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You'll find the best cheap iPhone eSIM plans with MVNOs like Mint Mobile, Boost Mobile, and US Mobile, offering plans starting from as low as $5 a month.
Mobile Virtual Network Operators are powered by the major wireless networks, so cheap does not mean losing quality coverage.
With a variety of plans to choose from, covering all needs and budgets, as long as your phone supports eSIM, you'll find a great value deal.
Keep reading to check out the best eSIM plans from all MVNOs to find the cheapest eSIM carrier for your iPhone.
The best iPhone eSIM plans in 2023
- Best cheap eSIM plan: Tello 1GB
- Best cheap prepaid eSIM plan: Boost Mobile 5GB
- Best cheap eSIM plan for iPhones: US Mobile 12GB
- Best cheap eSIM plan for Android: Mint Mobile 15GB
- Best cheap unlimited eSIM plan: Boost Mobile Unlimited

Best cheap eSIM plan
Tello 1GB
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE network
- Unlimited talk and text
- 1GB data
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
No contract. No bulk buying.
24/7 friendly customer support
4G LTE/5G nationwide coverage
Free Hotspot & Wi-Fi Calling
Free international calls to 60+ countries
No roaming
Coverage in rural areas

Best cheap prepaid eSIM plan
Boost Mobile 5GB
- AT&T & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks
- Unlimited talk and text
- 5GB data
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
Nationwide coverage on AT&T & T-Mobile
5G & 4G LTE data speeds
Buy online and no credit checks
Bring your own phone
Cheapest unlimited data plan
No data only plans

Best cheap eSIM plan for iPhones
US Mobile 12GB
- Verizon, T-Mobile & AT&T 5G & 4G LTE networks
- Unlimited talk and text
- 12GB data
This US Mobile eSIM includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 12GB data for only $0 per month. US Mobile plans offers wireless coverage on the Verizon, T-Mobile & AT&T 5G and 4G LTE networks. Read US Mobile review
Flexible, no contract plans
24/7 customer service
5G coverage available
No international calling
Phone selection

Best cheap eSIM plan for Android
Mint Mobile 15GB
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE network
- Unlimited talk and text
- 15GB data
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
Offers the latest phones with 0% finance
Prepay months in bulk for more savings
Reliable network coverage
Works with most GSM phones
No family plans
Minimum 3 months

Best cheap unlimited eSIM plan
Boost Mobile Unlimited
- AT&T & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks
- Unlimited talk and text
- Unlimited data
This Boost Mobile eSIM includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and unlimited data for only $12.50 per month. Boost Mobile plans offers wireless coverage on the AT&T & T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE networks. Read Boost Mobile review
What are the benefits of cheap eSIM plans?
A dual SIM phone gives you a chance to have traditional SIM cards and an eSIM all on one phone. This can be great for business trips and traveling. With the best eSIM carriers you'll find a variety of inexpensive options with low-cost eSIM providers offering plenty of benefits.
Save money: Get the best prepaid eSIM with monthly prices starting as low as $5 per month.
Quality coverage: Low-cost carriers as they operate on the same major networks as AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile.
No annual contract: The best eSIM plans are on a month-to-month contract, with no more 36-month commitments, so you have flexibility with your prepaid eSIM to only pay for what you need. You can amend your plan at any time without any additional costs.
Customize your plan: With these prepaid plans, you can pick a plan that really suits your needs and stop paying for features that you don't use.
4G LTE coverage: The same 4G LTE wireless network coverage as the big guys.
5G data speeds: If your phone is compatible, you can enjoy 5G with your eSIM plan at no extra cost.
Unlimited plans: If you're a data-hungry user, you'll find a selection of plans with unlimited data, calls, and texts.
Multiline discounts: Most eSIM carriers offer multi-line discounts when purchasing two or more lines.
Multi-month discounts: Save even more money if you're happy to bundle your eSIM plan for three or six months.
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.
The best cheap eSIM plan on T-Mobile

- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE network
- Unlimited talk and text
- 15GB data
T-Mobile vs Mint Mobile comparison
Keep your T-Mobile phone, number & coverage: Save $615 per year
Carrier |
Network Coverage |
4G/5G Data |
Price |
Annual Cost |
---|---|---|---|---|
T-Mobile |
T-Mobile 4G & 5G | Unltd* |
$70/mo |
$840/yr |
Mint Mobile |
T-Mobile 4G & 5G |
15GB |
$20/mo |
$225/yr |
*Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB |
Savings |
$50/mo |
$615/yr |
Check out our review of the cheapest T-Mobile eSIM plans.
The best cheap eSIM plan on AT&T

- AT&T & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks
- Unlimited talk and text
- Unlimited data
AT&T vs Boost Mobile comparison
Keep your AT&T phone, number & coverage: Save $612 per year
Carrier |
Network Coverage |
4G/5G Data |
Price |
Annual Cost |
---|---|---|---|---|
AT&T |
AT&T 4G & 5G | Unltd* |
$75/mo |
$900/yr |
Boost Mobile |
AT&T 4G & 5G |
Unlimited |
$25/mo |
$288/yr |
*Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB |
Savings |
$50/mo |
$612/yr |
Check out our review of the cheapest AT&T eSIM plans.
The best cheap eSIM plan on Verizon

- Verizon, T-Mobile & AT&T 5G & 4G LTE networks
- Unlimited talk and text
- 12GB data
Verizon vs US Mobile comparison
Keep your Verizon phone, number & coverage: Save $735 per year
Carrier |
Network Coverage |
4G/5G Data |
Price |
Annual Cost |
---|---|---|---|---|
Verizon |
Verizon 4G & 5G | Unltd* |
$80/mo |
$960/yr |
US Mobile |
Verizon 4G & 5G |
12GB |
$25/mo |
$225/yr |
*Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB |
Savings |
$55/mo |
$735/yr |
Check out our review of the cheapest Verizon eSIM plans.
How to pick the best cheap eSIM plan
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.
Network coverage comparison
NETWORK |
OVERALL |
RELIABILITY |
SPEED |
DATA |
CALL |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Verizon Coverage |
95 |
96 |
94 |
96 |
94 |
AT&T Coverage |
94 |
94 |
95 |
96 |
92 |
T-Mobile Coverage |
86 |
88 |
82 |
89 |
82 |
Source: RootMetrics RootScore 2022 report
When it comes to 5G network coverage, T-Mobile scores the highest, according to the J.D. Power 2023 wireless network study.
Find cheap eSIM plans in your area
Carrier customer service comparison
CARRIER |
TRUSTPILOT USER RATING |
---|---|
4.9 |
|
4.6 |
|
4.6 |
|
1.5 |
|
1.3 |
|
1.2 |
Compare the cheapest prepaid eSIM plans
Carrier |
Network | Data |
Price |
---|---|---|---|
AT&T & T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 2GB |
$10/mo |
|
AT&T & T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 5GB |
$5/mo $15/mo |
|
AT&T & T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 15GB |
$20/mo |
|
AT&T & T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd |
$12.50/mo $25/mo |
|
T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 1GB |
$10/mo |
What is an eSIM?
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.
Which iPhones are eSIM compatible?
How we picked the best cheap iPhone eSIM plans
MoneySavingPro reviewed the best cheap iPhone eSIM plans 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.
Cheap iPhone eSIM plans FAQs
What is the cheapest iPhone eSIM plan?
Many low-cost carriers, like Boost Mobile, offer cheap iPhone eSIM plans starting at just $5 per month.
What is the cheapest unlimited iPhone eSIM plan?
You can get cheap unlimited iPhone eSIM plans from low-cost carriers, such as US Mobile, Mint Mobile, and Tello, starting at $25 per month.
Recap: What is the best cheap iPhone eSIM plan?
Low-cost eSIM providers can save you up to $600 a year on your cell phone plan. With no contracts, opting for an MVNO is a no-brainer if you're looking to cut your monthly costs.
MVNOs offer prepaid plans, so there's no contract, and you're free to amend or cancel your plan at any time without the worry of additional costs.
eSIMs provide instant connectivity. After choosing your plan, you'll receive a QR code to scan to put your plan live.
As a fairly new technology, not all iPhones are compatible with eSIM, but you can still find cheap cell phone plans if you need a physical SIM card.
- Best cheap eSIM plan: Tello 1GB
- Best cheap prepaid eSIM plan: Boost Mobile 5GB
- Best cheap eSIM plan for iPhones: US Mobile 12GB
- Best cheap eSIM plan for Android: Mint Mobile 15GB
- Best cheap unlimited eSIM plan: Boost Mobile Unlimited