Independent eSIM comparison · Updated Oct 8, 2026

Best eSIM for USA compared on real prices

Every USA plan from Airalo and Yesim in one place — data, validity, price per GB and unlimited options, taken straight from the providers' own websites.

  • Prices from provider sites
  • T-Mobile & Verizon 5G
  • No ranking for commission
35plans compared
$0.84lowest price per GB
$3.72cheapest plan (1 GB)
25G networks: T-Mobile, Verizon

Quick picks

The right eSIM for your trip

Calculated from listed prices, not chosen by commission. Each pick links to the plan on the provider's own site.

Lowest priceYesim

Cheapest way to get online

$3.72
  • 1 GB
  • 30 days

$3.72 per GB. Enough for maps, messaging and light browsing.

View Yesim plan
UnlimitedAiralo

Unlimited data for one week

$25.00
  • Unlimited
  • 7 days

$3.57 per day. Check the fair-use terms before relying on it for hotspot use.

View Airalo plan

Plan finder

Find the cheapest plan for your trip

Pick your trip length and how you use your phone. We'll match the cheapest plan that covers it.

Full comparison

Fixed-data plans compared

Fixed-data plans are the cheapest option if you mostly use maps, messaging and social apps. Price per GB is the fairest way to compare them.

Yesim

United States · data-only

Check prices
DataValidityPricePer GB
1 GB30 days$3.72$3.72
5 GB30 days$10.80 $18.60$2.16
10 GB30 days$16.80 $37.20$1.68
20 GB30 days$25.20 $74.40$1.26
30 GBBest per GB30 days$31.92 $111.60$1.06

Crossed-out prices are Yesim's listed regular price. Yesim also shows a first-time deal for new customers on its site.

Airalo

United States · T-Mobile 5G, Verizon 5G

Check prices
DataValidityPricePer GB
1 GB3 days$4.00$4.00
3 GB3 days$8.50$2.83
3 GB7 days$9.00$3.00
5 GB7 days$12.50$2.50
5 GB15 days$13.00$2.60
5 GB30 days$13.50$2.70
10 GB7 days$21.50$2.15
10 GB15 days$22.00$2.20
10 GB30 days$22.50$2.25
20 GB15 days$36.00$1.80
20 GB30 days$36.50$1.82
50 GBBest per GB30 days$42.00$0.84
Airalo plans with calling minutes (Change+)
DataValidityPriceCalls
1 GB3 days$6.0010 min
3 GB3 days$11.0030 min
3 GB7 days$12.0030 min
5 GB7 days$17.0050 min
5 GB15 days$18.0050 min
5 GB30 days$19.0050 min
10 GB7 days$28.00100 min
10 GB15 days$29.00100 min
10 GB30 days$30.00100 min
20 GB15 days$45.00200 min
20 GB30 days$47.00200 min
50 GB30 days$59.00500 min

Incoming calls are deducted from the minutes balance. Outgoing international calls are not included.

Unlimited data

Unlimited eSIMs for the USA

Unlimited plans cost more but remove the guesswork if you stream, video-call or tether a laptop. Providers can slow speeds under a fair-use policy, so read the plan details before buying.

3 days
$11.50
$3.83 / day
5 days
$18.50
$3.70 / day
7 days
$25.00
$3.57 / day
10 days
$34.00
$3.40 / day
15 days
$46.00
$3.07 / day
30 days
$68.00
$2.27 / day

Airalo prices above. Yesim prices unlimited by the day, from $3.48 per day — the more days you buy, the lower the daily rate.

Head to head

Airalo vs Yesim for the USA

Both sell data-only travel eSIMs you can install in minutes. The difference is in plan shapes: Airalo has more short plans and calling minutes; Yesim's plans all run 30 days.

Airalo
Yesim
Cheapest plan
$4.00
$3.72
Lowest price per GB
$0.84
$1.06
Validity options
3–30 days
30 days
Unlimited data
From $11.50 (3 days)
From $3.48 / day
Calling minutes
Yes, on Change+ plans
Data only
Networks listed
T-Mobile 5G, Verizon 5G
Depends on operator

Buying guide

How much data do you need?

Rough weekly estimates for a typical traveller. Your usage will vary with video quality and photo backups.

Light

About 1 GB a week

Maps, messaging, email and checking bookings. Turn off photo backup and app updates on mobile data.

Moderate

About 3–5 GB a week

Daily social media, sharing photos, music streaming and the odd video call.

Heavy

Consider unlimited

Video streaming, regular video calls or using your phone as a hotspot for a laptop.

1

Check your phone

It must support eSIM and be carrier-unlocked.

2

Buy and install before you fly

Scan the QR code or install in the provider's app while you have Wi-Fi.

3

Switch on when you land

Turn on the eSIM line and data roaming for it, and you're online.

4

Top up if you need to

Both providers let you add data from their app if you run low.

FAQ

USA eSIM questions, answered

Do I need an unlocked phone to use a travel eSIM in the USA?

Yes. Your phone has to support eSIM and be carrier-unlocked. Check both in your phone settings before you buy — both providers also have a compatibility checker on their site.

Which networks do these eSIMs use in the USA?

Airalo's USA plans list T-Mobile 5G, Verizon 5G on their plan page. Yesim states that network and hotspot availability depend on the operator.

Do these eSIMs include a US phone number?

Most travel eSIMs are data-only, so use WhatsApp, iMessage or other apps for calls. Airalo's Change+ plans add calling minutes as listed in the table above.

When should I install the eSIM?

Install it before you leave, while you still have Wi-Fi, and switch it on when you land. Yesim notes that plan validity starts when the eSIM connects to a supported network.

Does the eSIM work in Hawaii and Alaska?

Airalo's plan page says: “This eSIM is for travelers to the United States. eSIM covers the United States, including Hawaii and Puerto Rico, with limited availability in Alaska.” Check the provider's coverage page for Yesim before you travel.

Are the prices on this page up to date?

Prices were checked on the providers' own websites on Oct 8, 2026 and are shown in USD. Providers run promotions and prices can differ by region, so the final price is the one you see at checkout.

Landing soon? Get connected before you board.

Install your eSIM at home, switch it on when you land. Prices checked Oct 8, 2026.