eSIM UK
Best eSIM for UK: All eSIMs Ranked
Nov
Stop looking for SIM card kiosks at Heathrow or Gatwick. The modern standard for UK travel is the eSIM.
Finding Your Perfect eSIM for UK
Stop looking for physical SIM kiosks at Heathrow or Gatwick. The modern standard for traveling in the UK is the UK eSIM. Using an eSIM is simple: download a digital profile and stay connected the moment you land.
When finding the best eSIM plan, you’ll realize not all work the same. Some route traffic through Asia, causing lag, while others lose signal in the Scottish Highlands.
We tested providers across London, the Welsh coast, and remote countryside. One winner combines reliable eSIM connectivity with great value.
Our 2025 guide tested 9 providers to identify the best eSIMs for UK travel. One provider stands out for combining strong performance with competitive pricing.
Our Recommendation: eSIM4
For UK travel, we recommend eSIM4. This service delivers reliable connectivity on EE, transparent pricing, and features designed for international travelers.
Why eSIM4 Leads for UK
- Strong Network Partnership: Connects through EE, the UK’s leading carrier, giving you solid 4G and 5G coverage across cities and rural areas.
- Instant Setup: Get your eSIM QR code by email right after purchase. Install at home. Activate when you land.
- Clear Pricing: No surprise charges. Save significantly compared to roaming.
- Proven Track Record: Trusted by global travelers with 24/7 customer support.
- Data Sharing Allowed: Includes hotspot support to share data with other devices.
- Flexible Plans: Multiple options to match your trip length and data needs.
Quick Comparison: Best eSIM Providers for UK
Compare the top eSIM providers at a glance to narrow your choices.
| Rank | Provider | Rating | Network Partner |
Plans | Starting Price |
Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | eSIM4 | 4.9/5 | EE | 18 options | $2.98 | Overall |
| 2 | Saily | 4.7/5 | Multiple | 6 options | $4.27 | Security |
| 3 | Airalo | 4.7/5 | O2/Three | 6 options | $4.00 | Regional |
| 4 | Jetpac | 4.5/5 | Multiple | 8 options | $1.00 | Budget |
| 5 | aloSIM | 4.4/5 | Vodafone | 7 options | $5.00 | Easy Setup |
| 6 | Nomad | 4.6/5 | Multiple | 7 options | $4.50 | UX |
| 7 | GigSky | 4.4/5 | Unknown | 6 options | $5.99 | Cruises |
| 8 | Instabridge | 4.0/5 | Multiple | 5 options | $2.00 | Flexible |
| 9 | Holafly | 4.0/5 | Three | 6 options | $3.90 | Unlimited |
Choosing the Best eSIM for Your Trip
eSIM4 is our top pick, but every traveler has different needs. When choosing an eSIM, consider these factors to find the right eSIM solutions for your needs.
Key Factors to Evaluate
| Factor | Considerations | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | Confirm the eSIM works across the whole UK on a major UK network. | Check coverage in neighboring countries if you plan to visit Ireland or France. |
| Communication | Decide if you need a real phone number. Most eSIM companies offer data only. | Some providers like eSIM4 include native minutes and SMS. |
| Data Plans | If you need data, estimate your usage. Pick a fixed plan or a pay-as-you-go option. | Ensure you know how to top up your eSIM. |
| Price | Compare data coverage costs. Cheap options sometimes sacrifice speed. | Regional bundles save money if you travel beyond the UK. |
| Validity | Check how long the plan lasts. | Match the validity period to your trip length. |
| Hotspot | Verify if the provider allows tethering. | Share your connection with a laptop or travel partner. |
Top eSIM Services for UK
Detailed reviews of our recommended eSIM providers for the UK, starting with our featured choice.
eSIM4
Best Overall Package
eSIM4.com takes the top spot as the best eSIM for UK travel. It solves the biggest complaints travelers have: poor signal and no phone number. Most competitors offer data-only plans. Select eSIM4 plans include voice minutes and SMS. Book restaurants or text local hosts without WhatsApp.
eSIM4 Plans for UK
| Data | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1GB (No Voice) | 7 Days | $2.98 |
| 1GB (Yes Voice) | 7 Days | $2.98 |
| 2GB (No Voice) | 15 Days | $5.98 |
| 2GB (Yes Voice) | 15 Days | $6.98 |
| 3GB (No Voice) | 30 Days | $7.98 |
| 3GB (Yes Voice) | 30 Days | $7.98 |
| Unlimited (No Voice) | 3 Days | $10.98 |
| 5GB (No Voice) | 30 Days | $11.98 |
| 5GB (Yes Voice) | 30 Days | $11.98 |
| 10GB (No Voice) | 30 Days | $17.98 |
| Unlimited (No Voice) | 5 Days | $18.98 |
| 10GB (Yes Voice) | 30 Days | $23.98 |
| Unlimited (No Voice) | 7 Days | $27.98 |
| 20GB (No Voice) | 30 Days | $30.98 |
| Unlimited (No Voice) | 10 Days | $33.98 |
| 20GB (Yes Voice) | 30 Days | $44.98 |
| Unlimited (No Voice) | 15 Days | $47.98 |
| Unlimited (No Voice) | 30 Days | $70.98 |
Advantages:
Pros
- Primary Network: Uses EE (Best in UK).
- Communication: Includes real phone calls & SMS.
- Value: Entry price of $2.98.
- Support: 24/7 global support.
Limitations
- Unlimited plans cost more for 30-day durations ($70.98).
Saily
Best for Security
Saily remains a great alternative for privacy-conscious travelers. The team behind Nord Security backs it. Offers a polished app like Saily with built-in safety features.
Saily UK Plans
| Data | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1GB | 7 Days | $4.27 |
| 3GB | 30 Days | $8.54 |
| 5GB | 30 Days | $12.34 |
| 10GB | 30 Days | $18.99 |
| Unlimited | 15 Days | $46.54 |
Advantages:
Pros
- Includes ad blocker and virtual location.
- Provides extra web protection.
- Sleek app.
Limitations
- Data-only (No phone number).
- More expensive entry point than eSIM4.
Airalo
Best for Regional European Trips
If you have used Airalo before, you know they are a veteran provider. Choose this if your trip involves hopping from London to Paris and then Rome. Regional “Eurolink” plans work well for European countries.
Airalo UK Plans
| Data | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1GB | 7 Days | $4.50 |
| 3GB | 30 Days | $9.00 |
| 5GB | 30 Days | $13.00 |
| 10GB | 30 Days | $19.50 |
| 20GB | 30 Days | $32.00 |
Advantages:
Pros
- Experience with Airalo is generally positive for regional trips.
- Reliable LTE/5G speeds as a global eSIM.
Limitations
- Uses O2 and Three networks. Slower average speeds than EE.
- Global plans lack unlimited data tiers.
Jetpac
The Budget Data-Only Choice
Choose Jetpac for the cheapest data options. Great for a short layover. The $1.00 trial plan is hard to beat.
Jetpac UK Plans
| Data | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1GB | 4 Days | $1.00 |
| 3GB | 7 Days | $9.00 |
| 5GB | 30 Days | $12.00 |
| Unlimited | 3-30 Days | From $12.99 |
Advantages:
Pros
- Lowest possible entry price ($1).
- Free lounge access features on high-tier plans.
Limitations
- No voice/SMS support.
- Smaller coverage footprint.
aloSIM
Best for Instant Setup
aloSIM suits travelers who want to activate the eSIM and forget it. Offers a workaround for calling via a sister app called Hushed.
aloSIM UK Plans
| Data | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1GB | 7 Days | $5.00 |
| 2GB | 15 Days | $7.50 |
| 5GB | 30 Days | $15.00 |
| 10GB | 30 Days | $22.50 |
Advantages:
Pros
- UK & Ireland combo plans work well.
- Unlimited hotspotting (within data limits).
Limitations
- Voice support requires a second app.
- Aggressive throttling on unlimited plans.
Nomad
Best App Interface
Nomad eSIM offers a great app. Tracking data usage is easy. Focuses purely on data connectivity.
Nomad UK Plans
| Data | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1GB | 7 Days | $4.50 |
| 3GB | 30 Days | $9.00 |
| 10GB | 30 Days | $16.00 |
| Unlimited | 3-10 Days | $11.00 – $31.00 |
Advantages:
Pros
- Clean app design.
- Excellent 4G/5G switching.
Limitations
- Strictly data-only.
- Higher price per GB than eSIM4.
GigSky
Best for Cruises & Flights
GigSky stands out for niche travel. Offers plans for cruise ships and in-flight data.
GigSky UK Plans
| Data | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 500MB | 7 Days | Free |
| 1GB | 7 Days | $5.99 |
| 3GB | 15 Days | $9.34 |
| 5GB | 30 Days | $15.29 |
Advantages:
Pros
- Specialized plans for Cruises.
- Free trial data available.
Limitations
- App navigation feels clunky.
- Support relies on email.
Instabridge
Best Pay-As-You-Go
Instabridge appeals to flexible travelers looking for a regular SIM alternative. Offers a pay-as-you-go model.
Instabridge UK Plans
| Data | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1GB | 7 Days | $2.00 |
| 3GB | 15 Days | $4.50 |
| 10GB | 30 Days | $12.00 |
| Pay/Go | N/A | $2.00/GB |
Advantages:
Pros
- Flexible payment.
- Works on all 4 major networks.
Limitations
- Short validity windows.
- Support is slow.
Holafly
Best for Heavy Data Users
Holafly offers unlimited data for 30 days or more. Restricts hotspot usage significantly.
Holafly UK Plans
| Data | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unlimited | 1 Day | $3.90 |
| Unlimited | 7 Days | $27.30 |
| Unlimited | 15 Days | $50.90 |
| Unlimited | 30 Days | $74.90 |
Advantages:
Pros
- Unlimited data.
- Buy exact day counts.
Limitations
- Hotspot restricted to 500MB/day.
- No native phone number.
Our Final Recommendation
For the vast majority of travelers planning a trip to UK, we recommend eSIM4 as the best eSIM package.
This guide to the best eSIMs found that it delivers the perfect balance of high-speed data on the top-tier EE network and a wide range of plans to suit any itinerary. You get the best eSIM functionality without compromising on speed, support eSIM features, or value.
Get eSIM4 For UK →How To Make Calls With eSIM In UK
Most travel eSIM options like eSIM4 provide data-only plans, which means you’ll use internet-based calling apps like WhatsApp to make phone calls while heading to UK. However, there’s also a dedicated solution specifically designed for calling with your eSIM: Yabb.
Using Yabb for International Calls with Your eSIM
Yabb 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 UK.
- 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 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 numbers in UK for bookings, reservations, or emergencies.
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, 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 UK. Here’s what you need to know:
Yabb SMS Features
- Pay As You Go: Purchase different 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 UK 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 UK with an eSIM4 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 →Why eSIMs Work Better in UK
eSIM in the UK offers instant access to get online immediately. Convenience: Skip the store visits for an esim card. Keep Your Number: Use your home SIM for calls. Use the local eSIM for data. Safety: No physical card to lose. Cost: Avoid expensive data roaming fees from your home carrier.
Common Questions Answered
What is the cheapest eSIM for the UK?
Jetpac offers a trial for $1.00. eSIM4 offers a robust 1GB plan for $2.98. These are great plans in the UK for budget travelers.
Which eSIM is best for the UK?
eSIM4 is the best choice for UK in 2025. It uses the EE network. It offers native calls and texts. It provides excellent value.
Can I make calls?
Most used eSIMs are data-only. eSIM4 includes minutes and texts on specific plans. Airalo offers this on Uki Mobile+ plans.
Should I get an eSIM for your UK trip?
Yes. It saves money compared to roaming. It saves time compared to buying a local SIM. It is the most suitable eSIM option.
Can I use a hotspot?
Yes. Most providers allow this. eSIM4 allows unrestricted hotspot usage on data plans. Holafly restricts it to 500MB/day.
What about coverage across the UK?
Providers on the EE network like eSIM4 offer the best coverage across the UK, ensuring you stay connected in cities and rural areas.
