At a glance
- 1PelesimTourists who want low-cost data for a week or a month$1410 GB, 30 days
- 2UbigiTravellers who prefer an established carrier brand$1410 GB, 30 days
- 3NomadFirst-time eSIM users who want a free trial$1510 GB, 30 days
- 4AiraloVisitors who need US calls and texts in the same plan$22.5010 GB, 30 days
- 5aloSIMPeople who want a second number for calls and texts$2310 GB, 30 days
How we picked
We compared 10 GB for 30 days, the plan that covers most US trips, plus unlimited options, hotspot rules, refunds and whether you get a number for calls. Prices were read from each provider’s own US page on October 19, 2026. Pelesim prices are shown before VAT; other prices are as each site displayed them, and local taxes may apply.
Do you need a US number?
Most travel eSIMs are data only. That is fine for WhatsApp, maps and rideshare apps, but some US services text a code to a local number. If you need that, pick a plan that bundles calls and texts, or keep your home SIM switched on for codes sent to your own number.
Before you buy
Make sure your phone supports eSIM and is carrier unlocked. Install the eSIM before you fly while you are online, then turn on the line and data roaming when you land.
No. 1, our pick
Pelesim
Best for tourists who want low-cost data for a week or a month
Ties for the lowest 10 GB price here and adds 5 GB-a-day unlimited passes, with a plan that only starts when you connect in the US.
What we like
- 10 GB for 30 days for $14
- Unlimited, 7 days for $23 (5 GB a day, then 1 Mbps)
- Day passes from $1.90
- Refund within 30 days if the eSIM is not activated
Keep in mind
- Data only, no US phone number
- Android app only so far; iPhone users manage it on the web
- 10 GB / 30 days
- $14
- Unlimited
- 7 days for $23
- Hotspot
- Allowed
- Phone number
- No
No. 2
Ubigi
Best for travellers who prefer an established carrier brand
Matches Pelesim on the 10 GB price, from a carrier-backed brand, but refunds stop the moment any data is used.
What we like
- 10 GB for 30 days for $14
- Instant top-ups in the app
Keep in mind
- Refunds only if none of the plan was used
- Page heading shows US$, checkout shows euros
- 10 GB / 30 days
- $14
- Unlimited
- Best World plans
- Hotspot
- Not stated
- Phone number
- No
No. 3
Nomad
Best for first-time eSIM users who want a free trial
A dollar more for 10 GB, with hotspot support and a free 1 GB trial for first-time customers.
What we like
- Free 1 GB trial for new users
- Hotspot supported
Keep in mind
- 10 GB for 30 days is $15
- Unlimited plans are non-refundable
- 10 GB / 30 days
- $15
- Unlimited
- 3 to 21 days
- Hotspot
- Allowed
- Phone number
- Some plans
No. 4
Airalo
Best for visitors who need US calls and texts in the same plan
Pricier for data alone, but it sells US bundles with minutes and texts, which most data-only eSIMs do not.
What we like
- Bundles like 10 GB, 100 minutes and 100 SMS for 30 days
- 24/7 live chat and WhatsApp support
Keep in mind
- 10 GB data only is $22.50
- Change-of-plan refunds come as in-app credit
- 10 GB / 30 days
- $22.50
- Unlimited
- 30 days for $68
- Hotspot
- Allowed
- Phone number
- Calls and SMS bundles
No. 5
aloSIM
Best for people who want a second number for calls and texts
The priciest 10 GB here, offset by a free international number through its sister app Hushed.
What we like
- Free Hushed number with every purchase
- Hotspot and top-ups available
Keep in mind
- 10 GB for 30 days is $23
- Refund guarantee covers device and connection problems
- 10 GB / 30 days
- $23
- Unlimited
- 1 to 30 days
- Hotspot
- Allowed
- Phone number
- Via Hushed app
Compare all five
| Our pickPelesim | No. 2Ubigi | No. 3Nomad | No. 4Airalo | No. 5aloSIM | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 GB / 30 days | $14 | $14 | $15 | $22.50 | $23 |
| Unlimited | 7 days for $23 | Best World plans | 3 to 21 days | 30 days for $68 | 1 to 30 days |
| Hotspot | Allowed | Not stated | Allowed | Allowed | Allowed |
| Phone number | No | No | Some plans | Calls and SMS bundles | Via Hushed app |
