Best eSIM Recommendations for India: 2025 Ultimate Comparison Guide

Top 3 eSIMs Recommended by Experts for Traveling in India

Elwin, Chief editor

If it's your first time using eSIM, saily.com is the best choice.

saily.com is the top brand recommended by eSIMingo as an eSIM that makes travel comfortable. Despite launching in March 2024, it boasts nearly 9,000 reviews and a high ★4.6 rating on Trustpilot, the world's largest review site (as of September 2025), proving its reliability.
Provided by the company known for the security service NordVPN, it offers robust free options like blocking malicious URLs and data saver via ad blocking. Compatible with Apple Pay & Google Pay, eliminating the need to enter card numbers.
Using coupon code "ESIMIN0948" grants a $5 discount, making it arguably the best value for money at the discounted price.

Sign up for saily.com

Jasmine, Expert

If you want to keep costs down, go to esim4travel.com

 

If sharing photos with friends, checking reviews, and navigating with Google Maps is all you need, the 1GB plan from esim4travel.com is perfect. If you run out of data, you can easily add a new plan. Nearly all plans are among the most affordable travel eSIM plans available. Use the exclusive eSIMingo coupon for even more savings!

Sign up for esim4travel.com

Lee, Tech director

Unlimited data? Nomad

 

When staying at budget hotels or suburban accommodations abroad, the WiFi signal is often weak, drops out occasionally, or isn't even provided at all. That's where Nomad comes in for working on my laptop while traveling overseas. No need to worry about data limits during trips for online meetings or OS updates. Use coupon code "ESIMTENNSZ" for a $5 discount, and you can even try 1GB of free connectivity before your trip as practice.

Sign up for Nomad

Benefits and Basics of Using eSIMs for Travel in India

India is a vibrant destination blending colorful culture, historic landmarks, and stunning nature. Delhi’s Red Fort and Humayun’s Tomb, Jaipur’s Amber Fort and Hawa Mahal, and Agra’s Taj Mahal are major attractions. Kerala’s backwaters, Goa’s beaches, and Varanasi’s mystical Ganges River draw visitors. Indian cuisine, including butter chicken, biryani, and dosa, is a highlight. Reliable internet is crucial for an enjoyable trip. eSIMs eliminate physical SIM swaps, offering instant high-speed data upon arrival. This article provides detailed guidance on choosing the best eSIM for India.

Key Factors and Comparison Criteria for Choosing an eSIM in India

When selecting an eSIM for India, consider data capacity, price, network coverage, connection speed, ease of activation, and customer support quality. Major telecom operators—Airtel, Jio, and Vodafone Idea—offer distinct advantages. Jio is known for extensive coverage and fast 4G/5G, while Airtel excels in urban stability. Short-term tourists benefit from 1–5GB plans, while digital nomads or long-term visitors prefer 10GB+ or unlimited plans. Below, we outline specific criteria for choosing an eSIM in India.

Choosing Data Capacity and Plans for eSIMs in India

India’s eSIM plans range from 1GB to unlimited data. Short-term travelers can opt for 1GB (7 days, ~$4.50) or 5GB (30 days, ~$12.00) plans. Heavy data users benefit from 10GB+ or unlimited plans. Airalo offers plans from 1GB to 20GB starting at $4.50, Holafly provides unlimited data plans for unrestricted use, and Saily offers 1GB to 20GB plans from $5.49. Selecting a plan based on stay duration and data needs is key.

Network Speed and Coverage of eSIMs in India

India’s eSIMs support 3G, 4G, and 5G, offering fast, stable connections in urban areas like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore. Jio’s 5G network delivers up to 500Mbps, while Airtel ensures reliable 4G/LTE. Rural or Himalayan regions may have unstable connections. Airalo and ByteSIM leverage Jio and Airtel networks for broad coverage. Travelers should select providers based on their destinations.

Comparison of Popular eSIM Providers in India

India offers a variety of eSIM providers with unique features. Below, we compare Airalo, Holafly, Saily, Nomad, Instabridge, ByteSIM, MobiMatter, eTravelSIM, aloSIM, Maya Mobile, and GigSky to highlight the best options for travelers.

Airalo: Instant eSIM Connectivity in India

Airalo, available in over 200 countries, offers plans in India from 1GB ($4.50) to 20GB ($26.00). Using Jio or Airtel networks, it features easy app-based purchases and activation. Urban stability is highly rated.

Holafly: The Appeal of Unlimited Data eSIMs in India

Holafly’s unlimited data plans are ideal for unrestricted usage. Supporting 3G/4G/5G in India, it offers instant QR code activation. Voice calls and SMS are unavailable, but VoIP apps can be used.

Saily: The Ultimate eSIM Choice for India

Saily, backed by NordVPN, is ideal for India, offering plans from 1GB ($5.49) to 20GB ($29.99). Its user-friendly app and security features are notable, with high-speed connections in Delhi and Mumbai earning praise.

Nomad: Flexible eSIM Plans for India

Nomad offers plans from 1GB to 10GB, ensuring fast connections in India. Its app simplifies data management, making it suitable for tourists. Plans start at $5.00.

Instabridge: Cost-Effective eSIMs in India

Instabridge provides affordable plans starting at $2/GB on India’s 4G/5G networks. It features instant activation and 24/7 support.

ByteSIM: 5G-Compatible eSIMs in India

ByteSIM uses Jio and Airtel’s 5G networks for fast, stable connections. Unlimited data plans are available, ideal for 1080p streaming, with robust 24/7 support.

MobiMatter: Affordable eSIMs in India

MobiMatter offers plans starting at $1.99/GB on India’s 4G/5G networks. Instant activation and multilingual support make it ideal for budget travelers.

eTravelSIM: Diverse Data Plans for India

eTravelSIM offers plans from 1GB to 50GB with instant activation. Highly rated, it’s suitable for India.

aloSIM: Easy-to-Use eSIMs in India

aloSIM provides affordable, high-speed connections via Airtel’s network. Plans range from 1GB ($4.50) to 10GB ($20.00), with an intuitive app for data management.

Maya Mobile: Unlimited Data eSIM Options in India

Maya Mobile offers unlimited data plans with up to 90 days of flexibility, ideal for long-term stays. Wi-Fi hotspot functionality is available.

GigSky: eSIMs with Free Trial in India

GigSky offers a 100MB free trial for connection testing. Its 1GB/7-day plan is affordable, with easy data management via its app.

eSIM Activation Steps and Precautions in India

Activating an eSIM is straightforward but requires precautions. After purchase, scan the QR code to add the data plan and enable data roaming upon arrival in India. Ensure your device is eSIM-compatible and not carrier-locked. Some regions may experience delays in network registration, so verify connectivity upon arrival. The following steps ensure smooth connectivity.

Preparing an eSIM Before Arriving in India

Purchasing and setting up an eSIM via an app or QR code before arriving in India ensures instant connectivity upon landing. Airalo and Saily apps complete the process in minutes.

Troubleshooting eSIM Issues in India

For connectivity issues, try toggling airplane mode, rescanning the QR code, or contacting support. ByteSIM and MobiMatter offer 24/7 support for quick resolution.

Comparing eSIMs and Physical SIMs in India

Physical SIMs are available in India but require passport registration and cost ~$5 for 5GB. eSIMs offer instant online activation without swapping. Jio and Airtel’s physical SIMs include voice calls, but eSIMs are typically data-only.

Using eSIMs During Your India Trip

eSIMs enhance travel in India, from posting Taj Mahal photos, navigating Kerala’s backwaters with map apps, to using online guides in Jaipur’s forts. Below are specific use cases.

Using eSIMs at India’s Tourist Attractions

At Amber Fort or the Ganges River, eSIMs enable access to online guides and translation apps, enhancing real-time information retrieval and travel experiences.

Benefits of eSIMs for Business Use in India

Business travelers can use eSIMs for video conferencing and cloud services. Saily and ByteSIM’s 5G connections ensure stable communication and efficiency.

Cost-Saving Tips for Using eSIMs in India

eSIMs avoid costly roaming fees, significantly reducing expenses. Airalo’s WELCOME10 code or Saily’s promotions offer further discounts. Regional plans can cover nearby countries like Nepal or Sri Lanka.

FAQ for Using eSIMs in India

Below are common questions and answers about using eSIMs in India.

Which Devices Support eSIMs in India?

eSIMs are compatible with devices like iPhone XR and later, Samsung Galaxy S20 and later, and Google Pixel 4 and later. Verify compatibility beforehand.

Can I Share Data with eSIMs in India?

Holafly and Maya Mobile support data sharing (hotspot) functionality, though some plans may have restrictions, so confirm before purchasing.

eSIM India Summary

For a seamless internet experience in India, choose eSIMs from providers like Airalo, Holafly, or Saily based on your needs and budget. Whether exploring Delhi or Jaipur, relaxing on Goa’s beaches, or working remotely, fast and stable connections enhance your trip. Compare data capacity, coverage, and cost-effectiveness to select the ideal eSIM, ensuring you enjoy India’s culture, history, and cuisine. Plan ahead for a smooth connectivity experience and an unforgettable trip!