As you shop for phones, you may have heard the term eSIM thrown around. An eSIM card, also known as an embedded SIM, is a virtual programmable card that securely connects you with your network and provides access to your service so you can use your plan. Essentially, it does exactly the same thing as a physical SIM card.

And while most of today’s cell phones still use physical SIM cards, many believe eSIM is the future. There are several reasons for this, including how convenient they are, but despite that, there are many people that are hesitant to try out eSIM. Perhaps they’re not sure if their phone is compatible, perhaps they think switching to one will be difficult, or perhaps they just don’t know enough about them yet! Whatever the reason, here are 11 reasons eSIM is such a promising technology and why you might want to check eSIM out for yourself.

11 reasons why esim is such a promising technology and why you might want to check esim out for yourself

1. Industry Adoption

As mentioned earlier, most phones still rely on physical SIM cards, but that’s rapidly changing as eSIM is adopted across the industry, with many new phones being eSIM-compatible. Some phones, like the iPhone 14 and 15, are even compatible solely with eSIM, while others, like the Google Pixel 8 Pro or Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, are compatible with both physical SIM cards and eSIM. In fact, all future iPhones moving forward will solely use eSIM and other device manufacturers may be following suit, while Androids will continue to support both types of SIMs.

2. Convenience

One reason eSIM is catching on is how convenient it is. eSIM eliminates the need for physical SIM cards, allowing users to activate their cellular service remotely, which means you don’t have to visit a store or wait for your new SIM card to arrive in the mail, nor do you have to physically swap your SIM card.

3. Dual Function

One major benefit of eSIM is the ability to use two SIM cards in one phone simultaneously. That allows you to have two different phone lines, such as one for your personal calls and one for business, or even two personal lines or two business lines. This is great for business owners who don’t want their business calls to affect their personal calls, but can also help if you just simply need two different lines.

phone icon on the left with a travel icon and the words "Easier Travel"

4. Easier Travel

eSIM as a technology makes staying connected while traveling much easier. Thanks to allowing two SIM cards to function in one phone, travelers can maintain their home carrier eSIM while also adding a local carrier for use abroad and easily switch between the two as needed, depending on their data and location.

5. Embedded Devices

eSIMs haven’t just affected phones, but other devices, too! Smartwatches, tablets and laptops have all started using eSIM. Because these devices no longer need a SIM tray, they can be designed sleeker and smaller. Overall, eSIM has already started to revolutionize the embedded devices industry.

phone icon on the left with a security icon and the word Security

6. Security

Since an eSIM is permanently embedded in your phone, it can’t be stolen and placed in another person’s phone, like a physical SIM card can be. Thanks to built-in security features like over-the-air activation, they’re also extremely difficult to hack into.

7. Instant Activation

Another factor of eSIM’s convenience is the fact it allows for instant activation of your new wireless plan as soon as you download it onto your phone, which means you can get connected even faster.

8. Design Functionality

As mentioned above, eSIM is changing the game when it comes to embedded devices and their design. But the same is also true for phones! By taking away the SIM slot, device manufacturers have the flexibility to update their design and create devices with higher resistance to water, dust and other elements that could harm your phone, in addition to smaller and sleeker designs.

9. Eco-Friendly

Because eSIMs don’t involve a plastic card or use any shipping materials, there’s less waste involved, which is much better for the environment.

10. Cost Savings

The physical nature of a SIM card requires production, transportation, warehouse management and more. eSIM allows carriers and manufacturers to save resources and lower their costs since eSIM cards don’t require any of those things. That’s also another way they’re better for the environment.

11. Industry Standardization

If you’re worried about whether eSIM will last as a technology, don’t be. eSIM has been backed by the GSMA (Global System for Mobile Communications Association), which ensures compatibility with eSIM across different carriers, locations, and devices. The industry is quickly making eSIM standard — it’s no fad.

ready to check out esim for yourself? It has a phone on the left hand side with an eSIM icon in the middle

Ready to check out eSIM for yourself?

You’ve heard all the reasons that eSIM is the phone technology of the future and all the different ways an eSIM can benefit you. Are you ready to see if you can start using eSIM, too? Tap the button below to see if your device is eSIM-compatible and get started.

Check eSIM Compatibility