The Best eSIMs for Visiting Japan — Tested and Compared

The eSIM market has exploded in recent years. With so many options out there, it can be hard to pick the best eSIM for your trip to Japan. That’s why we’ve done the legwork for you. Whatever type of trip you are planning, here are some of our picks for Japan eSIM packages, tested and compared. Plus, we’ve got some nice discount codes you can use.

Japan eSIMs tested and compared

Provider	Average speed ▼/▲ Mbps	Packages	Highlights we like	Where to buy
	162.17 ▼ 17.8 ▲ (5G where available)	3–30 days 1GB–unlimited	25GB / 30 days USD $32. Fast 5G. 10% discount code — TOKYOCHEAPO.	View offer
	198.57 ▼ 24.9 ▲ (5G where available)	5–30 days 1GB–unlimited	20GB / 30 days USD $24.99. Includes Virtual Location + Ad Blocker. Click here for a 15% discount.	View offer
	182.37 ▼ 26.3 ▲ (5G where available)	1–90 days 1GB-Unlimited	Unlimited data ¥2,000–¥13,950 (approx. USD 13–88). Easy top-ups. See options.	View offer
	132.37 ▼ 15.1 ▲ (5G where available)	3 days–monthly 1GB–unlimited	Best value for heavy data usage: Unlimited / 3 days USD $10.50. Japanese phone number available. 100% charity-owned.	View offer
	131.77 ▼ 20.3 ▲ (5G where available)	1–60 days 1GB–unlimited	Plans from just USD $4.19. Use our 10% Tokyo Cheapo discount.	View offer
	206.4 ▼ 23.9 ▲ (5G where available)	3–30 days 1GB–unlimited	Unlimited data / 7 days USD $19. Special 10% discount for readers with code CHEAPO10.	View offer
	235.53 ▼ 40.7 ▲ (5G where available)	3–30 days 1GB–unlimited	20GB / 30 days USD $25. Special 10% discount for our readers.	View offer
	215.95 ▼ 25.6 ▲ (5G where available)	3–90 days 3GB–unlimited	3 days with 2GB per day from USD $6.99. Unlimited 5G data without speed cap — from USD $49.99 for 15 days.	View offer

Note: The speeds in the table are historical averages based on regular tests conducted between October 2025 and August 2026. Our latest eSIM speed tests were done on August 19, 2026.

If you’re curious, here’s how we test the Japan eSIMs.

What exactly is an eSIM?

It’s a virtual SIM that you can download and install onto your phone directly — no need to deal with fiddly physical SIM cards anymore. Most recent phones (aside from some low-end models) can use an eSIM. Some are now eSIM-only: Apple’s US iPhone 14, 15, and 16 lineups have no physical SIM tray, and with the iPhone 17 generation (including the iPhone Air), that extends to models bought in Japan and 10 other markets.

eSIMs are convenient when you want to change your carrier, such as when abroad, as you can connect to a new provider in seconds without removing your existing physical SIM card.

Japan eSIMs for tourists and short-term visitors

Here’s an overview of some of the Japan eSIM options for your trip. This is not an exhaustive list; just an introduction to some of the main — and in our opinion, best — players in the market.

Best eSIMs for short trips to Japan

These are the providers with a big range of shorter plans:

Ubigi: One SIM for all destinations (including Japan)

Special offer: Use discount code TOKYOCHEAPO for 10% off.

Ubigi is a global eSIM provider offering eSIMs for over 200 destinations. Having quickly become a popular name in the Japanese eSIM market, they have data plans to cover most needs, from economical 3-day plans to monthly unlimited data plans.

You can also keep the same single eSIM installed on your phone to use for multiple trips and multiple countries, which is convenient if you’re traveling around.

Installation

Ordering from Ubigi is simple. Once we paid, a QR code was emailed to us in seconds; one quick scan, and we were ready to go. You can also purchase, install, and manage your eSIM and data through their app if you prefer.

Ubigi can connect to both KDDI and NTT Docomo networks, whichever is most reliable based on your location, which means great 4G and 5G connectivity across Japan. Your usage period automatically starts when you connect to a local network in the country you’re visiting.

Fun fact: The company behind Ubigi is Transatel, which is part of the NTT Group.

Performance

We tried the 15-day, 3GB Ubigi eSIM in our last few tests. In our testing, we experienced average speeds of 162Mbps, and web pages loaded in a flash. YouTube playback was smooth with no buffering, and our video calls were lag-free. They weren’t the fastest in our most recent tests, but Ubigi’s ease of use and decent speeds still make it a very strong contender at this price point.

World eSIM: Affordable short-stay options

World eSIM is brought to you by the company behind the well-known travel Wi-Fi brand NINJA WiFi.

World eSIM has a range of unlimited and fixed-data plans on the KDDI au, Docomo, and Softbank networks. Unlimited plans range from 1–60 days, and fixed-data plans range from 1GB to 50GB of data, also with 1- to 60-day packages.

Their eSIMs ranked toward the lower end in our speed tests, but their plans are affordable per gigabyte.

Installation

Getting our eSIM was straightforward. After signing up on the World eSIM website, we paid and received a QR code instantly in our email. A quick scan, and we were ready to go.

Performance

Download speeds have averaged around 132Mbps in recent months, and streaming is, notably, always smooth. During our tests, we found that this was one of the best eSIMs for video calling.

Overall, it’s a solid choice and maintains a good 5G connection in the inner city.

ESIMJAPAN.com: Consistently fast speeds

ESIMJAPAN.com consistently has some of the best plans for travelers to Japan.

Their plans are split into four types: Unlimited data (3–30 days), 5G Unlimited Max (3–31 days), and fixed-data plans (3GB to 50GB).

The unlimited data 3 to 30-day plans have 1GB of data per day and 2GB per day options, and you can select from nine different trip lengths.

Installation

When we ordered the 5G Unlimited Max Data eSIM, a QR code arrived in our inbox straight away. From purchase to use, it took less than 10 minutes in total.

The plan begins when you scan the code and install the eSIM, and as mentioned, it’s easy to find a plan that works for the length of your trip.

Performance

Most ESIMJAPAN.com plans connect to Japan’s KDDI au network (the daily plan uses SoftBank), and we measured an average download speed of around 216Mbps, the second-highest average in our most recent rounds of tests. Websites loaded without a hitch, and video calling and streaming were smooth, with no lag. The 5G connection is consistently reliable in inner-city Tokyo.

Best eSIMs for long trips to Japan

When you want a big range of options for 30-day eSIMs and bigger data caps, consider the following:

Mobal eSIMs: Big data limits and voice + data plans

Mobal’s Unlimited 5G eSIMs come in a wide range of validity options, ranging from 3 to 31 days of what we call “truly unlimited” data. These are our top picks from their range.

The 5G eSIMs operate on the KDDI network, one of Japan’s big three, ensuring reliable access to fast data in most parts of the country. You’ll also have the option to tether and use a hotspot, with hotspot caps varying based on your plan length. Note that Mobal’s terms allow the network operator to temporarily slow speeds for users deemed to be using excessive data.

Otherwise, short-term data-only plans come in 16- and 31-day durations, with 10GB and 50GB data options. Voice and data SIMs are also available, including monthly plans ranging from 1GB to 50GB, and a Voice-Only plan (Japanese phone number and SMS, no data).

Installation

Activating the data SIMs takes about 15 minutes. After purchase, we received an email and logged in to activate our eSIM. A few minutes later, we received another email with a link to their setup website, where we scanned our installation QR code.

Performance

Mobal has averaged download speeds of around 132Mbps since we started testing their 5G SIMs in January 2026 (just after they became available; prior to that, it was just 4G). We tested the 5G Unlimited 3-day plan in our most recent rounds of testing.

Websites loaded quickly, and video calling was smooth. It’s a solid, reliable eSIM from a company that is 100% charity-owned, with profits going to communities in Malawi and beyond.

Mobal long-term voice + data eSIM for Japan

As we mentioned, there is a voice + data eSIM available. This has an initial fee of ¥4,950 (roughly USD $30). When you activate your eSIM, you’ll select a monthly plan, ranging from 1GB/month for $10.40 to 50GB/month for around $33.

There is no minimum contract period or cancellation fees, making it a practical choice for both travelers and residents. You get a real Japanese phone number with this eSIM.

Their eSIM also offers overseas roaming, which is handy for things like buying concert tickets or booking a trip to the Ghibli Museum before you get here. You can also enter Pokémon TCG lotteries or receive a one-time password for Japanese apps and services while out of the country.

Important: Due to regulations in Japan, the voice + data eSIM cannot be emailed to customers; your access code will need to be posted to your residence overseas or otherwise picked up in person in Japan.

You must apply in advance, upload an ID document, and wait for a delivery. Once you get your package in the mail, you need to activate your Mobal eSIM on the Mobal website.

You’ll enter a 32-digit EID, then wait for Mobal to activate your eSIM and provision your new Japanese phone number. Technical support is available via email and a web form, though most questions can usually be solved by having a peek at Mobal’s FAQ page.

Saily: Excellent value for 20GB, 30 days

Special offer: Order through our link for 15% off. The discount is automatically applied at checkout.

Saily offers straightforward fixed-data eSIM plans in 7- and 30-day options, as well as flexible 5- to 30-day unlimited plans (full speed for the first 5GB each day, then throttled to 1Mbps).

The 7-day option offers 1GB of data, while the 30-day options range from 3 to 20GB. Price-wise, the 20GB Saily eSIM for Japan can’t really be beaten.

Saily comes from Nord Security, the well-established tech company behind NordVPN. Their website says they connect to local networks, and in our Japan eSIM tests, we’ve found that it’s usually au, which offers a reliable connection.

The Saily eSIMs also come with a few free extras:

• Virtual location feature — very similar to a VPN, change your “virtual location” to another country (115+ locations available)
• An ad blocker — save on bandwidth by not loading ads
• Web protection feature — to reduce malicious websites and trackers

Saily also recently released their range of Ultra Plans, for frequent travelers. The Ultra Premium plan offers 30GB of high-speed data per month, then unlimited data at 1Mbps, for USD $59.99 per month (dropping to USD $49.99 per month on annual billing). It also comes with a bunch of extras like NordVPN and other security features, airport lounge access, fast-track airport service, cashback offers, and priority support. It works in 121 destinations globally, including Japan. Check their website for more info.

Pro tip: Saily also offers an In-Flight Data package on selected international flights. Before boarding, just open the app and tap “add data”. In the data options, select “In-Flight” and bam, you’ll have access to the internet once your plane has reached cruising altitude. This package is available for supported airlines and aircraft, including select Asiana Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, and Malaysia Airlines planes. Check our write-up for more details and a list of supported flights.

Installation

Our Saily eSIM was ready for download instantly, and activation was foolproof with their dedicated Android/iOS app, which walks you through the setup process. Note: If you install via the app, you may need to double-check that “Mobile Data” is enabled in your SIM settings.

Performance

Saily performed well with a strong 5G signal at most of our testing locations; video streaming and calls were flawless, and we got an average of 198Mbps download speeds across our recent tests.

Airalo: Reliable connectivity across Japan and Asia

Special offer: Order through our link and get 10% off. The discount is automatically applied at checkout.

If your priority is staying connected no matter where you are in Japan, Airalo is one of the best options. Airalo eSIMs connect to both KDDI au and SoftBank, two of Japan’s major carriers, offering dependable data on the go.

Their Standard eSIMs have 3, 7, 15, and 30-day packages. The 3-day package is the bare minimum, with 1GB or 3GB of data. The 15-day and 30-day plans offer 5, 10, or 20GB increments. Their newer Unlimited eSIMs come in 3- to 30-day options, with a fair use policy that drops speeds to 1Mbps after 3GB of use in a day, resetting every 24 hours.

Both their Standard and Unlimited packages also offer Asia region or Global eSIM options.

Installation

Getting the Airalo eSIM took no time at all. We created an account and purchased a Standard 3GB, 3-day eSIM. After paying, we were soon taken to a page with our eSIM QR code waiting for us. We were 100% good to go within 10 minutes. Airalo also has an app you can use to purchase and manage your eSIM.

Performance

When it came to 5G connections, Airalo was less consistent in our recent tests, but it didn’t seem to affect its speeds. Our testing had a great average download speed of 235Mbps, the highest average in our recent tests. Websites loaded almost instantly, and YouTube videos didn’t stop to buffer once. Even our awkward video calls didn’t make this eSIM break a sweat.

Sim Local: Fast downloads and big daily caps

Get a 10% discount with the code CHEAPO10.

Sim Local has a range of 5G-compatible unlimited plans running on the au network. Their unlimited packages range from 4 to 30 days and come with a 10GB daily data cap. If you happen to use up your 10GB of daily data, they offer emergency 1GB extensions.

Their more recent (4G-only) fixed-data SIMs range from 3 to 30 days of validity and 1 to 20GB of data. Sim Local is the provider in partnership with KDDI and these sims roam to an international network but still get reasonable speeds and connectivity in the inner city.

All of their eSIMs come with hotspot functionality (capped at 3GB total on the unlimited plans).

Installation

In our experience, Sim Local’s installation is always quick and easy, and you can download and install your eSIM via the app or QR code. You may need to change your APN settings, but they send clear and simple instructions via email.

Performance

Sim Local’s 5G eSIMs have consistently ranked near the top of the pack in our speed tests. We’ve also tested their fixed-data eSIMs, which have maintained good speeds despite being 4G-only and even beaten some 5G competitors in speed.

Best Japan eSIM for flexible plans

When you want lots of options for days, data, and top-ups:

Sakura Mobile: Trusted local Japan provider

An established SIM and Wi-Fi provider popular with both short- and long-term visitors to Japan, Sakura Mobile also has eSIMs.

A big selling point of Sakura’s Travel eSIMs is their flexibility. Short-term eSIMs are available from 1 day all the way up to 90 days with a combination of unlimited and fixed-data options.

If you’re looking for a semi-permanent option, Sakura offers long-term data-only and voice + data eSIMs ranging from 5GB to 100GB per month.

Installation

We tested the 5G, 4-day, Unlimited-data eSIM and found that their truly unlimited, 5G-compatible eSIMs are quite a bit pricier than their competitors’. The QR code and instructions were emailed to us, and the user interface was a little clunky, but the eSIM was set up in under 10 minutes. We didn’t need to activate roaming to use it.

Performance

Sakura Mobile’s download speeds have averaged around 182Mbps over the last several months, which is around the middle of the pack. We maintained a strong 5G connection, and video playback and calling were smooth, leaving us more than satisfied with the overall performance.

Best eSIM for families and groups

For sharing data with your Japan travel squad:

Ubigi: Great for groups

In addition to its convenience on multi-country trips, Ubigi is also a great option for families and groups thanks to its generous tethering and hotspot policy. While most other providers restrict hotspot usage, Ubigi allows tethering with no restrictions, so you can share data with friends and family freely. Note that on the unlimited plans, a fair use policy applies: after 60GB, speeds are reduced to 2Mbps for the remainder of the plan (the fixed-data plans have no speed cap). If you need to top up your data, you can do so even without Wi-Fi or data via the Ubigi app.

If you’re looking for other connectivity options for sharing data, check out some of our favorite pocket Wi-Fi options at our dedicated article.

Japan eSIMs with unlimited data

All of the providers we’ve listed offer unlimited data plans, but many of these unlimited plans come with daily data limits.

Of the ones we’ve covered, Mobal, ESIMJAPAN, and Sakura have plans they describe as truly unlimited or without daily data limits. The others either don’t mention limits or list specific daily caps or Fair Usage Policy (FUP) warnings.

Globally, eSIM companies are increasingly offering different types of unlimited plans for heavy data users, such as business travelers and remote workers. For a breakdown of some of the unlimited Japan eSIM providers out there, see our dedicated comparison of Japan eSIMs with unlimited and nearly unlimited data.

Best Japan eSIMs for $10 or less

If you’re heading to Japan on a tight budget, you don’t need to spend big on data to stay connected. There is a wide range of excellent eSIM plans available for under USD $10.

Here’s an overview of our favorite low-budget eSIMs for Japan.

Brand	$10 plans	Best price per GB plan
	3–30 days 1–5GB	5GB, 15 days Fast 5G. 10% discount code — TOKYOCHEAPO.
	1–15 days 0.5–5GB	3GB for 3 days at US$1.98/GB. Use our 10% discount.
	1–2 days Unlimited	Unlimited Plan for 1 or 2 days at US$1.49/GB (if you use 3GB per day). All profits go to charity. See plans.
	3–15 days 3–6GB	Unlimited Pro for 3 Days at US$1.17/GB. See plans.
	3–7 days 1-3GB	3GB across 3 Days at US$2.69/GB. Use our code TOKYOCHEAPO for 10% off. See plans.

Ubigi

Ubigi has three options for short- to medium-length trips, and their 5GB, 15-day option is perfect at $10 for those that don’t need heaps of data.

Use our 10% discount code — TOKYOCHEAPO.

World eSIM

World eSIM is a standout pick for a quick jaunt. One of the best value eSIMs we’ve tested.

Plans start from just $3.56 USD, and with our 10% discount, the value gets even better. If you’re looking at low upfront costs, their 1GB, 3-day plan works out to be among the cheapest at $4.31. All of their plans offer 5G speeds.

Mobal

Mobal is a Japan-based company with a feel-good angle: all profits go to charity. Their unlimited plans are competitively priced for heavy users and run on the KDDI network, one of Japan’s best for coverage.

ESIMJAPAN.com

ESIMJAPAN.com has the biggest range of unlimited and fixed-data plans for under $10. Their unlimited plans are actually the most economical, with 1GB per day (Basic) and 2GB per day (Pro) options.

While technically not truly unlimited, 1-2GB per day will cover basic browsing, translation, maps, and social media, and the Unlimited Pro 3-day option is hard to beat for light-to-medium data users.

Also, if you’re not strict on the $10 price tag, ESIMJAPAN.com also has an even more economical Unlimited Pro 5-day option that comes in at $10.99.

Airalo

The Airalo Japan plans start at a very low entry point, and with our 10% reader discount (code TOKYOCHEAPO), several of their smaller plans fall comfortably under $10. Airalo has consistently smashed our recent speed tests.

Tips for making budget data last

Picked a lean plan? Here’s how to squeeze every megabyte:

• Download maps offline. Google Maps and Apple Maps both let you save areas for offline use. Do this on your hotel Wi-Fi before heading out, and you’ll barely touch your data for navigation.
• Use Wi-Fi where available. Japan has public Wi-Fi at a number of major train stations, convenience stores (7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart), and many cafés. Switch to it whenever you can.
• Turn off auto-updates. App updates and cloud backups are silent data killers. Disable background app refresh and auto-updates before you travel.
• Stream on lower quality. Dropping YouTube or Netflix from HD to Standard Definition cuts data usage by around 70%. Worth it on a budget plan.
• Use data compression browsers. Some browsers (like Opera) can compress data before it reaches your phone, reducing usage on web browsing.
• Check your data usage daily. Most eSIM apps show remaining data. Keep an eye on it, and you’ll know when to dial back before you run out.

Japan eSIM FAQs

How much data do I need?

Globally, the average smartphone user gets through about 22GB of mobile data a month — closer to 25GB in North America and Western Europe. When you’re at home, though, you’re probably connected to Wi-Fi for most of the day. When traveling in Japan, chances are you’re connected to Wi-Fi a lot less. You’re relying on data for things like maps and translation, browsing for things to do and places to go.

500MB – 1GB per day might be enough if you’re just using your data for things like maps and instant messaging while you’re out. But if you’re on your phone during a long Shinkansen trip, using data for work, tethering, or spending a lot of time on social media, you might want to consider the eSIMs with bigger data packages.

If you’re worried about going over your daily data limits, download offline maps and save most of your heavy data usage for when you’re on Wi-Fi. Setting a data warning on your phone helps too. Alternatively, consider plans that offer data top-ups.

Is my phone eSIM compatible?

This is important to check before handing over your money. While most (but not all) phones made in the last few years will be eSIM compatible, not all phones will be unlocked. If you purchased your phone outright, chances are it’s unlocked. If, on the other hand, your phone came under a contract with a network provider, it’s likely that your phone will be locked by that provider.

Checking whether your phone is unlocked is pretty quick and easy. If you discover that your phone is locked, check with your service provider to see if it’s possible to unlock it before buying an eSIM. Alternatively, if you’re traveling with family or a small group, consider renting a pocket Wi-Fi device to share.

What’s the best eSIM for skiing or snowboarding in Japan?

Two things to consider when on a ski trip in Japan are connectivity and the ability to make emergency calls.

If you’re heading to Nagano or to Hokkaido resorts like Niseko and Furano, then you’re going to want a service that has reliable connectivity in remote areas.

NTT Docomo is regarded as the best provider in regional areas because of its overall network coverage — so an eSIM that connects to Docomo’s network would be a good choice when heading to the snow.

Also, you might need to make emergency voice calls, so look for a provider that offers a combined voice + data package, like Mobal.

Note: In an emergency in Japan, dial 119 for fire and ambulance, and 110 for police.

What’s a Fair Usage Policy?

This is probably something you’ll see a lot while researching eSIMs, and it’s worth noting, especially if you’re looking at unlimited data options. Many “unlimited data” plans are actually capped at around 2 to 5GB per day, with speeds throttled after you hit the daily limit — though a few (like Ubigi) use a whole-trip data pool instead of a daily cap.

In slightly rarer cases, providers will offer “truly unlimited” plans with no apparent daily data limits. However, remember that these are still bound by the fair usage policy of whichever Japanese network your eSIM actually runs on.

Carriers reserve the right to throttle users they consider to be using an excessive amount of data. This means that although you might have purchased a truly unlimited data plan, be careful of using much more than 2 or 3GB per day, as there’s a chance that your speeds will slow to a grinding halt until at least the next day.

Which network offers the best coverage in Japan?

In general, NTT Docomo has the most extensive coverage nationally. Beyond that, there isn’t a single winner on overall quality — the awards are split by category between Docomo, au, SoftBank, and (more recently) Rakuten Mobile.

An Opensignal study from April 2026 awarded Docomo the top spots for overall and 5G coverage, while au led most of the quality categories (video, gaming, and voice-app experience) and SoftBank took the download-speed award. Although Docomo has the largest network, it also has the biggest user base. This means it may be slower in crowded areas but performs better in more rural areas.

Which Japan eSIM is the fastest?

Airalo has averaged the highest in our speed tests since early 2026, followed by ESIMJAPAN.com, Sim Local, and Saily.

Is 5G available in Japan?

Yes, 5G is available in Japan, and these days most major providers offer eSIM plans that have 5G connectivity. Keep in mind: you’ll only connect to 5G in the areas where it’s available, such as major metropolitan areas.

How easy is it to switch between eSIM plans during a trip?

If you have multiple eSIMs already installed, switching between different SIMs is quick and easy. If you’d prefer to keep things simple, some eSIM providers offer regional SIMs that cover multiple countries, such as Japan, Korea, and Taiwan, on one SIM.

Which is better for your Japan trip: an eSIM or a physical SIM card?

Even with more providers arriving on the scene, the options with physical SIMs are still superior to what you can get with eSIMs. For example, among the short-term tourist eSIMs listed here, only Mobal includes a Japanese phone number with calling ability — though Sakura Mobile offers one too on its longer-term monthly plans.

If you’re willing to trade a little convenience for a wider choice of plans, check out our guide to prepaid SIM cards for travel to Japan. We also recommend taking a look at mobile Wi-Fi rental for Japan to compare connectivity options.

What’s the difference between international roaming eSIMs and local eSIMs?

Essentially, there are two types of eSIMs — eSIMs provided by foreign companies that roam to the local network, and eSIMs that are native to the country you’re in. Many companies that offer Japanese eSIMs are the former, essentially foreign eSIMs with agreements with local carriers like Docomo or KDDI that allow them to connect to their networks.

In terms of coverage, there aren’t any major differences — foreign eSIMs will be roaming to the same networks that local providers use. There are some potential downsides to foreign eSIMs, though, including battery drainage caused by roaming and slower speeds caused by latency. In most cases, these issues won’t be entirely noticeable, but they may be things to consider when choosing your eSIM.

How we test our eSIMs

We regularly test the providers listed above and report the average speeds over time based on all the tests. To perform the tests, we purchase an eSIM from each provider — the same as any customer would — and use the Ookla speed testing app. This app does a standard test to measure upload, download, and latency.

Speed results can vary based on several factors, so to get fair and realistic test results, we do the following:

• For each round of testing, we do tests from three to five different locations around Tokyo
• At each location, we perform the test twice for each provider
• We do a round of tests every two to three months, and keep a historical average of the results from each provider
• We also do some random spot testing for general usage, e.g., doomscrolling social media, making short video calls to look for lag, etc.

If there are some anomalous results, we may retest the eSIMs on the following day. For example, on our very first round of testing, Mobal and Sakura Mobile experienced severe throttling on the initial test day. This was because we’d burned through the daily allowance when figuring out how to do the tests. We could repeat the tests the next day when the allowance had reset.

We admit that our testing method isn’t perfect, but it does give us a good idea of the different eSIMs’ performance. We excluded some eSIMs from the article where we had concerns about the ordering process, performance, or pricing.

A word on speed tests: We strongly recommend not running random speed tests with your eSIM, as they BURN through data. A single test could use 300MB or more!

How to scan a QR code with only one screen

While we say “just scan” the QR code for the eSIM, you might be thinking, “How do I scan a QR code if I only have my phone and no second screen?” Luckily, this is super easy on the newest iOS and Android devices.

On iOS, take a screenshot including the QR code, then long-tap the QR code in the picture to open the link. On Android devices, activate Google Lens and tap on the QR code to get the link — no need to take a screenshot.

While we do our best to ensure everything is correct, information is subject to change. Prices are approximate. This post was first published in October 2020 and is updated regularly. Last updated by Patrick Balfe, the Cheapo travel eSIM and Wi-Fi expert, on August 31, 2026.