Instead of relying on physical SIM kiosks and airport Wi-Fi, travelers often switch to tourist apps to set up their connectivity in advance, before their arrival. While the basics for such applications are similar, these digital services still vary in terms of traffic routing management, network switching, and pay model. Choosing the right one is not solely about the lowest price, but also about your specific needs.
We reviewed and tested multiple tools and services and defined that the best eSIM travel apps are Ohayu (190+ countries, multi-network stability), Nomad (1 GB to 100 GB flexible packages), and Global YO (rewards based on app use). are the best eSIM travel apps in 2026.
2026’s top eSIMs – our choice:
We tested 20 providers in late 2025 in Asia, Europe, Africa, and the USA. Here are our favorites:
- Best overall: Ohayu
- Best global presence: Airalo
- Best by long-term data plans: Nomad
- Best for business use: Ubigi
- Best cost savings: Global YO
What Makes the Best Travel eSIM Apps?
We based our evaluation on network quality, app features, and price. To deliver the most objective results, we defined these key criteria:
Coverage and multi-network support
First, look at the coverage model. Does a provider work with the three local networks or just one? If they support only one carrier, you are likely to experience signal loss in remote areas. This multi-network support is what keeps your phone connected. Therefore, selecting a service with automatic carrier switching is a considerable plus.
App features
Next, consider the software-level control. Quality eSIM travel apps provide clear usage reporting. Another thing you want to check is if the installation flow is easy. Some tools ask you to type in unfamiliar APN settings, which can be an issue if you’re not comfortable with manual settings. Moreover, “top-ups and upgrades” convenience matters too – it should not be an end-to-end reinstallation if you are just adding more gigabytes. It should take a few clicks.
Established policies and rules
Last but not least, pay attention to the Fair Usage Policy (FUP). The term “unlimited” often refers to a reduction in speed once a certain amount of gigabytes has been reached. In this case, choosing packages with large data allowances might be more beneficial.
Best eSIM Providers
The provider evaluations left under each one are based on real-world usage. Performance was measured with Speedtest to confirm whether providers can actually provide 4G/5G speeds.
Ohayu
Ohayu eSIM is an international provider that offers budget-friendly travel plans for both local and global use. The provider focuses on user experience and convenience, so that you can get online without any manual setups. Additionally, they usually connect to multiple networks in each country to ensure a more stable and reliable signal. It is a good choice for digital nomads who require a constant connection.
The app clearly displays the remaining data and allows for quick top-ups without any extra features. The full range of data plans, prices, and support resources is available on their website https://ohayu.com/.
Features
- Mobile internet in more than 190 locations.
- Network auto-switching.
- Local and global prepaid data plans.
- Auto-determination for device compatibility.
Testing notes
During the US and Japan tours in December 2025, we noticed that the service switched between local towers to get the strongest signal. The speeds in Tokyo reached 80 Mbps on a 5G connection. The only possible downside is that they do not offer “unlimited” plans; however, their packages of 20-50 GB are usually enough even for heavy data users and longer stays.
Airalo
Airalo covers more than 200 locations with local plans. Their “Discover” option is a good choice for worldwide trips. The interface is minimalistic, and the client support answers within 5-15 minutes. With their reliability and many regional “Eurolink” or “Asialink” options, most vacationers rely on them.
Features
- Unlimited data.
- Cash back (Airmoney loyalty program) on every purchase.
- Support interface available in 53 languages.
- Regional packs like “Eurolink” cover 42 countries.
Testing notes
Airalo is a safe choice in main cities across France and Germany. We also experienced almost instant connection after our arrival in Northern Cyprus and a few ports in the Caribbean. Nevertheless, in high-tech hubs like Singapore, the service was unusually slower than the local connection, probably due to the carrier’s prioritization.
Nomad
The company aims at those who require a large amount of data. They have designed their interface for speed and clarity. For a two-week vacation where you need a 10 GB or 20 GB package, their rates are frequently the most competitive in the high-volume category. Furthermore, they have a web portal that eases the management of multiple devices for families.
Features
- High-data tiers up to 100 GB for long-term stays.
- 4G/5G global connectivity.
- Regional plans for Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
- Clear usage tracking.
Testing notes
The two-week travel in Southeast Asia made it clear that a 10 GB package was the most economical for the extensive usage of maps and social media. The 5G network in Singapore often exceeded 190 Mbps, frequently competing with local speeds. We had a more consistent experience with their 5G than with many of their budget competitors. However, it would have been perfect if there had been a reminder to say that the bundle is about to expire.
Ubigi
Ubigi specializes in providing internet for cars and high-end laptops, not only virtual SIMs. They have some of the cheapest annual plans, like the $39 60 GB plan for the UK throughout the year. They support 200+ locations and permit recharging even if you have no gigabytes left.
Features
- Reusable profile in 200+ locations.
- Smartstart activation.
- In-app top-ups even if there is no Wi-Fi or data.
- eSIM management portal for business use.
Testing notes
The most impressive feature when testing the service was the possibility to do a top-up without Wi-Fi. This was very helpful when we were in a rural area of England where there were no public hotspots. Their speed score was always up, especially on the Surface Pro and Samsung Galaxy Book, where cellular stability is a priority. On the other hand, the coverage was a little uneven, and the signal was sometimes weak on the Wales coastline.
Global Yo
The provider covers over 200 destinations. They operate on a system based on “YOYO” tokens, which are collected by using the platform or watching indie movies and live shows provided in the app. In addition, the app features maps and local recommendations.
Features
- Integrated entertainment (movies, games, live shows).
- Make calls in 228 countries.
- Earn tokens to pay for your next trip.
- City guides and travel tips right in the app.
Testing notes
We installed Global Yo when traveling to Turkey and Saudi Arabia in December 2025. It worked fine for the basics, like calling an Uber or finding the nearest hotel. We watched a few shorts, earned some tokens, and were able to save 30% on a small data pack for a weekend trip. But once we hit that 1 GB high-speed daily limit, the speed drops. Also, we needed a second Android phone to scan the QR code for profile installation.
Top eSIM Services Compared
This eSIM app comparison table shows what’s good and what’s not so good with these eSIM travel apps.
| Provider | Best for | Pros | Cons |
| Ohayu | Reliability for travel outside major cities | Supports multiple networks Budget-friendly | No regional packages, only global plan (112 locations) |
| Airalo | Multi-country trips | Covers 214 countries Loyalty program | Limits on high-speed data (FUP) on unlimited data plans |
| Nomad | High data users | 100 GB plans that last a year Usage tracking | Signal drops in rural locations |
| Ubigi | Business travel | Easy top-ups Business portal | Connection is unstable sometimes |
| Global YO | Budget travel | Rewards and entertainment Built-in travel guides | Complex setup |
Summing Up: the Best eSIM Travel Apps for Your Trips
Not all global eSIM apps are the same. Finding the best eSIM travel apps requires understanding your specific travel pattern. If you’re a digital nomad traveling between continents, Ohayu’s multi-carrier support is a major improvement. For enthusiasts hopping across 40+ European countries, Airalo’s “Eurolink” is a reliable choice.
Those who need more data can benefit from Nomad’s 20-100 GB packages, while business travelers will find Ubigi’s cellular-native stability better suited to work. If you’re on a tight budget, Global YO’s token system and entertainment focus provide low costs and high-value lifestyle perks.
Best eSIM Travel Apps – FAQs
Can I keep my original phone number while using eSIM travel apps?
Yes, you can use your digital data plan for internet access while keeping your physical SIM active for calls and texts. Just make sure you turn off roaming on your primary line to avoid accidental charges from your home carrier.
What happens if I run out of data in the middle of a trip?
Most platforms allow top-ups. You will usually get a notification when you reach 80% of your limit. You can then open the software and add more gigabytes.
Are eSIM apps for international travel faster than hotel Wi-Fi?
Often, yes. In countries with advanced 5G infrastructure, mobile speeds can exceed 800 Mbps. Hotel Wi-Fi is frequently throttled or congested, making a dedicated data plan a much more reliable option for work or streaming.
Do I need an internet connection to install a profile in an eSIM travel app?
Yes, you need a connection (like airport Wi-Fi) to download a profile. It is always a better idea to purchase and install your plan while you are still at home or at your departure gate so it is ready to activate the moment you land.
What if I’m crossing multiple borders on a single road trip?
A multi-country package is the answer here. Instead of buying a new profile for every destination, global bundles automatically switch networks as you drive.
