Country
A-B
C-E
F-H
I-Z
Instant Activation
High Internet Speeds
Hotspot Sharing
No Hidden Charges
Belgium eSIM
Belgium
FROM $2.58
Ï 5G
Network Provider: Base, ORANGE Belgium NV/SA, Orange
  • 22 plan options available
  • 5G and hotspot-enabled
  • Activation within 2 mins
  • 24x7 Customer Service
  • 100% Money-back Guarantee
Brazil eSIM
Brazil
FROM $3.90
Ï 5G
Network Provider: TIM, Vivo S.A.
  • 19 plan options available
  • 5G and hotspot-enabled
  • Activation within 2 mins
  • 24x7 Customer Service
  • 100% Money-back Guarantee
Afghanistan eSIM
Afghanistan
FROM $8.90
Ï 4G
Network Provider: Afghan Wireless Afghanistan, Etisalat, Roshan Afghanistan
  • 4 plan options available
  • 5G and hotspot-enabled
  • Activation within 2 mins
  • 24x7 Customer Service
  • 100% Money-back Guarantee
Albania eSIM
Albania
FROM $3.49
Ï 4G
Network Provider: Vodafone
  • 21 plan options available
  • 5G and hotspot-enabled
  • Activation within 2 mins
  • 24x7 Customer Service
  • 100% Money-back Guarantee
Algeria eSIM
Algeria
FROM $3.90
Ï 4G
Network Provider: Mobilis, Ooredoo, Optimum Telecom Algeria Spa
  • 18 plan options available
  • 5G and hotspot-enabled
  • Activation within 2 mins
  • 24x7 Customer Service
  • 100% Money-back Guarantee
Andorra eSIM
Andorra
FROM $6.90
Ï 5G
Network Provider: Mobiland, STA Andorra
  • 21 plan options available
  • 5G and hotspot-enabled
  • Activation within 2 mins
  • 24x7 Customer Service
  • 100% Money-back Guarantee
Anguilla eSIM
Anguilla
FROM $8.90
Ï 4G
Network Provider: Digicel Anguilla
  • 16 plan options available
  • 5G and hotspot-enabled
  • Activation within 2 mins
  • 24x7 Customer Service
  • 100% Money-back Guarantee
Antigua and Barbuda eSIM
Antigua and Barbuda
FROM $8.90
Ï 4G
Network Provider: Digicel Antinua and Barbuda, FLOW
  • 5 plan options available
  • 5G and hotspot-enabled
  • Activation within 2 mins
  • 24x7 Customer Service
  • 100% Money-back Guarantee
Argentina eSIM
Argentina
FROM $4.90
Ï 4G
Network Provider: Movistar, Telefonica Moviles Argentina S.A.
  • 19 plan options available
  • 5G and hotspot-enabled
  • Activation within 2 mins
  • 24x7 Customer Service
  • 100% Money-back Guarantee
Armenia eSIM
Armenia
FROM $4.90
Ï 4G
Network Provider: Orange, UCOM Armenia, VEON Armenia CJSC
  • 17 plan options available
  • 5G and hotspot-enabled
  • Activation within 2 mins
  • 24x7 Customer Service
  • 100% Money-back Guarantee
Australia eSIM
Australia
FROM $3.90
Ï 5G
Network Provider: OPTUS MOBILE PTY LTD, Optus, Vodafone
  • 8 plan options available
  • 5G and hotspot-enabled
  • Activation within 2 mins
  • 24x7 Customer Service
  • 100% Money-back Guarantee
Austria eSIM
Austria
FROM $3.04
Ï 5G
Network Provider: 3, Orange, Three
  • 22 plan options available
  • 5G and hotspot-enabled
  • Activation within 2 mins
  • 24x7 Customer Service
  • 100% Money-back Guarantee
Region
Instant Activation
High Internet Speeds
Hotspot Sharing
No Hidden Charges
Africa (29 Countries) eSIM
Africa (29 Countries)
FROM $12.49
Ï 5G
Network Provider: Airtel, AirtelTigo, Cell C
  • 3 plan options available
  • 5G and hotspot-enabled
  • Activation within 2 mins
  • 24x7 Customer Service
  • 100% Money-back Guarantee
Asia (20 Countries) eSIM
Asia (20 Countries)
FROM $5.99
Ï 5G
Network Provider: 3, AirTel, CTM
  • 6 plan options available
  • 5G and hotspot-enabled
  • Activation within 2 mins
  • 24x7 Customer Service
  • 100% Money-back Guarantee
Australia & New Zealand eSIM
Australia & New Zealand
FROM $3.99
Ï 5G
Network Provider: Optus, Spark
  • 5 plan options available
  • 5G and hotspot-enabled
  • Activation within 2 mins
  • 24x7 Customer Service
  • 100% Money-back Guarantee
Balkans (5+ areas) eSIM
Balkans (5+ areas)
FROM $4.49
Ï 5G
Network Provider: A1, T-Mobile, Tele2
  • 5 plan options available
  • 5G and hotspot-enabled
  • Activation within 2 mins
  • 24x7 Customer Service
  • 100% Money-back Guarantee
Caribbean (24 Countries) eSIM
Caribbean (24 Countries)
FROM $9.49
Ï 5G
Network Provider: Altice, Antel, Claro
  • 4 plan options available
  • 5G and hotspot-enabled
  • Activation within 2 mins
  • 24x7 Customer Service
  • 100% Money-back Guarantee
Central Asia (5 Countries) eSIM
Central Asia (5 Countries)
FROM $3.99
Ï 4G
Network Provider: Beeline, Hutch, Jazz
  • 4 plan options available
  • 5G and hotspot-enabled
  • Activation within 2 mins
  • 24x7 Customer Service
  • 100% Money-back Guarantee
China (Mainland, HK, Macao) eSIM
China (Mainland, HK, Macao)
FROM $3.49
Ï 5G
Network Provider: CTM, China Unicom, csl
  • 7 plan options available
  • 5G and hotspot-enabled
  • Activation within 2 mins
  • 24x7 Customer Service
  • 100% Money-back Guarantee
Europe (42+ Countries) eSIM
Europe (42+ Countries)
FROM $4.89
Ï 5G
Network Provider: 3, 7acht, A1
  • 5 plan options available
  • 5G and hotspot-enabled
  • Activation within 2 mins
  • 24x7 Customer Service
  • 100% Money-back Guarantee
South America (17 Countries) eSIM
South America (17 Countries)
FROM $8.99
Ï 5G
Network Provider: Antel, Claro, Digicel
  • 4 plan options available
  • 5G and hotspot-enabled
  • Activation within 2 mins
  • 24x7 Customer Service
  • 100% Money-back Guarantee
Middle East (11 Countries) eSIM
Middle East (11 Countries)
FROM $9.99
Ï 5G
Network Provider: Bakcell, Beeline, Etisalat
  • 3 plan options available
  • 5G and hotspot-enabled
  • Activation within 2 mins
  • 24x7 Customer Service
  • 100% Money-back Guarantee
North America (3 Countries) eSIM
North America (3 Countries)
FROM $4.49
Ï 5G
Network Provider: AT&T, Bell, Movistar
  • 6 plan options available
  • 5G and hotspot-enabled
  • Activation within 2 mins
  • 24x7 Customer Service
  • 100% Money-back Guarantee
Global eSIM Plan (127 Countries) eSIM
Global eSIM Plan (127 Countries)
FROM $12.99
Ï 5G
Network Provider: 3, 7acht, A1
  • 5 plan options available
  • 5G and hotspot-enabled
  • Activation within 2 mins
  • 24x7 Customer Service
  • 100% Money-back Guarantee
Updated February 2026 — 75+ Statistics

75+ eSIM Statistics
2026

The most comprehensive, regularly updated collection of eSIM market data, adoption statistics, and growth trends. Sourced from GSMA, Statista, and leading market research firms.

By CelleSIM Research Updated Feb 6, 2026 Sources: GSMA · Statista · Grand View
📈
$16B+
Global Market Size
CAGR 10–20% through 2033
📱
1B+
eSIM Connections
Forecast 2025 — GSMA
🌍
400+
Operators Worldwide
120+ countries supported
$16B+
Market Size
1B+
Connections
400+
Operators
120+
Countries

The eSIM (embedded SIM) market is experiencing explosive growth in 2026 as more devices, operators, and consumers adopt this technology. Whether you're a journalist, researcher, investor, or simply curious about the state of eSIM, this page compiles the most important statistics from trusted sources in one place.

We update this page quarterly with the latest data. All sources are cited — click any source link to verify the original data.

📊

eSIM Market Size & Revenue

1
The global eSIM market was valued at approximately $10.32 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $17.67 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 5.1%.
2
An alternative estimate values the eSIM market at $14.68 billion in 2024, growing to $58.03 billion by 2033 at a CAGR of 16.5%.
3
IMARC Group estimates the market at $11.93 billion in 2024, projecting growth to $45.39 billion by 2033 at a CAGR of 15.81%.
Source: IMARC Group
4
The eSIM market is expected to reach approximately $11.87 billion in 2025, representing significant year-over-year growth.
5
The connectivity services segment dominated the market in 2024, accounting for approximately 87.5% to 88.5% of total market revenue.
Source: Grand View Research, SkyQuest
6
North America dominated the global eSIM market with a 40-43% share in 2024, driven by early 5G adoption and major carrier support.
Source: Grand View Research, IMARC Group
7
Data-only eSIMs represent the largest segment, holding approximately 55.2% of the market in 2024.
Source: IMARC Group
8
Giesecke+Devrient's eSIM and iSIM business contributed to nearly €1.2 billion in net sales in their mobile security segment.
Source: Statista

Why do eSIM market size estimates vary?

Different research firms use different methodologies and scope definitions. Some include only eSIM hardware (chips), others include connectivity services and software. The narrower estimates ($1-2B) typically cover hardware only, while broader estimates ($10-16B) include the full ecosystem of hardware, software, and connectivity services.

📈

eSIM Adoption & Connections

9
eSIM smartphone connections nearly doubled in 2024, growing from 310 million in 2023 to 598 million.
10
GSMA forecasts 1 billion eSIM smartphone connections by 2025, representing a major milestone toward mainstream adoption.
Source: GSMA Intelligence
11
Consumer awareness of eSIM technology has risen steadily from 20% in 2020 to 50% in 2025.
12
The United States has the highest eSIM penetration globally, with approximately 30% of consumers using eSIM technology.
Source: GSMA Intelligence
13
eSIM technology has crossed 5% global adoption as of late 2025, with travel being a primary adoption driver.
14
eSIM awareness varies by age: 48% among 18-34 year olds, 41% among 35-54, and 25% among those 55+.
Source: GSMA Intelligence (2022 survey)
15
Only 13% of smartphone users in certain regions currently utilize eSIMs, with complexity and awareness being key barriers.
16
The launch of eSIM-only iPhones in the US had no measurable impact on consumer churn, suggesting strong consumer acceptance.
Source: GSMA Intelligence
17
GSMA projects that over 1.5 billion eSIM-enabled devices will be deployed globally by 2025, spanning connected cars and smart devices.
✈️

Travel eSIM Statistics

Travel: The #1 eSIM Adoption Driver

International travel has become the primary gateway for eSIM adoption. Once travelers experience eSIM convenience abroad, most never go back to physical SIM cards. This creates a powerful adoption loop that is accelerating market growth.

18
51% of eSIM users first used the technology for international travel, making it the #1 adoption driver.
19
Approximately 15% of all travel connectivity is now powered by eSIMs, and the number is growing rapidly.
20
The global travel eSIM market is valued at $1.75 billion in 2026, projected to reach $4.06 billion by 2035 (CAGR: 9.79%).
21
Retail spending on travel eSIM services is expected to grow by 500% between 2023 and 2028.
22
The global travel eSIM market is projected to reach $10 billion by 2028, representing over 80% of total travel SIM expenditure.
Source: Kaleido Intelligence
23
Traditional carriers could face up to $11 billion in lost roaming revenue as consumers shift to digital-first travel eSIM providers.
Source: Mobilise
24
85% of Airalo app users reported being first-time eSIM users, showing travel apps are the primary discovery channel.
25
65% of travelers now prefer eSIM over physical SIM cards when traveling internationally.
26
Data-only eSIM plans dominate travel, preferred by 70% of travelers seeking affordable connectivity abroad.
Source: Business Research Insights
27
In North America, travel eSIM usage has reached 41% of international trips.
Source: Business Research Insights
28
Companies offering lower-cost eSIM alternatives capture 55% of market share among digital travelers.
Source: Business Research Insights
29
Truely, a travel eSIM provider, served over 70,000 travelers in two years, doubling orders in 2025 alone.
30
Nord Security's Saily eSIM app reached seven figures in users within months of its March 2024 launch.
📱

Device Compatibility & OEM Data

31
65% of new smartphones launched in 2024 support eSIM technology, reflecting rapid integration by manufacturers.
32
More than 60 eSIM-enabled smartphones were launched in just the first half of 2025, signaling expansion into mid-range and budget segments.
33
The number of available eSIM consumer devices reached 231 in 2023, up 45% from the previous year, with ~60% being smartphones.
Source: Statista
34
eSIM is now supported by 240+ devices globally across smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, and laptops.
35
Apple announced plans to launch eSIM-only iPhones globally with the iPhone 17 series, eliminating physical SIM trays worldwide.
36
Over 50% of new smartwatches launched in 2024 include eSIM capabilities.
Source: U.S. Consumer Technology Association (CTA)
37
60% of all smartphone unit sales are estimated to be eSIM-compatible by 2025.
38
STMicroelectronics has shipped over 1 billion ST33 eSIM chips and holds a 90% global market share in eSIM semiconductors.
39
80% of new vehicles in North America are expected to incorporate eSIM technology for telematics and connected car services by 2026.
Source: U.S. Department of Transportation
40
China Unicom reported 30× growth in tablet eSIM adoption and 10× growth in watch and IoT eSIM adoption.
🌐

Operator & Network Support

41
Over 400 mobile operators worldwide now provide eSIM services, facilitating easier subscription management.
Source: GSMA
42
eSIM is now commercially available in 120+ countries worldwide.
Source: GSMA (MWC 2025)
43
As of June 2024, 441 operators support eSIM, including MNOs, MVNOs, and international roaming services.
44
eSIM operator adoption peaked in 2022 with 111 new operators launching consumer eSIM offerings. This dropped to 42 new operators by June 2024.
Source: Mobilise / GSMA Intelligence
45
China's telecom providers began offering eSIM support in October 2025 after Apple's eSIM-only phone created market pressure.
Source: TechCrunch
46
Valid (eSIM provider) is interoperable with over 300 MNOs worldwide and partners with major OEMs like Xiaomi and Volkswagen Group.
Source: GSMA eSIM Summit MWC 2025
47
China Unicom has 40+ brand partners and 150+ eSIM terminals in its ecosystem.
Source: GSMA eSIM Summit MWC 2025
48
Vodafone partnered with UEFA to create specialized eSIMs for football fans traveling across Europe for major tournaments.
49
The number of devices supporting remote SIM provisioning for enterprises has reached over 120 million units globally in 2024.
Source: GSMA
🗺️

Regional Breakdown

50
North America held the dominant position with 39-43% of the global eSIM market in 2024.
Source: Grand View Research, IMARC, Data Bridge
51
Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing region for eSIM adoption, driven by digitization, high-tech solutions, and rising consumer demand in China, Japan, and India.
52
The US has the highest eSIM penetration globally at ~30%, followed by South Korea (~48% awareness) and UK (~26% awareness).
Source: GSMA Intelligence
53
China is expected to become the largest eSIM market, with projections of half a billion eSIM smartphone connections.
54
Europe's eSIM market is driven by the EU Green Deal, early technology adoption, and headquarters of key players like Giesecke+Devrient, NXP, and STMicroelectronics.
Source: Grand View Research
55
China's domestic production is projected to reach 35 million vehicles by 2025, with most incorporating eSIM for connected car features.
Source: U.S. International Trade Administration
56
China recorded 1.84 billion cellular IoT connections in 2022, creating massive eSIM demand for M2M applications.
Source: China MIIT
57
TIM Brasil launched a free web portal for customers to convert physical SIM cards to eSIMs, using IDEMIA's management platform.
Source: IMARC Group
👤

Consumer Behavior & Preferences

58
Once users discover eSIM through travel, they generally don't return to physical SIMs, creating a powerful adoption loop.
59
Users who experience eSIM while traveling frequently request their home operators to switch from physical SIM upon returning.
Source: TechCrunch (GSMA analyst)
60
34% of eSIM providers are integrating AI and analytics to enhance performance and personalize plans.
Source: Business Research Insights
61
Key barriers to eSIM adoption include transferring profiles between devices and perceived complexity of activation processes.
Source: DataM Intelligence
62
Nomad eSIM reports a consistent 30% of monthly users purchase domestic plans (not just travel), showing eSIM appeal beyond travel.
Source: Nomad eSIM
🔧

IoT & M2M eSIM Data

63
The M2M segment dominated the eSIM market with approximately 68% share in 2025.
64
The number of IoT connections is projected to surpass 23 billion by 2025, up from 15.1 billion in 2021, driving massive eSIM demand.
Source: GSMA
65
Giesecke+Devrient and GCT Semiconductor announced a partnership for SGP.32 eSIM solutions for multi-network IoT devices in May 2025.
Source: Grand View Research
66
STMicroelectronics introduced the industry's first eSIM meeting the SGP.32 GSMA standard for IoT deployment in June 2024.
Source: IMARC Group
67
Consumer electronics is expected to be the fastest-growing segment in IoT eSIM, with a CAGR of 9.2%.
Source: SkyQuest
🔮

Future Projections (2028–2035)

68
By 2028, half of all smartphone connections could be eSIM-based.
69
By 2030, up to 76% of all smartphone connections (6.7 billion devices) will use eSIM technology. Under optimistic scenarios, this could reach 88% (8 billion devices).
Source: GSMA Intelligence
70
Even in a low-adoption scenario, 61% of all smartphone connections (~5.6 billion devices) will be eSIM-based by 2030.
Source: GSMA Intelligence
71
The eSIM market could reach up to $58 billion by 2033 under the most aggressive growth projections.
Source: SkyQuest Technology
72
Chinese manufacturers (Huawei, Xiaomi, Oppo, Vivo) are expected to introduce eSIM across mid-range and budget devices, massively expanding the addressable market.
73
5G networks are expected to cover one-third of the world's population by 2025, further accelerating eSIM adoption for high-speed connectivity.
Source: GSMA
74
China Unicom forecasts that China's eSIM market will enter a high-growth phase from 2025, powered by AI-driven smart terminals.
Source: GSMA eSIM Summit MWC 2025
75
eSIMs are predicted to be as ubiquitous as physical SIMs by the end of the decade, embedded in phones, laptops, tablets, watches, and cars.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How big is the global eSIM market in 2026?

The global eSIM market is valued between $11.87 billion and $17.1 billion in 2025-2026, depending on the research source and scope. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 10-20% through 2033, potentially reaching $17-58 billion.

What percentage of smartphones support eSIM in 2026?

Approximately 65% of new smartphones launched in 2024-2025 support eSIM. Over 240 devices globally support eSIM, and with Apple's expected global eSIM-only iPhone 17, this figure is set to increase dramatically.

How many people use eSIM for travel?

According to GSMA, 51% of eSIM users first used the technology for travel. About 15% of all travel connectivity is now powered by eSIMs, and the travel eSIM market is valued at $1.75 billion in 2026 with 500% growth expected by 2028.

Which country has the highest eSIM adoption?

The United States leads with approximately 30% consumer eSIM penetration, largely driven by Apple's eSIM-only iPhones launched in the US since 2022. South Korea shows high awareness at 48%, and China is expected to become the largest market.

Is eSIM replacing physical SIM cards?

Yes, the transition is underway. GSMA projects 76% of smartphone connections will be eSIM by 2030. Apple plans eSIM-only iPhones globally, and Chinese manufacturers are beginning to support eSIM in mid-range and budget devices, accelerating the shift.

Methodology & Sources

This statistics page compiles data from publicly available reports by GSMA Intelligence, Grand View Research, Fortune Business Insights, IMARC Group, SkyQuest Technology, Straits Research, Data Bridge Market Research, Business Research Insights, Kaleido Intelligence, Mobilise Global, Statista, TechCrunch, and official government sources (U.S. DOT, ETSI, CTA, China MIIT). Market size estimates vary across sources due to different scope definitions (hardware-only vs. full ecosystem). We present multiple estimates for transparency. This page is updated quarterly. Last update: February 6, 2026.

Citation: If you'd like to reference any statistics from this page, please link back to: cellesim.com/en/75-esim-statistics-2026