5 Cheapest eSIM Phone Plans

Long gone are the days when customers prefer buying traditional sim cards to access network coverage, as now is the time when eSIMs are ruling the telecom industry. These new-gen sim cards are mainly designed to supersede old-style and outdated physical sim while offering complete freedom and flexibility.

eSIMs are electronic and programmable sim cards that get embedded in your handset. The information on an eSIM is rewritable, which means you can modify your network without removing or inserting a new sim.

Today, most carriers provide eSIM prepaid plans, but which one is the best? Our team of experts has mapped out the best eSIM plans for readers so that they can make an appropriate choice. Scroll through the guide, compare these plans, and pick the option that fits your requirements.

Best eSIM Phone Plans

Here, we’ve compared the best eSIM carriers, offering cheap eSIM plans to narrow down your choices and help you find the perfect option fit your needs.

1. Tello – cheapest eSIM phone plans

Let’s begin the list of the best and cheapest eSIM plans with Tello. A leading MVNO, Tello offers a mixed bag of low-cost plans. The best thing about opting for Tello’s eSIM is that it features no delivery times or charges. All you want is a compatible smartphone to get started.

Tello eSIMs are free, and you can activate your Tello service with a QR code scan. To start using Tello’s eSIM service, check your phone’s compatibility, pick any Tello plan, and scan the QR code to activate the service. Nothing changes in plan and features when you opt for Tello eSIM cards; hence, you can enjoy everything included in the plan at no extra cost.

Data	Minutes	Texts	Price
1GB	Unlimited	Unlimited	$9/ month
2GB	Unlimited	Unlimited	$10/ month
5GB	Unlimited	Unlimited	$14/ month
10GB	Unlimited	Unlimited	$19/ month
15GB	Unlimited	Unlimited	$24/ month
Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited	$25/ month

This MVNO comes with pre-designed plans and customized options to facilitate all kinds of customers. Whether you build your plan or choose one of the pre-defined options, this carrier offers some of the best eSIM prepaid plans in the US.

Yet another thing that makes Tello worth the splurge is its flexibility. It only ties you in for a month, meaning you can leave their services after 30 days in case you don’t like it without explaining or getting penalized. This mobile virtual network operator uses the infrastructure of the famous T-Mobile; hence, it offers excellent network coverage throughout the country.

In addition to predefined and custom options, Tello also offers family cell phone plans. Sign up as a family and manage all accounts via one email address and dashboard. Other than the ease of checking your dashboard, these plans are identical to buying separately.

However, everything has ups and downsides, and Tello is no exception. While the carrier may excel in flexibility and pricing, these perks come at the loss of data. Without opting for unlimited Tello’s data plan, you’ll find yourself deprived of the data allowance as all the best price plans max out at 1 or 2GB.

Tello also supports international roaming in 225 countries and territories, and you will be charged from your Pay As You Go balance. You need a minimum $5 balance to activate your Roaming service. 

You can buy the cheapest eSIM plan at Tello for just $5, making it suitable for budget-conscious users who want to embrace new technology without putting a hole in their pocket. For more details about Tello Mobile, you can check our full review article Tello mobile review.

2. Mint Mobile – Best phone plan for large amount of data user

Are you still hunting for the cheapest eSIM plan? Well, think no more and connect to Mint Mobile digitally with eSIM. This mobile carrier allows you to get premium wireless for $15/ mo.

Moreover, it’s easy to get started with this MVNO. All you need is an eSIM-ready, unlocked device. Pick your plan and select eSIM delivery at the time of checkout. Install the Mint Mobile app and activate your eSIM in a few clicks. The best part about using Mint Mobile eSIM is that you can keep two lines on one phone and switch between them seamlessly.

Mint Mobile believes in keeping things simple and fuss-free; hence, it offers only four plans. The cheapest plan starts at $15 per month and offers 5GB of data allowance, nationwide coverage, and unlimited talk and text. The maximum range of the plan available at Mint is $30, which offers unlimited data, talk, and text.

Data	3 Months	6 Months	12 Months
5GB	$15/mo.	$20/mo.	$15/mo.	View Plans »
15GB	$20/mo.	$25/mo.	$20/mo.	View Plans »
20GB	$25/mo.	$35/mo.	$25/mo.	View Plans »
Unlimited (40GB)	$30/mo.	$35/mo.	$30/mo.	View Plans »

However, customers must remember that the unlimited plan isn’t unlimited, as it caps out at 40GB, after which they experience lower speeds. The full video streaming is available at 480p, which might bother some users. But the good part is that the limitation doesn’t apply to 5GB, 15GB, and 20GB users.

In addition, another thing that might be distressing for customers is that Mint Mobile charges for at least three months of service at a time. You’ll have to pay upfront for at least three months. Owing to this, Mint Mobile is ideal for only those who have already tried their services and want to commit for an extended period.

Also, Mint Mobile doesn’t offer any discount for multiple lines. This carrier uses T-Mobile’s network, providing excellent coverage throughout the country. Speaking of their audio and network performance, both are exceptionally clear and unrivaled. However, service varies from region to region; hence, you must check Mint Mobile’s coverage checker to evaluate the signal strength in your area.

Mint Mobile is an affordable option for enjoying unlimited data allowance and all essential services without any hassle. So, get ready to pay upfront and enjoy cheap eSIM plans with this unfussy MVNO.

3. US Mobile – Best user experience

While US Mobile isn’t as hyped as Mint and Visible, this carrier nailed the perfect formula for offering affordable eSIM phone plans. Customers can get any US Mobile plan without a physical SIM card, which means that all US mobile plans are eSIM-friendly. Bring the compatible device and get incredible service whenever you want in a few clicks.

Connecting your US mobile eSIM is quick and hassle-free. Customers should first go to the list of eSIM-compatible devices to check whether their smartphone supports this service. After that, check the US plans and pick the option that suits your requirements. Now, scan the eSIM QR code and get started.

Data	High Speed Data	Minutes & Texts	Price
2GB Light Plan	2 GB	Unlimited	$10/mo. $8/mo. ( pay annually)
By the Big 2GB (Add line $8/line/mo. Share data)	2 GB	Unlimited	$10/mo.
By the Big 10GB (Add line $8/line/mo. Share data)	10 GB	Unlimited	$20/mo.
Unlimited Flex	10 GB	Unlimited	$17.5/mo.
Unlimited Starter	35 GB	Unlimited	$25/mo. $22.5/mo. ( pay annually)
Unlimited Premium	100 GB	Unlimited	$44/mo. $32.5/mo. ( pay annually)

US Mobile plans offer a vast pool of options to fit the needs of every customer out there. Whether you are shopping for your family, business, or yourself, this carrier will get you covered with its flexible and cheap eSIM plans.

From share data plans By the Big can allow you to share first line data accross multiple lines, with extra line $8/mo. it has everything to cater to your requirements. The Unlimited Premium comes for $44/ per line, while the Unlimited Flex is available for $17.5/per line.

Hold your patience, as the list doesn’t conclude here. US Mobile allows you to create eSIM plans based on your requirements, so you will pay for what you need.

Since it covers many eSIM phone plans, the carrier offers a comparison tool to help you decide the best pick. Moreover, US Mobile also features international plans to enjoy instant high-speed data abroad. With US Mobile eSIM, you can enjoy the country’s best network that keeps you connected without interruptions. With eSIM, you can also enjoy international roaming for free for some unlimited plans.

All US Mobile eSIM plans include WiFi calling at no extra cost and now hotspot is included for free for almost all plans.

All in all, US Mobile offers an endless list of eSIM prepaid plans to satiate the requirements of all users. For more details about US Mobile, you can check US Mobile review.

4. Visible – best unlimited phone plan

The next best option we can’t afford to miss when listing the best eSIM prepaid plans is the Visible Mobile. This carrier is famous for its two simple, unlimited, and powerful plans. The best part is that Visible makes it easy to switch. Bring the compatible device, sign up for a Visible app, and begin your 15-day trial to check whether these eSIM plans are worth your hard-earned cash.

Once you are done switching, pick your favorite plan, either Visible or Visible+, and step into the world of absolute comfort. While Visible is available for $25 per month, Visible+ costs you $45 and offers even more premium network experience and global reach.

Visible	Visible+
$25/mo (Taxes and fees included)	$45/mo (Taxes and fees included)
Unlimited Talk, Text, & Data 5G Nationwide & 4G LTE	Unlimited Talk, Text & data 50 GB/mo of premium data 5G Nationwide & 4G LTE 5G Ultra Wideband Save $10/mo on Verizon Home Internet Smartwatch service included. Save $10/mo.
Unlimited Mobile Hotspot	Unlimited Mobile Hotspot at twice the speed as Visible plan
Unlimited Talk & Text to Mexico & Canada	Unlimited Talk & Text to Mexico/Canada Unlimited Talk, Text & Data Roaming in Mexico/Canada (2GB of data per day) International Calling from US to 30+ Countries International Texting from US to 200+ Countries One Global Pass day per month included
View the plan>	View the plan>

Both plans run on Verizon’s 5G and 4G LTE network coverage and feature unlimited everything, be it data, talk, and text. The best part about choosing Visible eSIM plans is that they don’t bind you in any contract or commitment, and you are free to leave the plan whenever you want.

Want to enjoy a test drive before choosing the cheapest eSIM plan? Bring a phone with eSIM compatibility, choose between Visible and Visible+, and give this carrier a try for 15 days. Visible is a straightforward mobile carrier with no fuss. It offers two simple plans to make a choice as easy as possible. Moreover, the network covers 99% of the US population, thus keeping you connected with your family and friends, irrespective of location.

In addition, Visible eSIM plans offer an unlimited hotspot to share your data allowance without any trouble or speed limit. The carrier’s mobile data speed tops at 200Mbps, which is relatively fast for watching video and other high-bandwidth applications.

So, overall, Visible is the best pick if you want unlimited everything and spam protection. The plans are straightforward, the coverage is excellent, and the prices are very reasonable. If you don’t mind pushing your limits, try out the Visible+ plan and enjoy international calling, texting, roaming facility, and everything included in the Visible.

5. AT&T – Best postpaid phone plan

One of the most numerous cell phone companies in the US, AT&T offers a variety of cheapest eSIM plans with excellent coverage, fast speeds, and incredibly high data caps. In addition, it features a strong 4G LTE footprint and is currently rolling out a robust 5G network.

You can get 5GB of high-speed data for $30/per month. The plan also includes unlimited talk and text. In addition, you can enjoy unlimited text from the US to over 230 countries. It also includes mobile hotspots and standard-definition streaming.

Customers can also opt for longer commitments and enjoy 16GB of data at $25 per month. It is a yearly plan that includes unlimited talk and text, a mobile hotspot with 10GB capped, and a 4K UHD streaming facility. AT&T unlimited data plans are the flagship product from the carrier; however, they are a bit pricey and might need to be more suitable for budget-savvy customers.

Plans	Data	Minutes & Text	Hostspot	Price
Score 5GB	5GB	Unlimited	5GB	$30/mo.
Unlimited data for $25/mo	16GB 12-month	Unlimited	10GB	$25/mo.
$40/mo. without AutoPay	30GB	Unlimited	No	$40/mo.
Unlimited MAXSM	Unlimited data	Unlimited	25GB	$55/mo.

The best thing about AT&T is its international perks. You can enjoy unlimited text from the US to 230+ countries to stay in touch with your family and friends overseas. Moreover, it also boasts a robust 5G network infrastructure to offer a 5G network across the country. But there’s a catch. This nationwide 5G is a “low-band” 5G, which means it’s not as fast as it should be.

However, AT&T also has certain downsides that you should be aware of before committing. First, all eSIM prepaid plans offered by AT&T are way too expensive for what they currently offer. Even with the carrier’s fast download speeds and high data caps, users expect even better coverage and more perks for an unlimited plan.

The next disadvantage of using AT&T prepaid plans is the poor streaming quality. All plans max out at standard definition video quality, i.e., 480p. Also, don’t forget about data deprioritization, which gets slowed down during busy hours, leaving the users disappointed and frustrated.

AT&T Mobile Plans offer various features to meet any customer’s needs. The plans are designed to be flexible and affordable, with multiple options to choose from. All plans feature AT&T ActiveArmor mobile security to block fraud call blocking. What makes AT&T more exciting is its high data caps. If you use your phone to game, post, stream, or work, then these carrier plans fit the bill.

Things to consider when choosing esim phone plans

eSIMs have become the most accessible way to stay connected to your near and dear ones. So, if you have the latest smartphone, you should opt for this alternative without thinking twice.

But while switching to eSIMs is fascinating, choosing the cheapest eSIM plan surely isn’t. The concept is a bit new for telecom users; hence, the choice should be made wisely.

There are many things to consider when choosing eSim phone plans, and the most important is to find an option that fits your needs and budget. Here, we have mapped out some essential factors to consider when choosing. Follow them carefully so you won’t regret your decision later on.

Evaluate your needs

Whether you are opting for an eSIM or a traditional SIM card, the first thing that can make or break your decision is your calling requirements. Determine your needs regarding data, minutes, and texts. Are you someone who needs unlimited everything, or can you get by with a smaller data allowance?

Once you know your needs, you can start looking at different plans and see which one best suits your usage. If you don’t need unlimited data but want the flexibility to use your phone abroad, then a plan with roaming included could be a good option.

Take the time to compare different plans and find the one that’s right for you – there’s no rush! And remember, you can always change your plan if your needs change.

The Length of the Contract

The second factor is how long you have to commit. A shorter contract might be best if you only need it for a short period. However, if you’ll need the service for a while, more extended contracts might be a better option.

However, you should remember that the longer you commit, the more you can save. Most carriers offer exciting discounts for lengthy contracts, say 3 or 12 months. But before you rush into the commitment, consider the terms and conditions included in it and understand everything before getting on board.

Speed Limits

Always look at the speed limits when choosing the cheapest eSim plan. If you frequently need to download or upload large files, you’ll want to ensure that your plan offers high-speed data. On the other hand, if you only use your phone for basic tasks like browsing the web and checking email, a lower-speed limit may be fine.

In addition, remember to check the data restrictions. Some plans may restrict how much data you can use in a given month, while others may limit the types of activities you can do with your phone. Be sure to read the terms and conditions of your plan carefully so that you understand all of the limitations before signing up.

Compatibility with your smartphone

Since not all smartphones support eSIMs, checking the plan’s compatibility with your device is mandatory to avoid any last-minute surprises. You’ll need to check with your carrier and phone manufacturer to do this. Some carriers may only offer specific plans as eSIMs, so you’ll need to ensure that the plan you want is available in an eSIM format.

Once you’ve confirmed that your phone is compatible with the eSIM plan you want to use, setting everything up is usually a simple process. Most carriers will provide instructions on activating your eSIM, and it’s typically just a matter of following a few steps and then restarting your phone. 

Price is the key

Finally, look at the plan’s price before making a final choice. Remember that eSIM plans can be a bit more expensive than traditional ones, so be sure to compare prices before you decide on a provider.

Also, remember that eSim prepaid plans often come with various features, so you’ll want to ensure you’re getting what you need for the price you’re paying.

While you want to choose a plan that fits your budget, don’t just look for more than just the cheapest option and compare prices to find the best value for money.

Summary

There are a lot of things to consider when you’re choosing an eSIM phone plan. But if you take the time to compare your options and find the right one, it can be a great way to save money and stay connected. We hope our guide has helped you learn more about eSIMs and the best option you should opt for.

No matter your budget, there’s an eSIM plan out there that will fit your needs. So look at the options listed above and see which one is right for you!

Article Updates

• Aug 29, 2024: Update AT&T phone plans