Best eSIMs for the UK (2025)
Our skilled writers & in-house research team are behind the biggest cybersecurity stories, like The Mother Of All Breaches & WhatsApp Data Leak.
We closely analyze the services, check their features & openly share our testing methods with everyone.
Learn more
eSIMs, or embedded SIM cards, offer seamless connectivity on the go, eliminating the hassle of using physical SIM cards. With an eSIM, you’re guaranteed uninterrupted internet access during your UK adventures.
However, choosing from multiple eSIM providers can be difficult. But I’m here to help make that decision easier. Whether you're a frequent traveler or planning an upcoming vacation to the UK, I've got you covered. This guide will help you find an eSIM tailored to your needs.
I worked with the Cybernews research team to conduct extensive tests and evaluate many popular eSIM providers to find the best eSIMs for the UK in 2024. Continue reading to see our top picks.
Top 5 eSIMs for the UK – my recommendation
- Saily – best overall eSIM for traveling in the UK
- Airalo – best UK eSIM for regional travelers
- JetPac – UK eSIM with budget-friendly plans
- Holafly – best 5G internet speeds in the UK
- aloSIM – best UK eSIM for hassle-free activation
What to consider when choosing eSIM for traveling in the United Kingdom
Here are a few things to consider when choosing an eSIM for traveling in the United Kingdom:
- Destination coverage: Check if the eSIM service has coverage across the UK or only parts of the country. If you’re traveling across the region, confirm that the eSIM has coverage in neighboring European countries.
- Communication needs: Decide if you require only data or if you’d like to make calls and send messages with your eSIM. Some eSIM providers offer phone numbers for calls and SMS, while others may only allow you to receive calls and texts.
- Data options: Consider the amount of data you'll need during your trip and decide if you’d like a fixed plan or a pay-as-you-go package. If you’re getting a fixed plan, ensure you can top-up your data if necessary.
- Validity period: Check the eSIM’s validity period. This indicates how many days it will remain active once it is activated. Ensure the validity period aligns with the duration of your trip.
- Tethering support: Check if the eSIM provider allows tethering. This feature allows you to share your device's data connection as a mobile hotspot, which can be beneficial for connecting multiple devices during your travels.
Best eSIMs for the UK – a detailed list
The Cybernews research team has done the heavy lifting to help you choose the best eSIM for traveling in the United Kingdom. We’ve tested and selected the top eSIM providers based on their coverage in the UK, data plans, and pricing.
1. Saily – best overall eSIM for traveling in the UK

Phone calls/SMS: | No |
Starting price: | From $4.69 (7 days, 1GB) |
Regional plans: | No |
Saily simplifies mobile connectivity for travelers with its virtual SIM cards. It's recommended for travelers seeking hassle-free access to global networks without physically changing SIM cards.
Accessibility: It is unclear which network providers Saily works with in the United Kingdom. However, the eSIM service promises reliable Internet from the UK’s “best networks.” Saily eSIM is compatible with all smartphones that work with eSIM technology. You can easily activate the eSIM before you commence your trip; all you have to do is choose a plan, download the app, and install the eSIM.
Customer support: Saily offers 24/7 live chat support to ensure you always have someone to consult if any questions or problems arise.
eSIM plans: Saily offers local, regional, and global plans for travelers to the UK. Its local UK plans come with 1GB to 20GB of data and are valid for 7 to 30 days. However, its regional plans for Europe and global plans are valid for 180 to 365 days, respectively, and come with up to 100GB of data.
Pricing: Saily’s plans for the UK are reasonably priced. We’ve compiled a list of Saily’s UK plans and their prices in the table below.
Data plan | Price |
1GB for 7 days | $4.49 |
3GB for 30 days | $8.99 |
5GB for 30 days | $12.99 |
10GB for 30 days | $19.99 |
20GB for 30 days | $31.99 |
2. Airalo – best UK eSIM for regional travelers

Phone calls/SMS: | Yes, only on the Discover+ Global plan |
Starting price: | From $5.00 (7 days, 1GB) |
Regional plans: | Yes |
Airalo has eSIM plans for every traveler, whether you’re visiting the UK for a few days or you’re on a month-long trip across Europe. This eSIM offers reliable network coverage in the UK and competitive prices.
Accessibility: Airalo partners with O2 and Three in the UK, ensuring reliable coverage with LTE connectivity. Activating an Airalo eSIM is hassle-free; you can activate your eSIM via the app, by scanning a QR code, or manually.
Customer support: Airalo provides customer support via live chat and email. Its customer support team is responsive and promptly addresses any queries or concerns.
eSIM plans: Airalo offers local, regional, and global eSIM plans for the UK. Its European regional plan, Eurolink, covers 39 countries, including the United Kingdom. This is perfect for travelers visiting multiple destinations in Europe. Airalo only supports calling and texting on its Discover+ global plan.
Pricing: Airalo’s local UK plans are valid for 7 to 30 days and range from $5.00 (1GB) to $36.00 (20GB). Its European regional plans are valid for 7 to 180 days and vary from $5.00 (1GB) to $185.00 (100GB). Here’s a breakdown of Airalo’s local plans for the UK.
Data plan | Price |
1GB for 7 days | $5.00 |
2GB for 15 days | $7.50 |
3GB for 30 days | $10.00 |
5GB for 30 days | $15.00 |
10GB for 30 days | $22.50 |
20GB for 30 days | $36.00 |
3. JetPac – UK eSIM with budget-friendly plans

Phone calls/SMS: | No |
Starting price: | From $1.00 (4 days, 1GB) |
Regional plans: | Yes |
Traveling in the UK is stress-free with JetPac’s fantastic eSIM deals. This eSIM doesn’t just give you access to the Internet but also cuts expensive roaming costs!
Accessibility: JetPac works with some of the biggest UK network carriers, including Everything Everywhere (EE), Three, and O2. It offers 3G, 4G, 5G, or LTE internet connectivity in the country. Jetpac provides a QR code that you need to scan to activate your eSIM.
Customer support: Jetpac’s customer support team is available 24/7 via live chat and email to provide expert solutions to any problem.
eSIM plans: JetPac has 8 different local eSIM plans for the UK. You can opt for either 1GB, 3GB, 5GB, 10GB, 15GB, 30GB, or 40GB of data. The validity of these plans ranges from 4 days to 30 days. Jetpac also has data plans for Europe that cover the UK. Its regional plans have the same allocated data and validity periods as its UK local plans.
Pricing: JetPac’s eSIM plans for the UK start at $1.00 for a 1GB, 4-day plan. If you’re traveling to the UK for longer, you can opt for its 40GB, 30-day plan, which costs only $39.00. Here’s an overview of Jetpac’s local plans for the UK.
Data plan | Price |
1GB for 4 days | $1.00 |
3GB for 7 days | $5.00 |
5GB for 30 days | $7.00 |
10GB for 30 days | $14.00 |
15GB for 30 days | $18.00 |
20GB for 30 days | $22.00 |
30GB for 30 days | $32.00 |
40GB for 30 days | $39.00 |
4. Holafly – fast and user-friendly eSIM for the UK

Phone calls/SMS: | No |
Starting price: | $6.90 |
Regional plans: | Yes |
Holafly is a reliable eSIM provider with unlimited data plans and coverage in 200+ countries, including the UK. You can find local and regional plans for the UK with stellar internet speeds. On top of that, there is even a separate plan for London.
Accessibility: Holafly works with a few UK network carriers, including Virgin Media O2, Vodafone United Kingdom, and 3 United Kingdom. You can expect blazing internet speeds, except for occasional slowdowns in remote areas. This eSIM supports LTE, 3G, 4G, and 5G speeds.
You can also install and activate it quickly, all from the Holafly app. Just scan the QR code and start using your unlimited data plan once you connect to a UK carrier.
Customer support: If you run into an issue, you can immediately solve it by contacting Holafly’s 24/7 live chat. An alternative is to send them an email, which is also pretty responsive. Ultimately, you can always read its guides or FAQ section for basic queries.
eSIM plans: In terms of the eSIM plans for the UK, Holafly offers unique options. There are local and regional plans, but you can also get a separate eSIM only for London. The best part is that all plans have unlimited data and last up to 90 days.
Pricing: The starting price of this UK eSIM is $6.90. Even though it’s not the most affordable option, you won’t be disappointed by its services.
Data plan | Price |
Unlimited data for 1 day | $6.90 |
Unlimited data for 7 days | $29.90 |
Unlimited data for 15 days | $50.90 |
Unlimited data for 30 days | $74.90 |
Unlimited data for 60 days | $106.90 |
Unlimited data for 90 days | $139.90 |
5. aloSIM– best UK eSIM for hassle-free activation

Phone calls/SMS: | Yes |
Starting price: | From $5.00 (7 days, 1GB) |
Regional plans: | Yes |
aloSIM provides eSIM solutions designed for frequent travelers. Its eSIMs ensure uninterrupted mobile connectivity in the UK and Ireland. Plus, you get a phone number for calls and texts.
Accessibility: aloSIM partners with 3, O2, and EE in the UK, ensuring reliable data coverage. Its internet connectivity options include 5G and LTE. When setting up aloSIM on Android devices, the data plan will not activate until you complete all activation steps. However, on iOS devices, this could happen during the eSIM installation, so it’s best to install it right before the trip.
Customer support: The aloSIM website has a comprehensive FAQ section to help you find answers to the most common questions. But if you have a more complex issue or question, you can reach the aloSIM customer support team via live chat or email.
eSIM plans: Besides its local plans, aloSIM has regional plans covering the UK/ Republic of Ireland/ Northern Ireland/ Scotland. Plus, its European regional plan also covers the UK. aloSIM supports calling and texting on all its plans, but you need to download its sister app, Hushed, to access these services.
Pricing: aloSIM has 7 local UK plans, ranging from $5.00 (7 days, 1GB) to $36.00 (30 days, 20GB). Its UK-Ireland-Scotland plans vary from $4.50 (7 days, 1GB) to $20 (30 days, 10GB). Its European regional plans range from $5.00 (7 days, 1GB) to $185 (180 days, 100GB). Here’s a breakdown of all aloSIM’s local plans for the UK.
Data plan | Price |
1GB for 7 days | $5.00 |
2GB for 15 days | $7.50 |
3GB for 30 days | $10.00 |
5GB for 30 days | $15.00 |
10GB for 30 days | $22.50 |
Unlimited data | $23.50 for 10 days |
20GB for 30 days | $36.00 |
6. GigSky – best eSIM for unlimited data in the UK

Phone calls/SMS: | No |
Starting price: | $4.49 |
Regional plans: | Yes |
GigSky is a versatile eSIM with plans for over 190+ countries. It also has inflight and offshore plans (including plans for cruises). GigSky’s versatility doesn’t stop there; it offers fixed and unlimited data plans. If you’re engaged in data-intensive activities like streaming, GigSky is the perfect eSIM to choose for your trip to the UK.
Accessibility: Like Saily, GigSky doesn’t disclose which local carriers it works with in the UK. However, it claims to connect users to a super-fast network. This eSIM provider supports 3G, LTE, 4G, and 5G in different locations.
GigSky has a minimalist eSIM app that’s easy to use. You can install the eSIM by scanning a QR code: just purchase a data plan, scan the QR code that GigSky emails you, and follow the on-screen instructions. To activate the eSIM, open the GigSky app and click activate.
Customer support: The fastest way to reach GigSky’s customer support is via the 24/7 in-app live chat. You can also contact them via email or phone.
eSIM plans: GigSky has local, regional, and global plans covering the UK. There are even plans for travelers on cruises that have stops in the UK. GigSky offers 100MB for free to new users, allowing you to test the service before purchasing a plan. Its data plans come with 1GB to 50GB of data and are valid for 7 to 120 days.
Pricing: GigSky’s plans for the UK start at $4.24 for 1GB of data, valid for 7 days. Here’s a rundown of all GigSky’s local plans for the UK:
Data plan | Price |
1GB for 7 days | $4.24 |
3GB for 15 days | $8.49 |
5GB for 30 days | $12.74 |
10GB for 30 days | $19.12 |
Unlimited data for 7 days | $22.09 |
Unlimited data for 15 days | $36.54 |
7. Nomad – best UK eSIM for seamless connectivity

Phone calls/SMS: | No |
Starting price: | From $5.00 (1 day, 1GB) |
Regional plans: | Yes |
Nomad provides eSIM solutions tailored for travelers seeking seamless connectivity. It's particularly beneficial for those who need flexible data options while exploring the UK and beyond. Nomad has both regional and local coverage. Unfortunately, it offers data-only plans.
Accessibility: Nomad partners with BT and EE to provide reliable coverage in the UK. This eSIM supports different internet connectivity options, including 5G, 4G, and LTE. The main way to activate this eSIM is by scanning a QR code.
Customer support: Nomad has a troubleshooting guide for users. You can also submit a support ticket via its website. Its customer support team responds to queries quickly.
eSIM plans: Nomad has 5 local plans for the UK and regional data plans for Europe covering the UK.
Pricing: Nomad’s local eSIM plans for the UK range from $5.00 (7 days, 1GB) to $33.00 (30 days, 20GB), while its regional plans range from $5.00 (7 days, 1 GB) to $45.00 (30 days, 20GB). Here’s a quick rundown of Nomad’s local plans for the UK:
Data plan | Price |
1GB for 7 days | $5.00 to $6.00 |
3GB for 30 days | $8.00 |
5GB for 30 days | $14.00 |
10GB for 30 days | $12.00 |
20GB for 30 days | $18.00 |
8. Instabridge – UK eSIM with pay-as-you-go plans

Phone calls/SMS: | No |
Starting price: | From $2.00 (7 days, 1GB) |
Regional plans: | Yes |
Instabridge is one of the few eSIMs that offers pay-as-you-go data plans. It also has regular local, regional, and global plans.
Accessibility: Instabridge offers extensive coverage in the UK thanks to its partnership with various local carriers, including EE, H3G, Manx Telecom, O2, Vodafone, and Sure Guernsey Limited. Instabridge’s eSIM activation is simple and does not require a physical SIM card. Simply download the app, create an account, and start using the service.
Customer support: To contact Instabridge support, you must fill out a form on the provider’s website. Its customer support agents will contact you via email. Instabridge also has support articles and a FAQ section.
eSIM plans: Instabridge offers local UK eSIM plans and comprehensive Europe plans covering 34 countries. It also has pay-as-you-go plans covering the UK.
Pricing: If you opt for Instabridge's UK local plan, you have four options along with its pay-as-you-go offer:
Data plan | Price |
1GB for 7 days | $2.00 |
3GB for 15 days | $4.50 |
10GB for 30 days | $12.00 |
20GB for 30 days | $16.00 |
Pay-as-you-go plan | $2.00 per GB |
Comparison of the best eSIM providers for the UK
Here’s a side-by-side comparison of the best eSIMs for the UK:
Saily | Airalo | JetPac | Holafly | aloSIM | GigSky | Nomad | Instabridge | |
Plan options: | 7 and 30 days | 7, 15, 30, 60, 180, 365 days | 4, 7, and 30 days | 1 and 90 days | 7, 15, 30 | 7, 15, 30, 90, and 120 days | 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 30, 45 and 60 days | 7, 13, and 30 days + pay-as-you-go plans |
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 | Yes | All iPhone and Android devices that support eSIM | All iPhone and Android devices that support eSIM |
Networks: | 3G, 4G, and 5G | LTE, 3G, 4G, and 5G | LTE, 3G, 4G, and 5G | 3G, 4G, LTE and 5G | LTE and 4G | LTE, 3G, 4G, and 5G | LTE, 3G, 4G, and 5G | LTE, 3G, 4G, and 5G |
Calls: | No | Yes (only on Discover+ global plan) | No | No | Yes | No | No | No |
Texts: | No | Yes (only on Discover+ Global plan) | No | No | Yes | No | No | No |
Price from: | $1.89 | $4.50 | $1.00 | $6.00 | $4.50 | $4.50 | $4.00 | $2.00 |
While I recommend all these eSIMs for use in the UK, it’s best to assess your specific needs and choose an eSIM that’s best suited to you. For example, if you’re on a budget, opt for Saily, Instabridge, or Jetpac, as they’re the most affordable eSIMs for the UK. If you prioritize being able to make calls and send SMS, choose either aloSIM or Airalo (Discover+ global plan), as both eSIMs support calling and texting in the UK.
How we tested and ranked these eSIMs for the UK
I worked with the Cybernews team to conduct extensive research and methodical tests to find the best eSIMs for the UK. Here’s a brief overview of the criteria for our ranking:
- Coverage in the UK: I looked at each eSIM provider’s coverage in the UK and selected those with the broadest coverage. The eSIMs on this list have excellent coverage throughout the UK and also in neighboring countries like Ireland and France.
- Network connection: eSIM providers support different network connection types, including LTE, 3G, 4G, and 5G. I picked eSIMs that offer the fastest connection speeds across the UK.
- Compatibility: I checked the complete list of devices each eSIM is compatible with and selected eSIMs that work with a wide range of iPhones and Android devices to ensure easy installation.
- Data plans: I looked at the type of data plans each eSIM offers and picked those with an array of plans for both short-term and long-term travel. I also included some eSIMs that support calling and texting.
- Price: The price of UK eSIM plans varies from one provider to provider. I assessed the prices of plans from different eSIM providers and selected those with the most budget-friendly plans.
- Customer service: I checked the customer service channels of different eSIMs and selected those with multiple customer service channels and the fastest response times.
Does my phone support eSIM?
Before getting an eSIM, you need to check your phone’s compatibility. Your phone's eSIM compatibility largely depends on the brand and model. Fortunately, most new smartphones support eSIMs. Some don’t even have physical SIM card holders anymore.
Here’s how to check if your phone supports eSIM:
- Android: Go to Settings > Connection > SIM card manager. If there’s an option to Add eSIM, your device supports this technology.
- iPhone: Go to Settings > General > About. If you see the Available SIM option and a 15-digit IMEI number, your phone supports eSIMs.
Note: If your phone is carrier-locked, you may be unable to use an eSIM. You need to contact your operator and confirm if your phone is locked and if it’s possible to unlock it.
How to activate the eSIM data plan for the UK on your phone
The process of activating an eSIM data plan may vary slightly, depending on the provider. However, there are three main ways to activate an eSIM:
- Activating via the eSIM app: This is a straightforward activation method. It involves installing the eSIM provider’s app and clicking a button to activate the eSIM. You may be directed to make some changes to your device’s settings to complete the activation.
- Activating via a QR code: This is a popular eSIM activation method. Your eSIM provider will share a QR code (usually via email). Scanning the QR code will kick-start the eSIM installation process. Like app-based installation, you need to follow the on-screen prompts and you may have to change a few settings on your device to complete the process.
- Manual eSIM installation: This activation method is more technical than the others above. With manual installation, you need to go into your device’s settings and enter your eSIM details, like your eSIM activation code and SM-DP+address. We only recommend this option for tech-savvy users.
Note: While you can start the eSIM activation process before heading off on your trip, you may need to arrive at your destination before the activation process is completed, and you can start accessing the web, making calls, and sending texts with your eSIM.
Where to buy a prepaid eSIM card for the UK?
Most eSIM providers don’t have physical stores, so the best place to purchase an eSIM is directly from their website. You can browse through eSIM plans for different locations on the website of your preferred eSIM provider.
While most eSIM providers allow you to buy your preferred plan from their site, some may direct you to download their app to complete your purchase. Regardless, the process is generally straightforward. All the eSIM providers I’ve reviewed accept various payment methods, including debit/credit card, PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.
When to order/activate an eSIM card for the UK?
You’ll need internet access to buy and set up your eSIM, so it’s best to purchase an eSIM plan while booking your ticket and creating an itinerary for your trip. However, I recommend waiting until a day before you set off to activate the eSIM.
Some eSIMs are activated the moment you install the eSIM app. However, others need to be connected to a local network before they’re activated. To prevent your eSIM from expiring before the end of your trip, wait until just before you travel to activate it.
Benefits of using an eSIM in the United Kingdom
There are several reasons you should consider using an eSIM in the United Kingdom, including:
- Instant data access: You can activate your eSIM upon arrival and get instant access to data services without having to wait until you get a physical SIM card.
- Convenient: You don’t have to deal with the hassle of visiting a store to get a SIM card, saving you valuable time.
- Retain your number: You can keep using your domestic phone number while reserving the eSIM for internet access.
- No physical SIM is required: You don’t have to remove your physical SIM card to use an eSIM, streamlining the process of getting connected.
- Cheaper costs and faster speeds: Say goodbye to expensive and slow roaming speeds. eSIMs offer competitive rates and faster connectivity options.
- Easy data top-up: You can easily top up your eSIM data as needed, ensuring you stay connected without interruptions.
Things to know about using an eSIM in the UK
Here are a few things to keep in mind about using an eSIM in the UK:
- Ensure your phone is unlocked: Locked phones are tied to a specific mobile service provider, restricting your ability to connect them to eSIM cards.
- Check phone compatibility: Not all mobile phones support eSIM cards, so verify that your device is compatible before purchasing an eSIM plan.
- Calling and phone number: Not all eSIMs come with a phone number or support calling. Some eSIMs may only allow you to receive calls and SMS.
- Timing of activation: The validity period of some eSIM cards starts counting after installation, while others begin upon connecting to a supported network for the first time. Also, some eSIM cards must be activated before the trip commences. Avoid activating the eSIM card too early to maximize its validity period.
- Activation process: eSIMs have different activation methods, such as QR code activation, app-based activation, or manual activation. Choose the method that suits your preferences and follow the instructions provided by your eSIM provider.
- Expiration period: There may be a time limit for activating the eSIM card, typically within 1-3 months of purchase. After this period, the eSIM may expire. It's essential to activate it within the specified timeframe to avoid any issues.
How to make calls with eSIM
Are you planning to make calls with your eSIM? Here are the options available to you:
- Choose an eSIM provider that supports calling: Some eSIM providers offer phone numbers for making calls.
- Use your domestic SIM card: While eSIMs primarily offer data plans, you can use a physical SIM card from your home country to make international calls. This allows you to reserve your existing phone number for calls while using your eSIM for data services.
- Use VoIP apps: Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) apps such as Skype, WhatsApp, FaceTime, or Google Voice are an alternative option for making calls over the Internet. These apps use your data connection to make calls, bypassing traditional cellular voice networks and offering cost-effective communication solutions.
Final thoughts on eSIMs for the UK
My team conducted thorough tests to select the best eSIMs for traveling in the United Kingdom and neighboring countries. Whether you're looking for budget-friendly data plans, effortless connectivity, or dependable customer support, there’s an eSIM on this list for you.
In my opinion, Saily is the best overall eSIM for the UK. It’s easy to set up, has excellent coverage in the UK, offers 24/7 customer support, and is known for its bargain prices.
More eSIM guides from Cybernews:
Best eSIM providers in 2024: Discover the top eSIM providers
Best eSIM providers in Europe: Find the best eSIM for European travels
Best eSIM providers in Japan: Pick the top eSIM when traveling to Japan
Best eSIM providers in the US: Choose an eSIM provider fit for US traveling
FAQ
What is the cheapest eSIM card for the United Kingdom?
Saily offers the cheapest eSIM for UK travelers. For $1.99, you get 1GB of data for 7 days. However, Nomad offers the best long-term plan — for $21.00, you get 20GB of data for 30 days.
Which eSIM is best for the United Kingdom?
Saily is the best eSIM for traveling in the UK. This provider offers 24/7 support, a wide array of local plans, budget-friendly prices, and works with some of the most popular UK networks.
Can I make calls with an eSIM card in the United Kingdom?
Most eSIM providers offer data-only plans in the UK, which means you cannot make phone calls or send text messages. However, you can use your primary phone number to make calls. However, some eSIMs, like Airalo and aloSIM, support calling and texting. Alternatively, you can make free calls using apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime, or Skype.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are markedmarked