Airalo pioneered the eSIM market in 2019 and remains the go-to name for most travellers. Its app covers 200+ countries with local, regional and global plans — meaning you can buy a single European eSIM for a multi-country trip rather than hunting for a new SIM at every border. Plans are competitively priced and the install process is among the most straightforward you'll find. It also offers a loyalty credit system and, in select destinations, plans that include calls and texts in addition to data. Airalo is trusted by over 20 million travellers worldwide.

Where Airalo falls short is consistency. Customer service quality varies, a handful of countries restrict the app (including Turkey, India and the UAE), and there are no push notifications when data is running low — it just cuts out. Prices have also crept up recently. Still, for pure reach and ease of use, nothing beats it for a first-time eSIM user. It tends to connect to the best provider in the country you are visiting.

Yesim is a Swiss-built eSIM with a genuine point of difference: it auto-switches between local network partners to keep you on the best available signal. For iPhones every plan comes with a built-in VPN (Android in development). That means you get one app handling your data and your security on public Wi-Fi, with no extra subscription required. It also offers virtual phone numbers — useful for two-factor authentication codes, booking restaurants, or anything that requires a local-looking number. Its "Pay & Fly" pay-as-you-go global plan has no expiry date, which suits anyone who travels in unpredictable bursts throughout the year.

It's biggest strength is that it auto-switches between local network partners (800+ operators worldwide) to keep you on the best available signal, including 5G where available. It's not the absolute cheapest per GB, but the VPN and flexibility make it exceptional value for frequent travellers and remote workers who need reliable, secure connectivity across multiple countries.