Which travel eSIM should you buy?
We compared 9 eSIM providers across 10 destinations, using official prices and terms. Yesim is our Editor's Choice for equal 30-day plans, pay as you go and a clear refund rule.
Price counts most in the score. Each provider is priced on the cheapest way to get at least 5 GB for 30 days, so short plans do not look cheaper than they are.
| # | Name | Score | Price index | Destinations covered | Top-up | Refund | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Yesim Editor's Choice | 6.8 | 0.94 | 170 | Some plans | 30 days, unused | Get eSIM |
| 2 | eSIMCard | 7.3 | 0.78 | 200 | Some plans | Technical issues only | Get eSIM |
| 3 | Nomad | 7.2 | 0.97 | 200 | Yes | Before activation | Get eSIM |
| 4 | GigSky | 6.6 | 0.88 | 200 | Yes | Case by case | Get eSIM |
| 5 | Maya Mobile | 6.3 | – | 165 | Yes | – | Get eSIM |
| 6 | Saily | 6.1 | 1.11 | 200 | Yes | Before activation | Get eSIM |
| 7 | Holafly | 5.9 | – | 200 | – | 6 months | Get eSIM |
| 8 | Airalo | 5.6 | 1.08 | 200 | Some plans | – | Get eSIM |
| 9 | Ubigi | 4.1 | 1.29 | 200 | Yes | Before activation | Get eSIM |
Editor's Choice is placed first; other rows follow the column shown. We earn a commission from some providers. Prices were checked on official sites and change often.
Of the 9 travel eSIM providers compared here, Yesim is our Editor's Choice for most international trips. It ranks first by editorial decision, backed by three facts you can check on its pages.
Three checkable reasons Yesim leads
Yesim offers 5 GB valid for 30 days in all 10 destinations we cover. Its pay as you go option keeps your remaining balance for a later trip. Plans that stay unused can be refunded within 30 days.
Its calculated score is not the highest, and its price index is not the lowest. We earn a commission from Yesim. Read the full Yesim review or see Airalo vs Yesim.
Which other provider fits your trip
Cost-focused travelers may prefer eSIMCard, which has the lowest price index at 0.78. It also leads on country coverage, at 200. Its refunds cover technical issues only.
Nomad sits at the median price index and refunds plans before activation. GigSky prices below the median and handles refunds case by case.
Holafly has the top app rating, 4.81, and a 6-month refund window. Its price index is not available in this table. Airalo has the most app ratings, 102,693, but no refund policy is listed here.
Saily refunds before activation, and its price index sits above the median. Maya Mobile has no price index or refund policy listed in this table. Ubigi has the highest price index, 1.29, and refunds before activation.
Reading the scores and the price index
eSIMCard has the highest calculated score in the table, at 7.3. Nomad and Yesim follow it on calculated score.
The price index compares each provider's prices against the group of 9. Values run from 0.78 to 1.29, with a median of 0.97. Below the median means cheaper than typical. Above it means pricier.
Our methodology explains how scores are built. The cheapest eSIMs page sorts providers by price alone.
Why plan length changes the real cost
A low price index helps little if the plan expires before your trip ends. Check validity days first, then compare data amounts.
A 30-day plan suits long stays or several countries in one month. A shorter plan may cost less but can force a second purchase mid-trip. A carried-over balance suits travelers who return abroad often.
Use how much data you need to size a plan. New to eSIMs? Start with how to choose an eSIM. Then check picks for Japan, Europe, the USA and Thailand.
Not sure how much data you need? Use the data calculator.
Before you buy
Set your trip length and daily habits to estimate how many GB you need, then see matching eSIM plans for your destination.eSIM or Roaming: Which Costs Less on a Trip?
Compare a travel eSIM with roaming from your home carrier. Learn how plan length, data caps, activation and refund rules change what you really pay.How Much Mobile Data You Need for Your Trip
Estimate travel eSIM data in minutes. Learn how daily use, trip length, unlimited plan limits, validity and refunds change what you should buy.Choosing a Travel eSIM Without Overpaying
Pick a travel eSIM by checking speed limits, plan length, activation timing and refund rules before you pay. A plain guide to the real cost.
Frequently asked questions
Which eSIM is best for Japan?
Our [Japan page](/japan/) compares eSIM plans for Japan side by side. Match validity days to your trip before comparing data.
What does the price index tell me?
It compares a provider's prices with the group. A value below 0.97 means cheaper than the median provider.
Which provider offers the longest refund window?
Holafly lists a 6-month refund window. Yesim refunds unused plans within 30 days. Several others refund only before activation.
Which travel eSIM app is rated highest?
Holafly has the top app rating at 4.81. Airalo has the most ratings, with 102,693.
Should I use an eSIM or my carrier's roaming?
Compare both on cost and coverage for your route. The [eSIM or roaming guide](/guides/roaming/) walks through the trade-offs.
- November 10, 2026: Text revised
- November 9, 2026: Text revised
- October 21, 2026: Text revised