SimOptions eSIM Review 2026
The first prepaid eSIM marketplace, covering 200+ destinations since 2016. Aggregates plans from multiple local carriers per country, and uniquely offers European plans with real phone numbers for calls and SMS.
Visit SimOptionsWhat We Like
- task_altReal phone numbers with calls/SMS on European plans
- task_alt200+ country coverage via local carrier aggregation
- task_altMultiple carrier options per destination
- task_altAlso offers physical SIM cards
- task_altCompetitive pricing — budget-friendly tier
Room for Improvement
- cancelCustomer support can be slow to respond
- cancelMarketplace model requires more plan comparison effort
- cancelNo global plans — regional only
- cancelTop-up options limited on some plans
Our Verdict
SimOptions has been around since 2016 — ages in the eSIM world — and they've got a trick that almost nobody else offers: European plans that come with a real phone number for calls and SMS. If you're traveling through Europe and need to actually receive phone calls or SMS verification codes, this is one of the very few providers where that's possible.
SimOptions is one of the oldest eSIM marketplaces I've come across while building this site. They launched in 2016 out of Hong Kong and take more of a comparison-shopping approach: instead of offering one curated plan per country, they aggregate plans from multiple local carriers, giving you several options per destination. It's more work to browse, but you get more choices.
The killer feature — and the reason I wanted to highlight SimOptions — is real phone numbers on European plans. Through partnerships with carriers like Orange and Bouygues Telecom, they offer plans that include a French (+33) or Czech (+420) number with actual voice calling and SMS. I've looked at dozens of providers, and almost none of them do this. If you need to receive bank verification codes, call restaurants, or book hotels by phone while traveling in Europe, SimOptions is one of the few options.
The marketplace model is a double-edged sword. You get more choices per country (multiple carriers with different pricing, speeds, and features), but the browsing experience requires more effort. Where Airalo shows you a clean, filtered list, SimOptions presents dozens of plan variants from different operators. Savvy travelers who enjoy comparing options will appreciate this; those who want a quick, curated pick may find it overwhelming.
Pricing is competitive — SimOptions consistently ranks in the budget-friendly tier among eSIM providers. Independent speed tests have shown strong results, with reviewers reporting 5G speeds above 60 Mbps in supported markets. The main weakness is customer support, which multiple reviewers flag as slow to respond — particularly frustrating when combined with occasional activation issues.
When to Choose SimOptions
Pick SimOptions if you need a real phone number in Europe (calls + SMS), want to compare multiple carrier options per country, prefer budget-friendly pricing, or need a physical SIM card option alongside eSIM.
Pricing & Value
SimOptions sits in the budget-friendly tier, ranking competitively alongside Airalo and Nomad. Plans start around $4.50 for basic data packages. A typical Europe 5GB/15-day plan runs about $14.90 covering 32 countries — solid value for multi-country trips.
The pricing varies by carrier within each destination since SimOptions aggregates multiple operators. This means you can sometimes find a cheaper option by selecting a different carrier, but it requires comparing more plans. Phone-number plans cost a small premium over data-only equivalents, but the added functionality is worth it for travelers who need voice and SMS.
Coverage & Network Quality
SimOptions covers 200+ destinations via partnerships with local operators across Europe, Asia, the Americas, and the Middle East. Coverage is strong in major travel destinations including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, UK, Japan, Thailand, Singapore, South Korea, and more.
Because SimOptions aggregates multiple carriers per country, network quality depends on which operator you choose. Speed tests have shown strong results — one reviewer recorded 65.9 Mbps download and 41.7 Mbps upload on a 5G connection. Plans support 4G/LTE as standard, with 5G available in select markets.
One limitation: SimOptions does not offer global plans. If you are traveling across multiple continents, you will need to purchase separate regional plans for each area. For single-region trips, this is not an issue.
App & Setup Experience
SimOptions offers a mobile app on both iOS and Android (4.7 stars on Google Play with over 1,000 reviews). The purchase flow follows the standard pattern: browse plans, purchase, receive QR code via email, scan to install. The app includes data usage tracking and plan management.
SimOptions is also notable for offering physical SIM cards alongside eSIMs — the only major international provider to do so. If you have an older phone without eSIM support, or prefer a physical card, this is a useful fallback option.
Customer Support
Support is SimOptions' weakest area. Available via email with 24/7 English support, but response times can be slow according to multiple independent reviews. When activation issues arise, delayed support responses can be frustrating.
The self-serve resources and app are adequate for most standard use cases. If you are comfortable with eSIM setup (or have used an eSIM before), you will likely not need to contact support. First-time eSIM users who want hand-holding may prefer a provider with faster live chat like Holafly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Popular Destinations
SimOptions plans starting from
All SimOptions Plans
Prices shown are based on provider data and may not reflect real-time changes. eSIM providers update pricing frequently — always verify the latest price on the provider's website before purchasing.
Ratings and recommendations are based on published plan data and real-world testing. Read our methodology
User Reviews
Traveled with SimOptions? Share your experience to help other travelers.
