Best eSIMs for the USA (2024)

Are you visiting the USA? Using an eSIM is the easiest way to access the internet while traveling in America. With an eSIM, you can avoid paying exorbitant roaming fees and enjoy fast connection speeds at a fraction of the cost.

Getting an eSIM means you’ll have internet access as soon as you land in the US — no need to purchase a physical SIM card at the airport or swap SIM cards.

There are various eSIMs available today, but I’ve conducted tests to find the best eSIMs for the USA. Keep reading to discover which eSIM is ideal for your needs.

Top 5 best eSIM providers for the USA

1. Saily – best eSIM for the USA
2. Airalo – popular US eSIM with competitive prices
3. JetPac – easy-to-use USA eSIM
4. aloSIM – versatile and budget-friendly eSIM for the USA
5. Nomad – reliable eSIM with flexible US data plans

What to consider when choosing eSIM for traveling in the United States?

People travel to the USA for various reasons, so the perfect eSIM for you may not be well suited to the next person. Here are some things to consider when choosing an eSIM for America:

• Data: The main difference between the data plans of most eSIM providers is the amount of data they offer. The cheapest eSIM plans for the USA offer 1GB, which may be enough for a day. Plans that offer more data are better suited for longer trips.
• Duration: eSIM providers have different plans for short-term and long-term travelers. Depending on the duration of your trip, opting for an extended plan with more data may be better than constantly renewing your plan.
• Price: The eSIM market is competitive, and an expensive price tag doesn’t always equate to good service. There are many affordable and highly reliable eSIMs.
• Speed: It’s essential to check the internet speed your eSIM provider supports. I recommend selecting an eSIM that supports 5G, 4G, and LTE in the US to enjoy blazing-fast speeds.
• Coverage: America is massive, so it’s important to check if the eSIM provider you choose has coverage across the entire country or only a handful of states.
• Call and message support: Most eSIM plans don’t include a phone number, meaning you can’t make calls and send SMS. However, some eSIM plans support calling and texting. If you’d like to make calls and send SMS, select an eSIM that supports this.

The best eSIMs for USA travel – detailed list

I worked with the Cybernews research team to test and assess different eSIMs and create this list of the best eSIMs for the US. Continue reading to learn about the key features of these eSIMs and discover why they made our list.

1. Saily – best eSIM for the USA

Supports 5G networks:	Yes
Starting price:	$3.99
Countries:	Available in all 50 US states

Visit Saily

With an array of affordable data plans and coverage across the US, Saily is a perfect choice for travelers who want to avoid high roaming charges and the trouble of acquiring a local SIM card.

This eSIM provider has 5 different plans for the US, and they’re valid for 7 to 30 days. Its 7-day plan comes with 1GB of data, while its 30-day plans give you 3GB, 5GB, 10GB, or 20GB of data. Saily doesn’t indicate which local carriers it works with, but it supports 5G, 4G, 3G, and LTE in most locations.

Setting up a Saily eSIM is straightforward. Download the Saily app, click “activate,” and follow the steps. You can get assistance from Saily’s customer support team 24/7 via live chat (on the app) or email.

The prices of Saily’s US eSIMs start at only $3.99 for a 1GB plan that’s valid for 7 days. Its longest plan costs $36.99 and gives you 20GB of data for 30 days.

2. Airalo – popular US eSIM with competitive prices

Supports 5G networks:	Yes
Starting price:	$4.50
Countries:	Available in all 50 US states

Visit Airalo

Airalo is a popular USA eSIM with excellent 5G speeds in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. It has both short-term and long-term plans for travelers visiting the US.

Airalo plans become active once the eSIM connects to a supported network, meaning you can set everything up before visiting the US. This eSIM provider doesn’t have any eKYC (personal identification) requirements for its US eSIM.

Airalo’s local eSIM plans for the US offer 1GB to 20GB and are valid for 7 to 30 days. Its regional plans, valid for 7 to 30 days, cover the US, Canada, and Mexico. Meanwhile, its global plans, which work in over 200 countries, are valid for up to a year. Airalo only supports calling and texting on its Discover+ global plan.

You can install and activate your Airalo eSIM automatically using the app. You can also install it manually or using a QR code. Airalo has two main customer support channels: email and live chat.

Airalo’s US eSIM prices start at only $4.50 for 1GB of data, valid for up to 7 days. If that’s not enough, you can top up your plan later or get a longer plan with more data for peace of mind. Its longest US plan currently provides 20GB of data and is valid for 30 days.

3. JetPac – easy-to-use USA eSIM

Supports 5G networks:	Yes
Starting price:	$1.00
Countries:	Available in all 50 US states

Visit Jetpac

JetPac is a cheap and user-friendly eSIM for traveling in the US. It offers local plans for the US and regional plans that cover the US and Canada.

JetPac has 9 US local plans with different prices, data caps, and durations.

Unfortunately, Jetpac’s plans don’t include support for phone calls or SMS messages. Jetpac supports LTE, 4G, and 5G in the US, and its plans are valid for up to a year after you purchase them. So, regardless of when you buy and install the eSIM, you have up to a year to activate it by connecting to T-Mobile USA.

To install a Jetpac eSIM, scan the QR code Jetpac provides and follow the on-screen prompts. You can reach Jetpac’s customer support team 24/7 via live chat and email.

JetPac is one of the most affordable eSIM providers on the market. The starting price for its US plan is only $1 for 1GB of data, valid for 4 days. Its longest US local plan, which costs $25, is valid for 10 days and gives you 50GB of data.

4. aloSIM – versatile and budget-friendly eSIM card for the USA

Supports 5G networks:	Yes
Starting price:	$4.50
Countries:	Available in all 50 US states

Visit aloSIM

aloSIM is similar to Airalo in many ways. Both eSIMs’ US data plans start at $4.50 and they support 5G. However, aloSIM has some unique features that make it stand out. For example, it supports calling and texting on all its plans, but you need to download a separate app called Hushed for those services.

aloSIM has both local and regional plans covering the US. Its US local plans are valid for 7 to 30 days and offer 1GB to 20GB of data. aloSIM works with AT&T and T-Mobile in the US and supports LTE and 5G.

Installing an aloSIM eSIM is easy: purchase a plan, scan a QR code, and follow the on-screen instructions. You can also install the eSIM manually. aloSIM’s customer service team is available via live chat and email.

Interestingly, aloSIM’s prices are the same as Airalo's. Its cheapest US plan, which gives you 1GB for 7 days, costs only $4.50. However, you can opt for longer plans, which are valid for 30 days and give you 3GB to 20GB of data.

5. Nomad – reliable eSIM with flexible US data plans

Supports 5G networks:	Yes
Starting price:	$6.00
Countries:	Available in all 50 US states

Visit Nomad

Nomad is a worthwhile alternative to Saily or Airalo. It has a few drawbacks, but otherwise, it’s an excellent eSIM for the USA.

Nomad supports 5G in the United States. It offers various US prepaid local plans with different durations and data caps. If you're traveling through the US and Canada, you can opt for its North American regional eSIM. Like Airalo, Nomad’s North America eSIM covers the US, Canada, and Mexico. Nomad also has a global plan covering the US and 136 other countries.

In addition to its regular data plans, Nomad also has Day Plans. These plans give you 1GB daily, but you can continue browsing at a throttled speed of 512kbps if you run out of data. Nomad used to support SMS messaging in the US but has discontinued its SMS plans.

To install and activate this eSIM on your device, scan the QR code provided by Nomad. The process is straightforward. You can reach Nomad’s customer support team by filling out a form.

Nomad eSIM plans for the US start at $6.00 for 1GB of data, valid for 7 days. You can top up if your current plan is nearly depleted.

6. Instabridge – cheap US eSIM with pay-as-you-go plans

Supports 5G networks:	Yes
Starting price:	$2.00
Countries:	Available in all 50 US states

Visit Instabridge

Instabridge is one of the most versatile and affordable eSIM providers for the US. Although Instabridge only has a few fixed plans for the US, it also has pay-as-you-go plans that never expire.

While Instabridge has regional eSIM plans for Europe and Asia, it doesn’t have any for North America. However, its global eSIM plan covers the US. Unlike other eSIM providers, Instabridge has a handful of optional security and convenience perks, including a data-saving browser and a Wi-Fi map for finding free internet hotspots worldwide.

Installing an Instabridge eSIM is done via the app. You need to download the eSIM app, purchase a plan, and click “activate.” Instabridge’s only customer support channel is via a form on its website.

Instabridge has 4 local eSIM plans for the US. The cheapest plan, offering 1GB of data and valid for 7 days, costs only $2.00. Its longest plan, which costs $12, gives you 10GB and is valid for 30 days. Instabridge charges $3 per GB for its pay-as-you-go plan in the US.

7. BNESIM – all-inclusive US eSIM with above-average prices

Supports 5G networks:	Yes
Starting price:	$1.62
Countries:	Available in all US states

Visit BNESIM

BNESIM, also known as Best Network Ever, offers various services, including eSIM plans and virtual phone numbers.

BNESIM only has 30-day eSIM plans for the United States. These plans give you 1GB to 20GB of data. In addition to its regular plans, BNESIM has pay-as-you-go plans as well as regional and global plans covering the US.

BNESIM supports 3G, 4G, and 5G in most locations, including the US. Installing the BNESIM app is done primarily via the app. The eSIM provider doesn’t require any identity verification. You can contact BNESIM’s customer support team via multiple channels, including live chat, email, and phone.

BNESIM’s prices are pretty affordable. Its local US eSIM plan starts at $1.62 for 1GB of data, its North America regional plan starts at $9.56 for 1GB of data, and its pay-as-you-go plan starts at $2.48 for 1GB of data.

Comparison of the best eSIM providers for the USA

Below, I’ve compiled a list of key features of the top US eSIMs to help you compare them easily:

	Saily	Airalo	JetPac	aloSIM	Nomad
Availability in States:	Available in all 50 US states	Available in all 50 US states and Puerto Rico	Available in all 50 US states	Available in all 50 US states	Available in all 50 US states
Compatibility:	All iPhone and Android devices that support eSIM	All iPhone and Android devices that support eSIM	All iPhone and Android devices that support eSIM	All iPhone and Android devices that support eSIM	All iPhone and Android devices that support eSIM
Networks:	LTE, 3G, 4G, 5G	LTE, 3G, 4G, 5G	LTE, 3G, 4G, 5G	LTE, 3G, 4G, 5G	LTE, 3G, 4G, 5G
Calls:	No	Yes (only on Discover+ global plan)	No	Yes	No
Texts:	No	Yes (only on Discover+ global plan)	No	Yes	No
Price from:	$3.99	$4.50	$1.00	$4.50	$6.00

While all these eSIMs are great for the US, they may not all be a good pick for you. I recommend closely comparing these eSIMs to identify which is best suited for your specific needs.

How we tested and ranked these eSIMs for the US

Together with the Cybernews team, I assessed dozens of eSIMs to come up with the list above. Here’s a brief overview of the criteria I used to pick the best eSIMs for the US:

• Coverage in the US: The US is one of the largest countries in the world. And, some eSIM services may not have coverage in every state. I assessed which local carriers each eSIM service works with and picked those with coverage in every part of the US.
• Network: Your internet speed largely depends on the type of network you’re using. To guarantee super fast browsing speeds, I picked eSIM providers that support 4G and 5G in the US.
• Data plans: Your ideal data plan depends on your travel plans. To accommodate the needs of different travelers, I selected eSIMs with various data plans. Whether you’re traveling to the US for a day or several months, you’ll find a perfect plan among the eSIMs I picked. There are also plans for heavy users and light users.
• Ease of use: Most eSIMs are easy to install and activate, but some can be confusing. I assessed each eSIM’s user-friendliness and picked the ones that were easiest to use. I prioritized providers that provide clear instructions on how to install, activate, and use their eSIMs.
• Price: The prices of eSIM plans vary depending on the duration and the allocated data. I compared plans from different providers and selected the most affordable ones.
• Compatibility: Most new smartphones are compatible with eSIMs, but some eSIMs may not work with particular devices. I looked at the list of iPhones and Android phones that each eSIM works with and selected those that are compatible with a variety of devices from different manufacturers.

Benefits of using an eSIM in the USA

Here are a few reasons to get an eSIM for the USA instead of a regular SIM card:

• Instant access to mobile data: If you set up your eSIM before setting off on your trip, you’ll get access to the internet the moment you arrive in America. This means you can use web services even before leaving the airport.
• Access to your regular SIM card: You can use an eSIM with your regular SIM card and reap the benefits of both. For example, you can use the eSIM to access the web and reserve your regular SIM card for phone services (calls and SMS). Remember that calling and texting abroad can be more expensive.
• No need to swap SIM cards: Using an eSIM means you don’t have to buy a new SIM card and take out your regular one. This minimizes the risk of damaging or losing your SIM card while traveling.
• No expensive roaming charges: With an eSIM, you can avoid paying expensive roaming charges. eSIM plans cost less than roaming. And, with so many eSIM providers to choose from, you can save money by opting for an affordable plan.
• Flexible data plans: eSIM providers offer flexible data plans to fit the travel plans of different users. For example, if you visit the US often, you can get a pay-as-you-go plan that doesn’t expire, ensuring you can continue using the same plan whenever you are in the country.

Does my phone support eSIM?

Most new smartphones support eSIMs. In fact, the US version of Apple’s iPhone 15 is sold without a SIM card slot, so it only works with an eSIM. Older phones (made before 2018) don’t support eSIMs. The best way to determine if your phone supports eSIM cards is to check your device’s settings or look through the specifications on the manufacturer’s official website.

Here are a few smartphones from popular brands that support eSIM technology:

iPhone	XR, XS, XS Max, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15
Google Pixel	2 (with Google Fi), 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, Fold
Samsung Galaxy	S20, S20X, S21, S22, S23, Note 30, Fold, Z Flip, A54
Huawei	P40, P40 Pro, Mate 40 Pro
Xiaomi	12T Pro, 13

Note: Your phone must be carrier-unlocked to use an eSIM. Most phones sold in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East are unlocked, while in America, they’re locked. You can find out whether your phone is locked by contacting your mobile internet provider or checking your phone’s settings (steps will vary depending on the model). Some carriers can easily unlock your phone, but you may be required to pay a fee.

How to check if your phone is eSIM compatible

It’s easy to determine if your phone supports eSIMs. Below, I’ll briefly explain how to check the compatibility of iPhones and Android phones with eSIMs.

How to eSIM compatibility on iPhones

The easiest way to check if your iPhone works with eSIMs is to go to Settings > General > About. Scroll down and look for Available SIM and a 15-digit IMEI number. If you see them, then your iPhone is eSIM compatible. You can also check your device’s specifications or visit Apple’s website to confirm if your iPhone is eSIM compatible.

eSIM compatibility check on Android phones

To check if your Android phone supports eSIMs, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile network or SIM card. If there’s an option to add an eSIM or a new SIM, your phone is eSIM compatible. These steps may differ slightly depending on your device’s manufacturer and model. You can also check your device’s specifications and manufacturer’s website to determine if it works with eSIMs.

How to activate an eSIM on your phone

There are various ways to install and activate an eSIM. I’ll briefly highlight the options below. Consult your eSIM provider’s website for a detailed guide on how to install and activate your eSIM.

• QR code activation: Most eSIM providers direct users to scan a QR code to install and activate their eSIM. The process is as straightforward as it sounds. The eSIM installation begins automatically once you scan the QR code. You’ll be instructed to change some settings, like turning on roaming and setting the eSIM as your primary SIM.
• App-based activation: You can also activate and install your eSIM using the app of your eSIM provider. All you need to do is click “activate” on the eSIM app. You may be required to change some settings on your device.
• Manual activation: With manual eSIM activation, you need to enter the eSIM details, including the eSIM activation code and SM-DP address, into your phone to install and activate the eSIM. While it is more elaborate than the other methods, manual eSIM installation is easy if you follow your eSIM provider’s instructions.

How to buy an eSIM for the USA

Unlike network providers, eSIM providers usually don’t have physical stores. So, you can only buy an eSIM for the US from the website or app of your chosen eSIM provider. Select your preferred eSIM plan, sign up to create an account, provide your payment details, and purchase the plan.

Depending on the eSIM installation method, you may receive an email with a QR code, or you’ll be directed to download the eSIM app. Your eSIM provider will usually explain how to install and activate the eSIM.

When to order/install an eSIM card for the USA?

You can buy a US eSIM plan at any time. However, I recommend installing your eSIM a day before your trip to the US, especially since the validity of some eSIMs starts counting the moment you install them. If you encounter any issues during the eSIM installation process, there’s enough time to contact the eSIM provider for support before your trip.

If you choose to buy your eSIM plan several weeks before your trip, remember that some eSIM plans are only valid for a few months after you purchase them.

Tips for using an eSIM card for the USA

Here are a few things to be aware of when buying and using an eSIM in the USA:

• You need an unlocked phone: Ensure your phone is unlocked and free from carrier restrictions before purchasing an eSIM plan. You can confirm if your phone is unlocked by contacting your mobile internet provider.
• You need an eSIM-compatible phone: You can only use an eSIM on devices that support the technology. Most newly released phones support it, but you can easily check online to see if your smartphone is compatible with eSIMs.
• Many eSIMs don’t come with a virtual phone number: Most eSIM providers only provide mobile data and don’t give you a virtual phone number. This means you won’t be able to make phone calls or send SMS messages with the eSIM. However, you can still use VoIP apps like WhatsApp and FaceTime to make calls and send messages.
• Check how your eSIM is activated: While most eSIMs are activated as soon you install the app, some eSIMs won’t be fully activated until you arrive at your destination and connect to a local network.

Conclusion

An eSIM is a cheap and convenient way to access the internet in the US. It allows you to avoid paying pricey roaming charges or having to buy a physical SIM card at the airport. And, you’ll have access to the web as soon as your plane lands in the USA.

Based on my tests and analysis, Saily is the best eSIM for the USA. It offers budget-friendly short-term and long-term plans. Saily provides customer support 24/7, its mobile app is very easy to use, and it supports data sharing via hotspot.

---

More eSIM guides from Cybernews

---

Best eSIM for the USA - FAQs