How we evaluate eSIM providers
Every rating on eSIMRated follows the same systematic process. No provider can pay for a higher score. This page explains exactly how we arrive at our numbers.
Independence statement: Our ratings are not influenced by commercial relationships. No provider receives preferential scoring. All providers are evaluated using identical criteria.
Rating categories
Each provider receives a score from 0.0 to 5.0, in increments of 0.1, across five categories. The overall rating is a weighted average, not a simple arithmetic mean. The weights reflect what matters most to travelers making a purchase decision.
Devices used for testing
We test on physical devices, not emulators. Both devices run the latest available OS at the time of each quarterly review cycle.
- iPhone 15 Pro (iOS 17+)
- Samsung Galaxy S24 (Android 14)
Test locations
We run standardized speed tests and activation tests in the top 20 destinations by global visitor volume. For destinations outside this set, we rely on provider-reported data and community speed test databases, which we disclose clearly on each page.
- Japan
- South Korea
- Thailand
- Singapore
- Indonesia
- France
- Germany
- Italy
- Spain
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Canada
- Mexico
- Brazil
- Australia
- UAE
- India
- Turkey
- Egypt
- South Africa
Pricing verification
Prices on eSIMRated are manually curated from official provider pricing pages. We verify them weekly. When discrepancies exist between what a provider shows in-app versus on their website, we use the lower published price. Every destination page shows a “Prices verified” date. If data is older than 14 days, we flag it.
Our pricing pipeline runs at build time, not dynamically, so prices reflect our most recent verification cycle.
Coverage assessment
Coverage data comes from provider-reported network partnerships. We cross-reference these against GSMA carrier databases and community reports. We do not claim in-country testing for all 185 destinations. Where we have verified data, we note it. Where we rely on provider claims, we state that clearly on the page.
Update cadence
What we do not do
- We do not personally travel to every country we cover
- We do not fabricate speed test results
- We do not accept payment for higher ratings
- We do not guarantee that prices shown reflect real-time availability
- We do not allow providers to preview or approve reviews before publication
Questions about our methodology? Contact us at editorial@esimrated.com
Last updated: May 24, 2026