Best eSim Card for Europe

For the modern traveler, the eSIM card has emerged as a convenient choice, offering a flexible and hassle-free alternative to the traditional physical SIM card.

An eSIM solution does require an eSIM-compatible smartphone. Still, those who have them can easily switch between networks when they travel.

When it comes to data connectivity, the world is your oyster. While pocket WiFi still has its merits, eSIM cards also offers a diverse array of options for staying connected in Europe.

Summary

+

-

• Airalo
• Holafly
• Nomad
• Gigsky
• AloSIM
• Bouygues Telecom
• Orange
• How to Choose Your eSIM Card

Airalo

Airalo is the first global eSIM store. It provides data plans for over 200 countries and region-wide solutions like their eSIM cards for Europe.

The Europe-wide option is known as Eurolink. Many of their packages have fun country-specific names, which arguably isn’t very helpful to consumers.

• Coverage: 41 European countries
• Pricing:
  • 1GB (7 days) – €5.00 ($5.50)
  • 3GB (30 days) – €12.00 ($13.20)
  • 5GB (30 days) – €18.50 ($20.35)
  • 10GB (30 days) – €34.50 ($37.95)
  • 50GB (90 days) – €92.50 ($101.85)
  • 100GB (180 days) – €171.00 ($188.10)
• With a straightforward app-based installation, lightning-fast 4G/5G speeds, and round-the-clock customer support, Airalo ensures your eSIM experience is as seamless as possible.
• Price Per GB: As low as $1.85/GB for the 100GB plan (180 days)
• Average Price Per GB: ~$3.50/GB

Best for: Visitors to Europe who need many different data options on a moderate or low budget.

Holafly

Holafly is an eSIM provider that focuses on unlimited data eSIMs. This is obviously of interest to those likely to use large amounts of data or don’t want to worry about data limits.

Unlike many other providers, Holafly doesn’t have any limited data options.

• Coverage: 32 countries across Europe
• Pricing:
  • 1 day – $5.90
  • 3 days – $19.00
  • 5 days – $27.00
  • 7 days – $34.00
  • 10 days – $47.00
  • 15 days – $54.00
  • 20 days – $64.00
• Key Features: Unlimited data, 24/7 customer support, data sharing capabilities
• Price Per GB: Unlimited plans; price comparison based on duration
• Average Price Per Day: ~$3.20/day for a 20-day plan

Best For: Heavy data users who prefer unlimited data or want to avoid constantly thinking about how much data they use.

Nomad

Nomad offers a range of prepaid, budget-friendly eSIM plans suitable for shorter trips and tight budgets.

Nomad’s options offer high-speed data connections across Europe’s most popular destinations and a straightforward installation process where you can use a QR code (a common practice with eSIM cards).

The no-hidden-fee policy also makes it a popular option for travelers looking for transparency and simplicity.

• Coverage: Europe-wide
• Pricing:
  • 1GB (7 days) – $5.00
  • 3GB (30 days) – $12.00
  • 5GB (30 days) – $14.00
  • 10GB (30 days) – $14.00 (special promotion)
  • 20GB (30 days) – $22.00
• Key Features: Prepaid options, 4G/5G speeds, no hidden fees
• Price Per GB: As low as $1.10/GB for the 10GB plan
• Average Price Per GB: ~$2.20/GB

Best For: Any travelers on a tight budget looking for a data connection.

Gigsky

Gigsky is another eSIM provider that offers limited and unlimited data plans and coverage in many European countries.

The eSIMs can also be installed via a QR code and offer 4G/5G connections across Europe. The company is popular for its consistent data connection speeds, which are similar to the same kinds of speeds offered by pocket WiFi.

• Coverage: 40+ European countries
• Pricing:
  • 100MB (7 days) – Free
  • 1GB (7 days) – $5.99
  • 3GB (15 days) – $12.99
  • 5GB (30 days) – $19.99
  • 10GB (30 days) – $36.99
  • 50GB (90 days) – $99.99
  • Unlimited (7 days) – $26.99
  • Unlimited (15 days) – $48.99
• Key Features: No top-ups needed, unlimited plans, and 24/7 support
• Price Per GB: $2.00/GB for the 50GB plan
• Average Price Per GB: ~$2.40/GB

Best For: Travelers looking for larger or unlimited data allowances on longer trips.

AloSIM

AloSIM is another budget option for eSIM cards in large parts of Europe. Because they don’t offer as much data, the average cost is actually more expensive, while the overall cost for limited data will be lower.

AloSIM’s app offers users a way to manage their data usage. The setup process is quick and easy, much like the simple setup process for pocket WiFi.

A free international phone number is provided if they need to make local calls.

• Coverage: 35 European countries
• Pricing:
  • 1GB (7 days) – $5.00
  • Country-specific plans starting at $4.50
• Key Features: Prepaid plans, international phone number, 4G/5G connectivity
• Price Per GB: $5.00/GB
• Average Price Per GB: $4.75/GB

Best For: Travelers looking for simple, low-cost eSIM options with reliable coverage.

Bouygues Telecom

Bouygues Telecom offers its 30GB eSIM plan for travelers across Europe with many perks, including their tourist guide and free international calling credit.

This makes it an excellent option for those more interested in good customer service rather than simply a lot of data.

• Coverage: 52 European countries and regions
• Pricing:
• 30GB (30 days) – €39.90 ($43.90)
• Key Features: 30GB data, unlimited calls within Europe, tourist guide, souvenir key ring
• Price Per GB: $1.46/GB
• Average Price Per GB: $1.46/GB

Best For: Tourists looking for ample data and added benefits during their travels.

Orange

Orange, the global mobile network provider, offers its Holiday Europe eSIM range with many different pricing options for different periods and data limits.

Orange’s eSIM packages also include voice minutes and SMS, making them a good solution for travelers who will be using their phones for more than just data.

• Coverage: 30+ European countries
• Pricing:
  • 100GB (28 days) – €39.99 ($43.99)
  • 30GB (14 days) – €39.99 ($43.99)
  • 12GB (14 days) – €19.99 ($21.99)
  • 1GB (7 days) – €4.99 ($5.50)
• Key Features: 4G/5G coverage, international minutes, large data allowances
• Price Per GB: As low as $0.44/GB for the 100GB plan
• Average Price Per GB: ~$1.10/GB

Best For: High-data users who need significant data volumes across multiple European countries.

While there are different benefits for each of the eSIM providers, here’s a quick summary of each and our overall winner:

• Airalo is a good choice for those seeking coverage and heavy data use.
• HolaFly wins when it comes to unlimited data, though it tends to be more expensive.
• Nomad offers the best prices per GB and is good for tight budgets.
• GigSky is the choice for longer trips with consistent network quality.
• AloSIM is an affordable basic option.
• Bouygues Telecom comes with a lot of customer-friendly perks.
• Orange wins out for data allowances and price per GB without offering unlimited data.

Of course, if you’d like to compare them, here’s some essential information for each provider in a handy table.

Provider	Coverage	Pricing	Key Features	Price Per GB	Average Price Per GB
Airalo	41 European countries	€5.00 (1GB, 7 days) to €171.00 (100GB, 180 days)	Simple app-based installation, 4G/5G speeds, 24/7 support	As low as $1.85/GB for 100GB	~$3.50/GB
Holafly	32 European countries	$5.90 (1 day) to $64.00 (20 days)	Unlimited data, data sharing, 24/7 support	Unlimited (price per day)	~$3.20/day for 20-day plan
Nomad	Europe-wide	$5.00 (1GB, 7 days) to $22.00 (20GB, 30 days)	Prepaid, 4G/5G speeds, no hidden fees	As low as $1.10/GB for 10GB	~$2.20/GB
Gigsky	40+ European countries	$5.99 (1GB, 7 days) to $99.99 (50GB, 90 days)	No top-ups, unlimited plans, 24/7 support	$2.00/GB for 50GB plan	~$2.40/GB
AloSIM	35 European countries	$5.00 (1GB, 7 days); country-specific plans from $4.50	Prepaid plans, free international phone number	$5.00/GB for 1GB	~$4.75/GB
Bouygues Telecom	52 European countries	€39.90 ($43.90) for 30GB (30 days)	30GB data, unlimited calls, tourist guide, keyring	$1.46/GB for 30GB plan	$1.46/GB
Orange	30+ European countries	€4.99 (1GB, 7 days) to €39.99 ($43.99) (100GB, 28 days)	4G/5G coverage, voice minutes, large data allowances	As low as $0.44/GB for 100GB	~$1.10/GB

How to Choose Your eSIM Card

For any eSIM card solution in Europe, you must consider several factors to get the best. Here are some things you should be thinking about:

• Device Compatibility: If your smartphone isn’t eSIM-compatible, you won’t be able to use any of the solutions we’ve mentioned. Typically, eSIM compatibility is a newer technology, but most high-end models, including iPhones and Samsung Galaxy smartphones, have it. Just check first.
• Data Quantity: Think carefully about how much data you use, especially if you’re on a budget. Even if you’re not, a budget-conscious traveler won’t want to pay for data they won’t ultimately use and may even consider the cost of pocket WiFi to be more appealing.
• Plan Duration: Most eSIM plans get cheaper the longer you have them. Short-term plans are usually the most costly per day. Just make sure you’re covered for your entire trip, as you won’t want your eSIM plan to end before you’re heading home.
• Country Coverage: We’ve been looking at Europe-wide packages here, but you need to also check the coverage across each country. Most eSIM providers use specific national network providers, which also come with varying coverage and services. If your connection quality is hugely important, check the performance of each network you’ll be using before your trip.
• Hotspot Capability: If you want to connect multiple devices to the Internet, make sure that your eSIM supports hotspot functionality. Otherwise, you’ll only be able to connect to the Internet from the device that has the eSIM installed.