If you’re heading abroad this summer, one of the most important things to get sorted before you get going is your connectivity. And nowadays, eSIM s have staying connected easier than ever before – no faffing around with physical SIM cards or sky-high roaming fees.
But, with so many providers out there, how do you know which one’s best for your trip? Whether you’re backpacking through Europe, heading to the beach for a week or travelling for business, there’s an eSIM to suit every need and budget.
Six eSIM providers stand out from the rest, especially for UK travellers – Airalo, Holafly, Nomad, Truphone, T-Mobile and Sim Local. Of course, they’re all specifically suited to travellers with different needs, budgets and more.
How Are eSIMs Different to Other Connectivity Options?
When travelling abroad, choosing the right way to stay connected is key – and eSIMs are quickly becoming the go-to option.
Now, unlike traditional SIM cards, eSIMs are digital, meaning there’s no need to hunt down a local SIM or swap out your physical card. You simply scan a QR code, and you’re connected.
Compared to roaming with your UK provider, which can be expensive and unpredictable, eSIMs often offer far better value with transparent pricing and plans tailored for travel.
Local SIM cards can be cheaper in some cases, but they come with the hassle of finding a shop, dealing with language barriers and needing an unlocked phone.
Pocket Wi-Fi devices are another alternative, but they’re bulky, often require deposits and need to be charged. Overall, eSIMs offer a perfect balance of convenience, flexibility and affordability, making them ideal for most modern travellers who want to land and go without fuss.
The Top 6 eSIMs to Keep You Connected
Here are the six best eSIMs to consider for your next trip abroad.
Airalo
Airalo is a popular global eSIM provider offering affordable data plans in over 190 countries. It’s ideal for budget-conscious travellers who want reliable connectivity without hefty roaming fees.
With easy app-based activation and flexible regional or global plans, it suits both short breaks and longer international trips. Airalo is particularly good for those who prefer pay-as-you-go style data and want to avoid contracts or monthly commitments.
While it doesn’t always offer unlimited data, it’s one of the most user-friendly and accessible eSIM platforms out there, especially for UK holidaymakers exploring multiple destinations across Europe or further afield.
Holafly
Holafly stands out for its unlimited data eSIM plans, perfect for travellers who stream, browse and share a lot on the go. It offers coverage in numerous countries, with strong options for the UK and wider Europe.
Setup is nice and quick via QR code, and customer service is usually pretty responsive. Holafly’s unlimited plans are ideal for longer holidays or digital nomads who want peace of mind about usage limits.
It’s worth noting that Holafly is slightly pricier than some pay-as-you-go options, but it’s a good pick for those who value simplicity and need constant connectivity without worrying about running out of data.
Nomad
Nomad offers flexible and affordable eSIM plans for destinations around the world, including excellent options for Europe. It’s well-suited to travellers looking for a balance between cost and data allowance.
The app is clean and easy to use, making it a strong choice for first-time eSIM users. Prices are competitive, especially for short trips or single-country visits.
Nomad doesn’t usually offer unlimited data but is great for those who just want solid, no-fuss internet access on holiday. It’s a smart pick for weekend getaways, business travellers or anyone who just needs reliable mobile data on the move.
Truphone
Truphone offers eSIM plans aimed at both consumers and businesses, with strong UK and international coverage. It’s known for clear pricing and a good balance of speed, data, and reliability. Truphone is particularly appealing for business travellers or anyone looking for a professional-grade service.
Now, there’s no denying the fact that it’s not the cheapest on the market, but its plans are dependable and easy to manage via app.
Truphone’s eSIMs are a good choice for those travelling to major cities across Europe and beyond, and who don’t want to compromise on performance or customer support while abroad.
T-Mobile
T-Mobile, a major mobile network operator, offers eSIM plans that include international roaming and data bundles. It’s ideal for those who want the backing of a big-name provider and don’t mind paying a bit more for reliable service and wide coverage.
While T-Mobile eSIMs are not always the cheapest, they’re great for travellers who value brand trust, roaming support and strong network speeds. With plans suitable for both the UK and wider Europe, T-Mobile is best for those looking for comprehensive coverage and dependable performance, especially if you’re travelling to multiple countries in one trip.
Sim Local
Sim Local specialises in local and travel eSIMs, with a strong presence in UK and Irish airports. It offers convenient, affordable data plans designed for international travellers, with coverage in over 150 countries.
Sim Local is perfect for holidaymakers who want to buy an eSIM on arrival or ahead of time via app. It offers a great mix of pricing and flexibility, with options for both light and heavy data users. Whether you’re planning a short stay in Europe or a longer trip further afield, Sim Local provides a hassle-free, travel-friendly eSIM solution at competitive prices.
So, Which eSIM Should You Choose?
Much like pretty much any app or platform, it’s tough to say which one is necessarily “the best” overall – often, it’s got a lot to do with things like budget, we’re you’re travelling to, what you need connectivity for and more.
So, if you’re looking for a quick pick, here’s an overview of which eSIMs are best for different types of travellers:
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Budget travellers: Airalo and Nomad are ideal for those looking to keep costs down. They offer affordable, pay-as-you-go plans with decent data allowances – perfect for shorter trips or light use.
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Heavy data users: If you’re planning to stream, video call or work remotely while abroad, Holafly’s unlimited data plans are a solid bet. It’s a little pricier, but great for peace of mind.
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Travelling around Europe: Sim Local and Airalo both offer excellent regional plans that cover multiple European countries, so you won’t need to switch providers as you move across the country.
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Business travellers: Truphone and T-Mobile provide reliable service, strong coverage and a more professional-grade experience – ideal if connectivity is crucial for work.
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Digital nomads: If you’re working remotely as you travel, Holafly’s unlimited data can keep you online without worrying about limits, while Truphone is great for consistent speeds and reliable connections in major cities.
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Short city breaks: Nomad and Airalo are excellent for weekend getaways or short holidays. Their low-cost data packs give you just enough to get around, check maps, post on socials and stay in touch with loved ones.
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Multi-country adventurers: Sim Local and Airalo offer regional and global plans, perfect for backpackers or interrailers hopping from one country to the next.
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Families travelling together: T-Mobile and Sim Local are good for group or family use, offering solid coverage and shared data options, so everyone stays connected without juggling multiple plans.
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First-time eSIM users: Nomad and Airalo have simple apps and easy setup instructions, ideal for those trying eSIMs for the first time.
The good news is that there are multiple different options to suit a variety of travellers, so whether you’re off to Spain for the weekend or you’re embarking on a six-month work-on-the-road trip across the continent, one of these eSIM options is sure to be perfect for your needs.
