Airalo
$27.00 Unlimited · 7 days
See planFull ranking
- 1
9.5out of 10
- 2
9.4out of 10
- 3
7.9out of 10
How the score is calculated
Score out of 10 = 60% price (relative to the cheapest in the table) + 15% network (5G listed, network named) + 10% hotspot use + 15% range of options (unlimited available, number of durations).
China unlimited eSIM: the real comparison for 2026
The bar shows price per GB: shorter is cheaper. Click a column header to sort.
All checked plans (66)
| Airalo | 1 GB | 3 | $4.00 | $4.00 |
| Airalo | 3 GB | 3 | $9.50 | $3.17 |
| Airalo | 3 GB | 7 | $10.50 | $3.50 |
| Airalo | 5 GB | 7 | $14.50 | $2.90 |
| Airalo | 10 GB | 7 | $24.50 | $2.45 |
| Airalo | 5 GB | 15 | $15.00 | $3.00 |
| Airalo | 10 GB | 15 | $25.50 | $2.55 |
| Airalo | 20 GB | 15 | $39.00 | $1.95 |
| Airalo | 5 GB | 30 | $15.50 | $3.10 |
| Airalo | 10 GB | 30 | $26.50 | $2.65 |
| Airalo | 20 GB | 30 | $40.00 | $2.00 |
| Airalo | 50 GB | 30 | $49.00 | $0.98 |
| Airalo | Unlimited | 3 | $11.50 | — |
| Airalo | Unlimited | 5 | $19.00 | — |
| Airalo | Unlimited | 7 | $27.00 | — |
| Airalo | Unlimited | 10 | $35.00 | — |
| Airalo | Unlimited | 15 | $49.00 | — |
| Airalo | Unlimited | 30 | $69.00 | — |
| Saily | 1 GB | 7 | $4.49 | $4.49 |
| Saily | 3 GB | 30 | $10.99 | $3.66 |
| Saily | 5 GB | 30 | $15.99 | $3.20 |
| Saily | 10 GB | 30 | $26.99 | $2.70 |
| Saily | 20 GB | 30 | $39.99 | $2.00 |
| Saily | Unlimited | 5 | $22.99 | — |
| Saily | Unlimited | 7 | $29.99 | — |
| Saily | Unlimited | 10 | $35.99 | — |
| Saily | Unlimited | 15 | $49.99 | — |
| Saily | Unlimited | 20 | $60.99 | — |
| Saily | Unlimited | 25 | $66.99 | — |
| Saily | Unlimited | 30 | $72.99 | — |
| Yesim | 1 GB | 30 | $3.36 | $3.36 |
| Yesim | 3 GB | 30 | $8.40 | $2.80 |
| Yesim | 5 GB | 30 | $13.20 | $2.64 |
| Yesim | 10 GB | 30 | $22.32 | $2.23 |
| Yesim | 20 GB | 30 | $35.76 | $1.79 |
| Yesim | 30 GB | 30 | $45.60 | $1.52 |
| Yesim | Unlimited | 1 | $4.32 | — |
| Yesim | Unlimited | 2 | $8.64 | — |
| Yesim | Unlimited | 3 | $12.96 | — |
| Yesim | Unlimited | 4 | $17.28 | — |
| Yesim | Unlimited | 5 | $21.60 | — |
| Yesim | Unlimited | 6 | $25.92 | — |
| Yesim | Unlimited | 7 | $30.24 | — |
| Yesim | Unlimited | 8 | $32.62 | — |
| Yesim | Unlimited | 9 | $34.98 | — |
| Yesim | Unlimited | 10 | $37.36 | — |
| Yesim | Unlimited | 11 | $39.72 | — |
| Yesim | Unlimited | 12 | $42.10 | — |
| Yesim | Unlimited | 13 | $44.46 | — |
| Yesim | Unlimited | 14 | $46.84 | — |
| Yesim | Unlimited | 15 | $49.20 | — |
| Yesim | Unlimited | 16 | $50.96 | — |
| Yesim | Unlimited | 17 | $52.72 | — |
| Yesim | Unlimited | 18 | $54.48 | — |
| Yesim | Unlimited | 19 | $56.24 | — |
| Yesim | Unlimited | 20 | $58.00 | — |
| Yesim | Unlimited | 21 | $59.76 | — |
| Yesim | Unlimited | 22 | $61.52 | — |
| Yesim | Unlimited | 23 | $63.28 | — |
| Yesim | Unlimited | 24 | $65.04 | — |
| Yesim | Unlimited | 25 | $66.80 | — |
| Yesim | Unlimited | 26 | $68.56 | — |
| Yesim | Unlimited | 27 | $70.32 | — |
| Yesim | Unlimited | 28 | $72.08 | — |
| Yesim | Unlimited | 29 | $73.84 | — |
| Yesim | Unlimited | 30 | $75.60 | — |
Unlimited: what to check
Providers usually apply a fair use policy: past a certain daily amount, your speed is reduced. When that threshold is published, it's listed in the plan details. Also check whether hotspot use is allowed.
Set up your eSIM in 4 steps
- Make sure your phone is eSIM-compatible and unlocked.
- Buy the plan, then scan the QR code you receive (or install through the provider's app), on Wi-Fi.
- When you arrive, turn on the eSIM line for data, and turn on roaming for that line only.
- Keep your main SIM for calls and texts, with data roaming turned off.
Your phone must be eSIM-compatible and unlocked.
Frequently asked questions
Is an unlimited eSIM in China really unlimited?
The data is unlimited, but your speed may be reduced past a daily threshold set by the provider. That threshold is listed in the plan details when it's published.
What's the cheapest eSIM for China?
Among the providers we compare, the cheapest plan for a typical trip is from Airalo, at $27.00. Prices are checked on the official websites and dated at the top of the page.
Is my phone eSIM-compatible?
Most iPhones from the XS onward, recent Samsung Galaxy phones and Google Pixels from the Pixel 3 onward are compatible. The phone also has to be unlocked. On iPhone: Settings > General > About, look for the "EID" line.
When should I install my eSIM?
Install it before you leave, on Wi-Fi, but turn on the data line when you arrive. Most plans only start at the first connection to the local network.
Do I keep my regular phone number?
Yes. Your main SIM can stay active for calls and texts; the travel eSIM only handles data. Remember to turn off data roaming on your main line.
Can I top up an eSIM in China?
Most providers let you add data from their app. Terms vary, so check the plan page before you buy.