Top 5 MTN eSIM Alternatives in 2025

Over the past few years, eSIM technology has changed how we connect, offering a faster setup and the convenience of going fully digital without a physical SIM card. MTN, one of the leading telecom providers in Africa, was among the early adopters of this innovation. The MTN eSIM service was the first to offer mobile connectivity without traditional SIM cards for many users.

But things have changed right now. While MTN eSIM remains very functional, many people are beginning to feel the limitations, and expectations continue to grow; people now want more from their eSIM provider than just network access. 

Today, several eSIM providers offer services that not only compete with MTN but, in many cases, outperform it in speed, support, and simplicity. These range from those that support instant QR code delivery to global data plans and crypto payments.

If you need a more travel friendly option beyond MTN eSIM services, this article is for you. I have carefully selected the top 5 MTN eSIM alternatives.

What Are Top MTN eSIM Alternatives?

Below are five of the best MTN eSIM alternatives: breaking new ground in speed, coverage, payment flexibility, and user experience.

1. Prestmit

Prestmit eSIM is one of the few platforms built with users in mind. It is the go-to choice for users who want a reliable, no-hassle digital SIM experience both locally and abroad. Prestmit provides affordable data plans, instant QR code delivery, and 24/7 customer assistance.

With Prestmit, you don’t have to worry about compatibility, payment barriers, or difficult setup processes. You can pay in Naira or cryptocurrency like USDT or Bitcoin, which connects in a few minutes. This makes it ideal for frequent travelers, freelancers, and remote workers who value instant access, flexible payments, and stable internet while moving across regions.

Key features:

• Affordable international data plans with no hidden fees.
• Provides instant activation of eSIM, usually within seconds.
• Flexible payment options, supporting  both crypto and Naira
• The platform ensures stable and secure connections with global coverage across over 200 countries.
• A 24/7 customer support team that attends to any eSIM-related issues or questions.

How to Buy an eSIM on Prestmit

Purchasing an eSIM on Prestmit is quick, seamless, and easy, even if it is your first time using a digital SIM. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to buy your eSIM on Prestmit.

• Go to the official Prestmit website or download the Prestmit App on Google Play Store or Apple Store.
• Create a Prestmit account and log in.
• Choose the country where you want to purchase the eSIM data plan.
• You can check through the options to select your preferred data plan and the one that best suits your needs.
• Follow the prompts to make payment for your eSIM plan.
• You will access your eSIM plan immediately after payment is confirmed.
• Activate your eSIM and start enjoying your mobile data.

2. Nomad

Nomad is a data-only eSIM platform that focuses on providing reliable short-term internet access. Nomad removes the friction of paperwork, identification, or waiting periods. The eSIM is perfect for tourists, digital nomads, and professionals. The platform pricing is clear and affordable, with bundles that range from 1GB for a few days to larger data packages for longer periods.

You can also buy a plan in advance, activate it instantly upon arrival, and start browsing without delays.

Key Features:

• Instant activation without the need for KYC or local registration
• Ideal for data-only users who don’t need voice or SMS
• Clean and easy to use App for data top-ups
• Transparent pricing.

3. Airalo

Airalo is one of the popular and widely used eSIM platforms. The platforms grant users access to affordable local, regional, and global data plans across multiple countries, making it ideal for travelers moving between several destinations.

Everything is handled through a mobile app, where you can easily top up data, check your balance, and switch between plans. Airalo eSIM pricing is competitive and works well for both short—and long-term travel.

Key features:

• Regional eSIMs tailored for African countries in one plan
• Instant setup and transparent pricing
• Airalo App makes it easy to monitor and manage data usage
• No hidden fees or activation delays

4. GigSky

GigSky is built for travelers who need internet access across multiple devices. Ideal for a business professional using both tablets, a phone, and a PC for work or family traveling together. Gigsky makes it easy to activate data plans without visiting local stores or swapping SIMs.

It offers a pay-as-you-go model for those who don’t want to commit to larger bundles or a monthly subscription. Plans are usually available for numerous African countries, and the app lets you activate and manage them in a few clicks. GigSky also supports eSIM activation on laptops, making it a smart solution for work-related travel.

Key Features:

• Flexible plans with no long-term commitment
• Ideal for business Professionals and families traveling together
• Travelers using multiple eSIM-compatible devices

5. Ubigi

Ubigi is designed for people visiting Africa’s major cities, such as Lagos, Johannesburg, Cairo, or Nairobi. It may not cover rural areas but has partnerships with local networks to ensure high-quality services in metropolitan areas.

This makes Ubigi useful for business travelers attending summits or conferences, remote workers settling into a co-working space, or digital creators relying on consistent internet for uploads or meetings. Ubigi also supports a wide range of devices, allowing flexible usage across all your work gadgets.

Key features:

• Reliable coverage in African cities
• Work on multiple devices
• Give full control over data usage and let you switch plans in seconds
• Ideal for urban professionals and event attendees.

Comparison of Top 5 MTN eSIM Alternatives

This table highlights key features and the starting plan prices of the best eSIM providers that users can consider as alternatives to MTN.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About MTN eSIM Alternatives

Why Consider MTN eSIM alternatives?

While MTN eSIM offers decent coverage locally, many users explore alternatives for several reasons, like access to cheaper data plans, instant activation, support for international travel, and flexible payment options.

What Factors Determine the Choice of eSIM Data Plan?

Some of the factors you need to consider when choosing an eSIM plan are network coverage, data plans, usage limits, network speed, customer support, and more.

Where is the Best Place To Buy an eSIM?

Prestmit is the best place to buy your eSIM. The platform has features that allow users to stay connected anywhere in the world, anytime.

Can I Use an eSIM and a Physical SIM Together?

Yes, you can use an eSIM and physical SIM together. Most smartphones now support dual SIM functionality and allow you to use one physical SIM and one eSIM simultaneously.

Conclusion

It is safe to say that the future of mobile connectivity is digital, and eSIMs are leading that charge. Choosing the right eSIM provider in Africa depends on your journey or connectivity needs: strength, speed, ease of use, or device compatibility. While MTN offers strong local infrastructure, global platforms such as Prestmit eSIM and others allow users to immediately activate data plans without visiting stores or filling out forms. 

So if you are planning your next trip or switching your mobile plan, these top MTN eSIM options are definitely worth considering.