Are eSIMs really worth the hype? And how do you choose one that’s right for your trip? With the rise in popularity of eSIMs, there’s also been a huge increase in companies offering them — and at first glance, they all seem to be doing the same thing. But when you look closer, there are a few key differences that can make or break your trip.
In this post, I’m breaking down the best eSIMs for travel in 2025 (and beyond) to help you find the best eSIM for international travel based on your style, budget, and destination.
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Why Travelers Are Switching to eSIMs
An eSIM is essentially a digital version of the SIM card already in your phone. Traditionally, when traveling abroad, your cell phone provider would charge expensive roaming fees. The solution used to be buying a local SIM card from a shop or airport kiosk once you landed.
Now, with eSIMs, you can skip that whole process. The ability to use eSIMs is relatively new. Only in the last few years have most phones started supporting them, but their convenience has completely changed how we travel.
With so many new eSIM providers out there, the real question is: what is the best eSIM for travel in 2025?
What to Look For in a Travel eSIM
Not all eSIMs are created equal. In fact, most companies try to stand out by offering different types of plans or features, which can make choosing one a little overwhelming. Here are a few key things to consider before purchasing a travel eSIM:
- Data plans: Do they offer enough data for your needs? Some providers offer unlimited plans, while others use a pay-per-GB model, which can add up quickly on longer trips.
- Coverage: Who are their local partners? Make sure your eSIM offers strong regional or global coverage depending on where you’re headed.
- Speed and reliability: A great price doesn’t mean much if the connection is slow or drops frequently.
- Ease of setup: Look for an app that’s simple to install and activate, ideally with a QR code setup so you can connect in minutes.
- Customer support: Things happen on the road. Reliable 24/7 support can make all the difference if you run into issues abroad.
The Top eSIMs for International Travel in 2025
Now, let’s dive into some of the most popular eSIM companies and what they actually offer. I’ve tested and researched various travel eSIMs, and here’s what you need to know about them.
1. Holafly (Top Pick for Unlimited Data & Long Trips)
If you’re a full-time traveler or digital nomad, Holafly is a clear winner. They offer unlimited data in over 200 destinations, with 15+ different regional eSIMS and one global eSIM option. This means, no matter where you’re traveling, they’ll have a data package that fits your needs. At each of these destinations they also have customizable day plans and hotspot capabilities – a must if you’re working remotely. They offer peace of mind with no hidden costs and 24/7 real-person support through their app and WhatsApp.
Alongside incredible data packages, Holafly also offers ‘Holafly Plans’ which have been designed with digital nomads in mind. A Holafly Plan gives you one eSIM for 160+ countries, meaning you can stay connected around the world, without roaming fees or even having to worry about switching your eSIM.
Simply choose your data plan, choose from monthly or yearly billing, install your eSIM and travel worry-free.
And you don’t have to worry about a long-term commitment. Holafly Plans are a subscription, so you only pay for as long as you need them for (cancel anytime). Also, your hotspot and phone number are included in your Holafly Plan.
What are the Holafly Plans options?
- Light Plan – 25GB/month for $49.90 (perfect for users who use data mostly for calls, emails, maps, and social apps.)
- Unlimited Plan – Truly unlimited data for $64.90 (built for heavy users who stream, work, and browse on the go. Unlimited data, unlimited hotspot, unlimited freedom.)
I also appreciate that Holafly is transparent about which local network providers they partner with in each country. This is important because, just like back home, not all networks are created equal. Some regions have stronger coverage with certain carriers, and Holafly makes it easy to know exactly what you’re getting. Many eSIM companies don’t share that info upfront, which can lead to slow speeds or even dropped service.
If you travel often or work remotely, Holafly is easily the best eSIM for travel in 2025.
And, you can use my discount code JUSTYNJEN for 10% off Holafly Plans (for the first 12 months)! Combine my discount code with Holafly’s discounted yearly prices for the best offer on a year of data.
2. Airalo (Best Budget-Friendly eSIM)
I’d consider Airalo the best budget-friendly eSIM option, but it may not be ideal if you’re traveling for an extended period or require a large amount of data. Airalo typically operates on a pay-per-GB model, which works well for short trips or travelers who primarily rely on Wi-Fi. For example, when my mom visits Europe for less than a week, I always recommend Airalo. She’s usually with me, connected to Wi-Fi most of the time, and just needs enough data to use maps or send a few WhatsApp messages.
That said, Airalo is one of the most heavily promoted eSIM providers online, so it’s worth doing your research before buying. Their pay-per-GB model can add up quickly if you’re not mindful of how much data you’re using. If you’re a remote worker, a heavy data user, or you’re planning a longer trip, this probably isn’t the best eSIM for international travel.
3. Nomad eSIM
On the surface, the Nomad eSIM appears to be a solid option. Their app is easy to navigate, and their website makes data plans look very affordable. However, from what I can see, Nomad doesn’t offer unlimited data; all of their plans are capped. That means while it’s budget-friendly if you only need a GB or two, costs can really add up if you’re traveling full-time and relying on data for work.
In many ways, Nomad feels like a competitor to Airalo. They don’t have anything comparable to Holafly’s unlimited data plans. In my opinion, Nomad is a good choice if you’re traveling for a shorter trip and don’t need heavy data usage.
4. Saily
Saily was created by the team behind NordVPN, which is a good sign if you care about online privacy. Their eSIMs include built‑in ad blocking and web‑protection tools (think: fewer annoying ads, less tracking), which is a great feature for many travelers.
If Nomad feels similar to Airalo, then Saily comes closer to what Holafly offers, but with a different angle. Their Ultra Plan provides 30 GB of high-speed data per month, followed by unlimited data with a speed cap of approximately 1 Mbps in 113 countries.
That said, for the same price, Holafly offers fully unlimited data with hotspot capability in many destinations. So, while Saily offers interesting perks (especially for privacy-minded travelers), it doesn’t quite match Holafly’s unlimited model.
If you’re on a long trip, working remotely, or need unrestricted high‑speed data, you might find Holafly’s unlimited‑data model a better fit.
5. Ubigi
Lastly, we have Ubigi. This eSIM is very straightforward. You know exactly how much data you’re getting, for how long, and which local providers are backing it. They aren’t as budget-friendly as some of the other options, but they do offer a mix of pay-per-GB and unlimited-style plans in certain regions (though truly worldwide unlimited plans aren’t available). Ubigi also offers regional plans, 5G support, and hotspot capability, which can be useful depending on your travel needs.
Overall, Ubigi works well for shorter trips or travelers who value clarity and transparency over cost. You always know what you’re getting, which can be a huge relief if you’re planning carefully and don’t want any surprises with coverage or data limits.
My Top Pick: Why Holafly Wins in 2025
So based on all of this, what’s the best eSIM for travel in 2025? For me, it’s clear: Holafly. As someone who travels full-time, I need a reliable, unlimited, worldwide data plan that lets me work, hotspot, and explore without worrying about running out of data.
From Indonesia to Slovenia, I’ve found myself using my hotspot more and more, and as a remote worker, that’s one of the most important features of any SIM. Having unlimited hotspot data is a total game-changer, and it’s one of the main reasons I consider Holafly the best eSIM for travel in 2025.
On top of that, Holafly is incredibly easy to use. Their app makes installation seamless, and if you ever run into a problem, their 24/7 human support means you won’t get stuck arguing with chatbots.
Overall, if you’re looking for travel SIM card alternatives that actually make your trips easier, this Holafly review shows why it’s my top choice for full-time travelers, digital nomads, or anyone who values convenience and peace of mind on the road.
How to Choose the Right eSIM for Your Trip
So, how do you pick the right eSIM for your next international adventure? Here’s a quick TL;DR of what I’ve covered in this post:
- Short trips → Airalo or Nomad
- Long-term travel / remote work → Holafly
- No-nonsense coverage → Ubigi
At the end of the day, the rise in eSIMs has given travelers plenty of options, but there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Based on ease of use, unlimited data, and worldwide coverage, Holafly stands out as the best eSIM for travel in 2025. This Holafly review highlights why it’s my top pick for digital nomads, full-time travelers, or anyone seeking hassle-free connectivity on the road.
If you’re looking to save a bit on your eSIM, Holafly has you covered. Grab a Holafly eSIM for your next trip (use code JUSTYNJEN for 5% off on any eSIM or 10% off on Holafly Plans).
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