eSIM Providers Guide Contents
Introduction to the World of eSIM Providers
Data eSIMs have become an indispensable companion for travelers who want to stay online without paying excessive roaming fees. As virtual SIM cards, they offer flexibility, convenience, and often significant savings when traveling abroad.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll introduce you to the 8 best eSIM providers that we've thoroughly tested in real-world conditions. You'll discover their strengths and weaknesses, pricing policies, and service quality to help you choose the ideal solution for your travel needs.
For easy comparison of all available eSIM plans for your destination, we recommend using our eSIM comparison tool on vefru.com, where you can filter offers by required data size, validity period, and country - even multiple countries at once.
Whether you're planning a weekend trip to Europe or a multi-month journey around the world, this guide will help you select the best eSIM for your specific needs.
Airalo - The Most Popular eSIM Marketplace
Airalo in Brief
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.
Pros and Cons
Airalo is one of the most well-known data eSIM providers on the market with impressive coverage in 211 countries. It excels primarily with its user-friendly app, quick activation, and wide range of regional and global packages.
During our testing, we appreciated the immediate functionality after installation without needing to restart the phone or configure complex APN settings. Connection speeds were consistent (40-150 Mbps download) and without artificial limitations.
The main disadvantage of Airalo is its higher prices compared to some competitors. For example, a 1GB package for $4.50 is up to four times more expensive than with eSIM4Travel. Another weakness is the inability to purchase additional data after depletion without Wi-Fi access, which can be problematic in remote areas.
We recommend Airalo primarily for travelers who prefer simplicity and reliability over the lowest price. For comparison with alternatives, check out our article 3 Best Alternatives to Airalo or use our eSIM comparison tool to help you find the optimal solution for your destination.
Holafly - Unlimited Data for Travelers
Holafly in Brief
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 can be more expensive.
Pros and Cons
Holafly differs from most competitors by offering truly unlimited data packages in more than 160 countries worldwide. This Irish provider is an ideal choice for demanding users who don't want to worry about the amount of data consumed.
Among Holafly's main advantages is the very easy eSIM installation through the app without needing to scan a QR code. Just click the "Install" button and the wizard will guide you through the entire process. After installation, the eSIM starts working immediately using 5G signal without the need for additional configuration.
However, our tests revealed that "unlimited" data has its limitations - speed is restricted to approximately 30 Mbps, and after exceeding 4.5 GB per day, further speed reduction may occur. Nevertheless, this speed is sufficient for normal use including video streaming and video calls.
Holafly's pricing policy focuses on unlimited data packages, which affects their price structure - prices range from $19 for 5 days to $107 for 60 days. For users who only need a small amount of data, these packages may be less cost-effective.
We recommend Holafly primarily for digital nomads and demanding users who need stable connectivity without worrying about data limits. For a more detailed comparison with Airalo, check out our article Airalo vs Holafly or use our eSIM comparison tool to find the most suitable solution.
eSIM4Travel - The Most Affordable Solution on the Market
eSIM4Travel in Brief
eSIM4Travel is an American eSIM provider with coverage in 170 countries, offering very competitive prices and reliable connection without an app.
Pros and Cons
eSIM4Travel is an American provider that stands out primarily for its very competitive prices. With coverage in 170 countries, it offers data packages at a fraction of the cost compared to better-known competitors like Airalo.
Unlike most providers, eSIM4Travel doesn't have a mobile app - all interaction takes place through their website, which is available in English. This has its advantages (you don't need to download additional software) and disadvantages (you don't have direct oversight of data consumption on your phone).
During our testing, we were very pleasantly surprised by the excellent customer support with quick access to live operators who are professional and genuinely try to help. Speed tests showed solid performance - 116 Mbps download and 89.5 Mbps upload without artificial limitations.
eSIM4Travel's strongest point is undoubtedly its pricing - for example, a 1GB package can be purchased for as little as $0.79, which is up to six times less than Airalo. For Americans, their regional "Best Europe 35" plan is interesting, covering 35 European countries including the UK, Switzerland, and Turkey.
We recommend eSIM4Travel for budget-conscious travelers looking for a reliable solution with good customer support. For comparison with other providers, use our eSIM comparison tool to find the cheapest option for your destination.
Yesim - Swiss Quality and Competitive Prices
Yesim in Brief
Yesim is a Swiss eSIM provider with coverage in 135 countries, offering both fixed and unlimited data packages at competitive prices.
Pros and Cons
Yesim is a Swiss provider of data eSIMs with coverage in 135 countries, offering both fixed data volume packages and unlimited data packages at competitive prices.
During our testing, we appreciated the excellent connection speed (135 Mbps download, 90 Mbps upload) and simple eSIM installation. The Yesim app has a rating of 4.4 stars (from 600 reviews) on the App Store and 3.6 stars (from 2,000 reviews) on Google Play, suggesting a better experience on iOS devices.
Yesim's biggest weakness is its extremely slow and inefficient customer support. During our testing, we waited for a response for more than 15 minutes and spent over 45 minutes in conversation without receiving useful help. Compared to competitors like eSIM4Travel or Airalo, Yesim's support is significantly worse.
Another disadvantage is the inaccurate display of remaining data in the app and the inability to purchase additional data after depletion without Wi-Fi access. The aggressive marketing behavior, including automatically pre-setting consent for marketing emails, is also problematic.
We recommend Yesim primarily for experienced eSIM users who can solve potential problems on their own and don't need significant support. For comparison with other providers, use our eSIM comparison tool to help you find the optimal solution.
Global YO - Modern Approach and Low Prices
Global YO in Brief
Global YO offers eSIM plans with coverage in more than 200 countries. It stands out with very low prices and a modern app design aimed at the younger generation, but has weaker customer support.
Pros and Cons
Global YO is a modern provider of data eSIMs with coverage in more than 200 countries, which differentiates itself from the competition with design and an approach focused on the younger generation. It offers very competitive prices, often the lowest on the market.
The Global YO app is very modern and stylish in design, with an emphasis on visual appeal. It offers intuitive control of basic functions and interesting features such as an integrated map with your travels and activities. The eSIM installation is trouble-free and quick, which is especially appreciated by less technically skilled users.
Our speed tests showed excellent results - 74 Mbps download and 72 Mbps upload at first measurement, with the second measurement exceeding 150 Mbps download. These speeds are more than sufficient for normal use including video streaming and video calls.
Pricing policy is clearly one of Global YO's biggest advantages. It offers packages from as little as $0.59 for 500 MB for 1 day up to 200 GB packages for demanding users. An interesting option is adding calling for an additional $3.
A weaker aspect is customer support, which responds slowly and provides general rather than specific answers. Another drawback is that the app doesn't work after data depletion, which complicates purchasing additional data.
We recommend Global YO primarily for travelers looking for the lowest prices, younger users who appreciate modern design, and more technically proficient users who don't need extensive customer support. For comparison with other providers, use our eSIM comparison tool.
Jetpac - Innovative Features and Bonuses
Jetpac in Brief
Jetpac offers eSIM plans with coverage in more than 150 countries. It stands out with attractive prices and bonuses like airport lounge access during flight delays, but has shortcomings in user interface.
Pros and Cons
Jetpac is an interesting provider of data eSIMs with coverage in more than 150 countries, which tries to offer more than the competition. Besides standard data packages, it provides innovative features such as calling from the app, unlimited WhatsApp and Google Maps with larger packages, and even airport lounge access during flight delays.
Installing a Jetpac eSIM is one of this service's strongest points - the app offers three installation methods, including automatic installation, which is very simple and quick. After installation, the eSIM was immediately ready to use.
Our speed tests showed solid results - approximately 100 Mbps download and a stable 67 Mbps upload. These speeds are usable for normal use but don't reach the full potential of 5G networks.
Jetpac's pricing policy is competitive - often outperforming even popular providers like Airalo in many destinations. For regular travelers, Jetpac also offers JetFlex and JetPro subscriptions with even better prices per GB of data.
Weaker points include the confusing user interface of both website and app, slow customer support with technical responses, and the absence of "zero-rating" - the app doesn't work without internet after data depletion.
We recommend Jetpac for more technically proficient users who can solve potential problems on their own, or people specifically looking for features like calling from the app or free data for WhatsApp and Google Maps. For comparison with other providers, use our eSIM comparison tool.
Saily - NordVPN Background and Sophisticated App
Saily in Brief
Travel data eSIM provider Saily is created by the same company as NordVPN and offers a top-notch app with sophisticated features and fast customer support.
Pros and Cons
Saily is a relatively new provider of data eSIMs (founded in March 2024), which was created under the wings of NordVPN. Despite being on the market for a short time, it's quickly gaining attention thanks to its sophisticated app and quality services.
The Saily app is one of this service's strongest points - it offers a clean, modern design with intuitive navigation, clear display of purchased eSIMs and their data usage, automatic data top-up function when reaching a limit, integrated VPN thanks to the connection with NordVPN, ad blocking, and web protection for data savings.
Another significant advantage is very fast and efficient customer support. The support system offers a multi-level approach - a help center with FAQs, a chatbot for common problems, and human support that responds quickly and provides useful advice.
Our speed tests showed solid results - 174 Mbps download and 70 Mbps upload. These values are sufficient for normal internet use, including high-definition video streaming and video calls.
Disadvantages include the need to install the app to get the eSIM after purchase, underutilized potential of 5G networks in some locations, and the fact that the app doesn't work after data depletion (no zero-rating).
We recommend Saily primarily to users who appreciate a quality app and fast customer support. For comparison with other providers, use our eSIM comparison tool to help you find the optimal solution.
GigSky - Unique Coverage on Cruise Ships and Airplanes
GigSky in Brief
GigSky offers eSIM plans with coverage in more than 200 countries. It stands out with unique connectivity on cruise ships and airplanes, but has shortcomings in app user interface.
Pros and Cons
GigSky is an interesting provider of data eSIMs with coverage in more than 200 countries, which differentiates itself from the competition primarily by functioning as a full-fledged mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) with its own network.
GigSky's biggest advantage is unique coverage on cruise ships, airplanes, and in some exotic destinations. It offers special plans for cruise ships on more than 190 routes, connectivity at sea in the Gulf of Mexico and North Sea, and data services on board more than 20 airlines. These specialized services often have no competition in the travel eSIM area.
An interesting finding is that the GigSky mobile app remains partially functional even after data depletion, allowing you to purchase a new plan directly from the app. This feature is unique and competitive providers don't offer it.
Our speed tests showed average results - after restarting the phone, we measured approximately 114 Mbps download and 16 Mbps upload. These values are comparable to other eSIM providers but still significantly lower than the theoretical maximum of 5G networks.
Disadvantages include the need to install the app for purchase and management of eSIM, less intuitive app user interface, and slower connection speeds in some locations.
We recommend GigSky primarily for travelers who need coverage in exotic destinations or on cruise ships, where the offering of competitive providers is limited. For comparison with other providers, use our eSIM comparison tool.
How to Choose the Best eSIM Provider
Selecting the right data eSIM provider can be a challenging task given the number of available options. Here are several key factors you should consider when making your decision:
1. Coverage and Availability in Target Destinations
The first step is to verify whether the provider offers services in the countries you plan to visit. Some providers like Airalo and GigSky have very wide coverage (more than 200 countries), while others may specialize in specific regions.
2. Price and Value for Money
Prices vary significantly between providers. For example, eSIM4Travel and Global YO offer very competitive prices, while Airalo can be up to four times more expensive. For users with high data consumption, unlimited packages from Holafly may be more advantageous.
3. Data Packages and Flexibility
Consider your data needs - do you need a large amount of data, or is basic connectivity for navigation and communication sufficient? Some providers offer a wide range of packages from 500 MB up to 200 GB, while others specialize in unlimited data.
For a better idea of how much data you'll need, visit our guides on what 2 GB of data is enough for, what 5 GB of data is enough for, or what 10 GB of data is enough for.
4. User Experience and App
App quality can significantly affect your experience. Providers like Saily and Airalo offer excellent apps with intuitive interfaces, while eSIM4Travel operates only through websites without a mobile app.
5. Customer Support
Quality customer support is key, especially when traveling abroad and needing quick assistance. eSIM4Travel and Saily excel in this area, while Yesim has significantly slower and less effective support.
6. Special Features and Bonuses
Some providers offer interesting additional features - for example, Jetpac provides unlimited WhatsApp and Google Maps with larger packages and airport lounge access during flight delays, Saily offers integrated VPN and ad blocking, and GigSky has unique coverage on cruise ships and airplanes.
For easy comparison of all available eSIM plans for your destination, we recommend using our eSIM comparison tool on vefru.com, where you can filter offers by required data size, validity period, and country - even multiple countries at once.
Comparison of Providers by Key Parameters
Country Coverage
Airalo: 211 countries - widest coverage of all tested providers
GigSky: 200+ countries + unique coverage on cruise ships and airplanes
Global YO: 200+ countries
Saily: 180 countries
eSIM4Travel: 170 countries
Holafly: 160+ countries
Jetpac: 150+ countries
Yesim: 135 countries
Price Affordability (1GB Package)
eSIM4Travel: from $0.79 - cheapest option
Global YO: from $0.59 for 500 MB
Saily: from $1.99
GigSky: from $3.99
Jetpac: from $4
Airalo: from $4.50
Yesim: from €0.5 for 500 MB (but packages often "disappear")
Holafly: doesn't offer small packages, only unlimited data from $19 for 5 days
App Quality
Saily: 4.8/5 on Android, 4.6/5 on iOS - best app
Airalo: 4.5/5 on Android, 4.6/5 on iOS
Global YO: modern design focused on younger generation
GigSky: 3.2/5 on Android, 4.6/5 on iOS
Yesim: 3.6/5 on Android, 4.4/5 on iOS
Jetpac: 3.6/5 on Android, 3.8/5 on iOS
Holafly: 4.6/5 on Android, 3.5/5 on iOS
eSIM4Travel: no app, only website
Customer Support
eSIM4Travel: 5/5 - excellent, fast, and professional
Saily: 5/5 - very fast and efficient
GigSky: 4.5/5 - very good with quick response
Airalo: 3.5/5 - average with chatbot as first line
Holafly: 3/5 - average
Global YO: 2.5/5 - slower with general answers
Jetpac: 2.5/5 - slow with technical responses
Yesim: 1/5 - extremely slow and inefficient
Connection Speed
Saily: 174 Mbps download / 70 Mbps upload
Global YO: up to 150 Mbps download / 72 Mbps upload
Airalo: 40-150 Mbps download / 40 Mbps upload
GigSky: 114 Mbps download / 16 Mbps upload
Yesim: 135 Mbps download / 90 Mbps upload
eSIM4Travel: 116 Mbps download / 89.5 Mbps upload
Jetpac: 100 Mbps download / 67 Mbps upload
Holafly: limited to ~30 Mbps download / ~30 Mbps upload
Special Features
Jetpac: unlimited WhatsApp and Google Maps, airport lounge access, calling from app
Saily: integrated VPN, ad blocking, automatic data top-up
GigSky: coverage on cruise ships and airplanes, app functional even after data depletion
Holafly: unlimited data without worrying about consumption
Global YO: modern design, option to add calling for additional fee
eSIM4Travel: very competitive prices, regional plans
Airalo: wide coverage, regional and global packages
Yesim: Ycoins loyalty program
To find the best eSIM for your specific needs, we recommend using our eSIM comparison tool on vefru.com, which allows you to filter offers by required data size, validity period, and destination - even multiple countries at once.
Frequently Asked Questions About eSIM Providers
Frequently Asked Questions About eSIM Providers
Which eSIM provider offers the cheapest data packages?
Which eSIM provider has the best coverage?
Which eSIM provider offers unlimited data?
Which eSIM provider has the best app?
Which eSIM provider has the best customer support?
Which eSIM provider offers the fastest connection?
Which eSIM provider is best for traveling in Europe?
Can I use hotspot (data sharing) with eSIM from these providers?
Which eSIM provider is best for long-term travel?
For more information about eSIM technology and its use while traveling, check out our other articles:
- All About eSIM | What It Is, Usage, Devices, Installation, Carriers
- eSIM for Travel: How to Stay Online Abroad
- eSIM | Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
- Phones with eSIM Support | Updated for 2025
- How Much Data You Need | Guide
- Saving Data on Vacation | Tips and Tricks
To find the best eSIM for your specific destination, we recommend using our eSIM comparison tool on vefru.com, which allows you to filter offers by required data size, validity period, and country - even multiple countries at once.
What is eSIM?
eSIM allows you to use a digital SIM card instead of a traditional plastic one. This enables you to purchase a SIM card online for the country you're traveling to.
The most well-known eSIM providers on the market are Airalo, Holafly, eSIM4Travel, Yesim, Saily and others.
Frequently asked questions about eSIM:
- Does my phone have eSIM?
- How to add eSIM to iPhone or Samsung?
- How to install eSIM on an older phone?
- What are the most affordable and best phones with eSIM support?
How to compare eSIM?
Here you can compare eSIM data packages for more than 170 countries, such as UK, USA, Egypt and others. And that for any duration and amount of data.
Along with additional information, such as provider ratings and whether the website is available in Czech.
Compare all eSIMs
Why can you trust Vefru?
Founders František and Jan experienced problems with mobile data every time they traveled outside the EU. As technology enthusiasts, the idea of traveling abroad without a data connection or risking truly insane roaming fees was unacceptable to them. Regardless of how adventurous the story of walking across Toronto on a winter night without an online map might be, it's not something they would want to repeat.
After the emergence of eSIM and later eSIM travel data package providers, they learned a lot about the technology and industry and decided to share their findings and the comparison tool they created for themselves with others. It now contains more than 10,000 updated eSIM mobile data packages from the most popular providers for more than 170 countries around the world.
Every time you read a guide on Vefru, it is created in the same way the author would research the topic themselves. From contacting locals about the best network operators, to recommending the most advantageous plans for what you really need, to technical guides on how to create a QR code for eSIM or how to troubleshoot eSIM issues. Most articles are created based on topics that the authors themselves have dealt with and for which they found the best solutions.
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