10.03.25
Best SIMs and eSIMs for International Roaming
by Valeria
Our top pick for the best prepaid SIM card in October 2025 is Google Fi Wireless' Flexible 10GB plan, offering enough data for a visit to the U.S (with hotspot capabilities!), an affordable price, and even free texts from the U.S to over 200 international locations.
Prepaid SIM cards are crucial to activate a prepaid phone plan, which is an affordable and flexible way to get nationwide phone service. But they’re also a convenient way to get service in the U.S. if you’re visiting from abroad. Depending on your own carrier’s roaming rates, activating a U.S. prepaid SIM card can be more affordable, too.
Thankfully, you have plenty of inexpensive prepaid SIM card options for getting service temporarily, so you can stay connected with friends and family back home, plus find your way around with access to navigation and information services.
With so many choices, it’s important to find an inexpensive prepaid SIM that will meet your needs while keeping you on budget — travel is already expensive enough. We put together a list of the best prepaid SIM cards that are affordable and easy to set up for traveling in the U.S.
| Category | Provider | Plan Name | Price/Month | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall |
|
10GB | $20 | |
| Best For Unlimited Data |
|
Unlimited | $10 for 2 months, then $25 | |
| Best for a Short Trip |
|
Free Flex Data | Starting at $0 | |
| Best Under $15 |
|
5GB | $14 | |
| Best for Coverage |
|
10GB | $20 | |
| Best eSIM |
|
1GB – Unlimited | Starting at $3.99/7 days | |
| Best International eSIM |
|
1GB – 50GB | Starting at $4 |
Best Overall Prepaid SIM Card
Google Fi Wireless
Price $20/month
Network T-Mobile
Phone Plan Flexible (10GB)
Data 10GB
After limit is reached, can top up for $10/GB.
After limit is reached, can top up for $10/GB.
Perks
- Free international roaming.
- Mobile hotspot.
Our Take Google Fi Wireless' Flexible plan is a great way to get data without committing to unlimited for a visit to the U.S. Plus, it comes with a premium experience that includes international texts, calls to Canada and Mexico, mobile hotspot availability, and other advanced Google features like spam call blocking, and account security. Note, however, that their top-up rate for data is expensive, so if you need more than 10GB, you can opt for a cheaper plan elsewhere.
Pros & Cons Pros:
- Mobile hotspot included.
- Reliable coverage and 5G access.
- Free unlimited texts from the U.S. to 200+ countries.
- Free international roaming.
- Not suitable for heavy data users.
- Top-up options is expensive.
Best Prepaid SIM Card for Unlimited Data
Boost Mobile
Price $10/month*
Network Boost Mobile (alongside AT&T and T-Mobile)
Phone Plan Unlimited
Data 30GB of high-speed data
After limit is reached, data is slowed to 512 Kbps for remainder of billing cycle
After limit is reached, data is slowed to 512 Kbps for remainder of billing cycle
Perks None included.
Our Take *New customer promotion: Get unlimited talk, text and data for $10/month for the first 2 months and $25 thereafter. This low-cost option is convenient, too with many Boost Mobile locations in major cities so you can pick up a SIM card in-store.
Pros & Cons Pros:
- Affordable unlimited data.
- In-store availability.
- Flexibility to cancel when no longer needed.
- No hotspot included. Adding it is $10/month.
- If you want international talk & text or roaming, you'll need Add-Ons for $10-$20/month.
Best Prepaid SIM Card for a Short Trip
TextNow
Price Starting at $0/month
Network Nationwide 5G network
Phone Plan Free Flex Data
Data Up to 20GB of high-speed data
After limit is reached, data is slowed down for remainder of billing cycle.
After limit is reached, data is slowed down for remainder of billing cycle.
Perks TextNow partners with multiple brands to provide exclusive offers, discounts, and rewards weekly
Our Take *TextNow's $0 base plan grants you access to unlimited calls & texts, plus essential apps like email, finance, maps, and rideshare.
Additional unlimited data can be purchased as needed: a day for $2.99, a week for $8.99, or a monthly subscription for $35.99. Great for travellers who want access to navigation apps and apps like Uber or Lyft, and who can pay for additional data as needed without having an upfront monthly commitment.
Additional unlimited data can be purchased as needed: a day for $2.99, a week for $8.99, or a monthly subscription for $35.99. Great for travellers who want access to navigation apps and apps like Uber or Lyft, and who can pay for additional data as needed without having an upfront monthly commitment.
Pros & Cons Pros:
- Free nationwide service.
- Flexibility to add data as needed rather than pay up front for a month.
- Free international texts, plus international calling that starts at $0.
- No eSIM support.
- No physical stores: Buy the SIM and ship it to a U.S address in advance.
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Best Prepaid SIM Card Under $15
Tello
Price $14
Network T-Mobile
Phone Plan 5GB
Data 5GB of high speed data
Perks N/A
Our Take If you're looking to save money and only need limited data access, this is a reliable prepaid plan that will connect you nationwide for a low price.
Pros & Cons Pros:
- Affordable.
- eSIM support.
- Mobile hotspot included.
- Free international calls to 60+ countries.
- Not suitable for heavier data users.
- No physical stores; if you need a physical SIM, it will have to be purchased and shipped to a U.S address in advance.
Best Prepaid SIM Card for Coverage
US Mobile
Price $20/month
Network All 3: Verizon (Warp), AT&T ( Dark Star), T-Mobile (Light Speed)
Phone Plan 10 GB (Pay By-the-Gig)
Data 10GB
Perks None included.
Our Take US Mobile allows you to choose between the 3 premium carriers' networks (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile), letting you pick a plan that will give the best coverage without having to compromise on price.
Pros & Cons Pros:
- Flexible, comprehensive coverage.
- eSIM support.
- Mobile hotspot included.
- More expensive the more GB (data) you opt for.
- No physical stores; if you need a physical SIM it will have to be purchased and shipped to a U.S address in advance.
Best Prepaid eSIM
Saily
Price Starting at $3.99/7 days
Network T-Mobile (in the U.S)
Phone Plan 1GB – Unlimited
Data 1GB, 3GB, 5GB, 10GB, 20GB, Unlimited
Perks None included.
Our Take Saily is an easy, convenient international eSIM with a broad range of data options for different durations (7-30 days) that is perfect for any kind of traveller.
Pros & Cons Pros:
- Unlimited hotspot access included (capped at whatever data limit you pay for) .
- Easy set-up through an app (no contracts or long-term commitments).
- No calls or texts included (data only).
- Only one option for a shorter trip (7 days).
Other eSIMs If you're looking to activate with an eSIM specifically (such as if you have an iPhone that only supports eSIM), you can check out our list of the best eSIMs in 2025 to find the one that works best for your needs.
Best International Prepaid eSIM
Airalo
Price Starting at $4
Network Various local networks
Phone Plan 1GB – 80GB
Data Varies between destinations (1GB – 80GB)
Perks None.
Our Take Airalo is our top pick of the best international eSIMs of 2025, having great real user reviews, an intuitive and easy website/app for set-up and activation, and a broad range of data (plus talk & text) options for staying connected while travelling.
Pros & Cons Pros:
- Easy activation through an app with an eSIM.
- Affordable rates with durations for short and longer trips.
- North American destinations also come with call & text support (Canada, U.S, Mexico).
- Mobile hotspot access is dependent on the local network (not guarateed).
Methodology: How we picked the best prepaid SIM cards
There are more than 50 prepaid phone plans in the U.S., which means that there are more than 50 prepaid SIM cards to choose from. It can be overwhelming to narrow down the best prepaid phone plans and just as overwhelming to narrow down the best prepaid SIM cards, as the reasons for activation vary. We chose to focus on travel as the main motivator for finding a prepaid SIM card, in which case, it was important that we considered the following:
Ease of purchase and activation
Affordability
Network reliability/coverage
Flexibility with payment & cancellation
Each of these factors are considered with their own weight, leading to a score that helps us determine the best picks.
Beginner’s guide to prepaid SIM cards
What is a prepaid SIM card?
A prepaid SIM card is a mobile SIM card that allows users to pay for mobile services in advance, rather than being billed at the end of a monthly cycle (as with postpaid plans).
Like any other SIM card, a prepaid SIM card is what connects your (compatible) phone to the network, granting you access to data to use for apps and services away from Wi-Fi.
How does a prepaid SIM card work?
Prepaid SIM cards are assigned a unique identification number that stores information about your phone plan (type of plan, available data, voice minutes and text messages). Carriers then use this information to verify your account status and pass along the required service.
Unlike a traditional, postpaid SIM card, your service (voice minutes, text messages, data allowance) is stored on the prepaid SIM card in advance, so you can only use what you already paid for in advance. One advantage is that you don't have to worry about your phone bill's effect on your credit if you forget to pay.
The steps for getting the service with a prepaid SIM card are as follows:
Purchase a prepaid SIM card from a carrier or retailer alongside a prepaid plan.
The card comes with a phone number (optional) and a set amount of talk time, texts, and data, as per the plan you paid for.
Activate the SIM card.
Use the phone service. If you’re on a limited service plan (limited data or limited voice minutes/texts) and your balance is used up, you will simply not have any further service for the remainder of the billing cycle. In some cases, you will be given the option to re-up your balance (eg. buy more data by the GB), or simply restart your billing cycle, which will involve pre-paying for a whole month of service again.
Types of prepaid SIM cards
There are two types of SIM cards: A physical SIM and an eSIM.
A physical prepaid SIM card can be purchased in-store or online and is a physical chip that inserts in your phone via a removable SIM card tray.
A prepaid eSIM card is a digitally embedded SIM that can be purchased online and is then activated remotely via a QR code or specialized link that the retailer or carrier provides. It does not involve a physical chip and can easily be activated at home or while you’re out, as long as you’re connected to Wi-Fi for the activation.
Which phones work with a prepaid SIM card?
Most smartphones will be compatible with a prepaid SIM card. The only barrier would be whether your phone is carrier-unlocked. If your phone is locked to a carrier, it would not be allowed to activate any other SIM card (other than its original one).
TextNow Tip: In the U.S., you can get your phone unlocked directly by the carrier. Eligibility requirements vary across carriers, so it’s best to check their website for the instructions. P.S Verizon automatically unlocks their devices 60 days after activation!
What are the advantages of a prepaid SIM Card?
A prepaid SIM card has many advantages that work both for travel and for regular, domestic use:
More affordable: Prepaid plans can range from $10-$60/month, in comparison to postpaid plans, which range from $50-$100.
You only pay the agreed upon amount (no potential to incur extra charges.)
No contracts: More flexibility to change or cancel your plan.
No credit checks, making them more accessible.
More choices: There are significantly more prepaid plans available than postpaid, so you can shop around more and find one that works for you.
What are the disadvantages of a prepaid SIM Card?
If you’re a heavy data user counting on a service that will grant you the best data network, a prepaid SIM card may not be for you:
Network priority: Prepaid plans are usually deprioritized during network congestion.
Lower data limits: While most prepaid plans do offer unlimited data, the set limits for high-speed data on those is usually lower than postpaid.
Fewer in-store services: Most prepaid phone carriers operate online only, making it harder to find a prepaid SIM card in a store.
Which prepaid SIM has the best network coverage?
Most prepaid carriers run on either AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon’s networks, so the best network coverage will depend on which “Big 3” network a prepaid carrier runs on.
According to Allconnect, if you’re looking for the best all-purpose LTE coverage in the U.S, that would be Verizon with its 4G LTE service available to 70% of the nation. For 5G coverage, however, Verizon has the least amount of coverage. Instead, T-Mobile has the best with 54% of national coverage. The carrier with the most comprehensive coverage that covers both 5G and LTE, however, is AT&T. Some prepaid SIMs that connect to A&T’s network include Cricket Wireless, Boost Mobile, and US Mobile.
How to pick the best prepaid SIM card
The best prepaid SIM card is one that allows for the easiest, most convenient activation and subsequent cancellation, if applicable. Rather than focus on the service plan solely, we recommend that you follow this quick guide to find the best prepaid SIM card:
Find out if your phone is eSIM compatible or can only take a physical SIM card: While eSIM activations are significantly easier for travel, not all phones support them. Figure out if your phone can support an eSIM, as it will narrow down your choices of prepaid SIM cards.
Find out if you’re able to receive a shipped SIM card: A lot of physical prepaid SIM cards can only be purchased online. If you’re unable to receive one due to your location, your choices are then also narrowed down to which providers have their SIM cards available in-store.
Find out how much data you need: Before you start shopping around, figure out how much data you actually need, so you can narrow down your list based on whether you’re looking for a no data plan, a limited data plan, or an unlimited data plan.
Set your budget: Prepaid plans are generally a lot more affordable than postpaid and can certainly help you save money and bolster your financial goals. Make sure you read the fine print and ensure that any promotional price you’re getting as a new customer isn't part of a “pre-pay up front for a multi-month bundle” or won't expire after the first month if you need the service for longer-term.
Coverage: You can get the best, most affordable phone plan there is, but if the coverage in your area isn’t great, you’re never going to be able to get your money’s worth. Look up the coverage first, then decide on a plan based on the network that’s available in your area.
Network reliability: Coverage on a map is one thing, but confirming network reliability (based on how often it gets deprioritized) is a more important indicator of service quality. You can search for real user reviews of a carrier to determine if it’s one that you can trust.
How to activate a prepaid SIM card
The process to activate will vary slightly based on the type of prepaid SIM card you get, so we broke it down by the two options.
Activate a prepaid physical SIM card:
With your phone turned off (or in Airplane Mode), locate the SIM card tray in your phone and remove it with a SIM ejector tool (an opened paperclip or the post of an earring will also work).
Insert the SIM card into the tray correctly and put it back in the phone.
Power your phone on and wait for it to detect the SIM.
If it prompts for a PIN, enter the one provided by the carrier.
Wait for the phone to connect to a network (check for signal bars)s
If you run into any issues with your activation, contact the carrier directly for further support.
Activate a prepaid eSIM:
Once you make a purchase, the carrier will provide you with either a QR code to scan or a link to click on to activate the eSIM.
Scan the QR code using the mobile device with which you want to use the eSIM.
iPhone: Open your camera app or QR code app to scan.
Android: Open the settings app on your mobile device, click the connections, click SIM card manager, and then click to scan the QR code.After scanning the QR code, your mobile device will ask you to select or manually insert information. After you complete all the steps, you will activate the eSIM successfully.
>> Read More:
A step-by-step guide to activating a SIM card
Frequently asked questions about prepaid SIM cards
Got questions or comments? Send us a note at [email protected]!
