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How we rank eSIM providers

Every ranking is based on verified performance data — not which provider pays the highest commission. This is our methodology, published for full transparency.

30%

Coverage Score

Signal strength across city centre (40%), transport hubs (30%), suburbs (20%), and rural fringes (10%).

25%

Speed Score

Average download/upload speeds measured during business hours. Penalised if speeds drop >50% during peak congestion.

25%

Reliability Score

Connection stability, drop frequency, and consistency across multiple test locations and device types.

20%

Value Score

Price per GB compared to city average, data throttle policies, and what you actually get for your money.

MVNO routing insight: Most eSIM comparison sites don't know which wholesale hub each consumer provider uses. We do — 11 years in telecoms pre-sales consultancy, structuring MVNO agreements and Tier 1 IP transit deals across European and Middle Eastern carrier ecosystems. When we say "Airalo routes via Truphone in Europe," we can explain what that means for your actual signal in a Bangkok shopping mall. That's the knowledge behind our coverage notes.

eSIM frequently asked questions

Answers based on real-world testing across 355 cities and MVNO routing analysis.

What is the best eSIM provider for international travel?

The best eSIM depends on your destination. Airalo offers the widest coverage (200+ countries) with hotspot included. Holafly is best for unlimited data without throttling — ideal for long stays where you need a predictable bill. 4S eSIM leads for Asia (Japan, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia) with direct carrier agreements with NTT Docomo, AIS, and SingTel. Check our city-specific rankings for your exact destination — the top-ranked provider varies significantly by city.

How does SignalRank rank eSIM providers?

SignalRank scores providers on four weighted criteria: coverage (30%), download speed (25%), reliability (25%), and value per GB (20%). All data comes from Speedtest CLI measurements at city centre, transport hub, and suburban test points, plus MVNO routing analysis to identify the underlying wholesale carrier each eSIM uses. Commission rates do not affect rankings — Amigo pays the highest commission (40%) but consistently ranks 4th or 5th due to weaker coverage scores.

Is eSIM better than a local SIM card?

eSIMs activate instantly before you travel, eliminating airport SIM queues and the risk of arriving without connectivity. They use the same local carrier networks as physical SIMs — an Airalo eSIM for Japan routes through Softbank or Docomo, the same networks a local SIM uses. The tradeoff: eSIM plans typically cost 10–30% more than local SIMs for equivalent data, but the convenience is worth it for most travellers, particularly for short trips (under 10 days) where a local SIM requires queue time at arrival.

Which eSIM providers include hotspot/tethering?

Airalo, Nomad, Amigo, and 4S eSIM include hotspot on most plans. Holafly does not include hotspot on the majority of their unlimited plans — their terms permit personal device use only. This is Holafly's main limitation for remote workers who need to connect laptops. If hotspot is essential, Airalo or Nomad are the better choices. Check the specific plan terms before purchasing — some Holafly destination-specific plans do permit tethering.

The best eSIM for your city.Ranked by real signal.

Top-rated cities for eSIM

Seoul

Tokyo

Singapore

Hong Kong

Osaka

Zurich

Taipei

Stockholm

Vienna

Copenhagen

Popular destinations

eSIM providers we rank

Airalo

Holafly

Nomad

Amigo

4S eSIM