For a short US trip, start with Saily at US$3.99 for 1 GB / 7 days or Airalo at US$4.00 for the same allowance. If you need unlimited data, Maya showed the lowest verified three-day price, but it is a global plan that can auto-renew while Travel Mode is on.
Quick verdict
- Light use: Saily and Airalo have the clearest like-for-like entry plans.
- Heavy use: compare Maya, Airalo and Holafly by fair-use rules, not only the word “unlimited”.
- Known US networks: Holafly names AT&T and T-Mobile; Airalo names T-Mobile as its primary network.
- Calls and SMS: do not assume they are included. Saily sells a separate US-number option; Holafly and Yesim’s listed plans are data only.
Current price comparison
| Provider | Useful verified plan | Displayed price | Important condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saily | 1 GB / 7 days | US$3.99 | Unlimited hotspot stated |
| Airalo | 1 GB / 7 days | US$4.00 | T-Mobile shown as primary network |
| Yesim | 1 GB / 30 days | US$3.72 | Data only; hotspot depends on operator |
| Maya Mobile | Unlimited global / 3 days | US$9.99 | Covers 165+ countries; Travel Mode controls auto-renewal |
| Holafly | Unlimited / 3 days | US$11.90 | AT&T/T-Mobile; 1 GB/day hotspot sharing |
Yesim also displayed discounted 5–30 GB packages, including 20 GB for US$20.40, but those prices were visibly promotional. Saily showed 10 GB / 30 days at US$21.84 instead of US$22.99 during a 5% promotion.
Which plan fits your trip?
Maps, messages, ride-hailing and occasional browsing often fit within 1–3 GB for a short stay. Choose 5–10 GB if you upload photos daily. For video calls, streaming or regular laptop tethering, an unlimited option can be simpler, but read the high-speed allowance first.
Airalo states 3 GB of high-speed data per 24 hours on its unlimited plans, then 1 Mbps until reset. Saily’s selected unlimited plan also showed 3 GB/day at unrestricted speed, then data up to 1 Mbps. Holafly did not expose an exact USA high-speed threshold on the fetched page. Maya says no caps or throttling, but its destination-specific acceptable-use threshold was not visible.
Network, hotspot, and calls
The United States is large, so a carrier name matters more outside major cities. Holafly explicitly lists AT&T and T-Mobile and warns that coverage can be unstable around Page, the Grand Canyon and other mountain or desert areas. Airalo lists T-Mobile plus one unnamed additional network.
Saily says hotspot is unrestricted. Holafly allows 1 GB/day of sharing. Maya says hotspot is included. Yesim says availability depends on the operator; Airalo requires device and network support.
Install before flying, activate on arrival
Install over reliable Wi-Fi before departure, but wait to enable the travel line until you are ready to use it. Saily activates automatically on arrival when its eSIM and data roaming are enabled. Holafly starts validity on connection to a supported network. Yesim must be activated within 180 days and starts on first compatible-network connection. Maya says activation occurs on network connection.
Turn off cellular-data switching on your home SIM to reduce roaming risk. Keep the QR code or manual activation details offline, and never delete an eSIM while troubleshooting unless support instructs you to do so.
Compatibility checklist
- Your exact phone model supports eSIM.
- The phone is carrier-unlocked.
- Data roaming is enabled only for the travel eSIM when required.
- The US plan supports every stop on your itinerary, including Hawaii or remote areas.
- Your primary SIM’s voice and roaming settings are understood before leaving it active.
FAQ
Which US eSIM is cheapest?
Among non-promotional like-for-like entry plans checked, Saily was US$3.99 and Airalo US$4.00 for 1 GB / 7 days. Yesim showed 1 GB / 30 days at US$3.72 and a US$0.54 first-time deal for 500 MB / 1 day.
Can I use a hotspot?
Yes, but limits differ. Saily states unrestricted hotspot, Holafly allows 1 GB/day, Maya includes it, Airalo depends on device/network support, and Yesim says it depends on the operator.
Will I get a US phone number?
Not with most listed data plans. Saily offers a separate US number with minutes and texts. Otherwise use WhatsApp, FaceTime, Signal or another data-based calling app.
Related eSIM guides
Check all eSIM destinations, how eSIM works and the eSIM phone compatibility tool.