Cheapest eSIM plans for Europe in 2025

Looking for the cheapest way to stay connected while travelling Europe in 2025? You’re in the right place. We’ve compared the most affordable travel eSIM plans across the top providers - breaking down real pricing, daily data caps, hotspot rules, and what kind of support you’ll actually get when you're on the road. If interested don't forget to check out our best Europe eSIMs article which breaks things down even further.

What’s the Cheapest eSIM for Europe in 2025?

If you’ve been hunting for the cheapest eSIM for Europe in 2025, you’ve probably seen a mess of options ranging from too-good-to-be-true to wildly overpriced. Some are affordable but come with strict limitations. Others throw in more data or unlimited usage but hide things like throttled speeds or no hotspot access in the fine print.

In this guide, I’ve broken down the best-value eSIM plans for three common types of travellers – light data users (10GB), moderate users (20GB), and people who just want unlimited without thinking about it. Spoiler: ZenSim offers some of the lowest prices in every category, but we’ll also look at what you’re really getting from competitors like Airalo, Orange, Holafly, and Saily.

Keep reading for the pricing breakdown, feature comparisons, and a few tips I’ve picked up along the way.

Top 5 Cheapest eSIM Providers for Europe Right Now

When it comes to finding the cheapest eSIM Europe has to offer in 2025, the sweet spot really depends on how much data you actually need. Here’s a quick summary of the best‑value options across three common tiers: 10GB, 20GB, and unlimited.

For 10GB plans, ZenSim is the clear frontrunner at just A$29 ($18 USD) for a full 30 days. The next closest is Saily at A$57 ($35.99 USD), followed by Airalo at A$58.50 ($37 USD). Orange skips this tier entirely, offering only a 12GB plan that lasts 14 days - not great if you’re staying longer.

In the 20GB category, ZenSim again takes the lead with A$35 ($21 USD) for 30 days. Airalo’s equivalent costs more than double at A$77.50 ($49 USD), while Saily doesn’t offer a 20GB option at all. Orange offers a 30GB plan for A$92.50 ($57.99 USD), which is more data but comes at a much higher price.

Unlimited plans are where the differences matter even more. ZenSim offers 30 days of unlimited data for A$89 ($57 USD), with a soft cap of 3 GB per day before speeds are reduced. Both Holafly and Saily deliver higher daily limits of 5 GB before throttling - but they block hotspot usage entirely. ZenSim lets you tether freely, which is a big advantage if you use your phone to power other devices.

Overall, ZenSim offers top-tier value and flexibility across all three tiers. But pricing isn’t everything - feature specifics and service quality count too. In the next section, we’ll dive deeper into how these plans compare on coverage, support, and real user experience.

Cheapest vs. Best – What's the Difference?

Just because an eSIM is cheap doesn’t automatically make it the best choice for your trip. There’s a big difference between saving a few dollars and ending up stuck in rural Italy with no signal, no support, and no clue how much data you’ve burned through.

Before choosing a budget eSIM, check which countries are actually covered. Some providers exclude less-visited destinations or throttle speeds in certain areas. It's also worth digging into reviews - not just for the product, but for the customer support experience too. A great support team can save your trip if things go sideways.

It’s also important to understand how “unlimited” really works. Some providers limit you to 3GB or 5GB per day before slowing you down. ZenSim, for example, includes 3GB per day at full speed with no restrictions on hotspot usage. Others, like Holafly or Saily, offer higher daily caps but block tethering after lower limits, Holafly allows 500MB per day for example - something to consider if you’re relying on your phone to power other devices.

Lastly, check if the provider has a proper app. Being able to track your usage, top up, or reinstall your eSIM without emailing support makes travel way smoother.

If you want to see which providers tick all those boxes - not just the cheapest, but the ones that actually work well - I’ve broken it down fully in our guide to the best eSIMs for Europe. Definitely worth a look before you lock anything in.

Affordable Europe eSIM Plans Compared

If you’re trying to keep your European travel budget in check, comparing eSIM pricing by data tier is the easiest way to see what you’re actually getting for your money. Below I’ve broken things down by the three most common use cases: 10GB, 20GB, and unlimited. This way you can match a plan to your travel style, instead of overpaying for data you won’t use - or worse, running out mid-trip.

10GB Plans

• ZenSim – A$29 ($18 USD) for 30 days
  Best price by far, with full speed and unlimited hot spotting.
• Saily – A$57 ($35.99 USD) for 30 days
  Almost double the price of ZenSim and unlimited hot spotting
• Airalo – A$58.50 ($37 USD) for 30 days
  Slightly more than Saily, with limited customer service and mixed reviews.
• Orange – No 10GB plan
  Closest option is 12GB for A$41.50 ($25.99 USD), but it only lasts 14 days.
• Holafly – Not available
  Only offers unlimited plans and caps hot spotting at 500MB/day

20GB Plans

• ZenSim – A$35 ($21 USD) for 30 days
  Easily the cheapest 20GB plan on the market.
• Airalo – A$77.50 ($49 USD) for 30 days
  More than double the price of ZenSim.
• Saily – Not available
  No 20GB plan currently offered.
• Orange – 30GB for A$92.50 ($57.99 USD)
  Offers more data but at almost triple the price.
• Holafly – Not available
  Unlimited only.

Unlimited Plans

• ZenSim – A$88 ($57 USD) for 30 days
  3GB/day at full speed, then reduced to 1Mbps. Hot spotting allowed.
• Saily – A$115 ($71.99 USD) for 30 days
  5GB/day at full speed, hot spotting allowed.
• Holafly – A$117 ($74.90 USD) for 30 days
  Also 5GB/day, but tethering capped at 500MB/day.
• Airalo – Unlimited only available for 10 days
  Not included in this comparison.
• Orange – No unlimited plans offered.

Across all three categories, ZenSim comes out ahead on value - especially if you’re planning to hotspot devices or stretch your data further over 30 days. Still, depending on your needs, the extra daily cap from Holafly or Saily might be appealing - just be aware of the limitations and increased price.

What to Expect from a Budget eSIM in Europe

Not all budget eSIMs are built the same. Price doesn’t always reflect the full story - what really matters is how well the service performs when you’re actually on the ground in Europe. From my experience (and a whole lot of customer feedback), here are the two things that really separate a good budget provider from one that just looks cheap.

Data Speeds and Network Quality

There’s a lot of talk online about eSIM speeds, and while pricing might make you think “you get what you pay for,” that’s not always true. Some cheaper providers are deprioritised on local networks, while others aren't - it usually depends on their partnerships and which region you’re in, not the price tag.

The best way to get a feel for real-world network quality is to look at verified customer reviews. That’s how I personally judge providers. At ZenSim, we’ve had loads of positive feedback specifically from travellers using our Europe plans. You can scroll through what people have said here: https://www.productreview.com.au/listings/zensim. Our goal has always been to offer solid service without making people pay premium prices - and it shows in the reviews.

Customer Support and App Experience

Support and usability are things you don’t think much about - until you need them. Whether you’re trying to reload data, switch plans, or reinstall your eSIM, having a provider with a proper app and fast customer service makes life easier.

Some budget providers make you email support or dig through help docs just to find your balance. Others don’t offer app access at all. That’s where we’ve tried to do things differently at ZenSim. Our app lets you check usage, top up on the go, and if something goes wrong, you can reach us quickly through Messenger or WhatsApp - no need to wait days for a reply.

When you're travelling, smooth and simple matters way more than you think. A cheap plan that works well and supports you when you need it? That’s the sweet spot.

Where to Buy Cheap Travel eSIMs for Europe

Finding a cheap eSIM plan is only half the job - you also want to make sure you’re buying from a safe, reliable source. There are a few different ways to purchase Europe travel eSIMs these days, from official websites to mobile apps and third-party marketplaces. Some are legit, some are… less so. Here’s what I recommend based on what I’ve seen (and what our customers often run into).

Buying Direct vs. Through an App

You’ll usually get the best experience by buying directly from the provider - either through their app or official website. With established providers like the ones I have compared above, you can complete your purchase and install your eSIM in just a few taps via the website.

App-based purchases typically work the same as via a website but some companies provide existing customer specials. At Airalo for example you earn reward points, at ZenSim you get 10% off future purchases after your first. Also of course, you’ll usually be able to track your usage, top up and manage payment methods etc.

Beware of Hidden Fees and Taxes

Some eSIM providers show one price on the homepage and then quietly add VAT or regional taxes at checkout, especially in Europe. A plan that looks like $45 USD can suddenly become $60 without warning, and it adds up quickly if you're travelling long-term or buying multiple eSIMs.

It’s also worth checking what’s really included in the plan. Some providers advertise “unlimited” data but cap your speed after 1GB a day (or they hide the limit in their terms and aren’t open about it). Others charge extra to allow hotspot usage, or don’t let you tether at all. If the price looks too good to be true, scroll down and read the fine print - or better yet, check the reviews.

ZenSim keeps things simple - our prices are all-inclusive and what you see is what you pay. No sneaky taxes, no speed caps unless it’s clearly stated, and hot spotting is included. That’s how I believe it should be, and it’s something I always look for myself when I’m travelling.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cheap eSIMs in Europe

Can I really get a cheap eSIM for Europe that works well?

Yes, and they’ve come a long way in recent years. There are now several providers offering low-cost travel eSIMs for Europe with solid speeds, wide coverage, and great user experiences. ZenSim, for example, offers a 20GB plan for just A$35 ($21 USD) with full-speed data, hotspot support, and no hidden charges. It’s always worth comparing pricing, coverage, and reviews to find the best fit for your trip.

What’s the catch with unlimited eSIM plans?

Most “unlimited” eSIM plans aren’t truly unlimited. They usually include a daily high-speed allowance (like 3GB or 5GB), after which your speed gets throttled - often to 1–2Mbps. Some providers also restrict tethering or make you pay extra for it. ZenSim includes 3GB/day at full speed and lets you hotspot freely, which is ideal if you’re sharing your connection with a laptop or tablet.

Is it cheaper to buy a local SIM in Europe?

Nowadays not really. Local SIMs can offer great rates in a single country if you’re happy to go hunting but the overhead of them having physical stores usually comes at a higher price, and they usually require ID, time at a store, and manual setup. If you’re travelling across multiple countries, a regional travel eSIM is almost always more convenient and often cheaper overall. Plus, eSIMs let you get set up before you land, so you’re online straight off the plane.

Will a cheap eSIM work across all European countries?

That depends on the provider. Different providers support different countries, but most providers who say a “Europe” eSIM will support the main destinations and a few smaller ones usually over 30 countries though. Always check the list of supported countries against your itinerary before buying.

What should I look out for when choosing a budget eSIM?

Aside from price, check:

• Whether hotspot/tethering is allowed
• Daily speed caps and throttling policies if buying unlimited
• If the provider has a mobile app for top-ups and usage tracking
• Customer reviews, especially for support and activation
• Whether the pricing includes VAT or other surprise fees

The best eSIM is one that’s not only affordable but also smooth to use while you're on the road. That’s what we’ve tried to build at ZenSim - and we think it makes a difference.

Final Thoughts – Budget Doesn’t Mean Bad

If there’s one thing I hope this guide shows, it’s that choosing a budget eSIM for Europe doesn’t mean sacrificing quality. You can still get reliable data, strong coverage, and solid customer support without handing over a small fortune - if you know what to look for.

If you’re still weighing up what’s best overall - not just the cheapest - I’ve put together a full breakdown of the best eSIMs for Europe.

Safe travels!