Why you can trust TechRadar
We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.
ByteSIM is an eSIM provider that provides internet connectivity for travelers. Its services work across all continents, from the U.S.A. to Switzerland, New Zealand, Thailand, Egypt, China, and more.
Founded in 2021 and based in Hong Kong, ByteSIM has quickly grown into one of the most popular eSIM providers worldwide.
But what makes it a popular option? What are its pros and cons, and is it the best choice for you? This review will answer these questions. Read on to learn what ByteSIM offers and whether it’s ideal for you.
ByteSIM: Plans and pricing
ByteSIM offers flexible pricing based on your selected data volume and plan duration. Pricing also varies across countries, with some countries being noticeably costlier than others.
Prices start from $2.90 for 500 MB for 1 day. For $21, you can get 500 MB per day for 30 days, totaling 15 GB. 1 GB daily for 30 days costs $28, 2 GB daily costs $50, 3 GB daily costs $67, and 10 GB daily costs $100 for the same 30 days.
Instead of paying for a specific amount of data per day, you can choose a total data package upfront from 3 GB to 50 GB. For reference, a 3 GB 15-day plan costs $6 and a 50 GB 30-day plan costs $50.
ByteSIM also offers unlimited data (with a fair usage policy) for prices ranging from $12 for 3 days to $63 for 30 days.
Its pricing structure seems convoluted, but it is actually easy to understand. ByteSIM lets you choose the amount of data (500 MB to 50 GB, or unlimited) and the number of days it is valid for. Prices vary widely according to your choice.
Overall, ByteSIM’s prices are friendly on high-data packages (10 GB upwards) but aren’t the best on the smaller sub-10 GB plans.
ByteSIM: Features
ByteSIM’s standout features include:
Unlimited data
An unlimited data plan is included among ByteSIM’s offerings. However, as with telecom networks, unlimited data doesn’t literally mean what it says.
Instead, there’s a fair usage policy limiting how much data you can consume before the browsing speed gets throttled. This data cap varies depending on the underlying network.
ByteSIM works with different telecom networks in each country, but you can always verify the data cap before buying your plan.
Regional plans
Like many eSIM providers, ByteSIM offers regional plans that unlock network connectivity across multiple countries with a single eSIM.
For example, the Asia plan provides coverage in 21 countries, including Malaysia, South Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, and Taiwan.
If you plan to visit multiple Asian countries, you should choose the Asia plan, as it’s more affordable compared to paying for a new plan in each country you visit.
Unlimited hotspot
With your ByteSIM data allowance, you can use your smartphone as a hotspot without limits. For example, you can share data with friends during your trip or connect your PC to the internet from your smartphone.
Many eSIM providers restrict how much data you can use in hotspot mode, but ByteSIM has no restrictions.
ByteSIM: Installation
Installing your ByteSIM eSIM starts with heading to www.ByteSIM.com or downloading the ByteSIM app from the Play Store (Android) or App Store (iOS).
On the app or website, you can view all plans offered by ByteSIM, choose your desired plan and duration, and see the corresponding price. Enter your personal details, including your email address, and pay for your plan.
ByteSIM will confirm the payment and send a unique QR code to your email address. Scan the QR code to initiate eSIM activation —the on-screen instructions will guide you.
With ByteSIM’s step-by-step instructions, the installation process doesn’t take long to complete. If you need help, you can consult ByteSIM’s FAQs page and blog or contact the support team.
ByteSIM’s mobile app isn’t compulsory for installing your eSIM, but it makes the process smoother. After activating your eSIM, you can monitor data usage from this app or top up data if needed.
ByteSIM: Coverage and speed
ByteSIM offers eSIM coverage in 200+ regions, or virtually all countries where it’s possible. Whether traveling across Europe, North America, Africa, Asia, South America, or Oceania, you’ll find a suitable eSIM package on ByteSIM.
This widespread coverage is one of the main reasons for ByteSIM’s popularity, particularly its regional plans that offer data coverage across multiple countries via a single eSIM.
You can access 5G connectivity with ByteSIM if it’s available in your location. As a ByteSIM user, you’re dependent on local telecoms infrastructure in the country you visit, meaning speeds can vary.
In urban areas, 5G connectivity is more accessible but can be unavailable in rural areas. If 5G is unavailable, you’ll be switched, 4G or LTE.
Some countries have more robust 5G infrastructure than others, with examples including South Korea, the U.S., China, Switzerland, and Denmark. If visiting these countries, you’re more likely to enjoy 5G connectivity with ByteSIM.
ByteSIM: Support
For direct help, you can contact ByteSIM’s support team via email and WhatsApp. You can also dial the telephone support line during working hours, Monday to Friday.
Before seeking direct support, you can first check ByteSIM’s official FAQs page. This page has answers to routine issues users face, from device compatibility to installing eSIMs and troubleshooting slow connections.
Along with the FAQs page, ByteSIM’s official blog contains guides on selecting and installing its eSIMs.
Both the FAQs page and blog sections provide ample self-help resources. ByteSIM provides decent support resources on par with most eSIM providers I’ve tested.
ByteSIM: Final verdict
ByteSIM is a major contender in the eSIM market. It offers flexible eSIM plans for short or long foreign trips and provides reliable internet connectivity.
It’s not the most affordable option, nor does it have the best customer support, but it provides sufficient network coverage in virtually every region. We recommend ByteSIM for your foreign trips, although there are other eSIM options that you can take a look at.
ByteSIM: FAQs
Does ByteSIM offer 5G connectivity?
Yes, ByteSIM provides 5G connectivity for eSIM users, but availability depends on the local telecoms network in the country you visit.
Can I top up my ByteSIM eSIM?
Yes, you can recharge your data plans from the ByteSIM app.
Can I use my phone as a hotspot with ByteSIM?
ByteSIM lets you run your phone as a hotspot with no restrictions.
