Best eSIM card for Europe: compare, buy online and travel connected

Europe is a diverse continent with numerous countries, and many travelers visit multiple destinations during their trips. Staying connected across borders can be challenging, but eSIM technology makes it simple as it provides mobile data access without the need for physical SIM cards.

The best eSIM for Europe depends on your specific needs. Holafly is ideal for travelers who seek unlimited data across 40+ European countries, while Flexiroam offers flexible plans for up to 180 days. Vodafone and Orange are great for short-term travelers who prefer data plans with local phone numbers and text capabilities. Each provider has unique features, so the right choice will depend on your budget and travel plans.

This article provides a comparison of the best eSIM options for Europe, including their features, prices, and coverage. It also explains the pros and cons of each provider by helping you decide which one fits your travel style. From setup instructions to coverage maps and frequently asked questions, this guide has plenty of information you need to plan your next tour to Europe.

Best eSIM for Europe: compare and travel connected in 2025

Are you planning to travel to Europe? Whether you plan to visit one or more countries, chances are you need a European eSIM! So, if you need help choosing which one to pick to get mobile internet in Europe, keep reading, as we will tell you all about the best eSIMs to take to Europe in 2025!

Therefore, if you plan to get an eSIM and want to know what they offer, how they work, which features companies include, and prices, keep reading to find out which is the best eSIM for Europe.

Why choose an eSIM to travel to Europe?

There are other alternatives apart from the Europe eSIM, such as physical SIM cards or Pocket WiFi devices, these aren’t as good as an eSIM due to what it offers in terms of features.

While physical SIM cards might be available to pick up from certain stores or even at an airport, these are usually more limited compared to international eSIM providers. While these offer a European phone number, data packages are way too limited.

As for Pocket WiFi devices, these are extremely expensive compared to a physical SIM card or an eSIM. While people might want to share data with more than one device, the cost for these plans can be up to $100 per week, which is a lot for a data-only service.

That’s why even SIM cards allow to get a phone number and Pocket WiFi devices allow to share data with different devices; as long as travelers have a phone that supports eSIM, this will be the go-to alternative for them, as these are easier to purchase and usually have more features.

Which is the best eSIM for Europe travel?

If you have a compatible phone, you will be able to purchase and activate a Europe eSIM card. Look at the list below of companies that sell international eSIM cards.

• Holafly
• Flexiroam
• Vodafone
• Orange

Rates and data plans from the best eSIM providers for travel to Europe

Pay close attention to the prices of each provider so you can choose the one that suits you best. The plans we have listed are for Europe eSIM cards.

Holafly: Best option with unlimited data in Europe

For international travelers, the best-prepaid eSIM to take to Europe comes with Holafly as they offer data only plans with unlimited and customizable packages to stay connected from 1 to 90 days.

With a mobile connection in over 40 different countries, the Holafly eSIM for Europe allows people to connect to different local networks to get 4G/LTE/5G speeds while traveling on the continent. That way, people can choose a regional plan over a variety of local plans to stay connected.

Holafly home website. Source: Holafly.

The best part is how easy it is to use Holafly as an eSIM provider. People only need to choose the number of days for their European eSIM, and in a matter of seconds, a QR code will be sent to activate the eSIM.

Travelers also have the chance to buy a European eSIM from Holafly thanks to their app on iOS and Android devices. 

Pros of Holafly’s eSIM for Europe:

• Enjoy unlimited data throughout Europe
• Easy to set up and activate.
• You will enjoy mobile data in 40 European countries.
• Keep your WhatsApp number on your cellphone.
• Enjoy 24/7 customer service.
• Network coverage with main carriers in Europe.
• Automatic activation process upon installation.
• Top-up is available for every eSIM plan.

Cons of Holafly’s eSIM for Europe:

• No messages included.
• No phone calls or phone number, but thanks to the unlimited data, travelers can make calls with VoIP apps.

2. Flexiroam: Plans for up to 180 days of travel

The second alternative for choosing eSIM plans in Europe comes with Flexiroam. This company provides a variety of data plans, varying from data only eSIM to unlimited packages.

Flexiroam Europe plans. Source: Flexiroam.

People can rapidly change and choose their preferred package when getting a Europe eSIM from the company. While this eSIM doesn’t support all the countries in the continent, it works throughout the European Union, which is where most travelers go.

Other than this, users are required to download the app to install the eSIM through it. While eSIMs will automatically connect with local networks, the installation process is entirely manual, using a QR code.

Pros of Flexiroam eSIM for Europe:

• You can top-up the eSIM from the application to get more data.
• You can share data with other devices through Flexishare or by creating a hotspot.
• You will be able to choose from many data plan options.

Cons of Flexiroam eSIM for Europe:

• You can install many eSIM profiles but don’t use more than one simultaneously.
• To activate the eSIM, you must download their App.
• You don’t get a phone number, so you can’t make phone calls or send texts.

3. Vodafone eSIM in Europe: One of the main carriers in the continent

Moving forward with other Europe eSIM alternatives, we have Vodafone. As this carrier is one of the many eSIM providers in the continent, it’s fair to say it will provide connections to different destinations.

Vodafone offers supports eSIM on all devices that are compatible with this technology. Whether people have Android phones or iOS phones, the only requirement is for the device to be eSIM-compatible in 2025.

Vodafone eSIM for Europe. Source: Vodafone.

Compared to previous years, Vodafone allows travelers to stay connected with different eSIM packages. The eSIM Europe price varies from $4 to $90 depending on the chosen data plan. Currently, there are only five packages available for 7, 10, 15, 30 and 90 days.

Pros of Vodafone eSIM Europe

• Vodafone eSIM for Europe is data only.
• Allows internet usage in more than 44 destinations in Europe.
• Doesn’t require travelers to be a previous Vodafone customer to get an embedded SIM card.
• Only requires a QR code to activate.

Cons of Vodafone eSIM Europe

• Vodafone eSIM for Europe doesn’t offer text messages or phone calls.
• Doesn’t include a phone number to make calls.
• Only 5 data packages are available.

4. Orange eSIM in Europe: Three data packages for short-term travelers

Orange is another company that offers either a SIM card or a Europe eSIM to stay connected while traveling around the continent.

The main requirement to get a Europe eSIM from Orange is to have an eSIM-compatible device. People can even check the eSIM compatibility of their devices on the website before making a purchase.

Plans for travel in Europe from Orange. Source: Orange.

Currently, the company offers three different data packages with their Europe eSIM. These packages only work from 7 to 28 days, so these are focused on short-term travelers who want good network coverage in the continent.

Once people complete the purchase, a QR code will be sent to activate the eSIM. In case people don’t have a device that supports eSIM, Orange also offers a SIM card for Europe.

Pros of Orange eSIM Europe

• Offer SIM cards and Europe eSIM for travelers.
• Installation is done with a QR code.
• Include phone calls and text messages.
• Includes a French phone number.

Cons of Orange eSIM Europe

• Doesn’t have unlimited packages for travelers.
• No variety of eSIM plans for long-term travelers.

Comparison of best eSIM providers for Europe

Table 1. Comparison of eSIM providers to connect to the internet in Europe.

Features of eSIMs for travel to Europe

eSIMs are different from physical SIMs. Here’s what you need to know about eSIM cards for Europe:

• Most European eSIMs only offer data; some companies include phone calls and text messages, such as Orange.
• A Europe eSIM can only be installed once. After using the QR code for installation, people can’t install it on a different device.
• People can check eSIM compatibility before making a purchase to avoid wasting some money, but there are companies with super flexible refund policies like Holafly in case you get one by mistake.
• iPhones and the latest Samsung devices allow to add more than one Europe eSIM, so people can easily switch from one to another.
• While using a dual SIM iPhone, travelers can use a Europe eSIM and keep their physical SIM card without issues. People need to check their data usage to avoid unnecessary charges.

Mobile internet coverage map for travel to Europe

As we mentioned some international eSIM providers and some local companies, it’s necessary to know how good the coverage is, as this helps in choosing which eSIM plan to take when visiting Europe.

So, it’s important to have an idea of how good mobile networks are for Vodafone and Orange, which are the two main options to use while in Europe. 

Coverage maps in Europe

Vodafone 3G coverage map in Europe

Orange 3G coverage map in Europe

Frequently asked questions about eSIM in Europe

See frequently asked questions you might have before purchasing your eSIM to travel to Europe.

Cintia Soto Tomeu

Adventurer, passionate traveler, and tech enthusiast. On Roami, I aim at sharing the best solutions to help you navigate the complexities of staying connected abroad, ensuring a hassle-free experience. I enjoy playing chess, reading Brian Greene, and exploring different cultures!