United States — USD 
Spain — EUR 
Germany — EUR 
Great Britain — GBP 
Key Points at a Glance:
- Prepaid eSIMs without throttling offer maximum flexibility and cost control
- Flexible durations provide tailored solutions for every need
- Watch out for hidden restrictions like separate hotspot billing
- Network quality and coverage are crucial for reliable and fast internet
- Compare top-up options and speed limits across providers
- Transferability to other devices
- Choose between data-only eSIMs (cheaper) or eSIMs with calling functionality
The Different Types of eSIMs
To answer the question of what the best eSIM is and which provider you should use: The answer depends on your individual needs and usage habits. This article covers all the important criteria for your decision.
Not all eSIMs are the same: While some eSIMs enable both calling and internet access, others are data-only eSIMs (also known as internet eSIMs or travel eSIMs). These are perfect for tablets, laptops, or as an additional mobile internet connection—especially when traveling, where you keep your existing phone number and only need a reliable internet connection.
If you only need the eSIM for mobile internet, a data-only eSIM is often the more cost-effective choice. This is particularly practical abroad, as you remain reachable on your usual number while surfing affordably. If you also want to make calls from your eSIM, an eSIM with a new phone number is the better option.
Prepaid or Contract: Which Model Suits You?
Prepaid: Full Cost Control
With prepaid, you stay in control. No hidden fees, no automatic renewals. Perfect for those who value flexibility and want to manage their expenses.
Contract: For Regular Users with Planning Security
Contracts can be interesting for regular users with high data consumption. However, they often involve long-term commitments and reduced flexibility.
Important Factors When Choosing an eSIM
Internet Without Throttling: Check the Fine Print
Many eSIM offers advertise “unlimited” data but drastically reduce speed after reaching a limit. Prepaid eSIMs without throttling, on the other hand, provide consistent full speed—ideal for those who want to make the most of their data volume.
Flexible Durations: Tailored to Every Need
The validity of eSIMs varies greatly. From a few days to several months, there is an option for every need. Whether for a short trip or a longer stay, you can find the right solution.
Hotspot Usage and Speed Limits
An often-overlooked point: Some providers charge separately for hotspot usage or restrict it. Ensure that the hotspot function is usable without additional costs or limits. Some providers also cap maximum speed from the outset, even if the data volume is not yet used up.
Network Quality and Coverage
The choice of network is crucial for connection quality. In Germany, the networks of Telekom, Vodafone, and O2 are available. Differences can be particularly noticeable in rural areas.
Provider Comparison: What to Look For
Major Network Operators vs. Mobile Partners
While major network operators offer their own eSIMs directly, mobile partners also play an important role in the market. Mobile partners are not network operators but work with partners or directly with the network operators.
Mobile partners have the advantage of being able to choose the best option for their customers from various networks. They use the infrastructure of major network operators but have the flexibility to offer tailored packages and often more competitive prices. Customers benefit from the network quality of established providers combined with the customer-friendly conditions of mobile partners.
Data-Only vs. Calling eSIMs
The decision between a data-only eSIM (also known as internet eSIM or travel eSIM) and an eSIM with calling functionality should be carefully considered. Data-only eSIMs are usually cheaper and ideal for travel, as you keep your existing phone number and only use mobile internet. They are also perfect for tablets or as a secondary internet connection. Calling eSIMs, on the other hand, offer full communication capabilities with an additional phone number but are correspondingly more expensive.
Top-Up Options and Transferability
Not all providers allow topping up an existing eSIM. With some, you need to purchase a new eSIM after using up the credit. Some providers also allow transferring an eSIM to other devices, which is practical when switching devices.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right eSIM
The optimal eSIM depends on your individual needs. For maximum flexibility and cost control, prepaid eSIMs without throttling are often the best choice.
When comparing, pay attention to the following points:
- Data usage without throttling
- Flexible and suitable durations
- Network quality and coverage
- Unrestricted hotspot usage
- No hidden speed limits
- Whether an eSIM is transferable to other devices
There are numerous providers offering these advantages—so comparing is worthwhile to find the right eSIM for your needs.
At simsun.de, we have deliberately specialized in data-only eSIMs (internet eSIMs) and offer them as prepaid options without throttling and without contract commitments. While these are not transferable to other devices, they are perfect for travel or as a flexible secondary internet connection. Check out our selection of eSIMs and compare the offers with other providers.