Apple pushed digital profiles into the mainstream by removing the physical tray on U.S. iPhone 14 models, a standard that the 15, 16, and 17 generations continue today. Current Apple smartphones can store multiple profiles with Dual SIM features, and newer models allow you to keep two separate cellular lines active at the exact same time.
Prioritize in-app iOS installation, multi-network logic, and transparent hotspot policies. When users search for "what is the best eSIM app for iPhone," the answer depends on iOS integration and local network latency.
Activation path. iPhones support app installs, direct web links, carrier pushes, and manual QR codes.
Multi-network access. A travel line proves its worth when your phone automatically jumps to a secondary local partner if the primary signal drops.
5G support. Actual connection speed depends on local roaming agreements, cellular bands, and your specific iPhone hardware.
Hotspot and app design. Good apps manage usage tracking and Apple Pay top-ups right inside the iOS interface.
Primary-line continuity. A travel data plan does not replace your main number. You can keep using iMessage and FaceTime with your standard identity.
Network routing is what really separates the premium options from the budget ones. The best eSIM app for iPhone is about how quickly the data routes from the cell tower to the server and back to your screen.
Ohayu is an international eSIM provider that offers both country and global packages. Country plans are available in 190+ locations, and global data plans work in 112 countries and connect to 229 partner local networks. Price for such plans starts at $8.99/month. Multi-network focus is what earned Ohayu its place in this shortlist – having a secondary network to fall back on is useful for regional travel, remote, and rural areas.
Benefits: up to 5 re-installations, top-ups; in-app install flow for iOS and multi-network focus.
Saily was launched in 2024 by Nord Security, and its main advantage is the privacy features: built-in ad blocker, web protection, and a virtual location. This provider treats security as a part of the eSIM experience for both iOS and Android, and iPhone users appreciate it. Saily has around 200 local eSIM plans, regional offers, and a global plan that works in 113 countries. One drawback – Saily never declares a partner network, so you can’t know what signal you’ll get before you activate the plan.
Benefits: easy installation for iOS, built-in security features, unlimited options for the most popular destinations.
Broad worldwide coverage is one of Airalo's primary advantages. Their Discover plan covers 137 countries – in terms of global footprint, it’s a winner. The iOS interface is highly refined and handles top-ups smoothly. The only trade-off is choice paralysis. Because Airalo offers so many local, regional, and global variations, finding the right one for a specific two-country route can take some digging.
Benefits: data monitoring with push notifications, broad coverage and loyalty program.
Nomad is one of the popular budget options with strong coverage. This provider is a good choice for short trips: it has 1 GB plans for most destinations, including regional packages like those for Europe, the Balkans, Asia, etc. Nomad sells both fixed-data and unlimited plans and covers around 200 locations with their single-country plans. Like most providers on this list, Nomad is data-only, so the phone number is not included with plans. While technically this is a drawback, it’s very common for travel eSIMs.
Benefits: 1 GB plans for short trips, unlimited plans, good choice for regional travel.
Data retention is Kolet's unique angle. The service allows you to convert unused gigabytes into credit for a future trip. The high upfront cost in Euros makes it the most expensive entry point in this group, punishing users who just need quick access for a short layover. Another notable feature is the ability to share data with other users. While this provider does not offer unlimited plans, it’s still worth looking into if you’re not a heavy data user.
Benefits: converting unused data to "Kolet Koins", hotspot, in-app data use monitoring.
It’s hard to compare local plans when everyone in this lineup supports 190+ locations worldwide. So we’ll look into 10 GB global plans instead:
Provider | Data | Price | Validity | Countries | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ohayu | 15 GB | $39.99 | 30 days | 112 | Multi-network, hotspot, data rollover, top-ups. |
Saily | 10 GB | $56.99 | 180 days | 121 | Security features, auto top-ups. |
Airalo | 10 GB | $57.00 | 30 days | 167 | Top-ups, hotspot, 53 app languages. |
Nomad | 10 GB | $59.00 | 30 days | 123 | One-tap install, hotspot. |
Kolet | 10 GB | $71.49 | 180 days | 131 | Credit for unused data. |
To choose the best eSIM for iPhone, you’ll need to match local networks in your destination and their coverage to your exact travel itinerary. Pick Ohayu if you are crossing multiple borders and need the phone to automatically switch networks when a signal gets weaker. Go for Saily if features like virtual location routing, ad block, and web protection matter more than price or coverage for your trip. If you plan to travel to rural or remote areas with weak coverage, download Airalo. Nomad is a good fit for a dense, two-week work trip that requires heavy hotspot tethering to a laptop. And Kolet helps with longer global travel, if you plan to convert your leftover data into credit for your next trip.
