Choosing the right eSIM for travel can feel overwhelming with so many options. After personally testing over 15 providers in around 20 countries, here is an objective comparison based on concrete criteria: price per GB, network quality, geographic coverage and real-world experience.
How we compared
This ranking is based on five measurable criteria:
- Price per GB: calculated on popular plans (5 GB over 7 days)
- Network coverage: connection speeds tested in several countries
- Customer reviews: Trustpilot, Google Reviews and App Store
- Ease of use: purchase flow, activation and support quality
- Flexibility: top-ups, validity periods, regional plans
We focus on providers we have partnerships with, so we can offer better conditions while keeping quality control on recommended services.
Summary comparison table
| Provider | Avg price (5GB/7d) | Coverage | Trustpilot | Strength |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saily | 8–12 EUR | 150+ countries | 4.6/5 | Best value |
| Airalo | 9–15 EUR | 200+ countries | 4.5/5 | Largest choice |
| Ubigi | 10–16 EUR | 190+ countries | 4.2/5 | Premium partners |
| GoMoWorld | 8–14 EUR | 140+ countries | 4.3/5 | Competitive prices |
| GigSky | 12–18 EUR | 190+ countries | 4.3/5 | Premium quality |
| Nomad | 10–14 EUR | 100+ countries | 4.4/5 | Flexible plans |
1. Saily: best value for money
Saily has become the go-to for travellers who want quality without overspending. From the NordVPN team, it benefits from solid infrastructure and a strong reputation in digital security.
The Saily app is simple. Buying a plan takes under two minutes, and activation is a single QR scan. The real-time data usage view is especially useful so you can top up before running out.
Tested network performance
| Country | Avg speed | Local operator |
|---|---|---|
| Japan | 45 Mbps | Softbank |
| United States | 52 Mbps | T-Mobile |
| Thailand | 38 Mbps | AIS |
| Spain | 41 Mbps | Movistar |
Why choose Saily?
- Strong prices: plans from 4 EUR for 1 GB
- Reliable: NordVPN infrastructure
- Simple app: purchase in 2 minutes
- Usage tracking: real time
2. Airalo: widest choice of destinations
Airalo offers the largest catalogue with 200+ destinations. That makes it a top choice for less common destinations or multi-country trips.
The Airalo app is well designed: manage several plans at once, track usage and top up before you run out. The Airmoney loyalty programme gives credits on each purchase.
Airalo strengths
- Coverage: widest (200+ countries)
- Regional plans: Europe, Asia, Global
- Loyalty: cashback on each purchase
- Top-up: add data anytime
- Support: 24/7 chat
3. Ubigi: telecom expertise
Ubigi is a brand of French group Transatel, specialised in IoT and M2M connectivity since 2001. That translates into strong partnerships with leading operators in each country.
Ubigi’s main advantage is connection quality: it picks top local operators for stable speeds and good coverage, including rural areas.
Ubigi at a glance
| Criterion | Detail |
|---|---|
| Coverage | 190+ countries |
| Plans | 500 MB to 10 GB |
| Validity | 1 to 365 days |
| Top-up | Yes |
| Support | French available |
- Telecom expertise: 20+ years
- Premium partners: leading operators
- French support: team in France
- Long validity: up to 365 days
- Promo code ESIMP: -10% on your order
4. GoMoWorld: aggressive pricing
GoMoWorld is a newer player that has gained ground with very competitive prices. Based in Europe, it offers plans for 140+ destinations with strong value for money.
GoMoWorld pricing
| Volume | Typical price | Per GB |
|---|---|---|
| 1 GB | 4–6 EUR | 4–6 EUR |
| 3 GB | 8–11 EUR | 2.7–3.7 EUR |
| 5 GB | 12–16 EUR | 2.4–3.2 EUR |
| 10 GB | 18–25 EUR | 1.8–2.5 EUR |
5. GigSky: premium networks
GigSky targets the premium segment with exclusive operator partnerships. If connection quality matters more than price, it’s worth a look.
6. Nomad: flexibility first
Nomad targets frequent travellers who want customisation. It offers a wide range of durations and data sizes.
How to choose by profile
Occasional traveller (1–2 trips/year): Saily — best value and reliability for a first eSIM.
Multi-destination: Airalo — widest coverage and regional plans.
French speaker: Ubigi — French support and telecom expertise.
Tight budget: GoMoWorld — among the lowest prices.
Demanding professional: GigSky — best connection quality for remote work.
Digital nomad: Nomad — flexibility for frequent moves.
How much data do you need?
| Usage type | Per day | 7-day plan |
|---|---|---|
| Light (email, messaging, GPS) | 200–500 MB | 3 GB |
| Moderate (social, photos) | 500 MB–1 GB | 5–7 GB |
| Heavy (streaming, video calls) | 1–2 GB | 10 GB+ |
Tip: YouTube at 480p uses about 500 MB/hour vs 3 GB/hour at 1080p. Lower video quality to save data.
FAQ
Does eSIM work on my phone?
Most recent smartphones support eSIM: iPhone from XS (2018), Samsung Galaxy S20+, Google Pixel 3+, Xiaomi 13+, and others.
Can I keep my home number?
Yes. eSIM works alongside your physical SIM. You keep your number for calls and SMS; eSIM is for mobile data only.
When should I activate my eSIM?
Scan the QR code before you leave, on your home Wi‑Fi. The eSIM stays dormant until you turn on data roaming at your destination.
Conclusion
- Best value: Saily
- Largest choice: Airalo
- Best French support: Ubigi
- Lowest prices: GoMoWorld
- Premium quality: GigSky
- Flexibility: Nomad
Compare eSIMs for your destination →
Last updated: January 2026. Prices and availability may vary.
Developer and digital nomad, I lived between Canada and the United States before continuing to explore the world. After struggling with internet connectivity abroad one too many times, I created eSIM Planet to compare plans clearly and honestly. Every article is carefully written and reviewed to save you time and money.
