Best eSIM for Germany in 2025: Top Prepaid Options for Travelers, Expats & Digital Nomads

Looking for the best way to stay connected during your trip to Germany? Whether you’re a tourist, business traveler, or remote worker, an eSIM is the easiest and most affordable solution to access mobile data without relying on expensive roaming or local SIM cards. In this guide, we compare the top eSIM providers for Germany in 2025 — including their pricing, networks, plan types, and ideal use cases.

Why Use an eSIM in Germany?

Germany is known for its strong mobile infrastructure, with extensive 4G LTE and growing 5G coverage across major cities and rural areas. Using an eSIM offers several distinct advantages for travelers and expats:

No physical SIM required: Activate your plan instantly by scanning a QR code or using an app. No need to find a SIM card shop after landing.
Dual SIM convenience: Use your eSIM for data and keep your primary SIM for calls and SMS.
No roaming fees: eSIMs are typically prepaid, meaning you avoid the high roaming costs of your home network.
Flexible durations: Choose from 3-day, 7-day, 30-day, or even 90-day plans.
Wide compatibility: Most modern smartphones (iPhone XS and newer, Pixel 4+, Samsung S20+) support eSIMs.

Whether you’re visiting the bustling streets of Berlin, the scenic Alps in Bavaria, or the Rhine Valley vineyards, an eSIM ensures you’re always connected with maps, apps, translation tools, and local services.

Quick Comparison Table: Best eSIMs for Germany

Provider	Plan Options	Data Included	Validity	Network(s)	Starting Price
Airalo (Brennia Mobile)	1GB to 20GB	1GB / 3GB / 5GB / 10GB / 20GB	7 to 30 days	Telefónica (O2)	$4.50
Nomad	Germany-only & Europe-wide	1GB to 20GB	7 to 30 days	Telekom / O2	$6
Maya Mobile	Unlimited & data packs	3GB to unlimited	5 to 30 days	Telekom / Vodafone	$6
Holafly	Unlimited data	Unlimited	5 to 90 days	Vodafone / Telekom	$19 (5 days)
BNESIM	Pay-as-you-go	Custom	Flexible	Telekom	€2/GB

Airalo

Best for: Tourists, light users, weekend city trips

Airalo is one of the most popular eSIM providers globally, and their Brennia Mobile Germany eSIM is tailored for budget-conscious travelers. Operating on the O2 (Telefónica) network, it delivers reliable 4G data across major cities and towns.

Why choose Airalo:

Their app makes it easy to buy, activate, and manage your eSIM.
You can top up your data plan any time if you run out.
Perfect for tourists who just need affordable data for maps, emails, and browsing.

Top Plans:

1GB for 7 days – $4.50
5GB for 30 days – $13
10GB for 30 days – $24

Pros:

Very affordable
Quick setup via app or QR code
Works across other EU countries with “Eurolink” plans

Cons:

Slower speeds in rural areas
Not ideal for video streaming or tethering

Get Airalo eSIM for Germany

Nomad – Best Balance of Price & Performance

Best for: Mid-range users, travelers covering multiple cities

Nomad is an eSIM provider focused on simplicity, speed, and global accessibility. Its Germany plans operate on both Telekom and O2, which ensures good performance throughout the country.

Why choose Nomad:

They offer both country-specific and regional Europe plans.
Nomad eSIMs can be used for hotspot/tethering (check plan details).
A great choice for travelers visiting multiple German cities.

Top Plans:

1GB for 7 days – $6
10GB for 30 days – $20
20GB for 30 days – $30

Pros:

Better coverage thanks to dual-network access
Instant eSIM delivery via email or app
Includes data-only plans across Europe

Cons:

No unlimited data option
Limited customer support channels

Get Nomad eSIM for Germany

Maya Mobile – Best for Digital Nomads

Best for: Digital nomads, long-stay travelers, remote workers

Maya Mobile is ideal for users who want more data, longer validity, and flexible use across Europe. It supports hotspot/tethering, making it ideal for remote workers, van lifers, or people on workations.

Why choose Maya Mobile:

All plans include EU roaming and fair usage
Unlimited plans available, with optional throttle-free upgrades
Easy cancellation or auto-renewal if staying longer

Top Plans:

3GB for 5 days – $6
10GB for 30 days – $26
Unlimited for 30 days – $49

Pros:

Unlimited plan available
Good speeds on Vodafone and Telekom
Multi-country compatibility

Cons:

Unlimited may throttle after 20GB (FUP)
Pricier than others for light users

Get Maya Mobile eSIM for Germany

Holafly – Best for Unlimited Data

Best for: Families, content creators, people who stream or use maps extensively

Holafly is a popular choice for heavy data users who don’t want to worry about limits. Their Germany unlimited eSIM is truly unlimited (subject to fair usage), and works on Germany’s fastest networks — Telekom and Vodafone.

Why choose Holafly:

Great for Google Maps, video calls, social media, and YouTube streaming
Human customer support 24/7
Long validity options for extended vacations or expat stays

Top Plans:

5 days – $19
15 days – $47
30 days – $69
90 days – $99

Pros:

Unlimited high-speed data
Best support experience
No surprises — one fixed price

Cons:

No hotspot/tethering allowed
Higher initial cost compared to metered plans

Get Holafly eSIM for Germany

BNESIM – Best for Custom Data Plans

Best for: Expats, international businesses, tech-savvy users

BNESIM is a versatile platform offering flexible data bundles, virtual numbers, and even VoIP services. It’s perfect for experienced users who want full control over their mobile setup in Germany.

Why choose BNESIM:

Choose any amount of data and pay only for what you need
Purchase a phone number for calls and texts if needed
Long-term plans ideal for expats, business travelers, and frequent flyers

Typical Pricing:

€2/GB for Germany
Bundles from 3GB to 100GB available

Pros:

Pay-as-you-go and subscription options
Best for combining data, calls, and SMS
Advanced user features (VoIP, real number, etc.)

Cons:

Less intuitive interface for beginners
Can be overwhelming for casual tourists

Get Holafly eSIM for Germany

How to Choose the Best eSIM for Germany

Choosing the right eSIM depends on your travel style, usage needs, and trip length. Here’s a breakdown:

Factor	Recommended Provider
Short city breaks	Airalo or Nomad (cheap, simple setup)
Unlimited internet	Holafly or Maya Mobile (best for heavy usage)
EU-wide travel	Nomad or Maya Mobile Europe plans
Long stays	Maya unlimited or BNESIM custom plan
Business & VoIP	BNESIM (with call/SMS support and VoIP add-ons)

Final Tips for Using eSIMs in Germany

✅ Check eSIM compatibility: Your phone must support eSIM (iPhone XS and later, Google Pixel 4+, Samsung Galaxy S20+ and newer).
✅ Install before arrival: It’s best to scan your QR code and activate your eSIM while connected to Wi-Fi before landing in Germany.
✅ Keep your main SIM active: Dual SIM phones let you keep your home number active while using the eSIM for data.
✅ Download offline maps: Apps like Google Maps allow you to download city maps in advance as a backup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a German eSIM in other EU countries?

Yes, many providers (like Maya Mobile, Nomad, and Airalo Eurolink) offer Europe-wide plans that include Germany. Always check plan details before purchase.

Does an eSIM include a phone number?

Most eSIMs are data-only. If you need a German phone number, choose a provider like BNESIM that offers optional virtual numbers or VoIP functionality.

Is eSIM activation difficult?

Not at all. After purchase, you’ll receive a QR code or use the app to install the eSIM. Most setups take less than 5 minutes.

Conclusion: What’s the Best eSIM for Germany?

The best eSIM for your trip to Germany depends on your data usage, trip duration, and how many countries you plan to visit:

Airalo: Best value for short trips and light use
Nomad: Balanced coverage, great for most travelers
Maya Mobile: Best for digital nomads and remote workers
Holafly: Top pick for unlimited data needs
BNESIM: Ideal for custom plans, VoIP, and longer stays

With the right eSIM, you’ll enjoy fast, reliable internet in Germany without the stress of roaming fees or SIM cards.