MoneySavingPro independently researches the products & services to bring you our recommendations. We may earn money when you click our links - disclosure policy.
The best eSIM carriers with the cheapest plans are offered by MVNOs like Mint Mobile, Tello, and Boost Mobile.
Mobile Virtual Network Operators are powered by the major wireless networks and their plans can save you up to $600 a year.
As a fairly new technology, not all phones use eSIM, but it can offer a number of benefits, including a super quick setup.
We've compared the best MVNOs and their plans below to help you find the perfect fit for your needs.
Best MVNO for eSIM on T-Mobile
These are the top 3 prepaid eSIM plans from low-cost carriers with T-Mobile coverage to consider.
Cheap T-Mobile eSIM plan
Tello 2GB eSIM
- T-Mobile coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
All of Tello's plans are available on eSIM. There are no hidden fees or lengthy contracts, with an option to customize your own plan to your needs. Check out our review about best value T-Mobile eSIM plans.
Pros
- T-Mobile 4G LTE and 5G coverage
- Free international calling to 60+ countries
- Wide range of plan options
- Free mobile hotspot included
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
Cons
- No international roaming
- No multi-line discounts
- Tello offers clear and affordable plans with the ability to customize to fit your needs. Pay only for what you use by selecting the amount of data, minutes, and texts you need.
- By choosing a fixed data plan, you can save you even more money.
- Plans include free international calls to over 60 countries, including Canada and Mexico.
- Powered by T-Mobile's network for reliable service without the high price tag.
- Quick and easy online activation process with just a few clicks.
Best T-Mobile eSIM for families
Mint Mobile 15GB eSIM
- T-Mobile coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Powered by the T-Mobile network, with a Mint Mobile eSIM plan, you can enjoy the same coverage at a fraction of the cost.
With a range of data allowances, including an unlimited plan that offers up to 40GB of high-speed data and unlimited talk and text with all eSIM plans. Check out our review about best family plans on T-Mobile.
Pros
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE network coverage
- Free calls to Mexico and Canada
- Wide range of plan options
- Free mobile hotspot with all plans
Cons
- International roaming is extra
- Limited customer service
- 3-month minimum sign-up
- Mint Mobile offers mobile hotspot access with all eSIM plans.
- The unlimited plan has a 10GB hotspot data limit and requires a minimum commitment of 3 months.
- They offer a 7-day money-back guarantee.
- After the initial three months, you can choose from committing to 3, 6, or 12 months.
- If your phone supports eSIM, you can bring your own device instead of buying an expensive iPhone.
- If you're looking for a new smartphone, there are plenty of options available, such as iPhones and Samsung devices. With a 0% finance option over 1-2 years.
- With the Mint Mobile app, you can easily track your usage and monitor all plans for multiple lines.
- International roaming is available but at an extra cost.
- Calls to Canada and Mexico are free, but calls to other international countries will have additional charges.
Best unlimited eSIM on T-Mobile
Tello unlimited data eSIM
- T-Mobile coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
All of Tello's plans are available on eSIM. There are no hidden fees or lengthy contracts, with an option to customize your own plan to your needs. Check out our review about best unlimited data plans on T-Mobile.
Pros
- T-Mobile 4G LTE and 5G coverage
- Free international calling to 60+ countries
- Wide range of plan options
- Free mobile hotspot included
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
Cons
- No international roaming
- No multi-line discounts
The table below demonstrates that choosing the Tello unlimited data plan would save you $600 per year compared to buying an unlimited data plan from T-Mobile directly.
| T-Mobile | T-Mobile coverage at a fraction of the cost | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
*$45 for 3 Months
|
|
| T-Mobile 4G & 5G | T-Mobile 4G & 5G | T-Mobile 4G & 5G | |
| Unlimited data *not unlimited | 2GB data | 15GB data | Unlimited data |
| $75/mo | $10/mo | $15/mo* | $25/mo |
| $900/yr | $120/yr | $225/yr | $300/yr |
| 1.4 on Trustpilot | 4.5 on Trustpilot | 3.3 on Trustpilot | 4.5 on Trustpilot |
| Annual savings | $780/yr | $675/yr | $600/yr |
Best MVNO for eSIM on Verizon
These are the top 3 prepaid eSIM plans from low-cost carriers with Verizon coverage to consider.
Cheap Verizon eSIM plan
Twigby Mobile 2GB eSIM
- Verizon coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Check out our review about best value Verizon eSIM plans.
Pros
Cons
Best Verizon eSIM for families
Red Pocket 10GB eSIM
- Verizon coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Red Pocket Mobile operates on the Verizon and AT&T wireless networks. By opting for any of their eSIM plans, you'll also receive free international calls to 80 countries, allowing you to maintain connections with your loved ones residing abroad. Check out our review about best family plans on Verizon.
Pros
- Verizon and AT&T 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage
- Free international calls to 80 countries
- Roaming available in Mexico and Canada
- Wide range of plan choices
- Mobile hotspot access on all plans
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
Cons
- Limited international roaming
- Red Pocket Mobile eSIM plans with no hidden costs.
- With features like unlimited talk and text, 5G & 4G LTE network coverage on major networks.
- Your phone can be used as a hotspot if no Wi-Fi connection is available.
- 7-day money-back guarantee with eSIM plans.
- International roaming is limited, but roaming is available in Mexico and Canada and free international calling anywhere in the world.
Best unlimited eSIM on Verizon
Visible unlimited data eSIM
- Verizon coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Check out our review about best unlimited data plans on Verizon.
Pros
Cons
The table below demonstrates that choosing the Visible unlimited data plan would save you $600 per year compared to buying an unlimited data plan from Verizon directly.
| Verizon | Verizon coverage at a fraction of the cost | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
*$5/mo for 1st 3 Mths
|
|
|
| Verizon 4G & 5G | Verizon, AT&T & T-Mobile 4G & 5G | Verizon 4G & 5G | |
| Unlimited data *not unlimited | 2GB data | 10GB data | Unlimited data |
| $75/mo | $5/mo* | $20/mo | $25/mo |
| $900/yr | $150/yr | $240/yr | $300/yr |
| 1.2 on Trustpilot | 4.6 on Trustpilot | 4.4 on Trustpilot | 1.5 on Trustpilot |
| Annual savings | $750/yr | $660/yr | $600/yr |
Best MVNO for eSIM on AT&T
These are the top 3 prepaid eSIM plans from low-cost carriers with AT&T coverage to consider.
Cheap AT&T eSIM plan
Red Pocket 1GB eSIM
- AT&T coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Red Pocket Mobile operates on the Verizon and AT&T wireless networks. By opting for any of their eSIM plans, you'll also receive free international calls to 80 countries, allowing you to maintain connections with your loved ones residing abroad. Check out our review about best value AT&T eSIM plans.
Pros
- Verizon and AT&T 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage
- Free international calls to 80 countries
- Roaming available in Mexico and Canada
- Wide range of plan choices
- Mobile hotspot access on all plans
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
Cons
- Limited international roaming
Best AT&T eSIM for families
Red Pocket 10GB eSIM
- AT&T coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Red Pocket Mobile operates on the Verizon and AT&T wireless networks. By opting for any of their eSIM plans, you'll also receive free international calls to 80 countries, allowing you to maintain connections with your loved ones residing abroad. Check out our review about best family plans on AT&T.
Pros
- Verizon and AT&T 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage
- Free international calls to 80 countries
- Roaming available in Mexico and Canada
- Wide range of plan choices
- Mobile hotspot access on all plans
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
Cons
- Limited international roaming
Best unlimited eSIM on AT&T
Red Pocket unlimited data eSIM
- AT&T coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Red Pocket Mobile operates on the Verizon and AT&T wireless networks. By opting for any of their eSIM plans, you'll also receive free international calls to 80 countries, allowing you to maintain connections with your loved ones residing abroad. Check out our review about best unlimited data plans on AT&T.
Pros
- Verizon and AT&T 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage
- Free international calls to 80 countries
- Roaming available in Mexico and Canada
- Wide range of plan choices
- Mobile hotspot access on all plans
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
Cons
- Limited international roaming
The table below demonstrates that choosing the Red Pocket unlimited data plan would save you $540 per year compared to buying an unlimited data plan from AT&T directly.
| AT&T | AT&T coverage at a fraction of the cost | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
| Verizon, AT&T & T-Mobile 4G & 5G | Verizon, AT&T & T-Mobile 4G & 5G | Verizon, AT&T & T-Mobile 4G & 5G | |
| Unlimited data *not unlimited | 1GB data | 10GB data | Unlimited data |
| $75/mo | $10/mo | $20/mo | $30/mo |
| $900/yr | $120/yr | $240/yr | $360/yr |
| 1.3 on Trustpilot | 4.4 on Trustpilot | 4.4 on Trustpilot | 4.4 on Trustpilot |
| Annual savings | $780/yr | $660/yr | $540/yr |
Best overall value eSIM MVNO
Tello unlimited data eSIM
- T-Mobile coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
All of Tello's plans are available on eSIM. There are no hidden fees or lengthy contracts, with an option to customize your own plan to your needs. Check out our review about best eSIM plans.
Pros
- T-Mobile 4G LTE and 5G coverage
- Free international calling to 60+ countries
- Wide range of plan options
- Free mobile hotspot included
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
Cons
- No international roaming
- No multi-line discounts
How to choose the best eSIM carrier
What network coverage do you prefer?
Low-cost eSIM carriers operate on the same 5G & 4G LTE networks as major carriers. T-Mobile scores the highest for 5G coverage, according to an Opensignal 5G Experience Report (2023). If there is a network that already works best for you, you can choose an MVNO that operates on that network. Use our coverage checker to find the best cell phone service in your area.
How much data do you need?
Do you really need an unlimited data plan? The big wireless companies want you to think so, but the average monthly cellular data consumption is around 10GB. So, if you spend most of your time at home or work on Wi-Fi, it's a fair bet your cellular data usage is much lower. You can choose a data plan tailored to your needs with cheap cell phone providers and stop paying for what you don't use. But if you do choose an unlimited data plan, be aware that high-speed data is normally capped.
Is hotspot data included?
Most carriers allow hotspot data usage but limit the amount of data that can be used via tethering. The limit depends on the carrier and plan you choose. Some carriers also offer data only plans for iPads, tablets, and mobile hotspots.
What's the monthly price?
While big wireless unlimited plans cost around $75-90 per month, the best MVNOs offer budget-friendly eSIM plans, ranging from $5-35 per month without sacrificing wireless coverage and data speeds. Watch out for hidden fees & taxes; big carriers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile are notorious for this.
How many lines do you need?
With big wireless, you only get the lowest advertised price if you buy four lines. With MVNOs, the price you see is the price you pay, even for one line. Many low-cost carriers now offer further discounts for multi-line plans.
Can I bring my own phone or buy a new device?
While the big three love keeping their customers locked into a constant phone upgrade cycle, MVNOs encourage you to bring your own phone. This means you take back control and only change your phone when it suits you. If you do want to purchase a new phone, many prepaid eSIM providers offer financing options and refurbished phone deals.
Are there any deals or promotions?
Big wireless promotions can seem good at a glance. But once you read the fine print, it often reveals unneeded perks and long contracts. Many MVNOs offer discounts for new customers and transparent pricing.
What perks are available with an eSIM?
Most MVNOs offer a range of perks and add-ons that can enhance your wireless experience. These can include things like international calling plans, data rollover, and even unlimited streaming on certain apps. Big wireless carriers may offer similar perks, but they often come at an additional cost. Also, be wary of "free" subscriptions to streaming services. We suggest keeping these services separate to avoid price hikes.
How good is the customer service?
Most eSIM carriers have excellent ratings when it comes to customer support. With smaller customer bases, they are often able to provide more individualized and hands-on support compared to the big carriers. Many MVNOs have dedicated customer service teams that are readily available to assist you with any questions or concerns.
What international features are available?
Most eSIM carriers offer free international calls to many countries. If this is high on your priority list, make sure to choose a carrier that includes this feature. If this is important to you, make sure to choose a provider that includes this. For international travel, checking the carrier's mobile data roaming availability is vital to avoid unexpected costs or inconveniences while you're abroad.
Do they have parental controls?
Many MVNO carriers offer parental control features that enable parents to monitor their children's phone usage and data consumption. With parental controls, you can set data limits, restrict access to certain apps or websites, and even track your child's location. Some AT&T MVNOs offer these features as part of their standard plans, or you'll find this feature on your cell phone.
Check out our comparison of the best prepaid eSIM plans to ensure you find the best deal.
Find the best eSIM plans in your area
Compare the cheapest MVNO eSIM plans
| Carrier | Data | Monthly Price | Annual Price | Savings | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tello | 2GB | $10/mo | $120/yr | $780/yr | See at Tello |
| Mint Mobile | 15GB | $15/mo* |
$225/yr | $675/yr | See at Mint Mobile
*$45 for 3 Months
|
| Tello | Unlimited | $25/mo | $300/yr | $600/yr | See at Tello |
| Carrier | Data | Monthly Price | Annual Price | Savings | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Twigby Mobile | 2GB | $5/mo* |
$150/yr | $750/yr | See at Twigby Mobile
*$5/mo for 1st 3 Mths
|
| Red Pocket | 10GB | $20/mo | $240/yr | $660/yr | See at Red Pocket |
| Visible | Unlimited | $25/mo | $300/yr | $600/yr | See at Visible |
| Carrier | Data | Monthly Price | Annual Price | Savings | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red Pocket | 1GB | $10/mo | $120/yr | $780/yr | See at Red Pocket |
| Red Pocket | 10GB | $20/mo | $240/yr | $660/yr | See at Red Pocket |
| Red Pocket | Unlimited | $30/mo | $360/yr | $540/yr | See at Red Pocket |
Which iPhones are eSIM compatible?
- Apple iPhone X
- Apple iPhone XS
- Apple iPhone XR
- Apple iPhone 11
- Apple iPhone 12
- Apple iPhone 13
- Apple iPhone 14
Which Samsung phones are eSIM compatible?
- Samsung Galaxy S21
- Samsung Galaxy S22
- Samsung Galaxy S23
- Samsung Galaxy Note 20
eSIM MVNOs FAQs
Low-cost MVNOs such as Mint Mobile, Boost Mobile, Tello, and US Mobile are eSIM compatible.
Prepaid eSIM MVNOs such as Mint Mobile, Boost Mobile, Tello, and US Mobile offer the best value for money with monthly plans ranging from $5-35/mo.
Recap: What is the best eSIM MVNO?
Boost Mobile eSIM plans currently offer the best value for money.
The great news is when you choose a plan with your eSIM carrier, you won't have to wait for a SIM card to be delivered, you'll be activated almost immediately using a QR code.
eSIM technology is new, but a variety of eSIM providers are available to help you save money on your cell phone plan.
Also, if your phone supports dual SIM, you can simultaneously have an eSIM and a regular SIM card, which is ideal for traveling.
Prepaid eSIM Plan guides
- The Cheapest eSIM Plans
- The Cheapest eSIM iPhone Plans
- The Cheapest eSIM Providers
- Best Apple eSIM Carriers
- Best MVNO for eSIM
- Best eSIM Plans on AT&T
- Best eSIM Plans on Verizon
- Best eSIM Plans on T-Mobile
- Best eSIM Plans for iPhone
How we choose the best eSIM carriers and plans
To select the best eSIM carriers and plans, MoneySavingPro's team of experts evaluated over 30 different carriers.
Carriers were rated in five categories, with a star rating from 1-5, with 5 stars being the best. We then calculate the overall star rating using the five categories:
- Value for money: We compare carriers based on price, features, benefits, and promotions. It's not just about the lowest price but getting the most bang for your buck.
- Coverage: We look at network 5G and 4G LTE coverage across the US. We use coverage maps to determine service availability and data speeds in urban, suburban, and rural locations.
- Customer experience: We take into account items such as current user experience, website and app usability, ease of switching, and customer service in terms of availability, channels, and satisfaction ratings.
- Transparency: We assess whether carrier pricing is clear and straightforward. We examine the fine print to check for hidden fees, confusing terms or conditions, and misleading offers to ensure upfront, honest prices and advertising.
- Range of choice: We evaluate the diversity of plan options to determine if they fit the individual needs of all customers.
Read more about our carrier ratings methodology and our editorial process.
We keep our comparisons fresh by checking our eSIM plans weekly and giving our content a makeover every 3 months. This way, we ensure you're getting the most current and precise information.
Related Content
Phone plans guides
