Best eSIM for the UK 2026: Prices, Networks and Plans Compared

Last updated: October 30, 2026. All prices were checked on each provider's official website on October 30, 2026. BitJoy is our own store, and we say so wherever it appears in this comparison.

The best eSIM for the UK for most visitors is a fixed-data plan of 5GB to 10GB on more than one British network. It costs a fraction of a roaming pass or a 30-day "unlimited" plan, works the moment you land at Heathrow, and keeps working when you leave London for Edinburgh, the Cotswolds or the Scottish Highlands. If you need a UK phone number, choose a plan with minutes and texts instead, and if the UK is one stop on a longer European trip, a Europe eSIM that includes the UK is the simplest option.

This guide compares seven UK eSIM providers on price per GB, networks, hotspot and phone-number options, explains which British network matters where, and walks you through setup, calls, data needs and troubleshooting.

Quick Picks: Best eSIM for the UK by Traveller Type

UK eSIM Comparison Table (Prices Checked October 30, 2026)

Price per GB is the fairest way to compare fixed plans. Unlimited plans only beat fixed plans if you use more than about 40-60GB in a month, which few holidaymakers do.

How We Compared UK eSIMs

We did not rank providers on marketing claims. For each provider we:

• checked current prices on the provider's own website on October 30, 2026, and converted each plan to a price per GB;
• recorded which UK networks the provider lists, because coverage outside cities depends on the network;
• checked hotspot rules, unlimited-plan limits and whether a UK number is included;
• looked at practical factors: when the plan starts, whether you can install before travelling, and refund terms.

We have not published our own speed tests for this guide. Speeds on any travel eSIM depend mostly on the local network and where you are standing, so the network list is the most useful signal before you buy. BitJoy is our own store; we include it because it offers the lowest 10GB price we found, and we list the cases where another provider is the better choice.

What to Check Before Buying a UK eSIM

1. Networks: which local networks the plan uses. More than one network means fewer dead spots outside cities.
2. Data and validity: match the data to your trip length. A 30-day plan gives you room if your dates change.
3. When the plan starts: at purchase, at installation or at first connection in the country. Plans that start on arrival let you buy early.
4. Hotspot: whether you can share data with a laptop, tablet or travel partner, and whether there is a daily hotspot cap.
5. Unlimited rules: daily high-speed limits, the speed after the limit, and fair-use terms.
6. Phone number: most travel eSIMs are data-only. Decide upfront if you need local calls or SMS.
7. Top-ups and support: how easily you can add data, and how to reach support if the eSIM does not connect.
8. Refunds: what happens if your trip is cancelled before you install the eSIM.

For the UK specifically, the most important checks are EE in the network list if you are leaving the cities, and whether the plan includes the UK at all if you are buying a Europe plan.

Is my phone compatible?

Your phone must support eSIM and be carrier-unlocked. Most iPhones from the XS and XR onwards, Samsung Galaxy S20 and later, and Google Pixel 3 and later support eSIM, but some regional models do not. Dialling *#06# shows an EID number if your phone supports eSIM. If your phone is locked to your home carrier, ask them to unlock it before you travel.

UK Mobile Networks: EE vs O2 vs VodafoneThree

Travel eSIMs do not have their own towers. They connect to one or more British networks, so the network list tells you more about coverage than the brand name does.

For a London-only trip, any of these networks will do. For a road trip, the Highlands, the Lake District, Snowdonia or Cornwall, a plan that can switch between networks gives you the best chance of keeping signal.

Best UK eSIM Providers Reviewed

1. BitJoy: Best Overall Value

Networks: O2 5G, EE 5G and Three 4G. Plans: 1GB / 7 days $2.99, 3GB / 30 days $5.99, 5GB / 30 days $7.49, 10GB / 30 days $10.99, 20GB / 30 days $18.49, 50GB / 30 days $28.99, plus a 50GB / 180-day plan ($43.49) for long stays and a daily plan with 2GB of full-speed data per day ($3.99, then 500 Kbps).

BitJoy's 10GB plan was the cheapest 10GB price we found, and it is one of the few UK plans that can use three networks. Hotspot is included on every plan, fixed-data plans have no speed reduction, and you can install the eSIM up to 180 days before your trip. Purchases are covered by a 5-day refund guarantee.

• Pros: lowest price per GB, three networks, hotspot, long pre-activation window, daily plan for heavy days.
• Cons: data-only, so no UK phone number.
• Best for: most visitors, road trips, families sharing data.

2. Ubigi: Strong Budget Alternative

Ubigi's UK 10GB / 30-day plan costs about 11 (its page shows both USD and EUR) and runs on EE and Three. Data sharing is allowed, and Ubigi also sells a 30-day unlimited plan.

• Pros: low price for 10GB, EE coverage, established provider.
• Cons: two networks rather than three; data-only.
• Best for: budget travellers who want EE.

3. Nomad: Best for a UK Number and Unlimited

Nomad's 10GB / 30-day plan is $17.50, its 30-day unlimited plan is $49, and a 10GB plan with 200 minutes and 200 texts costs $19. Hotspot is supported, and plans use Three, EE and Vodafone.

• Pros: the cheapest 30-day unlimited plan we found; an option with UK calls and texts.
• Cons: fixed-data plans cost more per GB than BitJoy or Ubigi.
• Best for: visitors who need a UK number or stream every day.

4. Yesim

Yesim lists 10GB for 30 days at $19.20 (discounted from $30) and also sells unlimited plans. Hotspot "depends on the operator", and plans are data-only.

• Pros: frequent discounts; app with plan management.
• Cons: higher price per GB; networks not stated.
• Best for: existing Yesim users.

5. Orange Travel

Orange Travel, from the French operator Orange, sells 10GB for 14 days at €13.99 and 20GB for 30 days at €18.99. Its unlimited UK plans run from 5 to 25 days (€15.99 to €52.99) and include calls, texts and hotspot. Partner networks include EE, Three, VMO2 and Vodafone.

• Pros: calls and texts on unlimited plans; good value for 20GB.
• Cons: no 30-day unlimited plan for the UK; prices in euros.
• Best for: travellers who want calls included.

6. Airalo

Airalo's UK page showed unlimited plans at $11.50 for 3 days, $27 for 7 days and $69 for 30 days, on EE and other networks. We could not see fixed-GB UK plans on the page when we checked.

• Pros: well-known app, EE coverage.
• Cons: expensive for a full month.
• Best for: short trips by existing Airalo users.

7. Holafly

Holafly sells unlimited UK plans only: $27.50 for 7 days and $76.50 for 30 days. Hotspot is allowed but capped at 1GB per day, and there is no UK number.

• Pros: simple unlimited plans.
• Cons: the most expensive option for 30 days; hotspot limit.
• Best for: heavy phone-only users on short trips.

Saily: Saily, from the makers of NordVPN, also sells UK eSIMs with built-in security features. Its website blocked our price check, so we have not listed its prices.

Which UK eSIM Should You Choose?

London city break (3-7 days)

5GB to 10GB is plenty for Google Maps, Citymapper, Uber, messaging and photos. BitJoy 5GB / 30 days is $7.49 and 10GB is $10.99.

Road trip or two weeks around the UK

Navigation and streaming in the car use more data than you expect. Choose 10GB to 20GB, pick a plan with EE in its network list, and download offline maps for the Highlands and national parks.

UK plus Europe

Taking the Eurostar to Paris or flying on to Amsterdam? One Europe plan that lists the UK is simpler than two country plans. Not every Europe eSIM includes the UK, so check the country list. See our guide to the best eSIM for Europe.

You need a UK phone number

Choose a plan with minutes and texts, or a local prepaid SIM. Our UK prepaid SIM guide explains the local options.

Best eSIM for London

• Arriving at Heathrow: with an eSIM installed at home, you have data the moment you land to book the Elizabeth line, Heathrow Express or a taxi.
• The Tube: mobile coverage on the London Underground is still being rolled out. TfL is aiming for 4G and 5G across the network by the end of 2026, and by mid-2026 around 60% of below-ground stations had coverage. The Elizabeth line already has 4G along the whole line and 4G and 5G in its tunnels.
• Paying for transport: you can tap in and out with a contactless card or phone wallet, so you do not need data to ride, but you will want it for live journey planning.
• Busy events: networks slow down around the New Year's Eve fireworks, concerts and big matches. Agree a meeting point in advance.

For more London tips, read our London SIM card guide.

Getting From Heathrow and Other Airports

With your eSIM switched on as you land, you can check live departures and book onward travel before you reach passport control.

• Heathrow: the Elizabeth line runs to central London (Paddington, Tottenham Court Road, Liverpool Street), the Heathrow Express runs non-stop to Paddington, and the Piccadilly line is the cheapest Tube option. All three accept contactless payment.
• Gatwick: Gatwick Express and Thameslink trains run to central London.
• Stansted and Luton: rail links and coaches connect to London; book ahead in busy periods.
• Edinburgh and Manchester: trams and buses link the airports to the city centre.

Use Citymapper or Google Maps for live times, and keep a screenshot of your hotel address in case you lose signal underground.

How Much Data Do You Need in the UK?

Rough guide: an hour of navigation uses about 5-10MB, an hour of social media scrolling 100-300MB, and an hour of HD video 1-3GB.

eSIM vs Roaming vs a UK SIM Card

UK roaming after Brexit: since January 1, 2021, the EU's "roam like at home" rules no longer cover the UK. Some EU mobile plans still include the UK at no extra cost, but others charge daily fees or limit data. Check your own plan before you travel.

How to Install and Activate a UK eSIM

First, check that your phone supports eSIM and is carrier-unlocked. Most iPhones from the XS onwards and recent Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel phones support eSIM. Install the eSIM over Wi-Fi before you travel, but keep it switched off until you land.

On iPhone

1. Go to Settings, then Cellular (or Mobile Data), then Add eSIM.
2. Choose "Use QR Code" and scan the code from your email, or enter the details manually.
3. Label the new line (for example "UK data") and set it as your cellular data line when you arrive.
4. Open the new line's settings and turn on Data Roaming.
5. Keep your home line on for calls and texts if you need them, but turn off its data roaming.

On Android (Samsung, Pixel and others)

1. Go to Settings, then Network & internet (or Connections), then SIMs or SIM manager.
2. Tap Add eSIM or "Download a SIM instead" and scan the QR code.
3. Set the new eSIM as your mobile data SIM when you land.
4. Turn on Roaming for the eSIM.
5. Turn off roaming on your home SIM to avoid charges.

Calls, Texts and Keeping Your Number

• WhatsApp, iMessage and FaceTime work over your eSIM data and keep your usual number, so most visitors do not need a UK number at all.
• Wi-Fi calling: if your home carrier supports it, you can make and receive calls on your normal number over Wi-Fi, or sometimes over your eSIM data. Check with your carrier before you travel.
• Bank codes: keep your home SIM active in dual-SIM mode so you still receive SMS verification codes.
• Emergencies: 999 and 112 work for emergency services in the UK.

Troubleshooting: UK eSIM Not Working?

• "No Service" after landing: check that the eSIM line is turned on, that Data Roaming is on for that line, and that it is selected for mobile data. Toggle Airplane Mode off and on.
• Connected but no internet: check the APN in the eSIM's settings against the details in your setup email, and restart the phone.
• Slow in the countryside: go to the network settings, turn off automatic network selection, and choose a different network manually (for example EE instead of O2).
• Charges on your home bill: make sure your home line has data roaming switched off.
• Cannot scan the QR code: enter the SM-DP+ address and activation code manually, or contact support. Do not delete an installed eSIM, as it usually cannot be reinstalled.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best eSIM for the UK?

For most visitors, BitJoy offers the best value: 10GB for 30 days for $10.99 on O2, EE and Three, with hotspot. Choose Nomad or Orange Travel if you need calls and a UK number.

How much does a UK eSIM cost?

About $6 for 3GB and $11-$20 for 10GB for 30 days. Unlimited plans range from $49 to $76.50 for 30 days.

Do UK eSIMs work in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland?

Yes, UK plans cover the whole United Kingdom. Coverage in remote areas depends on the network, so a plan with EE is the safest choice for the Highlands.

Do I need a UK SIM card as a tourist?

No. A travel eSIM gives you data, and apps like WhatsApp keep your normal number. You only need a UK SIM if you want a local number.

Does a UK eSIM include a phone number?

Most do not. Nomad offers a plan with minutes and texts, and Orange Travel's unlimited plans include calls and texts.

Is an eSIM cheaper than roaming in the UK?

Usually much cheaper. A 10GB eSIM for a month costs about $11, while daily roaming passes from outside Europe often cost $10 or more per day.

Which network is best in the UK?

EE was rated best in RootMetrics' second-half 2025 tests and has the widest coverage. BitJoy's UK plans can use EE as well as O2 and Three.

How much data do I need for a week in London?

3-5GB for most people, or 10GB if you stream video or post a lot of video.

When should I install my UK eSIM?

Before you fly, over Wi-Fi. Most BitJoy plans can be installed up to 180 days in advance and start when you begin using them in the UK.

Is unlimited data worth it in the UK?

Only if you use a lot of data every day. Most unlimited plans have fair-use limits or hotspot caps, and a daily plan is cheaper for a few heavy days.

Can I use a UK eSIM in Europe?

Not a UK-only plan. Choose a Europe eSIM that lists the UK if you are visiting both.

Do I need ID to buy a UK eSIM?

Not for a travel eSIM like BitJoy, which you buy online with an email address. Local prepaid SIMs may involve identity checks depending on the network.

Bottom Line

For most UK trips, a 5GB-10GB fixed plan on several networks is the best mix of price and coverage, and it costs far less than roaming or a month of unlimited data. Compare BitJoy UK eSIMs, or choose a Europe eSIM that includes the UK if you are travelling on to the continent.