The cheapest eSIM iPhone plans: Starting at $5/mo

Cheap iPhone eSIM plans with 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage: Switch & save $600/yr
Cheap eSIM plan
Tello 1GB plan
  • Unlimited talk & text
  • T-Mobile 5G & 4G networks
$10/mo
View Plan
Prepaid eSIM plan
Boost Mobile 5GB plan
  • Unlimited talk & text
  • AT&T & T-Mobile 5G & 4G networks
$5/mo*
* $15 for 3 months service
View Plan
iPhone eSIM plan
US Mobile 12GB plan
  • Unlimited talk & text
  • Verizon, T-Mobile & AT&T 5G & 4G networks
$0/mo*
* FREE 50 Day Trial + $50 Gift Card
View Plan
Android eSIM plan
Mint Mobile 15GB plan
  • Unlimited talk & text
  • T-Mobile 5G & 4G networks
$15/mo*
* Only $45 for 3 Months
View Plan
Unlimited eSIM plan
Boost Mobile Unlimited Data plan
  • Unlimited talk & text
  • AT&T & T-Mobile 5G & 4G networks
$12.50/mo*
* 50% Off First Month
View Plan
By
Rob Webber
Rob Webber

Rob Webber

Founder

About Rob

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.

Rob's Expertise

5G wireless networks, cell phone plans, cell phone deals, MVNOs, internet services, tablets, comparison shopping, money saving, reviewing telecom products & services

- Last updated on September 3rd, 2023

MoneySavingPro independently researches the products & services to bring you our recommendations. We may earn money when you click our links - disclosure policy.

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

Tello SIM card vertical

Best cheap eSIM plan

Tello 1GB

  • T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE network
  • Unlimited talk and text
  • 1GB data
$10/mo
View Plan

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

Pros
  • 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

Cons
  • No roaming

  • Coverage in rural areas

5 out of 5 overall
Boost Mobile SIM card vertical

Best cheap prepaid eSIM plan

Boost Mobile 5GB

  • AT&T & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks
  • Unlimited talk and text
  • 5GB data
$5/mo*
* $15 for 3 months service
View Plan

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

Pros
  • 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

Cons
  • No data only plans

4.5 out of 5 overall
US Mobile SIM card vertical

Best cheap eSIM plan for iPhones

US Mobile 12GB

  • Verizon, T-Mobile & AT&T 5G & 4G LTE networks
  • Unlimited talk and text
  • 12GB data
$0/mo*
* FREE 50 Day Trial + $50 Gift Card
View Plan

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

Pros
  • Flexible, no contract plans

  • 24/7 customer service

  • 5G coverage available

Cons
  • No international calling

  • Phone selection

4.5 out of 5 overall
Mint Mobile SIM card vertical

Best cheap eSIM plan for Android

Mint Mobile 15GB

  • T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE network
  • Unlimited talk and text
  • 15GB data
$15/mo*
* Only $45 for 3 Months
View Plan

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

Pros
  • Offers the latest phones with 0% finance

  • Prepay months in bulk for more savings

  • Reliable network coverage

  • Works with most GSM phones

Cons
  • No family plans

  • Minimum 3 months

4.5 out of 5 overall
Boost Mobile SIM card vertical

Best cheap unlimited eSIM plan

Boost Mobile Unlimited

  • AT&T & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks
  • Unlimited talk and text
  • Unlimited data
$12.50/mo*
* 50% Off First Month
View Plan

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

Mint Mobile 15GB eSIM
  • T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE network
  • Unlimited talk and text
  • 15GB data
$15/mo*
* Only $45 for 3 Months
View Plan

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

Boost Mobile unlimited data eSIM
  • AT&T & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks
  • Unlimited talk and text
  • Unlimited data
$12.50/mo*
* 50% Off First Month
View Plan

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

US Mobile 12GB eSIM
  • Verizon, T-Mobile & AT&T 5G & 4G LTE networks
  • Unlimited talk and text
  • 12GB data
$0/mo*
* FREE 50 Day Trial + $50 Gift Card
View Plan

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

Switch & Save $600 per year
Find Cheap Cell Phone Plans in Your Area

Carrier customer service comparison

CARRIER

TRUSTPILOT USER RATING

Reach Mobile TrustPilot score

4.9

Tello TrustPilot score

4.6

US Mobile TrustPilot score

4.6

T-Mobile TrustPilot score

1.5

Verizon TrustPilot score

1.3

AT&T TrustPilot score

1.2


Compare the cheapest prepaid eSIM plans

Carrier

Network

Data

Price

Boost Mobile SIM card - Horizontal Boost Mobile 2GB eSIM

AT&T & T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage

2GB

$10/mo

Boost Mobile SIM card - Horizontal Boost Mobile 5GB eSIM

AT&T & T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage

5GB

$5/mo

$15/mo

Boost Mobile SIM card - Horizontal Boost Mobile 15GB eSIM

AT&T & T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage

15GB

$20/mo

Boost Mobile SIM card - Horizontal Boost Mobile unlimited data eSIM

AT&T & T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage

Unltd

$12.50/mo

$25/mo

Tello SIM card - Horizontal Tello 1GB eSIM

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.