Best eSIM Australia 2026: comparison of the 6 providers
A one-year Working Holiday Visa, three weeks between Sydney, Melbourne and the Great Ocean Road, a road trip to Uluru or a diving season on the Great Barrier Reef: in Australia, you need internet for Google Maps, Uber, Opal and myki transport, payments, booking campsites and calling family with an 8 to 10-hour time difference. An Australia eSIM is installed before departure, activates upon landing and saves you from the carrier shop, where a local SIM is sold via passport after identity verification. You keep your French SIM for calls and SMS.
Two Australian pitfalls to know before you leave. The first is your plan: Australia is outside the zones included in most French plans, with the notable exception of Free, and data roaming charges kick in as soon as you land. The second is 3G: it has been turned off across the entire country since late 2024, and a phone without 4G VoLTE will no longer catch a signal. We put 6 providers through the wringer using the same criteria: price per GB, network used on-site (Optus, Telstra, or Vodafone), coverage in cities, on the coast, and in the outback, support, simplicity of the app and activation, and the flexibility of the plans. The ranking first, then each offer in detail.
voilà eSIM: the Optus 5G network, and 24/7 human support
The Optus network, which covers 99% of the Australian population, announced with 5G, at €0.63/GB on the 20 GB plan, the cheapest 1 GB option in the comparison for a short stay, "no blocked apps" written in black and white, a two-minute installation from an easy-to-use app, and human support reachable 24/7. Esimzon is 6 cents better per GB, but this is the most solid value for money based on our criteria.
How these eSIMs were ranked
Each eSIM is scored on six criteria, weighted for Australia. Price per GB and network coverage weigh the most, because the country is huge and the network changes everything as soon as you leave the capital cities. Three operators share the ground: Telstra, the most extensive with 2.14 million km² covered, Optus, which reaches 99.1% of the population over 1.2 million km², and Vodafone, at 99% of the population by relying on the Optus network in rural areas, according to the WhistleOut coverage comparison updated in July 2026. Speeds are decent without being exceptional: Australia ranks 44th in Ookla's Speedtest Global Index for July 2026, with a median download of 175 Mbps. The cities and the east coast are very well covered, the interior is covered in patches, as the nPerf coverage map shows. The real difference therefore comes down to price, to the network named, and to how flexible the plans are. The scores are the editorial team's opinion, not an average of customer reviews.
- Price per GB25 %
Cost per gigabyte based on the cheapest plan from each provider, excluding occasional promotions.
- Network coverage25 %
Get coverage in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, on the east coast, and along the major outback routes.
- Reliability15 %
Connection stability, reliability of the partner operator, and the provider's reputation.
- Support15 %
Available channels, hours, human or automated response, with an 8 to 10-hour time difference.
- Activation and application10 %
Simplicity of installation, clarity of the app, consumption tracking.
- Flexible plans10 %
Choice of data volumes and durations, unlimited, top-up, data sharing, long stays.
Based on these criteria, voilà eSIM comes out on top thanks to the Optus network with announced 5G, the cheapest 1 GB plan in the comparison, its app, and its 24/7 human support, with a price per GB of €0.63/GB which places it second out of six: Esimzon performs better on price per GB alone, and it is stated in every product sheet. Esimzon takes second place with the lowest price per GB, its two named networks, and the cheapest unlimited plan for each duration. Airalo is third, with the largest plan in the comparison, 50 GB over 30 days.
Scores are the opinion of the eSIMrat editorial team, based on the criteria above, not customer reviews. eSIMrat earns a commission on links to its partners, which does not affect the ranking.
The ranking of eSIMs for Australia
The 6 eSIMs compared, from the highest rated to the lowest rated. The price per GB shown is that of the cheapest plan per gigabyte for each provider: a 22 GB 30-day plan at Esimzon, a 20 GB plan at voilà eSIM and Saily, a 50 GB plan at Airalo and Ubigi, and a 30 GB plan at Yesim. A small one-week plan costs one to three times more per GB, except at voilà eSIM, where the 1 GB 7-day plan is only €1.30.
- 1voilà eSIM€0.63/GBOptus8.0/10
- 2
Esimzon€0.72/GBOptus and Vodafone7.8/10 - 3
Airalo€0.82/GBLocal networks7.4/10 - 4
Yesim€0.93/GBLocal networks7.2/10 - 5
Ubigi€1.10/GBLocal networks6.8/10 - 6
Saily€1.32/GBLocal networks6.6/10
Prices checked on September 11, 2026 on the providers' sites. eSIMrat partners' prices come from the comparator and refresh on every build.
Each Australia eSIM in detail
- 8.0/10
1. voilà eSIM
€0.63/GBOptusData plans, 1 to 20 GB, 7 to 30 daysOptus 5G network, 1 GB for €1.30, no blocked apps, 24/7 human support
voilà eSIM uses Optus, the second Australian network, which covers 99.1% of the population and the entire east coast, from Cairns to Melbourne, with 5G announced in major cities. On its Australia page, the brand writes "no blocked apps": Google Maps, TikTok, banking apps, and WhatsApp calls work, and tethering is unlimited, which matters when traveling as a pair with a single plan.
Regarding the price, €0.63/GB on the 20 GB 30-day plan at €15.10, it is the second lowest price per GB out of six, at 6 cents per Esimzon. Where voilà eSIM truly stands alone is on small data volumes: 1 GB for 7 days at €1.30, 3 GB for 15 days at €3.10, 5 GB for 30 days at €5, the cheapest entry-level plans in the comparison, up to three times cheaper than others on the 1 GB plan. The code ESIMRAT gives a 5% discount, which can be found on the promo code page, further improving the value for money.
What makes the difference is everything else: the eSIM installs in two minutes via an easy-to-use app, with top-ups and usage tracking all in one place, the brand promises a refund in case of problems, and the human support responds 24/7 on WhatsApp, which is crucial with an 8 to 10-hour time difference. The limitations: no unlimited data, a maximum of 20 GB over 30 days, and only one network where Esimzon offers two.
Pros
- Optus network announced, 99% population coverage, 5G in cities, unlimited data sharing
- 1 GB at 1.30 €, 5 GB at 5 €: the cheapest entry-level plans in the comparison, "no blocked apps"
- Simple to install eSIM, easy-to-use app, 24/7 human support
Cons
- Second lowest price per GB out of six, 6 cents behind Esimzon
- No unlimited plans, 20 GB maximum over 30 days, only one network advertised
- 7.8/10
2. Esimzon
€0.72/GBOptus and VodafoneData plans from 3 to 22 GB, unlimited from 1 to 30 daysThe lowest price per GB, two named networks, the cheapest unlimited data for every duration
Esimzon has the lowest price per GB in the comparison: €0.72/GB on its 22 GB 30-day plan at €15.48, and its 12 GB plan at €9.46 remains under €0.80 per GB. It is also the only one of the six to name two networks, Optus and Vodafone, in 4G and 5G: on the road, your phone will latch onto whichever one has the best signal.
Its second strength is unlimited data, the cheapest in the comparison for every duration: €4.26 per day, €16.33 per week, €51.59 per month, ahead of Yesim, Airalo, Ubigi, and Saily every time. The limitations: no plans beyond 22 GB, prices displayed in dollars on its website (the euro follows the daily exchange rate), and support via email or chat, in English.
Pros
- The lowest price per GB in the comparison, for 12 and 22 GB
- Optus and Vodafone networks named, 4G and 5G, cheapest unlimited from 1 to 30 days
Cons
- Catalog capped at 22 GB, no one-week plans under 3 GB
- Prices displayed in dollars, support in English
- 7.4/10
3. Airalo
€0.82/GBLocal networksData plans from 1 to 50 GB, unlimited from 3 to 30 daysThe largest plan, 50 GB for 30 days, full app access
Airalo, the market pioneer, has the most comprehensive app of the six, featuring top-ups and data usage tracking, and the largest plan in the comparison: 50 GB over 30 days for 40 €, which gives it the third-best price per GB, €0.82/GB. For a month of Working Holiday, where your phone serves as your office, it's the right amount of data.
Its short-term plans, however, are expensive per GB: 1 GB for 3 days at €4, 5 GB for 7 days at €9. Regarding unlimited plans, it ranks second behind Esimzon for every duration, from €10.50 for 3 days to €59.50 per month. It does not list the Australian operator in its catalog, and its support, provided in English, can be slow.
Pros
- 50 GB over 30 days, the largest plan in the comparison, third best price per GB
- Complete app with built-in top-up, unlimited from 3 to 30 days
Cons
- Expensive short-term plans per GB, €4 for 1 GB for 3 days
- Australian operator not specified in the catalog, support in English
- 7.2/10
4. Yesim
€0.93/GBLocal networksData plans from 1 to 30 GB, unlimited from 1 to 30 daysUnlimited sold day by day, 30 GB for €28
Yesim sells unlimited day by day: €3.50 for 24 hours, €24.50 for the week, €57 for the month. You pay exactly for the duration of your stay, which no other provider in the comparison offers. However, for the week and the month, Esimzon remains cheaper.
Its data-volume plans are decent: 30 GB for 30 days at 28 €, which is €0.93/GB, the fourth lowest price per GB, and 20 GB for 22 €. The limitations: the provider does not announce the Australian carrier before purchase, and support is limited to chat. The eSIM can be reused from one trip to the next.
Pros
- Unlimited sold day by day, from €3.50 for 24 hours to €57 per month, reusable eSIM
- 30 GB for 30 days at 28 €, fourth best price per GB
Cons
- Australian operator not specified before purchase
- Unlimited is more expensive than Esimzon for both weekly and monthly plans, with support available via chat only.
- 6.8/10
5. Ubigi
€1.10/GBLocal networksData plans from 1 to 50 GB, unlimited from 7 to 30 daysPrices in euros, top-up in the app, support in French
Ubigi belongs to Transatel, a subsidiary of the NTT group. Its prices are displayed in euros, top-ups are done via the app without reinstalling a profile, and support responds via ticket in French, which remains rare in this comparison. Its Australian catalog offers up to 50 GB for 30 days at €55, which is €1.10/GB, the fifth lowest price per GB.
The rest of the pricing table is more expensive: 1 GB for 7 days at €4, 10 GB for 30 days at €16, and unlimited at €22 per week or €65 per month, the most expensive among the five providers selling it. It does not announce the Australian carrier before purchase.
Pros
- Prices in euros, top-up in the app, support via ticket in French
- 50 GB for 30 days for a long stay
Cons
- Fifth cheapest price per GB out of six, the most expensive unlimited plan in the comparison
- Australian operator not specified before purchase
- 6.6/10
6. Saily
€1.32/GBLocal networksData plans from 1 to 20 GB, unlimited from 5 to 30 daysAd blocker and tracker blocker, 24/7 chat
Saily is the eSIM from Nord Security, the publisher of NordVPN. The app is simple, featuring an ad and tracker blocker and built-in web protection, and the chat responds 24/7 in English. On a hostel's Wi-Fi in Bondi, saturated by backpackers, it's a real plus.
The price is the highest in the comparison: €1.32/GB for the 20 GB 30-day plan at €26.49, nearly double that of Esimzon, and a 1 GB 7-day plan at €3.49. Its unlimited plan, from €16.99 for 5 days to €63.99 per month, remains higher than Esimzon and Airalo for every duration, and it does not disclose the Australian carrier before purchase.
Pros
- Integrated ad and tracker blocker, 24/7 chat
- Unlimited available for 5 to 30 days
Cons
- The highest price per GB in the comparison, nearly double that of the first.
- Australian operator not specified before purchase, 20 GB maximum
Which Australia eSIM according to your profile?
The eSIM we recommend for every type of traveler.
- Three weeks on the East Coastvoilà eSIM€0.63/GB on 20 GB, Optus 5G network, no blocked apps, and 24/7 human support despite the time difference.
- The lowest price per GBEsimzon22 GB for €15.48 on Optus and Vodafone, the best price per GB in the comparison, valid for 30 days.
- A month without countingEsimzon51.59 € for 30 days of unlimited data, which is 1.70 € per day, the cheapest in the comparison.
- Working Holiday Visa and heavy data userAiralo50 GB for 30 days for 40 €, the largest plan in the comparison, with top-ups available in the app.
- Short stayYesimUnlimited sold day by day, €3.50 for 24 hours, without paying for an entire week.
- Three-day layover in Sydneyvoilà eSIM1 GB for 7 days at 1.30 €, the cheapest plan in the comparison, without touching your French plan.
3G is turned off: is your phone ready for Australia?
This is the point that travelers discover too late. Vodafone shut down its 3G network on December 15, 2023, Telstra and Optus followed on October 28, 2024, and since that date, there is no longer any 3G network in Australia, as reminded by Finder's report on the 3G shutdown. A phone must therefore manage 4G with VoLTE to function, and preferably the 28 band, the 700 MHz one, which Australian operators use to cover rural areas.
For a travel eSIM, which is used only for data, the consequence is simple: every eSIM-compatible smartphone, therefore released after 2018, is also a 4G phone, and it will pick up a signal. The risk mainly concerns older or imported phones that do not have band 28: they will catch the network in the city, but much less so on the road. Check your model's bands before leaving, and keep in mind that classic calls go through your French SIM via roaming, also using 4G VoLTE.
eSIM or local Australian SIM?
A local SIM remains an option: Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone sell prepaid plans at Sydney and Melbourne airports, in stores, at Coles and Woolworths supermarkets, and at the post office. Australian law requires identity verification before activating any prepaid line, using a passport for visitors, as detailed by the ACMA, the telecommunications regulator. It's quick in-store, but if your phone only has one slot, you'll lose your French line during your stay, along with your bank's SMS messages.
A travel eSIM is purchased online, installed before departure, and in this comparison, costs between 0.70 and 1.35 € per GB. You keep your French line for calls and SMS, and you have no counters or queues upon arrival. Our rule: an eSIM for a tourist trip, a road trip, or the first few weeks of a Working Holiday Visa; a local Telstra SIM for long-term stays or for living outside major cities, where Telstra is often the only network that works. Opening an account with an Australian operator requires a local address anyway.
What you need to check on your phone and your plan before buying
Two conditions: an eSIM-compatible phone and carrier-unlocked. iPhones from the XR onwards and Pixel, Galaxy S, and other recent models are; the full list is on our eSIM-compatible phones page. A phone purchased with a subsidy from a French carrier may remain locked: request unlocking before you leave. And check your plan: Australia is included in the Free 5G+ and Free Max plans, with 35 GB per month including Tasmania, as detailed in our article on countries included in Free Mobile plans. With other French carriers, it is outside the zones included in standard plans: data will be charged as out-of-plan, or requires a paid option to be activated.
Once the eSIM is installed, keep your French SIM active for calls and SMS, disable its data roaming, and activate the Australian eSIM upon arrival. Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, and the east coast are very well covered in 4G and 5G; the outback, the Stuart Highway between Adelaide and Darwin, and the Red Centre parks have long gaps without network, so download your maps for offline use and let your loved ones know. All plans in the Australia comparator are sold by providers that display compatibility before purchase, and if you are heading to New Zealand next, two-country plans are gathered on the Australia and New Zealand eSIM page.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best eSIM for Australia?
How much does an eSIM for Australia cost?
Which eSIM for a Working Holiday Visa in Australia?
Will my phone work in Australia without 3G?
Do you need a passport for a SIM card in Australia?
Does the eSIM work in the Australian outback?
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