Rob has 15+ years experience running price comparison & review websites that empower consumers to find the cheapest cell phone services, cell phone deals, home phone, and internet providers available. He has been published in Forbes, US News, Entrepreneur, Huffington Post, Inc.
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The best Apple eSIM carriers with the cheapest eSIM plans can be found with MVNOs like Mint Mobile, Tello, and Boost Mobile.
Mobile Virtual Network Operators, are powered by the main networks cell phone towers, but their plans can save you up to $600 a year.
As a fairly new technology, not all phones use eSIM, but it can offer a number of benefits including a super quick set-up.
We've compared the best eSIM carriers and their plans below to help you find the perfect fit for your needs.
This Tello eSIM includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 1GB data for only $10 per month. Tello plans offers wireless coverage on the T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE network. Read Tello review
This Boost Mobile eSIM includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 5GB data for only $5 per month. Boost Mobile plans offers wireless coverage on the AT&T & T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE networks. Read Boost Mobile review
This US Mobile eSIM includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 12GB data for only $25 per month. US Mobile plans offers wireless coverage on the Verizon & T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE networks. Read US Mobile review
This Mint Mobile eSIM includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 15GB data for only $15 per month. Mint Mobile plans offers wireless coverage on the T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE network. Read Mint Mobile review
This Mint Mobile eSIM includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and unlimited data for only $15 per month. Mint Mobile plans offers wireless coverage on the T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE network. Read Mint Mobile review
What are the benefits of cheap Apple eSIM carriers?
If you have a phone that will support eSIM, there are a number of benefits to getting an eSIM over buying a physical SIM card. With MVNOs, you'll find the best eSIM plans.
Save money: From prices as low as $5 a month, you'll get lower-priced plans with all the same perks from low-cost eSIM providers.
No annual contract: Prepaid eSIM plans have no lengthy contracts. You've got the freedom to amend or cancel your plan at any time without early termination fees.
Customize your plan: Choose a plan that fits your needs instead of paying for features that you don't use.
4G LTE data speeds: Operating on the major wireless networks gives you the same 4G LTE data speeds depending on whether you opt for Verizon, T-Mobile, or AT&T.
5G network: If you have a 5G compatible phone, a 5G eSIM will give you the fastest data speeds at no extra cost.
Unlimited plans: If having unlimited calls, texts, and data is important to you, Mint Mobile eSIM has an option for you.
Multiline discounts: If you need two or more lines, low-cost carriers offer multi-line discounts to help you save money. With a US Mobile eSIM, you could save on each additional line added to your plan.
Multi-month discounts: Some carriers offer lower monthly prices if you choose to bundle for three or six months.
Instant connectivity: This new technology is quick to process. Once you've picked up and paid for your plan, your eSIM service will be activated. You'll be sent a QR code and get instant access.
Free eSIM trial: Some carriers offer a free trial period so that you can get free eSIM service for a limited time.
Instant connectivity: The good thing with an eSIM is once you've picked and paid for your plan, you'll be sent a QR code and be connected almost instantly. Only certain phones are compatible with eSIM, but you'll find a good range of iPhone eSIM plans.
4G LTE & 5G data speeds: You'll pay less without sacrificing speed since MVNOs operate on the big three cellular networks. More and more are adding 5G coverage all the time so that you can expect high-speed data.
Unlimited talk and text messaging: Finding a new unlimited plan has never been easier. Virtually all small carriers include unlimited text and calling in their plan options. Compare cheap talk and text plans with or without data.
International calls to Canada and Mexico: International calling is a must for many people. Luckily MVNOs offer some of the best international phone plans, with free calling to certain countries like Canada and Mexico and discounted rates on others.
Multiline discounts: Low-cost carriers also offer some of the cheapest family cell phone plans, with multi-line discounts.
Wi-Fi calling: This feature is handy when you're out of your service area, allowing you to make calls over the internet instead of on your cellular connection.
Tethering/hotspot data: Many low-cost carriers allow you to use your phone as a hotspot. Pick an MVNO with the best mobile hotspot plans so you can share your mobile hotspot data with other devices.
HD video streaming: Just like the big guys, some MVNOs offer HD video streaming and some don't. Read the fine print to find the option you want.
An eSIM, short for embedded SIM, is a digital version of the SIM card that connects your phone to your network provider. It is a programmable SIM card that is physically connected to your smartphone's motherboard and cannot be removed.
How does an eSIM work?
It allows you to activate a cellular plan from your carrier without the need for a physical SIM card. With an eSIM, you can install multiple eSIMs on a single device and even use two phone numbers at the same time.
This can be particularly useful for separating business and personal calls. You could also add a local plan to save on international roaming charges when traveling outside the country.
MoneySavingPro reviewed the best value eSIM providers available and ranked them based on various factors.
The most important factor we considered was the price of each plan in comparison to other similar plans available in the market. We also evaluated data limits, network coverage, perks, customer feedback, and overall service quality.
We regularly monitor the market to keep track of new products and plan changes offered by carriers. This list is updated at least once a month or more frequently as necessary.
Apple eSIM carriers FAQs
Which eSIM carriers are compatible with Apple devices?
Low-cost eSIM carriers such as Mint Mobile, Boost Mobile, Tello, and US Mobile are compatible with most recent Apple devices.
What are the best prepaid Apple eSIM carriers?
Prepaid eSIM carriers such as Mint Mobile, Boost Mobile, Tello, and US Mobile offer the best value for money with monthly plans ranging from $5-35/mo.
The great news is when you choose a plan with your eSIM carrier, you won't have to wait for a SIM card to be delivered, you'll be activated almost immediately using a QR code.
eSIM technology is new, but a variety of eSIM providers are available to help you save money on your cell phone plan.
Also, if your iPhone supports dual SIM, you can simultaneously have an eSIM and a regular SIM card, which is ideal for traveling.
