Planning a trip to the UK? Whether you're visiting popular landmarks like King's Cross Station, exploring bustling London city, or enjoying the serene countryside in Scotland, staying connected is essential. Therefore, an eSIM card will be an indispensable tool for your trip to the UK. Unlike traditional SIM cards, you don't need to swap cards but simply purchase a plan and activate it upon arrival, making it incredibly convenient.
Now, the UK is well-covered by eSIM technology, so you can use it without worrying about signals. In this article, we will recommend the top 6 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!
Before You Begin: How to Choose the Best UK eSIM for You
Before you travel to the UK and decide to use an eSIM, there are a few key questions you should answer.
-
What is an eSIM?
It's essentially a virtual SIM card. Most modern smartphones support the installation and activation of an eSIM. -
Is Your Phone eSIM-Compatible?
You can check your phone's compatibility list. Alternatively, you can dial *#06# and press call. If an EID number is displayed, your device is eSIM-compatible. -
Do You Need Texting or Calling Features?
Most eSIMs are data-only. Some plans may include calling and texting, but if your eSIM plan only has data, you can still make calls using data-based services like WhatsApp or FaceTime. -
Are You Visiting Cities or Remote Areas?
eSIMs will specify which network provider they use. If you need broader coverage, we recommend choosing a dual-operator eSIM, as these offer a wider network footprint. The strength of your signal depends on the carrier's network tower locations. -
How Do You Choose the Right eSIM Plan?
Different travelers have different needs. We recommend finding a plan that fits your specific requirements. You can also read our guide, "How much data do I need for international travel?" to learn more about how to select the right data plan.
Answering these questions will help you quickly understand what kind of eSIM you need.
Tips:
Please activate your eSIM card after arriving in the UK to avoid unnecessary carrier charges. 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.
Next, the 6 best eSIM cards in the UK
#1. Microesim UK eSIM
Microesim UK esim products are partnered with reliable local operators to provide extensive coverage across the UK, ensuring strong signals and fast internet speeds. It provides flexible plans from 1 to 60 days, including daily, total, and unlimited data options. If you exceed your data limit, your speed is reduced instead of being cut off. It is very easy to use, requiring no identity verification from purchase to activation, and allows you to set up a hotspot to share your internet, saving on roaming fees.
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.
Destination | Duration | Data Plans | Price (USD) |
---|---|---|---|
United Kingdom | 1 Day-30 Days | Daily 500 MB - Daily 3GB | $0.98-$60.42 |
5 Days-60 Days |
|
$2.39-$83.64 |
|
1 Day-30 Days |
Unlimited 5Mbps-Unlimited |
$2.85-$118.47 |

Attention:
If you are traveling to multiple countries in Europe, don't miss MicroEsim's Europe eSIM 30 Days Plan Special Offer! It provides unlimited data in 30+ European destinations (including the UK, France, etc.) for as low as 5.99 USD. You can finish your trip in the UK and then continue to explore the UK or other European countries without having to buy another eSIM card, seamlessly connecting to the network!
#2. Holafly UK eSIM
Holafly offers eSIM coverage for most parts of the world, including the UK, with plans starting at $6.00. It provides unlimited data, allowing users to stay connected without worrying about huge roaming charges. The installation process is simple, and you don't need to remove your physical SIM card.
However, Holafly has some drawbacks. While it supports 5G, some areas with limited coverage may experience lower-speed connections. Additionally, unlimited data is throttled after about 4.5 GB of usage, which can slow down your connection. Despite these issues, Holafly remains a popular choice for travelers looking for a convenient and affordable eSIM.

Destination | Duration | Data Plans | Price (USD) |
---|---|---|---|
United Kingdom | 1 DAY | Unlimited | $6.90 |
30 DAYS | Unlimited | $74.90 | |
45 DAYS | Unlimited | $90.90 | |
60 DAYS | Unlimited | $106.90 |
#3. Orange Holiday UK eSIM
The Orange Holiday UK eSIM is a prepaid data plan designed for tourists visiting Europe, with prices ranging from $9.90 to $64.99. It offers up to 100 GB of high-speed data across every European country. As the 11th largest mobile operator globally and the 4th largest in Europe, Orange boasts a robust network and extensive coverage.
However, 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.

Destination | Duration | Data Plans | Price (USD) |
---|---|---|---|
United Kingdom | 14 Days (Data + Cals + SMS) |
12 GB | $21.99 |
14 Days (Data + Cals + SMS) |
30 GB | $43.99 | |
30 Days (Data only) |
5 GB | $9.90 | |
30 Days (Data only) |
100 GB | $64.99 |
#4. ESIMUK.NET UK eSIM
ESIMUK.NET is one of the more established eSIM providers in the UK, and many users choose it for its high coverage, allowing them to access wireless networks almost anywhere. 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.

Destination | Duration | Data Plans | Price(USD) |
---|---|---|---|
United Kingdom | 7 Days | 1 GB | $4.99 |
15 Days | 6 GB | $10.99 | |
30 DAYS | 10 GB - 30 GB | $14.99 - $39.99 |
#5. Jetpac UK eSIM
Jetpac is designed with travelers in mind, offering a range of eSIM services including global data plans, regional data plans, and single-country data plans. In addition to these essential services, 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. It operates on a 4G network, which may not offer the fastest speeds available. Once connected abroad, data packages expire after just 4 days. Additionally, their data packages are not unlimited and can be somewhat pricey, ranging from $5 to $34.

Destination | Duration | Data Plans | Price |
---|---|---|---|
United Kingdom | 7 DAYS |
3 GB | $5.00 |
30 DAYS | 5 GB | $6.00 | |
30 DAYS | 10 GB - 40 GB | $11.00-$34.00 |
#6. Airalo UK eSIM
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.

Destination | Duration | Data Plans | Price(USD) |
---|---|---|---|
United Kingdom | 7 DAYS | 1 GB | $5.00 |
15 DAYS | 2 GB | $7.50 | |
30 DAYS | 3 GB - 20 GB | $10.00-$36.00 |
Tip:
Airalo UK eSIM new users can get 1GB of free data for 1 day for 0$.
Requirements:
1: Download the aialo app; only new users can get it!
2: Add a Credit / Debit Card to register your information!
Final Verdict
For UK eSIM products, all listed eSIM brands are good choices.
Based on the comprehensive judgment of price and data packages, Microesim is the best choice.
Microesim has been constantly adjusting prices in the past six months. The product quality has not declined, reducing profits, and providing high-quality products while allowing users to save money. In addition, it offers wide coverage, a reliable data network, fast speeds, and strong signals. MicroEsim offers flexible plans, including daily, total, and unlimited data options. Even if you exceed your data limit, your connection will remain active at a lower speed. Finally, MicroEsim is easy to purchase, activate, and use, and no eKYC is required. It also allows sharing the Internet via hotspots, saving roaming charges (not all eSIM providers offer this feature).
Therefore, Microesim UK eSIM is the best choice.