Benefits and disadvantages of eSIM: What you need to know

By Dylan Crismale

Last updated 13 December 2024

Contents

In this benefits and disadvantages of eSIM guide:

Benefits of using eSIM
Disadvantages of using eSIM
eSIM vs. physical SIM
eSIM Benefits and disadvantages FAQs

eSIM (short for electronic or embedded SIM) is a newish technology that in theory will one day replace the physical SIM card. While a physical SIM is a piece of plastic (with an electronic chip) that can be removed, an eSIM is entirely built into the device.

If you're trying to decide whether eSIM is right for you, here are the pros and cons of ditching your physical SIM.

Benefits of using eSIM

3D design of an eSIM embedded in a phone

While eSIMs allow phone manufacturers to cram more components into smaller spaces, the biggest winners are consumers.

Easier to switch between mobile plans

eSIM is more convenient. It's only a matter of time until eSIM becomes the norm and when it does it will make switching and signing up for a new plan easier - even when travelling overseas. You'll essentially have the option to instantly change your mobile provider in just a few minutes at any time - so long as you're not locked into a phone repayment or a contract.

You wouldn't even need to pick up a SIM card from a store or place an order online to port; you'd make the request from your device and voila, you're signed up to a new telco. About half of felix mobile's new customers opt for eSIM when they sign up.

Making switching between providers easier, in turn, would help increase competition, and could also help increase the visibility of MVNOs, and phone plan providers without a retail presence.

You typically add an eSIM to your device by scanning a QR code or downloading an app.

There's a range of telcos offering eSIM on both prepaid and postpaid SIM-only plans.

Postpaid eSIM plans
Prepaid eSIM plans

See the cheapest postpaid plans with at least 20GB of data from providers offering eSIM:

#1	SpinTel	SpinTel $22 Mobile Plan 25GB data at download speeds up to 100Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT Deal: Enjoy $8 off for the first 6 months for new customers - $14/mth for first 6 months, then $22/mth $14/mth Min. cost $14 Go to Site	$14/mth Min. cost $14	Go to Site
#2	SpinTel	SpinTel $29 Mobile Plan 50GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT $29/mth Min. cost $29 Go to Site	$29/mth Min. cost $29	Go to Site
#3	Tangerine Telecom	Tangerine Telecom 25GB 5G Mobile SIM 25GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks Deal: Bundle your mobile and nbn plans on the same account to get 10% off your mobile SIM-only plan fees. T&Cs apply. $29/mth Min. cost $29 Go to Site	$29/mth Min. cost $29	Go to Site
#4	More	More 25GB 5G Mobile SIM 25GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses Telstra Wholesale 4G/5G mobile networks Deal: $5/mth off mobile plan fees for 12 mths then 10% off ongoing if you are a CommBank customer - $25/mth for 12 mths, then $27/mth $32/mth Min. cost $32 Go to Site	$32/mth Min. cost $32	Go to Site
#5	Tangerine Telecom	Tangerine Telecom 32GB 5G Mobile SIM 32GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks Deal: Bundle your mobile and nbn plans on the same account to get 10% off your mobile SIM-only plan fees. T&Cs apply. $34/mth Min. cost $34 Go to Site	$34/mth Min. cost $34	Go to Site
#6	SpinTel	SpinTel $35 Mobile Plan 100GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT $35/mth Min. cost $35 Go to Site	$35/mth Min. cost $35	Go to Site
#7	AGL	AGL 5G Small 20GB data at download speeds up to 100Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT Deal: Special Bundle Offer - $12/mth for first 6 months then $25 after that, when you have AGL energy. Ends 14.08.25 $35/mth Min. cost $35 Link not supplied	$35/mth Min. cost $35	Link not supplied
#8	More	More 32GB 5G Mobile SIM 32GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses Telstra Wholesale 4G/5G mobile networks Deal: $5/mth off mobile plan fees for 12 mths then 10% off ongoing if you are a CommBank customer - $31/mth for 12 mths, then $32.40/mth $38/mth Min. cost $38 Go to Site	$38/mth Min. cost $38	Go to Site
#9	Vodafone	Vodafone $49 Small SIM Only Plan 100GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get 100GB for $39 (incl. 50GB bonus + $10/mth off) on the $49 Small plan. T&Cs apply. $39/mth Min. cost $39 Go to Site	$39/mth Min. cost $39	Go to Site
#10	Everyday Mobile	Everyday Mobile $40 SIM Only 55GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks Deal: 10% off for Everyday Rewards members + more! $40/mth Min. cost $40 Link not supplied	$40/mth Min. cost $40	Link not supplied

See the cheapest prepaid plans with eSIM (each of these plans has 28-day expiry and 20GB or more data):

#1	iiNet	iiNet 25GB Small Plan 25GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps On the Vodafone 4G Mobile Network Deal: 50% off - $12.50/mth for first 6 months, then $25/mth ongoing. Available until withdrawn. T&Cs apply. $12.50 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$12.50 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site
#2	TPG Editor's Pick	TPG Editor's Pick 25GB Small Plan 25GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps On the Vodafone 4G Mobile Network Deal: 50% off - $12.50/mth for first 6 months, then $25/mth ongoing. Available until withdrawn. T&Cs apply. $12.50 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$12.50 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site
#3	iiNet	iiNet 50GB Medium Plan 50GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: 50% off - $17.50/mth for first 6 months, then $35/mth ongoing. Available until withdrawn. T&Cs apply. $17.50 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$17.50 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site
#4	TPG Editor's Pick	TPG Editor's Pick 50GB Medium Plan 50GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: 50% off - $17.50/mth for first 6 months, then $35/mth ongoing. Available until withdrawn. T&Cs apply. $17.50 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$17.50 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site
#5	iiNet	iiNet 100GB Large Plan 100GB data at download speeds up to 250Mbps Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: 50% off - $22.50/mth for first 6 months, then $45/mth ongoing. Available until withdrawn. T&Cs apply. $22.50 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$22.50 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site
#6	TPG	TPG 100GB Large Plan 100GB data at download speeds up to 250Mbps Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: 50% off - $22.50/mth for first 6 months, then $45/mth ongoing. Available until withdrawn. T&Cs apply. $22.50 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$22.50 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site
#7	Lebara Mobile	Lebara Mobile $24.90 Small Plan 40GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps On the Vodafone 4G Mobile Network Deal: Includes 15GB bonus data for first 3 recharges + 200 bonus std mins to selected countries when you activate by 11.08.25 $24.90 Per 30 Day Renewal Go to Site	$24.90 Per 30 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#8	Yomojo	Yomojo Unlimited Voice & SMS + 25GB 25GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps On the Optus 4G Plus Mobile Network Deal: 50% off on all Mobile Plans for the first 3 months. Ends 31.05.25. T&Cs apply. $24.90 Per 30 Day Renewal Go to Site	$24.90 Per 30 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#9	Kogan Mobile	Kogan Mobile Medium Monthly Plan 40GB data On the Vodafone 4G Mobile Network Deal: Get 50GB for $10 for first month (includes $15 off + 10GB bonus data), then 40GB for $25 thereafter, valid until 27.04.25 $25 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$25 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site
#10	felix mobile	felix mobile felix 25GB Mobile Plan 25GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get 50% off your first 3 mths when you switch to felix. $12.50/mth for first 3 mths, then $25/mth. Use promo code FELIX50. T&Cs apply $25 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$25 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site

Explore more plans from telcos that offer eSIM by clicking these buttons:

Use more than one SIM/eSIM at once

If you opt for an eSIM, this keeps your physical SIM slot free for a secondary SIM. This essentially turns your phone into a dual SIM phone. There are a couple of reasons you might want to consider this:

You want a personal number and a work number without carrying two separate devices
You want to keep using an Australian phone number when using your phone overseas, but pick up a more cost-effective local SIM for mobile data
You want the benefit of coverage from two different networks. For example, if you're heading into regional Australia and know you won't get Vodafone coverage, you could throw a cheap prepaid SIM card into the second slot for additional coverage in the outback when you need it

eSIM enables 4G on wearables

eSIM can also be used to share a phone number between a smartphone and a wearable device, like the Apple Watch and select Samsung smartwatches. The Big Three telcos all have wearable-specific eSIM plans billed at $5 per month.

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Disadvantages of using eSIM

The benefits of eSIM easily outweigh the disadvantages but there are a couple of drawbacks to keep in mind.

Lack of eSIM-capable phones

Because it's a newer feature typically reserved for premium devices, eSIM-capable phones tend to be more expensive.

eSIM capability isn't widely supported across all phone models and is typically reserved for flagship phones. This should change over time as eSIM becomes the standard it should extend to less premium phones. A few cheaper devices that are eSIM-enabled include the Pixel 8a, Galaxy A55, and the Moto G55.

Limited choice of mobile plan providers

The number of telcos in Australia supporting eSIM has grown over the years and rapidly more recently. It's still not universal, however. Currently 20 out of 28 providers in our database offer eSIM. This might mean you wouldn't be able to stay with your preferred provider if you wanted to switch to eSIM.

Less easy to switch between mobile phones

While eSIM makes it easy to switch between mobile plan providers it's slightly different when it comes to switching phones. With a physical SIM, you can pop the card out of its slot and into a new phone and it's pretty much ready to go.

By comparison, an eSIM may require you to deactivate your profile on one device and activate it on your new phone. In some cases, you may need assistance from your telco. This can be especially inconvenient if the first phone in the scenario is damaged.

eSIM vs. physical SIM

So now that you know the pros and cons of eSIM which is better? It will depend on what you value and your needs.

If convenience is your main priority then eSIM is a safe bet - especially for those travelling in parts of the world where it's more readily available. It's also a great option for those who want a work phone and personal phone in one device.

However, if you're worried about cost or simply prefer something more familiar you can still find plenty of physical SIM cards from all major telcos in Australia.

Expert tip: eSIM is handy for travelling overseas

“Whenever I’m overseas for more than a couple of days, I purchase a travel eSIM through Airalo. Since eSIMs are digital, you can download one straight to your phone. You don’t need to find a store when you land at your destination. You can even buy your eSIM before you leave if you want to be super prepared.”

Alex Choros, Managing Editor WhistleOut

eSIM Benefits and disadvantages FAQs

Is it worth getting an eSIM?

If you value being able to switch to another network more conveniently or want to operate two SIMs at once in one phone then it could be well worth getting an eSIM-capable phone so you can use the technology.

Is eSIM better than a physical SIM card?

In terms of everyday use, eSIM has more benefits than disadvantages when compared to a physical SIM especially when it comes to convenience. More broadly eSIM is better for the planet as it is another opportunity to reduce plastic use and lessen the environmental impact of technology.

Does eSIM work without internet?

You do need a separate internet connection such as WiFi during the initial activation process but eSIM will enable your device to function over a mobile network once your profile has been downloaded and set up.

Is eSIM safe?

Yes, using eSIM On your phone is completely safe. In fact, eSIM is more secure if your phone was lost or stolen the person who found it wouldn't be able to remove the SIM.

The risks of remote hacking or fraud remain the same as it does with a physical SIM.

Looking for a new mobile plan?

These are the most popular eSIM mobile plans with WhistleOut users this week:

#1	TPG Editor's Pick	TPG Editor's Pick 25GB Small Plan 25GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps On the Vodafone 4G Mobile Network Deal: 50% off - $12.50/mth for first 6 months, then $25/mth ongoing. Available until withdrawn. T&Cs apply. $12.50 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$12.50 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site
#2	TPG	TPG 100GB Large Plan 100GB data at download speeds up to 250Mbps Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: 50% off - $22.50/mth for first 6 months, then $45/mth ongoing. Available until withdrawn. T&Cs apply. $22.50 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$22.50 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site
#3	iiNet	iiNet 25GB Small Plan 25GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps On the Vodafone 4G Mobile Network Deal: 50% off - $12.50/mth for first 6 months, then $25/mth ongoing. Available until withdrawn. T&Cs apply. $12.50 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$12.50 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site
#4	SpinTel	SpinTel $22 Mobile Plan 25GB data at download speeds up to 100Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT Deal: Enjoy $8 off for the first 6 months for new customers - $14/mth for first 6 months, then $22/mth $14/mth Min. cost $14 Go to Site	$14/mth Min. cost $14	Go to Site
#5	felix mobile	felix mobile felix 25GB Mobile Plan 25GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get 50% off your first 3 mths when you switch to felix. $12.50/mth for first 3 mths, then $25/mth. Use promo code FELIX50. T&Cs apply $25 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$25 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site
#6	felix mobile Editor's Pick	felix mobile Editor's Pick felix 50GB Mobile Plan 50GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get 50% off your first 3 mths when you switch to felix. $15/mth for first 3 mths, then $30/mth. Use promo code FELIX50. T&Cs apply $30 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$30 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site
#7	Tangerine Telecom	Tangerine Telecom 25GB 5G Mobile SIM 25GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks Deal: Bundle your mobile and nbn plans on the same account to get 10% off your mobile SIM-only plan fees. T&Cs apply. $29/mth Min. cost $29 Go to Site	$29/mth Min. cost $29	Go to Site
#8	Optus	Optus $55 Optus Choice Plus Plan 50GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device $55/mth Min. cost $55 Go to Site	$55/mth Min. cost $55	Go to Site
#9	TPG Editor's Pick	TPG Editor's Pick 50GB Medium Plan 50GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: 50% off - $17.50/mth for first 6 months, then $35/mth ongoing. Available until withdrawn. T&Cs apply. $17.50 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$17.50 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site
#10	Vodafone	Vodafone $49 Small SIM Only Plan 100GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get 100GB for $39 (incl. 50GB bonus + $10/mth off) on the $49 Small plan. T&Cs apply. $39/mth Min. cost $39 Go to Site	$39/mth Min. cost $39	Go to Site