Best eSIMs for Digital Nomads and Travelers

Travel has never been more connected than it is today. Whether you’re a digital nomad hopping continents, a family on holiday, or a business traveler in need of reliable data, staying online is essential. For years, physical SIM cards were the go-to solution, but now eSIM technology has completely reshaped how we connect abroad.

This blog explores the 15 best eSIM providers in the world. From giants like Airalo to up-and-coming services like Saily, we’ll cover their background, coverage, pros, cons, and what real travelers think.

What is an eSIM and why do you need one? 

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital version of the traditional SIM card. Instead of inserting plastic into your device, you activate a plan by scanning a QR code or downloading it directly through an app.

Why does this matter? Because it eliminates the hassle of swapping SIMs, finding local kiosks, or paying outrageous roaming fees. With an eSIM, you can switch between multiple plans at once, buy data before you even land, and stay connected in more than 150 countries, all without touching a physical card.

The 15 Best eSIM Providers

Let’s explore the 15 best eSIM providers of 2025, so you can travel hassle free to a new destination. 

1. Airalo

Airalo launched in 2019 and quickly became the biggest name in eSIMs worldwide. Based in Singapore, it acts as a marketplace, offering local, regional, and global plans across nearly every destination you can think of.

The app is beginner-friendly, with transparent pricing and one-click installations. Airalo focuses heavily on affordable regional bundles, making it ideal for long trips or travelers visiting multiple countries.

Coverage: 200+ countries and regions.

Pros:

• Largest selection of plans worldwide.
  
• Affordable regional bundles.
  
• Well-designed app.
  

Cons:

• Most plans are data-only.
  
• Support response can be slow.
  

Reviews: Travelers love Airalo for convenience and cost-effectiveness. Negative reviews usually mention minor glitches or waiting for customer service replies.

2. Saily

Saily is a new eSIM service powered by Nord Security, the company behind NordVPN. It launched with the goal of making secure, affordable mobile connections available anywhere in the world.

Its app is sleek and straightforward, offering pay-as-you-go data packs. Saily is especially attractive to digital nomads and remote workers who already use NordVPN, since the platforms integrate seamlessly.

Coverage: 150+ countries.

Pros:

• Integrates with Nord ecosystem.
  
• Transparent pricing.
  
• Simple setup.
  

Cons:

• Fewer regional plans than Airalo.
  
• New player, still expanding.
  

Reviews: Users highlight the smooth setup and fair pricing. Some note that coverage in rural areas can drop, but the overall consensus is strongly positive.

3. Holafly

Founded in Spain in 2017, Holafly is known for one thing: unlimited data eSIMs. It caters to heavy users who stream, work online, or use data-intensive apps while traveling.

Instead of offering hundreds of tiny plans, Holafly keeps things simple. You pick your destination or region, and they give you unlimited internet for a set number of days.

Coverage: 170+ countries.

Pros:

• Unlimited data in many destinations.
  
• 24/7 multilingual support.
  

Cons:

• Pricier than others.
  
• Speeds can be throttled.
  

Reviews: Reviews praise Holafly’s true unlimited experience, but some users mention slower speeds after long streaming sessions.

4. Nomad

Nomad is a US-based provider that specializes in affordable regional and local data packages. It’s popular among budget travelers who only need data for messaging, maps, and basic browsing.

The platform’s app is straightforward, offering flexible short-term packages. Nomad shines when you need cheap, quick access without long commitments.

Coverage: 110+ countries.

Pros:

• Affordable short-term plans.
  
• Easy app.
  

Cons:

• Data-only, no calls.
  
• Limited global coverage.
  

Reviews: Customers love Nomad for its simplicity and value. Some users wish it had broader reach for long-term global trips.

5. Flexiroam

Flexiroam has been around since 2011, making it one of the oldest eSIM providers. It started with microchips that attached to SIM cards before moving fully into digital eSIM services.

Its app is functional but less polished than newer competitors. However, Flexiroam is still a trusted brand with decade-long experience in global connectivity.

Coverage: 150+ countries.

Pros:

• Data rollover available.
  
• Long history in the market.
  

Cons:

• App feels outdated.
  
• Inconsistent speeds.
  

Reviews: Loyal users trust Flexiroam for its track record and reliability, but younger providers now offer sleeker apps.

6. SimOptions

SimOptions acts as a global reseller, curating eSIMs from multiple carriers in one place. Instead of building its own infrastructure, it partners with local operators.

This approach gives users more choice, though prices can be higher than buying direct. Still, one platform with multiple options makes SimOptions attractive to cautious travelers.

Coverage: 160+ countries.

Pros:

• Wide selection of carriers.
  
• Reliable connections.
  

Cons:

• More expensive.
  
• App isn’t as modern.
  

Reviews: SimOptions reviews praise its variety and reliability, but many note the higher cost compared to Airalo or Nomad.

7. Ubigi

Ubigi is part of Transatel, a French telecom group. It’s well known for powering connected cars like Tesla, Jaguar, and Land Rover with eSIM services.

For individuals, Ubigi offers strong global coverage with easy top-ups through its app. It appeals especially to travelers needing steady connectivity in multiple regions.

Coverage: 190+ countries.

Pros:

• Trusted telecom backing.
  
• Excellent global reach.
  

Cons:

• App less intuitive.
  
• No unlimited options.
  

Reviews: Users like Ubigi’s broad coverage and stable speeds, though some complain the app could be simpler.

8. Dent App

Dent launched in 2017 as a blockchain-powered mobile data exchange. Its idea was to let users buy, sell, or share unused data worldwide.

The app now also offers straightforward eSIM data packs. Dent appeals to tech-savvy users who like experimenting with new mobile ecosystems.

Coverage: 60+ countries.

Pros:

• Innovative blockchain model.
  
• Pay-as-you-go options.
  

Cons:

• Limited coverage.
  
• Cryptocurrency isn’t for everyone.
  

Reviews: Reviews are mixed: some love the unique approach, others find it confusing compared to simpler apps.

9. Truphone

Founded in 2006 in the UK, Truphone has been in the eSIM space longer than almost anyone. It originally focused on business clients and IoT before branching into consumer eSIMs.

Its strength is enterprise reliability, corporate clients trust Truphone for secure connections across borders.

Coverage: 100+ countries.

Pros:

• Enterprise-grade reliability.
  
• Good IoT support.
  

Cons:

• Higher prices.
  
• Geared more toward businesses.
  

Reviews: Reviews highlight excellent service quality, but individual travelers often find cheaper alternatives.

10. Keepgo

Keepgo is a niche eSIM provider focused on long-term usability. Unlike most competitors, its data doesn’t expire as long as you top up once a year.

This makes it a smart option for occasional travelers who still want a ready SIM in their device year-round.

Coverage: 100+ countries.

Pros:

• Data never expires.
  
• Trusted by long-term users.
  

Cons:

• Higher baseline pricing.
  
• Limited app features.
  

Reviews: Keepgo customers value peace of mind with data that sticks, though budget travelers may find it costly.

11. GigSky

GigSky has been offering global connectivity since 2010. It’s especially well known among Apple users, as it integrates directly with iOS eSIM settings.

GigSky focuses on broad international coverage, though prices tend to be above average.

Coverage: 190+ countries.

Pros:

• Strong global coverage.
  
• iOS integration.
  

Cons:

• Expensive.
  
• No unlimited plans.
  

Reviews: Travelers call GigSky reliable and easy to use on iPhones. Cost is the biggest complaint.

12. BNESIM

BNESIM was founded in 2017 and offers a mix of data, voice, and SMS plans, something many competitors skip. It also lets users keep numbers active for long periods.

The service is aimed at people who want calling and texting abroad, not just data.

Coverage: 170+ countries.

Pros:

• Data, voice, and SMS.
  
• Lifetime validity with top-ups.
  

Cons:

• Complex pricing.
  
• App feels busy.
  

Reviews: Users love BNESIM’s flexibility with calls and SMS, but dislike its confusing interface.

13. Maya Mobile

Maya Mobile is a US-based startup offering simple eSIM plans with a heavy focus on customer support. It aims to provide a human-first experience, not just digital service.

It’s a favorite for users who want responsive help when things go wrong.

Coverage: 160+ countries.

Pros:

• Excellent customer support.
  
• Good short-term plans.
  

Cons:

• No unlimited data.
  
• Speeds vary.
  

Reviews: Reviews consistently highlight Maya’s fast, friendly support. Some wish it had more plan variety.

14. Airhub

Airhub is a rising eSIM marketplace, offering budget-friendly packages focused on Asia, Africa, and Europe. It has been building a name as an affordable alternative to Airalo. It also has some of its own packages.

Its clean app design and transparent pricing appeal to budget travelers looking for quick solutions.

Coverage: 100+ countries.

Pros:

• Competitive pricing.
  
• Easy-to-use app.
  

Cons:

• Less global reach.
  
• Limited brand recognition.
  

Reviews: Users call Airhub reliable and cheap, though some prefer larger providers for wider coverage.

15. Mobimatter

Mobimatter is an eSIM marketplace that partners directly with telecom operators. This means users often get local prices without middleman markups.

It’s growing quickly among travelers who want transparent deals in regions like Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

Coverage: 150+ countries.

Pros:

• Operator-direct pricing.
  
• Strong app experience.
  

Cons:

• Plans can expire quickly.
  
• No calling options.
  

Reviews: Mobimatter gets high marks for value and app usability, but users warn about short plan lifespans.

What eSIM is most affordable? 

When it comes to affordability, Nomad and Airhub stand out. Both focus on budget-conscious travelers who only need short-term data for essentials like maps, messaging, and browsing.

Their regional packages are priced significantly lower than global providers like GigSky or Holafly. If you’re a backpacker or moving quickly through multiple countries, these two eSIMs give you reliable connections without burning through your budget.

What eSIM provider has the best reviews? 

Based on traveler feedback, Airalo consistently earns the best reviews. Its massive global reach, transparent pricing, and smooth app experience make it a favorite among frequent flyers.

While some users mention occasional slow support, overall the praise outweighs the complaints. It’s especially popular with people who want a stress-free setup and don’t want to gamble on smaller, less-known providers.

What eSIM is best for business travelers? 

For business travelers, Ubigi and Truphone lead the way. Both providers have enterprise-level partnerships, offering stable connectivity and strong support for IoT and multi-country travel.

These services are more expensive than budget providers, but the reliability and security make them worth it. For professionals who can’t afford downtime, they’re the safer bet.

What eSIM has the most coverage? 

The crown for global reach goes to Airalo. With coverage in more than 200 countries and regions, it surpasses most competitors by offering both global and regional bundles.

GigSky and Ubigi come close with 190+ countries, but Airalo’s variety of packages, from small local packs to regional data bundles, gives it an unmatched edge.

eSIM provider with the most data 

If you binge-watch series and can not stop scrolling TikTok, even on holidays, Holafly is your best option. Known for its unlimited data plans, Holafly caters to heavy users who stream, video call, or work online constantly.

While speeds can be throttled after extreme use, having unlimited access in 170+ countries makes it a top choice for digital nomads and remote workers.

What eSIM is best for voice minutes?

For travelers who still need calling and texting, BNESIM takes the spotlight. Unlike most eSIMs that focus on data-only, BNESIM includes voice, SMS, and long-term validity with top-ups.

It’s perfect for travelers who still rely on traditional communication and want to keep a number active abroad. Though pricing is more complex, its flexibility is unmatched.

How did we pick this list? 

We built this list by carefully reviewing the most reliable eSIM providers used by real travelers worldwide. Each provider was evaluated on global coverage, pricing transparency, plan variety, ease of setup, and customer support.

To ensure accuracy, we relied on verified traveler reviews, company track records, and hands-on testing where possible. Only dedicated eSIM services, not traditional telecoms with eSIM add-ons, made the cut, giving you a trustworthy guide to the best providers available today.

Start traveling with an eSIM – It is so much easier 

The eSIM market is booming, and travelers today have more choices than ever. For global reach and variety, Airalo remains the best overall option. If you want something newer and sleek, Saily is a strong challenger, especially if you value security through NordVPN.

Heavy data users should look at Holafly’s unlimited plans, while budget travelers may prefer Nomad, Airhub, or Mobimatter. For long-term peace of mind, Keepgo and BNESIM offer unique benefits.

No matter your travel style, there’s an eSIM here that can keep you connected, stress-free, and roaming the world without roaming fees.