Best eSIM carriers in 2024

Same coverage: Cut your bill by $600 per year

Big Wireless
$75
/mo
Unlimited data
$900/yr
vs
Tello on T-Mobile
Tello logo on phone
$25
/mo
Unlimited data
$300/yr
See at Tello
US Mobile on Verizon
US Mobile logo on phone
$25
/mo
Unlimited data
Boost Mobile on AT&T
Boost Mobile logo on phone
$25
/mo
Unlimited data
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The best eSIM carriers with the cheapest plans are offered by MVNOs like Mint Mobile, Tello, and Boost Mobile.

Mobile Virtual Network Operators are powered by the major wireless networks and 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 setup.

We've compared the cheapest eSIM providers and their plans below to help you find the perfect fit for your needs.

Best eSIM carriers on T-Mobile

These are the top 3 prepaid eSIM plans from low-cost carriers with T-Mobile coverage to consider.

Cheap T-Mobile eSIM plan

Tello 2GB eSIM

Image of cell phone with Tello
  • T-Mobile coverage
  • Unlimited talk and text
  • Instant eSIM activation
2GB
data
$10/mo
5 Read our Tello review
$780 in annual savings

Best T-Mobile eSIM for families

Mint Mobile 15GB eSIM

Image of cell phone with Mint Mobile
  • T-Mobile coverage
  • Unlimited talk and text
  • Instant eSIM activation
15GB
data
$15/mo*
$20/mo
See at Mint Mobile

*$45 for 3 Months

4.2 Read our Mint Mobile review
$675 in annual savings

Best unlimited eSIM on T-Mobile

Tello unlimited data eSIM

Image of cell phone with Tello
  • T-Mobile coverage
  • Unlimited talk and text
  • Instant eSIM activation
Unlimited
data
$25/mo
5 Read our Tello review
$600 in annual savings

Best eSIM carriers on Verizon

These are the top 3 prepaid eSIM plans from low-cost carriers with Verizon coverage to consider.

Cheap Verizon eSIM plan

Twigby Mobile 2GB eSIM

Image of cell phone with Twigby Mobile
  • Verizon coverage
  • Unlimited talk and text
  • Instant eSIM activation
2GB
data
$5/mo*
$15/mo
See at Twigby Mobile

*$5/mo for 1st 3 Mths

4.4 Read our Twigby Mobile review
$750 in annual savings

Best Verizon eSIM for families

US Mobile 10GB eSIM

Image of cell phone with US Mobile
  • Verizon coverage
  • Unlimited talk and text
  • Instant eSIM activation
10GB
data
$17.50/mo*
See at US Mobile

*$210 for 12 Mths

5 Read our US Mobile review
$690 in annual savings

Best unlimited eSIM on Verizon

US Mobile unlimited data eSIM

Image of cell phone with US Mobile
  • Verizon coverage
  • Unlimited talk and text
  • Instant eSIM activation
Unlimited
data
$15/mo*
$25/mo
See at US Mobile

*$45 for 3 Mths

5 Read our US Mobile review
$630 in annual savings

Best eSIM carriers on AT&T

These are the top 3 prepaid eSIM plans from low-cost carriers with AT&T coverage to consider.

Cheap AT&T eSIM plan

Red Pocket 1GB eSIM

Image of cell phone with Red Pocket
  • AT&T coverage
  • Unlimited talk and text
  • Instant eSIM activation
1GB
data
$10/mo
4.1 Read our Red Pocket review
$780 in annual savings

Best unlimited eSIM on AT&T

Boost Mobile unlimited data eSIM

Image of cell phone with Boost Mobile
  • AT&T coverage
  • Unlimited talk and text
  • Instant eSIM activation
Unlimited
data
$25/mo*
See at Boost Mobile

*$25/mo forever!

4 Read our Boost Mobile review
$600 in annual savings

Best overall value eSIM carrier

Tello unlimited data eSIM

Image of cell phone with Tello
  • T-Mobile coverage
  • Unlimited talk and text
  • Instant eSIM activation
Unlimited
data
$25/mo
5 Read our Tello review
$600 in annual savings

How to choose the best eSIM provider

What network coverage do you prefer?

Low-cost eSIM carriers operate on the same 5G & 4G LTE networks as major carriers. T-Mobile scores the highest for 5G coverage, according to an Opensignal 5G Experience Report (2023). If there is a network that already works best for you, you can choose an MVNO that operates on that network. Use our coverage checker to find the best cell phone service in your area.

How much data do you need?

Do you really need an unlimited data plan? The big wireless companies want you to think so, but the average monthly cellular data consumption is around 10GB. So, if you spend most of your time at home or work on Wi-Fi, it's a fair bet your cellular data usage is much lower. You can choose a data plan tailored to your needs with cheap cell phone providers and stop paying for what you don't use. But if you do choose an unlimited data plan, be aware that high-speed data is normally capped.

Is hotspot data included?

Most carriers allow hotspot data usage but limit the amount of data that can be used via tethering. The limit depends on the carrier and plan you choose. Some carriers also offer data only plans for iPads, tablets, and mobile hotspots.

What's the monthly price?

While big wireless unlimited plans cost around $75-90 per month, the best MVNOs offer budget-friendly eSIM plans, ranging from $5-35 per month without sacrificing wireless coverage and data speeds. Watch out for hidden fees & taxes; big carriers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile are notorious for this.

How many lines do you need?

With big wireless, you only get the lowest advertised price if you buy four lines. With MVNOs, the price you see is the price you pay, even for one line. Many low-cost carriers now offer further discounts for multi-line plans.

Can I bring my own phone or buy a new device?

While the big three love keeping their customers locked into a constant phone upgrade cycle, MVNOs encourage you to bring your own phone. This means you take back control and only change your phone when it suits you. If you do want to purchase a new phone, many prepaid eSIM providers offer financing options and refurbished phone deals.

Are there any deals or promotions?

Big wireless promotions can seem good at a glance. But once you read the fine print, it often reveals unneeded perks and long contracts. Many MVNOs offer discounts for new customers and transparent pricing.

What perks are available with an eSIM?

Most MVNOs offer a range of perks and add-ons that can enhance your wireless experience. These can include things like international calling plans, data rollover, and even unlimited streaming on certain apps. Big wireless carriers may offer similar perks, but they often come at an additional cost. Also, be wary of "free" subscriptions to streaming services. We suggest keeping these services separate to avoid price hikes.

How good is the customer service?

Most eSIM carriers have excellent ratings when it comes to customer support. With smaller customer bases, they are often able to provide more individualized and hands-on support compared to the big carriers. Many MVNOs have dedicated customer service teams that are readily available to assist you with any questions or concerns.

What international features are available?

Most eSIM carriers offer free international calls to many countries. If this is high on your priority list, make sure to choose a carrier that includes this feature. If this is important to you, make sure to choose a provider that includes this. For international travel, checking the carrier's mobile data roaming availability is vital to avoid unexpected costs or inconveniences while you're abroad.

Do they have parental controls?

Many MVNO carriers offer parental control features that enable parents to monitor their children's phone usage and data consumption. With parental controls, you can set data limits, restrict access to certain apps or websites, and even track your child's location. Some AT&T MVNOs offer these features as part of their standard plans, or you'll find this feature on your cell phone.

Check out our comparison of the best prepaid eSIM plans to ensure you find the best deal.


Find the best eSIM plan in your area

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Compare the cheapest eSIM plans

Carrier Data Monthly Price Annual Price Savings
Tello 2GB $10/mo $120/yr $780/yr See at Tello
Mint Mobile 15GB $15/mo*$20/mo $225/yr $675/yr See at Mint Mobile
*$45 for 3 Months
Tello Unlimited $25/mo $300/yr $600/yr See at Tello

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?

  • Apple iPhone X
  • Apple iPhone XS
  • Apple iPhone XR
  • Apple iPhone 11
  • Apple iPhone 12
  • Apple iPhone 13
  • Apple iPhone 14
  • Apple iPhone 15

Which Samsung phones are eSIM compatible?

  • Samsung Galaxy S21
  • Samsung Galaxy S22
  • Samsung Galaxy S23
  • Samsung Galaxy Note 20

eSIM carriers FAQs


Recap: What are the best eSIM providers?

Boost Mobile eSIM plans currently offer the best value for money.

When you choose an 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 phone supports dual SIM, you can simultaneously have an eSIM and a regular SIM card, which is ideal for traveling.

Carrier guides

How we choose the best eSIM carriers and plans

To select the best eSIM carriers and plans, MoneySavingPro's team of experts evaluated over 30 different carriers.

Carriers were rated in five categories, with a star rating from 1-5, with 5 stars being the best. We then calculate the overall star rating using the five categories:

  1. Value for money: We compare carriers based on price, features, benefits, and promotions. It's not just about the lowest price but getting the most bang for your buck.
  2. Coverage: We look at network 5G and 4G LTE coverage across the US. We use coverage maps to determine service availability and data speeds in urban, suburban, and rural locations.
  3. Customer experience: We take into account items such as current user experience, website and app usability, ease of switching, and customer service in terms of availability, channels, and satisfaction ratings.
  4. Transparency: We assess whether carrier pricing is clear and straightforward. We examine the fine print to check for hidden fees, confusing terms or conditions, and misleading offers to ensure upfront, honest prices and advertising.
  5. Range of choice: We evaluate the diversity of plan options to determine if they fit the individual needs of all customers.

Read more about our carrier ratings methodology and our editorial process.

We keep our comparisons fresh by checking our eSIM plans weekly and giving our content a makeover every 3 months. This way, we ensure you're getting the most current and precise information.

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