Methodology: how we collect and rank eSIM prices

For each provider and destination we read the plans listed on the provider's public destination page: the data allowance, the validity in days and the price. We do not buy plans or test them.

Every destination page shows the date its oldest price was checked. A page is only as fresh as its oldest price.

Fixed-data plans are ranked by price per GB: the price divided by the data allowance. This puts a 20 GB plan and a 1 GB plan on the same scale. The "lowest price per GB" highlight only counts plans of 3 GB or more, to leave out plans too small for most trips.

Unlimited plans have no GB to divide by, so they are listed by trip length, and the cheapest plan for each length is highlighted. A price per day is shown for reference. We keep common lengths (1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 14, 15, 20, 30, 60 and 90 days) so providers can be compared like for like. Many unlimited plans slow down after a daily amount of data; the providers' own statements are quoted on the comparison pages.

On a provider-versus-provider page, we take each provider's lowest price per GB in every destination both cover and count in how many destinations each one is cheaper. When one of the two sells only unlimited plans, we compare the price of each provider's 7-day unlimited plan instead, and the page says so.

Prices are compared in one currency (USD). If a provider's prices are only available in another currency, that provider is listed as not ranked for that destination. We do not convert currencies, because an exchange rate we choose would be a number we made up.

• Network quality, speed and coverage. A cheaper plan can be slower or have fewer networks.
• Customer support and the refund process.
• Fair-use limits on unlimited plans, which apply after a daily amount of data.
• Taxes, payment fees, promo codes and prices that differ by country or at checkout.

Always check the provider's page before you buy: prices change often.

Facts such as hotspot rules, top-up options and refund terms come from each provider's own pages and are shown with a source link. When we could not verify a fact, the table says so instead of guessing.

No provider pays for placement. The ranking uses price only. Some outbound links are affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you buy; read the affiliate disclosure.

Spotted a wrong price or fact? Email hello@gbscout.com and we will check it.