TL;DR: Best eSIMs for Europe in 2025
If you're traveling across multiple countries in Europe, a multi-country eSIM is one of the easiest and most reliable ways to stay connected. Instead of switching SIM cards or hoping for public Wi-Fi, an eSIM makes sure you have mobile data across borders without the need to switch providers when you enter a new country.
What you should know
- EU roaming isn't always free for non-Europeans (and even for EU residents), it often comes with time limits or restrictions
- A Europe eSIM lets you travel across the Schengen area (and beyond) without swapping SIMs or visiting phone shops
- Setup takes just a few minutes, and you can install your eSIM before your trip as it activates automatically when you arrive in a new country
- Prices vary by provider, but plans usually cost less than €10–15 per week
- If you run out of data, you can top up instantly through the provider’s app
I’ve tested a few options myself during multiple Europe trips and found that Ubigi was the provider I mostly came back to. Their eSIMs are super easy to install, internet speed was amazing, and prices were reasonable. It became my top choice when I travel to multiple countries in a short period.
Do you even need a Europe eSIM if roaming is free?
That’s a question I kept asking myself. If you're in the EU, you’ve probably heard about free roaming across member countries. So why even bother with an Europe eSIM?
Here’s the catch: while EU roaming rules do let you use your home SIM in other EU countries without extra fees, they only work if you're an EU resident with a local mobile plan. And even then, there are limitations that make it less ideal for digital nomads or backpackers.
Here’s what most people don’t realize:
- Free roaming is tied to your residency. If you’re visiting from outside Europe, you don’t benefit from it.
- Time limits apply. Most providers only allow roaming for 60 to 90 days before they start charging.
- Fair use policies exist. Your provider can reduce your speed or even block roaming if they think you’re using it “too much.”
- Tethering and hotspot use is often restricted while roaming.
- Tourist SIMs might advertise “free EU roaming” but still apply hidden limits or throttle speeds.
For nomads and long-term backpackers, this means you could either face high costs, unreliable speeds, or the downside of not being able to hotspot your laptop if there’s no WiFi around.
That’s why multi-country eSIMs make so much more sense: they’re designed for people on the move, not just short vacations. You pay once, use it in 30+ countries, and don’t have to worry about whether your home country’s fair use policy will cut you off halfway through your trip.
My experience using a Europe eSIM from Ubigi
I’ve tested a few eSIM providers during my trips across Europe, and would never go back to using local physical SIM cards. During my last Europe summer trip, I used the Ubigi Europe eSIM and I was honestly surprised by how smooth everything was.
- Setup was fast and easy. I downloaded the Ubigi app, created an account, and verified it by email (no SMS needed). You can either buy your eSIM directly in the app or scan a QR code if you purchased it on the website.
- Installation was automatic. The app guided me through the process step by step, and I was ready to go within 3 minutes. Super beginner-friendly.
- Immediate start. I bought the plan after arriving in Europe and it activated automatically but you can already buy it up to 6 months in advance and it activates once you land.
- The app shows exactly what you want to know. It shows your data usage in real time, plus the exact expiry date and time of your plan.
- Speed was surprisingly fast. I ran a speed test in rural Germany and hit up to 261 Mbps download. That’s faster than the Wi-Fi in most Airbnbs I’ve stayed at.
- It worked for tethering too, so I could hotspot my work laptop from my phone when we didn’t have WiFi in our Airbnb in Spain. Super useful, especially on the unlimited plan.
For me, it just removed a lot of the small travel tech headaches like trying to book a taxi with extremely slow airport Wi-Fi.
If you’re moving between countries every few days like many backpackers or digital nomads do, having one Europe eSIM that just works in all of them is one of my biggest recommendations. It’s a small upgrade that makes a big difference.
Europe eSIM recommendation for digital nomads & backpackers
My go-to provider for Europe-wide eSIMs became Ubigi due to their stress-free eSIM experience. Everything just works, from setup to top-ups, which is exactly what you want when you're crossing borders, working on the go, and don’t want to think about your mobile data.
Their unlimited plans come with a fair usage policy, like most providers, but here’s what makes it better: instead of limiting you per day, the cap applies across the full duration of the plan. That means if you need to hotspot for an entire day when you’re working from your Airbnb or a café with slow Wi-Fi, you’re not going to get throttled halfway through like I did with other providers. That flexibility really matters when you're relying on your connection to get actual work done.
The app is clean, the speeds are solid even outside major cities, and support is there when you need it. It’s not the only provider that works, but it’s the one I’ve had the best overall experience with so far.
How to Set Up a Europe eSIM in Just a Few Minutes
If you’ve never used an eSIM before, don’t worry. The setup is easier than you might think. I’d avoided it for a long time because I assumed it would be technical or confusing, but once I gave it a try, I wished I’d started sooner.
Here’s how to get your Europe eSIM installed:
- Check if your phone is compatible. Most newer phones support eSIMs. If you have an iPhone XR or later, or a Google Pixel 4 or newer, you’re probably good to go. You’ll usually find this in your mobile network settings.
- Choose a provider. I used Ubigi, but there are other options like Airalo or Saily. Just make sure the provider offers coverage across multiple countries in Europe and enough data for your needs.
- Buy your plan. You can do this through the provider’s app or website. You can either do this on the trip of up to 6 months in advance.
- Install the eSIM. Most providers offer in-app installation, so you don’t even need to scan a QR code. The app usually walks you through it step by step.
- Activate and go. Once your phone connects to a local network, your data plan kicks in. You can check your usage, top up if needed, or hotspot your laptop if you’re working remotely.
That’s it. No shops, no waiting in line, no switching SIM trays. Just internet that works. Even when you’re moving from Berlin to Budapest to Barcelona in a single week.
What about other eSIM options?
There are quite a few Europe eSIM providers out there, and depending on your needs, some of them might work just fine. I’ve tested a few and talked to other travelers along the way, and here’s how they generally stack up.
Airalo is probably the most well-known eSIM brand and tends to be the go-to for first-time users. Their app is easy to use, and plans are affordable, but the speeds and support can vary a bit depending on where you are. If you're mainly looking for something cheap and simple, it's a decent place to start.
Saily is another solid option, especially if you care about privacy and simplicity. It’s built by the team behind NordVPN and comes with features like ad-blocking and web protection built into the app. The setup is quick, and you can use the same eSIM across multiple countries. However, I missed the ability to see my usage in the app and to know when the fair usage policy kicks in.
Ubigi, in comparison, felt more tailored to people who need a fast, reliable connection for remote work and want full control over their plan details. Between the unlimited plan structure, fast activation, and solid performance across borders, it ended up being the one I used for the most during Europe trips.
Final thoughts: Why a Europe eSIM makes travel easier
If you're planning to explore several countries across Europe when traveling for a few weeks or working remotely for a few months, having one Europe eSIM that works everywhere can seriously simplify your life.
No more airport SIM card hunts, no more worrying about surprise roaming charges, and no more switching providers every few days. Just a single setup, fast activation, and a reliable connection you can trust across borders.
If you want to stay connected without the stress, I’d definitely recommend trying a Europe eSIM on your next trip.
