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Top 6 Best eSIM for the USA in 2024
Get to know what are the best eSIMs to stay connected in the USA with a side-to-side comparison of different international eSIM carriers!
June 26, 2024
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Traveling in the USA is an experience of a lifetime for many, but it’s easy to get lost in the vastness of the country, so you might want to stay connected. While options like international roaming or Pocket WiFi tend to be quite expensive, eSIM cards stand out as the best source of internet when traveling.
An eSIM is basically a virtual SIM card, which you can obtain and activate online from anywhere in the world. In this article, we’ll go through 6 of the best eSIMs for the USA as well as their features, prices, and where to get them. Follow along to learn all about them.
eSIM for the USA
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Why should I get an eSIM for the USA?
Outside of it often being the most affordable option, one of the best advantages of eSIM cards is the convenience they offer. All eSIM-compatible phones use an implanted chip to keep you connected, so you don’t have to worry about accidentally losing a physical SIM card.
On top of that, you can buy, activate, and start using an eSIM without ever needing to get off the couch. All you need is an internet connection to get started, whether it’s your home network, a public Wi-Fi hotspot, or some shared data from a friend.
Once the card is active, you can go wherever you want, and as long as there’s cell coverage, you’ll be able to use the internet wherever you are.
Check out our article on how eSIMs work if you want to get in-depth information on the intricacies of eSIMs.
Which is the best eSIM for the USA?
| eSIM features | Holafly | MTX Connect | TravelSIM | Ubigi | GlobaleSIM | Simtex |
| Do they charge for the eSIM? | No | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| Customizable plans | Yes | No | No | No | No | No |
| Top-Up | Yes* (The eSIM for the USA has unlimited data, so you don’t need to Top-Up) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| App | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Unlimited data | Yes | Yes* | No | No | No | No |
Needless to say, the information in this table barely scratches the surface of what each provider has to offer. Follow along for more in-depth reviews of each of the providers mentioned above.
1. Holafly
Pros of Holafly eSIM for the USA:
- Unlimited data is included in all plans.
- Customizable plans from one up to 90 days of use.
- Hotspot: enjoy 500 MB per day to share with others.
- Dedicated Android and iOS Apps that let you manage and track your eSIM use.
- 4G/LTE/5G coverage in most regions within the United States.
- Super flexible return policy for Holafly customers.
- No limit on the number of eSIMs you can buy.
Cons of Holafly eSIM for the USA:
- Doesn’t allow phone calls or text messages.
- eSIMs can’t be transferred from phone to phone.
Founded in 2017 with the intention to provide affordable, good-quality eSIMs, Holafly delivers exactly that. On top of being one of the best eSIM options for the USA, Holafly provides coverage in more than 190 destinations worldwide, so you can stay connected no matter where you are.
Holafly offers unlimited data on all USA eSIM prepaid plans and gives you plenty of choices when it comes to plan length. The plans start at 1 day for US$6, and go all the way up to 90 days for $139. The plan length is completely customizable, so you can purchase your eSIM for the USA for the exact amount of time your visit will last. There’s no need to overpay for extra days or lose connectivity for a few days just because there’s no plan to suit your needs.
Holafly backs up its service with 24/7 customer support that is ready to help you in case you need assistance setting up your eSIM or have issues with using it. Not great at English? No worries. Holafly customer support can help you out in Spanish, English, French, German, Japanese, and more.
The only con of Holafly services is that all of its plans are data-only. In other words, the service does not support phone calls or text messages. However, most calls and messages are sent through the internet anyway, and with unlimited data, you can FaceTime and message all you want without worrying about running out.
Holafly also ensures that you’ll find a payment method that suits you, making the purchase process even easier. You can pay with your card details, PayPal, or use Google Pay or Apple Pay to complete your purchase.
Overall, Holafly is definitely one of the best options for an eSIM data plan in the US. An app to manage the eSIM, 24/7 customer support, and unlimited data are just the beginning of what Holafly offers.
2. MTX Connect
Pros of MTX Connect eSIM
- Different payment methods to choose from.
- Physical USA SIM cards for those with non-eSIM-compatible devices.
- Dedicated app for iOS and Android devices.
Cons of MTX Connect eSIM
- Non-flexible refund policy. Make sure you buy what you need and check compatibility before completing the purchase.
- Only offers unlimited data for a single day of use for $10 a day.
- Lacks of phone calls and text messages.
MTX Connect, a Luxemburg-based company founded in 2019, is another eSIM option worth considering when traveling in the USA. MTX Connect offers 3G/LTE, 4G, and 5G cellular data connections in more than 100 countries worldwide.
It’s also worth mentioning that they offer physical SIM cards on top of eSIMs, so if your device isn’t eSIM-compatible, you may have to resort to a physical card instead.
MTX Connect offers both prepaid and pay-as-you-go eSIM plans. You can get prepaid eSIM plans for 1, 7, 14, and 30 days, but there’s no further customization when it comes to plan length. The only MTX Connect plan to offer unlimited data is their DAILY MAX plan, priced at $10/day, with no other plan exceeding 10 GB of data.
You can purchase the plans, as well as track your activity and data usage by connecting to your account on their website or using their dedicated apps for iOS and Android.
To purchase one of their eSIMs, you will need to create a user account on their website, as well as have an available balance to purchase the plans you want. You can top up your balance via credit card, PayPal, or AliPay. But that’s still not as convenient as paying for your plan straight up.
One important thing to remember is to choose the service you are getting carefully. If you are using a non-eSIM-compatible device and you get an eSIM from MTX Connect, the company will not refund the money, nor will it replace the eSIM with a physical SIM card for its customers.
3. TravelSIM
Pros of TravelSIM eSIM
- Different types of data plans for eSIM users.
- Customizable data packages with several add-on features.
- Messaging functionality
- A variety of payment methods are available for use.
Cons of TravelSIM eSIM
- No unlimited data packages.
- No phone call functionality
- An additional charge for issuing an eSIM.
- No 24/7 customer support.
This company started operating in 2006 and was initially dedicated to offering call and messaging services to travelers. However, today their main focus is on eSIM and SIM cards. Their long and successful track record makes it one of the best options for buying an eSIM in the USA.
TravelSIM offers mostly 14-day eSIM plans for the USA. You can choose plans with 15GB of data for $33, 25GB for $54, or unlimited data, which is also $54 for 14 days. They also charge a $6 extra fee for every SIM card you purchase.
These are not the cheapest plans on the list. For reference, Holafly’s unlimited data US plan for 14 days would cost you $48, which is $6 less, even without the eSIM fee, and $12 cheaper in total.
They do, however, offer SMS messaging functionality at an extra cost, so if that’s something you need, you might have to go with the slightly more expensive option.
To purchase one of their eSIMs, you need to register on their website and choose the plan you want. If one thing is certain with TravelSIM, it’s that you’ll definitely find a payment option that suits you best. You can pay via PayPal, credit card, giropay, Klarna, and many more.
It’s important for people to keep in mind there are extra fees when using TravelSIM. On top of the aforementioned eSIM fee, you may also be charged with a VAT tax, which significantly inflates the total price.
It’s also worth noting that Travel SIM doesn’t offer 24/7 customer support. You can contact them by phone or email, but if their office is closed when you’re having issues, you’ll have to wait until they open again.
4. Ubigi
Pros of Ubigi eSIM
- Wide variety of data packages.
- Easy purchase process from their website or official app.
- eSIMs for other devices, such as PCs.
Cons of Ubigi eSIM
- No unlimited data plans.
- No call or messaging functionality.
- Some one-use packages can be quite expensive.
Now, we will talk about Ubigi, which is an online eSIM provider based in Paris that provides free eSIM profiles as well as local, regional, and international eSIM prepaid data plans. With their plans, you’ll be able to stay connected in more than 200 destinations around the world.
What makes Ubigi stand out is that its services can be used on cell phones, laptops, and even some cars. To purchase one of their eSIM, you can order it through their website and download the application, where you can log into your profile and choose from the different plans available for the USA.
On top of one-off plans, you can get a long-term plan for the USA that works like subscription and charges you a fixed price every month. For prepaid plans, you can get an eSIM for 1, 7 or 30 days. They range from 500 MB 1-day plan for $2.90 up to a 50 GB 30-day plan for $58. It’s worth noting that Ubigi doesn’t offer unlimited data plans.
When the time comes for you to buy your plan, you will be able to pay with a credit card, PayPal, Amex, and some other options depending on your country.
5. GlobaleSIM
Pros of GlobaleSIM
- Allows people to use different currencies to pay for the eSIM.
- Offers a mobile app that works for Android and iOS devices.
- Gives access to different data packages and phone calls.
Cons of GlobaleSIM
- Doesn’t have unlimited data packages.
- Doesn’t work with all the main mobile carriers in the USA.
- Non-flexible refund policy.
GlobaleSIM is yet another eSIM provider that offers options to stay connected in over 110 destinations in the world. Currently, they offer different data packages and different types of add-ons, such as phone call functionality, which allows customers to use their mobile while in the USA.
Their data plans range from 1GB for 7 days at $4 up to 20 GB for 30 days at $32. You also have the option to use unlimited data at 256kbps when your plan runs out of data for an extra $3. That said, the speed limit won’t allow you to use the internet as freely as you’d like and is only really enough for basic tasks.
People can also include voice minutes for making and receiving calls in the USA, and these vary from 100 to 300 minutes. Currently, the company accepts payments from PayPal and credit or debit cards.
The card activation process is fairly simple and doesn’t require you to download an app or create an account. Once you pay for your order, you’ll get a QR code that you can then use to activate your eSIM.
6. Simtex
Pros of Simtex
- Multi-destination eSIMs are available for use.
- Over 100 destinations are available on the list.
- Easy purchase process.
Cons of Simtex
- Lacks a mobile app for Android and iOS users.
- Doesn’t have unlimited data packages.
- Fewer data packages are offered compared to other companies.
The last option on the list is Simtex, an Israel-based company with several years in the eSIM industry that offers a solid alternative to the other providers on this list.
Simtex provides most of the main features you’d expect from an eSIM provider. They offer different data packages to people that last from 3 to 30 days and that also have different mobile data amounts to use while on the road. That said, they don’t offer text messages or phone calls with their eSIMs.
When it comes to the purchase, the process is a bit longer because you need to create an account before you can buy a plan. Both when choosing a plan, and when paying for it, you get the idea that their whole platform isn’t as user-oriented as some others on this list.
Not only do you need to create an account before you buy, you also get only one payment option — credit card. The website itself can be a tad hard to navigate, but they do offer quite a lot of flexibility and customization with their plans.
Lastly, Simtex doesn’t have an official app, which might be a letdown for those who want to manage their service from their mobile. Other than this, customer service is always present, and users can get help 24/7.
Best eSIM plans for the USA: Which one to choose?
Before you choose an eSIM provider for traveling in the USA, you have to consider the amount of data they offer, the cost, the customer support, and how easy they are to buy and use. Here’s a quick refresher on what the providers above have to offer in some of the main eSIM categories.
Which one offers more mobile data?
Holafly is the only eSIM provider that offers unlimited eSIM data in all its plans. This means that you’ll never run out of data, no matter what you do and how much you use. Holafly also allows you to customize how many days you want to use the service, unlike most providers that offer plans with fixed durations.
MTX Connect is the only other provider to offer a fully functional unlimited data plan, but it’s noticeably more expensive than Holafly.
Which one offers phone numbers and international calls?
TravelSIM and GlobaleSIM are the only ones from the list to offer phone call functionality with their eSIM while in the USA. Depending on the provider, you can select from a fixed number of minutes or a monetary amount that you want to use for calls while traveling.
Which operators support the eSIM in the USA?
Most eSIM providers collaborate with multiple local carriers to provide a stable internet connection in the US. Carriers such as AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon all support eSIMs, but that doesn’t mean that they work with all of the eSIM providers on the list above.
That said, most bigger providers, including Holafly, tend to work with all of the biggest carriers to ensure that you have a solid connection wherever you go. If you’re going with a smaller provider, check the list of carriers they work with and their coverage maps to ensure that you’ll be able to stay connected.
Frequently asked questions about the eSIMs for the USA
Yes, you can get an eSIM for the USA. There are many eSIM providers for you to choose from and purchasing one online usually takes only a few minutes and can be done anywhere as long as you have internet access.
You can also get an eSIM from most local carriers such as T-Mobile or Verizon, but you will often find it easier and cheaper to go with a dedicated eSIM provider instead.
For people who are planning on traveling to both the USA and Mexico, there are different options to consider using, like the Mexico data eSIM. However, probably the best option is to use the Holafly eSIM for North America, which includes unlimited data in the entire continent, so you can travel worry-free.
While there are many eSIM providers for the USA you can choose from, most of them collaborate with local carriers, such as T-Mobile, Verizon, or AT&T to ensure coverage.
