An eSIM, or embedded SIM card, is an electronic version of a subscriber identity module chip that provides information allowing your phone to connect to cellular networks. Unlike a traditional physical SIM card, eSIMs are built directly into your phone.
Luckily, most wireless providers offer eSIM support. All major carriers—Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile—provide eSIMs. Many smaller carriers of mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) also deliver eSIMs. An eSIM makes switching carriers, turning your phone into a dual SIM device, and traveling internationally a breeze.
Our favorite eSIM cell phone plans come from Visible, Mint Mobile, Google Fi, and US Mobile. But you've got tons of choices. Here are the best eSIM plans on the market.
Compare eSIM cell phone plans
| Carrier | Plan | Price | Shop this plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visible | Visible+ | $35/Month | Go to plan |
| Mint Mobile | Unlimited | $30/Month | Go to plan |
| Google Fi | Unlimited Premium | $65/Month | Go to plan |
| US Mobile | Unlimited Premium | $44/Month | Go to plan |
| Tello | 10GB | $15/Month | Go to plan |
Best eSIM Plans Overall
One of the biggest benefits of eSIM technology is that you can switch carriers without a physical SIM card. This is ideal if you are a heavy data user or want the best coverage in different areas. This is why we've chosen Visible as the best eSIM carrier overall, specifically their $45 unlimited data plan.
Visible | Visible+ | $35/mo—Best value feature-rich eSIM plan
Visible Wireless offers Verizon-powered service, and its attractively-priced Visible+ tier is one of the best prepaid eSIM plans.
- Pros: Unlimited priority data, excellent 4G LTE nationwide coverage, fast 5G
- Cons: Hotspot capped at 10Mbps, only 480p video streaming on mobile
Price
Just $35/month gives you:
- Unlimited talk, text, and data at up to 5G Ultra-Wideband (UWB) speeds
- Unlimited premium data
- Unlimited mobile hotspot capped at 10Mbps download speeds (enough for streaming video in high-definition)
Network
Backed by Verizon, you'll get best-in-class 4G LTE coverage with fast 5G speeds.
Perks
Although you don't get many perks, Visible+ offers international calling, texting, and data benefits. These include unlimited talk, text, and 2GB of data in Mexico and Canada, plus one complimentary Global Pass day per month, which enables talk, text, and data in over 140 destinations.
What we like
We like Visible's unlimited plans including the base plan which costs just $25/month for unlimited talk, text, data, and mobile hotspot. You're subject to deprioritization at any time and miss out on blazing-fast 5G UWB mobile data, but you'll get plenty quick 5G for almost half the price. But for a data buffet on Verizon's network without breaking the bank, Visible+ is one of the best eSIM plans available.
view plan
US Mobile | $44/month—Best eSIM plan for high-data users
If you're constantly streaming De La Soul albums on Tidal, watching Jack Ryan on Amazon Prime Video, or playing Fortnite on your phone, US Mobile has you covered.
- Pros: Choice of Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile networks, lots of data, perks available with three or more lines on Unlimited Premium
- Cons: Perks limited to Unlimited Premium family plans
Price
US Mobile's Unlimited Premium $44/month package gives you:
- Unlimited high-speed premium data
- 50GB mobile hotspot allowance
- International calling and texting
- 20GB of international data
Network
US Mobile offers plans on Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile making it optimal for areas where network coverage varies sharply based on carrier. You can select your network of choice and even switch networks during your plan period with the TelePortal feature.
Perks
Whereas most other carriers deprioritize or slow down your data after exceeding a certain amount, US Mobile doesn't. Instead, you still get the highest priority premium data uncapped.
That's enough for virtually everything but 4K Ultra-high-definition video streaming. Since most folks won't even come close to surpassing 100GB of data, this is a solid choice for power users like remote workers, gamers, and media enthusiasts.
In addition, when you add three or more lines, you can choose one free music, gaming, or streaming service to accompany your plan.
What we like
We liked US Mobile's choice of networks, ample data offerings, and perks with multi-line discounts. While we'd like to see perks at other tiers, such as single-line plans, that's a minor quibble. If you need a ton of data, US Mobile gives you some of the best eSIM data plans on the planet.
View planCheck out our guide to the best dual SIM phones, many of which use an eSIM in tandem with a physical SIM card.
Best eSIM Plan
for Travelers
Using an eSIM plan to travel outside the U.S. is cost-effective and convenient. You can easily avoid roaming fees by purchasing one of the best travel eSIMs currently available from an online marketplace or choosing an eSIM plan that includes international roaming benefits, like Google Fi.
Google Fi | Unlimited Premium | $32.50/mo—Best eSIM plan for traveling
Google Fi is an excellent MVNO with various perks.
- Pros: Excellent travel perks, solid 5G coverage, shareable data on other devices
- Cons: Average single-line prices
Google Fi's Unlimited Premium is one of the best international eSIM plans. You enjoy talk, text, and data in Canada and Mexico. On top of that, Google Fi Wireless offers cheap calls from the United States to over 200 international locations (with free phone calls to 50 places). There's also free or cheap talk/text/data outside of the US.
Price
Google's Unlimited Premium is $32.50/month for a single line. It includes:
- Unlimited talk, text, and 100GB of premium data
- Unlimited hotspot tethering and 50GB of premium hotspot data
- 100GB of storage with Google One
- 6 months of YouTube Premium
- Calls to 50+ destinations
- Data access in over 200+ destinations
Expert tip: You can save with a family plan multi-line discount. Aside from unlimited talk, text, and data with a whopping 50GB of priority data, you'll get hotspot support.
Network
Google Fi uses T-Mobile's 4G LTE and 5G nationwide networks.
Perks
In addition to Google Fi's generous international coverage, the Unlimited Premium plan includes 6 months of YouTube Premium and 100GB of storage with Google One.
Unlike many small carriers, Google Fi also offers multi-line discounts for families for as low as 2-lines. In other words, add two lines on Unlimited Premium and pay only $55/month per line.
What we like
In our Google Fi Wireless review, we liked its solid T-Mobile-backed 5G coverage, great international perks, and nice family plan discounts. While its one-line unlimited plans aren't the cheapest, the travel benefits offset that if you're a frequent flier.
View planInternational eSIM Offerings
An international eSIM is a great option if you often travel internationally and would rather purchase a plan in the country you're visiting. Doing this, you won't have to contact your carrier to let them know you'll be out of the country, nor will you have to worry about additional roaming charges. Some of the best online marketplaces for international eSIMs are Airalo, Airhub, and GigSky.
Best Cheap Prepaid eSIM Plans
Some phones allow using both a physical SIM and an eSIM, enabling you to have two separate phone numbers on one device. This can be useful for separating personal and professional calls or using a local number when traveling domestically. A cheap eSIM plan from an MVNO allows you to have multiple numbers for the price of one from a major carrier.
Mint Mobile | Unlimited | $30/mo—Cheap unlimited eSIM plan
Mint offers one of the cheapest eSIM plans on the market today.
- Pros: Unlimited high-speed data , exceptional 5G coverage, extremely affordable plans
- Cons: Best pricing requires a 12-month prepayment, middling 4G LTE network (though not Mint Mobile's fault), potential for slower speeds after 50GB
Price
For only $30/month you get:
- Unlimited talk and text
- 35GB of premium data
- Free call and text to Mexico and Canada
- 10GB mobile hotspot
All of Mint Mobile's plans require a three-, six-, or 12-month prepayment. Sure, that's an affordable monthly breakdown, but it can be pricey to shell out $360 at once for an unlimited plan. However, for new customers, you can snag the Unlimited plan for $15/month if you opt for the 12-month plan saving you 50%.
Network
Mint Mobile runs on T-Mobile's towers. This means you'll have the widest 5G footprint among the major carriers.Perks
While Mint lacks traditional perks, it often offers $15/month deals on all of its plans. Be sure to visit Mint to take advantage of these. In addition, Mint offers international coverage. With Minternational offerings, you can use your Mint Mobile eSIM internationally by purchasing plan add-ons that start at only $5/day.
What we like
In our Mint Mobile review, we liked its affordable prices, good international calling features, and outstanding 5G network. However, its pricing structure might disappoint some folks. While you'll get Mint's lowest-possible pricing for three months initially, to maintain that cost you need to pay for 12 months of service upfront.
Still, it's tough to beat $30 for unlimited data on the nation's best 5G network. That's far less than you'd pay with T-Mobile, so if you want an affordable eSIM data plan, consider Mint Mobile.
View plan
Tello | Unlimited Talk, Text, and 10GB Plan | $15/month—Cheap limited data eSIM plan
In our experience, Tello Mobile is a fantastic budget-oriented prepaid carrier. Its plans start out at $5/month for low-data options, with its most expensive Unlimited tier topping out at a reasonable $25/month.
- Pros: Super cheap, excellent 5G service, great customer service
- Cons: Limited data (5GB)
Price
The $15/month Unlimited talk, text, and 10GB plan includes:
- Unlimited minutes and messages
- 10GB of data
- Free international calls to over 60+ destinations
Network
Tello uses T-Mobile's rockstar 5G network offering reliable speeds for a fraction of the price of a T-Mobile phone plan.
Perks
Tello is not big on perks, however, they do offer the ability to upgrade or downgrade your plan at any time without any consequence. With Tello, you truly only pay for what you need.
What we like
We love Tello for its customizable and affordable phone plans, which include family plan options as well. You can easily build a family plan with customized lines. And if the $15/month plan isn't your speed Tello provides plenty of other cheap SIM plans.
View planLearn how to delete or remove an eSIM to manage your cell phone service.
Best eSIM Plans
From Major Carriers
Generally, we recommend sticking with an MVNO over a major carrier so you can save money. Most folks overpay for a cell phone plan, and smaller carriers provide the same great service at a fraction of the cost. However, all of the major carriers—Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T—offer eSIM plans.
Unlimited Plus plan is the best Verizon eSIM plan available. It features unlimited talk, text, and data that doesn't slow no matter how much you use. There's a sizable 30GB mobile hotspot allowance for tethering your phone to devices like laptops and tablets while traveling. While it’s not cheap—a single line costs you $80/month—you can save with a Verizon family plan or a prepaid option.
Verizon Unlimited Plus
| Carrier | Verizon |
|---|---|
| Data | Unlimited Data |
| Type | No Contract |
| Current Deal | Get $10 off per line for 1 line via monthly promo credits over 36 months. For new customers only |
| Total Price |
$70 per month
+ Taxes & Fees. Price includes AutoPay & Paperless discount.
+ $40 Upfront
|
| View Plan |
The best AT&T eSIM plan is Premium 2.0. There's truly unlimited high-speed data that doesn't slow down regardless of your monthly usage. You get a whopping 100GB mobile hotspot data allocation for connecting your phone to other devices. Because of its high single-line price, recommend grabbing some relatives or friends to make it a family plan. Alternatively, a prepaid plan also lets you save with Big Blue.
AT&T Premium 2.0℠
| Carrier | AT&T |
|---|---|
| Data | Unlimited Data |
| Type | No Contract |
| Current Deal | Get up to $360 off for new line activation on Premium 2.0 or Extra 2.0 Plan via 36 months credit. Port-in required. OR Get Up to $800 Visa Reward card |
| Total Price |
$90 per month
with AutoPay & Paperless billing discount
+ $35 Upfront
|
| View Plan |
Our favorite T-Mobile eSIM plan is Experience More. It offers unlimited priority data coupled with 60GB of mobile hotspot data. You'll get a few perks including Netflix and Apple TV+. The Un-carrier also provides decent travel benefits, like 5G international data, in-flight Wi-Fi, and free or cheap international calling and texting. At $85/month, Experience More is pretty pricey, but a family plan plunges prices with each added line (pro tip: T-Mobile's third-line free deal is your best option). You may also consider an affordable prepaid package.
T-Mobile Experience More
| Carrier | T-Mobile |
|---|---|
| Data | Unlimited Data |
| Type | No Contract |
| Total Price |
$85 per month
with Auto-Pay + Taxes and fees
|
| View Plan |
Best eSIM compatible phones
While most recent handsets support eSIM, not all do. For instance, my Google Pixel 6 Pro works with eSIM, while my OnePlus 10 Pro doesn’t. Our favorite eSIM phones include the iPhone 14 Pro Max, Google Pixel 7 Pro, and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. We also recommend the mid-range iPhone 14, Samsung Galaxy S23, and Google Pixel 7. On a budget, the Google Pixel 7a, iPhone SE, and Samsung Galaxy A54 are great choices. If you need a foldable or flippable phone that’s eSIM-compatible, we like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 and Fold5.
Moto G Power (2025) 128GB
- 6.8 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 8MP
- Front Camera: 16MP
Edge (2025) 256GB
- 6.7 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 50MP, 10MP
- Front Camera: 50MP
Galaxy A37 5G 128GB
- 6.7 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 8MP, 5MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
Pixel 10a 128GB
- 6.3 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 48MP, 13MP
- Front Camera: 13MP
Pixel 9a 128GB
- 6.3 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 48MP, 13MP
- Front Camera: 13MP
Moto G Stylus 5G (2026) 128GB
- 6.7 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 13MP
- Front Camera: 32MP
iPhone 17e 256GB
- 6.1 inch display
- Rear Camera: 48MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
Pixel 10 128GB
- 6.3 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 48MP, 10.8MP, 13MP
- Front Camera: 10.5MP
iPhone 16 128GB
- 6.1 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 48MP, 12MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
Pixel 10 256GB
- 6.3 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 48MP, 10.8MP, 13MP
- Front Camera: 10.5MP
Best eSIM plans: FAQs
What are the downsides of an eSIM?
One of the downsides to eSIM is that you don’t have a physical SIM card, so some phones aren’t compatible. While most recent handsets from Apple, Google, and Samsung sport eSIM support, others, like many OnePlus or older smartphone models, don’t.
Another downside is that switching carriers with an eSIM can be tricky since you can’t just pop out a SIM card. It requires following several instructions, which is easy for some but may be more difficult for those who aren't as tech-savvy.
Which carriers offer eSIMs?
The providers that offer eSIM support are:
- Verizon
- AT&T
- T-Mobile
- UScellular
- Visible
- Mint Mobile
- Google Fi Wireless
- US Mobile
- Tello
- Cricket Wireless
- Xfinity Mobile
- Spectrum Mobile
- FirstNet
What are the best eSIMs for international travel?
Looking to buy an eSIM for travel? Here are the eSIM companies we like most:
Is eSIM better than a physical SIM?
eSIMs have become increasingly popular due to their convenience. They enable you to add coverage and switch carriers on the go, without having to wait for a physical SIM to arrive in the mail. However, not all phones are eSIM compatible, and switching eSIMs or adjusting other international settings can be a little tricky for those with less technical know-how. For more details on deleting or removing an eSIM, follow our guide.
Methodology: How we picked the best eSIM plans
We picked the best eSIM plans by first rounding up a list of all carriers that support eSIMs. Then, we compared all plans by those carriers, picking the best options for various use cases, like unlimited data, budget pricing, or perks. In all, we reviewed dozens of plans from major carriers and MVNOs alike. To rank plans, we primarily considered coverage, data offerings, and price. We also looked at perks and savings. Additionally, we performed hands-on testing, carefully reviewing each carrier to truly assess their real-world capabilities. Our eagle-eyed editorial team maintains a watchful eye on the mobile market and will update our ratings as needed.
Moe Long
Senior Writer
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