Best eSIM for the UK: Which One Should You Choose?

This blog post was sponsored by Saily. All opinions are my own.

If you’re visiting the UK, even from within the EU, don’t assume your usual phone plan will work without extra charges. Since Brexit, many EU providers no longer offer free roaming in the UK.

And for travelers from the US, Canada, or elsewhere, roaming fees have always been steep. That’s where a UK eSIM comes in.

eSIMs let you connect instantly, without having to visit a phone shop first. Whether you’re exploring London or heading up to Edinburgh, a UK eSIM keeps you online for maps, bookings, public transport, and messaging, without the stress of surprise charges.

In this guide, I’ll compare the best eSIMs for the UK, including plans with unlimited data, options for hotspot sharing, and even eSIMs that continue working with essential apps after your data runs out.

Saily: Best Privacy & Protection

Best for: Travelers who want built-in security tools

Saily goes beyond basic mobile data, it’s built by the team behind NordVPN, and you can tell. Along with your UK eSIM, you get privacy-enhancing features like virtual browsing locations, an ad blocker, and web protection to keep you safer while browsing on the go.

The price is slightly higher than budget options, but it’s a great all-in-one if you don’t want to pay separately for a VPN or mobile security.

📲 Use code VEGANDERLUST for 5% off your Saily eSIM.

Ubigi: Best Budget Pick

Best for: Cost-conscious travelers who want access to EE (UK’s top network)

Ubigi offers one of the lowest prices for UK data, just $10 for 10 GB, and connects you to EE, one of the most reliable networks in the country. That makes it a rare mix of affordability and quality, which is especially valuable.

It also connects to H3G for added coverage. The 7-day unlimited plan is one of the cheapest short-term unlimited options available.

💰 Use code VEGANDERLUST for 10% off your Ubigi plan.

Roamless: For the Flexible Travelers

Best for: Travelers heading to multiple countries

Roamless gives you two options: an affordable UK-specific plan, or a global plan that never expires, just pay for the data you use. This flexible plan also includes in-app calling, which is helpful if you’re traveling without a local phone number.

If you’re visiting more than just the UK (say, Ireland, France, or Spain), the flexibility of Roamless makes it a smart pick.

📲 Use code VEGANDERLUST for 20% off your Roamless eSIM.

Airalo: Simple and Well-Loved

Best for: First-time eSIM users and digital nomads

Airalo is one of the most popular eSIM platforms worldwide, and for good reason. Their app makes setup extremely simple, and they’re connected to EE in the UK for solid coverage.

But Airalo only connects to a single local network, which may limit your coverage in more remote or rural areas compared to providers with multi-network access.

📲 Use code VEGANDERLUST for 10% off your Airalo eSIM.

Nomad: All of the Best UK Networks

Best for: Travelers exploring different parts of the UK

If you’re moving between cities, countryside, and coastlines, Nomad’s UK eSIM has you covered, literally. It’s one of the only providers that connects to all four major UK networks: Vodafone, EE, Three, and O2.

At just $16 for 10 GB, it’s affordable too. A great “set it and forget it” option. That’s perfect if you want the best chance at staying online, even in rural areas.

Jetpac: Stay Connected Even After You Run Out of Data

Best for: Travelers who rely on essential apps like WhatsApp and Google Maps

Jetpac stands out for a unique perk: even after your data runs out, you’ll still be able to use key apps like WhatsApp, Google Maps, Uber, and Grab.

That makes it a perfect backup option if you’re constantly using navigation or messaging while out and about in the UK.

📲 Use code VEGANDERLUST for 10% off your Jetpac eSIM.

Is Your Phone eSIM-Compatible and Unlocked?

Before buying a eSIM for your trip to the UK, make sure your phone meets these two requirements:

• It supports eSIM: Most newer iPhones (XS and up), Samsung Galaxy (S20 and up), Google Pixel (3 and up), and some OnePlus models are eSIM-compatible. The easiest way to check is to search “eSIM” in your phone’s settings and see if the option to add one appears.
• It’s carrier-unlocked: If your phone is locked to a specific provider (like AT&T or Vodafone), eSIMs from other carriers won’t work. Check this in your settings or ask your carrier directly.

What About Coverage in Rural Areas?

The UK has generally good mobile coverage in cities and towns, but rural areas like the Scottish Highlands, parts of Wales, and Cornwall can be spotty for any carrier.

No international eSIM provider can guarantee full signal in remote areas, because they rely on local networks. So if you’re planning to go far off the grid, here’s what to do:

• Download offline maps (Google Maps lets you save areas in advance)
• Use apps like AllTrails or Maps.me, which work offline for hiking
• Check provider coverage maps before you buy your eSIM, look for O2, EE, Vodafone, or Three as the local network partners

eSIM Comparison for the UK

When choosing the best eSIM for your UK trip, it really comes down to what you value most: price, network access, or extras like security and flexibility. Here’s a quick breakdown of how the providers compare:

Final Thoughts: Which UK eSIM Should You Get?

Whether you’re planning to explore London’s landmarks, hike through the Lake District, or catch a show in Edinburgh, the right eSIM can keep you connected, without the stress of finding local SIM cards or dealing with roaming fees.

For a simple, budget-friendly option, Ubigi is hard to beat. If you want full flexibility and coverage across all major networks, Nomad or Roamless are smart picks. And for built-in security perks, Saily is a clear standout.

👉 Visiting other countries too? Don’t miss my guide to the best eSIMs for Europe, it includes coverage comparisons and special tips for traveling across borders.

Pin it for later: