Have you ever needed mobile data for a holiday or work trip? If you’re a heavier user, you’ve probably come across unlimited data plans offered by various eSIM providers. Maybe you even bought one—only to find yourself frustrated by painfully slow speeds after a few days. That’s when the big question hits: Is unlimited data truly unlimited?
Technically yes, but there are a few catches, fine print, and real-world limitations. It’s crucial to read the details of what the provider actually offers. In this article, I’ll break down what “unlimited” really means and review the most popular eSIM providers that we also recommend on our site.
What Is a Fair Usage Policy (FUP)?
Before we dive in, let’s talk about Fair Usage Policies (FUP). These apply to virtually all unlimited data plans and even from your local provider back home, whether it’s O2, Vodafone, Verizone, T-Mobile, or a virtual operator.
A Fair Usage Policy is a set of rules meant to ensure fair data usage and stable internet access for everyone, especially when using mobile networks via your phone. In practice, this means that once you use a certain amount of data (often around 3–5 GB per day), your connection speed may be reduced.
Most providers don’t clearly state the daily limit—it’s usually buried in the terms. And even with eSIMs, you might only get vague answers like, “It’s a large amount you probably won’t hit.” From experience, the threshold is often around 90 GB/month, or 3 to 5 GB/day, but this can vary.
If you expect to use a lot of data, ask the provider directly about FUP details and the reduced speed after the cap. Sometimes it’s barely noticeable; other times, you might struggle to even load your email.
The good news? Your speeds typically reset the next day.
Best eSIM Providers with Unlimited Data for Travelers
Let’s be clear—this isn’t about bashing any provider. Each one structures their plans differently, and it’s up to you to choose what suits your needs.
Unlimited Data with Holafly
Holafly has long been a top name in unlimited data. Their plans are straightforward, with adjustable durations and solid customer support. Prices might be a bit higher, but you get reliable service in return.
One caution: If you plan to use a hotspot, double-check the terms. Some countries have daily caps of just 500 MB or 1 GB for tethering. That’s usually enough for light office work—but decide for yourself.
But it has solution! If you’re a frequent traveler and remote worker, Holafly’s Global Internet Plan offers unlimited data + hotspot + a European phone number for $64.90/month ($50.58/month with an annual subscription).
If your speeds ever drop noticeably, Holafly encourages you to reach out—they may be able to help.
Unlimited Data with Roamify
Roamify has become one of our favorite providers. In addition to unlimited plans, they offer large bundles like 50 GB, 100 GB, or 200 GB, which can often be cheaper and are definitely worth considering.
What stands out is that even after hitting FUP, Roamify often maintains speeds up to 5 Mbps. In some countries, it may drop to 256–1024 Kbps—but that’s still great compared to providers who throttle to 128 Kbps.
If your connection feels slow, Roamify will try to resolve it. And you can use hotspot without restrictions.
Unlimited Data with Yesim
With Yesim, prices vary widely by country. Some destinations are affordable, others more expensive. The big bonus? Unlimited plans include VPN access and allow hotspot use.
They also promote their “International eSIM,” which works globally as long as you have credit (Ycoins). Be cautious, though — data prices differ drastically: $3/GB in Hong Kong, $4.80/GB in Indonesia, and $80.40/GB in Ivory Coast.
You can find their FUP policy here, but they don’t specify post-throttle speed.
Unlimited Data with Maya Mobile
Maya Mobile offers unlimited plans in two versions: Standard (3 GB/day) and MAX (5 GB/day). After that, speeds reduce to 1 Mbps — and stay stable.
Plans range from 5 to 180 days, making them ideal for long-term stays. They also offer a global unlimited package. You can use hotspot, but you’ll hit the daily limit quicker.
Unlimited Data with Global Yo
Global Yo offers affordable pricing and lots of options. Their unlimited plans are split into:
- Basic Unlimited: 1 GB/day full speed
- Premium Unlimited: 2 GB/day full speed
After that, speeds drop to 512 Kbps. It’s not blazing-fast, but enough for basic use. Hotspot is allowed too.
Unlimited Data with Firsty
Firsty offers unlimited data for free — but with limits and ads. It’s perfect if you want to test an eSIM or just need access to email and messaging.
Paid options include Comfort+ (€1/day) and First Class (€2.5/day):
- Comfort+: 500 MB at 5 Mbps, then 1 Mbps until 1.5 GB, then 512 Kbps
- First Class: 5 GB at full speed, then 512 Kbps
Hotspot is only available on the First Class plan.
Unlimited Data with eSIM4Travel
eSIM4Travel doesn’t call its plans unlimited, but their Daily Passes come close. Choose from 1–3 GB/day for up to 15 days at very competitive prices.
Once you hit the daily cap, speeds drop to 128 Kbps. Not ideal, but still lets you send messages.
Things to Consider Before Choosing Unlimited Data
As you’ve seen, unlimited data isn’t always truly unlimited. Every provider includes some form of limit or throttling. That’s especially true with eSIM providers, whose conditions depend on deals with local network partners and their sales strategies.
Before buying, ask yourself:
- How much high-speed data do I get daily? (If it’s unclear, ask. It’s often around 5 GB/day.)
- What’s the speed after I hit the limit?
- Is a fixed-data plan better value? (e.g., 10–50 GB for less money)
- Can I use a hotspot? And if so, is it limited?
Need help comparing plans? Try our eSIM comparison tool.
Final Thought: Is Unlimited Data Really Unlimited?
So, to answer the big question: Unlimited data eSIMs are technically unlimited — but only until you use a lot of data. After that, you’ll likely still be connected, but the speeds might be so slow that using apps or working becomes frustrating.
Always review your needs and read the plan details carefully. Choose what fits your travel style best.
We’ve used countless eSIMs ourselves — including unlimited ones — and have never hit a speed cap that made internet unusable. Most slowdowns are due to weak signal, not throttling. Keep in mind, 5G coverage isn’t perfect everywhere.
One time, we almost ran out of data after backing up photos and videos. That used up 10 out of 15 GB in a few hours. We later tested Roamify’s unlimited plan the same way — and even after uploading multiple GBs, we could still watch YouTube in top quality. Still, for heavy uploads, Wi-Fi is ideal (unless you’re in Sri Lanka, where mobile data was faster than Wi-Fi!).
Have you tried unlimited data with any eSIM provider? What was your experience? Let us know in the comments!
