The best eSIM plans in 2025: Instant activation, no contracts, and lower bills

If you're ready to ditch the hassle of physical SIM cards, eSIM plans offer instant activation, faster switching, and a completely digital experience. All without sacrificing coverage or features.

The best part? Low-cost carriers now offer eSIM plans on the same networks as the big 3, so you get the same coverage for half the price, without contracts, hidden fees, or credit checks.

Whether you want a cheap plan for light use or unlimited data without the premium cost, there's an eSIM plan that fits your needs.

Best eSIM plans by network

Low-cost carriers lease access to the same networks - T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T - so you get the 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

Looking for an easy way to cut your phone bill without losing reliable service? Tello offers one of the best low-cost options on T-Mobile's network.

You get unlimited talk and text, plus free international calls to 60+ countries (including Canada and Mexico). Tello's flexible approach allows you to build your own plan, selecting just the right amount of data, talk, and text to match your needs.

Get mobile hotspot use with every plan, but the unlimited plan is capped at 5GB. There are no discounts for multiple lines, but at these prices, bundling isn't necessary.

Getting started is seamless with eSIM. The activation takes just a few taps. Or you can order a physical SIM if preferred.

I also looked into other options. Ultra Mobile is a great choice for international calls but costs more for similar data. Metro by T-Mobile requires in-store activation and is more expensive. Boost Mobile has attractive pricing, but hidden fees and inconsistent service take away its appeal.

For an affordable, flexible, and commitment-free phone plan, Tello remains the top pick.

• Custom plans – Only pay for what you need, with no forced extras.
• Simple, transparent pricing – No contracts, no hidden fees.
• Easy setup – eSIM activation in minutes or a shipped SIM card.

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

Tired of complicated wireless plans? Visible keeps it simple with just two unlimited options, both with no contracts, no extra fees, and no hassle.

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

International perks make Visible+ even better. It includes free international calling to 30+ countries and texting to over 200 destinations. Plus, eSIM activation lets you start service in just minutes.

Although multi-line discounts aren't available, Visible's low individual pricing ensures great value for single users. Just keep in mind that customer support is online-only.

Compared to Tracfone, Xfinity Mobile, and Spectrum Mobile, Visible stands out. Tracfone is cheaper but restricts data speeds. Xfinity Mobile and Spectrum Mobile have good pricing, but you must be an internet customer to sign up.

For no-fuss unlimited service with clear pricing, Visible is the best pick.

• Unlimited plans, no surprises – Simple, all-in pricing with no hidden fees.
• Built-in extras – Mobile hotspot included, plus free international calling & texting with Visible+.
• Instant activation – eSIM lets you switch in minutes, or order 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 keeps wireless service simple and affordable, offering no-contract plans with Verizon's coverage.

With unlimited talk and text, generous high-speed data allowances, and hotspot access up to 15GB, you get everything you need at a lower cost.

International features are built in with select plans include free calling to 85+ destinations and roaming in Canada and Mexico.

You can manage your plan easily online, with no activation fees, no contracts, and no hassle.

I compared other budget-friendly carriers on Verizon's network. Tracfone's pay-as-you-go plans limit high-speed data. Xfinity Mobile and Spectrum Mobile provide solid deals, but require home internet service.

For a cost-effective plan with Verizon's coverage and useful extras, Total Wireless is a smart choice.

• Verizon's coverage, lower price – Reliable service without the premium cost.
• Great extras included – Hotspot access up to 15GB on certain plans, plus free international calling & roaming.
• No long-term commitments – Manage your plan online with total flexibility.

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 is all about giving you affordable wireless service without the headaches of big carrier contracts.

Every plan includes free international calling to 60+ countries, including Canada and Mexico, along with flexible data options tailored to your needs.

With Tello, you build your own plan-picking just the right amount of data, talk, and text. That means no paying for features you don't use. Every plan includes mobile hotspot access, with a 5GB limit on unlimited plans, and while multi-line discounts aren't available, individual pricing is so competitive that bundling isn't necessary.

Switching is fast and hassle-free-if your phone supports eSIM, you can activate your plan in just a few taps. If not, Tello will send you a physical SIM card for easy installation.

I looked at other options, including Metro by T-Mobile, Ultra Mobile, and Boost Mobile. Metro by T-Mobile requires in-store activation and charges more for similar plans. Ultra Mobile offers good international calling perks but costs more. Boost Mobile has attractive pricing but taxes and fees can vary and customer support is inconsistent.

For low-cost, no-commitment service with full flexibility, Tello is a standout choice.

• Personalized plans – Create a plan with just the right amount of talk, text, and data-no wasted money on extras.
• No hidden fees, no contracts – Pay month to month with transparent pricing and no surprise charges.
• Seamless activation – eSIM allows for instant setup, or you can get a SIM card shipped and activate at your convenience.

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

If you're looking for an unlimited plan for the whole family, Red Pocket Mobile offers major savings on AT&T's network.

You'll get a $20 discount per extra line, helping families cut costs while still enjoying premium network coverage. Although there's a small setup fee, the overall savings make it worth the switch.

Plans come with unlimited talk and text, no hidden fees, and up to 30GB of high-speed data, plus hotspot access for added flexibility.

For international users, Red Pocket Mobile includes free calls to 80+ countries and free roaming in Mexico and Canada, all at no extra cost. eSIM users also get a 7-day money-back guarantee, allowing them to try the service risk-free.

I reviewed other AT&T-powered budget carriers, including Cricket Wireless, which costs more despite being AT&T's own prepaid brand, H2O Wireless, which has international perks but isn't as competitively priced, and Good2Go Mobile, which offers lower prices but limited plan choices.

For an affordable unlimited plan with premium features and great family savings, Red Pocket Mobile is a top choice.

• Multi-line savings – Save $20 per extra line and lower your family's phone bill.
• Built-in global perks – Free calls to 80+ countries and free roaming in Mexico & Canada.
• No contracts, no surprises – Clear pricing with a 7-day eSIM refund policy.

Why eSIM plans from low-cost carriers make sense

Getting a physical SIM can make switching carriers feel like a chore. With eSIMs, it's easy to switch and you can:

• Activate your new plan in minutes - no waiting for a SIM card to arrive
• Switch between carriers instantly if you find a better deal
• Keep your phone and number without visiting a store
• Avoid contracts, credit checks, and unnecessary fees

With eSIM, switching carriers is faster and easier than ever and low-cost carriers make it even more affordable.

Common misconceptions about eSIM plans

eSIM technology makes switching easier, but big wireless marketing can still leaves people confused with low-cost carriers. Here's the truth:

1: Myth: eSIM plans with low-cost carriers have worse coverage

Truth: Low-cost carriers use the same networks and towers so whether you choose and eSIM or physical SIM plans - coverage is identical.

2: Myth: Prepaid carriers don't offer eSIM

Truth: Many low-cost carriers now offer instant eSIM activation, including all the recommended options in this guide.

3: Myth: Switching carriers is difficult with an eSIM plan

Truth: Switching to an eSIM plan usually takes less than 10 minutes - no shipping delays, no store visits.

4: Myth: eSIM is only useful for international travel

Truth: While eSIM is great for travel, it's also perfect for everyday switching and flexibility in the US.

5: Myth: You need to buy a new phone for eSIM

Truth: Most modern phones already support eSIM, including:

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

Compare the cheapest eSIM plans

How does an eSIM work?

It allows you to activate a cellular plan from your carrier without the need for a physical SIM card. With an eSIM, you can install multiple eSIMs on a single device and even use two phone numbers at the same time.

This can be particularly useful for separating business and personal calls. You could also add a local plan to save on international roaming charges when traveling outside the country.

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 plans FAQs

Final thoughts: Faster switching and lower bills

If you want to ditch physical SIM cards and switch to a more flexible and affordable plan, eSIM plans from low-cost carriers give you the same coverage for half the price - with no contracts, no hidden fees, and instant activation.

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 phone plans and tested dozens of eSIM-compatible low-cost carriers - including Tello, Red Pocket, 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.