Top eSIM providers and plans in India 2025
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eSIMs, also known as embedded SIM cards, are quickly replacing physical SIM cards. Many travelers to India opt for eSIMs because of the flexibility and convenience they offer.
For starters, an eSIM ensures you can connect to the Internet the moment you arrive in India, and you don’t even have to swap out your regular SIM card. Plus, using an eSIM is much more affordable than paying for roaming.
Wondering which eSIM to use on your trip to India? I worked with the Cybernews research team to review and test dozens of providers regarded as the top eSIMs for India. We created this list of the very best eSIMs for India after assessing their coverage, data plans, speed, prices, and user-friendliness of these providers.
Continue reading to discover which eSIMs we recommend for use in India.
Top 5 eSIM providers for India – our shortlist
- Saily – overall best eSIM for India in 2025
- Airalo – user-friendly eSIM for India with flexible data plans
- Jetpac – beginner-friendly eSIM for travelers to India
- aloSIM – best eSIM for phone calls and SMS in India
- Holafly – easy-to-use eSIM for India
What to consider when choosing eSIM for travel in India?
There are several things to consider when choosing an eSIM for your trip to India. Whether you’re visiting for tourism or business, here are some pointers to help you select the right eSIM for your needs:
- Coverage: Ensure the eSIM you choose has extensive network coverage in the regions of India you plan to visit. It’s important to choose an eSIM that has coverage across the country, from bustling cities to the remote countryside.
- Calls and SMS: Consider your specific needs. Would you like to make phone calls and send SMS messages while in India? Some eSIMs provide a local phone number for calls at competitive rates, but many offer data-only plans.
- Data requirements: Look for eSIM that offers data plans and speeds that match your needs, especially if you require high-speed internet for working remotely or streaming.
- Travel duration: When selecting an eSIM, consider the length of your trip. Some eSIMs are better suited for short trips, offering plans that last a few days or weeks, while others provide long-term plans with the flexibility to extend as needed.
- Tethering capability: If you plan to use your device as a WiFi hotspot for other devices, such as your laptop or tablet, ensure that your eSIM supports tethering. Not all providers allow data sharing via hotspot.
- Price: The prices of eSIM plans vary based on their data allowance and duration. Compare plans from different eSIM providers to find the best value for your specific needs and budget.
The best eSIM providers for India – our detailed list
I tested several eSIMs thoroughly alongside the Cybernews research team, and we created this list of the best eSIMs for India based on coverage, data packages, price, ease of use, and customer service. Below, you'll find my in-depth assessment of each eSIM to help you make the best choice for your travel needs.
1. Saily – overall best eSIM for India
| Supported networks: | 3G, LTE, 4G, 5G |
| Local plans for India: | 5 |
| Starting price: | $3.99 |
Saily is the brainchild of NordSecurity, the creators of NordVPN. It’s one of the best eSIMs for India today, thanks to the variety of its data plans and affordable pricing.
Coverage and connectivity: Saily has local, regional, and global data plans for India. Its local plans come with 1GB to 20GB of data and are valid for 7 to 30 days. If you’ll be traveling in India for several months or visiting nearby countries, you can opt for one of its regional plans for Asia or its global plans, valid for up to 180 and 365 days, respectively, and come with up to 100GB of data.
Saily works with Jio in India. While this eSIM supports 3G, LTE, 4G, and 5G speeds, the actual speed you’ll get depends on your location. This eSIM doesn’t come with a phone number for calling and texting.
Setup and usage: I found the process of activating this eSIM to be straightforward, thanks to the Saily app. I completed the setup within minutes. All you need to do is install the Saily app, sign up, choose a plan, and click “Install eSIM.” You’ll have to set the eSIM as your main SIM card for data and turn on roaming to activate it.
The interface of the Saily app is laid out nicely, so it was easy to figure out how to use this eSIM. I could easily monitor my data usage and top up via the app.
Customer support: Saily provides customer support via 24/7 live chat and email. I got a quick response when I contacted them about an issue I encountered.
Plans and pricing. Saily's prices for India start at $3.99 for a 7-day, 1GB plan. I’ve outlined Saily’s local plans for India in the table below:
| Data plan | Price |
| 1GB for 7 days | $3.99 |
| 3GB for 30 days | $8.99 |
| 5GB for 30 days | $12.99 |
| 10GB for 30 days | $21.99 |
| 20GB for 30 days | $35.99 |
2. Airalo – user-friendly eSIM for India with flexible data plans
| Supported networks: | 3G, LTE, 4G, 5G |
| Local plans for India: | 6 |
| Starting price: | $4.50 |
Airalo is among the most popular eSIMs today, with millions of users worldwide. This eSIM stands out for its user-friendliness, and it offers a wide array of data plans to suit the needs of different travelers.
Coverage and connectivity: Airalo has local, regional, and global plans for India. It has 6 local plans, offering 1GB to 20GB and valid for 7 to 30 days. Like Saily, its regional and global plans are valid for up to 180 and 365 days, respectively. They also come with a lot more data than Airalo’s local plans.
Besides its Discover+ global plans, which support phone calls and SMS, all other Airalo plans offer only data. If you’d like a local phone number with your eSIM, you’re better off choosing from Airalo’s Discover+ global plans.
Airalo works with Jio and supports LTE connectivity in India, ensuring you can remain connected wherever you go in the country.
Setup and usage: Airalo is one of the most user-friendly eSIMs I’ve reviewed. It has a lovely app that is easy to navigate. There are 3 different ways to install this eSIM, so you can choose the method that you prefer.
I installed the eSIM via the app, and the process was hassle-free. First, I had to download the app and purchase a plan. Then, I just tapped the install button and waited for the setup to be completed.
Customer support: Like Saily, Airalo’s customer service team is available 24/7 via live chat, ensuring that help is always available. You can also contact them via email. I always receive a prompt response when I reach out to them. It goes without saying that you’ll get a faster response if you reach out to them via live chat rather than email.
Plans and pricing: Airalo offers a variety of eSIM plans for different budgets. The prices of its local eSIM plans for India start at $4.50 for a 7-day, 1GB plan. Here’s a rundown of Airalo’s local plans for India.
| Data plan | Price |
| 1GB for 7 days | $4.50 |
| 2GB for 15 days | $8.00 |
| 3GB for 30 days | $10.50 |
| 5GB for 30 days | $15.00 |
| 10GB for 30 days | $25.00 |
| 20GB for 30 days | $40.00 |
While Airalo data plans are somewhat similar to Saily's, its prices are much higher. That’s one of the reasons I ranked the latter above Airalo on this list.
3. Jetpac – beginner-friendly eSIM for travelers to India
| Supported networks: | 3G, LTE, 4G, 5G |
| Plans for India: | 8 |
| Starting price: | $1.00 |
While it may not be as popular as Saily or Airalo, Jetpac is an excellent eSIM for travelers to India. This eSIM is particularly recommended for newbies to eSIMs. It has an unbeatable offer for new users, and its no-frills app is as simple as they come.
Coverage and connectivity: Jetpac offers local, regional, and global data plans for travelers to India. Its local plans come with 1GB to 40GB of data and are valid for 4 to 30 days.
Unlike other providers, which offer regional and global plans valid for up to 365 days, all Jetpac plans — local, regional, and global — are only valid for up to 30 days and come with a maximum of 40GB of data.
Jetpac works with Jio in India and supports LTE, 4G, and 5G, depending on your location. This is a data-only eSIM, so you can only make calls and send SMS messages using VoIP apps like WhatsApp.
Setup and usage: I think Jetpac is one of the best eSIMs to choose, whether you’ve never used one before or you have a lot of experience with eSIMs. It has a simple app that is easy to figure out.
Setting up my Jetpac eSIM was very straightforward. After purchasing a plan, I received a QR code. I simply scanned the code and waited for the installation to be completed. Once you arrive in India, set the eSIM as your primary data source and turn on roaming; it will be activated automatically. You can monitor your usage and top-up via the app.
Customer support: Jetpac provides customer support via WhatsApp and email. I got a quick response when I contacted them via email. However, I’ve seen reviews from other users complaining about slow response times.
Plans and pricing. Jetpac’s plans for India start at $1 for 1GB of data, valid for 4 days. This offer is only available for new users, and you can purchase it once. Here’s an overview of Jetpac’s local plans for India.
| Data plan | Price |
| 1GB for 4 days | $1.00 |
| 3GB for 30 days | $7.00 |
| 5GB for 30 days | $13.00 |
| 10GB for 30 days | $22.00 |
| 15GB for 30 days | $25.00 |
| 20GB for 30 days | $32.00 |
| 30GB for 30 days | $40.00 |
| 40GB for 30 days | $55.00 |
While Jetpac’s prices are more affordable than Airalo’s, Saily is slightly cheaper.
4. aloSIM – best eSIM for phone calls and SMS in India
| Supported networks: | LTE, 4G, 5G |
| Plans for India: | 7 |
| Starting price: | $4.50 |
Launched in 2022, aloSIM is one of the few eSIMs that support phone calls and SMS messaging in India. It offers fixed and unlimited data plans, making it an excellent choice for everyone.
Coverage and connectivity: aloSIM has 6 fixed local plans for India, which offer 1GB to 20GB of data and are valid for 7 to 30 days. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have any regional or global plans covering India. aloSIM works with Jio and supports LTE speeds in India.
All aloSIM plans come with a $1 free credit and a local phone number from Hushed, its sister service. You need to download the Hushed app to make calls and send SMS messages.
Setup and usage: aloSIM's app is incredibly user-friendly. It’s not very different from the apps of other eSIM providers we’ve reviewed above. You can purchase data, track your usage, and contact aloSIM’s customer service team via the app.
There are two ways to install an aloSIM eSIM: via a QR code or by manually entering the eSIM details. I scanned a QR code to install the eSIM and followed the on-screen instructions to finish the setup. Overall, aloSIM is as easy to install and use as any other eSIM on this list.
Customer support: aloSIM provides customer support via 24/7 live chat and email. Its customer service team is known for its prompt responses.
Plans and pricing: aloSIM’s plans for India start at $4.50 for a 7-day, 1GB plan. Here’s a quick summary of aloSIM’s local plans for India.
| Data plan | Price |
| 1GB for 7 days | $4.50 |
| 2GB for 15 days | $8.00 |
| 3GB for 30 days | $10.50 |
| 5GB for 30 days | $15.00 |
| 10GB for 30 days | $25.00 |
| 20GB for 30 days | $45.00 |
| Unlimited data for 15 days | $24.00 |
Some aloSIM plans are slightly more expensive than those of other eSIMs on this list. For example, while aloSIM charges $45.00 for a 30-day, 20GB plan, Saily charges just $35.99 for the same plan, while Airalo and Jetpac charge $40.00 and $32.00, respectively.
5. Holafly – unlimited data eSIM in India
| Supported networks: | LTE, 3G, 4G, 5G |
| Plans for India: | 90 |
| Starting price: | $9.90 |
Holafly is ranked as one of the best eSIMs for international travel. It offers unlimited data plans, which you can customize in length.
Coverage and connectivity: Holafly comes with local eSIM plans for India. Although it doesn’t have regional or global offers for this country, it allows you to customize your data plan according to your trip length. That said, Holafly’s plans last up to 90 days.
On top of this, Holafly collaborates with Airtel (Bharti) and offers LTE, 3G, 4G, and 5G internet speeds in India. Keep in mind that there’s no phone number in this plan, meaning you will only get data plans.
Setup and usage: One thing that stood out to me while reviewing Holafly was its simple setup. Thanks to its user-friendly app, you can control and manage everything connected to your eSIM from one place.
Like some of the best eSIMs on my list, Holafly lets you install your Indian eSIM by scanning a QR code. The best part is that you can keep your eSIM card and don’t need to activate it right away. According to Holafly’s official website, it’s best to install the eSIM one day before your trip.
Customer support: Holafly also provides 24/7 customer support via live chat. You can also contact its experts via email or browse the guides or FAQ section. Regardless of your choice, you’ll receive a response in no time.
Plans and pricing: One minor drawback is that Holafly is not India’s most budget-friendly eSIM. Still, I found it worth the money due to its unlimited data plans and fast internet speeds. Here’s a quick breakdown of the most common data plan durations.
| Data plan | Price |
| Unlimited data for 1 day | $9.90 |
| Unlimited data for 7 days | $39.90 |
| Unlimited data for 15 days | $63.90 |
| Unlimited data for 30 days | $112.90 |
| Unlimited data for 60 days | $209.90 |
| Unlimited data for 90 days | $306.90 |
6. Nomad – affordable eSIM for India with high-speed internet
| Supported networks: | LTE, 3G, 4G, 5G |
| Plans for India: | 6 |
| Starting price: | $4.00 |
Nomad is highly rated by travelers worldwide. It offers budget-friendly prices and high-speed internet in many parts of the world, including India.
Coverage and connectivity: Nomad has local, regional, and global plans for India. Unlike some eSIMs that only offer local plans valid for up to 30 days, Nomad’s plans last up to 45 days. If you’re staying in India for longer, you can opt for one of its Global-EX plans, which are valid for up to a year.
Nomad works with Bharti Airtel in India and supports 4G connectivity. This is a data-only eSIM, so you can only make calls using VoIP apps.
Setup and usage: I didn’t encounter any difficulties figuring out how to set up my Nomad eSIM or use the app. The Nomad app is designed for easy navigation. You can buy data, track your data consumption, and do much more with the app.
Like many eSIMs on this list, Nomad uses a QR-based installation method. After purchasing a plan, you’ll receive a QR code and instructions in your email. I scanned the QR code to initiate the eSIM installation, which took about two minutes. To activate the eSIM, I still needed to set it as my main SIM for data and turn on roaming.
Note: Nomad’s eSIM will activate automatically 60 days after you purchase a plan. So, it’s best not to purchase a plan several months before your trip.
Customer support: Nomad provides support through an online ticketing system. You have to submit a ticket and await a response. I received a response within 24 hours when I contacted Nomad’s support team.
Plans and pricing: Next to Saily, Nomad has some of the most affordable plans for India. Its prices start at just $4.00 for 1GB of data, valid for 7 days. Here’s a quick look at Nomad’s local eSIM plans for India.
| Data plan | Price |
| 1GB for 7 days | $4.50 to $5 |
| 3GB for 30 days | $12.00 |
| 5GB for 30 days | $15.00 |
| 10GB for 30 days | $26.00 |
| 15GB for 30 days | $30.00 |
| 20GB for 45 days | $35.00 |
7. Instabridge – best pay-as-you-go eSIM for India
| Supported networks: | 3G, LTE, 4G, 5G |
| Plans for India: | 4 |
| Starting price: | $3.50 |
Instabridge is a great eSIM for travelers on a tight budget. While it only has a few plans, they are incredibly affordable. It also has pay-as-you-go plans, a free Wi-Fi finder, and a data-saving browser.
Coverage and connectivity: Instabridge has 4 local plans for India, offering 1GB to 20GB of data and valid for 7 to 30 days. It also has regional and global plans covering India, with the same allocated data and validity period as its local plans.
Instabridge works with Fascel India, Idea Cellular, Vodafone India, and Bharti Airtel to ensure coverage nationwide. It’s unclear if Instabridge supports 5G in India. However, it supports 3G, LTE, 4G, and 5G in different parts of the world and most likely does so in India.
Setup and usage: I like the Instabridge app's color scheme, which makes it easy on the eyes. The app is sleek and easy to use, even for non-tech-savvy users. I purchased a plan, clicked “Activate” on the app, and waited for the process to be completed. The eSIM will activate automatically once you arrive in India, provided you set it as your data source and turn on roaming.
Like other eSIM apps, you can buy more data and track your data consumption via the Instabridge app.
Customer support: Instabridge provides customer support through email. Like Nomad, it took under 24 hours to get a response when I emailed them.
Plans and pricing. Instabridge’s plans are competitively priced, starting at $3.50 for a 7-day, 1 GB plan. Here’s a breakdown of Instabridge’s plans for India.
| Data plan | Price |
| 1GB for 7 days | $3.50 |
| 3GB for 15 days | $8.00 |
| 10GB for 30 days | $19.00 |
| 20GB for 30 days | $31.00 |
| Pay-as-you-go | $3.50 per GB |
Comparison of top eSIM providers for India
The table below shows my top eSIMs for India side-by-side. I’ve compiled key features of these eSIMs to allow you to compare them at a glance.
| Brand | Data allowance | Starting price | Network | Duration of plan | Supports phone calls and SMS | Allows data sharing |
| Saily | 1GB to $100GB | $3.99 | 3G, LTE, 4G, 5G | 7 to 365 days | No | Yes |
| Airalo | 1GB to 100GB | $4.50 | 3G, LTE, 4G, 5G | 7 to 365 days | Yes (only on Discover+ global plans) | Yes |
| Jetpac | 1GB to 40GB | $1.00 | 3G, LTE, 4G, 5G | 4 to 30 days | No | Yes |
| aloSIM | 1GB to 20GB | $4.50 | 3G, LTE, 4G, 5G | 7 to 30 days | Yes | Yes |
| Holafly | Unlimited | $9.90 | 3G, LTE, 4G, 5G | 1 to 90 days | No | Yes |
| Nomad | 1GB to 50GB | $4.00 | 3G, LTE, 4G, 5G | 7 to 365 days | No | Yes |
| Instabridge | 1GB to 20GB, and pay-as-you-go | $3.50 | 3G, LTE, 4G, 5G | 7 to 30 days, and pay-as-you-go | No | Yes |
Our criteria for picking the best eSIMs for India travel
Together with my colleagues in the Cybernews research team, I reviewed and tested dozens of eSIMs to come up with the best eSIMs for India. Here’s a glimpse into the criteria we used to select the eSIM services above.
- Coverage in India: This was one of the first things we analyzed. We chose eSIMs that work with local carriers that have extensive coverage across India so you can stay connected in any part of the country.
- Speed: Slow internet can be frustrating. So, we analyzed the type of network each provider supports and selected those offering LTE, 4G, and 5G speeds in India.
- Data plans: We analyzed the data plans of different providers and selected those with a variety of plans to suit different travelers. Whether you’re visiting India for a week-long business event or on a year-long journey to explore India, the providers above have data plans for you.
- Price: We compared prices of different eSIMs and selected those that offer the best value for money. There are eSIM plans on the list for every budget.
- User-friendliness: eSIMs can seem complicated to people who are new to it. With that in mind, we assessed the user-friendliness of various eSIMs, paying close attention to their apps, eSIM installation, and activation. The eSIMs above are some of the most user-friendly providers available today.
What is eSIM?
An eSIM is a digital SIM card embedded directly into your device. It does everything a regular SIM card does, but instead of inserting it into your device, you install it and can manage it in your device’s settings.
One of the biggest advantages of eSIMs over regular SIM cards is their flexibility. For example, you can save multiple eSIMs on a device while the maximum number of physical SIM cards you can connect to a smartphone is two — or even one in most cases.
eSIMs represent a new frontier in communication technology. The latest smartphones from some of the leading brands support eSIMs. As a matter of fact, some of Apple’s newest devices work exclusively with eSIMs and don’t have a slot for a physical SIM card. Some connected cars are even eSIM compatible.
Check out our video about the best eSIMs for travel to learn more.
Benefits of using eSIM in India
There are many advantages of using an eSIM in India, including the following:
- Flexibility: eSIMs offer unmatched flexibility. For example, they allow you to switch between various network providers without the hassle of changing physical SIM cards. This convenience is especially beneficial in India, where network reception can vary greatly between regions.
- Convenience: eSIMs make traveling more convenient. Since you can purchase and configure an eSIM prior to your trip, you can access the internet the moment you land in the country. This means you can order an Uber, check Google Maps for directions, and access your hotel or Airbnb booking details.
- Security: eSIMs are integrated directly into the device, significantly reducing the risk of losing or having your SIM card stolen. It also shields you from SIM-swapping attacks and other threats.
- Environmentally friendly: eSIMs eliminate the need for plastic SIM cards, thus reducing electronic waste. This is increasingly important in a world where electronic waste disposal poses significant environmental challenges.
How to activate an eSIM in India
It’s really easy to set up and activate an eSIM in India. Depending on the eSIM provider you’ve chosen, you’ll have one or more of these eSIM activation methods available to you.
App-based eSIM activation
This is one of the most common eSIM activation methods. Here’s how it usually works:
- Download and install the eSIM provider’s app.
- Sign up and purchase a plan.
- Click “install” or “activate” on the app. The eSIM is installed automatically. You may be required to change some settings on your device to complete the installation and activation.
QR-based eSIM activation
QR-based eSIM installation is similar to app-based installation, but instead of tapping “install” or “activate,” you need to scan a QR code. Here’s how it usually works:
- Download the eSIM app.
- Purchase a data plan.
- You’ll receive a QR code in your email along with instructions on how to install and activate your eSIM.
- Scan the QR code to kick-start the installation process.
- To activate your eSIM, you’ll need to set it as your primary data SIM card and turn on roaming.
Manual eSIM activation
Manual eSIM installation is less common than app-based or QR-based installation, but a handful of eSIMs offer this option. While the method requires more steps, it’s equally easy.
- Purchase an eSIM plan via the website or app of your chosen provider.
- You’ll receive an eSIM activation code along with an SM-DP+ address and other details.
- On iOS devices, go to Settings > Mobile Data and enter the eSIM details. If you’re using Android, go to Settings > Network and Internet, and look for the option to add an eSIM manually.
Note: eSIM services usually explain how to set up your eSIM in India. We recommend you follow the eSIM provider’s guide closely. This text was created to give you an idea of what to expect.
Pros and cons of using eSIM in India
These are the biggest pros and cons of using an eSIM in India:
How to make calls with eSIM in India
To make calls using an eSIM in India, ensure your eSIM plan includes calls and SMS services, as many plans are data-only. If your eSIM doesn’t support phone calls, you can use VoIP apps like WhatsApp, Skype, or Google Voice, which use data. We recommend installing and setting up these VoIP apps before traveling to guarantee seamless communication upon your arrival in India.
If your eSIM supports phone calls, it’s important to confirm that you have sufficient data to ensure uninterrupted voice calls.
Final thoughts on eSIMs for India
eSIMs are a convenient substitute for traditional SIM cards, and they’re particularly useful for travelers. They allow you to transition between networks and eliminate the need for physical SIM cards.
In my opinion, Saily is the best eSIM for India thanks to its wide coverage in the country, affordable prices, and wide variety of data plans. However, I recommend exploring any of the other eSIMs on this list to find one that is a perfect fit for your specific needs.
More eSIM guides from Cybernews
Convert SIM to eSIM: a comprehensive guide on converting physical SIM to a virtual one.
Best eSIMs for China: discover top eSIMs for traveling in China.
Best eSIMs for South Korea: top-rated eSIM providers for South Korea
FAQ
Is eSIM available in India?
Yes, eSIM technology is available in India. For the best experience, we recommend choosing a reliable eSIM for India, like Saily.
Which is the best eSIM in India?
In my opinion, Saily is the best eSIM for India. It has excellent network coverage in the country and offers an array of affordable data plans.
Which Indian carrier is best?
Jio is generally regarded as the best carrier in India, and many of the eSIM providers on this list work with the telecom company. However, there are many equally good network providers in the country.
Is eSIM a problem in India?
No, eSIMs are not a problem in India. They’re increasingly supported by leading network operators and are considered a progressive step for mobile users looking for convenience and flexibility in managing their mobile services.
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