The best MVNO for eSIM in 2025: Fast activation with lower bills

If you're ready to switch to a low-cost carrier, but don't want to wait for a physical SIM card to arrive, eSIM plans are your best option. With instant activation, you can switch to a cheaper plan in minutes. All without leaving your house.

The best part? You get the same coverage as the big 3, but at half the price. Whether you're after a cheap plan for light use or unlimited data without the premium cost, there's an eSIM-compatible low-cost carrier that fits your needs.

Best eSIM carriers by network

Operating on the same networks, low-cost carriers provide the same coverage you already know and trust, just at a lower price with instant eSIM activation.

Tello offers the best eSIM plan for low data users

Tello 2GB eSIM plan for $10/mo

• T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE network
• Unlimited talk and text with 2GB data
• Instant online activation

5

Read our Tello review

See at Tello

Tello makes it easy to ditch overpriced phone plans without sacrificing coverage or features.

With free international calling to 60+ countries, including Canada and Mexico, and a variety of data plans from small to unlimited, there's an option for every type of user.

One of Tello's biggest strengths is customization. You build your own plan, by choosing how much data, talk, and text you need. This means you're never stuck paying for services you won't use. Get mobile hotspot on every plan, with unlimited options capped at 5GB, but there are no multi-line discounts. However, even without them, Tello's pricing remains among the most affordable.

Getting started is quick and easy. With eSIM activation it means you can switch in minutes, or you can opt for a physical SIM card if needed.

When reviewing competitors, Ultra Mobile stood out for international calls but was pricier. Metro by T-Mobile, despite being a T-Mobile brand, has higher costs and requires in-store sign-ups. Boost Mobile had decent rates but lost points due to hidden fees and inconsistent customer support.

For those who want budget-friendly, commitment-free service with full control over their plan, Tello is the best choice.

• Fully customizable plans – Pay only for what you need.
• No contracts, no hidden costs – Affordable pricing with full transparency.
• Instant activation – Get started in minutes with eSIM or choose to have a SIM card mailed to you.

Visible offers the best value unlimited eSIM plan

Visible unlimited eSIM plan for $25/mo

• Verizon 5G & 4G LTE network
• Unlimited talk, text and data
• Instant online activation

3.4

Read our Visible review

See at Visible

Visible gives you unlimited data on Verizon's network at a fraction of the cost, with no contracts, no hidden fees, and no unexpected charges.

For $25/month, you get unlimited talk, text, and data, plus mobile hotspot access at speeds of 5–10 Mbps. If you need faster speeds and premium data, the Visible+ plan delivers 50GB of priority data and access to Verizon's 5G Ultra Wideband network.

One major perk? The Visible+ plan includes free international calling to 30+ countries and texting to over 200 destinations. You can also activate instantly with eSIM, meaning no waiting around for a SIM card.

While Visible doesn't offer multi-line discounts, the low monthly price makes it one of the best deals for single-line users. However, customer support is only available online.

I compared Visible to Tracfone, Xfinity Mobile, and Spectrum Mobile. Tracfone is a cheaper alternative, but it limits data speeds. Xfinity Mobile and Spectrum Mobile have good rates, but you need their internet service to qualify.

For unlimited data at a budget-friendly price, Visible is the best choice.

• Unlimited data, simple pricing – No contracts, no hidden fees, no surprises.
• Extra perks included – Every plan has mobile hotspot access, and Visible+ includes free international calling & texting.
• Seamless activation – Get started instantly with eSIM, or request a SIM card.

Total Wireless offers the best eSIM plan with Verizon coverage

Total Wireless unlimited eSIM plan for $50/mo

• Verizon 5G & 4G LTE network
• Unlimited talk, text and data
• Instant online activation

4

Read our Total Wireless review

See at Total Wireless

Total Wireless offers affordable prepaid plans that provide Verizon's coverage without the hefty price tag.

Every plan includes unlimited talk and text, along with high-speed data options and mobile hotspot access.

Need to stay connected abroad? Total Wireless includes free international calling to 85+ destinations and roaming in Canada and Mexico on select plans.

With no long-term commitments or surprise fees, you can manage your plan online and switch at any time.

I also explored other low-cost Verizon carriers. Tracfone offers cheaper pay-as-you-go plans but limits high-speed data. Xfinity Mobile and Spectrum Mobile have competitive pricing, but require home internet service.

For affordable coverage, great features, and contract-free flexibility, Total Wireless is an excellent option.

• Big savings on Verizon's network – Stay connected for less with budget-friendly plans.
• Extra perks included – Hotspot data up to 15GB on certain plans, plus international calling & roaming.
• No contracts, no stress – Easily adjust or switch plans online whenever needed.

Tello offers the best eSIM plan with T-Mobile coverage

Tello unlimited eSIM plan for $25/mo

• T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE network
• Unlimited talk, text and data
• Instant online activation

5

Read our Tello review

See at Tello

Tello makes switching to a low-cost, no-contract phone plan easy, keeping things simple while offering great value.

Every plan includes free international calls to 60+ countries, including Canada and Mexico, and a range of data options for light to heavy users.

Instead of overpaying for features you don't use, Tello lets you customize your own plan, ensuring you get the exact amount of talk, text, and data that fits your needs. Mobile hotspot is available on all plans, with a 5GB cap for unlimited data users, though there are no discounts for multiple lines. However, with pricing this low, family plan savings aren't needed.

Getting started is simple-eSIM activation means you can switch instantly, or you can request a SIM card if you prefer.

I tested Ultra Mobile, Metro by T-Mobile, and Boost Mobile. Ultra Mobile is excellent for international calling but is more expensive for the same data. Metro by T-Mobile requires in-store sign-ups and costs more overall. Boost Mobile has a small range of plans and inconsistent customer service.

For transparent pricing, easy activation, and a plan that fits your budget, Tello is the way to go.

• No overpaying for extras – Build your own plan with just the talk, text, and data you need. No unnecessary add-ons.
• Zero contracts or surprise fees – No activation charges, no price increases, and no commitment.
• Instant activation – Use eSIM for immediate setup, or get a physical SIM card shipped directly to you.

Red Pocket offers the best eSIM plan with AT&T coverage

Red Pocket unlimited eSIM plan for $30/mo

• AT&T 5G & 4G LTE network
• Unlimited talk, text and data
• Instant online activation

4

Read our Red Pocket review

See at Red Pocket

For families seeking affordable unlimited data on AT&T's network, Red Pocket Mobile stands out with its $20 discount per additional line.

Though a setup fee applies, switching to a multi-line plan could save you hundreds of dollars a year compared to other providers.

With unlimited talk and text, no hidden fees, and up to 30GB of high-speed data, Red Pocket ensures affordable, reliable service with hotspot access included.

International perks come standard, with free calling to 80+ countries and roaming in Mexico and Canada. If you opt for an eSIM, you can try the service risk-free with a 7-day money-back guarantee.

Among AT&T-based low-cost carriers, Cricket Wireless costs more despite being AT&T's prepaid brand, H2O Wireless is good for international calling but lacks overall value, and Good2Go Mobile has affordable pricing but fewer plan options.

For budget-conscious families who need flexibility, affordability, and global perks, Red Pocket Mobile is a top choice.

• Family-friendly pricing – Save $20 per extra line, making multi-line plans more affordable.
• International benefits included – Free calls to 80+ countries and free roaming in Mexico & Canada.
• Risk-free sign-up – No hidden fees, plus a 7-day eSIM refund policy.

Why choose prepaid eSIM plans with low-cost carriers

Switching gets easy with eSIM plans and with low-cost carriers it's quick and painless as you can:

• Activate instantly - no waiting for a SIM card
• Switch carriers in minutes if you find a better deal
• Keep your phone and number
• No contracts, credit checks, or surprise fees

With eSIM, you can even test drive a new low-cost carrier while keeping your old one active, giving you extra peace of mind.

Common misconceptions about eSIM plans from low-cost carriers

There's still confusion about how eSIM works so I wanted to clear up some of the biggest misconceptions:

1: Myth: eSIM plans have worse coverage

Truth: eSIM plans from low-cost carriers use the same networks as physical SIM plans - so coverage is identical.

2: Myth: Switching eSIM carriers is complicated

Truth: Switching eSIM carriers is usually faster than physical SIM swaps - no shipping delays, just instant activation.

3: Myth: eSIM is only useful for international travel

Truth: eSIM is great for travel, but it's even more useful for fast switching between US carriers.

4: Myth: Prepaid carriers don't offer eSIM

Truth: More and more low-cost carriers now offer full eSIM support, including all the carriers recommended here.

5: Myth: You need a new phone to use eSIM

Truth: Most modern phones already support eSIM, including:

• iPhones from the XS and newer
• Google Pixel 4 and newer
• Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer

Compare MVNO eSIM plans

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

Final thoughts: Instant activation and instant savings

If you want to switch to a low-cost carrier without the hassle, eSIM plans from low-cost carriers give you the same coverage for half the price - with instant activation, no contracts, and no hidden fees.

Why you can trust me

I've spent over 15 years helping people save money on phone bills in both the UK and US, and for the last 8 years, I've been running MoneySavingPro - helping over 50,000 people switch to cheaper, smarter phone plans.

I've personally reviewed over 100 prepaid plans and tested dozens of eSIM-compatible low-cost carriers - including Tello, Mint Mobile, Visible, and Twigby - to compare pricing, coverage, customer service, and ease of activation.

If there's a way to help you switch faster and save money, you'll hear about it here first.

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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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.