5 BEST USA eSIMs for Travel [TRIED + TESTED] 2024 Guide!]

Cazzy Magennis
Written By:
Cazzy Magennis
Last Updated:
June 14, 2024
Looking for the best USA eSIMS for travel? Then look no further! I've used eSIMS across 3 months in the USA and here is my round-up of the best on offer!
usa esims for travel

When it comes to traveling savvy, eSIMS are my new favorite recommendation. 

After years of stressing over finding a local sim *every* time I entered a new county (frustrating when you’re doing a lot of countries in one time period!), I no longer have to worry because of the convenience of eSIMS. 

Now that there are SO many eSIMS on offer, it can be a little overwhelming. However, because there is so much competition, the quality and price have gotten better overall. 

When in the USA, data can be quite restrictive, but these eSIMS will help make your travels throughout the USA a lot easier. 

My current network in the UK (O2) does provide me with some data in the USA (as part of my monthly plan), but I cannot hotspot that data to my laptop, which is imperative to me running an online business. 

So let’s have a look at what eSIMS are on offer for the USA!

In this guide I’m going to take you through:

  • What an eSIM is exactly
  • The advantages of eSIMs
  • The best eSIMs for the USA 
  • + more!

Let’s get started …

Note: Some posts may contain affiliate links. Read more in our Privacy Policy. Learn more about how we create and update content in our Publishing Guidelines.
TAP TO INTERACT

What is an eSIM?

We’ve all heard of a traditional SIM card, which has been around for decades and have helped immensely when traveling somewhere new.

However these had their own limitations, such as higher costs and less flexibility.

This is where the new digital eSIM comes in, which are essentially an upgrade in various ways.

They act the same way as a usual SIM card, however everything is stored electronically inside your phone (no external chip needs to be removed or added).

Essentially this means that you can immediately swap to a different mobile phone provider as soon as you arrive in a new country and get a signal, instead of having to manually find a new SIM and install it.

There are also many other benefits to using an eSIM in the USA, such as having low costs and being more versatile (we’ll explore these benefits later in this guide).

What phones are compatible with eSIMs? 

Apple

  • iPhone 13, 13 Mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max
  • iPhone 12, 12 Mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max
  • iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
  • iPhone XS, XS Max, XR
  • iPhone SE (2020, 2022)
  • Apple watch series 3, 4, 5 and 6
  • Apple watch SE
  • All iPads with 4G connectivity that have come out since 2018 support eSIM:
  • iPad Pro 11″ (model A2068, from 2020)
  • iPad Pro 12.9″ (model A2069, from 2020)
  • iPad Air (model A2123, from 2019)
  • iPad (model A2198, from 2019)
  • iPad Mini (model A2124, from 2019)

Samsung

  • Galaxy S22, S22+ 5G, S22 Ultra 5G
  • Galaxy S21, S21+ 5G, S21 Ultra 5G
  • Galaxy S20, S20+, S20 Ultra
  • Galaxy Note 20, 20+, 20 Ultra
  • Galaxy Fold, Fold 2, Fold 3
  • Galaxy Z Flip, Flip 3
  • Samsung Watch (through Samsung wearable application)
  • The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 4G or 5G is not compatible with eSIM.

Google

  • Google Pixel 2 (only phones bought with Google Fi service), 2 XL
  • Google Pixel 3 (not including phones bought in Australia, Taiwan or Japan. Phones bought with US or Canadian carriers other than Spring and Google Fi don't work with eSIM), 3a (not including phones bought in Japan or with Verizon service), 3a XL, 3 XL
  • Google Pixel 
  • Google Pixel 4, 4a, 4 XL 
  • Google Pixel 5, 51
  • Google Pixel 6, 6 plus

Other ESIM Compatible Devices

  • Huawei P40, Huawei P40 Pro, Huawei Mate 40 Pro (The Huawei P40+ is not compatible with an eSIM)
  • Oppo Find X5, X5 Pro, X3 Pro
  • Oppo Reno 5A, Reno 6 Pro 5G
  • Sony Xperia 10 IV, 10 III Lite
  • Honor Magic 4 Pro
  • Fairphone 4
  • Motorola Razr 2019
  • Nuu Mobile X5
  • Gemini PDA
  • Rakuten Mini
  • Microsoft Surface Duo

So to summarize, pretty much all phones can work with an eSIM.

There’s a good chance they can also work with multiple eSIMs at the same time too (which brings even more benefits), however you’ll want to do some independent research on the type of phone you have before. 

If your current phone isn’t on this list, then most likely it will not be compatible with an eSIM.

Can I use my current mobile provider's international data plan? 

You’ll find plenty of existing operators that allow you to use their own international plan in the USA. 

Also known as Roaming, they allow you to connect to the internet without you having to physically change your SIM card.

The major downside to this is that they typically incur high charges for browsing, where you can easily spend over $15-25 a day if you’re not careful! (can be even more if you will watch videos or do any other activities that require heavy bandwidth usage). 

If you’ll be working whilst traveling, then this won’t be ideal in either the short or long term, unless you don’t mind spending so much.

The other issue is that you may not have a good, consistent internet connection, and may find it drops down to 3G at times. 

There’s also a cap too on your internet speed, especially if you’re using it frequently (where it can end up taking a while just to do a simple Google search).

Whenever I use O2 abroad, I am capped at around 25 GB and they will throttle my speed if I’m using it a lot.

They will also charge me more if I hotspot my connection to another device.

Advantages of eSIMs when traveling the USA

  1. Lower Costs than Traditional SIMs - By far the biggest advantage of using an eSIM is that it is actually quite cheap. Whilst you would think it might be more (given it’s all electronically stored), the costs work out less. This is mainly due to you only needing just one eSIM for multiple countries, whilst you’d otherwise need to keep buying a new physical SIM card every time you travel to a new country. The other reason is that you won’t be paying for roaming internet fees abroad, whilst enjoying an overall better connection.
  2. You Can Keep Your Own Number - This is another great reason you’ll want to use an eSIM, as you’ll be able to keep your own number and not have to keep re-adding existing contacts to your new sim. This is also important if you’re heading away for a long time (over 6-12 months), since some mobile providers can cancel your number if they see you aren’t using it or are not continuing to pay their usual monthly fees.
  3. Quality and Consistent Internet Connection - As we’ve already mentioned, you’ll be connecting to local internet networks when using an eSIM. This means you’ll be getting the very best connection possible, instead of using an unstable roaming connection from your provider abroad. You’ll find this is also the case when heading to more remote areas of the USA, where there’s a good chance your roaming will have no signal.
  4. Very Quick and Convenient - Usually once you’ve arrived after a long flight, you’ll either be tired or want to start exploring immediately. With an eSIM you can hit the ground running without delay, as you’ll automatically connect to the best local provider possible. This is in contrast with using regular SIM cards, where you’ll need to go out and find local chips in a market, compare between them etc.

BEST eSIMs for USA Travel

1. Maya Mobile - Best eSIMs for the USA with Unlimited Data

maya mobile esims

Maya is one of our personal favorites when it comes to eSIMs, and especially so here in the USA given the variety of benefits they offer. 

A US based company, they now operate in 190 countries worldwide and provide some of the most high value eSIMS around. 

Their prepaid eSIMs are really useful, where you can select plans between 5-30 days. They’re generous with the data you’ll receive too, and for example on the 30 day prepaid plan (which costs $40) you can receive as much as 40GB!

Those who are heavy internet users can also select from their different unlimited data plans, which are perfect for hotspotting to your laptop or live streaming your favorite shows on the go. 

You’ll also always have a really good connection too when in the USA with Maya, using some of the best 5G and 4G LTE roaming networks. 

Maya even goes as far as providing a full money-back guarantee in case your SIM fails when out on the road in the USA. We think this makes it a no-brainer since you’ll either have a great eSIM service, or be fully covered in the event that something goes wrong.

Overall Maya is a great option for those who need fast connections as well as flexible data plans. The only downside is that their plans are a maximum of 30 days, and if traveling for longer than the costs can rack-up if buying multiple plans with them.

Advantages of Maya Mobile for the USA: 

  • High-speed connections throughout the USA
  • Great for heavy data users
  • Money-back Guarantee in place in case something goes wrong with your eSIM

Disadvantages of Maya Mobile for the USA: 

  • Maximum plan length of 30 Days
  • More costly than other available plans

2. FIRSTY- best eSIM app with free data

With so many eSIMs available, how can a company stand out? How about offering FREE data?

Yes, you read that right!

Firsty is a unique eSIM provider that believes everyone should have access to global data.

Firsty automatically connects you to every mobile provider worldwide as soon as you land, so there's no need to switch eSIMs or buy expensive data bundles every time you enter a new location.

You might be wondering, what's the catch? There isn’t one.

Firsty offers two plans: “Free” and “Fast.”

The free plan provides a basic global data connection.

If you want faster speeds, you only pay the local rate, which is up to 60 times less than typical international bundles.

Plus, you don’t even need a credit card! If you think the fast plan must be expensive, you'd be wrong again. It's just €1 per day.

How do they keep prices so low?

They have access to every provider worldwide, making it easier to negotiate better rates. Firsty is currently available in 70 countries, with plans to expand even further.

Advantages of Firsty for the USA:

-Free data: It’s free, hassle-free, and doesn’t require credit card information. You’ve got nothing to lose by trying it! You'll get unlimited data a day all all you'll need to do is watch a 30 second add for 60 minutes of free data. With this basic connection you can WhatsApp, email, iMessage, use Maps and Google Maps, order a rideshare like Uber, Lyft, and Grab

- 24/7 customer support: Firsty's customer service is top-notch and supported in over 80 languages.

- Firsty Pause: This feature lets you pause your fast data when you're not using it, so you don't waste data. For example, if you're on a cruise from Denmark to Iceland, you can pause your fast data while on the ferry and restart it when you reach land. Meanwhile, you'll still have basic connectivity thanks to Firsty Free. I recently did this trip, and this feature would have been incredibly useful.

Easy peasy!

Disadvantages of Firsty:

- Fewer countries than other global eSIM plans: While Firsty is expanding, it currently offers coverage in fewer countries than some other global data eSIM providers. However, what they lack in countries, they make up for in price and service!

3. SimOptions - Best eSIM for Reputation and Reliability

Next we have SimOptions, who are another highly-trusted company that offers plans and coverage in over 200 nations worldwide. 

One of the biggest benefits of using SimOptions is that they are very flexible, and support the use of multiple eSIMS on the same device.

This means you can have one for data and also another for local calls if this is something that you’ll need during your trip.

Their cheapest eSIM starts at just $4.90, which includes 1GB data for a total duration of 30 days. Their longest (and most expensive plan) costs $34.90, which includes 20GB and also lasts for 30 days. All of these eSIM options support the use of hotspotting too which is useful.

Overall SimOptions is a great option for those who want a cheap option or are on a shorter trip, although you won’t receive as much data as other companies (so you’ll need to watch your daily use). 

Advantages of SimOptions for the USA: 

  • Cheap eSIM Packages
  • Support Hotspotting

Disadvantages of SimOptions for the USA: 

  • Short eSIM Durations

4. Airalo - Best Coverage Options for the USA

Another popular eSIM choice for those heading to the USA is Airalo, who provide plans for over 200 countries across the planet. 

One of the best benefits of going with them is the fact that they provide not only eSIMS for the USA, but also regional and global plans too which is perfect if you are planning a longer trip to multiple countries

If you are staying just in the USA, you’ll find options as cheap as $4.50 which includes 1GB for 7 days, all the way to their longest plan of 30 days, where you’ll get 20GB for $21.00.

Their regional plans also last for 30 days, where you’ll be covered in the USA as well as Canada and Mexico. For $46.00 you’ll be gifted 10GB to use throughout all three countries as you wish during your trip. 

If you plan on going on a much longer trip, then you can select from their global plans. Their longest plan covers you for a total of 365 days, where you’ll have 20GB to use in over 120 countries as well as the USA for $69.00.

Overall Airalo offers one of the greatest ranges of eSIMs for the USA, which is great if you plan on traveling for longer here (or to numerous other countries on the same trip). 

The main disadvantage of using Airalo is that most of their eSIMS only support data, however not local phone calls or messages (although you can easily get around this by using WhatsApp).

Advantages of Airalo for the USA:

  • They offer a range of local, regional and global eSIM plans
  • Really intuitive and helpful app

Disadvantages of Airalo for the USA:

  • Most plans can’t make local calls or send messages to local numbers

5. Holafly - Best eSIM for the USA with Unlimited Calls!

Holafly is another highly rated eSIM provider, who have plenty of great reviews from customers who have used their various plans.

They provide a range of eSIM lengths for the USA, which start from 5 days up to 90 days. By far the biggest advantage of using Holafly is the fact that all of their plans include unlimited data, which means you can really relax and not worry about how you use your data daily.

The costs of Holafly’s eSIM cards are some of the more expensive options on the market, however are still of high value considering their unlimited internet usage. The 5 day plan costs $19.00, whilst those traveling for a month can purchase their 30 day eSIM for $64.00. Lastly we have their 90 day plan which costs $99.00. 

The other advantage of using HolaFly is that you will have direct access to their useful and quick-to-respond customer support team, and also that they offer a North American regional plan if you also want to visit Canada or Mexico on the same trip.

Overall Holafly is perfect for heavy data users, although you’ll be limited just to your own device. One of the biggest disadvantages (unfortunately) is the fact that you cannot share or transfer data - which to be honest makes sense since you are getting unlimited data after all! 

Advantages of Holafly for the USA: 

  • Unlimited data plans
  • Very responsive customer service team available in 7 different languages 

Disadvantages of Holafly for the USA: 

  • They don’t allow Hotspotting
  • Plans are more expensive than other options

Which eSIM will you go for?

And that’s all for our guide on the best eSIMS to use when traveling to and around the USA.

eSIMS are a really useful tool to use when traveling abroad, and we think are a must-have when heading to the USA (or any other country for that matter). 

Not only will you have high-speed connections at an affordable price, you’ll also find various plans to have distinct advantages (such as regional bundles or high data plans for hotspotting to your other devices).

In this guide we’ve covered why using an eSIM is much better than a traditional SIM card, as well as 5 of the best eSIM companies you can use when in the USA.

Which eSIM do you think you’re getting for your next trip? 

Do you have a particular brand that we haven’t included?

Comment below and let us know your thoughts!

Looking for more eSIM guides?

Disclaimer: Fully research your destination prior to travel, or any products prior to purchase. We can accept no responsibility for anything you experience as a result of the information found on this website. Some posts may contain affiliate links, which means we receive a small commission for some purchases, at no additional expense to you. Read more here
Some images courtesy of Deposit Photos.
Tinggly badge
Other posts
Country Guides
Destination Guides
Accommodation

Leave a comment

Let us know what you think!