The Best Prepaid US eSIM Data Plans for Travelers

Prepaid eSim is the cheapest and easiest way to get high-speed mobile data when visiting the United States. There are a number of different plans tailored to visitors, so I compared the most popular options to help you find the best prepaid US eSIM data plan.

A quick note about US prepaid data plans

Many visitors to the United States are frustrated by the high fees and lack of prepaid data plans, especially since these plans are readily available in other parts of the world. So what’s going on? There are several reasons:

• Most Americans have used telephone contact methods for many years: It’s common for most Americans to sign multi-year phone contracts, so there aren’t many prepaid options.
• You may need a US credit card: Many mobile carriers require you to use a U.S. credit card to purchase a monthly plan. Sometimes you can solve this problem by purchasing a prepaid VISA debit card from a grocery store and then enrolling the card in the service. Again, this is troublesome.
• U.S. mobile carriers’ eSIM adoption plans are slow: eSIM makes it easier to switch carriers, which mobile carriers don’t like. I personally had to jump through hoops with the help of tech support to transfer my plans to an eSIM on my iPhone.

In short, don’t expect to find a prepaid data plan easily once you arrive in the United States. That’s why I highly recommend purchasing a data plan before arriving in the US if you don’t want to deal with the hassle.

Check Simulation options (Physical SIM and eSIM plans) or Horafle (eSIM only) A few different options.

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Best Prepaid eSIM Data Plans in the US

Let’s take a look at the best US eSIM data plan options I’ve found. Each eSIM plan I list in this guide will be slightly different, so take the time to review the specifics. But here are the main things to consider:

• Data traffic: Most plans give you a certain amount of mobile data (i.e. 5GB, 10GB, 30GB, etc.) but other plans give you unlimited data for a certain period of time (5 days, 15 days, 30 days, etc.).
• Plan length: The validity period of eSIM data plans is approximately 5 days to 90 days. This depends on your plan, so you need to consider this when choosing a plan.
• Mobile hotspot tethering: Most eSIM plans don’t allow you to use your phone as a mobile hotspot.
• Voice calls and text messages: Most eSIM plans offer data only, which means the plan does not include voice calls or text messages. This isn’t a big deal since you probably won’t be calling anyone else.
  • NOTE: You can still “text” between Apple iPhones using iMessage, but you cannot send messages between iPhones and Android phones. Or you can download WhatsApp to send messages via data (which is what most countries around the world already do).

Holafly Unlimited Data US Prepaid eSIM Data Plan

Horafle is a Spain-based eSIM startup that offers a variety of affordable eSIM data plans, including US plans. I’ve personally used Holafly and found it to work surprisingly well (read my Holafly eSIM Review learn more).

Unlike other eSIM providers, Holafly gives you unlimited data (although they will limit your data if you use it) Too much data), their plans last from 5 to 90 days. Holafly also connects to the networks of AT&T and T-Mobile, two of the largest mobile operators in the United States.

In short, if you don’t want to worry about monitoring your data usage while traveling, then Horafly is a good choice.

Holafly USA eSIM Plan Specifications:

• Unlimited data prices (check Horafle details)
  • 5 days: $19
  • 10 days: $34
  • 15 days: $47
  • 20 days: $54
  • 30 days: $64
  • 60 days: $84
  • 90 days: $99
• Service speed: 4G/LTE
• Incoming call: without any
• SMS/SMS: without any
• Network sharing: No

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Three 30-day passes to the US eSIM

this Three 30-day passes is another great eSIM plan with unbeatable pricing and data. This data plan gives you 20GB data for $35 and is valid for one month.

Three 30-day eSIM plan specifications:

• price: $35
• data: 20GB
• Including text messages or phone calls? : No
• Letter of credit is suitable for: 30 days

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Smart Traveler US eSIM

Smart Traveler eSIM is a cheap option for short trips as the plan is valid for only 10 days. If your visit lasts longer than 10 days, then select Horafle or Three 30-day passes.

Smart Traveler eSIM Plan Specifications:

• price: $18
• data: 6GB
• Including text messages or phone calls? : No
• Letter of credit is suitable for: 10 days

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Major U.S. mobile carriers

Below is a list of the largest mobile carriers in the United States. You will find it difficult (sometimes impossible) to find any information about eSIM on their website. In most cases, the only way to get an eSIM from them is to sign a long-term contract and then have their customer service port the eSIM plan to your phone. T-Mobile If you want to go this route, looks like your best bet.

1. Verizon Wireless: https://www.verizon.com/
2. AT&T Mobile: https://www.att.com/wireless/
3. T-Mobile US: https://www.t-mobile.com/
4. US mobile phone: https://www.uscellular.com/
5. TracFone Wireless (including brands such as Straight Talk, NET10 Wireless and Total Wireless): https://www.tracfone.com/
6. T-Mobile Metro: https://www.metrobyt-mobile.com/

If you want to learn more about physical SIM card data plans in the US, check out my guide Best SIM Data Plans for Travel in the United States.

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More US travel tips from savvy backpackers

I mostly write about traveling in New York, so here are some helpful articles about getting around New York (and beyond):