From smart meters and fleet trackers to connected cars and wearables, the Internet of Things (IoT) is growing fast—and so is the need for reliable, global connectivity.
That’s where IoT eSIMs come in.
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What is an IoT eSIM?
Unlike traditional SIM cards, eSIMs (embedded SIMs) are built into the device and can be programmed remotely. They let your devices switch networks, roam across borders, and stay online 24/7—without swapping physical SIM cards.
But with so many providers offering IoT eSIM services, how do you choose the best one for your needs?
We’ve done the research for you. Here are the best IoT eSIM providers in 2024, and what makes each one stand out.
🏆 Top IoT eSIM Providers
| Provider | Best For | Coverage | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1NCE | Low-cost, high-scale IoT | 100+ countries | €10 for 10 years, scalable plans, ideal for sensors & meters |
| KORE Wireless | Enterprise-grade IoT | Global | SIM lifecycle management, secure APIs, strong M2M focus |
| Thales | Security-critical applications | Global | Advanced eSIM security, remote provisioning, global reach |
| Truphone | Flexible deployments | 190+ countries | Instant activation, real-time control, strong global partnerships |
| BICS | Logistics & mobile IoT | 200+ countries | Roaming optimization, real-time usage control, MVNO support |
| Soracom | Developer-friendly IoT | Global | Pay-as-you-go pricing, API-first platform, ideal for startups |
| Eseye | Full-stack IoT connectivity | 190+ countries | Intelligent network switching, AWS IoT Core integration |
🔍 A Closer Look at the Top Players
🌍 1NCE – The Budget Champion
Perfect for large-scale, low-data IoT like meters, trackers, or sensors. €10 for 10 years includes 500MB and 250 SMS messages—simple, affordable, and built to scale.
🛠️ KORE Wireless – The Enterprise Powerhouse
With decades of M2M expertise, KORE offers enterprise-grade SIM management tools, robust APIs, and secure provisioning for mission-critical deployments.
🔐 Thales – The Security Specialist
Ideal for applications where data protection is key. Thales leads in secure eSIM provisioning and works with top-tier industries like automotive and healthcare.
🌐 Truphone – The Global All-Rounder
Truphone offers flexible plans and real-time control for global deployments, with strong eSIM support for both consumer and industrial IoT devices.
🚚 BICS – The Logistics Leader
Offers excellent roaming coverage and multi-network fallback—perfect for mobile IoT like smart transportation, asset tracking, and logistics.
👨💻 Soracom – The Developer’s Dream
Designed with developers in mind, Soracom offers cloud integration, programmable APIs, and pay-as-you-go pricing—ideal for prototypes and startup launches.
🔄 Eseye – The Full-Stack Solution
Eseye combines connectivity, cloud integration, and intelligent switching to ensure IoT devices always find the strongest available signal—no matter where they are.
✅ How to Choose the Right IoT eSIM Provider
When picking a provider, consider:
- Device type: Sensor, tracker, vehicle, wearable, etc.
- Deployment region: Where will the devices operate?
- Scalability: Will you grow from 100 to 10,000+ devices?
- Data needs: High bandwidth vs. small, infrequent bursts
- Security: Do you need encryption, remote control, or compliance?
- Management tools: Dashboards, APIs, real-time insights
- Budget: Pay-as-you-go, flat-rate, or custom enterprise pricing?
🧠 Final Thoughts
IoT eSIMs are the backbone of modern connected devices. They enable global communication, reduce operational friction, and allow businesses to scale without borders.
Whether you’re a startup launching your first IoT product or an enterprise managing thousands of devices across continents, there’s an eSIM provider tailored to your needs.
Pro tip: Always test a few SIMs before deploying at scale. Most providers offer trial kits or starter packs—take advantage of them!