Travel abroad is not a reason to overpay for your Internet connection. While roaming and local SIM cards can be too costly, eSIM technology brings a new vision to Internet connection. Purchase it online, select the plan, and use the local Internet in any world country.
Among eSIM companies, Yesim and Instabridge are interesting examples for comparison. Yesim is a time-proven tool, chosen by many users. Instabridge, meanwhile, is rather new and paves its way towards popularity. See the key differences of both tools and decide which is the best eSIM for you in 2024.
Coverage and Accessibility
Both services offer local, regional, and global plans. Yesim, however, is more versatile.
Yesim Coverage: Local, Regional, and Global Plans
In 2024, Yesim covers 165 countries in total. You can purchase eSIM data for 160 of them, or try 10 regional plans:
- Europe (29 countries);
- Asia Pacific (15 countries);
- Central Asia (6 countries);
- South America (11 countries);
- Caribbean;
- Balkans (12 countries);
- South East Asia (8 countries);
- Middle East (8 countries);
- Africa (15 countries).
There are also 6 global SIM plans. The largest one covers 135 countries, while others offer global connections in Europe, America, and other world regions.
Instabridge Coverage Zones
Instabridge works with 112 countries globally. Purchase plans separately or choose one of three regional plans – Asia, Latin America, or Europe. There is also a global plan, working in all 112 countries from the list.
 |  |
| 165 countries | 112 countries |
| 6 global plans | 1 global plan |
| 10 regional plans | 3 regional plans |
| 5G/4G/3G/LTE | 3G, 4g/5g/LTE |
| price from $1.69 per GB | price from $1.40 per GB |
Plans and Prices
For each country and region, companies offer versatile eSIM deals. They differ by terms, price, and the number of GB to use. Since comparing all 150+ plans is impossible, let’s see the most popular destinations among clients.
Global Plans: Yesim and Instabridge
| Yesim | Instabridge | |
| Number of countries | 135 | 112 |
| GB | 3, 5, 10, 20 | 1, 3, 10, 20 |
| Pricing | 3 GB for $26.40, 5 GB for $38.50, 10 GB for $64.90, and 20 GB for $82.50 | 1 GB for $8, 3 GB for $20, 10 GB for $50, and 20 GB for $68 |
| Terms | 30 days | 7, 15, or 30 days (depending on GB number) |
| Connection | 5G, 4G, 3G, LTE | 5G, 4G, 3G, LTE |
| Additional features | activation within 365 days, hotspot, activation via QR code | Wi-Fi map, VPN, data-saving browser mode, and cloud storage by Instabridge |
The USA Plans Comparison
| Yesim | Instabridge | |
| Unlimited Internet plans | yes | no |
| GB | 3, 5, 10, 20 | 1, 3, 10, 20 |
| Pricing | 3 GB for $13.20, 5 GB for $16.50, 10 GB for $25.30, and 20 GB for $31.90 | 1 GB for $2, 3 GB for $4.5, 10 GB for $12, and 20 GB for $18 |
| Terms | 7, 15, 30 days | 7, 15, or 30 days (depending on GB number) |
| Connection | 5G, 4G, 3G, LTE | 5G, 4G, 3G, LTE |
| Additional features | activation within 365 days, hotspot, activation via QR code | Wi-Fi map, VPN, data-saving browser mode, and cloud storage by Instabridge |
Europe Plan
| Yesim | Instabridge | |
| Unlimited Internet plans | yes | no |
| Counties | 31 | not available |
| GB | 3, 5, 10, 20 | 1, 3, 10, 20 |
| Pricing | 3 GB for $13.20, 5 GB for $16.50, 10 GB for $28.60, and 20 GB for $34.10 | 1 GB for $2.8, 3 GB for $7.5, 10 GB for $16, and 20 GB for $29 |
| Terms | 30 days for limited plans; 1, 7, 15, 30, 60, 90 for unlimited plans. | 7, 15, or 30 days (depending on GB number) |
| Connection | 5G, 4G, 3G, LTE | 5G, 4G, 3G, LTE |
| Additional features | activation within 365 days, hotspot, activation via QR code | Wi-Fi map, VPN, data-saving browser mode, and cloud storage by Instabridge |
As you see, Instabridge is much cheaper than Yesim. At the same time, plans from Yesim are more versatile – they cover more regions, offer unlimited Internet, and more plans overall.
How to Activate Yesim and Instabridge?
Both providers can be activated online with your smartphone. Still, there are slight differences between Yesim and Instabridge.
Yesim offers to choose the plan online and activate it before your departure. For this, use detailed instructions, sent in your email. You’ll need to change cell data settings on your smartphone. You can also activate the plan using your unique QR code.
Instabridge, meanwhile, requires an application. Download the app, log in, and activate the plan within the program. Instabridge activation seems a little easier. Plus, Yesim clients sometimes talk about complicated activation processes.
Pros and Cons of Both Providers
Apart from coverage and price, various factors form the overall opinion about companies. To compare them sincerely, let’s see customer reviews and compare all the aspects.
| Company | Yesim | Instabridge |
| eSIM card reviews |     |     |
| Pros | more countries;more plan options;more regional and global plans;hotspot option;works with more Internet and cell data providers; | Wi-Fi map, VPN, data-saving browser, and other features;cheaper plans. |
| Cons | more expensive. | doesn’t offer SMS and calls;fewer regions, countries, and plans. |
Practical Tips: Learning from Experience
The eSIM service choice depends on our personal needs. So, focus on common requirements and see what are your priorities:
- Virtual number. Yesim offers virtual numbers, calls, and SMS within special plans. Instabridge doesn’t offer such a function.Â
- Online security. Instabridge is considered safer. The company uses modern encryption and protects your online data and history.
- Traveling terms. Yesim offers 1-day or 3-day plans, while Instabridge starts at 7 days. If you go on a small trip, don’t overpay.
Also, check reviews about your particular destination. Yesim is an absolute leader in Asia, while some users complain about the US connection. Instabridge, meanwhile, offers better connections in the United States, but the Internet in Japan is poor.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Yesim is the perfect option for global travelers, who need coverage in all possible countries. With 165 destinations, you’ll certainly find the needed one. Instabridge, meanwhile, is suitable for travelers who need free GPS and special features. To choose the best eSIM and plan, check whether your device works with eSIM technology and examine your destination conditions. r they go.
Most smartphones, released after 2018, support eSIM. Yet, there are exceptions. Check if your device is compatible on the providers’ websites.Â
No, you only need to purchase the plan online. eSIM can be activated online – via QR code, apps, or websites.
Commonly, plans go from 1 to 30 days. There are also 2-3 month options. After your plan is expired, top it up or buy another one online.
