Benefits and disadvantages of eSIM: What you need to know

Dylan Crismale - Digital Content Editor

Last updated 09 September 2026

Contents

In this benefits and disadvantages of eSIM guide:

Benefits of using eSIM
Disadvantages of using eSIM
eSIM vs. physical SIM
eSIM benefits and disadvantages FAQs

eSIM (short for electronic or embedded SIM) is a newish technology that, in theory, will one day replace the physical SIM card. A physical SIM is a piece of plastic (with an electronic chip) that can be removed, while an eSIM is entirely built into the device.

If you're trying to decide whether eSIM is right for you, here are the pros and cons of ditching your physical SIM.

What are the benefits of using eSIM?

Some of the key advantages of eSIM include quicker switching between mobile plans, using multiple SIMs at once, and enabling 4G on your smartwatch.

Switching between mobile plans

eSIM is more convenient. It's only a matter of time until eSIM becomes the norm, and when it does, it will make switching and signing up for a new plan easier - even when travelling overseas. You essentially have the option to instantly change your mobile provider in just a few minutes at any time - so long as you're not locked into a phone repayment or a contract.

You won't even need to pick up a SIM card from a store or place an order online to port. Just request it on your device, and voilà, you're signed up with a new telco.

It makes switching between providers easier, which in turn increases competition and could also increase the visibility of MVNOs and phone plan providers without a retail presence.

There's a range of telcos offering eSIM on both prepaid and postpaid SIM-only plans.

Postpaid eSIM plans
Prepaid eSIM plans

See the cheapest postpaid plans with at least 20GB of data from providers offering eSIM:

#1	SpinTel Editor's Pick	SpinTel Editor's Pick $23 Mobile Plan 25GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT WhistleOut Special: Enjoy $11 off for the first 6 months for new customers - $12/mth for first 6 months, then $23/mth $12.00/mth Min. cost $12 Go to Site	$12.00/mth Min. cost $12	Go to Site
#2	SpinTel	SpinTel $29 Mobile Plan 50GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT $29.00/mth Min. cost $29 Go to Site	$29.00/mth Min. cost $29	Go to Site
#3	Tangerine Telecom	Tangerine Telecom 30GB 5G Mobile SIM 30GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks Deal: 50% off plan fees for 4 months - $15/mth for 4 months then $30/mth. Offer available until withdrawn. $30.00/mth Min. cost $15 Go to Site	$30.00/mth Min. cost $15	Go to Site
#4	More	More 30GB 5G Mobile SIM 30GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses Telstra Wholesale 4G/5G mobile networks Deal: Get $10/mth off new mobile plans for 36mths, then $4/mth ongoing when you sign up with a CommBank debit or credit card. Ends 31.3.27 $33.00/mth Min. cost $33 Link not supplied	$33.00/mth Min. cost $33	Link not supplied
#5	SpinTel	SpinTel $35 Mobile Plan 100GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT $35.00/mth Min. cost $35 Go to Site	$35.00/mth Min. cost $35	Go to Site
#6	Tangerine Telecom	Tangerine Telecom 50GB 5G Mobile SIM 50GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks Deal: 50% off plan fees for 4 months - $18/mth for 4 months then $36/mth. Offer available until withdrawn. $36.00/mth Min. cost $18 Go to Site	$36.00/mth Min. cost $18	Go to Site
#7	Optus	Optus $60 Optus Choice Plus Plan 100GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device Deal: $39/mth and 100GB/mth for first 12 months, then 60GB/mth and $60/mth or as notified. New services. Ends 12.11.26. Terms apply. $39.00/mth Min. cost $39 Go to Site	$39.00/mth Min. cost $39	Go to Site
#8	Everyday Mobile	Everyday Mobile $40 SIM Only 70GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks Deal: Get 10% off an eligible Woolworths shop in store every month when you link your Everyday Rewards card. T&Cs apply $40.00/mth Min. cost $40 Link not supplied	$40.00/mth Min. cost $40	Link not supplied
#9	Tangerine Telecom	Tangerine Telecom 75GB 5G Mobile SIM 75GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks Deal: 50% off plan fees for 4 months - $21/mth for 4 months then $42/mth. Offer available until withdrawn. $42.00/mth Min. cost $21 Go to Site	$42.00/mth Min. cost $21	Go to Site
#10	Vodafone	Vodafone $58 Small SIM Only Plan 65GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Includes $13/mth off plan fees for first 12 months when you stay connected to this plan. Ends 29.10.26. T&Cs apply. $45.00/mth Min. cost $45 Go to Site	$45.00/mth Min. cost $45	Go to Site

See the cheapest prepaid plans with eSIM (each of these plans has 28-day expiry and 20GB or more data):

#1	iiNet	iiNet 30GB Small Plan 30GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: 50% off - $15/mth for first 6 months, then $30/mth ongoing. Available until withdrawn. T&Cs apply. $15.00 Per 1 Month Renewal Link not supplied	$15.00 Per 1 Month Renewal	Link not supplied
#2	TPG Editor's Pick	TPG Editor's Pick 30GB Small Plan 30GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: 50% off - $15/mth for first 6 months, then $30/mth ongoing. Available until withdrawn. T&Cs apply. $15.00 Per 1 Month Renewal Link not supplied	$15.00 Per 1 Month Renewal	Link not supplied
#3	Kogan Mobile	Kogan Mobile Small Monthly Plan 25GB data On the Vodafone 4G Mobile Network $23.00 Per 30 Day Renewal Go to Site	$23.00 Per 30 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#4	Yomojo	Yomojo Starter 29GB Plan 29GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps On the Optus 4G Plus Mobile Network $24.90 Per 30 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$24.90 Per 30 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#5	Lebara Mobile	Lebara Mobile $25 SIM Plan 25GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices $25.00 Per 28 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$25.00 Per 28 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#6	Everyday Mobile	Everyday Mobile Pre-paid Mobile $25 Recharge 22GB data at download speeds up to 100Mbps Uses part of the Telstra 4G Mobile Network Deal: Get 10% off an eligible Woolworths shop in store every month when you link your Everyday Rewards card. T&Cs apply $25.00 Per 30 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$25.00 Per 30 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#7	Kogan Mobile	Kogan Mobile Medium Monthly Plan 60GB data On the Vodafone 4G Mobile Network Deal: Get 60GB for $12 (includes $13 off for first month + 20GB bonus data for 3 months), then 40GB for $25 thereafter, valid until 11.10.26 $29.00 Per 30 Day Renewal Go to Site	$29.00 Per 30 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#8	felix mobile	felix mobile felix 25GB Mobile Plan 25GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps On the Vodafone 5G/4G Mobile Network Deal: Get 50% off your first 3 mths when you switch to felix. $15/mth for first 3 mths, then $30/mth. Use promo code FELIX50. T+Cs apply $30.00 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$30.00 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site
#9	amaysim	amaysim UNLIMITED 42GB Plan 75GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT Deal: Save $23 for first renewal & includes 33GB bonus data for first 3 renewals when you sign up by 15.11.26. Online only. T&Cs apply $35.00 Per 28 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$35.00 Per 28 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#10	felix mobile	felix mobile felix 50GB Mobile Plan 50GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps On the Vodafone 5G/4G Mobile Network Deal: Get 50% off your first 3 mths when you switch to felix. $17.50/mth for first 3 mths, then $35/mth. Use promo code FELIX50. T+Cs apply $35.00 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$35.00 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site

Using more than one SIM or eSIM at once

If you opt for an eSIM, this keeps your physical SIM slot free for a secondary SIM. This essentially turns your phone into a dual SIM phone. There are a couple of reasons you might want to consider this:

You want a personal number and a work number without carrying two separate devices
You want to keep using an Australian phone number when using your phone overseas, but pick up a more cost-effective local SIM for mobile data
You want the benefit of coverage from two different networks. For example, if you're heading into regional Australia and know you won't get Vodafone coverage, you could throw a cheap prepaid SIM card into the second slot for additional coverage in the outback when you need it

Enabling 4G on your smartwatch

eSIM can also be used to share a phone number between a smartphone and a wearable device, like the Apple Watch and select Samsung smartwatches. The Big Three telcos all have wearable-specific eSIM plans starting at $5 per month. These days, even some Telstra MVNOs also offer eSIM for wearables.

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What are the disadvantages of using eSIM?

While eSIM is generally a useful feature, it does have its drawbacks. Not all phones are compatible with eSIM, and they can be inconvenient if you want to change mobile phones.

Lack of eSIM-capable phones

Because it's a newer feature typically reserved for premium devices, eSIM-capable phones tend to be more expensive.

eSIM capability isn't widely supported across all phone models and is typically reserved for flagship phones. This should change over time as eSIM becomes the standard; it should extend to less premium phones. A few cheaper devices that are eSIM-enabled include the Pixel 10a, Galaxy A57, and the Moto G57.

Less easy to switch between mobile phones

While eSIM makes it easy to switch between mobile plan providers, it's slightly different when it comes to switching phones. With a physical SIM, you can pop the card out of its slot and into a new phone, and it's pretty much ready to go.

By comparison, an eSIM may require you to deactivate your profile on one device and activate it on your new phone. In some cases, you may need assistance from your telco. This can be especially inconvenient if the first phone in the scenario is damaged.

nbn500 Unlimited Plan

FTTP, HFC

nbn® 500/48 Mbps
Unlimited Data
Deal: Incl. $30/mth discount for 6 months based on the standard price $92.99/mth*. Ends 08.12.26. T&Cs apply.

$62.99/mth

Min. cost $62.99

Go to Site

$62.99/mth

Min. cost $62.99

Go to Site

eSIM vs. physical SIM

If convenience is your main priority, then eSIM is a safe bet - especially for those travelling in parts of the world where it's more readily available. It's also a great option for those who want a work phone and personal phone in one device.

However, if you're worried about cost or simply prefer something more familiar, you can still find plenty of physical SIM cards from all major telcos in Australia.

Expert tip: eSIM is handy for travelling overseas

“Whenever I’m overseas for more than a couple of days, I purchase a travel eSIM through Airalo. Since eSIMs are digital, you can download one straight to your phone. You don’t need to find a store when you land at your destination. You can even buy your eSIM before you leave if you want to be super prepared.”

Alex Choros, Managing Editor WhistleOut

eSIM Benefits and disadvantages FAQs

Is it worth getting an eSIM?

If you value being able to switch to another network more conveniently or want to operate two SIMs at once in one phone, then it could be well worth getting an eSIM-capable phone so you can use the technology.

Is eSIM better than a physical SIM card?

In terms of everyday use, eSIM has more benefits than disadvantages when compared to a physical SIM, especially when it comes to convenience. More broadly, eSIM is also better for the planet as it is another opportunity to reduce plastic use and lessen the environmental impact of technology.

Does eSIM work without internet?

You do need a separate internet connection, such as WiFi, during the initial activation process, but eSIM will enable your device to function over a mobile network once your profile has been downloaded and set up.

Is eSIM safe?

Yes, using eSIM on your phone is completely safe. In fact, eSIM is more secure if your phone is lost or stolen; the person who found it wouldn't be able to remove the SIM. The risks of remote hacking or fraud remain the same as it does with a physical SIM.

Looking for a new mobile plan?

These are the most popular eSIM mobile plans with WhistleOut users this week:

#1	SpinTel Editor's Pick	SpinTel Editor's Pick $23 Mobile Plan 25GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT WhistleOut Special: Enjoy $11 off for the first 6 months for new customers - $12/mth for first 6 months, then $23/mth $12.00/mth Min. cost $12 Go to Site	$12.00/mth Min. cost $12	Go to Site
#2	Boost Mobile	Boost Mobile $39 Prepaid 60GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get 60GB data on first 6 recharges, then 30GB from 7th recharge. New customers only. Activate by 02.11.26 $39.00 Per 28 Day Renewal Go to Site	$39.00 Per 28 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#3	Tangerine Telecom	Tangerine Telecom 30GB 5G Mobile SIM 30GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks Deal: 50% off plan fees for 4 months - $15/mth for 4 months then $30/mth. Offer available until withdrawn. $30.00/mth Min. cost $15 Go to Site	$30.00/mth Min. cost $15	Go to Site
#4	Optus	Optus $60 Optus Choice Plus Plan 100GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device Deal: $39/mth and 100GB/mth for first 12 months, then 60GB/mth and $60/mth or as notified. New services. Ends 12.11.26. Terms apply. $39.00/mth Min. cost $39 Go to Site	$39.00/mth Min. cost $39	Go to Site
#5	TPG Editor's Pick	TPG Editor's Pick 30GB Small Plan 30GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: 50% off - $15/mth for first 6 months, then $30/mth ongoing. Available until withdrawn. T&Cs apply. $15.00 Per 1 Month Renewal Link not supplied	$15.00 Per 1 Month Renewal	Link not supplied
#6	felix mobile	felix mobile felix 25GB Mobile Plan 25GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps On the Vodafone 5G/4G Mobile Network Deal: Get 50% off your first 3 mths when you switch to felix. $15/mth for first 3 mths, then $30/mth. Use promo code FELIX50. T+Cs apply $30.00 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$30.00 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site
#7	Yomojo	Yomojo Starter 29GB Plan 29GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps On the Optus 4G Plus Mobile Network $24.90 Per 30 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$24.90 Per 30 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#8	Vodafone	Vodafone $58 Small SIM Only Plan 65GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Includes $13/mth off plan fees for first 12 months when you stay connected to this plan. Ends 29.10.26. T&Cs apply. $45.00/mth Min. cost $45 Go to Site	$45.00/mth Min. cost $45	Go to Site
#9	Exetel	Exetel Plus One eSIM Plan 130GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks $40.00 Per 30 Day Renewal Go to Site	$40.00 Per 30 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#10	SpinTel	SpinTel $29 Mobile Plan 50GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT $29.00/mth Min. cost $29 Go to Site	$29.00/mth Min. cost $29	Go to Site

Dylan Crismale

Digital Content Editor

Dylan Crismale is a Digital Content Editor at WhistleOut, has been writing for almost a decade across a variety of Australian publications. He previously worked as a writer at Finder covering energy, internet and mobile plans. Dylan is passionate about finding the best deals to save people money and educating people about tech. When he's not sat at his desk Dylan loves working out, bingeing TV and hanging out with friends.

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