The best free eSIM service in 2023
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
Editor
About Amanda
Amanda has 20+ years of experience as an educator. Her teaching career, paired with her love for research and technology, has led her to MoneySavingPro. Her personal experience with eSIMs and MVNOs after switching her entire family away from big wireless in the last few years has taught her the ins and outs of the industry. And saved her hundreds per month.
Amanda's Expertise
Writing, editing, proofreading, researching, blogging, collaborating, communicating, CMS, eSIMs, MVNOs, 5G home internet & comparison
Last updated on November 30th, 2023
We compared the best free eSIM trials: Cut your phone bill by $600/yr.
We helped over 2 million users compare cell phone plans in 2022
We've reviewed 30 carriers & compared over 120 phone plans
Over 15 years of experience helping people save money on their phone bills
Top plans list
- US Mobile Unlimited: Best Free eSIM
- Tello 1GB: Best cheap eSIM plan
- Mint Mobile 5GB: Cheap prepaid eSIM plan
- Mint Mobile 15GB: Cheap eSIM for iPhones
- Boost Mobile Unlimited: Cheap unlimited eSIM plan
- Ultra Mobile 3GB: Best eSIM for Apple Watch
- Mint Mobile Unlimited: Cheap T-Mobile eSIM plan
- Boost Infinite Unlimited: Cheap AT&T eSIM plan
- Twigby 5GB: Cheap Verizon eSIM plan
- Boost Mobile 5GB: Best eSIM for international calls
Table of contents
- Free eSIM trials in December
- How to choose the best eSIM carrier
- What network coverage do you prefer?
- How much data do you need?
- Is hotspot data included?
- What's the monthly price?
- How many lines do you need?
- Can I bring my own phone or buy a new device?
- Are there any deals or promotions?
- What perks are available with an eSIM?
- How good is the customer service?
- What international features are available?
- Do they have parental controls?
- eSIM plan guides
- MoneySavingPro methodology
1. Best Free eSIM: US Mobile Unlimited
- Verizon & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks US Mobile operates on the Verizon & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks. This allows you to receive the same wireless coverage but at a fraction of the cost.
- Unlimited talk and text
- Unlimited data
- $650 in annual savings Savings are calculated comparing the cost of the US Mobile Unlimited vs an unlimited data plan from T-Mobile, AT&T or Verizon over the first 12 months.
FREE*
$25/mo* FREE 50 Day Trial + $50 Gift Card
US Mobile eSIM plans are a convenient and affordable way to save money and are powered by the Verizon and T-Mobile networks. This MVNO is often rated 5-star for customer service. You can build the best eSIM plans to suit your needs, with unlimited talk and text and even international roaming options.
Plus, there are no lengthy contracts, and pairing that with eSIM gives you ultimate flexibility. Check out our review about the best free eSIM service.
Pros
- T-Mobile and Verizon 5G & 4G LTE network coverage
- International roaming in 100+ countries
- Free trial available
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
Cons
- Mobile hotspot allowance only available on unlimited plans
- US Mobile stands out for its exceptional customer service. They offer round-the-clock support over the phone or online chat.
- There's a no-strings-attached free trial to test their services.
- With their eSIM plans, you get international roaming in over 100 countries.
- US Mobile offers various streaming service perks like Disney Plus bundle with Hulu and ESPN, HBO Max, Apple TV, Spotify Family, PlayStation Plus, and more. Available to new and existing US Mobile customers with an unlimited plan of at least three additional lines.
- You'll need to pay for the subscription yourself and verify it every three months. The extra cost will be credited to your account via Autopay for up to 12 months.
2. Best cheap eSIM plan: Tello 1GB
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks Tello operates on the T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks. This allows you to receive the same wireless coverage but at a fraction of the cost.
- Unlimited talk and text
- 1GB data
- $784 in annual savings Savings are calculated comparing the cost of the Tello 1GB vs an unlimited data plan from T-Mobile, AT&T or Verizon over the first 12 months.
$6/mo*
$10/mo* Only $6 for first month
All of Tello's plans are available on eSIM. There are no hidden fees or lengthy contracts, with an option to customize your own plan to your needs. Check out our review about 10 cheap eSIM plans.
Pros
- T-Mobile 4G LTE and 5G coverage
- Free international calling to 60+ countries
- Wide range of plan options
- Free mobile hotspot included
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
Cons
- No international roaming
- No multi-line discounts
- Tello offers clear and affordable plans with the ability to customize to fit your needs. Pay only for what you use by selecting the amount of data, minutes, and texts you need.
- By choosing a fixed data plan, you can save you even more money.
- Plans include free international calls to over 60 countries, including Canada and Mexico.
- Powered by T-Mobile's network for reliable service without the high price tag.
- Quick and easy online activation process with just a few clicks.
3. Cheap prepaid eSIM plan: Mint Mobile 5GB
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks Mint Mobile operates on the T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks. This allows you to receive the same wireless coverage but at a fraction of the cost.
- Unlimited talk and text
- 5GB data
- $765 in annual savings Savings are calculated comparing the cost of the Mint Mobile 5GB vs an unlimited data plan from T-Mobile, AT&T or Verizon over the first 12 months.
$7.50/mo*
$15/mo* 50% Off - $45 for 6 Mths Service
Powered by the T-Mobile network, with a Mint Mobile eSIM plan, you can enjoy the same coverage at a fraction of the cost.
With a range of data allowances, including an unlimited plan that offers up to 40GB of high-speed data and unlimited talk and text with all eSIM plans. Check out our review about best prepaid eSIM plans.
Pros
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE network coverage
- Free calls to Mexico and Canada
- Wide range of plan options
- Free mobile hotspot with all plans
Cons
- International roaming is extra
- Limited customer service
- 3-month minimum sign-up
- Mint Mobile offers mobile hotspot access with all eSIM plans.
- The unlimited plan has a 10GB hotspot data limit and requires a minimum commitment of 3 months.
- They offer a 7-day money-back guarantee.
- After the initial three months, you can choose from committing to 3, 6, or 12 months.
- If your phone supports eSIM, you can bring your own device instead of buying an expensive iPhone.
- If you're looking for a new smartphone, there are plenty of options available, such as iPhones and Samsung devices. With a 0% finance option over 1-2 years.
- With the Mint Mobile app, you can easily track your usage and monitor all plans for multiple lines.
- International roaming is available but at an extra cost.
- Calls to Canada and Mexico are free, but calls to other international countries will have additional charges.
4. Cheap eSIM for iPhones: Mint Mobile 15GB
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks Mint Mobile operates on the T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks. This allows you to receive the same wireless coverage but at a fraction of the cost.
- Unlimited talk and text
- 15GB data
- $720 in annual savings Savings are calculated comparing the cost of the Mint Mobile 15GB vs an unlimited data plan from T-Mobile, AT&T or Verizon over the first 12 months.
$10/mo*
$20/mo* 50% Off - $60 for 6 Mths Service
Powered by the T-Mobile network, with a Mint Mobile eSIM plan, you can enjoy the same coverage at a fraction of the cost.
With a range of data allowances, including an unlimited plan that offers up to 40GB of high-speed data and unlimited talk and text with all eSIM plans. Check out our review about 10 cheap eSIM plans for iphone.
Pros
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE network coverage
- Free calls to Mexico and Canada
- Wide range of plan options
- Free mobile hotspot with all plans
Cons
- International roaming is extra
- Limited customer service
- 3-month minimum sign-up
5. Cheap unlimited eSIM plan: Boost Mobile Unlimited
- AT&T & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks Boost Mobile operates on the AT&T & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks. This allows you to receive the same wireless coverage but at a fraction of the cost.
- Unlimited talk and text
- Unlimited data
- $612.50 in annual savings Savings are calculated comparing the cost of the Boost Mobile Unlimited vs an unlimited data plan from T-Mobile, AT&T or Verizon over the first 12 months.
$12.50/mo*
$25/mo* 50% Off First Month
Boost Mobile eSIM plans are powered by both AT&T and T-Mobile's networks. This means that you can enjoy the same 4G LTE and 5G coverage but at a significantly lower cost.
Whether you are a light data user or someone who requires heavy data usage, Boost Mobile has a range of data allowances available, starting from 2GB and going all the way up to unlimited. Check out our review about 10 cheap unlimited data plans.
Pros
- AT&T and T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage
- Wide range of plan options
- Mobile hotspot access
Cons
- No free international calls
- International roaming is extra
- Boost Mobile supports eSIM and offers a variety of plans to choose from.
- Unlimited plans are available with up to 35GB of high-speed data and mobile hotspot access.
- You can bring your own eSIM-compatible phone or purchase one from Boost Mobile. Financing options are available for new phone purchases with 0% over 1-2 years.
- Boost Mobile's international features are limited compared to other carriers.
- International roaming options are restricted, and international calls are an additional cost.
6. Best eSIM for Apple Watch: Ultra Mobile 3GB
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks Ultra Mobile operates on the T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks. This allows you to receive the same wireless coverage but at a fraction of the cost.
- Unlimited talk and text
- 3GB data
- $699 in annual savings Savings are calculated comparing the cost of the Ultra Mobile 3GB vs an unlimited data plan from T-Mobile, AT&T or Verizon over the first 12 months.
$10/mo*
$19/mo* Only $30 for 3 Months Service
Ultra Mobile provides eSIM plans on the T-Mobile network, catering to a variety of data needs. For lighter users, there is an option of as little as 2GB of data, while heavy data users can enjoy up to 40GB of high-speed data through their unlimited plan.
The best part is that there are no contracts involved. Additionally, if you have loved ones in other countries, Ultra Mobile offers free international calls to 80 different countries. Check out our review about 10 cheap eSIM plans for Apple watch.
Pros
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE network coverage
- Free international calls to 80 countries
- Wide range of plan choice
- Mobile hotspot access included
Cons
- Extra cost for International roaming
- Ultra Mobile offers a variety of eSIM plans at affordable prices.
- Plans cater to different requirements, including free international calls, small or large amounts of data, and extensive coverage.
- The UpRoam add-on option is available for discounted international roaming services. Credit can be added to your eSIM plan for access to roaming services at a discounted price.
7. Cheap T-Mobile eSIM plan: Mint Mobile Unlimited
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks Mint Mobile operates on the T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks. This allows you to receive the same wireless coverage but at a fraction of the cost.
- Unlimited talk and text
- Unlimited data
- $630 in annual savings Savings are calculated comparing the cost of the Mint Mobile Unlimited vs an unlimited data plan from T-Mobile, AT&T or Verizon over the first 12 months.
$15/mo*
$30/mo* 50% Off - $90 for 6 Mths Service
Powered by the T-Mobile network, with a Mint Mobile eSIM plan, you can enjoy the same coverage at a fraction of the cost.
With a range of data allowances, including an unlimited plan that offers up to 40GB of high-speed data and unlimited talk and text with all eSIM plans. Check out our review about the 5 best T-Mobile eSIM plans.
Pros
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE network coverage
- Free calls to Mexico and Canada
- Wide range of plan options
- Free mobile hotspot with all plans
Cons
- International roaming is extra
- Limited customer service
- 3-month minimum sign-up
8. Cheap AT&T eSIM plan: Boost Infinite Unlimited
- AT&T & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks Boost Infinite operates on the AT&T & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks. This allows you to receive the same wireless coverage but at a fraction of the cost.
- Unlimited talk and text
- Unlimited data
- $600 in annual savings Savings are calculated comparing the cost of the Boost Infinite Unlimited vs an unlimited data plan from T-Mobile, AT&T or Verizon over the first 12 months.
$25/mo*
* $25/mo Forever
One plan, one price. Meet the Boost Infinite plan. Operating on the AT&T and T-Mobile networks, Boost Infinite strives for simplicity. For just $25, you can experience 5G & 4G LTE speeds with their unlimited eSIM plan (high-speed data capped at 30GB). Check out our review about the 5 best AT&T eSIM plans.
Pros
- AT&T and T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE network coverage
- Unlimited plan (capped at 30GB high-speed data)
- Set price of $25 per month forever
Cons
- International add-ons available
- For just $25 a month, you get unlimited talk, text, and data.
- Data is a maximum of 30GB for high-speed data.
- There are no hidden charges, only additional payments for taxes.
- With long-term agreements, you have the flexibility to switch whenever you desire.
- Boost Infinite offers roaming in Mexico and Canada for an additional cost (capped at 1GB), as well as unlimited international calls to 80+ countries and texts to 200+ countries.
9. Cheap Verizon eSIM plan: Twigby 5GB
- Verizon 5G & 4G LTE networks Twigby operates on the Verizon 5G & 4G LTE networks. This allows you to receive the same wireless coverage but at a fraction of the cost.
- Unlimited talk and text
- 5GB data
- $690 in annual savings Savings are calculated comparing the cost of the Twigby 5GB vs an unlimited data plan from T-Mobile, AT&T or Verizon over the first 12 months.
$10/mo*
$20/mo* Only $10/mo for First 3 Months
Check out our review about the 5 best Verizon eSIM plans.
Pros
Cons
10. Best eSIM for international calls: Boost Mobile 5GB
- AT&T & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks Boost Mobile operates on the AT&T & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks. This allows you to receive the same wireless coverage but at a fraction of the cost.
- Unlimited talk and text
- 5GB data
- $750 in annual savings Savings are calculated comparing the cost of the Boost Mobile 5GB vs an unlimited data plan from T-Mobile, AT&T or Verizon over the first 12 months.
$5/mo*
$15/mo* $15 for 3 months service
Boost Mobile eSIM plans are powered by both AT&T and T-Mobile's networks. This means that you can enjoy the same 4G LTE and 5G coverage but at a significantly lower cost.
Whether you are a light data user or someone who requires heavy data usage, Boost Mobile has a range of data allowances available, starting from 2GB and going all the way up to unlimited. Check out our review about best international cell phone plans.
Pros
- AT&T and T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage
- Wide range of plan options
- Mobile hotspot access
Cons
- No free international calls
- International roaming is extra
Free eSIM trials in December
How to choose the best eSIM carrier
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.
eSIM plan guides
- The 5 Best 5G eSIM Plans
- The 5 Best Prepaid eSIM Plans for iPhone
- The Best eSIM Carriers
- The Best Free eSIM Service
- The 5 Best AT&T eSIM Plans
- The 5 Best Verizon eSIM Plans
- The 5 Best T-Mobile eSIM Plans
- 10 Cheap eSIM plans for Apple Watch
- 10 Cheap eSIM Plans for iPads
MoneySavingPro methodology
Here at MoneySavingPro, we're on a mission to hunt down and share cell phone plans that are affordable and value for money. We pour our energy into exploring all the available options, zeroing in on what's best for you – the consumers.
Our aim is to guide you towards those budget-friendly alternatives and away from the hefty price tags attached to the plans from the big wireless companies.
Having spent over 10 years in this field, we don't recommend plans from the big wireless networks in our reviews. Why, you ask? Well, it boils down to their pricing strategies, those pesky hidden fees, and a not-so-transparent approach. Even with all the rivalry between them, you'd think they'd roll out some consumer-friendly prices. But nope, most customers find themselves trapped in this endless loop of steep prices and binding contracts.
So, we turn our focus to plans from MVNOs, putting them under the microscope based on price, coverage, data caps, customer service, and any extras they might throw in. Our comparisons are designed to paint the full picture, spotlighting the balance between cost and value.
We did consider these other alternatives: Cricket Wireless, Total by Verizon, Xfinity Mobile, Spectrum Mobile, Straight Talk, Tracfone, Metro by T-Mobile, Visible, Google Fi, and Consumer Cellular, but we discounted them because we still don't consider these to be good value for money.
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.
