Best Global eSIM Subscriptions for Digital Nomads

Using an international eSIM is nothing new these days, but recently we’ve been experimenting with replacing our one-time plans with global eSIM subscriptions. Instead of single-use data packs that expire, these plans automatically renew every month, essentially meaning you set up the eSIM once, and can use it indefinitely all over the world.

As digital nomads who are always on the road and (let’s be honest) sick to death of buying new eSIMs every 30 days, this is huge. We’ve been comparing the top international eSIMs for some time now, but in this guide, we’re getting specific. We’re breaking down the best global eSIM subscriptions with prices, coverage, and the perks actually worth noting.

Comparing the Best Global eSIM Subscriptions

	Holafly Plans	Saily Ultra	UbigiBi	GigSky One
Coverage	160+ destinations	121 destinations	200+ destinations	120+ countries
Plans	25GB/month (Light Plan), or Unlimited	5GB/month (Standard), 10GB/month (Plus), or 30GB/month (Premium)	5GB/month, 20GB/month, or Unlimited	25GB/month, 50GB/month, or 75GB/month
Price	Light: $49.90/month Unlimited: $64.90/month	Standard: $29.99/month Plus: $44.99/month Premium: $59.99/month	5GB/month: $19/month 20GB/month: $44/month Unlimited: $180/month	25GB/month: $17.00 50GB/month: $27.00 75GB/month: $36.99
Billing	Monthly or yearly	Monthly or quarterly	Monthly or yearly	Monthly, quarterly, or yearly
Cancellation Policy	Anytime cancellation	Anytime cancellation	Monthly plans after 3 months	Anytime cancellation
Phone Number	Yes (unlimited plan only)	No	No	No

1. Holafly Plans

There’s no way we couldn’t put Holafly Plans at the top of this list. The provider is already well known in the space for their international unlimited data eSIMs, so it shouldn’t come as much of a surprise that their unlimited data subscription is by far the best one on the block.

The plan starts at $64.90/month (which drops to $50.58 if you switch to annual billing), works in over 160 destinations, and even gives you unlimited data sharing. And, if you’re not sure you need unlimited data, there’s also a Light Plan that gives you 25GB/month for $49.90/month.

The plan auto-renews every month and comes with zero commitment. That means you can cancel it at literally any time through your user profile. Set up is just as easy. You choose your plan, get sent a QR code, then just need to scan it and follow the onscreen instructions to have your rolling eSIM plan instantly up and running.

Holafly’s eSIM subscription also comes with something called Always On. Essentially, this is a free 1GB/month backup plan for emergencies that works in 70+ destinations. It automatically activates after your subscription ends, so long as you keep the eSIM on your phone, you’ll have the safety blanket of emergency data.

• Perks: Always On
• Phone Number: US, UK, or Canadian number included on the Unlimited Plan. It receives SMS, ideal for OTPs, bank verifications, 2FA, and deliveries.
• Coverage: +160 destinations
• Unlimited Plan Data Throttle: No
• Pros: Best unlimited data subscription
• Cons: No lower data plans

2. Saily Ultra

We’ve been loving Saily for some time now. The eSIM provider was created by the same people behind NordVPN, so as you can probably guess, it’s all about web safety. All their eSIMs include a built-in VPN, virtual locations, and an ad blocker (which actually saves you data).

Saily Ultra is their global eSIM subscription, which automatically renews every month. The tiers are for 5GB/month, 10GB/month, or 30GB/month (plus unlimited data at up to 1Mbps). This should have most people covered, and although we never love data thottling, we do appreciate that the rules are at least transparent.

The subscription also has extra perks beyond even the web safety tools. E.g., you get 1 monthly lounge pass and 1 airport fast-track pass every month, which can roll over for up to 3 months. Saily will also arrange airport lounge access for you if your flight is delayed by 2 or more hours. Oh, and they throw in a $5 Uber voucher every month, too! As digital nomads who travel a lot, this really goes a long way.

• Perks: Airport lounge access, built-in cybersecurity tools, and a $5 Uber voucher
• Coverage: 121 destinations
• Billing Options: Monthly or quarterly
• Unlimited Plan Data Throttle: After 30GB of high-speed data
• Pros: Comes with a built-in VPN and virtual locations
• Cons: Less coverage than other options

3. Ubigi

When it comes to the ultimate coverage, you can’t help but be impressed by Ubigi. They have over 200 destinations included, with the only stipulation being that Canadian residents can’t use the eSIM in Canada, and UAE residents can’t use the eSIM in the UAE. Alaska is also specifically not included, but Hawaii and the rest of the US are.

If you’re on the hunt for an affordable low-data option, then their 5GB/month plan is honestly one of the best value options on the market, whereas the higher tiers are on the pricer side. That being said, you are guaranteed 60GB of high-speed data on the unlimited plan, so you do get a little more than with some other providers.

You can choose between monthly or annual plans with Ubigi, but just be aware that you are locked into 3 months on the monthly plan. That being said, if you’re looking for an eSIM data plan for less than 90 days, we’d say you’re probably better off with a one-time pay-as-you-go international eSIM instead.

In terms of user experience, Ubigi’s website and app aren’t quite as intuitive and nice to use as they could be, but they’re still relatively straightforward. The eSIM will also automatically activate as soon as you arrive in a covered destination and renews each month, so once it’s installed, you really don’t have to think about it again.

• Coverage: 200+ destinations
• Unlimited Plan Data Throttle: After 60GB of high-speed data
• Pros: Affordable lower data plan
• Cons: Monthly plans can’t be cancelled until after 3 months

4. GigSky One

GigSky One comes with one huge positive: the price. The current promo cost is $17 for 25GB/month, $27 for 50GB/month, and $36.99 for 75GB/month, but even at the full ticket price, GigSky One data works out to only around $1 per 1GB of monthly rolling data.

Add on the fact that there’s unlimited data sharing, and that even after your high-speed data runs out, you get unlimited 1Mbps data, and we’re impressed. And, if you’re traveling with other people, you get an extra 25% off on most GigSky plans to bring that cost down even further.

The downside is that GigSky One does have slightly limited destinations compared to Holafly or Ubigi. Although with any time cancellation, you could always pause the subscription if you happen to visit a non-covered country, then restart it when you leave.

GigSky One doesn’t really offer any perks, and like most international eSIMs, these plans don’t come with a number, and phone calls are not included. However, we’d argue that for those low prices, no extra perks is more than fair.

• Coverage: 120 destinations
• Billing Options: Monthly, quarterly, or yearly
• Pros: Affordable lower data plan
• Cons: Monthly plans can’t be cancelled until after 3 months

Global eSIM Subscriptions FAQs

How do global eSIM subscriptions work?

Most international eSIM plans are one-time pay-as-you-go products, where you pay for a specific amount of data that expires usually between 1 and 30 days. An eSIM subscription, on the other hand, automatically renews every month.

What is the best global eSIM subscription?

In our opinion, it’s Holafly Plans. They’re an all-around top pick because of the great value unlimited plan, amazing coverage, and very easy-to-use app and installation process.

What is the best eSIM to use internationally?

It depends on what you’re looking for. When it comes to unlimited data or global eSIM subscriptions, we recommend Holafly. For one-off plans, we like providers like Saily, Airalo, or JetPac.

Which devices support global eSIMs?

Almost all newer smartphones support eSIMs, e.g., recent iPhones, Google Pixel devices, and lots of Samsung Galaxy models. Compatibility can vary by region and model, so it’s best to double-check if your device is compatible with a provider before buying.

Are monthly eSIM subscriptions better than one-time plans?

Monthly subscriptions are amazing for frequent travelers or digital nomads who travel for multiple months at a time across a whole bunch of different destinations. One-time plans are better for short, one-off trips, when you have a regular phone plan back at home.

Are you ready to get connected without an expiry date?