networks and allow calling as with a regular SIM card.

Airalo Global Calls is a supplementary service, which Airalo offers in the USA and other destinations. You can activate this service as an extension of your data package and thus gain the ability to call international numbers at competitive rates. Similar services are beginning to be offered by other providers as well, which further expands communication possibilities during your stay in the USA.

Frequently Asked Questions about eSIM in USA

Summary

Traveling across the United States is significantly more convenient and economical with eSIM technology. There's no need to search for physical SIM cards after arrival, deal with language barriers, or pay exorbitant amounts for international roaming. You can secure internet connection before departure and be fully online immediately after landing.

In this guide, we've analyzed in detail the leading eSIM providers for the USA, including Airalo, Holafly, Yesim, eSIM4Travel, Jetpac, Global YO, and GigSky. Each offers specific advantages, and the optimal choice depends on the length of your stay, planned activities, and personal preferences.

Among the most frequently chosen data packages are 5 GB for standard use, 2 GB for short visits, 10 GB or 20 GB for longer stays, or unlimited package for digital nomads or intensive users.

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

For travelers preferring unlimited data, the optimal choice is Holafly, which as the only one offers exclusively unlimited data packages for the USA with various validity periods.

We strongly recommend installing and activating eSIM before departure. This ensures a trouble-free start to your trip and immediate connection right after arrival in the USA, which is invaluable especially when navigating from the airport to accommodation or when communicating with local contacts.

For the most accurate 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.