We may earn affiliate commissions for the recommended products. Learn more.

GigSky review 2025


Founded in 2010, GigSky is a well-known and well-trusted eSIM provider with over a decade of experience providing reliable data services around the Globe. It’s often a top pick amongst digital nomads, frequent travelers, and anyone looking for easy data access.

Its popularity is likely thanks in-part to its competitive pricing (especially on single-country and regional plans,) intuitive and easy-to-use app, and reliable network partners. But I wanted to know precisely how and why this eSIM provider is so popular.

In this GigSky eSIM review, I dive deep into the provider – looking at customer feedback, country coverage, pricing, plan flexibility, Internet speeds, and much more.

⭐ Rating
4.4
🥇 Overall rank#6 out of #11
💵 Starting price$4.50
🌏 Countries190+ countries and regions
🛜 Offered cellular networks3G, LTE, 4G, 5G
📱 Does it allow phone calls?❌ No (Data-only plans)
🔗 Does it support mobile hotspot?✅ Yes

GigSky pros and cons

What is GigSky – key takeaways

  • Target audience: GigSky is ideal for digital nomads and frequent travelers, with excellent regional plans and coverage
  • Global coverage: It offers services in 190 destinations, seven regional packages, and a 163-country global deal
  • Flexible plans: Data plans range from 100MB to unlimited options (though there are some speed restrictions)
  • Affordable pricing: GigSky’s rates are highly competitive, especially on multi-country plans
  • User-friendly app: Most users find setup and management straightforward
  • Reliable networks: GigSky partners with trustworthy networks for LTE, 4G, and 5G speeds where available
  • Customer support: There’s fast phone and email assistance
  • Limitations: There are only data plans (no voice calls,) speed restrictions on unlimited packages, and data on cruise ships is less reliable
  • Hotspot compatibility: You can use a hotspot on your device to share your data for no additional cost
  • Multi-device support: GigSky works on many eSIM-compatible devices, including smartphones, tablets, and laptops

Key features of GigSky eSIM

Using product listing pages, I mapped out GigSky’s eSIM key features.

Coverage

GigSky offers a vast number of single-location deals – 190 in total!

RegionNorth AmericaEuropeEurope/AsiaAsiaSouth AmericaCaribbeanOceaniaAfrica
Number of single-country plans124724213281046

There are also 7 regional plan options and a 163-country global package.

RegionEuropeNorth AmericaMiddle EastAsia PacificAfricaCaribbeanLatin America
Destinations included4561028383016

Plus, GigSky offers data services on cruises. So, no matter where you’re traveling, it likely supports it!

Plans

Prices differ depending on location and desired data. Based on some of the most popular countries, I calculated the average cost as between $2.55 and $4.74/GB – excellent!

CountriesPrice range /GB
USA$2.60-$4.49
Japan$2.70-$4.49
UK$2.25-$4.99
Italy$2.40-$4.49
Mexico$4.20-$5.99
France$2.40-$4.49
Spain$1.80-$4.49
Canada$3.50-$5.99
China$2.80-$4.99
India$2.50-$4.49

I found GigSky’s regional package pricing reasonable, especially considering the comprehensive coverage and the added 90- or 120-day flexibility on certain offers.

RegionsPrice rangeDuration (days)
North America$4.60-$6.497, 15, or 30
Europe$3.70-$5.997, 15, 30, or 90
Asia Pacific$3.80-$4.997, 15, 30, or 90
Latin America$5.00-$7.997, 15, or 30
Cruise + Americas/Caribbean$14.00- $34.991, 7, 15, or 30
Cruise + Europe$14.00-$34.991, 7, 15, or 30
Cruise + Asia Pacific$14.00-$34.991, 7, 15, or 30
Cruise + World$20.00- $44.997, 15, 30, or 120

Most plans are available in 1, 3, 5, or 10GB, perfect for short trips and light data. Plus, if you need more, topping up is easy.

Usability

In terms of ease of use, GigSky impressed me with:

  • Excellent compatibility: Working on eSIM-supporting iPad, iPhone, Android, and Windows devices
  • Easy activation: Just install the app, scan the QR code provided, and follow the in-app instructions
  • Useful resources: With video guides, FAQs, and a help center, most users can set up without assistance
  • Helpful customer support: GigSky is one of the few eSIM providers to offer phone support for fast assistance

Performance and user experience

The Cybernews research team and I rigorously reviewed GigSky’s reliability, ease of use, and performance. Additionally, I used reviews to get a more comprehensive overview of the user experience.

Activation

I found the installation straightforward, with a user-friendly UI, easy-to-follow instructions, and semi-automated activation. Compared to some of the best eSIM providers, known for ease of use, GigSky matched up with a similar setup process and helpful resources.

I focused on app marketplace reviews to ensure the process is as easy on other devices and for users who perhaps aren’t as tech-savvy. The results backed my own experience:

  • On Apple’s App Store: GigSky has an impressive 4.6/5 average star rating from 1,600 reviewers. Many users report successful and easy setups. However, there are a few negative reviewers – dissatisfied with the support documentation or having had some technical difficulties with complex tasks (switching locations mid-plans.)
  • On Google’s Play Store: GigSky’s rating is lower, with a 3.9/5 average based on 604 reviews. It appears technical difficulties are slightly more common among Android users.

Overall, it’s unlikely you’ll have any difficulty with installation. Plus, there’s a phone line for timely assistance and an email support team (24-hour responses.)

Speed

GigSky partners with excellent networks for consistent speeds. In countries where 5G is readily available, GigSky often provides it. However, in certain destinations, 4G or LTE is the only possible option.

Analyzing reviews for comments on speed, I discovered:

  • One user reported decent speeds in Singapore but lower than LTE speeds in Malaysia
  • Another subscriber received a 5G connection on their Asia Pacific trip
  • A reviewer using the service in Finland, Denmark, and Hungary mainly got LTE with occasional 3G (in the Hungarian countryside)

Reliability

I found many reviewers who are satisfied with the service, some using it for years as their go-to choice. It appears they’re mostly:

  • Pleased with the speed (especially in Asian and European Countries)
  • Happy with the timely and helpful responses from customer support
  • Able to set up and manage plans easily

I did find some users who reported more negative experiences with GigSkys’ service:

  • On Reddit, there are a few complaints about the Cruise packages (inability to receive signal, poor speeds, and setup issues)
  • Some are dissatisfied with GigSky’s speed throttling on unlimited plans, claiming the service is practically unusable after the 2.5GB daily cap
  • There are also a few reviews regarding app functionality issues – but the majority of customers appear satisfied

User experience overall

Based on Reddit, app store, and Trustpilot reviews, many users are satisfied with the user experience. It’s worth considering if you’re:

  • A frequent traveller who visits many countries
  • In need of fast customer support and can make Internet-based phone calls
  • Need decent speeds in Asian, European, or North American countries
  • Or need affordable plans in Latin America

GigSky plans and pricing

I mapped out GigSky’s pricing and found excellent deals, especially on popular single-country and regional packages.

Countries1GB3GB5GB10GBUnlimited (7 days)
USA$4.49$10.99$15.99$25.99$26.99
Japan$4.49$10.99$15.99$26.99$26.99
UK$4.99$9.99$14.99$22.49$25.99
Italy$4.49$9.99$14.49$23.99$25.99
Mexico$5.99$15.49$23.49$41.99$26.99
France$4.49$9.99$14.49$23.99$25.99
Spain$4.49$8.49$11.49$17.99$25.99
Canada$5.99$14.99$17.99$34.99$34.99
China$4.99$11.49$16.49$27.99$26.99
India$4.49$10.49$14.99$24.99None
Regions1GB3GB5GB10GB50GBUnlimited (7 days)
North America$6.49$16.99$25.49$45.99None$37.99
Europe$5.99$12.99$19.99$36.99$99.99$26.99
Asia Pacific$4.99$12.99$19.99$37.99$99.99None
Latin America$7.99$19.99$29.99$49.99$99.99$47.99
World PlanNoneNone$69.99NoneNoneNone
Cruise + Americas/Caribbean$34.99$63.99$89.99$139.99NoneNone
Cruise + Europe$34.99$69.99$89.99$139.99NoneNone
Cruise + Asia Pacific$34.99$69.99$89.99$139.99None$139.99
Cruise + World$44.99$89.99$134.99$199.99NoneNone

How to set up GigSky eSIM

GigSky has automated much of the setup and activation process to make it as simple as possible. There are just a few steps you need to follow:

  1. Install the GigSky app available on the Play Store (for Android) and the App Store (for iOS)
  2. Launch the app
  3. Choose the location where you require data. Depending on your destination, there are individual country, regional, and global packages available
  4. Select a plan with an appropriate amount of data that will last the duration of your trip
  5. Complete the purchase using Visa, Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay

Activation depends on your device.

For iOS:

  1. Use the camera app to scan GigSky’s QR code and follow the instructions provided
  2. Navigate to settings > cellular data
  3. Ensure GigSky is active under Cellular plans
  4. Set Network Selection to GigSky and the APN to “GigSky”

For Android:

  1. Go to settings and search for Mobile Networks
  2. Select Add Carrier in your Mobile Network settings
  3. Scan the QR code GigSky provided and follow the instructions
  4. Ensure the APN is set to “GigSky”

If you’re having difficulties activating your GigSky eSIM:

  • Make sure roaming is enabled
  • Double-check the APN is correctly set to “GigSky”
  • Ensure your purchase was successful
  • Make sure your device is eSIM compatible, and your device is listed as supported on the app store
  • Try reinstalling the app and carefully re-attempt all the steps
  • Reach out to customer service for technical support if it’s still not working

GigSky comparison with competitors

Compared to some of the best eSIM providers, GigSky offers a reasonably competitive rate.

Looking at 1GB plans, GigSky is well-priced.

eSIM providerUSAJapanUKSpainMexicoNorth AmericaLatin AmericaEurope
GigSky$4.49$4.49$4.99$4.49$5.99$6.49$7.99$5.99
Saily$3.99$3.99$4.49$3.99$5.99$5.99$13.99$4.99
Airalo$4.50$4.50$5.00$4.50$6.00$6.50$15$5.00
Nomad$6.00$8.00$6.00$6.00$6.00$6.50$9.00$5.00

It also offers slightly better discounts on 10GB deals than all eSIM providers I looked at, apart from Nomad (which has much higher starting prices).

eSIM provider1GB (US)10GB (US)Discount
GigSky$4.49$2.6042.12%
Saily$3.99$2.2942.61%
Airalo$4.50$2.6042.22%
Nomad$6.00$2.4060%

The majority of GigSky deals have an unlimited data option. However, it comes with restrictive speed limits - 10GB is typically the highest viable option. So, providers with larger data sizes and bulk discounts are better suited to heavy data users.

GigSky is best for light data needs and short trips.

eSIM providerCoverageoptions
GigSky190+ destinations512MB,1GB, 3GB, 5GB, 10GB, 20GB, 50GB or unlimited
Saily190+ countries1GB, 3GB, 5GB, 10GB, 20GB, 50GB, or 100GB
Airalo190+ countries and regions500MB, 1GB, 2GB, 3GB, 5GB, 10GB, 20GB, 50GB, or 100GB
Nomad190+ countries1GB, 3GB, 5GB, 10GB, 20GB, 30GB, or 50GB

Compared to other eSIMs I’ve tested, GigSky is easy to set up and manage, with excellent app features and customer support.

QR code set-upHotspotCellular callsSMSCustomer support
GigSky✅ Yes✅ Yes❌ No❌ NoPhone, email, help center, and FAQ
Saily✅ Yes✅ Yes❌ No❌ No24/7 live chat, email, help center, and FAQ
Airalo✅ Yes✅ Yes✅ Yes✅ Yes24/7 live chat, email, help center, and FAQ
Nomad✅ Yes✅ Yes❌ No✅ Yes (US and Canada only)Ticket support, help center, and FAQ

With Apple recently making the switch to RCS messaging, that means Android and Apple users can text while they travel without worrying about incurring roaming fees! This makes staying connected across the world and operating systems easier than ever.

Conclusion: is GigSky eSIM worth it?

A GigSky eSIM is worth it, in my opinion. Compared to some of the best eSIMs the Cybernews research team and I reviewed in the past, it competes very well.

It’s great for digital nomads and frequent travelers with vast global coverage, offering 190 individual destination plans, seven regional packages, and a 163-destination global deal.

It’s best for those who don’t need large amounts of data (up to 10GB on most packages.) There’s an unlimited plan, but with heavy speed throttling, I wouldn’t recommend it!

It offers decent LTE, 4G, and 5G speeds in regions known for fast speeds – Europe, North America, and some parts of Asia. I found some connectivity issues in Latin America, but it’s fairly priced in that region.

All around, GigSky isn’t the cheapest option. But with fast phone support, reliable network partners, and a wide range of flexible options – I’d recommend it, especially for light-data users and multi-country trips.


More eSIM guides from Cybernews


FAQ

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are markedmarked