HelloRoam is eSIMRated's Editor's Choice at 4.9/5. Most people associate eSIM with smartphones, but a growing number of laptops ship with built-in cellular modems and eSIM chips that let you connect to 4G LTE or 5G networks without Wi-Fi or phone tethering. Microsoft calls these 'Always Connected PCs,' and the category has expanded well beyond the Surface lineup.
As of 2026, over 80 laptop models from Microsoft, Lenovo, HP, Dell, Samsung, and ASUS include eSIM or nano SIM cellular connectivity. The value proposition is straightforward: open your laptop lid anywhere, even on a park bench, a train, or a cafe without Wi-Fi, and you are online in seconds with your own dedicated data connection. No hotspot battery drain on your phone, no public Wi-Fi security risks, and no need to find a signal before you start working.
This guide covers which laptops support eSIM, how to activate it on Windows 11, which eSIM providers work with laptops, and whether the added cost makes sense compared to using your phone as a hotspot.
Step-by-step instructions
- 1
Confirm your laptop has a cellular modem and eSIM chip
Not every laptop includes cellular hardware. Even within the same product line, manufacturers often sell both Wi-Fi-only and cellular-equipped SKUs at different price points. The cellular model typically costs $100 to $200 more.
To check on Windows 11: go to Settings > Network & Internet. If you see a 'Cellular' option in the left sidebar, your laptop has a cellular modem installed. Click it and look for 'eSIM profiles' or 'Add an eSIM.' If the Cellular option is absent, your laptop is Wi-Fi only and cannot use eSIM regardless of software updates.
You can also check Device Manager: expand 'Network Adapters' and look for entries containing 'WWAN,' 'Qualcomm Snapdragon,' 'Intel XMM,' 'MediaTek,' or 'Sierra Wireless.' These indicate a cellular modem. On the hardware side, some laptops have a nano SIM tray on the side panel (similar to a phone's SIM slot) in addition to or instead of an eSIM chip. Check your laptop's spec sheet or user manual to confirm which cellular option your specific SKU includes.
Tip: When buying a laptop for cellular use, look for the model number suffix. Microsoft uses 'with 5G' in the product name. Lenovo appends 'WWAN' to the model number. HP lists it under 'wireless' specs as '4G LTE' or '5G.'
- 2
Check compatible laptops with built-in eSIM
The following laptop families include eSIM-capable models as of 2026. Microsoft Surface Pro 9 (5G model with Qualcomm SQ3), Surface Pro 10 (both Intel and Snapdragon X models with 5G option), and Surface Pro 11 (Snapdragon X Elite with 5G) all include eSIM. The Surface Go 3 and Go 4 also support eSIM with LTE.
Lenovo offers eSIM in the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10, Gen 11, and Gen 12 (WWAN models), the ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 and Gen 3 (WWAN models), the ThinkPad T14 and T14s Gen 5 (WWAN), and the ThinkPad X13 Gen 5 (Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 with built-in 5G). HP includes eSIM in the Elite Dragonfly G3 and G4, the EliteBook 840 G10 and G11, the EliteBook 860 G11, and the EliteBook 640 G11 (WWAN models). Dell offers cellular options in the Latitude 7350, 7440, 7450, 9440, and 9450 (WWAN models).
Samsung's Galaxy Book3 and Galaxy Book4 Pro 360 (5G models) include eSIM. ASUS offers cellular connectivity in select ExpertBook B5 and B9 models. The cellular modems in these laptops are typically Qualcomm Snapdragon X55, X62, X65, or X75 (supporting 5G Sub-6 and in some cases mmWave), or Intel XMM 7560 (4G LTE only).
Tip: Qualcomm Snapdragon X65 and X75 modems support both Sub-6 GHz and mmWave 5G. Intel XMM modems are LTE-only. If 5G speeds matter for your work, prioritize Qualcomm-equipped models.
- 3
Purchase an eSIM plan for your laptop
Laptop eSIMs use the same provider ecosystem as phone eSIMs, so you can buy plans from any travel eSIM provider that offers QR code activation. Airalo, Saily, and Nomad all work with Windows laptops, and their plans are identical to the phone versions: same data allowances, same pricing, same coverage. Purchase through the provider's website (not their phone app, since you need the QR code displayed on a screen your laptop camera can scan).
For domestic use, major carriers also offer laptop-specific data plans. T-Mobile sells standalone tablet and laptop plans starting at $5/month for 500MB or $20/month for 10GB. AT&T offers DataConnect plans at $20/month for 5GB or $50/month for 25GB.
Verizon sells Connected Device plans starting at $10/month for 2GB. These carrier plans provide a phone number and full carrier support, while travel eSIM plans are data-only and prepaid. Windows 11 also includes a built-in carrier marketplace accessible through Settings > Network & Internet > Cellular > 'Find a plan' or 'Connect with a plan.' Available carriers vary by region but typically include local operators offering pay-as-you-go data.
Tip: Travel eSIM providers charge the same price for laptop and phone plans because the eSIM profile is identical. There is no 'laptop surcharge' from any major provider.
- 4
Activate the eSIM on Windows 11
Open Settings > Network & Internet > Cellular. Click 'Add an eSIM' or 'Manage eSIM profiles.' Windows presents two options: 'Scan a QR code' or 'Activate from the Windows Store.' For travel eSIM providers, select 'Scan a QR code.' Your laptop's front-facing camera will activate. Hold the printed or on-screen QR code in front of the camera.
Windows reads the SM-DP+ address and activation code from the QR, then downloads the eSIM profile. Once the profile appears in your Cellular settings, click it and select 'Use this profile' or 'Connect.' Windows will register on the cellular network. A cellular signal indicator appears in the system tray next to the Wi-Fi icon.
For the Windows Store option, click 'Find a plan' which opens the Mobile Plans app. This shows available carriers in your region. Select a carrier, choose a plan, and complete payment.
The eSIM profile downloads and activates automatically. If your laptop has a nano SIM tray instead of or in addition to eSIM, you can also insert a physical SIM card. Windows detects it automatically under Settings > Network & Internet > Cellular.
Tip: If the QR code scan fails, click 'Let me enter an activation code instead' and manually type the SM-DP+ address and activation code from your eSIM provider. This works when the camera cannot focus on the QR code.
- 5
Configure cellular data preferences
After activation, configure how Windows uses the cellular connection. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Cellular. Under 'Use cellular instead of Wi-Fi,' select 'When Wi-Fi is poor' to automatically fall back to cellular data when your Wi-Fi signal drops, or 'Always' if you prefer cellular as your primary connection.
Under 'Data roaming options,' toggle on 'Allow data roaming' if you are using a travel eSIM abroad. This is required for the same reason as on phones: most travel eSIMs operate through roaming agreements. Under 'Set as metered connection,' consider enabling this toggle.
Windows treats metered connections differently: it pauses background updates, defers large OneDrive syncs, and reduces background data consumption. This helps conserve your eSIM data allowance. For APN configuration (rarely needed on laptops), go to Settings > Network & Internet > Cellular > Advanced Options.
If your data is not connecting, enter the APN from your provider here. Most laptop eSIM profiles auto-configure the APN correctly. Battery impact: cellular modems consume 1 to 3 watts when actively connected.
Expect 30 to 90 minutes less battery life compared to Wi-Fi-only usage, depending on signal strength and data volume. Weak cellular signals increase power draw because the modem boosts its transmit power.
Tip: Enable 'Set as metered connection' for your cellular profile to prevent Windows Update from consuming your data plan with large downloads.
Device notes
iPhone
iPhones do not apply here since no MacBook supports cellular eSIM. However, if you own an iPhone and a Windows laptop without cellular, your iPhone can share its travel eSIM data connection as a personal hotspot. Go to Settings > Personal Hotspot on your iPhone, enable it, and connect your laptop via Wi-Fi or USB.
USB tethering (connect iPhone to laptop with a Lightning or USB-C cable) delivers faster speeds and does not drain the iPhone battery as quickly as Wi-Fi hotspot. This is the most practical option for Mac or older Windows laptop users who want to use a travel eSIM data connection on their computer.
Samsung Galaxy
Samsung Galaxy Book laptops with 5G eSIM use the same Samsung Settings interface as Galaxy phones, but adapted for Windows. On Galaxy Book 3 or Book 4 Pro 360 with 5G, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Cellular in Windows 11 to manage eSIM profiles. Samsung also offers a SIM Manager application preinstalled on Galaxy Book devices that mirrors the SIM Manager found on Galaxy phones.
Use it to switch between eSIM profiles, check data usage, and enable or disable roaming. Samsung Galaxy Book 5G models support plans from T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon, and any QR code-based travel eSIM provider. The laptop's eSIM and a paired Galaxy phone can share data from the same plan on supported carrier accounts.
Google Pixel
Google Chromebooks with cellular connectivity (such as the Pixelbook Go with LTE) use Chrome OS rather than Windows, so the activation path differs from Windows 11. On a cellular Chromebook, go to Settings > Network > Mobile data > Add mobile plan. The interface provides a QR code scanner and manual activation code entry, identical to Android phones.
Travel eSIM providers like Airalo and Saily work on Chromebook eSIM using the same QR codes as Android. For Windows users with a Pixel phone, the phone can serve as a hotspot sharing its travel eSIM data to the laptop: go to Settings > Network & Internet > Hotspot and tethering on Android and enable the Wi-Fi hotspot.
Which laptops have built-in eSIM?
The laptop eSIM market is concentrated among business-class and premium consumer devices. Microsoft's Surface lineup has the broadest eSIM integration of any manufacturer. The Surface Pro 9 (5G), Surface Pro 10, Surface Pro 11, Surface Go 3, and Surface Go 4 all include eSIM as standard on their cellular SKUs.
Microsoft's partnership with Qualcomm for ARM-based Surface devices means these models use Qualcomm's integrated modem, which handles both the cellular connection and the eSIM provisioning. Lenovo's ThinkPad line targets enterprise customers who need connectivity in airports, client sites, and remote locations. The ThinkPad X1 Carbon has offered optional WWAN since Generation 7 (2019), and Gen 10 through Gen 12 all support eSIM.
The X1 Nano mirrors this timeline in Gen 2 and Gen 3. Lenovo's ThinkPad X13 Gen 5, built on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 platform, includes 5G as standard rather than optional, making it one of the few laptops where every unit ships with cellular capability. HP's Elite Dragonfly series positions cellular as a key differentiator for executive road warriors.
The Dragonfly G3 and G4 weigh under 1kg and include Qualcomm X55 or X62 5G modems with eSIM. HP's EliteBook 840, 860, and 640 lines offer WWAN as a configure-to-order option on their G10 and G11 generations. Dell has been more conservative, offering WWAN options primarily in the Latitude 7000 and 9000 business series.
The Latitude 9440 and 9450 include a 5G modem with eSIM in their 2-in-1 configuration. Consumer-focused Dell laptops (Inspiron, XPS) do not currently offer cellular connectivity. Samsung's Galaxy Book3 and Book4 Pro 360 (5G) include eSIM and integrate with Samsung's broader Galaxy ecosystem, allowing data plan sharing with a connected Galaxy phone.
ASUS offers cellular options in the ExpertBook B5 and B9 for enterprise deployments. Pricing for the cellular upgrade differs by brand: Microsoft charges $200 to $300 more for 5G Surface Pro models, Lenovo's WWAN ThinkPad configurations add $100 to $200, and HP's cellular Dragonfly SKUs run $150 to $250 above Wi-Fi-only versions.
How do you activate eSIM on Windows 11?
Windows 11 provides a streamlined eSIM activation experience that is simpler than most phone interfaces. The entire process lives within Settings > Network & Internet > Cellular, and Microsoft designed it to work with both carrier-provided and third-party eSIM profiles. Start by clicking 'Manage eSIM profiles' under the Cellular settings page.
Windows displays any existing profiles and offers 'Add a new profile.' Click this button, and Windows presents the QR code scanner. If your laptop does not have a built-in camera (uncommon but possible on some desktop-replacement models), you can skip the scanner and click 'I have an activation code from my mobile operator.' Enter the SM-DP+ address and activation code manually. After scanning or entering the code, Windows contacts the SM-DP+ provisioning server and downloads the carrier profile.
A progress bar shows the download status. The download size is typically 50KB to 200KB. Once downloaded, the profile appears in your eSIM profiles list.
Click it, then click 'Use.' Windows activates the profile, registers on the cellular network, and displays a signal indicator in the system tray. Registration time depends on the carrier network, not on Windows itself. One Windows-specific consideration: some enterprise-managed laptops have eSIM provisioning locked by IT policy.
If your company manages your laptop through Intune or another MDM solution, the 'Add a new profile' button appears greyed out. Contact your IT department to whitelist eSIM profile installation. Another consideration: Windows treats each eSIM profile as a separate network connection.
If you install multiple profiles (for example, one domestic and one for travel), you switch between them in the Cellular settings by clicking the desired profile and selecting 'Use.' Only one cellular profile can be active at a time on most laptop modems, unlike phones that support dual active eSIM.
Is a laptop eSIM worth it compared to phone hotspot?
The honest answer depends on three factors: how often you work without Wi-Fi, how sensitive your work is to connection stability, and how much you value your phone's battery life. The case for laptop eSIM centers on reliability and independence. A dedicated cellular connection on your laptop delivers consistent speeds without the latency overhead of phone tethering.
Phone hotspots add extra latency because data routes through the phone's processor before reaching your laptop via Wi-Fi or USB. For video calls, VPN connections, and real-time collaboration tools, this extra hop can cause noticeable quality degradation. Laptop cellular modems also maintain connections more reliably during movement (trains, cars) because the laptop's larger MIMO antenna array provides better signal reception than a phone's smaller antenna bouncing Wi-Fi to the laptop.
Battery impact is the second major factor. Running a phone hotspot for 4 hours drains approximately 30% to 50% of a modern smartphone's battery, depending on the phone model and signal strength. That drain leaves you with a partially depleted phone by afternoon, which matters when your phone is also your navigation, communication, and two-factor authentication device.
A laptop eSIM moves that power draw to the laptop's much larger battery (typically 50Wh to 75Wh versus a phone's 15Wh to 20Wh), where the 1 to 3 watt cellular modem represents a smaller percentage of total capacity. The case for phone hotspot is cost. Most phone plans include hotspot data at no additional charge (T-Mobile offers 5GB to 50GB of hotspot depending on plan tier, AT&T includes 50GB on premium plans).
Adding a separate laptop eSIM plan means paying twice for cellular data. If you only need laptop connectivity occasionally (a few times per month), the phone hotspot is free and adequate. If you work remotely 3+ days per week from locations without reliable Wi-Fi, a dedicated laptop eSIM plan at $10 to $30 per month pays for itself in productivity.
A travel eSIM for your laptop costs the same $5 to $15 as one for your phone and lasts the length of your trip, making it a straightforward value add for any business traveler who needs laptop connectivity abroad.
Frequently asked questions
Which eSIM should I install on a laptop?
HelloRoam is eSIMRated's Editor's Choice at 4.9/5. A laptop eSIM needs no phone number, so the same HelloRoam data-only plan works across 185 destinations with plans from $1.14 and 10 GB from $8.26. Saily and Nomad also sell data-only profiles.
Can I use a phone eSIM plan on my laptop?
Yes. eSIM profiles from travel providers like Airalo, Saily, and Nomad are device-agnostic. The same QR code installs on a laptop or a phone, but 1 profile installs on 1 device only. You cannot move an already-activated eSIM from your phone to your laptop. Buy a separate plan and scan a new QR code on the laptop.
Do MacBooks support eSIM?
No. As of 2026, no MacBook model (Air or Pro) includes a cellular modem or eSIM chip. Apple reserves cellular connectivity for iPad and iPhone. Mac users who need mobile internet must use iPhone hotspot, a portable Wi-Fi hotspot device, or a USB cellular dongle.
How much data does a laptop eSIM use compared to a phone?
Laptops consume significantly more data than phones. A typical workday of email, web browsing, video calls, and cloud file syncing uses 2GB to 5GB on a laptop versus 500MB to 1.5GB on a phone. Video calls alone consume 1GB to 2.5GB per hour depending on resolution. Choose a plan with at least 10GB for a week of regular laptop use.
Does laptop eSIM work with VPN?
Yes. Laptop eSIM provides a standard internet connection that works with all VPN protocols including WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. Connect to your cellular network first, then activate your VPN. Some corporate VPNs require your IT department to whitelist the cellular connection's IP range.
Can I make phone calls with a laptop eSIM?
Most travel eSIM plans are data-only and do not include voice calling. Carrier plans from T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon for laptops are also data-only. You can still make calls over the data connection with VoIP apps, and all 4 of the common ones (Zoom, Teams, Google Meet, WhatsApp) run on Windows 11.
What speeds can I expect from laptop eSIM?
Speeds depend on the cellular modem generation and the network you connect to, not a fixed number. 4G LTE modems cover everyday browsing and video calls. 5G Sub-6 modems (Qualcomm X55, X62) handle heavier tasks like large file uploads. 5G mmWave modems (X65, X75) are the fastest generation available, but only connect in dense urban areas with a clear line of sight to a tower. Actual speed tracks the partner network at your destination, not the modem's rated generation.
Will Windows automatically switch between Wi-Fi and cellular?
Yes, if you configure it. In Settings > Network & Internet > Cellular, set 'Use cellular instead of Wi-Fi' to 'When Wi-Fi is poor.' Windows then monitors your Wi-Fi signal quality and switches to cellular when the connection degrades. Active downloads pause briefly during the switch.
Which laptops support eSIM in 2026?
Over 80 laptop models support eSIM cellular connectivity in 2026. Key models include Microsoft Surface Pro 9, 10, and 11 (5G), Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10 through 12, HP Elite Dragonfly G3 and G4, Dell Latitude 7440, and Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro 360 (5G). No MacBook includes cellular hardware. Cellular SKUs cost $100 to $300 more than Wi-Fi-only versions.
Can I hotspot from my phone instead of using laptop eSIM?
Yes, and for occasional use it is free if your plan includes hotspot. Phone hotspot adds latency and drains 30 to 50 percent of your phone battery over 4 hours. A dedicated e SIM plan eliminates both issues for $10 to $30 per month. Travel e-sim plans from Airalo and Saily cost the same as phone plans.
Does a laptop eSIM work in the same countries as a phone eSIM?
Yes. A travel eSIM plan bought from Airalo, Saily, or Nomad covers the same countries whether you activate it on a phone or a laptop. The profile is device-agnostic and connects to the same partner networks at the destination, so a plan sold for 30 days on a phone runs 30 days on a laptop. Coverage maps on the provider's website apply to both device types.
How do I check my data usage on a Windows laptop eSIM?
Windows 11 tracks cellular data usage at Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced network settings > Data usage. Select your cellular connection from the dropdown to see total usage and per-app breakdown. You can also set a data limit: click 'Enter limit' and input your plan size so Windows warns you before you exceed it. Your eSIM provider's website or app also shows real-time remaining balance, which is more accurate than Windows' own counter.
Windows 11 does not show a Cellular option under Network & Internet
Your laptop either lacks cellular hardware or the WWAN driver is not installed. Open Device Manager (right-click Start, select Device Manager) and expand 'Network Adapters.' If you see an entry with WWAN, Qualcomm, Intel XMM, or Sierra Wireless in the name but with a yellow warning icon, the driver needs reinstalling. Download the latest WWAN driver from your laptop manufacturer's support page and install it. If no cellular-related adapter appears at all, your specific SKU does not include cellular hardware and cannot use eSIM.
Laptop eSIM downloads but shows 'No internet access' after connecting
Windows may not have enabled data roaming for the travel eSIM. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Cellular > your eSIM profile > Advanced options and enable 'Data roaming.' Also confirm the APN is correctly set under the same Advanced options panel. If the APN field is blank, enter the value from your eSIM provider's documentation. For enterprise laptops managed by Intune, a group policy may be blocking the cellular data connection: contact IT to confirm cellular data access is permitted on the device.
eSIM cellular connection drops repeatedly during a work session
Frequent disconnections on a laptop eSIM are usually caused by power management settings. Windows may put the WWAN modem to sleep to conserve battery. Open Device Manager, find your cellular modem under Network Adapters, right-click it, and select Properties. Go to the 'Power Management' tab and uncheck 'Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.' Also go to Windows Power Settings and set the power plan to 'Balanced' or 'Performance' rather than 'Power saver,' which aggressively suspends hardware components.
Windows Mobile Plans app opens but shows no available carriers
The Mobile Plans app requires an active internet connection (Wi-Fi is fine) and your cellular modem must be recognized by Windows. If the app loads but shows a blank carrier list, try updating Windows to the latest version, as carrier catalog updates ship through Windows Update. You can also bypass the Mobile Plans app entirely by purchasing a plan from any travel eSIM provider's website (Airalo, Saily, Nomad) and using the QR code method: Settings > Network & Internet > Cellular > Add an eSIM > Scan a QR code.
Ready to choose your eSIM?
Compare plans from 18 providers across 185 destinations.
Compare eSIM Plans