eSIM
Best eSIM for Italy: Ultimate Guide
Nov
From Rome to Florence, stay connected across Italy with the right eSIM for your adventure.
Finding the Perfect eSIM for Your Italy Trip
At esim4.com, our travel experts and technical researchers are dedicated to independently testing and reviewing eSIM services. We assess providers based on real-world performance, value, and ease of use.
Landing in a new country without internet access can be frustrating. On my recent travels through Italy, I confirmed that using a high-quality eSIM is the simplest and most cost-effective way to stay connected. You can bypass expensive roaming fees from your home carrier and avoid the hassle of finding a physical SIM card at the airport. You can set up your digital SIM in minutes, even before you leave home, and be online the moment you land.
However, the market is crowded, and not all eSIMs deliver on their promises. Our team put the most popular services to the test to evaluate their speed, coverage, and overall value.
Our Top Pick: esim4.com
For the best all-around experience in Italy, we recommend esim4.com. It delivers the optimal blend of value, seamless connectivity, and reliable performance, all managed through a user-friendly app.
Why esim4.com is Our #1 Choice for Italy
- Premium Networks: esim4.com partners with Italy’s top-tier networks, including Vodafone, TIM, Wind Tre, and Iliad, ensuring flawless 5G and 4G/LTE connectivity.
- Go Beyond Data: Unlike most data-only eSIMs, esim4.com offers the Yabb app (owned by esim4.com) that transforms your service. You can make and receive phone calls and SMS.
- Instant Connection: Receive your eSIM QR code by email instantly after purchase. You can install your esim at home before you fly, and it will automatically activate your plan when you land in Italy.
- Transparent Pricing: With clear, upfront pricing, you’ll never be surprised by a hidden fee.
- Trusted Service: With 24/7 support from their customer support team and a user base of over 100,000 global travelers, esim4.com is a reliable and proven choice.
- Hotspot Included: Use your data to share connectivity with travel companions – hotspotting is allowed on all esim4.com plans.
Quick Comparison: Top eSIM Providers for Italy
Snapshot of the leading eSIM options for Italy in 2025. Use this table to shortlist your go-to eSIM.
| Rank | Provider | Rating | Plans Available |
Starting Price |
Calls/SMS | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ⭐ esim4.com | 4.9/5 | 12 options | $3.97 | Via App | Best overall value & calls |
| 2 | Saily | 4.7/5 | 10 options | $3.79 | No | All-Rounder |
| 3 | Airalo | 4.7/5 | 6 options | $4.50 | Global only | Easiest to Use |
| 4 | Jetpac | 4.6/5 | 10 options | $1.00 | No | Cheapest Plan |
| 5 | aloSIM | 4.5/5 | 7 options | $4.50 | Yes | Local Phone Number |
| 6 | Nomad | 4.4/5 | 10 options | $4.50 | No | High-Data Value |
| 7 | GigSky | 4.1/5 | 14 options | $4.99 | No | Best for Cruises |
| 8 | Holafly | 4.2/5 | 6 options | $1.99 | No | Unlimited Data |
| 9 | Instabridge | 4.0/5 | 5 options | $2.00/GB | No | Pay-As-You-Go |
How to Choose the Right eSIM for Italy
While esim4.com is our top pick, we know every traveler is different. Based on our 2,400+ hours of testing, here are the key factors to consider when comparing any eSIM for data. These are all prepay plans, so you only pay for what you choose upfront.
Key Decision Factors
| Factor | What to Consider | Why This Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Data Amount | How much data do you really need? Browsing and maps use little, while streaming and hotspots use a lot. | It’s often better to overestimate slightly or choose a provider that lets you easily top up your esim if you run low. |
| Plan Validity | Match your plan’s validity period (e.g., 7, 15, or data for 30 days) to your travel duration. | A 30-day plan is useless if you’re only in Italy for a weekend. |
| Coverage | Check which local network the eSIM uses. A provider on Vodafone or TIM (like esim4.com) is a safe bet. | All providers work well in cities, but rural coverage varies. Top-tier networks offer the best reliability. |
| Price Per GB | Don’t just look at the total price. Calculate the cost per gigabyte to find the true value. | A $23.97 10gb of data plan ($2.40/GB) is a much better deal than a $9.97 3GB plan ($3.32/GB). |
| Calling & Texting | Most eSIMs are data-only. Do you need a real phone number to make local calls? | Only specialized providers like esim4.com (with Yabb) or aloSIM offer local calling features. Others rely on apps like whatsapp. |
| Internet Speed | Look for an esim that provides 4G/LTE or 5G in Italy. | This ensures fast loading times and smooth navigation. |
Top eSIM Providers for Italy (Reviewed)
Here is a detailed breakdown of our top picks for Italy, including our featured provider, esim4.com.
esim4.com
Best overall value & calls
As our top choice, esim4.com excels by offering the best all-around experience for travelers in Italy. It combines highly competitive pricing with exceptional coverage on all major Italian networks (Vodafone, TIM, Wind Tre, and Iliad) and a truly effortless user experience.
A standout feature is the optional app that allows you to recharge, make and receive calls, and send/receive SMS without any roaming charges.
esim4.com Plans for Italy
| Data | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1 GB | 7 Days | $3.97 |
| 2 GB | 15 Days | $7.97 |
| 3 GB | 30 Days | $9.97 |
| 5 GB | 30 Days | $13.97 |
| 10 GB | 30 Days | $23.97 |
| 20 GB | 30 Days | $46.20 |
| Unlimited | 3 Days | $17.50 |
| Unlimited | 5 Days | $28.70 |
| Unlimited | 7 Days | $41.30 |
| Unlimited | 10 Days | $49.00 |
| Unlimited | 15 Days | $68.60 |
| Unlimited | 30 Days | $101.50 |
How to Get Your eSIM & Connect in 3 Steps
1. Purchase Your eSIM Data Pack: Choose your plan and buy an esim from anywhere in the world. You’ll receive an email with your eSIM details instantly.
2. Receive Activation Details: You’ll get a QR code via email and WhatsApp (along with manual instructions) to activate your eSIM.
3. Install And Activate: Scan the QR code to set up your new esim before your trip. Once you land in Italy, simply enable the data plan in your phone’s settings to get online.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Runs on all top Italian networks
- Includes phone calls and SMS via Yabb app
- Instant activation
- Wide range of fixed & unlimited plans
- 24/7 support
- Hotspot included
Cons
- Not the absolute cheapest for 1GB
- Requires app for calls/SMS
Saily
Excellent All-Rounder with Security Focus
Saily is a formidable contender and a strong all-rounder. Created by the team behind NordVPN, it comes with a strong focus on security and usability. Its plans are budget-friendly, and the app is very smooth. It’s a reliable data-only option.
Saily Italy Plans & Pricing
| Data | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1GB | 7 days | $3.79 |
| 3GB | 30 days | $8.54 |
| 5GB | 30 days | $12.34 |
| 10GB | 30 days | $19.94 |
| 20GB | 30 days | $27.54 |
| Unlimited | 30 days | $68.39 |
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Great for regional travel
- Very budget-friendly
- Intuitive app
Cons
- No pay-as-you-go plans
- Data-only
Airalo
Easiest eSIM for Beginners
For travelers who prioritize simplicity, Airalo is a standout. Its app is renowned for being one of the easiest to use, making it a favorite for first-time eSIM users. It partners with top Italian networks for reliable LTE and 5G connectivity.
Airalo Italy Plans & Pricing
| Data | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1GB | 7 days | $4.50 |
| 2GB | 30 days | $8.00 |
| 3GB | 30 days | $10.00 |
| 5GB | 30 days | $14.50 |
| 10GB | 30 days | $24.00 |
| 20GB | 30 days | $33.00 |
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Global plans offer calls/texts
- Wide regional coverage
- Extremely easy setup
Cons
- Local Italian plans are data-only
- No unlimited data options
Jetpac
Cheap and Reliable Budget Option
Jetpac is an excellent choice for budget-focused travelers, as its regional Europe plan starts at an eye-catching $1.00 for 1GB. Despite its low price, Jetpac delivers solid 4G/5G performance and a simple, beginner-friendly app.
Jetpac Italy Plans & Pricing
| Data | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1GB (Regional) | 4 days | $1.00 |
| 1GB (Local) | 4 days | $4.00 |
| 5GB | 30 days | $9.00 |
| 10GB | 30 days | $14.00 |
| 40GB | 30 days | $29.99 |
| Unlimited | 7 days | $24.99 |
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Extremely low-cost plans
- 5G support
- Simple activation
Cons
- Data-only (no calls/SMS)
aloSIM
Best for a Local Phone Number
aloSIM fills a specific niche by providing a local phone number with support for calls and SMS, a feature most data-only eSIMs lack. Each plan comes with 30 minutes of calls and 50 texts via its free companion app, Hushed.
aloSIM Italy Plans & Pricing
| Data | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1GB | 7 days | $4.50 |
| 2GB | 15 days | $8.00 |
| 3GB | 30 days | $10.00 |
| 5GB | 30 days | $14.50 |
| 10GB | 30 days | $24.00 |
| Unlimited | 15 days | $35.00 |
Pros & Cons
Pros
- All plans support calls/SMS
- Excellent live chat support
- Competitive pricing
Cons
- Requires a separate app (Hushed) for calls/texts
Nomad
Great Value for High-Data Plans
Nomad is a premium option that offers excellent value for heavy data users, with plans up to 50GB and several unlimited options. Its app has a sleek, minimalist design, making it very easy to manage your plan.
Nomad Italy Plans & Pricing
| Data | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1GB | 7 days | $4.50 |
| 5GB | 30 days | $12.50 |
| 10GB | 30 days | $16.00 |
| 50GB | 30 days | $45.00 |
| Unlimited | 3 days | $11.00 |
| Unlimited | 10 days | $31.00 |
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Good value for large data plans
- Simple QR code activation
- 5G support
Cons
- Data-only
- No live chat support
GigSky
Wide Range of Flexible Plans
GigSky is a versatile provider for those who plan to stream or stay constantly connected. It offers a mix of fixed and unlimited plans, plus a free 500MB plan to test the service. It also has unique offerings for inflight and cruise connectivity.
GigSky Italy Plans & Pricing
| Data | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 500MB | 7 days | FREE |
| 1GB | 7 days | $4.99 |
| 5GB | 30 days | $14.02 |
| 10GB | 30 days | $21.19 |
| Unlimited | 1 day | $5.94 |
| Unlimited | 30 days | $67.49 |
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Fixed and unlimited plans
- Free trial plan (500MB)
- Offers cruise/in-flight plans
Cons
- Unlimited plans can be throttled
- Data-only
Holafly
Customizable Unlimited Data Plans
Holafly is synonymous with unlimited data. It’s designed for travelers who don’t want to monitor their data usage. You can navigate, stream, and upload photos without worrying about hitting a cap. Plans are available from 1 to 90 days.
Holafly Italy Plans & Pricing
| Data | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unlimited | 1 day | $1.99 |
| Unlimited | 7 days | $29.90 |
| Unlimited | 15 days | $50.90 |
| Unlimited | 30 days | $74.90 |
| Unlimited | 60 days | $106.90 |
| Unlimited | 90 days | $139.90 |
Pros & Cons
Pros
- True unlimited data
- Plans from 1 to 90 days
- 5G support
Cons
- Hotspot/data sharing is not supported
- No calls/SMS
- More expensive
Instabridge
Affordable with Pay-As-You-Go
Instabridge is a feature-rich option that offers standard local plans plus a flexible pay-as-you-go model at $2.00/GB. It also includes extras like a built-in Wi-Fi map and a data-saving browser.
Instabridge Italy Plans & Pricing
| Data | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1GB | 7 days | $2.50 |
| 3GB | 15 days | $4.50 |
| 10GB | 30 days | $12.00 |
| 20GB | 7 days | $16.00 |
| Pay-as-you-go | N/A | $2.00 / GB |
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Fixed and pay-as-you-go plans
- Built-in Wi-Fi map
- Simple one-click install
Cons
- No live chat support
- Data-only
Best eSIM For Italy: My Verdict
Using an eSIM in Italy is a game-changer for modern travel. It provides instant, reliable internet from the moment you land, allowing you to focus on your trip, not on finding connectivity.
While esim4.com is my top pick, there are specific scenarios where other esim solutions might suit your needs better:
When to Choose Other Providers
- Budget Conscious: If you need absolute minimum spend, Instabridge ($2.00/GB) or Jetpac ($1.00/1GB) are the cheapest.
- Phone Number Needed: If you require a phone number for phone calls and SMS, aloSIM is the best option that includes this feature.
- Unlimited Data: For heavy streaming and unlimited browsing, Holafly offers specialized unlimited data plans.
However, for the vast majority of travelers planning a trip to Italy, we recommend esim4.com. It delivers the perfect balance of high-speed data on all top networks, a wide range of plans, and the unique, powerful ability to add calls and SMS via its app. You get the best functionality without compromising on speed, support, or value.
Get esim4.com For Italy →Benefits of Using an eSIM In Italy
Using an eSIM card for Italy for your trip offers numerous advantages over traditional physical SIM cards and international roaming. Here are the key benefits that make eSIM the smart choice for travelers heading to Italy:
Why Choose eSIM for Your Italy Trip?
- Instant Connectivity: You’re online the moment you land. No more searching for airport Wi-Fi or a SIM card vendor.
- Cost-Effective: Avoids expensive international roaming charges from your home carrier.
- Convenient: No need to swap tiny physical SIM cards.
- Secure: You don’t have to use unsecured public Wi-Fi networks for essential tasks.
- Keep Your Home Number: You can keep your primary SIM active to receive calls and texts from home.
- Reliable Connection: Stay connected in Italy with reliable esim options that ensure you don’t run out of data mid-trip.
- 24/7 Support: Most esim providers offer round-the-clock customer support team help if you experience any issues.
How To Make Calls With eSIM In Italy
Most travel esim options like esim4.com provide data-only plans, which means you’ll use internet-based calling apps like whatsapp to make phone calls while heading to Italy. However, there’s also a dedicated solution specifically designed for calling with your eSIM: Yabb.
Using Yabb for International Calls with Your eSIM
Yabb is owned by esim4.com and provides a seamless way to make international calls using your eSIM data connection. With Yabb, you can:
Yabb Calling Features
- Pay As You Go: Purchase calling minutes as you need them with flexible calling packages.
- Clear Call Quality: Enjoy crystal-clear quality connections for your calls.
- Call Anywhere: Make calls using your data to friends and family on any landline or mobile, no matter where you are in Italy.
- Multiple Countries: Call to 200+ countries worldwide to stay in touch with family.
- No Hidden Fees: Transparent pricing with no surprise charges or contracts.
- Download the App: Available on both iPhone App Store and Google Play.
Yabb integrates perfectly with your esim4.com data plan, allowing you to make calls using your data plan without relying solely on WhatsApp, FaceTime, or other apps. This is especially useful if you need to call local Italian numbers for bookings, reservations, or emergencies while travelling in Italy.
Learn More About Yabb Calling →How To Send Text Messages With eSIM
Sending text messages internationally is easy with eSIM, and if you’re using esim4.com, you have the option to use Yabb for SMS messaging as well. Most esim providers offer data-only plans, but Yabb provides a dedicated SMS service that works perfectly with your travel esim setup.
Yabb SMS Messaging Service
Yabb allows you to send and receive text messages to 200+ countries, making it ideal for staying in touch with family while you’re using data from your eSIM in Italy. Here’s what you need to know:
Yabb SMS Features
- Pay As You Go: Purchase different esim data packages as needed – from 100 SMS credits to 5000+ credits.
- Flexible Packages: Choose from various SMS credit options without committing to contracts.
- Global Coverage: Send text messages to friends and family across 200+ countries.
- Text Anywhere: Send and receive SMS messages from anywhere in Italy using your eSIM.
- No Hidden Fees: No hidden charges or surprise fees – what you buy is what you get.
- Receive Messages: Get text messages to your Yabb number included with your SMS credit package.
When you’re travelling in Italy with an esim4.com data plan, having Yabb SMS as a backup ensures you can always reach out to friends, family, or make important reservations via text message. This combination of esim data and SMS service gives you complete connectivity without relying solely on data-dependent messaging apps.
Learn More About Yabb SMS →Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which eSIM is best in Italy?
After our comprehensive testing, esim4.com is our top pick for the best eSIM in Italy. It offers the best balance of value, performance on all top Italian networks, and ease of use, including app-based calling and SMS.
What is the cheapest eSIM for Italy?
Jetpac offers the cheapest introductory plan for Italy, with a 1GB/4-day plan for just $1.00. Instabridge is also very cheap, with a pay-as-you-go rate of $2.00 per GB.
Can I get 5G on an Italian eSIM card?
Yes, 5G is widely available in Italy. Most of the top providers we reviewed, including esim4.com, Saily, and Airalo, support 5G connectivity on compatible networks.
Can I make calls with an eSIM card in Italy?
Most travel eSIMs are data-only. However, providers like esim4.com (via their app) and aloSIM (which provides a local number) offer solutions for calls and texts. If you choose a data-only eSIM, you can still make calls using apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime Audio, or Skype over your data connection.
When should I buy and activate my eSIM for Italy?
We recommend buying your eSIM a few days before your trip. You should install the eSIM profile while you are still at home with a stable internet connection. The plan will not activate until you arrive in Italy and it connects to a local network, so you won’t lose any validity days.
