Are you traveling to the UK anytime soon and searching for an eSIM? At Traveltomtom we use and review eSIMs all the time. The United Kingdom is a favorite travel destination for many people, as well as for the Traveltomtom Team. We used buy local prepaid sim cards in the UK, but times have changed.
Whenever we travel to the UK, we use eSIMs to stay connected to have data on our phone and not waste money on high roaming charges.
We recently tested SIM Local's services and eSIMs and wrote an extensive Sim Local Review. We liked their great service, easy to use app and different types of eSIM plans. And most important we like their competitive prices for eSIM plans.
Sim Local has recently launched 4 special and unique eSIM plans from EE specifically for the UK. Because we are Sim Local users, we decided to take a closer look at these packages and wrote a dedicated review for these EE eSIMs for traveling to the UK.
It is said that EE has very competitive eSIM prices and packages and excellent data speed. We heard that EE is the best eSIM for traveling to the UK, so at Traveltomtom we put it to the test .
Here are our experiences, comparison and tips about using EE eSIMs for the UK.
Table of Contents
Who is EE?
EE is a British mobile network operator and internet provider. They are formerly known as Everything Everywhere. EE is one of the biggest and fastest networks in the UK. Tests have shown that EE's 4G and 5G download speeds and coverage are among the best in the UK. In fact, EE's 4G network currently reaches over 99% of the UK population and covers more than 86% of the UK's landmass.This is the highest coverage of all mobile networks.
They also claim to have the fastest 4G speeds and the joint fastest 5G speeds. It should be clear by now, if you are looking for a fast and reliable mobile network, then EE is definitely an eSIM to consider.
Why choose Sim Local EE eSIM plans?
Very simple, you only want the best of the best and that's what you get at EE. With a track record of being named the UK's best mobile network 21 times in a row, EE stands out as the top choice for reliability and performance.
1. Unmatched Reliability
EE is recognized as the best overall network in the UK. This means fewer call setup failures. 30% less, to be exact. Ensuring you can make simple phone calls without hassle.
2. Superior Performance
Enjoy the UK's best network for video streaming, with consistent download speeds perfect for watching your favorite shows, films, and content from your favorite influencer or travel blogger.
3. Local and Affordable
As a local UK Mobile Network Operator (MNO), EE offers great value packages with generous data allowances, no roaming data restrictions like our competitors.
4. Ultimate Gaming Experience
If you're a gamer, EE is the network for you. With low latency, jitter-free gameplay, you'll have the edge over your competition on the UK's best network for mobile gaming.
Available EE eSIMs for the UK
Here are the EE eSIM plans you can order via Sim Local:
- 30 GB data + unlimited calls/sms = $19 USD
- 100 GB data + unlimited calls/sms + 60 international minutes = $25 USD
- 200 GB data + unlimited calls/sms + 120 international minutes = $38 USD
- Unlimited data + unlimited calls/sms + 180 international minutes = $50.50 USD
Click here to order an EE UK eSIM via Sim Local.
Traveltomtom readers get an extra 15% discount when using the code TRAVELTOMTOM at check out!
EE compared to other SIM Local UK eSIM
Let's take a look at the various UK eSIM packages available at SIM Local and compare them to see how EE scores here. At SIM Local you can get eSIM packages for the UK from EE, Smartroam (VN) and Lycamobile UK.
Let's compare Lycamobile UK and Smartroam (VN) with EE eSIMs.
Smartroam offers cheaper and smaller packages in terms of validity and GB's of data. But if you compare their 5GB, 10GB and 20GB packages to the EE packages it's pretty clear. EE offers more value for money.
Lycamobile offers three different packages which all have a validity of 15 days. This is half of what EE offers with their packages. They may offer a bit more data in their packages, but because you can only use them for half as long, the EE eSIMs remain a more interesting option for travelers that visit the UK for more than 15 days.
If we look at the UK specific eSIM packages from SIM Local, it is quite clear that EE is overall the best option in basically all areas. They come out on top in terms of price, conditions and period of use.
There are of course several eSIM providers, some of which we have already discussed in detail on our website. Let's also compare these new EE UK eSIM packages with some of the major eSIM providers.
EE vs. Airalo UK packages
Airalo is the world's first eSIM store and market leader in eSIMs. Worth making a comparison between Airalo and EE eSIMs from Sim Local
At Airalo you can choose from 6 different eSIM packages specifically for the UK. The prices of their UK eSIMs range from $5.50 to $49 USD and the validity period varies from 7 to 30 days for the Airalo eSIM packages.
If we compare the prices and contents of the eSIM packages, you get more value for your money, better connectivity with the Sim Local EE packages, making this the best option when traveling to UK.
You can purchase cheaper and shorter-lasting eSIMs from Airalo, but Airalo's best-buy eSIM for the UK is $36 USD for 20GB and 30 days. At EE you get 100 GB and 30 days for $25 USD.
EE vs. SimOptions UK packages
SimOptions offers only two UK specific eSIM packages. The two packages they offer come with up to 5 GB data for 30 days. This normally costs $19.90 USD. At EE you get 30 GB for $19 USD. So a world of difference and a quick and simple conclusion, here too, EE is a much better choice compared to SimOptions.
EE vs. Jetpac UK packages
We previously also tested the Jetpac services and eSIM packages, so we compared the EE eSIM packages with the packages that Jetpac offers for the UK. The Jetpac packages range from 3 GB to 40 GB and in price they range from $5 to $36 USD. All their packages expire 30 days after connecting to a foreign network.
It is good to know that Jetpac only offers data packages. So no text messages or calling minutes are included.
EE packages offer full packages, some even with international calls and are much more complete than Jetpac eSIMs.
Why we recommend EE eSIMs from SIM Local?
The EE UK eSIM packages are exclusively available at SIM Local. You won't find them anywhere else. We have tried to make a comparison with other UK eSIM packages and providers.
From these eSIM comparisons, the Sim Local eSim plans from EE often comes out on top as the best eSIM for traveling to the UK in 2025.
If you compare the packages, you get amazing value for your money with EE eSIM plans from Sim Local. The fact that they are also the UK's best mobile network is just an added bonus. So it's actually very simple, if you want the best network and the most value for money, then EE is the best option for an eSIM in the UK.
We compared the new EE eSIM packages with UK specific eSIM packages from major providers such as Airalo and Simoptions. Both don't come close to EE when it comes to price-quality ratio and value for money. So we come to the conclusion that the new EE UK eSIM packages are the best option for a trip to the UK.
Traveltomtom readers get an extra 15% discount on all Sim Local eSIMs if they use the discount code: TRAVELTOMTOM at check out.
Click here to order your EE eSIM for the UK directly via Sim Local.
