As countries in North America like the USA, Canada and Mexico continue to receive a high influx of travelers every year, having connectivity and mobile data during your trip is crucial. With more devices becoming eSIM compatible, eSIM cards have emerged as the best solution for seamless connectivity.
In this extensive guide for 2024, we dive deep on everything you need to know about getting an eSIM for North America, including a detailed comparison of the best eSIMs for north america and tips for saving money.
Why You Need an eSIM for North America
North America spans over 24 million square kilometers. And with so much ground to cover, you need reliable connectivity across the USA, Canada and Mexico.
While you can depend on public WiFi networks, they come with several downsides:
- Limited range – You need to be close to the router
- Security issues – Public networks are prone to hacking
- Time limitations – Some public networks disconnect you after a while
- Speed problems – Shared public networks tend to be very slow
eSIM cards for north america easily solve these problems. With an eSIM, you get:
- Secure connectivity using local provider networks like Bell, Telus, T-Mobile and more
- Unlimited range within the country through cellular networks
- No security risks from public WiFi hotspots
- Ability to enable data roaming across North America
- Consistent 4G/LTE speeds for uninterrupted browsing
And with more smartphones ditching physical SIM card slots, eSIMs are quickly becoming the norm. Smartphone brands like Google and Apple already sell eSIM-only phones.
By 2025, analysts predict that over 2 billion smartphones globally will support eSIM connectivity.
Simply put, eSIMs for north america are the ideal way to stay connected on your upcoming trip. And in this guide, we compare the top eSIM providers to help you find the right one.
How eSIMs Work
Before comparing eSIM cards, let’s go over what exactly eSIMs are and how they work.
What is an eSIM?
An eSIM or eSIM card is a digital SIM card that allows you to access mobile data. Just like regular SIM cards, eSIMs give you a unique phone number and cellular plan.
![eSIM card][]
But unlike physical SIM cards, eSIMs:
- Don’t require a nano SIM slot since they are digital
- Get installed through a QR code or activation number
- Allow you to quickly switch between plans and providers
Thanks to these benefits, most flagship phones from iPhone XS onwards and Google Pixel 3 onwards support eSIM functionality.
How eSIM Activation Works
Activating and using an eSIM card is very simple:
- Select a Plan: Browse eSIM plans based on the country you’re traveling to and duration of your trip. Select a plan that meets your data needs.
- Make Payment: Safely pay for your eSIM plan through credit card. Some providers also accept PayPal.
- Download eSIM: Receive the eSIM via email or SMS in the form of a QR code or activation number
- Activate on Phone: Scan the QR code or enter the activation number to activate your US eSIM, Canada eSIM or Mexico eSIM.
- Start Using Data: You can now turn on mobile data and start using the Internet without a physical SIM card.
And when you travel to the next destination, just purchase another eSIM for that country. Switching eSIMs takes seconds and can be done from anywhere in the world.
This ease of use offered by eSIM cards for north america is unmatched. Having understood what is an eSIM and how it works, let’s now compare some popular eSIM providers for the USA, Canada and Mexico.
5 Best eSIM Providers for North America
There are dozens of companies worldwide offering eSIM card plans. But only a handful provide reliable service across North America.
I evaluated over 25 eSIM providers based on price, data speeds and user reviews. And these 5 stood out in terms of value for money:
- KnowRoaming – Best overall connectivity
- Airalo – Most budget-friendly
- Ubigi – For accessing multiple countries
- GigSky – For premium 5G speeds
- AlwaysOnline Wireless – Best for Unlimited data
I break down exactly what makes each of these eSIMs for North America great:
1. KnowRoaming – Best Overall Connectivity![KnowRoaming][]
Network Coverage: Partnered with multiple top-tier mobile networks
Data Speeds: LTE/4G (with some 5G)
Pricing: $$
Countries: 190+ countries
While KnowRoaming plans are slightly pricier than cheaper options like Airalo, you get superior connectivity in return through partnerships with tier-1 telco providers like AT&T, T-Mobile, Rogers and Telcel.
This means more consistent speeds, better coverage and lower latency for gaming or video calls. KnowRoaming’s North America eSIM specifically provides extensive coverage across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Additionally, KnowRoaming has 24/7 customer support and allows hotspot/tethering to share your eSIM data with other devices like tablets and laptops. With availability in over 190 countries globally, they are a safe choice for traveling anywhere.
2. Airalo – Most Budget-Friendly ![Airalo][]
Network Coverage: Uses major provider networks
Data Speeds: LTE/4G speeds
Pricing: $
Countries: 190+ countries
Airalo is one of the most well-known eSIM service providers internationally thanks to economical pricing. And they have different eSIM plans for North America to match budgets.
For the United States, Airalo partners with T-Mobile and AT&T to utilize their 4G networks. Similarly in Canada and Mexico, you connect using Rogers and Telcel respectively.
While the data speeds may not beat premium options, Airalo’s plans are perfect if you just need basic connectivity for messaging, navigation or light media streaming. With data packages starting as low as $6 for 1GB, choose Airalo to save money.
3. Ubigi – For Accessing Multiple Countries![Ubigi][]
Network Coverage: Global coverage through 600+ operator partnerships
Data Speeds: Up to LTE/4G
Pricing: $$
Countries: 180+ countries
A key reason frequent international travelers choose Ubigi is their Cellular Data Cloud eSIM architecture. This means you automatically switch between partner networks to get the best local rates and data speeds in a given country.
So your Ubigi eSIM card utilizes T-Mobile while in the USA but connects using Telcel on crossing over into Mexico. This ensures lower roaming costs and maintains your existing eSIM number for calling/texting across North America and beyond.
If you don’t want to buy multiple eSIM data plans, Ubigi makes hopping between the US, Canada and Mexico easy. For EU residents, Ubigi also offers competitive roaming rates under the EU roaming regulations.
4. GigSky – For Premium 5G Speeds![GigSky][]
Network Coverage: Exclusively uses premium 5G networks
Data Speeds: 5G, LTE/4G
Pricing – $$$
Countries: 180+ countries
While definitely more expensive, GigSky compensates by exclusively partnering with 5G networks globally through their SIMaaS architecture. So instead of 4G/LTE, you can enjoy ultrafast 5G both for downloads and uploads.
GigSky’s premium plans get you onto 5G networks like the Verizon 5G Ultra Wideband in the USA. Similarly in Canada, you use 5G from providers like Telus or Bell. Just note maximum speeds still depend on your phone model.
If blazing fast uploads for remote work or mobile gameplay is important, choose a premium provider like GigSky. With 24/7 customer support and compatible iOS and Android devices, they focus on premium plans for travelers needing reliable high-speed connectivity.
5. AlwaysOnline Wireless – Best for Unlimited Data![AlwaysOnline Wireless][]
Network Coverage: Multiple operator partnerships
Data Speeds: LTE/4G
Pricing: $-$$$$
Countries: 135+ countries
AlwaysOnline is ranked the top eSIM provider internationally by publications like Forbes, CNET, TravelSim and more. The reason is their flexible customized plans.
For most North American network providers, unlimited data is capped at a fixed speed. But with AlwaysOnline, unlimited data eSIMs for North America actually stay fast thanks to uncapped LTE/4G speeds.
Their custom plans are also very adaptable. Get unlimited North American data at maximum LTE speeds for $25/month. Or if you expect low usage, pay just $4/month for 0.5GB daily data. With pricing starting as low as $1/month, you get great flexibility.
Business users also benefit from secure WiFi hotspot access to securely provide internet to all company devices when working remotely. If you want unlimited data without compromises, AlwaysOnline Wireless is the provider I recommend.
Getting Started With a North American eSIM
By now I’m sure you have a good idea of the ideal eSIM provider for your North American trip based on budget and usage needs.
The entire process of purchasing and activating an eSIM for North America takes less than 5 minutes. Follow these steps to get started:
Step 1: Check eSIM Compatibility
While recent iPhone and Android models support eSIM functionality out-of-the-box, always check your exact device name on your selected eSIM provider’s website. You can also contact customer support to confirm compatibility.
For iPhones, any model starting from iPhone XS/XR will work. And most flagship Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel and Motorola phones released from 2019 onwards support eSIM activation.
Step 2: Choose an eSIM Plan
Once you’ve confirmed your phone works, browse plans for your destination country. Opt for longer >1 month plans if traveling for an extended duration. When you’ve selected the right plan, click Buy to go to the checkout page.
Step 3: Make Payment & Activation
Securely pay for your North America eSIM plan using your credit/debit card or other options like PayPal or Apple Pay.
Right after payment, you’ll receive the eSIM via email either as a QR Code or a 16-digit activation code (ICCID number).
Step 4: Install eSIM on Phone
Open the email on your phone containing the QR code or activation number.
For the QR code, tap on the image to scan. For the activation number, select the Add Cellular Plan option on iOS/Android and enter the ICCID. Follow the on-screen instructions and you’ll soon be connected.
Once activated, turn on mobile data and cellular services using your newly registered eSIM to start browsing.
With these simple steps, you can have connectivity with a local North American number within minutes – all without a physical SIM card.
5 Tips to Save Money on North America eSIM Data
While most eSIM data plans are competitively priced, you likely want to minimize spends during international roaming.
From timing your purchase right to leveraging WiFi connections, here are 5 useful ways to reduce your North America eSIM costs:![5 Tips to Save Money on North America eSIM Data][]
- Buy longer validity plans (ideally 30 days) for the best rates in dollars/GB
- Purchase plans from your destination country to avoid roaming markups
- Auto-disable background data and enable low data mode on arrival
- Connect to free WiFi networks whenever available to minimize cellular data needs
- Consider carrier plans offering some free roaming data if not traveling extensively
With some smart usage adjustment, you can easily operate well within cheaper 1-5GB North America eSIM packages. Stretching a $25 5GB plan over 15-20 days works out to just a little over a dollar a day – very reasonable to stay stress-free.
Minimal effort for maximizing value is what makes eSIMs the perfect travel connectivity solution.
Stay Connected in North America With eSIM Cards
Planning an epic road trip across the western USA or hoping to immerse in Mexico’s rich heritage? Having reliable mobile data through an eSIM for North America unlocks possibilities.
You can easily navigate remote areas offline using Google Maps, capture stunning Instagram photos, stay in touch with loved ones globally, all without relying on dodgy public WiFi.
And as the best eSIM cards for north america options above highlight, you have excellent region-specific plans no matter your budget or data requirements. Most even offer free unlimited in-flight connectivity – yet another reason to switch to an eSIM service for travel going forward.
So stop hunting for nano SIM cards at your destination airport. Simply scan a QR code onto your phone within minutes and enjoy non-stop mobile data across Mexico, the United States and Canada with an eSIM in 2024.
Your North American adventure awaits!
