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Roami’s Testing Methodology
Real travelers, real tests.
Choosing the right eSIM for your travel needs can be a daunting task, with providers varying in quality, reliability, and value. At Roami, our mission is to simplify this process by providing unbiased, comprehensive evaluations of eSIM offers, ensuring you can make the right pick.
Our expert team analyzes each eSIM provider against a robust set of criteria designed to reflect real priorities and concerns. From price and data validity to special features, we investigate every aspect that can impact your travel experience.
How do you find the perfect eSIM for your next adventure? Simple, you turn to Roami.
Our Testing Criteria
For every eSIM we review, we judge it against a list of core criteria, ensuring that you can easily compare popular options. We also dive deeper into any special features so that you have all the information you need. Here’s how we judge each eSIM.
Price
eSIM costs can vary significantly between providers, so understanding the price per MB/GB and overall plan value is critical to avoid overspending and hidden fees.
We look at:
- Competitive pricing: Average fees are around $4.50 for 1 GB of data over a week, so we look at comparing this to the provider in question.
- Validity period: you need to carefully consider factors like destination and validity period if you really want to understand eSIM pricing. For instance, some providers offer 1 GB plans for short trips, while others provide 10 GB or unlimited data options for extended stays. By comparing these tiers, we identify which plans offer the most competitive rates for different usage needs.
- Popular plans: We list popular eSIM plans from each provider, covering the cost for different destinations and amounts of data. We assess whether opting for a regional plan could be more economical for travelers visiting specific areas. And with helpful tables in each review, it’s easy to compare and contrast different plans.
- Pricing transparency: Transparency in pricing is crucial, so we scrutinize each provider’s terms to uncover any hidden fees like activation charges or costs for additional services like tethering. If an eSIM provider is cleverly hiding its fees or omitting key details, we’ll let you know.
With all this information, you can better understand where and how to get the best value for money and avoid hidden fees.
Ease of setup
A smooth setup process ensures travelers can connect quickly without technical frustrations, especially during emergencies or on tight schedules. This is why we carefully review:
- Activation time: Ideally, eSIM activation should take no more than a few minutes from start to finish, with many providers offering instant activation after you scan the QR code following purchase.
- Quality of execution: Some providers allow you to activate via their app, offering a seamless process. Others require you to enter the eSIM’s details manually in your phone’s settings, which can take longer.
- Step-by-step instructions: In our reviews, weWe investigate and explain the activation steps for each eSIM on both iOS and Android devices, noting any technical barriers. Screenshots included alongside our instructions ensure that you can follow each step closely.
- Real user experiences: We also scour online reviews to see if users have experienced difficulties during activation, and assess the time required to activate the eSIM. Finally, we check for any in-app diagnostics that allow you to troubleshoot connectivity issues instantly..
A seamless eSIM setup is non-negotiable; our reviews help you find a provider that’s as hassle-free as possible.
Customer support
Reliable support is essential in case you experience connectivity issues during travel, especially in areas where alternatives are limited. As part of our reviews, we look at:
- Contact options: In the eSIM market, most providers offer multiple contact options, including email support, live chat, or a phone line; these are typically available during standard business hours in their home time zones.
- Availability: Generally speaking, providers respond to live chat and social media outreach within a few minutes, or take a few days to reply to emails. As a result, we always favor providers who offer 24/7 availability for travelers in a variety of destinations. Live chat is also our preferred contact method, as it leads to the quickest response times and ensures you can fix any issues as soon as possible.
- Response times: We carefully check each provider’s website and app to see what options are available, from live chat to email. We also measure response times through each method and check customer reviews to check how the customer support team handles a range of different situations.
- Quality of communication: Other factors we look for include multilingual support and proactive communication (such as sending timely updates about outages), both of which are rarer in the market.
- Independent support: We also do a deep dive into website help centers and FAQs, looking for ways that customers can solve minor issues independently.
- Resolutions and refunds: Finally, we investigate how long it takes for issues to be resolved. In case of severe issues like lack of connectivity, many eSIM providers take up to 10 business days to try to resolve the problem. Failing that, they may offer a refund.
We review this entire process to see how long customers can expect to wait in case of unfixable problems, awarding higher ratings to eSIM companies that offer comprehensive, fast support.
Validity period
Travelers require flexible plans to suit trips of different durations, from weekend getaways to months-long adventures. The validity period determines how long you can use the data on your plan, and it plays a crucial role in ensuring travelers don’t overpay for services they don’t need–or find themselves disconnected halfway through their trip.
We evaluate:
- Plan durations: We analyze the range of validity options, from short-term plans lasting a few days to long-term options spanning weeks or months. Most providers offer 1-day, 7-day, and 30-day options; having a variety gets a brand higher marks.
- Unused data penalties: Some providers impose restrictions or penalties for unused data once the plan expires. We assess these policies to ensure travelers aren’t penalized unfairly.
- Flexibility: We favor providers that offer flexibility in extending the validity period or rolling over unused data.
- Transparency: Clear and upfront information about when the plan will expire, coupled with notifications as the end date approaches, is valued highly.
We make sure to present this information clearly, ensuring that our readers can carefully choose a provider that won’t overcharge them with hidden fees.
In each review, we list the validity period for different plans, assessing how well the durations align with common trip lengths. We also check for penalties or limitations on unused data.
Countries covered
Comprehensive country coverage ensures travelers remain connected no matter their destination. Some providers excel in certain regions, but fall short globally. That’s why, in our reviews, we look at:
- Global reach: We examine the total number of countries covered by each provider, comparing regional strengths and weaknesses. The average eSIM provider covers at least 100 countries, with those covering 180+ scoring higher thanks to their comprehensive list of destinations.
- Regional plans: Many providers offer regional eSIM plans–such as those that cover all of Europe or Asia–at a lower price than their global plans. We assess these plans for pricing and coverage quality to help travelers save money.
- Network partners: Coverage depends on local network partnerships. We check what networks the providers are using and evaluate their reliability to ensure strong connectivity in both urban and remote areas.
- Network speeds: While speeds often rely on the country’s infrastructure, we still look at average speeds from each provider to see if there are problems on their end. Providers offering 4G/LTE or 5G where possible are favored by our reviewers.
By evaluating global reach, regional plans, and network reliability, we ensure travelers can confidently stay connected, no matter where their journey takes them.
We compare the number and type of countries covered by each provider, using coverage maps where possible to verify their claims. We also analyze whether providers offer regional plans for better pricing flexibility.
Unlimited data plans
Unlimited plans are ideal for heavy users who need uninterrupted connectivity, such as remote workers. But not all eSIM providers offer this level of usage. Our reviewers look at:
- Availability of unlimited plans: Not all eSIM providers offer unlimited data. We identify which providers do and detail the specifics of their plans.
- Speed throttling: Unlimited data often comes with conditions, such as reduced speeds after reaching a certain usage threshold (e.g. 10GB at full speed, then throttled to 256 Kbps). We assess these thresholds to determine how unlimited the plan really is.
- Fair usage policies: Many providers enforce fair usage policies that limit high data consumption in specific situations. We investigate these policies to ensure they’re reasonable and transparent.
- Pricing comparisons: Unlimited plans can vary widely in cost. We compare pricing with competitors to highlight which providers offer the best value.
Since not all “unlimited” plans are created equal, which is why we carefully analyze the policies to provide you with the utmost transparency and explain who would benefit from these plans.
We confirm the availability of unlimited plans via the carrier website and check for restrictions such as speed throttling after a certain usage limit. Then, we compare pricing with competitors.
Tethering
The ability to share data with other devices is essential for travelers using laptops or tablets alongside their phones. So, as a part of our reviews, we evaluate:
- Tethering availability: Some eSIM providers allow tethering as a default feature, while others restrict it entirely. We check whether tethering is explicitly supported by the provider.
- Performance while tethering: Tethering can strain network resources, leading some providers to throttle speeds or limit functionality. We test tethering performance to ensure it supports common activities like video conferencing or file uploads without significant lag.
- Device compatibility: We evaluate whether tethering works seamlessly across a range of devices, including Windows laptops, Macbooks, tablets, and smartwatches.
- Fair usage restrictions: Many providers impose data caps or usage limits specifically for tethering. We assess these policies to determine whether they align with standard user needs.
- Pricing and add-ons: Some providers charge extra for tethering or require an add-on plan. We compare these costs to help you determine whether the added expense is worth it.
Tethering might be important to you, but policies and performance can vary widely across providers. Our reviews help you better understand these terms and conditions.
We check eSIM provider to see if they allow tethering, noting limitations or restrictions in the provider policies.
SMS/Calls included
For travelers requiring basic communication beyond data, SMS and calling features can make a big difference. Our reviews investigate:
- SMS and call availability: Some eSIM providers offer plans that include SMS and/or voice calling, while others focus exclusively on data-only plans. We verify whether these features are available and in what regions.
- Network reliability: Traditional SMS and calls rely on local carrier networks. We test functionality across regions to assess reliability, especially in remote or rural areas where connectivity can be less consistent.
- Pricing and plan options: SMS and call-enabled plans often come at a premium compared to data-only plans. We compare these costs across providers to ensure you know the trade-offs involved.
- Additional fees: We look for hidden costs, such as charges for receiving SMS or extra fees for international calling, which are often buried in the fine print.
While SMS and voice calling can be valuable additions to your plan, we know how important it is to find providers that offer reliable solutions.
We investigate each provider to see if they include SMS and/or calling minutes in their eSIM plans, testing their functionality across regions and networks. We also compare pricing for these features versus data-only plans.
App availability
A well-designed app simplifies the user experience, from activation to monitoring usage and purchasing additional plans. We stress test eSIM apps to check:
- Ease of activation: We assess whether the app simplifies the eSIM activation process, such as scanning QR codes or configuring network settings. Clear instructions and seamless integration are a priority.
- User interface and navigation: An app’s design affects how easily travelers can find essential features. We test for intuitive layouts, responsiveness, and accessibility on both iOS and Android devices.
- Data usage tracking: Accurate data tracking helps travelers avoid overages. We evaluate how clearly apps present these statistics, and whether they give alerts for users nearing their data limits.
- Plan management: The best apps allow users to purchase, extend, or upgrade plans directly. We check how easy it is to do all of these things.
- Additional features: Some apps offer extras like coverage maps, support ticket submission, or in-app chat for customer service. We highlight these value-added features when available.
Our app evaluations ensure you know which providers deliver the best user experience and which ones might leave you struggling mid-journey.
We evaluate the usability, speed, and features of each provider’s app on both iOS and Android devices, testing key functionalities like data tracking and plan purchasing. With a bank of knowledge from previous reviews, we can compare the apps of the top providers to see how they measure up.
What makes Roami different?
At Roami, we know firsthand how hard it can be to find a reliable eSIM. Ever tried Googling “best eSIM” on painfully slow airport WiFi? We have, and we vowed never to let it happen to you. That’s why our resource goes beyond reviews to give you insights from real-world experience, covering the frustrations of failed activations and the satisfaction of finding the perfect plan. Our testing reflects the realities of travel: unexpected delays, spotty coverage, and the need for flexible but affordable connectivity.
What truly sets us apart is our hands-on approach and global network of collaborators. We test eSIMs across devices, regions, and conditions to uncover how they really perform. As part of a larger community of tech experts and travel bloggers, we share insider tips and exclusive discounts that will help you make informed decisions without breaking the bank.
Ready to find the perfect eSIM for your travels? Explore our in-depth eSIM reviews to get started.