TL;DR: Best eSIMs for the UK in 2025
No matter if you're coworking in London, exploring Brighton’s creative energy, or hiking in the Scottish Highlands, staying connected in the UK is much easier with an eSIM. Skip the airport kiosks and install your eSIM before you even take off.
What you should know:
✅ Set up your eSIM before your trip and activate it when you arrive
✅ Avoid roaming charges and physical SIM card hassle
✅ Plans usually cost less than £20/week
✅ Great coverage across cities and rural areas
✅ Easy top-ups and plan changes through each provider’s app
We tested several eSIM providers and found that Ubigi, Saily, and eSIM4Travel offer some of the best options for digital nomads, remote workers, and frequent travellers in the UK.
Using an eSIM in the UK
The UK is a frequent stop for digital nomads and remote professionals, with strong infrastructure, international events, and a growing coworking scene. From busy London to creative hubs like Bristol and Edinburgh, having mobile internet is essential for working on the go.
I didn’t start using eSIMs until I was already a few months into full-time travel. Once I did, I never went back to queuing at SIM card stands or trying to figure out the best phone plans in shops.
In this guide, you’ll find our top 3 eSIM recommendations for the UK, plus a directory to explore even more providers. These are all tested, easy to set up, and work reliably across the country.
What is an eSIM, and why use one in the UK?
An eSIM ("embedded SIM") is a digital SIM card you install on your phone. Instead of inserting a plastic card, you download a profile via the provider’s app or QR code, and activate it online.
Why use an eSIM in the UK:
✅ Set it up before your flight
✅ No queues, paperwork or ID checks
✅ Better than roaming with your home contract
✅ Strong connections in cities and smaller towns
✅ Easy to monitor usage and manage top-ups
Best eSIM providers for the UK
1. Ubigi: Best for fast setup and high-speed coverage
Ubigi offers fast, flexible eSIM plans and works well across the UK. For attending a conference in London or road-tripping through Wales, Ubigi’s service is fast, smooth, and very easy to manage.
Why we recommend Ubigi:
- App-based setup or QR code installation in under 5 minutes
- Smart activation: your plan starts when you land
- Tested speeds up to 200 Mbps in suburban areas
- Real-time data tracking in the app
- Works for tethering your laptop or tablet
- Data plans from 500MB to unlimited
- Discount for Nomadwise users available
2. Saily: Best for privacy & security
Saily is a security-focused eSIM provider developed by the team behind NordVPN. If you often deal with sensitive data, this is a great option to help you stay protected while on the move.
Why Saily is worth considering:
- Ad blocker and web protection included by default
- Excellent and reactive support chat
- Easy app experience with smart data top-ups
- Reliable coverage across the UK and good speeds for daily work
- Nomadwise discount available
Saily is a great match for digital nomads who want peace of mind while browsing and working from cafes, coworking spaces, or hostels.
👉 Explore Saily plans and get 5% off using code NOMADWISE5
3. eSIM4Travel: Best price for basic usage
eSIM4Travel is a no-frills option if you just want to get online and save some money. It's especially good for travelers who don’t need super fast speeds or lots of advanced features.
Why travelers choose eSIM4Travel:
- One of the cheapest options on the market
- No app required, manage everything via email and browser
- Solid coverage for browsing, messaging, and Google Maps
- Helpful live chat if you need support
It’s a simple solution that gets the job done, ideal for short trips or if you're mainly using your phone for basic tasks.
👉 Try eSIM4Travel
Looking for more options?
Want to compare more providers or check eSIM options for other countries? Check our full directory:
👉 See all UK eSIM providers here
How to choose the right eSIM for your UK trip
- Phone compatibility: iPhones XR+, newer Androids, and Pixels generally support eSIM
- Data needs: 3–5GB/week is plenty for emails, social media, and maps. If you want to hotspot for work, you might need more
- Visiting other countries too? Consider a region-wide or global plan from Ubigi or Saily
- Support matters: Choose a provider that offers live chat or detailed help articles
Quick Setup Guide: UK eSIMs
- Open your phone settings: go to Mobile Network > Add eSIM
- Choose your plan
- Follow the in-app or QR setup guide
- Activats automatically once you land so you can start using data right away
FAQ: eSIMs in the UK
Can I use an eSIM across the UK?
Yes, providers like Ubigi, eSIM4Travel, and Saily all offer solid coverage in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
How much does an eSIM cost?
Plans typically range from £5–£20.
- Use code NOMADWISE for 10% off your first Ubigi plan
- Use code NOMADWISE5 for 5% off your first Saily plan
Can I make calls and texts?
These eSIMs are data-only. Use messaging apps like WhatsApp, Signal, or FaceTime.
Can I keep multiple eSIMs?
Yes, most phones allow you to store several profiles and switch between them as needed.
Best eSIMs for the UK
Whether you’re working remotely in a London coworking space, exploring castles in Wales, or catching trains through the English countryside, a reliable eSIM makes all the difference.
- Want fast setup, great app experience, and strong speeds? → Go with Ubigi (10% off with code NOMADWISE)
- Want friendly support and easy setup? → Choose eSIM4Travel
- Want privacy-focused plans? → Try Saily (5% off with code NOMADWISE5)
👉 Browse all UK eSIM providers here
