Travel · Ranked by price to features
10 Best eSIM Apps of 2026
By the Rankozo research desk · Updated November 9, 2026 · Next review December 24, 2026
aloSIM is the best eSIM app for travelers who want the lowest price per gigabyte in 2026, with 50GB for 30 days in the US at $42; Airalo suits travelers who want the widest choice of local, regional and global plans; aloSIM's cheapest US plan costs $3.50 and Ubigi sells 10GB for 30 days at $14.
- Tools ranked
- 10
- With free plan
- 0
- Cheapest paid plan
- aloSIM, $3.50
- per 1GB US plan, one-time
By the numbers
- $445The average US domestic itinerary fare was $445 in the second quarter of 2026, up 2.0% from the inflation-adjusted first quarter fare of $436.Bureau of Transportation Statistics
- 22.4%The US CPI airline fares index rose 22.4% in the 12 months to September 2026.U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
- $152IATA expects jet fuel to average $152 a barrel in 2026, almost 70% above the 2025 average of $90.International Air Transport Association
- $7.4 billionUS scheduled passenger airlines collected $7.4 billion in baggage fees in 2025, 2.9% of total operating revenue, the same share as in 2024.Bureau of Transportation Statistics
- $581IDC forecasts the global average selling price of a smartphone will reach $581 in 2026, up 27.6% in one year and above the $550 it projected a quarter earlier.IDC
Comparison table
| Tool | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airalo | 01 | 8.8 | 8.4 | $4per US data package, one-time | No |
| aloSIM | 02 | 8.8 | 9.3 | $3.50per 1GB US plan, one-time | No |
| Jetpac | 03 | 8.6 | 9.0 | $12.99per 5GB 30-day US pack, one-time | No |
| Ubigi | 04 | 8.6 | 9.4 | $4per 1GB 7-day US plan, one-time | No |
| Maya Mobile | 05 | 8.5 | 8.8 | $9.99per 3-day global unlimited plan, one-time | No |
| Saily | 06 | 8.5 | 8.2 | $3.99per 1GB 7-day US plan, one-time | No |
| Yesim | 07 | 8.4 | 8.6 | Check price | No |
| Nomad | 08 | 8.3 | 8.4 | $4per US data plan, one-time | No |
| GigSky | 09 | 8.1 | 7.6 | Check price | No |
| Holafly | 10 | 8.0 | 7.4 | $11.90per 3-day US unlimited plan, one-time | No |
Click a column to sort. Prices are the cheapest paid plan quoted from each vendor's US pricing page; "Check price" means the US price check is pending.
How this ranking works
One method for every tool. We compared documented features and published prices; we did not run hands-on tests. Value carries the most weight.
Full methodThis list is for travelers who want mobile data abroad without roaming charges and are comparing eSIM apps by price per gigabyte and by the cost of unlimited plans. We compared documented features and published prices on each provider's own store pages in November 2026, using the United States as the benchmark destination because every provider sells it. Rankozo weights value at 40%, features at 35% and ease of use at 25%. Starting prices are the cheapest US plan shown in USD on the vendor's page, paid once per trip. eSIM prices change by destination and often by week, so treat our figures as a snapshot and check the price for your own country before you buy.
The verdict
aloSIM gives the most data for the money on a typical trip: 50GB for 30 days in the US costs $42, about $0.84 per gigabyte, and every purchase comes with a free international phone number. Airalo costs a little more but has the broadest catalog of local, regional and global plans and the most polished app. Ubigi and Jetpac are the other low per-gigabyte options, at $14 for 10GB and $34.99 for 40GB on 30-day US plans. For unlimited data, Maya Mobile's $49.99 global 30-day plan undercuts the single-country unlimited plans from Jetpac ($67.99), Airalo ($68), aloSIM ($69) and Holafly ($73.90). Saily adds privacy tools, and Holafly is the simplest unlimited-only choice.
- 01Top value
Airalo
8.8/10Large eSIM store with local, regional and global plans in 200+ locations, including unlimited data packages.
Price
$4per US data package, one-time
US eSIMs from $4.00; US unlimited from $11.50 for 3 days to $68 for 30 days; North America from $5.50, Global from $8.50
“United States eSIM, from $4.00 USD” Quoted from the pricing page, November 9, 2026.
- Free plan
- No
- Value (40%)
- 8.4
- Features (35%)
- 9.0
- Ease of use (25%)
- 9.0
Best forFrequent travelers who want one app with the widest choice of plans for any country or region.
Airalo is the largest catalog in this list, with local, regional and global eSIMs for more than 200 locations and, by its own count, over 30 million customers. For the United States, plans start at $4.00 and run on T-Mobile plus one other network. Its US unlimited packages cost $11.50 for 3 days, $25 for 7 days, $46 for 15 days and $68 for 30 days, which sits close to Jetpac and aloSIM on price. Regional options are a strength: North America plans start at $5.50 and global plans at $8.50, which helps on multi-country trips. The store also sells data-only plans, data with calls and texts in some locations, and fixed-data packages. Practical touches include top-ups on the same eSIM, optional automatic renewals when 10% of your data is left, an app in 53 languages and 24/7 support on WhatsApp. The app holds a 4.7 rating on the App Store and 4.6 on Google Play. Airalo is rarely the cheapest per gigabyte, but it is the most complete store.
- ✓Broadest plan catalog, from single countries to global
- ✓Regional plans start at $5.50 for North America
- ✓Renewals and top-ups keep one eSIM working across trips
- ✕30-day US unlimited at $68 is above Maya's global unlimited plan
- ✕Fixed-data US prices are only shown after selecting the plan type
- ✕No free phone number with data-only plans
- Cheapest US plan:
- $4.00
- 30-day US unlimited:
- $68
- Coverage:
- 200+ locations
- App languages:
- 53
Bottom line: Airalo is the safest single app to keep on your phone because it covers almost any destination with local, regional and global plans. Compare its price for your country with aloSIM or Ubigi before you buy.
- 02
aloSIM
8.8/10Travel eSIM app with day-based plans, unlimited options and a free international phone number on every purchase.
Price
$3.50per 1GB US plan, one-time
US plans from $3.50 for 1GB; 30-day US plans from $9 for 3GB to $42 for 50GB; 30-day unlimited $69
“United States From $ 3.50” Quoted from the pricing page, November 9, 2026.
- Free plan
- No
- Value (40%)
- 9.3
- Features (35%)
- 8.4
- Ease of use (25%)
- 8.6
Best forTravelers who want the lowest price per gigabyte on trips of a week or longer.
aloSIM builds its store around trip length: you enter how many days you will be away and it shows plans for that window. For the United States in November 2026, a 1-day 1GB plan costs $3.50, a 7-day 5GB plan $12.50 and a 7-day unlimited plan $27. Longer trips are where it pulls ahead on price: the 30-day lineup runs from $9 for 3GB to $42 for 50GB, which is about $0.84 per gigabyte, the lowest rate we found on a US plan. A 30-day unlimited plan costs $69. The US eSIM connects to T-Mobile or Verizon, whichever is best where you are. Every data purchase includes a free international phone number for calls and texts, which most competitors charge extra for or do not offer. aloSIM shows a 4.6 rating from more than 30,000 verified reviews and offers 24/7 live chat. The caveat is its unlimited plans, which link to a separate list of limitations, so heavy users should read those before buying.
- ✓50GB for 30 days in the US costs $42, about $0.84 per GB
- ✓A phone number for calls and texts comes free with data
- ✓Prices shown in USD, MXN, AUD, CAD, EUR and GBP
- ✕Unlimited plans carry limitations listed separately
- ✕30-day unlimited at $69 costs more than Maya's global plan
- ✕Plan lineup changes by trip length, which makes direct comparison harder
- Cheapest US plan:
- $3.50
- 30-day US 50GB:
- $42
- 30-day US unlimited:
- $69
- US networks:
- T-Mobile, Verizon
Bottom line: aloSIM gives the most data per dollar on longer US trips and adds a free phone number. Pick a fixed 20GB or 50GB plan rather than unlimited to get the best rate.
- 03
Jetpac
8.6/10Travel eSIM with unlimited hotspot, free messaging and maps after data runs out, and airport lounge perks.
Price
$12.99per 5GB 30-day US pack, one-time
30-day US packs from USD 12.99 for 5GB to USD 34.99 for 40GB; US unlimited 30 days USD 67.99
“5 GB USD 12.99” Quoted from the pricing page, November 9, 2026.
- Free plan
- No
- Value (40%)
- 9.0
- Features (35%)
- 8.4
- Ease of use (25%)
- 8.2
Best forTravelers who want big fixed-data bundles and a safety net when their data runs out.
Jetpac prices its US eSIM in large 30-day bundles that compete hard on cost per gigabyte. In November 2026, 5GB cost USD 12.99, 10GB USD 19, 15GB USD 22, 30GB USD 29.99 and 40GB USD 34.99, about $0.87 per gigabyte. Its 30-day unlimited pack is USD 67.99, with the first 3GB each 24 hours at standard speed and up to 1 Mbps after that. Two extras set it apart. On packs of 3GB and above, WhatsApp, Uber, Grab and Google Maps keep working after your data runs out, so you are not stranded. And registering a delayed flight in the app can get you into an airport lounge free through SmartDelay. Hotspot sharing has no data limits, and the eSIM connects to the strongest network at each destination in 200+ countries. Plans are data only; calls need voice packs, from $1.99 for 5 minutes. Unactivated packs stay in your account for 3 months, which is shorter than Saily's window.
- ✓40GB for USD 34.99 is about $0.87 per GB
- ✓Messaging and maps keep working when data is used up
- ✓Discounts of up to 20% for buying several packs
- ✕Unlimited slows to 1 Mbps after 3GB in each 24 hours
- ✕Data only, so calls need paid voice packs
- ✕Unactivated packs expire 3 months after purchase
- 30-day US 40GB:
- USD 34.99
- 30-day US unlimited:
- USD 67.99
- Unlimited speed policy:
- 3GB per 24 hours, then 1 Mbps
- Coverage:
- 200+ destinations
Bottom line: Jetpac's 30GB and 40GB packs are some of the best-value US bundles, and the free messaging fallback is a useful safety net. Skip its unlimited pack if you need more than 3GB a day at full speed.
- 04
Ubigi
8.6/10Travel eSIM store with low-cost fixed data plans and long-validity options.
Price
$4per 1GB 7-day US plan, one-time
US plans from US$4 for 1GB for 7 days; 3GB for 15 days US$7; 10GB for 30 days US$14; 100GB for 360 days US$99
“eSIM • USA • 1GB • 7 days • US$4” Quoted from the pricing page, November 9, 2026.
- Free plan
- No
- Value (40%)
- 9.4
- Features (35%)
- 8.2
- Ease of use (25%)
- 8.0
Best forBudget travelers and long-stay visitors who want low per-gigabyte prices and long validity.
Ubigi sells fixed-data plans priced in US dollars on its own store, and its US lineup is among the cheapest we found. A 1GB plan valid for 7 days costs US$4, 3GB for 15 days costs US$7 and 10GB for 30 days costs US$14, which works out to $1.40 per gigabyte. For people who visit the US often, a 100GB plan valid for 360 days costs US$99, under $1 per gigabyte, and a 200GB plan is also offered. The US plans connect to T-Mobile, cover Hawaii, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and do not cover Alaska. Ubigi's Smartstart feature starts the plan when you reach your destination, so you can install it at home without wasting days. Data sharing is allowed, and the same eSIM can be reused in 200+ destinations and recharged in the app even without Wi-Fi. The trade-offs are a single US network, no unlimited US option on the plans we checked, and a store that takes more clicks than Airalo or aloSIM.
- ✓10GB for 30 days in the US costs US$14, $1.40 per GB
- ✓Year-long 100GB plan for US$99 suits repeat visitors
- ✓Hotspot sharing is allowed
- ✕US plans run on T-Mobile only and do not cover Alaska
- ✕Store and plan pages are busier than rival apps
- ✕No unlimited US plan in the list we checked
- Cheapest US plan:
- US$4 for 1GB, 7 days
- 30-day US 10GB:
- US$14
- US network:
- T-Mobile
- Longest US plan:
- 360 days
Bottom line: Ubigi is the cheapest way to buy a modest amount of US data, with 10GB for US$14. Choose it if T-Mobile coverage suits your route.
- 05
Maya Mobile
8.5/10One global eSIM with unlimited data in 165+ countries at a single flat rate.
Price
$9.99per 3-day global unlimited plan, one-time
Global unlimited: 3 days USD 9.99, 7 days USD 19.99, 14 days USD 27.99, 30 days USD 49.99
“3 Days Unlimited Weekend trips and short getaways USD 9.99” Quoted from the pricing page, November 9, 2026.
- Free plan
- No
- Value (40%)
- 8.8
- Features (35%)
- 7.8
- Ease of use (25%)
- 9.0
Best forTravelers visiting several countries who want unlimited data without picking a plan per destination.
Maya Mobile keeps its offer simple: one global eSIM, unlimited data on every plan and the same price in all 165+ supported countries. You choose 3 days for USD 9.99, 7 days for USD 19.99, 14 days for USD 27.99 or 30 days for USD 49.99, which is USD 1.67 a day. That 30-day price is the lowest unlimited month in this list and covers far more than one country, while single-country unlimited plans from Jetpac, Airalo, aloSIM and Holafly cost $67.99 to $73.90 for the US alone. Maya says 125+ countries get 5G speeds, and unlimited data also works on 20+ major cruise lines. There is no subscription: you buy a plan when you travel and extend it from the app if needed. Support runs on WhatsApp around the clock. The narrow lineup is the downside. Light users who only need a few gigabytes will pay less with a fixed plan from Ubigi or Saily, and Maya does not bundle extras such as phone numbers.
- ✓30-day global unlimited at USD 49.99 is the cheapest unlimited month here
- ✓No need to choose a plan per country
- ✓No subscription and nothing renews automatically
- ✕No small fixed-data plans for light users
- ✕Only four plan lengths
- ✕Fewer extras such as phone numbers or privacy tools
- 30-day unlimited:
- USD 49.99
- Cheapest plan:
- USD 9.99 for 3 days
- Coverage:
- 165+ countries
- Cruise coverage:
- 20+ cruise lines
Bottom line: Maya is the best value for unlimited data on a multi-country trip, at USD 49.99 for 30 days worldwide. Light users should buy a small fixed plan elsewhere.
- 06
Saily
8.5/10eSIM app with fixed and unlimited plans plus built-in privacy tools.
Price
$3.99per 1GB 7-day US plan, one-time
US plans from US$3.99 for 1GB for 7 days; 20GB for 30 days US$36.99; unlimited 15 days US$45.99
“1 GB 7 days US$3.99” Quoted from the pricing page, November 9, 2026.
- Free plan
- No
- Value (40%)
- 8.2
- Features (35%)
- 8.6
- Ease of use (25%)
- 8.8
Best forPrivacy-minded travelers who want ad blocking and virtual locations in their eSIM app.
Saily stands out for features that sit beside the data plan rather than in it. Inside the app you can change your virtual location to one of 115+ places, block malicious URLs and turn on an ad blocker that also saves data. For the United States in November 2026, plans started at US$3.99 for 1GB for 7 days, with 3GB for 30 days at US$8.99, 10GB at US$22.99 and 20GB at US$36.99. The unlimited US plan costs US$45.99 for 15 days and gives 5GB a day without a speed limit, then up to 1 Mbps. Regional plans start at US$5.99 for North America and US$8.99 for a 121-country global plan. You get 180 days to activate after buying, the longest window here, plus 3% back in Saily credits and 24/7 chat. Saily also sells a US phone number paired with a call and text plan. On price per gigabyte it trails aloSIM, Jetpac and Ubigi.
- ✓Security features rivals do not include
- ✓Long 180-day window to activate a plan
- ✓North America plans from US$5.99 and global from US$8.99
- ✕20GB for US$36.99 is about $1.85 per GB, above aloSIM and Jetpac
- ✕Unlimited slows to 1 Mbps after 5GB a day
- ✕Phone number costs extra
- Cheapest US plan:
- US$3.99 for 1GB, 7 days
- US unlimited:
- US$45.99 for 15 days
- Unlimited speed policy:
- 5GB a day, then 1 Mbps
- Activation window:
- 180 days
Bottom line: Saily is the pick if you want privacy tools in the same app as your data. Budget buyers will get more gigabytes per dollar from aloSIM or Ubigi.
- 07
Yesim
8.4/10eSIM app with fixed, unlimited and pay-as-you-go data plus virtual numbers.
- Free plan
- No
- Value (40%)
- 8.6
- Features (35%)
- 8.4
- Ease of use (25%)
- 8.2
Best forTravelers who want pay-as-you-go data or large fixed plans with a low per-gigabyte rate.
Yesim offers three ways to buy data: fixed plans, unlimited plans priced by the day and a pay-as-you-go option called Pay and Fly that keeps unused balance for the next trip. On its US page the fixed lineup runs from 1GB to 30GB for 30 days, and the per-gigabyte rate drops steeply as plans get larger, with the 30GB plan the cheapest per gigabyte. Unlimited plans are sold by the day. Our fetch showed prices in euros only, so we have not listed a USD price; check the store in your own currency. Yesim says it has more than 4 million users and covers 200+ destinations. Its SwitchLess Networks feature moves you to the strongest available network, including 5G, and plans can be activated within 180 days. You can add a virtual number in the app, and US plans need no ID verification. Two caveats are listed on the plan page: hotspot depends on the operator, and speeds may be limited under the operator's fair usage policy.
- ✓Price per gigabyte falls sharply on larger plans
- ✓Pay-as-you-go keeps unused balance for the next trip
- ✓No ID verification required for US plans
- ✕Prices showed in euros from our location, so USD is unconfirmed
- ✕Hotspot depends on the local operator
- ✕Speeds may be limited under the operator's fair usage policy
- Plan types:
- Fixed, unlimited, pay as you go
- Activation window:
- 180 days
- Users:
- 4 million+
- Coverage:
- 200+ destinations
Bottom line: Yesim suits travelers who like pay-as-you-go data or who want a large fixed plan at a low rate per gigabyte. Confirm the USD price in the app before buying.
- 08
Nomad
8.3/10Travel eSIM app with local and multi-country plans, add-on data and a membership with always-on data.
Price
$4per US data plan, one-time
US eSIMs from US$ 4; unlimited plans for 10 days or more earn 200 Nomad Points (USD 2); Nomad Pass from $4.08 per month
“USA eSIM, from US$ 4” Quoted from the pricing page, November 9, 2026.
- Free plan
- No
- Value (40%)
- 8.4
- Features (35%)
- 8.2
- Ease of use (25%)
- 8.4
Best forTravelers who want dual US networks and the option of a low monthly membership.
Nomad sells local and multi-country eSIMs in 200+ countries, and its US plans start at US$4. The US eSIM can use both Verizon and AT&T, and you can switch between them if one is weak, which few rivals offer. Plans come in fixed and unlimited versions, and buying an unlimited plan of 10 days or more earns 200 Nomad Points, worth USD 2, when it expires. If you run short, add-on data attaches to the same eSIM and starts automatically when the first plan ends. Hotspot and tethering are supported. You can install early and must start the plan within 60 days, after which it activates on its own. For frequent travelers, the Nomad Pass membership starts at $4.08 a month and includes 1GB of always-on data each month in 60+ destinations plus 15% off data plans. Nomad shows a 4.8 Trustpilot score from more than 48,000 reviews. Our fetch showed unlimited US prices in euros, so we only list the US$4 starting price.
- ✓Two major US networks to switch between
- ✓Add-ons extend a plan without a new eSIM
- ✓Points back on unlimited plans of 10 days or more
- ✕Unlimited US prices showed in euros from our location
- ✕Only some eSIMs include a local phone number
- ✕A few eSIMs need manual activation
- Cheapest US plan:
- US$4
- US networks:
- Verizon, AT&T
- Activation window:
- 60 days
- Nomad Pass:
- From $4.08 a month
Bottom line: Nomad is a strong all-rounder with two US networks and useful add-ons. The Nomad Pass is worth a look if you travel several times a year.
- 09
GigSky
8.1/10Mobile operator eSIM with land, cruise and inflight data, a free trial plan and Visa cardholder benefits.
- Free plan
- No
- Value (40%)
- 7.6
- Features (35%)
- 8.4
- Ease of use (25%)
- 8.4
Best forCruise passengers and Visa cardholders who can use complimentary data.
GigSky describes itself as a mobile operator rather than a reseller, which it says puts it closer to its network partners when something goes wrong. One eSIM covers 200+ countries and 290+ cruise ships, and GigSky also sells inflight data, so it is the broadest option here for travel that mixes land and sea. New users can claim a free 100MB plan with no credit card, which is a useful way to test installation before a trip. Plans come in fixed and unlimited versions for light to heavy users, hotspot sharing is unlimited, and the app alerts you at 80% of your allowance. Holders of eligible Visa cards can get complimentary data of up to 3GB in 175+ countries, unlimited data for up to 7 days in selected destinations and up to 30% off plans. For travelers abroad for 30 days or more, GigSky One is a subscription option. Plan prices were not visible on the page we fetched, so we could not compare its cost per gigabyte.
- ✓Free trial data before you pay
- ✓Strong cruise and maritime coverage
- ✓Unlimited hotspot sharing
- ✕Plan prices load in the app and were not visible on the page we fetched
- ✕US plans are listed with Cruise + Land packages
- ✕Best perks depend on holding an eligible Visa card
- Free trial:
- 100MB, no credit card
- Cruise ships:
- 290+
- Coverage:
- 200+ countries
- Support:
- 24/7, 365 days
Bottom line: GigSky is the pick for cruise travelers and eligible Visa cardholders. Check the app price for your destination against aloSIM and Airalo.
- 10
Holafly
8.0/10Unlimited-data travel eSIM priced by trip length, with monthly plans for long stays.
Price
$11.90per 3-day US unlimited plan, one-time
US unlimited from $11.90 for 3 days to $73.90 for 30 days; monthly plans from $49.90 per month
“3 days $ 11.90 USD” Quoted from the pricing page, November 9, 2026.
- Free plan
- No
- Value (40%)
- 7.4
- Features (35%)
- 8.0
- Ease of use (25%)
- 9.0
Best forTravelers who want unlimited data with no data math and are willing to pay more for it.
Holafly sells unlimited data only, so you pick the number of days and never think about gigabytes. Its US price table runs from $11.90 for 3 days to $20.50 for 5 days, $27.50 for 7 days, $50.50 for 15 days and $73.90 for 30 days. That is the highest 30-day unlimited price in this list: Jetpac, Airalo and aloSIM charge $67.99 to $69 for the US, and Maya charges $49.99 for 30 days across 165+ countries. Holafly includes some extras. Hotspot sharing is allowed up to 1GB per day, the Always On feature gives 1GB of free backup data each month, and the US eSIM comes with 24/7 doctor chat. For long stays, monthly subscriptions start at $49.90 a month in 160 destinations and can be cancelled anytime. The US eSIM is data only and does not include a local number, so calls go through apps. Holafly shows more than 118,000 reviews on its US page. The appeal is simplicity, not price.
- ✓No data allowance to track
- ✓Simple pricing by trip length
- ✓Monthly plans for stays of 30 days or more
- ✕30-day US unlimited at $73.90 is the most expensive here
- ✕Hotspot capped at 1GB a day
- ✕Data only, with no local phone number
- 30-day US unlimited:
- $73.90
- Hotspot:
- Up to 1GB a day
- Monthly plan:
- From $49.90 a month
- Phone number:
- Not included
Bottom line: Holafly is the easiest unlimited option, but you pay a premium for it on short trips. Long-stay travelers should compare its $49.90 monthly plan with Maya's 30-day global plan.
What to check before you pay
Work out the price per gigabyte
Divide the plan price by the data allowance. On 30-day US plans in November 2026, aloSIM's 50GB at $42 works out to about $0.84 per GB, Jetpac's 40GB at $34.99 to about $0.87, Ubigi's 10GB at $14 to $1.40 and Saily's 20GB at $36.99 to about $1.85. Small 1GB plans cost the most per gigabyte, so buy a bigger plan if you will use it.
Read the limits on unlimited plans
Unlimited rarely means full speed all day. Jetpac gives 3GB every 24 hours at standard speed, then up to 1 Mbps. Saily gives 5GB a day without a speed limit, then up to 1 Mbps. Holafly limits hotspot sharing to 1GB a day. aloSIM marks its unlimited plans with a link to limitations. Check the daily cap if you plan to stream video or work from a laptop.
Match the plan type to your route
A single-country plan is usually cheapest for one destination. For a multi-country trip, compare regional and global plans: Airalo's North America plans start at $5.50 and its global plans at $8.50, Saily's North America plans start at US$5.99, and Maya sells one unlimited plan across 165+ countries.
Check activation windows
Most providers let you install the eSIM before you fly and start the plan on arrival. Saily gives you 180 days to activate, Nomad 60 days before the plan starts automatically, and unactivated Jetpac packs stay in your account for 3 months. Ubigi's Smartstart starts the plan when you reach the destination.
Decide whether you need a phone number
Most travel eSIMs are data only, so you call through apps like WhatsApp and keep your home SIM for texts. aloSIM includes a free international phone number with every data purchase, Saily sells a US number with a call and text plan, and Jetpac sells voice packs. Holafly's US eSIM states it does not include a local number.
FAQ
Which eSIM app is cheapest per gigabyte?
On 30-day US plans in November 2026, aloSIM was cheapest at $42 for 50GB, about $0.84 per GB, followed by Jetpac at USD 34.99 for 40GB, about $0.87. Ubigi's 100GB plan valid for 360 days costs US$99, just under $1 per GB.
What is the cheapest unlimited eSIM?
Maya Mobile's 30-day global unlimited plan costs USD 49.99 and works in 165+ countries. For the US alone, 30-day unlimited plans cost USD 67.99 at Jetpac, $68 at Airalo, $69 at aloSIM and $73.90 at Holafly.
Is unlimited eSIM data really unlimited?
Usually with limits. Jetpac gives 3GB per 24 hours at standard speed, then up to 1 Mbps, and Saily gives 5GB a day before slowing to 1 Mbps. Holafly limits hotspot sharing to 1GB a day.
Do eSIM apps include a phone number?
Most are data only. aloSIM includes a free international phone number with every data purchase, Saily sells a US number with a call and text plan, Yesim sells virtual numbers and Jetpac sells voice packs.
When should I install a travel eSIM?
Install it before you leave while you have Wi-Fi, then let the plan start on arrival. Saily allows 180 days to activate, Nomad 60 days, and Ubigi's Smartstart begins the plan when you reach your destination.
Questions or corrections: editorial@rankozo.comSee our disclosure. Prices change; confirm on the vendor page before buying.
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