Best eSIM for the UK in 2025: Get Connected in Minutes!

Planning a trip to the United Kingdom? Staying connected is likely at the top of your to-do list. Forget expensive roaming charges and the hassle of swapping physical SIM cards. The solution is simple: an eSIM for the UK. This comprehensive guide will explore the best eSIM options available, helping you find the perfect plan to keep you connected throughout your British adventure. From comparing providers and plans to understanding how to activate your eSIM, we've got you covered.

Top eSIM Providers for the UK

TravelThru Extra - Best for Seamless Connectivity

Travelers seeking a dependable and convenient eSIM solution in the UK will find TravelThru Extra to be a strong contender. The service offers a spectrum of connection speeds, from 3G to 5G, catering to a variety of user needs. Furthermore, TravelThru Extra emphasizes ease of use with a streamlined QR code activation process and readily available customer support via 24/7 online chat.

Plan options: TravelThru Extra offers a variety of plans to cater to different needs and budgets.

• 1 GB, valid for 7 days
• 3 GB, valid for 15 days
• 5 GB, valid for 30 days
• 10 GB, valid for 30 days
• 20 GB, valid for 30 days
• 30 GB, valid for 30 days
• 50 GB, valid for 30 days

Pricing: TravelThru Extra's pricing is competitive within the eSIM market. For instance, their UK-specific 1GB plan for 7 days starts at $4.50, while their 10GB plan for 30 days is priced at $16.00. The European plans are priced similarly to the UK plans, with only a small difference. This makes TravelThru Extra a viable option for both short-term visitors and those planning longer stays in the UK or Europe.

Airalo - Best for Short-Term Travelers

If you're visiting the UK for a holiday, business trip, or a short stay, Airalo is an excellent choice for an eSIM. They specialize in providing flexible and affordable data plans tailored to the needs of travelers, making them a top pick for staying connected without the hassle of physical SIM cards or long-term contracts.

Airalo partners with major UK networks, primarily O2 and Three, to provide reliable coverage across the country. While they don't own their own network infrastructure, this partnership model allows them to offer competitive rates and access to well-established networks. You can expect solid 4G coverage in most urban and suburban areas and even in many rural locations.

Plan options: Airalo offers a range of data-only plans designed for short-term use in the UK. These typically range from 1GB up to 20GB, with varying validity periods, usually from 7 to 30 days. Some popular options often include:

• 1GB for 7 days
• 2 GB for 15 days
• 3GB for 30 days
• 5GB for 30 days
• 10GB for 30 days
• 20GB for 30 days

Pricing: Airalo's pricing is highly competitive, particularly for short-term data packages. You can expect to find plans starting from as low as $4.50 for 1GB, valid for 7 days.

Holafly - Best for Unlimited Data

Holafly provides a compelling eSIM option for UK travelers, with plans designed to fit various trip lengths, from a single day up to 90 days. This flexibility ensures you only pay for the duration you need.

Pricing: Holafly's unlimited plans are priced competitively, especially considering the freedom of unlimited data. Prices will vary depending on the duration of the plan. For example, their 5 Days Unlimited Data plan is priced at $27.00. While not the cheapest option on the market, the value for heavy data users is undeniable.

Ubigi: Best for Occasional Use

If you're visiting the UK and only need data sparingly, or if you're a resident looking for a backup data option without a monthly commitment, Ubigi is an excellent choice. Their pay-as-you-go model and long-lasting data packages make them perfect for users who don't require constant connectivity but still want the flexibility of having data available when needed.

In the UK, they primarily utilize the EE network, which boasts excellent coverage across the country, including extensive 4G and growing 5G availability. This means you can expect reliable connectivity in most areas.

Plan options:

• 500MB - valid for 1 day
• 3GB - valid for 30 days
• 24GB (2GB per month) - valid for 12 months
• 50GB - valid for 30 days
• Recurring 5GB - valid for 30 days

Pricing: The prices of Ubigi eSIM are generally competitive, especially considering the long validity periods. For instance, their 500MB plan usually costs around $2.99, while their 3GB plan typically costs around $8.00. This makes Ubigi a very cost-effective solution for occasional data users.

JetPac: UK eSIM for Budget-Conscious Travelers

If you are looking for an affordable eSIM for your trip to the UK, then look no further than JetPac. JetPac is a relatively new player in the eSIM market and an eSIM-only provider.  In the UK, they use Three's network, which has wide coverage across the country, including 4G and 5G. You can use Three's coverage checker on their website to verify the coverage for specific areas you will be visiting.

Plan options: JetPac offers a range of plans, focusing on providing an ample amount of data at an affordable price. Some examples of their UK plans include:

• 3GB, valid for 8 days
• 5GB, valid for 15 days
• 10GB, valid for 30 days
• 20GB, valid for 30 days

Pricing: JetPac's pricing is among the most competitive in the eSIM market, with prices for their UK plans starting at around $1.00. This makes them an extremely budget-friendly choice. 

Factors to Consider When Choosing an eSIM for the UK

With a growing number of eSIM providers and plans available for the UK, choosing the right one can seem overwhelming. To help you make the best decision, here are the key factors you should consider:

Data Allowance

To choose the right eSIM data plan, think about how you'll use your phone during your trip. If you mostly check emails and browse the web, a smaller data allowance should be enough. But if you plan to stream videos, use map apps a lot, or upload many photos, you'll need a larger plan or perhaps an unlimited option. Consider how long you'll be traveling as well, and pick a plan that provides enough data for the entire duration of your trip.

Coverage and Network

Research which networks each eSIM provider uses in the UK (e.g., EE, O2, Three, Vodafone). Each network has its own strengths and weaknesses in terms of coverage and speed.

Don’t forget to check the coverage maps provided by the network operators to ensure they cover the specific areas you'll be visiting, especially if you plan to travel to rural or remote locations.

Pricing and Plans

When choosing an eSIM, it's essential to compare prices from various providers, considering both your budget and the length of your trip. Look closely at how each provider structures their plans – some offer fixed data packages, while others have pay-as-you-go options. Select the model that aligns best with your anticipated usage.

In addition, be sure to check any potential hidden costs, such as activation or cancellation fees. While a low price is attractive, remember that the best value comes from a balance of cost, network coverage, speed, and reliable customer support.

Ease of Use

For a hassle-free experience, choose an eSIM provider with a simple activation process, preferably using QR codes. It's also worth considering the user-friendliness of their app or website. You should be able to easily track your data usage, add more data if needed, and access customer support. Providers that offer clear instructions and helpful resources can make getting connected much easier, especially when you first arrive.

Customer Support

While eSIMs are generally reliable, responsive customer support is essential. Check what support channels are available (live chat, email, phone) and their availability. User reviews can offer insights into the quality of customer service. Knowing you can get help with activation, troubleshooting, or data usage questions provides valuable peace of mind while abroad.

How to Set Up an eSIM in the UK

Switching to an eSIM in the UK is a straightforward process. While the exact steps may vary slightly depending on your device and provider, the general procedure is the same. This guide will walk you through the typical steps of setting up an eSIM on your compatible smartphone.

1. Choose a provider and plan: First, you'll need to select an eSIM provider that operates in the UK and choose a plan that suits your data needs and budget. We've covered some of the best options earlier in this article!

2. Purchase the plan: Once you've made your choice, purchase your chosen plan directly through the provider's website or app.

3. Receive your activation details: You'll receive your eSIM activation details after purchase. This usually comes in the form of a QR code sent to your email, but some providers may offer an activation code that you enter manually.

4. Access your device's settings:

• On iPhone: Go to Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Data) > Add Cellular Plan (or Add Data Plan or Set up eSIM).
• On Android (may vary slightly by manufacturer): Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile Network > Advanced > Carrier > Add Carrier (or a similarly named option).

5. Scan the QR code (or enter the activation code):

• QR Code: Use your phone's camera to scan the QR code provided by your eSIM provider. Your device should automatically recognize the code and prompt you to add the eSIM.
• Activation Code: If you received an activation code instead of a QR code, select the option to enter the details manually and follow the on-screen prompts.

6. Follow the on-screen prompts: Your device will guide you through the remaining steps, which typically involve confirming the addition of the eSIM and configuring basic settings. You may be asked to label your new eSIM (e.g., "Travel" or "Secondary") and choose your default line for calls, texts, and data.

7. Complete the setup: Once you've followed all the prompts, your eSIM should be activated and ready to use. You might need to restart your device for the changes to take effect.

With the information in this guide, you're now well-equipped to choose the best eSIM for UK travel. Now it’s your turn to select the perfect eSIM for your needs and enjoy a seamlessly connected trip to the United Kingdom.