Best eSIM provider for US & Canada
Michael Harbour
February 5, 2024 21:56
Country Tips
Top eSIM carriers in the USA and Canada #
Are you looking for an eSIM carrier in the US or Canada? Don't worry; we've got you covered. eSIM technology has been around since 2016 and has gained more attention since Apple launched its eSIM-only iPhone 14 in the US.
In this article, we'll explore the top eSIM carriers in the US and Canada so you can find the right plan for your needs.
List of eSIM Carriers
It's worth noting that Apple has exclusively sold smartphones with eSIM support in the US since the release of the iPhone 14. According to analysts, this may extend to Europe and developed Asian markets by 2024. In Canada, all versions of the iPhone 14 and 14 Pro, such as the iPhone 14 Plus and 14 Pro Max, will continue to support physical SIM cards in addition to an eSIM.
More carriers are offering eSIM plans daily. Here are some of the best carriers to consider in the US and Canada:
USA
- AT&T
- Mint Mobile
- T-Mobile
- Truphone
- Roamify
- Verizon Wireless
- Visible
Canada
- Bell
- Fido
- Freedom
- Koodo
- Lucky Mobile
- Rogers
- Roamify
- Telus
- Virgin
If you're looking for a pay-as-you-go or prepaid SIM card not tied to a contract, Roamify eSIM is a great choice. Roamify partners with the largest mobile carriers in the USA and Canada, including AT&T, T-Mobile, Telus, Koodo, and Public, with prepaid eSIM plans starting from just $20.99/month. Roamify eSIM also automatically switches to the best network, making it super convenient.
Best eSIM for International Travel
If you're looking for a prepaid eSIM for international travel, especially for iPhone 14 users from the US, Roamify eSIM provides service in over 100 destinations, including popular ones such as the UK, Spain, Italy, Dubai, Australia, Japan, China, and Hong Kong.
With Roamify, you can use just one plan in all these countries, avoiding the hassle of changing physical SIM cards and purchasing multiple data plans, and saving money on expensive roaming fees. And the best part? A data plan promotion for 2024 offers a 5% discount with the promo code SPRING5!
Which Phones Support eSIM?
Before you purchase an eSIM data plan, you must confirm whether your phone is eSIM compatible. If you have an iPhone or a Samsung Galaxy, you're in luck. Google Pixel and some other Android phones also support eSIM. You can check the list of eSIM phones below to be sure.
Apple
- iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max
- iPhone SE 3
- iPhone 13, 13 Mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 12, 12 Mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max
- iPhone SE 2
- iPhone 11, 11 Pro
- iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max
The following Apple devices are NOT equipped with eSIM functionality:
- iPhones sold in Mainland China.
- iPhones sold in Hong Kong and Macao, except for the iPhone 13 Mini, iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone SE 2020, and iPhone XS.
Samsung
- Samsung Galaxy A54 5G*
- Samsung Galaxy S23, S23+, S23 Ultra*
- Samsung Galaxy S22 5G, S22+ 5G, S22 Ultra 5G
- Samsung Galaxy S21, S21+ 5G, S21 Ultra 5G
- Samsung Galaxy Note 20, 20 Ultra 5G
- Samsung Galaxy S20, S20+, S20 Ultra
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G
- Samsung Galaxy Fold
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 and 3 5G
- Samsung Galaxy Fold 3
The following Samsung Galaxy devices are NOT eSIM-capable:
- All models of Samsung Galaxy S20 FE and Galaxy S21 FE.
- USA models of Samsung Galaxy S20, Galaxy S21, and Galaxy Z Flip 5G.
- USA and Hong Kong models of Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2.
- Most Samsung devices purchased in South Korea do NOT support eSIMs except for Samsung Galaxy S23, Galaxy S23+, Galaxy S23 Ultra, Galaxy Z Flip4, Galaxy Z Fold4, and Galaxy A54 5G.
- Samsung Galaxy S21 series devices (excluding FE models) from Canada and the USA may have eSIM capability if the One UI 4 update is installed. Please confirm with your carrier or device manufacturer if your Samsung device is eSIM-capable.
- Google Pixel 6, 6 Pro
- Google Pixel 5, 5a
- Google Pixel 4, 4a, 4 XL
- Google Pixel 3a, 3 XL, 3a XL*
- Google Pixel 2 XL*
The eSIM feature is NOT available on the following Google Pixel devices:
- Pixel 3 models purchased from Australia, Taiwan, and Japan or with service from US or Canadian carriers other than Sprint and Google Fi.
- Pixel 3a models are purchased in Southeast Asia or with Verizon service.
Other Android Phones
- Huawei P40, P40 Pro*, Mate 40 Pro
- Oppo Find X3 Pro*
- Oppo Find X5, X5 Pro*
- Oppo Reno 5A*
- Oppo Reno6 Pro 5G*
- Oppo A55s*
- Motorola Razr 2019
- Motorola Razr 5G
- Gemini PDA
- Rakuten Big-S
- Rakuten Big
- Sony Xperia 10 III Lite
*eSIM support may be limited to specific regions. To confirm if your device is capable of eSIM, reach out to your carrier or device manufacturer.
It’s also worth noting that any 4G-enabled tablet made after 2017 will likely have eSIM compatibility. The same is true for some laptops, and eSIMs are becoming increasingly common in smart wearables.
How to Activate eSIM
Activating eSIM on your phone is easy. Just follow these steps:
For iPhone:
- Purchase your plan from the relevant carrier.
- They’ll email a QR code or send you a physical document.
- Scan the code and click on the notification when it appears.
- Tap Add Cellular Plan and follow the steps.
For Google Pixel:
- Purchase a plan from a carrier.
- They’ll mail you a QR code or give you one in-store.
- On your Pixel, open Settings, select Mobile Network, and tap Operator.
- Select Add Operator.
- Open the camera app and scan the QR code when prompted.
- Follow the steps to install the eSIM plan on your phone.
The carrier might also offer an app to purchase eSIM plans and transfer data from one phone to another. You’ll need a Wi-Fi connection or an existing cellular plan when activating eSIM.
There you have it! With this guide, you're ready to explore the world of eSIM carriers and find the perfect plan for your needs. Happy surfing!
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Related eSIM destination plans
Frequently asked questions
- What will I learn in Best eSIM provider for US & Canada?
- You will learn how eSIM activation works, how to compare data plans, and which setup steps matter most before and during your trip.
- How do I choose the right eSIM plan for Canada?
- Match your plan to trip length, expected daily data use, hotspot needs, and network quality in your destination. Short stays usually need less data, while remote work and video calls need more.
- Where can I buy travel eSIM plans for Canada and Japan?
- Use the destination links in this guide to go directly to Roamify country pages, compare plan options, and complete checkout before departure.