Traveling abroad used to mean standing in airport lines, swapping tiny SIM cards, and hoping your phone connects before you even leave the terminal. Not anymore. With eSIMs, you can land, open an app, buy a plan, and get online in minutes. No physical cards are required.
But there are now so many eSIM apps that picking one can be confusing. Some work great everywhere; others don’t. Most of them support both iPhone and Android phones, but performance and setup can vary between devices. I went through expert reviews, user experiences, and hands-on testing to find the best eSIM apps for travelers in 2025. Let’s see which ones actually make your trip easier.
Table of Contents
- 1. Airalo eSIM App: Best Overall for Global Travel
- 2. Saily eSIM App: Best for Security and Privacy
- 3. Ubigi eSIM App: Best for 5G and Flexibility
- 4. AloSIM eSIM App: Best for Easy Setup
- 5. Airhub eSIM App: Best for Calls and Texts
- 6. Nomad eSIM App: Best Value for Short Trips
- 7. Flexiroam eSIM App: Best for Inflight Connectivity
- 8. Firsty eSIM App: Best Free Option
- Which eSIM App Should You Choose?
1. Airalo eSIM App: Best Overall for Global Travel
If you travel a lot, Airalo is the easiest choice. It works in over 200+ countries and has both regional and global plans. That means you can buy one plan for all of Europe or Asia instead of juggling different local SIMs.
The app is simple: open it, choose your destination, buy a plan, and follow the activation steps. You’ll be connected in minutes. Plans range from 1GB to 20GB, lasting from 7 days to a full year. Airalo also gives you loyalty credits every time you buy data, which adds up for frequent travelers.
There’s one limitation. Most Airalo plans are data-only, so no traditional calls or texts. But for WhatsApp, Instagram, or video calls, it’s perfect. Overall, Airalo offers the smoothest global experience for travelers.
2. Saily eSIM App: Best for Security and Privacy
Made by Nord Security (the same company behind NordVPN), Saily is built for travelers who care about both connection and safety. It covers 190+ countries and comes with a built-in VPN, ad blocker, and virtual location feature.
The app is clean, fast, and easy to use. Installation takes just one tap, and you can manage data or top up anytime. Its Ultra Plan even includes 30GB of data and NordVPN tools, it’s a good deal if you travel frequently and want everything in one place.
Saily doesn’t give you a phone number, but it’s very reliable and secure. Plus, you can reach customer support 24/7 through live chat.
3. Ubigi eSIM App: Best for 5G and Flexibility
Ubigi stands out for its speed and flexibility. It supports 5G in 40+ destinations and works in 200+ countries. It even offers unlimited data plans in some regions and lets you use your phone as a hotspot.
Setup is simple: download the app, buy a plan, scan a QR code, and you’re online. You can even top up data without Wi-Fi, which is a lifesaver when you run out mid-trip. It doesn’t include voice calls or SMS, but that’s rarely an issue these days.
If you travel often and want strong speeds wherever you go, Ubigi is an excellent pick.
4. AloSIM eSIM App: Best for Easy Setup
If you hate technical stuff, AloSIM is made for you. You can install it automatically, by scanning a QR code, or manually if you prefer more control. It even has a data calculator that tells you how much data you actually need so you don’t overpay.
You can check which local network you’ll be connected to before buying, so you always know what you’re getting. AloSIM also partners with Hushed, giving you the option to add an international number if needed. There’s no unlimited data plan and limited support in Africa, but it’s still one of the easiest eSIMs to use.
5. Airhub eSIM App: Best for Calls and Texts
Unlike most eSIMs that are data-only, Airhub also includes calls and SMS in many of its plans. It covers 190+ countries and offers more plan choices per country than most providers.
The app is simple to use and gives you the option to switch between networks manually, which is great if you’re visiting remote areas. The only downsides are a small service fee at checkout and weaker coverage in Latin America.
6. Nomad eSIM App: Best Value for Short Trips
If you’re traveling for a week or two, Nomad gives you the best value. Plans start at just $1.30 per GB, and you can pick regional or global plans. The app guides you step-by-step with pictures, making it beginner-friendly.
Nomad works in 200+ countries, offers 24/7 message support, and even has unlimited data options in select countries like the UK. It’s simple, affordable, and great for short vacations or business trips.
7. Flexiroam eSIM App: Best for Inflight Connectivity
If you want to stay connected on planes, Flexiroam is your go-to. It offers in-flight eSIM plans for 24 hours, with 1GB, 2GB, or unlimited options. It works on 500+ networks across 200 countries, and automatically connects to the strongest signal available.
It’s a bit pricier than others, but if you’re constantly traveling or need internet mid-air, it’s worth it.
8. Firsty eSIM App: Best Free Option
Firsty is the first eSIM to offer free data. You get unlimited access if you watch a short ad every hour. It’s slow, but good enough for messages and emails. Paid tiers Comfort Plus ($1/day) and First Class ($2.50/day) remove ads and increase speed.
It covers 120+ countries on the free plan and up to 160+ on the paid plans. It’s not as wide-reaching as others, but great for light users who just want basic connectivity.
Which eSIM App Should You Choose?
If you travel a lot, Airalo is the best all-around eSIM. It’s simple and is available gloabally. Saily is perfect if you want added security. Meanwhile, Ubigi, Airhub, and Flexiroam shine for travelers with specific needs like calls or in-flight access.
No matter where you go, an eSIM saves you from airport chaos and keeps you online wherever your passport takes you.
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