Whether exploring the USA to get a taste of the famous American dream or heading to a business meeting, you want to stay connected.
Thanks to eSIMs, being online in another country is not an issue you should worry about. With this handy tech, you ditch easy-to-lose physical SIMs. They are also more budget-friendly than local SIMs or roaming fees, which is a bonus if you travel often.
In this article, I will be talking about the best eSIMs you can use to connect to the internet in the USA. I will also walk you through some of the important things you need to consider when selecting an eSIM USA.
eSIM technology is relatively new, but its popularity has been growing quickly. Yes, the market is brimming with options nowadays, but not all offer the same value. That’s why I think it’s very important to consider all aspects of your trip and choose a suitable one.
How We Rank eSIM Providers
While we strive to provide an objective ranking, our recommendations are grounded in thorough research and key factors such as:
Reliability
Network quality and consistency across different regions in Germany
Pricing
Value for money and competitive rates for data packages
User Ratings
Customer satisfaction and reviews from real travelers
Ease of Use
Simplicity of activation, app interface, and setup process
Extra Features
Additional benefits like tethering, multi-device support, and customer service
📌 Note: Prices and features may change, so we always recommend checking the latest details on the provider's official website before purchasing.
Top eSIM Providers for the USA
This section will introduce you to the best eSIM for the USA that you can use when traveling. I rated these providers depending on their coverage, speed, plan variety, pricing, and customer support.
Airalo
Versatile data plans
Networks
3G, 4G LTE, 5G (limited availability)
Countries
200+
Airalo is a reliable eSIM with wide coverage, so it’s easily one of my favorite eSIMs for the USA. It offers various plans that cater to different data and travel needs — making it a versatile choice for USA travelers. If you want to learn more about it, remember to check out my detailed Airalo review.
Coverage and speed: With Airalo, you get 3G and 4G LTE network connectivity. While it’s limited, it’s possible to connect 5G networks, too. Airalo offers relatively high speeds — yet it mostly depends on the network type you connect to.
Plans and pricing: There are 6 data-only eSIM plans for the USA. If you want to call and text in addition to data, they have hybrid plans, too. That said, their plans cater to both short- and long-term travelers. Their cheapest plan has the shortest duration and lowest data; it starts at $9 for 1GB and is valid for 7 days.
Customer support: Airalo’s customer support is available 24/7, and you can reach them on the website and in-app.
Pros
- ✓ Relatively high speeds
- ✓ Unlimited data plans
- ✓ Supports tethering
- ✓ Customer support available 24/7
- ✓ Local, regional, and global deals
Cons
- • Limited 5G availability
- • Not the most plans
Nomad
Affordable eSIM plans
Networks
3G, 4G LTE, 5G
Countries
200+
If you are on a budget for your USA trip, Nomad could be the eSIM you are looking for. With its coverage of 200+ countries and destinations, it’s a well-liked provider by many.
Coverage and speed: Using Nomad, you get various types of connections, depending on your exact location and the time of day. Nomad’s USA eSIM plans have good coverage, and you typically get 4G, LTE, and even 5G network connections.
Plans and pricing: For the USA, Nomad offers 6 different plans. These plans’ durations change from 7 days to 30 days. If you need more data or want to extend the validity, you can top up your plan. There is no need to activate a new eSIM; your top-up plan will be activated automatically right after your initial plan expires. With that said, the cheapest plan Nomad offers for the USA is $4.50 for 1 GB and is valid for a week.
Customer support: You can contact Nomad customer support through in-app chat or by creating a ticket from their website. Users usually praise Nomad’s swift customer support.
Pros
- ✓ Allows tethering
- ✓ 24/7 customer support
- ✓ Budget-friendly prices
- ✓ Regional and global plans are available
- ✓ Top-up available
Cons
- • No unlimited data plans for the USA
- • Doesn’t include call minutes or texts
Instabridge
Perfect for short stays
Networks
3G, 4G, 5G (limited availability)
Countries
190+
Another eSIM for budget travelers, Instabridge, has unique features. For example, with its a data-saving web browser that compresses data, you can save even more. The data allowances and value you get from the smaller data plans make Instabridge a perfect option for short stays and weekend getaways.
Coverage and speed: Instabridge has great coverage, and its eSIM plans are available in more than 190 countries and territories. You can get 3G and 4G connectivity in most locations, yet remember that the 5G connectivity isn’t guaranteed.
Plans and pricing: In addition to regional and global plans, Instabridge offers four plans for the USA. These plans include 1-3-10-20 GB data and have validity periods of 7-15 and 30 days. That said, the cheapest plan consists of 1 GB of data, valid for a week, and costs $2.50. Unfortunately, there is no option for unlimited data.
Customer support: To reach customer support, you use Instabridge’s ticket system. However, their website doesn’t specify the response time or the waiting time. In that case, it’d be helpful to check their help desk, too.
Pros
- ✓ Affordable prices
- ✓ 5G connection
- ✓ Good coverage
- ✓ Data-saving web browser
- ✓ Tethering available
Cons
- • No live customer support
- • Plans may not be suitable for longer trips
Saily
Best for inexperienced users
Networks
3G, 4G LTE, 5G
Countries
200+
If you haven’t used an eSIM before, Saily could be the best option for you. Its user-friendly app and step-by-step instructions for installation make using eSIMs a breeze for newbies.
Coverage and speed: Saily’s coverage is excellent, as it partners with multiple local carriers in more than 200 countries and destinations and hooks you up with the strongest signal. With Saily, you get 3G, 4G, LTE, and 5G connectivity. If you want to learn more about Saily’s coverage, read my comprehensive Saily review.
Plans and pricing: Saily has 5 plans for the USA. With the cheapest starting at just $3.99 for 1 GB of internet, valid for 7 days — an excellent price for what you get. Plus, Saily’s convenient one-install feature allows you to skip the hassle of reinstalling a new eSIM every time you purchase a plan. This makes it easy to top up or change your plans. Also, Saily offers both regional deals and global options, which are perfect for travelers with multiple stops on their itinerary.
Customer support: Saily’s customer support is quite dependable. They offer 24/7 live chat and email support with quick response times.
Pros
- ✓ Great coverage
- ✓ One-install feature
- ✓ Easy top-ups
- ✓ 24/7 live chat with customer support
- ✓ Tethering is available
Cons
- • Doesn’t include call minutes or texts
- • Unlimited data is not available
Keepgo
Great for long-term travelers
Networks
3G, LTE, 5G (limited availability)
Countries
150+
Planning on staying in the USA for a long time? Then, Keepgo might be the eSIM for you. They offer data plans that don’t expire. In fact, all data plans are valid for 365 days.
Coverage and speed: Keepgo has a good coverage, with 500+ cellular networks in 150+ countries and destinations. Data speed varies based on the factors like your exact location, network configuration, and device. Commonly, you get 3G and LTE connectivity, while 5G connection is limited.
Plans and pricing: Keepgo offers a variety of plans for the USA, including local, regional, and global options. For local plans, you can choose between 100 MB and 50 GB, with the price per GB set at $9 — which is not the cheapest. However, since these plans have no expiration date, they could be worthwhile if you’re planning multiple trips to the USA or an extended stay.
Customer support: Keepgo has 24/7 customer support that you can reach through chat, email, and call center.
Pros
- ✓ Validity period of 365 days
- ✓ 24/7 customer support
- ✓ Variety of plans for the USA
- ✓ Global, regional, and local bundles
- ✓ Perfect for long-term stays
Cons
- • Not the most budget-friendly prices
- • Slower network connections
BNESIM
Best for lifetime data
Networks
3G, 4G, and 5G
Countries
200+
BNESIM has subscription-based eSIM plans. The deals never expire, but they renew automatically. If you want to avoid dealing with top-ups or renewing your plan, BNESIM’s plans might be for you. In addition, they also have plans that you can purchase one time only.
We will only scratch the surface of what this provider has to offer, but if you want to learn more about it, make sure to read my BNESIM review.
Coverage and network: BNESIM’s data-only plans have worldwide coverage in 200+ destinations. When connected, you typically get 3G, 4G, and 5G networks. However, the network type and speed vary depending on your exact location.
Plans and pricing: BNESIM offers 7 lifetime and seven one-time plans for the USA. These plans have 3-5-10-20-50-100 GB of data. The validity period depends on the bundle you select. While lifetime plans have no expiration date, all one-time plans are valid for 30 days. That said, the cheapest one-time plan costs $1.27 and has 1 GB of data, valid for a month. Lifetime plans have similar pricing to one-time plans, too.
Customer support: The BNESIM support team is available 24/7 via live chat, WhatsApp, and email.
Pros
- ✓ Good worldwide coverage
- ✓ Variety of network types are supported
- ✓ Ideal for stays of more than a month
- ✓ 24/7 live support
- ✓ Subscription-based eSIM plans
Cons
- • Autorenewal might not always be suitable for every case
- • No flexible validity
GlobaleSIM
Best for voice calls
Networks
3G, 4G
Countries
150+
Data-only plans won’t cut it for your USA trip, and need to make calls? With its Voice Minute plans, GlobaleSIM could be the option you are looking for. You can add voice minutes to your main eSIM data plan and enable the calling feature. Through its app, users may receive incoming calls and make outgoing calls.
Coverage and speed: The type of network you can get with GlobaleSIM varies depending on where you are. Yet, they mostly support 3G and 4G connectivity in 150+ countries and territories worldwide.
Plans and pricing: For the USA, there are 7 plans you can choose from, from 1 GB of data up to 20 GB. GlobaleSIM also allows you to upgrade your plan to an unlimited one for a small fee. An unlimited plan starts as soon as your plan ends, though you experience much lower speeds. The cheapest plan costs $4 for 1 GB of data, valid for 7 days. You can add call minutes to your plans as well.
Customer support: GlobaleSIM has 24/7 live chat, but many customers complain about the long response times.
Pros
- ✓ Call minutes
- ✓ 24/7 live chat with customer support
- ✓ Affordable prices
- ✓ Variety of plans
- ✓ Decent coverage
Cons
- • No 5G available
- • Unlimited data is available at low speeds
Yesim
Excellent network coverage
Networks
3G, 4G, LTE, 5G
Countries
200+
Yesim is a good alternative I can recommend. Its intuitive app is very easy to install and use. In addition, its network coverage is ideal for those who care about constant connectivity. Meanwhile, the provider has a cashback feature to reward their loyal customers, too.
Coverage and speed: Yesim has great network coverage. Their eSIM plans can be used in more than 200+ territories and countries. Just as with any other eSIM, the speed you get might vary by location and time of day. That said, it supports all network types — 3G, 4G, LTE, and 5G.
Plans and pricing: For the USA, you can choose either unlimited or standard deals. Unlimited plans are valid from one day up to 30 days, though they are quite expensive. As for the standard plans, all deals are valid for 30 days and have high data caps. Meaning they are not really suitable for short-term trips. The cheapest standard plan costs 16$ for 10 GB of internet.
Customer support: If you need help with your eSIM, you can contact support via live chat. Just keep in mind that the live chat isn’t 24/7 and has set working hours.
Pros
- ✓ Global coverage
- ✓ Responsive customer support
- ✓ Allows tethering
- ✓ Variety of plans
- ✓ Unlimited data
Cons
- • No top-up available
- • Limited customer support hours
Best eSIM for the USA: comparison
| Provider | Countries covered | Starting price | Validity period | 24/7 customer support | Tethering | Unlimited data |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airalo |
🌍 200+
|
$4.50 (for 1 GB) | 7 days | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | − No |
| Nomad |
🌍 200+
|
$4.50 (for 1 GB) | 7 days | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | − No |
| Instabridge |
🌍 190+
|
$2.50 (for 1 GB) | 7 days | − No | ✓ Yes | − No |
| Saily |
🌍 200+
|
$3.99 (for 1 GB) | 7 days | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | − No |
| Keepgo |
🌍 150+
|
$3.00 (for 100 MB) | 365 days | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | − No |
| BNESIM |
🌍 200+
|
$1.27 (for 1 GB) | 30 days | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | − No |
| GlobaleSIM |
🌍 150+
|
$4.00 (for 1 GB) | 7 days | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Yesim |
🌍 200+
|
$0.50 (for 500 MB) | 3 days | − No | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Find helpful information to answer common questions about eSIMs in USA
Can I use 5G on a USA eSIM card?
Is my phone compatible with eSIMs?
Can you get an American eSIM?
What to look for in a prepaid eSIM for the USA
When choosing a prepaid eSIM for the USA, coverage, compatibility, and plan features are important. It’s because these factors directly impact your connectivity and overall experience during your trip. If you have specific needs, your best bet is to write them down and research the market thoroughly.
Network quality and coverage
It goes without saying, but network quality and coverage should be your priority over anything else. Opt for an eSIM that connects to major carriers in the USA, like AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon, as they provide the best nationwide coverage. Reliable networks help you have consistent connectivity for browsing, navigation, and calls.
Be mindful of your destination — coverage in rural areas can differ from urban zones. Check provider coverage maps to verify network performance where you’ll travel. Strong network quality is important for you to get an uninterrupted service, so avoid providers with limited or patchy coverage.
Plan features and limitations
When evaluating prepaid eSIM plans for the USA, pay close attention to their features and potential limitations.
- Start with data limits. Some plans offer unlimited data, while others come with caps that may throttle speeds once exceeded. Choose a plan that aligns with your expected usage, whether for light browsing or heavy streaming.
- Watch for hidden fees. Some eSIMs might have activation charges or taxes, which can inflate the overall cost. Find a provider that states the plan’s pricing transparent and clearly.
- Check the plan’s validity period. Some expire after a set number of days, which may not suit longer trips. Pick a plan with clear terms and enough flexibility to meet your travel needs.
Conclusion
Choosing the right eSIM for your USA trip boils down to understanding your needs and researching your options. Using an eSIM is far more convenient than physical SIM cards, especially when traveling.
Compare the providers you research and select an eSIM plan with transparent pricing and clear terms. This way, you can enjoy uninterrupted service throughout your trip. Remember, a little preparation goes a long way.