Best prepaid eSIM plans in 2022
You'll find the cheapest eSIM plans with MVNOs like Mint Mobile and US Mobile, offering plans starting from as low as $10 a month.
Mobile Virtual Network Operators are powered by the main US 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 cheapest eSIM plans from all MVNOs to find the best eSIM plan for you.
| Prepaid eSIM plan | Mint Mobile |
| Unlimited eSIM plan | Mint Mobile |
| Family eSIM plan | US Mobile |
| 5G eSIM plan | Ultra Mobile |
| Talk & text eSIM | US Mobile |
Cheapest eSIM plans on T-Mobile
Unlimitedmins
Unlimitedtexts
4GB
4G/5G data
$15/mo*
$3.75 per GB
Powered by: T-Mobile
T-Mobile unlimited plans comparison
| Plan | Data | Monthly Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| T-Mobile Magenta | Unlimited | $70 | $840 |
| T-Mobile Magenta Max | Unlimited | $85 | $1,020 |
T-Mobile vs Mint Mobile comparison
Keep your T-Mobile phone, number & coverage: Save $660 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 | 4GB | $15/mo | $180/yr |
| *Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB | Savings | $55/mo | $660/yr | |
Compare: cheap T-Mobile eSIM plans
Cheapest eSIM plans on Verizon
Unlimitedmins
Unlimitedtexts
5GB
4G/5G data
$15/mo
$3.00 per GB
Powered by: Verizon & T-Mobile
Verizon unlimited plans comparison
| Plan | Data | Monthly Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verizon Play More Unlimited | Unlimited | $80 | $960 |
| Verizon Do More Unlimited | Unlimited | $80 | $960 |
| Verizon Get More Unlimited | Unlimited | $90 | $1,080 |
Verizon vs US Mobile comparison
Keep your Verizon phone, number & coverage: Save $780 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 | 5GB | $15/mo | $180/yr |
| *Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB | Savings | $65/mo | $780/yr | |
Compare: cheap Verizon eSIM plans
Cheapest eSIM plans on AT&T
Unlimitedmins
Unlimitedtexts
2GB
4G/5G data
$15/mo*
$20/mo
$10.00 per GB
Powered by: AT&T
AT&T unlimited plans comparison
| Plan | Data | Monthly Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T Unlimited Extra | Unlimited | $75 | $900 |
| AT&T Unlimited Elite | Unlimited | $85 | $1,020 |
AT&T vs PureTalk comparison
Keep your AT&T phone, number & coverage: Save $675 per year
| Carrier | Network Coverage | 4G/5G Data | Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T | AT&T 4G & 5G | Unltd* | $75/mo | $900/yr |
| PureTalk | AT&T 4G & 5G | 2GB | $20/mo | $225/yr |
| *Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB | Savings | $55/mo | $675/yr | |
Compare: cheap AT&T eSIM plans
Cheap eSIM plan benefits
If you have a dual SIM phone, it gives you the 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 $15 per month.
- Quality coverage: You'll get good coverage with low-cost carrier eSIMS as they operate on the same major networks like AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile.
- No annual contract: The best eSIM plans are on a month-to-month contract, no more 12 or 24-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 data speeds: Powered by the same US networks you'll get the nationwide 4G LTE data speeds for mobile internet use.
- 5G network: 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, as well as unlimited 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.
- 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. Currently, there are only a few selected phones that are compatible with eSIM, but you'll find a good range of the best iPhone eSIM plans and the best Samsung eSIM plans.
Best cheap eSIM plans
Cheapest prepaid eSIM plan
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- 4GB
- Price
- $15/mo** Only $45 for 3 Months Service
Mint Mobile 4GB plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 4GB data for only $15 per month. Mint Mobile plans offer wireless coverage on the T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE network. To learn more about why this is one of the best cell phone plans, check out MoneySavingPro's 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
Benefits
Operates on the nationwide T-Mobile network
7-day money-back guarantee
Prepaid - no contract, credit check, or activation fee
Bring your phone or buy a Mint Mobile device
Keep your phone number
Using your phone as a mobile hotspot is permitted
Free calling to Canada & Mexico, affordable rates to 160+ other locations
Flat-rate international roaming available as an add-on feature
Customer service by phone on weekdays and weekends, 24/7 by virtual chat
Cheapest eSIM plan for unlimited data
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- Unlimited
- Price
- $15/mo** Only $45 for 3 Months Service
Mint Mobile Unlimited plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and unlimited data for only $15 per month. Mint Mobile plans offer wireless coverage on the T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE network. To learn more about why this is one of the best cell phone plans, check out MoneySavingPro's 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
Benefits
Operates on the nationwide T-Mobile network
7-day money-back guarantee
Prepaid - no contract, credit check, or activation fee
Bring your phone or buy a Mint Mobile device
Keep your phone number
Using your phone as a mobile hotspot is permitted
Free calling to Canada & Mexico, affordable rates to 160+ other locations
Flat-rate international roaming available as an add-on feature
Customer service by phone on weekdays and weekends, 24/7 by virtual chat
Cheapest eSIM plan for families
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- 5GB
- Price
- $15/mo* Free 10 Day Trial
US Mobile 5GB plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 5GB data for only $15 per month. US Mobile plans offer wireless coverage on the Verizon & T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE networks. To learn more about why this is one of the best cell phone plans, check out MoneySavingPro's US Mobile review
Pros
Flexible, no contract plans
24/7 customer service
5G coverage available
Cons
No international calling
Phone selection
Benefits
Coverage on either the T-Mobile or Verizon network
Risk-free trial: Full refund within 14 days or before 1000 talk, text, or MB's is used
Prepaid - no contract, credit check, or activation fee
Bring your own GSM or CDMA phone or choose from a small selection of phones for sale
Keep your own phone number
Mobile hotspot use available as add-on option with unlimited data plans
International roaming plans available with eSIMs
Add-ons available for talk, text, and data, with rollover
24/7 customer support
Cheapest eSIM plan for 5G coverage
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- 2GB
- Price
- $14/mo** $168 for 12 Months Service
Ultra Mobile 2GB plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 2GB data for only $14 per month. Ultra Mobile plans offer wireless coverage on the T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE network. To learn more about why this is one of the best cell phone plans, check out MoneySavingPro's Ultra Mobile review
| Plan | Data | Price | View plan |
|---|---|---|---|
Ultra Mobile 250MB - 12 Mths | 250MB | $10* * $120 for 12 Months Service | View Plan |
2GB | $14* * $168 for 12 Months Service | View Plan | |
3GB | $20* * $240 for 12 Months Service | View Plan | |
6GB | $25* * $300 for 12 Months Service | View Plan | |
15GB | $30* * $360 for 12 Months Service | View Plan | |
Unlimited | $40* * $480 for 12 Months Service | View Plan |
Pros
Simple account dashboard
Unlimited international talk and text
Nationwide coverage
Cons
Customer service
Benefits
Coverage provided on the nationwide T-Mobile network
Prepaid service - no contract, credit check, or activation fee
Bring your own compatible GSM phone or buy one from Ultra Mobile
Mobile hotspot use supported
Unlimited global texting and unlimited calling to 80+ countries
International roaming credits available in $5, $10, or $20 denominations
International plan tier comes with uTalk - a feature that gives you up to 1250 bonus minutes to your choice of 39 additional destinations
Customer service available by phone, email, and chat from 6am to 6pm every day
Cheapest eSIM plan for talk & text
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- 0GB
- Price
- $8/mo* Free 10 Day Trial
US Mobile 0GB plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 0GB data for only $8 per month. US Mobile plans offer wireless coverage on the Verizon & T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE networks. To learn more about why this is one of the best cell phone plans, check out MoneySavingPro's US Mobile review
Pros
Flexible, no contract plans
24/7 customer service
5G coverage available
Cons
No international calling
Phone selection
Benefits
Coverage on either the T-Mobile or Verizon network
Risk-free trial: Full refund within 14 days or before 1000 talk, text, or MB's is used
Prepaid - no contract, credit check, or activation fee
Bring your own GSM or CDMA phone or choose from a small selection of phones for sale
Keep your own phone number
Mobile hotspot use available as add-on option with unlimited data plans
International roaming plans available with eSIMs
Add-ons available for talk, text, and data, with rollover
24/7 customer support
eSIM network coverage
| 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
eSIM plan features
- 4G LTE & 5G data speeds: Since MVNOs operate on the big four cellular networks you'll pay less without sacrificing speed. More and more are adding 5G coverage all the time so 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 calls 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.
eSIM plan types
- Unlimited plans: Looking for unlimited talk text and data? Alternative carriers have got you covered. Data hungry users looking for unlimited plus plans can save serious money by switching to one of the cheapest unlimited data plans. Not sure how much data you need? Check out our data usage calculator.
- Family plans: Need four lines or more? Many MVNOs offer group plans. Compare the cheapest family phone plans so you can pick and choose what each family member needs.
- Bring your own phone plans: BYOP plans are the norm with smaller carriers. Compare cell phone prices and get a great deal to go with your cheap cell phone plan!
- Single line plans: Stop paying a premium rate just because you only need one line. Find the best phone plans for individuals.
- Talk and text only plans: Don't need data? No problem - compare cheap talk and text plans. Bonus, you'll save a ton of money if you're not paying for data!
- Tablet plans: Find the cheapest data plan for your tablet or iPad.
- Kids plans: MVNOs offer the best phone plans for kids because you can tailor them to exactly what you want your child to have.
- Senior plans: Senior citizens often have different cell phone needs. Compare cheap cell phone plans for seniors for the perfect fit.
eSIM compatible phones
- iPhone X eSIM
- iPhone XS eSIM
- iPhone XR eSIM
- iPhone 11 eSIM
- iPhone 12 eSIM
- iPhone 13 eSIM
- Samsung Galaxy S21 eSIM
- Samsung Galaxy Note 20 eSIM
Best cheap eSIM plans
| Carrier | Network | Minutes | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US Mobile | Verizon & T-Mobile | Unltd | Unltd | 5GB | $15* Free 10 Day Trial |
| Mint Mobile | T-Mobile | Unltd | Unltd | 10GB | $15** Only $45 for 3 Months Service |
| US Mobile | Verizon & T-Mobile | Unltd | Unltd | 18GB | $25* Free 10 Day Trial |
| Mint Mobile | T-Mobile | Unltd | Unltd | Unltd | $15** Only $45 for 3 Months Service |
| Red Pocket | AT&T, Verizon & T-Mobile | Unltd | Unltd | 100GB | $50 |
eSIM plans FAQs
How much is an eSIM plan?
Many low cost carriers have started offering eSIMs with their plans including low cost carriers like Mint Mobile and US Mobile, and you'll find deals starting from as low as $10 per month.
Is it worth getting an eSIM?
There are pros and cons to an eSIM. With an eSIM it's easier to switch carriers as you don't have to wait for a SIM card kit to be posted, and if your phone supports dual SIM you can use a physical SIM as well. This can be helpful if you travel abroad.
Recap
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 phones are compatible with eSIM but you can still find cheap cell phone plans if you need a physical SIM card.
