Whether marveling at the Statue of Liberty, soaking up some L.A. sun or sampling some Southern cuisine is on the agenda, the best eSIM for USA travel brings peace of mind that you’re not racking up sky-high roaming fees in the process. If it sounds like you need a travel eSIM plan in your life, keep scrolling to learn about our top picks for the U.S.
eSIM (embedded SIM) technology gives mobile users the freedom to purchase mobile network plans from various carriers and stay connected overseas. Some travelers opt for an eSIM plan instead of a physical SIM card to cut roaming costs and enjoy seamless connectivity while abroad.
An abundance of travel eSIM providers have popped up in recent years, and we’ve tested a fair few ourselves. Based on these tests, we compiled this list of the best travel eSIMs for the U.S. Before we dive in, if you’d like to learn about VPNs for staying secure while traveling, check out our best VPN guide.
What’s the Best eSIM for Travel to the USA? Cloudwards’ Choice: Airalo
Cloudwards’ Choice: Airalo
Airalo is the overall best U.S. eSIM because of how comprehensive it is. You can get a data-only plan or a data, phone call and text plan for the U.S., and there’s a free welcome eSIM to try out. I found its customer support to be somewhat slow, though.
The 5 Best Travel eSIMs for USA
We’ve picked 10 providers, but five of them are standouts. Our top five eSIM recommendations are listed in the table below, along with factors like pricing, supported networks and data allowance.
With the exception of Holafly, the prices shown were taken from the provider’s app. Pricing may differ slightly on the website.
| Provider: | Cheapest Plan | Maximum GB | Maximum Validity | 4G/5G Support | Regional Coverage | Free Trial |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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$4.50 (1GB) | 20GB | 30 days | U.S., Canada, Mexico |
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$3.99 (1GB) | 20GB | 30 days | U.S., Canada |
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$4.50 (1GB) | 50GB | 30 days | U.S., Canada, Mexico |
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| Jetpac | $1 (new users) | 50GB | 31 days | U.S., Canada |
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$6.90 (1 day) | Unlimited | 90 days | U.S., Canada, Mexico |
1. Airalo — Best Overall eSIM for the USA
The U.S. is one of Airalo’s free welcome eSIM destinations.
Airalo, one of the big names in the eSIM business, is headquartered in Delaware. Airalo offers mobile data plans, but you can also make phone calls with its data, call and text packages. These plans aren’t available in every country, but the U.S. is one of the destinations offering them. We have a full Airalo review if you’d like to check it out.
Airalo Hands-On Testing
Airalo’s app is simple and user-friendly.
Airalo was nice to use, and we didn’t notice any issues with internet connection or installation. However, it took quite a while to get the answer we needed when talking to customer support — some competitors were certainly more efficient in this area.
2. Saily — Best Data-Only eSIM for USA
Saily is an affordable, data-only eSIM provider with a minimalist interface.
Saily is a new eSIM service from Nord Security, which owns NordVPN — our favorite VPN (check out our NordVPN review to learn why). It provides data-only plans and stands out for its focus on security; features include virtual locations, web protection and an ad-blocker. Check out our Saily review to learn more about the service.
Saily Hands-On Testing
Saily’s customer support responds very quickly.
We like Saily’s minimalist user interface and how easy it is to purchase and install plans. We had a smooth experience streaming and browsing with Saily, and the customer support agent we talked to via live chat was efficient and friendly.
3. Nomad — Best USA eSIM With Flexible Plans
Nomad could be a good choice for those looking for plan flexibility.
Nomad is an American eSIM company based in California. We had a largely positive experience using Nomad, but what stands out to us is the wide variety of plans. While most plans do not include calls and texts, you can choose between a regular U.S. plan with a set amount of data and a day plan. Learn more about this in the “Pricing” section below.
Nomad Hands-On Testing
You can see details about your plan in the Nomad app.
Nomad worked well for us when we tested it out, and we had reliable internet connectivity. We had a mixed experience with customer support, though. We reached out on a few occasions and sometimes got clear responses, while others left us confused. That said, though this was a bit frustrating, we could tell the agents were doing their best to help.
4. Jetpac — Best Budget eSIM for the USA
Jetpac gives new users 1GB for $1, which is ideal if you want to give it a test run for cheap.
Pros:
- Budget-friendly pricing
- Free trial of ExpressVPN
- 1GB for $1 (new users only)
Jetpac, an eSIM provider based in Singapore, first caught our attention due to its abundance of rave reviews. Jetpac’s perks and affordability won us over during testing and while exploring the app and features — it offers a free trial with ExpressVPN, one of the best VPNs. Check out our ExpressVPN review to learn more about this service.
Jetpac Hands-On Testing
Jetpac offers support via WhatsApp and email.
We were able to stream and browse the internet with a 5G connection while using Jetpac, and nothing unusual happened during installation. Customer support checked out, with quick responses via WhatsApp.
5. Holafly — Best USA eSIM With Unlimited Data
Holafly sells unlimited data-only plans for international travel.
Holafly, hailing from sunny Spain, focuses on unlimited, data-only plans. This means you select the number of days you’ll need data rather than an amount of data, like 1GB or 5GB. You can then use your data for the entirety of the validity period you choose.
Bear in mind that just because a plan offers unlimited data doesn’t mean you won’t experience slower speeds from time to time. This can happen on any kind of plan.
Holafly Hands-On Testing
Holafly’s support team is one of the best, in our experience.
Though we didn’t have a 5G connection while using Holafly, we had no issues streaming and browsing with 4G. We had a very positive experience with customer support; the agent was thorough in dealing with our queries and made sure we were good to go before leaving the chat.
6. Roamless — Best Pay-As-You-Go USA eSIM
Roamless’ pay-as-you-go model covers more than 180 destinations.
Pros:
- In-app voice calls
- Flexible pay-as-you-go model
- 1 eSIM covers over 180 places
Roamless, headquartered in Delaware, is unlike most eSIM providers in that it lets customers add funds and use them as needed. There is no set validity period, so the funds don’t expire. Funds cover all the destinations Roamless offers. This model is quite unique in the eSIM world.
Roamless Hands-On Testing
Those in need of assistance must submit an email form.
Roamless worked perfectly for us. We’re fans of its user-friendliness and fully flexible pricing model. However, we aren’t as keen on its customer support, which we find a little old-fashioned. There’s no live chat feature; you have to submit a form and wait to receive a response by email. Our first response arrived within about 10 minutes.
7. Ubigi — USA eSIM With Combination Plans
Ubigi offers a range of U.S. plans combined with other locations, like Europe and Japan.
Pros:
- Affordable
- User-friendly
- Combines U.S. with other locations
Cons:
- No in-app support
- No call & text plans
- App wording may confuse new users
Ubigi is headquartered in Paris and offers a range of U.S.-only plans and combination plans, such as the USA + Europe plan. With Ubigi, you install your eSIM profile first, then add data. With most providers, it’s the other way around. We go into more detail about this in the next section.
Ubigi Hands-On Testing
Ubigi doesn’t offer in-app support, so users must go to the website.
Ubigi was fast and easy to use, and customer support was speedy. However, some users may be confused by the “get your free eSIM profile” and “install my free eSIM now” phrasing on the website and app. Ubigi is not free, and there’s no free trial data. This just means you can install the Ubigi eSIM profile for free in order to purchase Ubigi plans.
8. aloSIM — User-Friendly eSIM for the USA
aloSIM’s simple app is ideal for beginner eSIM users.
Pros:
- Broad coverage
- Simple user interface
- Comes with a free Hushed phone number
Cons:
- No global plans
- Slow customer support
Canadian eSIM provider aloSIM covers more than 200 countries and offers an international phone number via Hushed, a private phone number service. You start off with $1 added to your Hushed number, then you add credits to keep using it. aloSIM is comprehensive and user-friendly; it’s a good choice for beginners and those looking for broad coverage.
aloSIM Hands-On Testing
aloSIM’s “profile” tab takes you to features like
the live chat and installation guides.
The aloSIM app is very easy to navigate. During testing, we could stream and browse smoothly with 5G speeds. However, it’s unfortunate that aloSIM lacks a live chat support feature — it sends responses by email instead.
9. Yesim — USA eSIM With Various Package Types
Yesim’s broad range of plan types is its most notable pro.
Pros:
- VPN included (iOS)
- Variety of plan types
- Virtual phone number available to purchase
Cons:
- No VPN for Android
- No 1GB plans for the U.S.
Swiss eSIM service Yesim offers a little bit of everything, including standard plans, pay-as-you-go plans and unlimited plans. You can also purchase a virtual number for the U.S., the Netherlands, Canada or Israel, and you don’t have to install the eSIM to do so.
Yesim Hands-On Testing
Yesim’s app is straightforward, but we had to wait
a while for support to get back to us.
We had no issues installing and using Yesim. It took a minute or so to get a solid connection, but we were soon up and running with 5G. You can contact customer support via WhatsApp, where you’re connected to an agent if the bot can’t answer your question. We had to wait about 20 minutes to be connected, but we got a clear answer.
10. GigSky — USA eSIM With Cruise & Flight Plans
GigSky is unique in its offering of cruise, in-flight and offshore packages.
Pros:
- Unlimited plans available
- 100MB free for new users
- Plans for flights & cruises
Cons:
- No call & text plans
- Expensive cruise plans
- Mixed customer reviews
GigSky is a Californian eSIM provider offering offshore, in-flight and cruise plans in addition to standard data plans and unlimited plans. There are no call and text plans, though. GigSky covers more than 200 countries.
GigSky Hands-On Testing
GigSky has a live chat option for those who need assistance.
GigSky worked well for us, but we conducted our tests on land, not at sea or in flight. Customer reviews have been mixed, with some saying they had a great cruising experience with GigSky and others citing poor performance at sea.
How to Activate and Use an eSIM for Traveling to the US
In order to activate your eSIM in your destination, you’ll need to tweak a few cellular settings before you head off. Below is a checklist of how to set up your phone to use your eSIM data after you’ve finished installing the eSIM.
We used an iPhone for this tutorial. Settings and wording will vary on Android devices. It’s wise to turn off “data switching” to prevent your primary SIM from being used for data unexpectedly.
- Check the eSIM Installation Instructions
In your chosen eSIM’s app, check the installation instructions for your device. Some providers offer direct installation, but others will have you scan a QR code or manually install your eSIM. This example shows Airalo’s in-app instructions.
- Turn the Line On
Find your eSIM in “cellular” (iOS) or “network and internet”/”connections” (Android — wording may vary). Make sure it’s switched on and toggle on “data roaming” for the plan.
- Make the eSIM the Cellular Source
In the “cellular”/“network and internet”/“connections” settings, make sure your chosen eSIM plan is set as the cellular data/mobile data source. Keep your main SIM as your default voice line unless you’re using an eSIM call and text plan. The example image below shows eSIM provider Jetpac set as our cellular source.
On a final note, eSIMs have a diverse network infrastructure. Turning off “automatic network selection” in your eSIM’s settings lets you choose from a selection of available networks.
Methodology: How We Tested the Best eSIMs for USA
It’s our policy to test all the products we review, and eSIMs are no exception. Below are the aspects we looked for to ensure the providers were worthy of a spot on this list for the best eSIM for USA travel.
- Solid connection: All the providers we tested let us browse and stream with a 4G or 5G connection. That said, network coverage plays a big role in determining speed. You might experience slower speeds at certain times of the day or in remote areas.
- Broad coverage: Of course, we made sure each provider covers the U.S., but we also based our choices on overall coverage. This is especially important for those visiting multiple destinations.
- User-friendliness: Traveling can be stressful enough without having to worry about technical issues. All our top picks have well-conceived apps that are easy to navigate.
- Plan options: We picked providers with a variety of pricing models and plan types to suit different needs. This includes data-only options, call and text plans, pay-as-you-go models and more.
Why You Need an eSIM When Traveling Around the US
There are quite a few benefits to eSIMs compared to traditional SIM cards for traveling. Some of the reasons why you might choose an eSIM for the U.S include:
- Cost savings: With an eSIM plan, you pay in advance and top up as needed, eliminating worry about data roaming charges. You can pick a plan tailored to your specific needs for the best value.
- Flexibility: Regional eSIM plans cover a multitude of exciting destinations in addition to the U.S., which is perfect for those traveling to more than one country.
- Security: eSIMs aren’t foolproof against cyberattacks, but they are less vulnerable to tampering, as they can’t be taken out of the device.
- Remote management: eSIMs save you from having to line up to buy local SIM cards. You simply download an app and purchase a plan wherever you are.
How to Buy a USA eSIM Online for Tourists
All you need to do is go to your chosen provider’s app or website and buy a plan there. Payment methods vary by provider, with some accepting PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay and other payment platforms in addition to bank cards.
Reddit users have mixed opinions on the best U.S. eSIM for travel. While some favor eSIMs like Saily and Airalo, others highly recommend U.S.-specific phone plan providers like Tello and T-Mobile. Unlike most travel eSIMs, these plans are often paid for on a monthly basis; at the time of writing, both Tello and T-Mobile’s data plans cost $10 for 2GB per month.
Final Thoughts: eSIM USA
Designed for the ultimate convenience, an eSIM — or digital SIM card — eliminates the last-minute, pre-travel search for a local SIM card you’ve misplaced or a trip to a store to buy one. While first-time eSIM users may find the new technology intimidating, there’s really nothing to it other than following some simple installation and activation instructions.
We hope our guide to the best eSIM for USA travel has helped you find the best one for your needs.
On a final note, don’t forget to check your device for eSIM compatibility before jetting off. Do you have any travel eSIM recommendations for the U.S.? If so, let us know in the comments. Thanks for reading.
FAQ: eSIMs for Your USA Holiday
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Airalo is the best eSIM for the U.S., in our opinion.
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Yes, you should get an eSIM for the U.S. if you want to eliminate the stress of data roaming fees.
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We think Airalo is the best travel eSIM provider overall, but the best eSIM for you will depend on your specific requirements.
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T-Mobile, Tello, Verizon and Mint Mobile are examples of U.S. carriers with eSIM support.
