The cheapest eSIM for the USA is the one that gives you enough data for your trip at the lowest cost per GB, without extras you won't use. For most visitors, that's a data-only plan sized to your stay: a small plan for a few days, a bigger one for two weeks or more, since bigger plans usually cost less per GB. This guide shows you how to compare cheap eSIM plans for the USA, which hidden costs to watch for, and when a North America plan is worth it.
Short on time? Here are three of our USA plans for a one-week, two-week and one-month trip. See the current price on each card.
United States 5GB (7 days) · 20GB (15 days) · 50GB (30 days) · data only, USA · See all USA eSIM plans
How to find the cheapest eSIM plan for your USA trip
The lowest price on the list isn't always the cheapest choice. A tiny plan that runs out on day three costs you more once you buy a second one. Compare these four things instead.
1. Work out how much data you need
Start with your trip length and how you use your phone. As a rough guide from our USA eSIM page:
- 3 to 5 days: 1 GB to 5 GB, for maps, messages and some browsing.
- 7 to 15 days: 10 GB to 20 GB, for daily maps, social media, ride apps and some video calls.
- 15 to 30 days: 20 GB to 50 GB, especially if you stream music on long drives or share your hotspot.
Video is what eats data. Netflix says one hour of HD video can use up to 3 GB, and one hour in its basic quality up to 0.3 GB (Netflix Help: data usage). Download shows and offline maps on hotel Wi-Fi, and a smaller plan goes a lot further. More tips in our guide to choosing an eSIM data plan.
2. Compare the cost per GB, not just the price
Divide the price by the number of GB. On our USA page, the cost per GB generally drops as the plans get bigger. So if you're torn between two sizes, the bigger one often gives you much more data for a little more money. If you only need data for a stopover or a weekend, a 1 GB or 3 GB plan is still the cheapest way to go.
3. Check the validity
Each plan has a number of days. Our USA plans run from 3 days (1 GB and 3 GB) to 7 days (5 GB and 10 GB), 15 days (20 GB), 30 days (50 GB), 90 days (60 GB) and 180 days (100 GB). Pick a plan that covers your whole stay, so you don't pay for a second eSIM halfway through. Your days start when you arrive: the eSIM activates automatically when it connects in the USA, not when you buy it.
4. Check that you can top up
If you can add data to the same eSIM, you can start with a smaller plan and top up only if you need more. All our USA plans can be topped up, so you don't have to buy for the worst case.
Unlimited or fixed data: which is cheaper?
"Unlimited" sounds like the safe choice, but it usually comes with limits on speed or sharing. Here is what two providers say on their own pages:
- Airalo sells both unlimited and fixed data packages for the USA. On its unlimited packages, you get 3 GB of high-speed data per day, then your connection continues at reduced speed until it resets, and hotspot use counts toward that daily allowance (Airalo: United States eSIM, Airalo: unlimited packages).
- Holafly sells unlimited data plans for the USA, priced by the number of days. It says a fair usage policy can reduce your speed for up to a day, and you can share up to 1 GB per day as a hotspot. There's no phone number (Holafly: eSIM USA).
So which is cheaper? If you're a heavy user who streams video every day, an unlimited plan can work out cheaper. If you mostly use maps, messages and social media, a fixed plan sized to your trip usually costs less. Look at your phone's data usage at home for a week (on iPhone, see how to check your data usage) and you'll know which group you're in.
Our USA plans are fixed data plans that you can top up. They allow hotspot sharing, so you can connect a laptop or a travel partner's phone. Wondering about unlimited data? See unlimited data plans without throttling and whether they exist.
Hidden costs to check before you buy
A cheap eSIM can end up costing more if you miss these:
- A phone number: most travel eSIMs, ours included, are data only. Plans with calls, texts or a US number exist, but cost more. If you just need to stay in touch, use WhatsApp, FaceTime or iMessage over data. Here's how to call with a data-only eSIM.
- Roaming on your home line: if your usual SIM stays on with data roaming switched on, your home carrier can charge you. Set the travel eSIM as your data line and turn off data roaming on your home line. Our guide on how to avoid roaming charges explains the settings.
- Short validity: a 3-day plan for a 10-day trip means buying again. Match the days to your stay.
- Unlimited plan limits: daily high-speed caps and hotspot limits, as above. Read them before you pay.
- Automatic renewals: some providers can renew or top up your package automatically. Airalo, for example, offers renewals you can turn on or off (Airalo: United States eSIM). Check what's switched on.
- Currency and card fees: your bank may charge a fee if you pay in a foreign currency. On SimOptions, you can pick your currency, such as US dollars, euros, British pounds or Canadian dollars, before you check out.
Our cheapest eSIM plans for the USA
All our USA plans work the same way. Here is what the plan details on our USA eSIM page say:
- Data: from 1 GB for 3 days to 100 GB for 180 days.
- Network: AT&T, at 4G/LTE speed.
- Coverage: the USA only.
- Phone number: no. Data only, no calls or SMS.
- Activation: automatic when you arrive in the USA. If you don't use the eSIM within a year of buying it, it expires.
- Top-ups: available.
- Hotspot: allowed.
A weekend or a stopover
United States 1GB or 3GB, both for 3 days. Enough for maps, messages and ride apps between the airport and your hotel.
One week
United States 5GB or 10GB, both for 7 days. Pick 10 GB if you post a lot of photos or make video calls.
Two weeks
United States 20GB for 15 days. A good size for a city trip or a road trip with daily navigation.
A month or longer
United States 50GB lasts 30 days. Staying longer, studying or visiting family? USA 60GB lasts 90 days and USA 100GB lasts 180 days. Big plans like these cost less per GB than the small ones.
Prices change, so see the current price on the cards above or on the USA eSIM page. Looking for more ways to save? See our best budget travel tips.
Visiting Canada or Mexico too?
Our USA plans only work in the USA. If your trip crosses a border, you have two options:
- A North America plan: one eSIM that covers the USA, Canada and Mexico. Data and days are shared, so you cross the border without changing anything on your phone. It costs more per GB than a USA-only plan, but you only buy and install one eSIM.
- Two country plans: a USA plan plus a small Canada or Mexico plan. If you spend only a day or two across the border, this can work out cheaper. Compare both on the cards before you buy.
North America 10GB (7 days) · 20GB (15 days) · 50GB (30 days) · data only, USA, Canada and Mexico · See all North America eSIMs
For route ideas and more detail, see our guides to the best eSIM for the USA and Canada, the best eSIM for the USA and Mexico and the best eSIM for North America.
Is an eSIM cheaper than roaming in the USA?
Often, yes, but check your own plan first. If you live in the EU, the "roam like at home" rules don't cover the USA, and data roaming outside the EU can be expensive (Your Europe: roaming costs). Coming from the UK, Australia, India or elsewhere? Check your carrier's daily roaming fee or travel pass for the USA, and multiply it by the days you travel. A prepaid eSIM gives you a fixed price for your data, while your home SIM stays on for texts and bank codes.
Live in the USA and looking for a cheap monthly eSIM phone plan instead? That's a different product: a prepaid or postpaid plan from a US carrier. Our list of eSIM carriers in the USA covers the major carriers and prepaid brands.
How to set up your USA eSIM
- Check your phone. It must support eSIM and be unlocked. Dial *#06#: if you see an EID number, your phone supports eSIM. On iPhone, eSIM works on the iPhone XS, XS Max, XR and later (Apple: Using Dual SIM with an eSIM). More help: how to check eSIM compatibility.
- Buy your plan online. Your QR code comes by email.
- Install it at home on Wi-Fi before you fly. On iPhone, scan the QR code with the Camera app, or on iOS 17.4 and later press and hold the code in the email and choose Add eSIM (Apple: Set up eSIM on iPhone). Step by step for iPhone and Android: how to install an eSIM.
- When you land, pick the travel eSIM for mobile data and turn on data roaming for it. On iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Data) > Cellular Data and choose the travel eSIM.
- Turn off data roaming on your home line, so it can't use data abroad.
No signal after you land? See what to do when your eSIM is not activating.
FAQs
What is the cheapest eSIM for the USA?
The cheapest eSIM is the smallest plan that covers your whole trip. For a few days, that's a 1 GB or 3 GB plan. For two weeks or more, a bigger plan usually costs less per GB. See the current prices on our USA eSIM page.
How much does an eSIM for the USA cost?
It depends on the data and days you pick. Prices change, so check the current price on the plan card before you buy. Compare the cost per GB, not just the total.
Is an unlimited eSIM cheaper than a fixed data plan?
Only if you use a lot of data. Unlimited plans often slow you down after a daily allowance and may limit hotspot sharing. For maps, messages and social media, a fixed plan sized to your trip usually costs less.
Does a cheap eSIM come with a US phone number?
Usually not. Most cheap travel eSIMs, including ours, are data only. You can still call and message with WhatsApp, FaceTime or iMessage, and keep your home number on your phone.
Can I top up my USA eSIM?
Yes. All our USA plans can be topped up, so you can start small and add data if you need it.
Does a USA eSIM work in Canada or Mexico?
Our USA eSIM works in the USA only. For a trip that includes Canada or Mexico, pick a North America eSIM or add a separate Canada or Mexico plan.
When should I buy and install my eSIM?
Buy and install it a day or two before you fly, on Wi-Fi. Your days only start when the eSIM connects in the USA.
Is a cheap eSIM slower?
Not because of the price. Speed depends on the network and plan type. Our USA plans run on AT&T at 4G/LTE. Unlimited plans may slow you down after a daily allowance, so check their fair usage terms.
