Are you planning a trip to the United Kingdom and want to stay connected while on the go?
Look no further than an eSIM! An eSIM is a virtual SIM card that can be used instead of a physical SIM card and is becoming increasingly popular for travelers.
It eliminates the need to buy multiple physical SIM cards from different carriers, saving you time and money.
In this guide, we’ll provide all the information you need to find the best UK eSIM for your upcoming travels.
So let’s start – it’s time to find out which UK eSIM is truly “the best”!
Best eSIM UK Deals
Here are the best UK eSIM providers depending on your needs:
- Cheapest UK plans: The answer to this could vary depending on the data and period required. Overall, Onesim, Ubigi, and BNESIM offer the most affordable options. However, if you need more data, or if you travel to multiple countries, other eSIM providers may be better.
- Cheapest unlimited plans in the UK: Holafly is the best option.
- Plans without expiration: BNESIM is the only eSIM provider offering plans without expiration.
Best eSIM UK 1GB
If you only need a bit of data for emergencies, 1GB might be enough for you. However, it’s important to note that you’ll get better value by purchasing a bigger data plan.
BNESIM offers the cheapest one-off plan for 1GB, with no expiration.
Best eSIM UK 3GB
Most 3GB plans are good for 30 days. If you only need a bit of data here and there, a 3GB plan might be the best option for you.
Onesim offers the cheapest one-off plan for 3GB, valid for 30 days.
Best eSIM UK 5GB
Most 5GB plans are good for 30 days. For most travelers, this will be enough data for one month.
Onesim offers the cheapest one-off plan for 5GB, valid for 30 days.
Best eSIM UK 10GB
Most 10GB plans are good for 30 days. This should be enough for one month.
Ubigi offers the cheapest one-off plan for 10GB, valid for 30 days.
Best eSIM UK Unlimited Data
Another great option to consider is unlimited plans. Some eSIM providers offer unlimited data plans to travelers.
Holafly offers the best deals on unlimited data plans in the UK. You’ll get to pick the amount of days needed.
Best eSIM UK With Calls And SMS
Finally, if you need a data plan that includes calls and SMS too, the best option is SimOptions.
ESIM Installation And Compatibility
eSIM technology is currently supported on a few devices, including:
- Apple iPhone XS, XS Max, XR, 11, 12, 13, 14, and newer models.
- Google Pixel 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and newer models.
- Samsung Galaxy S20, S21, S22, and newer models.
- Huawei P40, and newer models.
If you’re considering upgrading your phone soon, read about the best eSIM phones.
To verify if your device is compatible with eSIM, go to Settings and locate your International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI). This will tell you if your device supports eSIM.
Here’s how to do it add an eSIM on a Google Pixel device:
- Go to Settings.
- Go to Network and Internet
- Go to SIMS
- Click on Add more
- Choose Download a SIM instead.
- Click on next.
- Scan the QR code.
- Name the eSIM.
- Pick the eSIM to provide data.
- Make sure the roaming is on.
How To Choose The Best eSIM Provider?
Now that we know what an eSIM is, let’s look at how to choose the best travel eSIM provider for the United Kingdom.
There are a few factors to consider when choosing an eSIM provider, including:
- Coverage: Make sure the eSIM provider has good coverage in the United Kingdom. In short, the eSIM should use a good network in the UK.
- Data: How much data do you need? If you’re a heavy user, you’ll need a plan with more mobile data.
- Speed: Not all eSIM providers offer the same speeds. If you need fast speed, make sure to choose a provider that offers 5G or LTE.
- Price: eSIM plan prices can vary, so consider your budget when choosing an eSIM provider. You can compare a few options to get the best value for your money.
Where To Buy An eSIM?
eSIMs for UK travel can be bought from eSIM providers.
Many eSIM shops sell eSIMs directly from their websites. This is the most convenient option, as you can activate your eSIM immediately.
Some eSIM apps like Ubigi allow you to purchase a plan without data or WiFi.
So, how do you pick an eSIM provider?
Let us help! We’ll review the best eSIM for UK travel below.
BNESIM UK
BNESIM is an eSIM provider that was founded in 2017. They offer plans in 200+ countries. You’ll also find other options like international phone numbers, unlimited data packages, and monthly subscriptions.
To learn more, you can read our complete BNESIM review.
Here’s an overview of the plans available in the United Kingdom:
- 1GB, no expiration for $3.47
- 3GB, no expiration for $10.09
- 5GB, no expiration, for $16.31
- 10GB, no expiration for $31.20
- 20GB, no expiration for $60.97
BNESIM Offer
Get a EUR 4 discount on your first purchase over EUR 10 with my BNESIM promo code: MELISSA4OFF.
Nomad UK
Nomad offers data plans in 100+ countries. They offer plans in the Americas, Europe, and Asia. They also have regional and global plans. You can read our Nomad eSIM review to learn more.
I’ve tried Nomad, and it worked well. Although, it’s not my favorite because they only have short-term plans (up to 60 days, but mostly 30 days).
They offer regular plans and unlimited plans in the UK.
Here’s an overview of the plans available in the United Kingdom:
- 1GB, valid for 30 days for $5
- 3GB, valid for 30 days for $9
- 5GB, valid for 30 days for $10
- 10GB, valid for 30 days for $17
- 20GB, valid for 30 days for $30
- Unlimited data, valid for 1 day for $7
- Unlimited data, valid for 3 days for $15
- Unlimited data, valid for 5 days for $22
- Unlimited data, valid for 7 days for $30
- Unlimited data, valid for 10 days for $41
Nomad Offer
Get $3 off on your first purchase on Nomad by using my referral code: MELI23HJ.
Airalo UK
Airalo is the most popular eSIM store and offers eSIMs in 200+ countries at affordable prices.
I’ve been using Airalo for a while now, and you can read our complete Airalo review to learn more about this eSIM provider.
Here’s an overview of the Airalo plans available in the United Kingdom:
- 1GB, valid for 7 days for $5
- 2GB, valid for 15 days for $7.50
- 3GB, valid for 30 days for $10
- 5GB valid for 30 days for $15
- 10GB, valid for 30 days for $22.50
- 20GB, valid for 30 days for $36
Airalo Offer
Get 10% off on your first purchase on Airalo by using my referral code: ABB10.
AloSIM UK
aloSIM is a new eSIM provider offering plans in 160+ regions and countries. You’ll find many affordable local and regional eSIM plans.
To learn more, you can read our complete aloSIM review.
Here’s an overview of the plans available in the United Kingdom:
- 1GB, valid for 7 days for $5
- 2GB, valid for 15 days for $7.50
- 3GB, valid for 30 days for $10
- 5GB valid for 30 days for $15
- 10GB, valid for 30 days for $22.50
- 20GB, valid for 30 days for $36
AloSIM Offer
Get a $3 discount on your first purchase with my AloSIM promo code: ABB3. To add a coupon code, you’ll need to enter it as a voucher when choosing a payment method.
Ubigi UK
Ubigi offers eSIM plans in 200+ countries. Depending on your travel plans, you can pick between a local, regional, or global plan.
I’ve tried Ubigi, and it worked great. You can even purchase a plan in the app without WiFi or the Internet, which is great. You’ll also choose if you want a one-off plan or a monthly subscription.
Learn more by reading our Ubigi review.
Here’s an overview of the plans available in the United Kingdom:
- 3GB, valid for 30 days for €8
- 10GB, valid for 30 days for €15
- 50GB, valid for 30 days for €39
Ubigi Offer
There are no offers at the moment.
Onesim UK
Onesim is a new eSIM provider offering plans in 125+ regions and countries. All their eSIM plans are regional or global, which means you’ll get coverage in multiple countries.
To learn more, you can read our complete Onesim review.
Here’s an overview of the plans available in the United Kingdom:
- 1GB, valid for 7 days for $3.90
- 3GB, valid for 30 days for $6.90
- 5GB, valid for 30 days for $9.90
- 10GB, valid for 30 days for $16.90
Onesim Offer
Get a 10% discount on your first purchase with my Onesim coupon code: BACKPACK10. To add a coupon code, you’ll see an option that says, “Have a coupon? Click here to enter your code”.
Yoho Mobile UK
Yoho Mobile is an eSIM provider offering plans in 190+ regions and countries. You’ll also find local and regional plans for Europe and Asia.
To learn more, you can read our complete Yoho Mobile review.
Here’s an overview of the plans available in the United Kingdom:
- 1GB, valid for 7 days for $4.77
- 3GB, valid for 20 days for $6.88
- 5GB valid for 15 days for $11.10
- 10GB, valid for 30 days for $17.47
- 20GB, valid for 30 days for $36.04
- 30GB, valid for 30 days for $53.34
- 50GB valid for 30 days for $80
Yoho Mobile Offer
Get a 5% discount on your first purchase with my Yoho Mobile promo code: abrokenbackpack5. To add a coupon code, click on View Cart and paste the coupon code there.
Holafly UK
Holafly is an eSIM provider with eSIM plans for more than 190 destinations.
I tried Holafly before, so you can read our complete Holafly review to learn more.
Here’s an overview of the plans available in the United Kingdom:
- Unlimited data, valid for 5 days for $21
- Unlimited data, valid for 7 days for $29
- Unlimited data, valid for 10 days for $37
- Unlimited data, valid for 15 days for $51
- Unlimited data, valid for 20 days for $62
- Unlimited data, valid for 30 days for $75
- Unlimited data, valid for 60 days for $107
- Unlimited data, valid for 90 days for $139
Holafly Offer
Get 5% off your first purchase on Holafly with my referral code ABROKENBACKPACK.
SimCorner UK
SimCorner offers data plans in 80+ countries. They offer both prepaid SIM cards and eSIM plans. Depending on your travel plans, you can choose between local and regional plans.
I’ve tried SimCorner, and it worked great.
However, I needed to wait a few hours to receive my eSIM. If you wish to purchase an eSIM plan on SimCorner, I recommend buying it a few days before your trip. This way, you’ll have it on time for your trip.
Learn more by reading our SimCorner review.
Here’s an overview of the plan available in the United Kingdom:
- 30GB, valid for 30 days for $49, including calls and SMS
SimCorner Offer
Get a 5% discount with our promo code: ABBPTravel.
eSIM Plans Available In The UK And Europe
If you’re traveling to other European countries, you might want to purchase an eSIM for Europe and the UK.
Here are the best eSIMs for the UK and Europe.
Airalo Europe
Airalo offers multiple plans in Europe. The plan includes coverage in 39 countries, including the UK.
- 1GB, valid for 7 days for $5
- 3GB, valid for 30 days for $13
- 5GB valid for 30 days for $20
- 10GB, valid for 30 days for $37
- 50GB, valid for 90 days for $100
- 100GB, valid for 180 days for $185
Holafly Europe
Holafly offers plans in Europe that include coverage in the UK:
- Unlimited data, valid for 5 days for $21
- Unlimited data, valid for 7 days for $29
- Unlimited data, valid for 10 days for $37
- Unlimited data, valid for 15 days for $51
- Unlimited data, valid for 20 days for $62
- Unlimited data, valid for 30 days for $75
- Unlimited data, valid for 60 days for $107
- Unlimited data, valid for 90 days for $139
Onesim Europe
Onesim offers plans to facilitate your travels in Europe. Their plans cover the UK.
Here’s an overview of the plans available:
- 1GB, valid for 7 days for $3.90
- 3GB, valid for 30 days for $6.90
- 5GB, valid for 30 days for $9.90
- 10GB, valid for 30 days for $16.90
- 20GB, valid for 30 days $29.90
SimOptions Europe
SimOptions offers 4 different plans in Europe and the UK:
- 5 GB, valid for 30 days for $17.90
- 10GB, valid for 30 days for $24.90
- 8 GB, valid for 14 days for $29.90, including unlimited calls and SMS
- 20GB, valid for 14 days for $49.90, including unlimited calls and SMS
AloSIM UK, Ireland, Scotland
AloSIM offers various European plans, but if you travel in the UK, you might be interested in this plan for UK, Ireland, and Scotland:
- 1 GB, valid for 7 days for $4.50
- 3 GB, valid for 30 days for $9
- 5 GB, valid for 30 days for $13.50
- 10 GB, valid for 30 days for $20
Benefits Of Using An eSIM In The UK
eSIMs offer many benefits, which is excellent news if you’re a frequent traveler.
Here are the main reasons why I love using eSIM:
- You get data as soon as you arrive.
- You can activate your eSIM immediately.
- You can keep your usual phone number and use eSIM to get data.
- You don’t need to remove your SIM card or find a store to purchase one during your travels.
- You can top up quickly.
Final Thoughts On The Best eSIM UK
Many eSIM providers are out there, but not all offer the same coverage in the United Kingdom.
I can say that they’re all excellent eSIM providers with great eSIM plans.
Onesim, Ubigi, and BNESIM offer the cheapest plans in the UK overall.
If you prefer using an unlimited plan in the USA, we recommend Holafly.
Finally, if you’d rather have a plan without an expiration date, BNESIM is the only eSIM provider offering plans without expiration.
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