Meet Maggie, PCMag'sNomad's data-only eSIM is an appealing solution for anyone seeking low-cost data. Its plans and policies are explained in plain language and Nomad's app provides you with almost everything you need to install and manage your eSIM. The installation process could be easier, but on the whole, Nomad works well. That said, we give slight preference to Saily for its easier setup. And if you don't need global coverage, MobileX offers fast, affordable coverage on Verizon's network in the US, making it our Editors’ Choice.
The Nomad eSIM service covers more than 190 countries and offers inexpensive data-only connections. Plan pricing varies by country or region and duration of service. Individual nations covered include China, India, Italy, the US, and many more. Nine regional plans cover clusters of countries, and two global plans span up to 113 countries.
In the US, Nomad offers six regular plans: 1GB for $4.50 (seven days), 1GB for $6 (seven days), 3GB for $11 (30 days), 5GB for $14 (30 days), 10GB for $24 (30 days), and 20GB for $35 (30 days). Though they offer the same 1GB of data, the $4.50 and $6.00 plans are indeed different. The $4.50 plan supports AT&T and T-Mobile and starts automatically when connected to a network or after a 30-day window. The $6.00 plan is limited to just AT&T but provides a more flexible 60-day activation window.
Nomad also offers shorter day plans ranging from 1 to 10 days that come with 1GB of high-speed data per day plus unlimited data throttled to 512Kbps. The website and app clearly outline each plan’s details, and all listed prices include applicable taxes.
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Nomad's US pricing is in line with other data-only service providers like Airalo and Saily, which charge $4.50 and $4.39, respectively, for 1GB of data over 7 days.
To use Nomad's eSIM service, your device needs to be unlocked and eSIM compatible. Many modern phones, such as the Apple iPhone 16 and the Samsung Galaxy S24, support eSIMs. If you are unsure if your device will work with Nomad, the company lists the phones, tablets, and laptops that are compatible with its service.
Nomad's single-country eSIMs are non-transferable; you will need to install a new eSIM for each country you visit. Thankfully, regional plans provide access to multiple countries with a single eSIM. Meanwhile, Saily allows you to add countries to the same eSIM as needed, simplifying the process.
We tested a Nomad eSIM with a 5GB US data plan on a Google Pixel 9 in New York City. To set up a Nomad eSIM, download the Nomad app (available for Android and iOS), select a region, pick a plan, register for a Nomad account, and then pay.
Once your payment is accepted, you can choose to install your eSIM right away or install it later. You can even purchase an eSIM and send it to a friend, which is helpful for those who provide tech support to family and friends. You have 60 days to activate your eSIM; otherwise, it will automatically activate on the 60th day.
Activating the eSIM was a little tricky. Tapping "Add the eSIM" in the app generates a QR code with instructions to scan the code with your device's camera. Considering the QR code is displayed on your phone’s screen—and I needed to scan it with my phone’s camera—this presented a challenge. Thankfully, Nomad also sends an email with the same information. I displayed the code on a laptop, scanned it, and that started the eSIM installation process. Alternatively, you can take a screenshot of the QR code and then use an app like Google Lens to scan the code, though this is not ideal. It goes without saying that you need an active Wi-Fi connection to work through this process.
In testing, my Nomad eSIM-equipped phone connected to AT&T's 5G network with the "roaming" indicator in the status bar. I experienced download speeds as slow as 16.8Mbps and as fast as 96.4Mbps, with the average around 75Mbps. Upload speeds remained fairly consistent at 25Mbps. Service was reliable, and I experienced no dropouts.
The speeds are fast enough to browse the web, scroll through social media, and stream music and video content. Nomad is a data-only service, meaning it doesn't support traditional cellular voice calls or SMS messaging, but its speeds are quick enough to handle voice and video chat via apps like FaceTime or WhatsApp.
You can view your data usage in the Manage tab of the Nomad app, where you can also see details like when your plan will expire and buy more data. If your data is running low or is set to expire, you will receive a notification. You can purchase additional data at the same price as regular plans. For example, an additional 1GB costs $4.50.
Final Thoughts
(Credit: Iyaz Akhtar)
Nomad eSIM
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
Nomad's eSIM service provides affordable data connections in many of the world's countries. The installation process could be a little smoother, but the service works well. Nomad includes clear policies and specifies the networks you’ll connect to up front, which is useful for travelers. That said, Saily offers similar coverage, service, and pricing, and is easier to activate on your phone, so it gets a slightly higher score. And if you're simply looking for good prices in the US, MobileX is our Editors' Choice thanks to its fast, reliable speeds at affordable rates on Verizon's network.
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About Our Expert
I've been into technology for as long as I can remember. As a PCMag mobile writer, I get to test the newest phones and tablets. Since you rely on our buying advice, I make sure you get everything a manufacturer claims, which means lots of testing. This is your phone we're talking about; it's like a part of you. I've covered technology as a career for around two decades (yikes, I had to think about that). You've seen my work at The Apple Blog, PCMag (from my first go around), This Week in Tech, and CNET. I also occasionally produce independent video projects, including This Old Nerd, a how-to series that shows practical ways to get the most from your tech.
