10 Best eSIM Apps for Android and iPhone

Short answer: For unlimited data with no GB counting, start with Holafly. If you want the cheapest cost per gigabyte, eSIMCard and RedteaGO are hard to beat. Yesim suits business teams sharing data, Airalo covers almost everywhere on a budget, and Eskimo is the pick when you hate watching unused data expire.

An eSIM works like a normal SIM card, except the whole thing lives inside your phone. There is no tray, no tiny plastic chip, and nothing to lose. You connect to a network, switch carriers, or activate a new plan straight from an app, which is exactly why eSIMs have become the default way to get online abroad.

Picking the right one comes down to two questions. First, does your phone actually support eSIM. Second, which app and plan fit how you travel. Some plans are built for budget short hops, others for digital nomads living out of a backpack, and a few for business teams that need to share one pool of data.

Below, we walk through a quick compatibility check, then the 10 eSIM apps worth installing, with the coverage, pricing, and quirks that actually decide which one belongs on your phone.

Does Your Phone Support eSIM?

Most phones from the last three or four years do, but it pays to confirm before you buy a plan. The fastest check on Android is to open the phone app, dial *#06#, and look for a 32-digit number labelled EID. If the EID shows up, your device supports eSIM. You can also find it under Settings, then About phone, then Status.

On an iPhone, open Settings, then General, then About, and scroll down to the EID line. Every iPhone XS and newer handles eSIM, and the iPhone 14 and later sold in the US is eSIM-only. Once you have confirmed support, activating a plan is just a matter of scanning the QR code your provider sends you.

One catch trips people up: the phone also has to be carrier-unlocked. A handset bought on a carrier contract may only accept that carrier’s eSIM, so check with your provider, or run your IMEI through a free unlock checker, before paying for anything.

Quick Comparison

Short on time? Here is the whole field at a glance. Prices are framed in relative terms on purpose, since these apps reprice constantly by destination; treat the pricing column as a sense of where each one sits, then confirm the exact rate in the app before you buy.

Quick eSIM Pick

Not sure where to start? Match the app to how you actually travel. Want unlimited data and zero math? Holafly. Chasing the lowest cost per gigabyte? eSIMCard or RedteaGO. Managing a team? Yesim. Need calls and SMS alongside data? World eSIM or RedteaGO. Want strong 5G almost everywhere? GoMoWorld. Hate losing unused data? Eskimo, which rolls it over.

1. Holafly

Best for: travelers who want unlimited data and never want to think about gigabytes.

If tracking your gigabytes stresses you out, Holafly is the answer. Every plan it sells comes with unlimited data, so you never have to do the mental math on how much Instagram or Google Maps is eating through your allowance. It has been a fixture in the travel eSIM market for years and carries one of the strongest reputations in the space.

Coverage runs to more than 200 countries and regions, and you choose exactly how long you need, anywhere from a single day up to 90. You pick the destination, pick the days, pay a flat rate, and use data freely the whole time. No topping up mid-trip, no allowance to ration. That makes it a natural fit for digital nomads, remote workers, and creators who live on video calls, uploads, and streaming.

Setup is quick: scan a QR code and activate it when you land. The regional plans that cover several countries at once are a real standout for European or Southeast Asian trips, and the refund window stretches up to six months, which is rare here. Two honest caveats: standard plans carry no calls or SMS, so you lean on WhatsApp or Zoom, and hotspot sharing is capped on most plans. Voice and an inbound number only show up on the premium tiers.

Pros

• Truly unlimited data on every plan, no GB tiers to navigate
• Covers 200+ destinations, including regional multi-country plans
• 24/7 support via live chat, email, and WhatsApp in several languages
• Plans run from 1 to 90 days, so you only pay for what you need
• Hola Coins loyalty rewards for repeat purchases

Cons

• No local phone number on standard plans, which are data only
• Hotspot sharing is capped on most plans
• Voice calls only on the premium Connect subscription

Get it here: Download for Android (Holafly) or Download for iOS (Holafly).

2. Airalo

Best for: budget travelers who need coverage almost anywhere on earth.

• Supported countries: 200+
• Pricing: low entry point, pay per data bundle
• Hotspot: yes, varies by plan
• Best for: budget multi-country trips

Airalo was one of the first eSIM marketplaces ever built, and it still carries one of the biggest global footprints, with Airalo claiming more than 200 countries and tens of millions of users. The model is refreshingly simple. You browse by destination, pick a local, regional, or global package, install it, and switch it on when you arrive. Entry-level plans land among the cheapest on this list, which is the main reason budget travelers keep coming back.

There is now an unlimited tier too, though it slows to a lower speed after a few gigabytes a day, which is fine for casual use but tight for heavy streamers. The app itself is clean and easy to move through, and an Airmoney referral program hands you credit for every friend you bring on board. The weak spot is support, which can be slow depending on where and when you reach out, and a few plans start their clock at installation rather than arrival, so read the fine print.

Pros

• Among the widest destination coverage on this list
• Low starting price with flexible data sizes
• Local, regional, and global plans in one app
• Easy top-up, no reinstalling required
• Airmoney referral credit program
• Clean app on both Android and iOS

Cons

• Speed cap on the unlimited tier after a few GB per day
• Customer support can be slow or inconsistent
• Some plans count validity from installation, not arrival
• Hotspot support varies by carrier partner, so check first

Get it here: Download for Android (Airalo) or Download for iOS (Airalo).

3. Yesim

Best for: business teams who need shared data management.

• Countries: 200+ destinations
• Pricing: per-day unlimited at select locations
• Hotspot: yes, with VPN support
• Best for: teams and business users

Yesim is built for crews, not just solo travelers. It hands every team member global coverage and lets a manager track usage and budget from one central dashboard, so there are no separate invoices to chase or reconcile at the end of a trip. For a business that sends people abroad regularly, that one feature can justify the switch.

Coverage spans more than 200 destinations, mostly on 4G and LTE with 5G in select areas, and a built-in VPN adds a layer of security on sketchy public networks. Unlimited plans start at a low per-day rate in select locations, which keeps it well under typical roaming. Payment is flexible too, with Apple Pay, PayPal, and even crypto through Binance, and setup is a single tap once you have paid.

Pros

• Central dashboard for managing several eSIM plans at once
• Covers 200+ destinations with competitive per-day pricing
• Built-in VPN for security on public networks
• Unlimited plans available at select destinations
• Flexible payments, including PayPal and crypto
• Instant single-tap setup after payment

Cons

• Designed for teams, so solo travelers may find it over-built
• Unlimited plans are not available everywhere
• No Trustpilot rating listed, which makes review comparison harder
• The interface can feel busy next to simpler rivals

Get it here: Download for Android (Yesim) or Download for iOS (Yesim).

4. Cardtonic

Best for: a multi-service platform with eSIM, gift cards, and bill pay in one place.

Cardtonic has earned a steady reputation as a reliable Android eSIM, with minimal downtime and dependable service over the years. What sets it apart is the breadth around the eSIM: it is really a fintech app that also handles gift cards, virtual cards, and utility bill payments, so the data plan is one tab among several.

Setting up an eSIM is quick. You pay inside the app, your QR code appears instantly on the dashboard, and you activate it through the Add eSIM option in your phone settings. Coverage runs to more than 140 countries, including heavy-traffic destinations like London, Dubai, and New York, and you simply choose a local, regional, or global plan to get started.

Pros

• One app for eSIM, gift cards, virtual cards, and bill pay
• Instant QR code on the dashboard after in-app payment
• Covers 140+ countries at popular destinations
• Local, regional, and global plan choices

Cons

• Fewer countries than the coverage leaders here
• The all-in-one focus means eSIM is one feature among many
• User reviews are mixed, so confirm current service quality first

Get it here: Download for Android (Cardtonic) or Download for iOS (Cardtonic).

5. World eSIM

Best for: travelers who need calls and SMS, not just data.

Most eSIMs on this list are data only. World E-SIM is the one that brings calls and texts back into the picture. It provides coverage in more than 190 countries and leans on a network of over 500 local operator partners to keep the connection steady and fast across destinations.

Whether you want a cheap fixed-data bundle or an unlimited plan, you can mix data with calls and SMS in a single package. Entry plans start at a low single-digit price for a small data allowance valid for a week, and activation hands you a UK mobile number so people can actually reach you. Setup takes a few minutes, and a pay-as-you-go option means you do not have to lock into a fixed plan if you would rather be billed as you go.

Pros

• Calls, SMS, and data in one plan, not data alone
• Coverage in 190+ countries via 500+ local operators
• A UK mobile number on activation
• Pay-as-you-go option alongside fixed plans

Cons

• Pricing can run higher than data-only rivals
• The voice and SMS focus is overkill if you only need data
• A UK number may not suit travelers based elsewhere

Get it here: Download for Android (World eSIM) or Download for iOS (World eSIM).

6. ViajareSIM

Best for: travelers who want unlimited plans and crypto payment options.

ViajareSIM connects users across more than 150 countries and is one of the few apps here that leans into unlimited plans, so you can work and use your favourite apps without rationing data. Heading to the Americas, Europe, or somewhere like Thailand? It covers all of them.

Payment is where it gets flexible: debit cards, Google Pay, Apple Pay, and crypto are all on the table. It also supports hotspot and tethering, so you can keep a laptop or tablet online from the same plan, and a 24/7 channel over live chat and WhatsApp is there when something goes sideways mid-trip.

Pros

• Unlimited plan options across 150+ countries
• Wide payment choice, including crypto
• Hotspot and tethering supported
• 24/7 support over chat and WhatsApp

Cons

• Smaller coverage footprint than the leaders
• Less name recognition than the bigger marketplaces
• Unlimited terms vary by destination, so confirm before buying

Get it here on the ViajareSIM site, which handles activation through its own dashboard.

7. GoMoWorld

Best for: reliable 5G coverage across most countries.

GOMoWorld earns its spot on signal quality. Its network spans up to 200 countries, and rather than throttle you when traffic peaks, it partners with at least two networks per country to hold a strong 5G connection. For anyone who needs dependable speed rather than the rock-bottom price, that dual-network approach is the draw.

Pricing sits in the affordable per-gigabyte range, and you can test a plan with a small free allowance in select destinations before committing. Installation is among the simplest of any app here, and it supports personal hotspot plus VPN, so you can share the connection with a smartwatch, tablet, or laptop and browse without geoblocks getting in the way.

Pros

• Dual-network setup per country for strong 5G
• No throttling on the connection
• Free trial allowance in select destinations
• Hotspot and VPN support, simple install

Cons

• Per-GB pricing can add up for heavy data users
• Coverage depth varies by destination
• Fewer extras than the all-in-one platforms here

Get it here: Download for Android (GoMoWorld) or Download for iOS (GoMoWorld).

8. RedteaGO

Best for: travelers who want the cheapest data per gigabyte.

RedteaGO has built its name on flexible plans and aggressive pricing. Entry options start in the low single digits for a small weekly allowance, and the per-gigabyte rate is among the cheapest you will find, with unlimited bundles available for heavier users who do not want to watch the meter.

It bundles data, calls, and texts into one plan and even hands you a phone number, so you stay reachable without juggling apps. Coverage reaches up to 180 countries and popular destinations worldwide, which means far less carrier-switching on a multi-stop trip. A built-in VPN and personal hotspot round it out, and topping up or referring a friend can earn up to 20% extra credit.

Pros

• Among the lowest per-GB pricing on this list
• Data, calls, and texts in one plan, with a phone number
• Coverage in up to 180 countries
• Built-in VPN and hotspot support
• Up to 20% extra credit on top-ups and referrals

Cons

• Vendor coverage claims can run higher than real-world reach
• Cheapest tiers carry small allowances
• Unlimited terms vary, so read the plan details

Get it here: Download for Android (RedteaGO) or Download for iOS (RedteaGO).

9. eSIMCard

Best for: the lowest cost per gigabyte with solid 24/7 support.

eSIMCard covers more than 200 locations with plans for data, calls, and SMS, and lets anyone on a compatible Android phone install and activate an eSIM for use abroad. It is a no-frills option that competes almost entirely on price and support.

Customer experience is a genuine strength, backed by a solid Trustpilot rating and round-the-clock support to sort out issues fast. The data plans rank among the cheapest here, with entry options in the low single digits for a week of use. Setup is simple too: once you pay, eSIMCard emails your QR code, and you scan it to activate whenever you are ready.

Pros

• Among the lowest cost per GB on this list
• Coverage across 200+ locations with data, calls, and SMS
• 24/7 support with a solid Trustpilot rating
• Simple QR-by-email activation

Cons

• Fewer extras than the all-in-one platforms
• Plainer app experience than the premium options
• Cheapest plans carry smaller data allowances

Get it here: Download for Android (eSIMCard) or Download for iOS (eSIMCard).

10. Eskimo eSIM

Best for: travelers who hate wasting unused data.

If you have ever watched a data allowance expire with gigabytes still on it, Eskimo eSIM is built for you. Its standout is a two-year plan where purchased data never expires and simply rolls over until you use it, so nothing goes to waste between trips.

It supports personal hotspots, so leftover data can be shared with other devices, and the app handles more than 13 languages for travelers who want it in their own. Coverage now reaches well over a hundred countries across the Americas, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, and the network leans on 5G where available, which means less throttling and a steadier connection across destinations.

Pros

• Two-year plan where data rolls over and never expires
• Personal hotspot support to share leftover data
• Interface in 13+ languages
• 5G coverage across multiple continents

Cons

• Coverage trails the largest marketplaces
• Rollover plans suit occasional travelers more than constant ones
• Fewer voice and SMS options than dedicated calling eSIMs

Get it here: Download for Android (Eskimo) or Download for iOS (Eskimo).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best eSIM app for Android?

There is no single winner, because the best app depends on how you travel. For unlimited data with no GB counting, Holafly is the standout. For the lowest cost per gigabyte, eSIMCard and RedteaGO lead. Airalo is the safest budget pick for the widest coverage, Yesim suits business teams, and Eskimo is the choice when you want data to roll over.

How do eSIMs work on Android?

An eSIM works like a regular physical SIM, except the plan is loaded into software built into your device. You add the eSIM through your Android settings, scan a QR code to activate it, and you are connected. You can install several plans and switch between carriers whenever you need to, all without a physical card.

Which Android devices support eSIM?

Most modern Android phones do, including recent models from Samsung, Google Pixel, and Xiaomi. The quickest way to be sure is to dial *#06# and look for an EID, or check Settings, then About phone, then Status. If you want a model-by-model reference, this guide on how to check if your phone is eSIM compatible is worth a look. The eSIM standard itself is defined by the GSMA eSIM specification, which is why the same activation flow works across brands.

How do I install an eSIM on my Android device?

On a Samsung Galaxy, open Settings, tap Connections, then SIM manager, then Add eSIM, and scan the QR code from your provider. Other Android phones follow a similar path, and most apps let you install either by scanning the code or entering the details manually. On the iPhone side, Apple’s own walkthrough on how to set up an eSIM on iPhone covers the equivalent steps.

Can I use a physical SIM and an eSIM at the same time?

Yes. Most recent phones support dual SIM, so you can keep your physical SIM active for calls and texts on your home number while the eSIM handles data abroad. You just assign each line a role in your phone settings.

Concluding Thoughts

eSIMs trade the SIM kiosk and the language barrier for a QR code and a couple of taps. Installation is much the same across Android phones, whether you scan the code, add it directly, or enter the details by hand, which is a big part of why travelers have switched over so quickly.

If you want the simplest experience with unlimited data, Holafly is the easiest place to start. If price is your priority, eSIMCard and RedteaGO offer some of the lowest per-GB costs around. Business travelers managing a team get real value from Yesim’s central dashboard, and anyone who hates watching data expire should look hard at Eskimo’s rollover plan.