Best Unlimited eSIM for Travel 2026

"Unlimited data" sounds perfect for travel — no worries about running out, streaming without limits, using your phone exactly like at home. But the reality of unlimited eSIMs is more complicated. Here's what you need to know before buying.

The Truth About Unlimited eSIMs

No eSIM provider offers truly unlimited high-speed data. All unlimited plans have fair use policies that slow your connection after you hit a daily threshold. Here's how the major providers compare:

Provider	Full-Speed Limit	Throttled Speed	Reset Time
Holafly	2-3GB/day	256kbps-1Mbps	Daily
BNESIM	No unlimited plans	N/A	N/A
Airalo	No unlimited plans	N/A	N/A

Note: Holafly's fair use policy varies by country. Some destinations offer 3GB/day, others only 2GB/day.

What Does Throttling Feel Like?

At full 4G speeds (20-50 Mbps), you can:

• Stream HD video smoothly
• Video call without lag
• Upload photos instantly
• Browse normally

At throttled speeds (256kbps-1Mbps), you can:

• Send messages and emails
• Browse simple websites (slowly)
• Use maps with patience
• Cannot stream video reliably
• Cannot video call
• Cannot upload large files

Throttled speeds are essentially 3G — usable for basic tasks, but frustrating for anything data-intensive.

When Unlimited Makes Sense

Despite the limitations, unlimited plans can be a good value if you match this profile:

✅ Heavy Video Call Users

If you need 2+ hours of Zoom/Meet calls daily, you'll burn through 4-6GB per week. Unlimited can be cheaper than buying multiple large data plans.

✅ Families/Groups

While you can't share an eSIM directly, having unlimited data means one person can hotspot (if allowed) for others without worrying about limits.

✅ Short Intense Trips

For a 5-7 day trip where you'll use lots of data (navigation, streaming, social media), unlimited removes the mental overhead of tracking usage.

✅ Travelers Who Hate Top-Ups

If you'd rather pay upfront and not think about data again, unlimited offers peace of mind — even if it's not truly unlimited.

When Unlimited Is a Waste

❌ Light Users

If you primarily use WiFi at hotels and just need data for navigation and messaging, you'll never hit 2GB/day. A 3GB plan for $8-12 is much cheaper.

❌ Tethering Needs

Holafly explicitly prohibits tethering on unlimited plans. If you need to share your connection with a laptop or tablet, unlimited plans aren't for you.

❌ Long-Term Travel

At $19-79/week, unlimited gets expensive fast. For trips over 3 weeks, buying a local SIM or using capped eSIMs with top-ups is cheaper.

Our Pick: Holafly Unlimited

Holafly is the only major provider offering true unlimited eSIM plans. Despite the limitations, they're the best option if you need unlimited data.

Pros:

• Reliable 4G speeds before throttling
• Available in 160+ countries
• Easy activation and management
• 24/7 customer support

Cons:

• No tethering allowed
• Speed throttling after 2-3GB/day
• More expensive than capped plans for light users
• Limited coverage in some regions

Get Holafly Unlimited

Alternatives to Unlimited

If unlimited doesn't fit your needs, consider these options:

For Tethering: BNESIM

BNESIM allows tethering on all plans. Buy a 10-20GB plan and share it with your laptop. For most users, 10GB/week is plenty.

Get BNESIM for Tethering

For Budget: Airalo

Airalo's capped plans start at $4.50 for 1GB. Most travelers use 2-4GB per week. For a 2-week trip, a 5GB plan ($12-15) is cheaper than unlimited ($38-58).

FAQ About Unlimited eSIMs

Is 2-3GB per day enough?

For most travelers, yes. 2-3GB/day covers navigation, social media, messaging, and some video streaming. Heavy users (4+ hours of video calls) may hit the limit.

Can I avoid throttling?

No. The fair use policy is automatic and enforced at the network level. Some users report VPNs helping, but this violates terms of service.

What happens at midnight?

Most unlimited plans reset the counter at midnight local time. The exact time varies by provider and country.

Can I use unlimited for Netflix?

You can watch 1-2 hours of Netflix at full speed before throttling kicks in. After that, video quality drops to barely watchable.

Why do providers throttle?

Preventing abuse. A few users streaming 4K video 24/7 would overwhelm local networks. Throttling ensures fair access for all customers.

Is there any truly unlimited eSIM?

No. All "unlimited" eSIMs have fair use policies. Some local SIMs offer true unlimited, but those require registration and longer commitment.

Bottom Line

Unlimited eSIMs aren't truly unlimited, but they can be a good value for heavy data users who understand the limitations. Holafly is our top pick for unlimited plans — just know what you're getting.

Before buying unlimited, calculate your actual usage. Most travelers use 2-4GB/week. If you're in that range, a 5-10GB capped plan is cheaper and less restrictive.