Airtel eSIM is one of the most popular options to get an eSIM in Nigeria, but what if we told you there are way better alternatives you could choose from?
It’s very important that you know of better alternatives when choosing a particular product. That way, you will be sure you are not missing out on better features and pricing
We all want to get the best deal, and to do this, we need to consider alternatives. Here are 11 better Airtel eSIM alternatives we’ve compiled for you to consider. We’ll compare the pricing, features and disadvantages of each alternative
Best Airtel eSIM Alternative?
PressOne. That’s the simple answer. We’ll compare other Airtel eSIM alternatives in this post, but you’ll soon discover that none of these alternatives come close when it comes to advanced features, flexibility and pricing.
Top Airtel eSIM Alternatives
Here are 11 Airtel eSIM alternatives, including some from Nigeria and the US:
- PressOne Africa
- Numero eSIM
- Smile Nigeria eSIM
- GigSky eSIM (Global coverage, including Nigeria)
- KnowRoaming eSIM (Global coverage, including Nigeria)
- Ubigi eSIM (Global coverage, including Nigeria)
- MTN Nigeria eSIM
- Google FI
- Orange Global
- Saily
- Airalo
Now, let’s compare each of these alternatives and see which would be great for you
1. PressOne Africa
PressOne Africa is the best Airtel eSIM alternative you could go for. Why? You get so many call features with your virtual eSIM which you can leverage for your business and travel. You even get to add so many people on the virtual eSIM you get.
Here are the major features that make PressOne the best Airtel eSIM alternative
Note: PressOne eSIM is a virtual one, it does not work like the traditional embedded sim chip in your device. It is virtual, which means you can use it to make and receive calls over the internet. You don’t need a sim card at all to use PressOne.
Features (for Business Owners):
- Compatibility: Compatible with all devices
- Voice: Unlike other eSIM providers on this list, PressOne offers a call feature
- Add multiple users: Add as many users as you have on the eSIM you get with PressOne.
- Caller Greeting/caller tune: Greet your callers with an automated welcome message
- Call Recording: Get recordings of all calls made from and to your eSIM.
- Call Tracking: Get insights into which of your staff are performing well
- Call Analytics: Know the number of calls you receive per day to make staff available
- Call Routing/IVR: Never miss a sale. Route customers automatically to the right team
- International Plan: Need to expand your business to other countries? We’ve got you!
- Call Transcription: Get a written record of your calls
- Voicemail-to-Email: Get your voicemails delivered straight to your inbox.
- No contract or Physica SIM card required
- 24/7 customer support
- In-App Calling
Disadvantage:
No messaging feature
Features (For Personal Use, Individuals Looking To Travel):
- Get an eSIM in in over 25 Countries Globally. Glob trot without stress.
- Leverage our fair pricing. Make calls with reliable connections in any country you wish to travel to.
- In-App Calling
- Pay in local currency (N)
Ideal for:
- Personal Use
- Frequent travelers
- Businesses with global operations
- African businesses (Small, Medium & Enterprise)
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2. Ubigi
Ubigi is a global eSIM provider offering flexible, data-only plans for IoT, consumer, and business markets. Ubigi is a subsidiary of Transatel, a French telecom company.
Features:
- 180+ country coverage
- Pay-as-you-go pricing
- Real-time billing and usage tracking
- Compatible with iPhone, Android, and IoT devices
- No contract required
Ideal for:
- Frequent travelers
- IoT applications
- Individuals seeking flexible data plans
Disadvantages:
- No call feature. You will still need a physical sim
- No messaging feature
- Pricing is per user
- You can’t add different users to a single eSIM
- Just for browsing the internet
- Payment is in $
Popular:
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3. KnowRoaming
KnowRoaming is another Airtel eSIM alternative for travelers and businesses.
Features:
- 200+ country coverage
- Automatic country detection
- Real-time billing and usage tracking
- Pay-as-you-go pricing
- Compatible with iPhone, Android, and tablets
- No contract required
Ideal for:
- Travelers
- Businesses
- Individuals seeking affordable international data
Disadvantages:
- No call feature. You will still need a physical sim
- Data-only plans (1MB-5GB)
- No messaging feature
- Pricing is per user
- You can’t add different users to a single eSIM
- Just for browsing the internet
- Payment is in $
4. Saily
Saily is another top Airtel eSIM alternative. They are a global provider but they have eSIM solutions in Nigeria
Features:
- 160+ country coverage
- No roaming charges
- Flexible pricing
- Prepaid data plans
- No contract required
Ideal for:
- Frequent Travelers
- Individuals seeking affordable international data
Disadvantages:
- No call feature. You will still need a physical sim
- Data-only plans
- No messaging feature
- Pricing is per user
- You can’t add different users to a single eSIM
- Just for browsing the internet
- Payment is in $
5. MTN
MTN is another popular Airtel eSIM alternative in Nigeria. Here are the major features
Features:
- Switch between different mobile networks
- No need to change or swap physical sim cards
- Voice call
- Flexible data plans
- Affordable
- No contract required
Ideal for:
- Business owners
- Travelers
Disadvantages:
- Needs physical activation at an MTN office or store
- Pricing is per user
- You can’t add different users to a single eSIM
Related:
- Top 11 MTN eSIM Alternatives & Pricing (2024)
6. Google FI
Google FI is a global eSIM provider and another Airtel eSIM alternative to consider
Features:
- Flexible or Unlimited Plus Plans
- Supports international calls, text, and data usage
- 200+ country coverage
- No contract required
- Payment is in $
Ideal for:
- Travelers
Disadvantages:
- Has limited compatibility, especially for android phones
- Pricing is per user
- You can’t add different users to a single eSIM
7. Orange Global
Orange Global is another Airtel eSIM alternative with partnerships with the best local carriers all over the world.
Features:
- Over 30+ country coverage
- No roaming fees
- Flexible data plans
- Easy setup with app
Ideal for:
- Travelers
Disadvantages
- No call feature. You will still need a physical sim
- Data-only plans
- No messaging feature
- Pricing is per user
- You can’t add different users to a single eSIM
- Just for browsing the internet
- Payment is in $
8. Smile
Smile is another popular choice for getting an eSIM in Nigeria.
Features
- No roaming charge
- No call setup charge
- No first minute charge
- Voice
- N8. 20/min
- Pay in local currency (N)
Ideal for
- Travelers
Disadvantages
- You can’t add different users to a single eSIM
- You will need a smile number before getting an eSIM
9. Airalo
Airalo is an eSIM marketplace and is another alternative to getting an Airtel eSIM
Features
- Purchase your eSIM from anywhere you are
- Get connected in 200+ countries and regions around the world.
- Affordable and Transparent. No hidden fees
- Prepaid plans
- Data, calls, texts
Ideal for:
- Travelers
Disadvantages:
- You can’t add different users to a single eSIM
- Payment is in $
Related:
- Get A Virtual Kenya Number, in Minutes
10. Gigsky
GigSky offers eSIMs to consumers and businesses to stay connected everywhere.
Features:
- No Roaming Fees
- In-App Calling
- Multi-Carrier Support
- Data Packages for Specific Regions
Ideal for:
- Businesses
- Travelers
Disadvantages:
- Cannot be used to make calls
- Data plans only
- You can’t add different users to a single eSIM
- Just for browsing the internet
- Payment is in $
11. Numero
Numero is another popular Airtel eSIM alternative to consider.
Features:
- In-App calling
- Mobile data plans
- Over 150-country coverage
- Toll free numbers
- Allows multiple users
Ideal for:
- Businesses
- Travelers
Disadvantages:
- Just for basic calls
- No advanced call features for businesses
- Payment is in €
Now Compare These Airtel eSIM Alternatives to PressOne
The PressOne Advantage
PressOne is way better than these Airtel eSIM alternatives for the following reasons:
- No selective compatibility, PressOne eSIM is compatible with any device
- Voice call feature
- Advanced call features to help businesses
- Integration with CRM and Helpdesk
- One number, multiple employees feature
- Analytics dashboard
How To Get An eSIm
Here are the 10 steps to follow to get an eSIM:
- Check device compatibility: Ensure your device supports eSIM technology.
- Choose a carrier: Select a carrier e.g. PressOne that offers eSIM plans and supports your device.
- Check coverage: Verify the carrier’s coverage in your area.
- Purchase a plan: Buy an eSIM plan from the carrier’s website or store.
- Get an eSIM profile: The carrier will send you your eSIM profile (a QR code or link).
- Login to your eSIM profile : Easily log in to your eSIM profile.
- Explore your eSIM profile: Follow the prompts to explore your eSIM profile.
- Activate the eSIM: Activate the eSIM profile on your device.
- Set up your eSIM: Configure your eSIM in minutes, add team members
- Test your eSIM: Make a call to ensure everything works!
Note: Steps may vary depending on your carrier and device. Always follow the carrier’s specific instructions for setting up an eSIM.
For example, listed below is how to get a virtual e-SIM with PressOne
How To Get A Virtual e-SIM With PressOne
Here’s how you can get your PressOne eSIM in minutes!
- Head over to our pricing page : Visit PressOne Africa
- Choose your plan: Select the plan that best suits your needs. Don’t worry, we have options for both individuals and businesses.
- Sign up: Create an account with your email address and a secure password.
- Select your number: Choose your preferred area code and type of number
- Complete your purchase: Follow the simple checkout process.
- Start using your new number: That’s it! You’ll be able to make and receive calls with your e-sim instantly.
What is an eSIM?
An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a small chip built into a device, like a smartphone or smartwatch. It allows you to activate and manage cellular plans digitally, without needing a physical SIM card.
An eSIM is like a digital SIM card for your phone. Instead of a tiny plastic card you put in your phone, an eSIM is already built-in. It lets you connect to different mobile networks without having to swap out a physical SIM.
Practical Example:
Imagine you’re traveling to the U.S. for a week. Instead of buying a local SIM card or renting a phone, you can:
- Check if your device supports eSIM (many newer smartphones do).
- Download a U.S. carrier’s eSIM profile from their app or website.
- Activate the eSIM profile on your device.
- Enjoy local data and voice services for the duration of your trip.
When you return home, you can simply switch back to your original carrier’s plan or remove the eSIM profile.
eSIMs make it easy to manage multiple cellular plans, switch carriers, or use local services while traveling, all without needing physical SIM cards.
Benefits of an eSIM
Here are 10 major benefits businesses & individuals will enjoy with an eSIM
- Add numbers easily
- Simple number switching
- Safer to use
- Connect everywhere
- Convenience while traveling
- Easy Phone Setup
- Dual Sim Functionality
- Easy Plan Switching
- Reduced cost
Benefits of an eSIM for Businesses
1. Add Numbers Easily
Let’s consider a Nigerian business, “Lagos Logistics”, which has a fleet of 50 delivery trucks equipped with tablets for navigation and communication. Previously, they faced challenges with:
- Physically distributing and tracking SIM cards for each employee device
- Activating and managing multiple cellular plans
- Updating plans or swapping SIM cards when employees change roles or leave the company
With eSIM, Lagos Logistics can:
- Remotely activate and manage cellular plans for all devices
- Easily update or change plans as needed
- Assign and reassign plans to employees without physical SIM swaps
Practical example:
- Lagos Logistics can create a custom eSIM profile for their delivery trucks, including a data plan and voice service.
- When a new driver joins, they can remotely assign the eSIM profile to the driver’s tablet.
- If a driver changes roles or leaves the company, Lagos Logistics can quickly update or remove the eSIM profile, ensuring seamless management and minimizing downtime.
Getting an eSIM in Nigeria simplifies device management, saving Lagos Logistics time, resources, and reducing logistical headaches.
2. Simple Number Switching/Work-life Balance
Let’s consider another Nigerian business, “Lagos Tech Solutions”, a company with 100 employees who need to switch between company and personal phone numbers. Previously, they faced challenges with:
- Carrying two devices (one for work and one for personal use)
- Swapping SIM cards to switch between work and personal numbers
- Difficulty separating work and personal life
With eSIM, Lagos Tech Solutions can:
- Offer employees a single device with two separate numbers (work and personal)
- Allow employees to easily switch between numbers using their device’s settings
- Encourage work-life balance by separating work and personal communications
Practical example:
- Employee, Amaka, has a company eSIM profile for work and a personal eSIM profile for personal use.
- She can switch between profiles on her single device, using her work number for work hours and personal number for personal time.
- Amaka can easily separate work and personal communications, maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
eSIM increases flexibility, allowing employees to:
- Switch between work and personal numbers effortlessly
- Use a single device for both work and personal life
- Enjoy a better work-life balance
No more:
- Carrying multiple devices
- Swapping SIM cards
- Blurred lines between work and personal life
Just seamless switching and a healthier work-life balance.
3. Safer to Use
eSIM provides enhanced security for businesses in several ways:
- Reduced risk of SIM card theft: eSIMs are embedded in devices, making them difficult to remove or steal.
- Encrypted data: eSIMs store data in an encrypted format, protecting sensitive information.
- Secure authentication: eSIMs use advanced authentication protocols to verify user identity.
- Remote management: eSIMs allow businesses to remotely manage and update device settings, ensuring security patches and updates are applied promptly.
- Less vulnerable to hacking: eSIMs are less susceptible to hacking compared to physical SIM cards.
Practical example:
- A company, “Nigerian Finance Ltd.”, uses eSIMs for their employees’ devices.
- An employee’s device is lost or stolen, but the company can remotely deactivate the eSIM, ensuring sensitive data remains secure.
- The company can also remotely update security settings and patches, protecting against potential threats.
eSIM improves security, giving businesses peace of mind and protecting sensitive data!
4. Connect Everywhere
An eSIM makes it effortless to stay connected, no matter where your business takes you. Unlike traditional SIM cards, eSIMs allow you to switch between different mobile networks without physical SIM swaps. This is particularly beneficial for businesses with a global presence.
For instance, a company like PressOne has eSIMs to provide seamless mobile payments and money transfers to its customers traveling abroad. By offering eSIM solutions, PressOne ensures uninterrupted service for its users, enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Benefits of eSIM for Personal Use
1. Convenience while Traveling
Are you a globetrotter? eSIM makes traveling easier by allowing you to:
- Activate local data and voice plans: Easily add a local plan to your device, without swapping SIM cards.
- Stay connected: Enjoy local rates and coverage, just like a local resident.
- Avoid roaming charges: No more surprise bills from your home carrier.
2. Easy Phone Setup
eSIM makes setting up a new device easy by:
- Eliminating SIM card insertion: No need to physically insert a SIM card.
- Streamlining activation: Activate your device and cellular plan in one step.
- Reducing setup time: Get started with your new device faster.
3. Easy Plan Switching
eSIM makes switching plans easy by:
- Allowing you to change plans digitally, without swapping SIM cards
- Enabling quick updates to your plan, such as adding more data or changing carriers
- Giving you the flexibility to adjust your plan to suit your changing needs
4. Dual Sim functionality
eSIM allows you to have two phone numbers or plans on one device, just like having two SIM cards, but without the need for a physical second SIM card.
Practical example:
- You have a personal phone number (e.g., 08123456789) and a work phone number (e.g., 07012345678).
- With a PressOne eSIM, you can have both numbers active on the same device, making it easy to separate work and personal life.
- You can receive calls and texts on both numbers, and choose which number to use for outgoing calls and messages.
No more:
- Carrying two separate phones
- Switching between phones for work and personal use
- Missing important calls or messages
Related:
- Get A Nigeria Virtual Number, In Minutes
5. Reduced Waste
eSIM reduces waste by:
- Eliminating the need for physical SIM cards, which are often used once and discarded
- Reducing plastic waste from SIM card packaging and shipping materials
- Minimizing electronic waste from disposing of old SIM cards and devices
In simple terms, eSIM helps reduce waste by going digital, eliminating the need for physical SIM cards and packaging, and promoting sustainability!
What Can An eSim Do?
As a business owner, you may find yourself wondering what an eSIM can do and how its features can help your business sell more and retain customers. Here’s what a PressOne eSIM can do
1. Record Your Business Calls
If as a business owner, you are not usually around or you are very busy and have other administrative duties to attend to, it is highly important you still stay in the loop of your business and know what your staff are saying to your customers. This is where a PressOne eSIM comes in.
A PressOne virtual sim can easily record your business calls, allowing you to:
- Capture conversations with customers
- Playback recordings to recall important details
- Coach your team on customer interactions
Benefits:
- Improve customer service by reviewing interactions
- Resolve disputes by referencing recorded calls
- Train team members to enhance communication skills
Example:
- A customer calls your business with a question.
- The call is recorded and saved.
- Later, you review the recording, note the customer’s concerns, and coach your team on how to better address similar questions in the future.
2. Greet Customers Professionally
A PressOne eSIM comes with an automated professional caller greeting feature that helps you make a good first impression on your customers. This allows you to:
- Create a custom, polished message that plays when customers call
- Make a great first impression, showcasing your brand’s personality
- Set the tone for a positive customer experience
Benefits:
- Impress customers with a professional image
- Establish trust and credibility
- Differentiate your business from competitors
Example:
- “Thank you for calling {Your Business Name}, where we specialize in {Your Service}. Please hold for just a moment while we connect you with one of our experts.”
This feature helps businesses:
- Create a consistent, high-quality brand experience
- Show customers they’re valued and important
- Increase perceived value, justifying premium pricing
No more:
- Unprofessional, generic voicemails
- Missed opportunities to impress
- Undervalued services
Just a professional, memorable first impression!
3. Transfer Customers Easily
A PressOne eSIM comes with an IVR (Interactive Voice Response) that helps transfer customers to the right team or department by:
- Presenting a menu of options to callers (e.g., “Press 1 for Sales, 2 for Support”)
- Allowing callers to select their desired destination
- Automatically routing calls to the chosen department
Benefits:
- Reduces wait times and holds
- Ensures callers reach the right team quickly
- Improves customer satisfaction and experience
Example:
- A customer calls your business and hears: “Thank you for calling PressOne. Press 1 for Sales, 2 for Technical Support, or 3 for inquiries.”
- The customer presses 2, and their call is instantly transferred to the Technical Support team.
No more:
- Long hold times
- Misdirected calls
- Frustrated customers
Just easy, efficient call transfers!
4. Analyse how your Business Calls Perform
A PressOne eSIM helps analyze calls by:
- Tracking and logging all incoming calls
- Providing detailed reports on call volume and types
- Allowing you to categorize calls as Sales, Complaints, Requests, etc.
Benefits:
- Understand your business’s call patterns
- Identify areas for improvement
- Make data-driven decisions
Example:
- Your eSIM number dashboard shows:
- 50 calls received today
- 20 Sales calls
- 15 Complaints
- 15 Requests
This helps you:
- See when customers call the most and plan staffing
- Address common complaints
- Optimize sales strategies
No more:
- Guessing about call volume and types
- Missing insights to improve
- Making decisions without data
For You:
- 11+ Ways To Grow Your Small Scale Business in Nigeria
5. Understand Your Customers Better
Enjoy customer relationship management software integration with your PressOne eSIM.
CRM integration with your PressOne eSIM helps you understand customers better by:
- Linking calls to customer profiles
- Tracking interactions and conversations
- Analyzing customer behavior and preferences
Benefits:
- Get a 360-degree view of each customer
- Understand their needs and pain points
- Personalize interactions and improve relationships
Example:
- A customer calls your phone number, and the CRM integration shows:
- Their purchase history
- Previous interactions
- Preferred communication channels
This helps you:
- Provide tailored solutions
- Anticipate their needs
- Build strong, loyal relationships
No more:
- Disconnected interactions
- Lack of customer insight
- Missed opportunities
Just deeper customer understanding!
PressOne is the best virtual eSIM provider you can go with. Get started with us now and let us help set your virtual eSIM up in minutes!
