Best eSIM for UK 2026: Top 7 UK eSIMs Compared for Travel

Traveling to the UK and don't want to rely on expensive roaming or physical SIM cards? A UK eSIM lets you get instant mobile data, fast local speeds, and seamless connectivity across England, Scotland, Wales, and even Europe—without visiting a store.

In this article, we will recommend the top 7 best eSIMs for the UK and compare their pros and cons based on coverage, price, data package size, and duration. Keep reading, choose the one that suits you best, and start your journey to the UK!

UK eSIM vs Local SIM Card: Which Is Better?
UK eSIMs are faster to set up, require no physical card, and can be installed before arrival. Local SIM cards may be cheaper for very long stays, but they require in-person purchase and setup.

Quick Summary: Best UK eSIM by Use Case

• Best overall UK eSIM: MicroEsim
  
• Best unlimited data eSIM: Holafly
  
• Best eSIM with calls & SMS: Orange Holiday
  
• Best UK & Europe eSIM: Airalo
  
• Best budget UK eSIM: Jetpac
  
• Best local UK coverage: ESIMUK.NET
  
• Best feature-rich option: Saily

Is an eSIM Worth It for Traveling in the UK?
Yes—for most travelers, a UK eSIM is cheaper and far more convenient than roaming or buying a physical SIM. You can install it before arrival, connect instantly at the airport, and switch plans without changing cards. For short trips, multi-country Europe travel, or iPhone users, eSIMs are usually the best option.

United Kingdom eSIM 5G

How to Choose the Best eSIM for the UK

• UK Mobile Networks Explained (EE, Vodafone, O2 & Three)
  Most UK eSIMs partner with major networks like EE, Vodafone, O2, or Three. EE generally offers the fastest speeds, while O2 and Vodafone provide broader coverage in cities and towns.
• Unlimited Data vs Limited Plans: What Does "Unlimited" Really Mean?
  "Unlimited" often comes with fair usage policies. Speeds may slow after heavy use, and hotspot sharing can be restricted.
• Do UK eSIMs Support Calls, SMS & WhatsApp?
  Most data-only eSIMs don't include calls or SMS, but WhatsApp, FaceTime, and Telegram work normally. Some travel eSIMs (like Orange) include a UK or EU number.
• Hotspot & Tethering: Can You Share Data in the UK?
  Not all eSIMs allow hotspot usage. If you plan to tether a laptop or tablet, check this carefully before buying.

Best eSIMs for the UK (Full Comparison)

1. MicroEsim UK eSIM – Best Overall eSIM for the UK

Pros

• Strong UK coverage: Uses major local networks
  
• Flexible plans: Multiple data sizes & durations
  
• Hotspot supported: Works for laptops & tablets

Cons

• No calls/SMS: Data-only plans

Best for: First-time UK travelers, users who want stability and flexibility

MicroEsim stands out as the most balanced UK eSIM, combining fast local networks, flexible plans, and reliable performance across the UK and Europe. It supports multiple UK carriers and offers both short-term and longer plans, making it suitable for tourists, business travelers, and digital nomads. You can download the MicroEsim app on Android, making it easy to purchase plans, check your remaining data, and see if your phone supports eSIM.

Installation is simple via QR code, and most plans allow hotspot sharing. MicroEsim is also known for stable speeds in major cities like London, Manchester, and Edinburgh. Even better, not just in the UK, MicroEsim collaborates with operators in many countries and regions across Europe to provide a stable network. So if you're planning trips to other countries besides the UK, it can also be your best eSIM for European travel.

Explore Popular MicroEsim UK Plans
These are just some of the most popular options — MicroEsim also offers many other plans to fit different trip lengths, budgets, and data needs.

United Kingdom eSIM 5G

2. Saily UK eSIM – Best Feature-Rich eSIM for the UK

Pros

• Intuitive app: Easy setup & monitoring
  
• Stable performance: Good city coverage
  
• Transparent pricing: No hidden fees

Cons

• No unlimited plans: Heavy users may run out
  
• No calls/SMS: Data-only eSIM

Best for: App-first users, travelers who value ease of use

Saily focuses on user experience, offering a clean app, easy plan management, and solid UK coverage through trusted local networks. It's designed for travelers who want everything handled in one place—from installation to top-ups.

While data plans are limited rather than unlimited, Saily performs well for everyday browsing, navigation, and social media use in the UK.

Explore Popular Saily UK Plans

3. Holafly UK eSIM – Best Unlimited Data eSIM for the UK

Pros

• Unlimited data: No need to track usage
  
• Easy activation: Install before arrival
  
• Good UK coverage: Reliable in major cities

Cons

• Hotspot restricted: Not ideal for tethering
  
• Higher price: Compared to limited plans

Best for: Heavy data users, remote workers

Holafly is known for its unlimited data plans, making it ideal for travelers who stream, video call, or work remotely. Coverage across the UK is reliable, and setup is fast with QR-based activation.

However, hotspot usage is limited, and unlimited data is subject to fair usage policies that may reduce speed during peak times. That said, travelers who want more control over speed or hotspot usage may prefer MicroEsim. It provides multiple unlimited data options with different speed tiers, making it a better fit for users who need stable hotspot access or want to balance price and performance. Despite these issues, Holafly remains a popular choice for travelers looking for a convenient eSIM.

Explore Popular Holafly UK Plans

4. Orange Holiday UK eSIM – Best UK eSIM with Calls & SMS

Pros

• Calls & SMS included: Rare among eSIMs
  
• Europe-wide use: Works beyond the UK
  
• Reliable network: Backed by Orange

Cons

• More expensive: Premium pricing
  
• Fixed plans: Less flexible data options

Best for: Travelers who need calls & SMS

Orange Holiday is a classic travel eSIM that includes data, calls, and SMS, plus a European phone number. It's especially useful if you need traditional calling or are traveling across multiple European countries. As the 11th largest mobile operator globally and the 4th largest in Europe, Orange boasts a robust network and extensive coverage.

However, the trade-off is a higher price and less flexibility compared to data-only eSIMs. Moreover, some users have reported issues with the Orange eSIM stopping working after 30 minutes to an hour. Additionally, there can be long delays in reaching customer support, and sometimes there is no customer service available at all.

Explore Popular Orange Holiday UK Plans

5. ESIMUK.NET UK eSIM – Best UK eSIM for Local Coverage

Pros

• UK-focused coverage: Optimized locally
  
• Simple plans: Easy to choose
  
• Reliable speeds: Good everyday use

Cons

• UK only: No Europe roaming
  
• Fewer plan options: Limited flexibility

Best for: Long-stay UK visitors

ESIMUK.NET targets users who want a more "local SIM" experience via eSIM. It focuses on UK-only coverage with stable speeds and straightforward data plans. Activating ESIMUK.NET is very convenient and takes just 15 minutes. Its wireless data allows you to set up a hotspot to share your connection with friends and family, and you can keep your previous phone number.

Unfortunately, ESIMUK.NET offers 4G networks instead of 5G, and its plans can be a bit pricey, with most starting at $4.99. If you want similar local-level reliability but with broader coverage and more plan choices, MicroEsim is worth considering. It supports both UK-only and UK + Europe plans, with higher data caps and faster network options compared to most UK-only eSIM providers.

Explore Popular ESIMUK.NET UK Plans

6. Jetpac UK eSIM – Best Budget UK eSIM for Short Trips

Pros

• Low cost: One of the cheapest options
  
• Quick setup: QR code activation
  
• Decent coverage: For basic use

Cons

• Small data packs: Not for heavy users
  
• Limited features: No advanced options

Best for: Budget travelers, short stays

Jetpac is a solid choice for travelers on a tight budget or very short UK trips. Prices are low, setup is fast, and coverage is decent for basic needs like maps and messaging. Jetpac provides complimentary access to airport lounges, allowing users to relax and use the facilities while waiting for their flights. Their customer service is known for being responsive and helpful whenever users need assistance.

However, Jetpac does have its drawbacks. Data packages are smaller, so it's not ideal for heavy usage. It mainly operates on a 4G network, which may not offer the fastest speeds available. 

Explore Popular Jetpac UK Plans

7. Airalo UK eSIM – Best Flexible eSIM for UK & Europe Travel

Pros

• Europe-wide options: Easy cross-border use
  
• Flexible plans: Multiple data sizes
  
• Trusted brand: Global availability

Cons

• Limited data: Requires monitoring usage
  
• No calls/SMS: Data-only plans

Best for: UK + Europe travelers

Airalo is well-known for its wide range of country and regional eSIMs. Its UK plans work seamlessly across Europe, making it ideal for multi-country itineraries. Airalo eSIM boasts over 10 million users worldwide, covering more than 200 countries and regions. Their plans range from 1GB for $5 to 20GB for $36, offering local, regional, and global options to cater to different user needs. With fast internet speeds, Airalo allows you to share your hotspot with friends, and they also offer unlimited data plans.

However, Airalo's 5G networks are only available in supported countries and regions, and sometimes the setup process may not be seamless.

Explore Popular Airalo UK Plans

How to Activate an eSIM for the UK

When Should You Activate Your UK eSIM?
Install before departure, but activate after landing to avoid wasting validity days.

Setting up your UK travel eSIM is simple, whether you're using an iPhone or Android device. Next, I'll walk you through setting up a UK travel eSIM step by step on both iPhone and Android.

United Kingdom eSIM 5G

iPhone
Step 1. Check email from MicroEsim
Find the email from service@microesim.com that contains your eSIM information.

Step 2. Open Phone Setting
Tap Settings > Cellular or Mobile Data > Add eSIM or Add Cellular Plan or Add Mobile Data Plan > Use QR Code > Enter Details Manually.

Step 3. Enter Activation Code
Enter the corresponding "SM-DP_Address" and "Activation Code". Please be careful not to include unnecessary characters like spaces.

iPhone users can follow our step-by-step instructions in the iOS eSIM installation guide for easy setup.

Android
Step 1. Check Email from MicroEsim
Find the email from service@microesim.com that contains your eSIM information.

Step 2. Open Phone Setting
Tap Settings > Connections > SIM Manager > Add eSIM or Add Mobile Plan  > Scan QR code from service provider or Scan Carrier QR Code > Enter Activation Code or Need help? > Enter Manually.

Step 3. Enter Activation Code
Enter the corresponding "SM-DP_Address" and "Activation Code". Please be careful not to include unnecessary characters like spaces.

Android users can refer to our Android eSIM installation guide for detailed setup instructions across Samsung, Pixel, and other devices.

Common eSIM Activation Issues in the UK
Most issues come from incompatible devices or incorrect APN settings—always check device support before purchase. If you encounter issues during activation, you can contact your eSIM provider for assistance or try to fix the activation QR code problem on your iPhone by yourself.

FAQs: Best eSIM for the UK

What is the best eSIM for the UK in 2026?

MicroEsim is the best all-around choice for most travelers.

Is there a truly unlimited data eSIM for the UK?

Holafly offers unlimited data, but fair usage policies apply.

Can I make phone calls with a UK eSIM?

Only some eSIMs, like Orange Holiday, include calls and SMS.

What is the best eSIM for the UK and Ireland?

MicroEsim, Airalo, and Orange Holiday all work well across the UK and Ireland.

Final Verdict: Which eSIM Is the Best Choice for the UK?

Which is the Best eSIM for the UK? If you want the best overall performance, choose MicroEsim. For unlimited data, Holafly is the top option. Travelers who need calls should pick Orange Holiday, while Airalo is ideal for UK + Europe trips.

Your best choice ultimately depends on how long you stay, how much data you need, and whether you travel beyond the UK.

United Kingdom eSIM 5G