Zetexa is a relatively new eSIM provider founded in 2022 by Krishna Murthy, who has 38 years of experience in telecommunications. In spite of being new, Zetexa has caught the eye of travelers with its value-packed unlimited data plans in 170 countries and 5 regions.

We like that it offers various plans for various durations for each destination – 1, 5, 7, 12, 15, 30, 90, and 180 days. This is, in fact, a lot more than some of the more popular names in the industry. The eSIM is pretty easy to install, too – just scan a QR code and follow the prompts.

However, there aren’t many troubleshooting guides or FAQs on the website yet, but we can absolutely expect that to change very soon. Plus, there's only an online form to connect with the customer support team, meaning you may not find any quick resolution in case you run into a technical problem.

Zetexa: Plans and pricing

Zetexa offers some of the best unlimited data plans around with 4G and  5G connectivity for various validities: 1, 7, 15 days, and so on. Needless to say, the prices depend on the location, with the cheapest destinations being the Americas and Europe. 

A real highlight of the service is that for each destination, you get around 15-18 plan options to choose from – one of the highest in the entire eSIM industry. 

We also found plans for 5, 12, and 15 days, which you don’t get with other providers. Plus, there are a lot of options for 30- and 90-day plans as well. Let’s look at some popular Zetexa plans.

What's more, Zetexa also offers a 1-day 100 MB trial pack for all of its regional plans. So, let’s say you’re in Europe and are looking for an eSIM provider; you can get Zetexa’s trial plan for just $1.20 (this price depends on your location) to test out its speed and connectivity. 

If you're satisfied with the service, you can go ahead and purchase one of its many longer-term Europe plans. Other eSIM providers usually do not provide this option, meaning you may end up wasting your money if their connection speed and service aren’t up to the mark.

However, no provider is perfect, and Zetexa’s downside is that it only offers 5 regional plans – plus there are no global plans as yet, either, which may be a serious letdown for some travelers.

These are the best eSIM for international travel in 2024.

Zetexa: Features

Let’s now look at some of the best features you get with Zetexa. 

Unlimited plans

No surprises for the number one spot here, as one of the best things about Zetexa is its unlimited plans. Even better, these plans are flexible and are available for various durations (1, 5, 7, 10, 12, and 15 days) and geographical regions (Asia, Europe, etc.), as well as for specific countries. 

The prices depend on your location. For example, a 7-day Europe unlimited plan costs $21.30, whereas a 7-day USA plan costs just $12.10. This makes Zetexa ideal for short international trips, where you do not want to be constantly worried about how much data you've got left. 

With modern 4G and 5G speeds, you can end up using your limited data (1 GB, for example) in a span of just 1-2 days. However, with unlimited plans, you’ll always have an active internet connection to assist you while you're out and about.

It's also worth noting that Zetexa’s fair usage policy (FUP) applies to all its plans with unlimited data. So, you get 1 GB of data per day at your network’s speed after which the speed is throttled to 32 kbps. The speed is admittedly not too impressive, but it's still a win-win situation since you’d rather prefer having internet at slower speeds than not having internet at all in a foreign country. 

No eKYC Required

You don't need KYC (Know Your Customer) verification to activate and use a Zetexa eSIM. This means that you can get your account up and running within just minutes after you’ve purchased your data plan. 

However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. For example, Indian citizens need to provide their password and VISA details. Also, if you’re traveling to the UAE, Israel, Maldives, Poland, or South Korea, you will need to do eKYC.

Zetexa: Installation

Installing a Zetexa eSIM is very straightforward and the steps are more or less the same for both iOS and Android. Once you purchase a data plan from the website, you’ll receive a QR code. Next, follow these steps to install the eSIM on your device: 

Make sure to assign calls and SMS to the primary SIM on your device – because Zetexa is a data-only eSIM provider. 

Zetexa: Support

Although Zetexa on its website claims to offer 24/7 customer support, we only found an online form you can fill out to connect to their team. You’ll then have to wait for the support agents to email you back with solutions, which can be a time-consuming process. Plus, in case the conversation stretches to a handful of emails, it's going to take a fair while before you finally find a viable solution. 

Now, other eSIM providers like Ubigi and KnowRoaming also offer only an online form for support. However, they also have extensive knowledgebases, with in-depth troubleshooting guides and FAQs on their websites, which solve most customer queries. 

However, all that we found on Zetexa’s knowledgebase was an installation guide. The only positive explanation to this is that the platform is still new, so we can surely expect more helpful guides in the near future.

Zetexa: Final verdict

The bottom line is that Zetexa is a good eSIM, especially if you’re looking for unlimited data plans. It offers data plans in 170+ destinations and 5 regions. Plus, there are a lot of subscription options to choose from – from 1-day to 180-day plans. 

The prices are pretty affordable, too, especially in the US and Europe. One of the highlights is that you get a 1-day trial plan for every single region, so you can test Zetexa’s speed and connection before you commit to a long-term plan. The eSIM installs easily with just a QR code, which is what we've come to expect from the best of the lot.

However, you don’t get any global plans with Zetexa. Plus, there are no troubleshooting guides or knowledge documents on the website, either, and you can reach out to the support agents only through an online form.

Zetexa: FAQs

KnowRoaming has been a well-known name in the telecom industry since 2013 when it launched the groundbreaking Global SIM Sticker. With its eSIM, KnowRoaming offers cost-effective and reliable connections in more than 200 places around the world. 

You get excellent shorter duration plans, and its 7- and 15-day plans offer fantastic value for money. Plus, there are some good regional plans, top, covering destinations like Asia, Europe, East Africa, Oceania, Latin America, etc. The eSIM itself is pretty easy to install and use, and all you’ve to do is scan a QR code and follow the prompts. 

However, the lack of voice calling and SMS, as well as more expensive 30-day plans than competitors like Ubigi, mean that KnowRoaming isn't perfect. Keep reading this in-depth KnowRoaming review to find out everything about its cost, coverage, setup process, and customer support so that you can ultimately decide if it's the right choice for your next international trip.

KnowRoaming: Plans and pricing

KnowRoaming offers several value-for-money one-time plans starting at just $4. You can choose from plans with various validities – 7, 10, 15, 30, 60, or 180 days, depending on your destination. Here’s a quick look at some of the best KnowRoaming eSIM deals. 

While the plans do seem affordable as far as the short duration is concerned, they quickly turn expensive as you increase the number of days. For example, a 30-day USA plan with 10 GB of data will cost you $25.50. With Airhub, however, you can get 15 GB of data for just $11.90. 

Plus, we didn’t find any monthly or annual plans with KnowRoaming. So, if you travel frequently or are a digital nomad, KnowRoaming is undoubtedly an expensive pick. What's more, there are no 1-day plans, either.

However, a positive feature that stood out for me is its  25% discount on all purchases for Visa cardholders. Even better, this offer can be used six times per cardholder per year. 

Plus, you’ll also get a complimentary KnowRoaming 3GB global package valid in over 150 countries. The plan will be activated when you first use it outside your home country and will remain active for a continuous period of 21 days thereon.

These are the best eSIM for international travel in 2024.

KnowRoaming: Features

KnowRoaming boasts a short-but-likeable list of eSIM features that cover all the important bases.

Regional plans

KnowRoaming offers some really good regional plans costing as low as $4.50. For instance, I was delighted to find plans for regions like East Africa, West Africa, Latin America, and Oceania – popular regions that not many eSIMs cover. 

These plans come in handy when you’re visiting more than one country in a short span (say, 15 or 30 days). However, it’s always advisable to check the countries included in a regional pack before purchasing it.

Tethering

You can use the KnowRoaming eSIM to share data with your travel partner if your device supports a hotspot. This way, only one of you will need to install the eSIM when you're out and about. At the same time, though, it's worth noting that data may run out quickly if several users use it simultaneously.

KnowRoaming: Installation

KnowRoaming can be installed on iOS, Android, and Pixel phones – that's comprehensive coverage and includes just about every mobile device. There are well-detailed PDF documents on the website’s Support page that'll guide you through a step-by-step installation process. 

Here’s a quick overview of how you can install the KnowRoaming eSIM on your device:

• First, you’ll need to purchase a data plan from the website. Next, you’ll receive a QR code on your email.
• Scan the QR code and follow the prompts that pop up on your screen until the setup is complete.
• Upon reaching your destination, alter your device's mobile data settings so that it's using the eSIM and activate data roaming on your device. Once this is done, you’re all set to use your new eSIM.

We recommend that you install the eSIM before your departure since you’ll need a stable internet connection for it. You can then turn off your eSIM until you reach your destination. In case you're wondering, your subscription will only be activated when you use your eSIM in the destination country.

If you’re installing the eSIM on an Android device, head over to your Access Point Names (APN) settings and see to it that the option that says APN: globaldata (i.e., no capital letters or spaces) is selected. If not, you can add the APN manually.

KnowRoaming: Support

If you face any issues while using a KnowRoaming eSIM, you can fill out the online form on its website to reach out to its customer support. If you do not get a satisfactory resolution, there’s even a WhatsApp number you can send your query to.

Besides this, we found a lot of FAQs on the website’s Support page with answers on installation, troubleshooting, and general queries. However, the knowledgebase isn’t as extensive as some other providers, such as Ubigi. 

There might be some questions that aren’t answered in the FAQs and your only solution then would be filling out the form, as mentioned above, which is admittedly a slow process – an email ticketing system, phone support, or live chat would have been so much better.

KnowRoaming: Final verdict

Overall, KnowRoaming is undoubtedly a good eSIM, especially if you like traveling for shorter durations (7 or 15 days). There are several affordable plans to choose from, plus you get an excellent selection of regional plans, too, that cover a handful of not-so-popular tourist destinations, like East Africa, West Africa, and Oceania. Put together, KnowRoaming offers eSIM connections in over 200 destinations, meaning it can easily support most people’s travel plans.

However, a significant downside to KnowRoaming is that its plans for longer durations (30 days or more) are more expensive than competitors like Ubigi and Airhub – and it doesn't offer any monthly plans, either. 

Customer support is quite decent, and your options include an online contact form and a WhatsApp number. However, there’s no email or phone support, and the FAQ section isn’t as comprehensive as some of the others.

KnowRoaming: FAQs

If you’re looking for an effective malware-hunting companion, Avast Free Antivirus might not sound very promising. It’s the most basic product in the Avast range, a cut-down version of its free Avast One Essential security suite with most of the privacy tools stripped out; you’ll surely need more than that, won’t you?

Well, maybe not. AV-Comparatives is an independent lab that regularly runs in-depth tests of all the best antivirus software. Most vendors submit their full-featured paid security suites to be sure they get good results, but Avast sends this edition, Avast Free Antivirus. That shows huge confidence, but it’s easy to see why: this app, its most basic free version, regularly wipes the floor with almost all the paid competition.

Protection rates aren’t the only factor in choosing an antivirus, but they’re a very good start. Keep reading and we’ll dig into the detail, run our own tests, and find out more about whether Avast Free Antivirus could be the right malware hunter for you.

Avast Free Antivirus: Features

Avast Free Antivirus can’t quite match the likes of Avira Free Security in the length of its feature list, but there’s a very good reason for that: it’s focused almost entirely on core antivirus functionality, and doesn’t waste your time with bonus extras you may never use.

Avast Free doesn’t have a VPN or a password manager, for instance, unlike Avira Free Security. But Avira’s free VPN is horribly limited, with a 500MB data limit a month and no ability to change location, and although its password works, it’s extremely basic and no match for market leaders like Dashlane.

Avast Free does have a few bonus tools. The Network Inspector checks your network for vulnerabilities and finds all its connected devices; the Software Updater looks out for missing security patches, and Avast's Ransomware Shield prevents untrusted apps from modifying files. 

Where Avast Free wins out, though, is with its core protection engines. It has full system-wide web protection to block phishing and other malicious websites, for instance; Avira doesn’t include full web protection in the free edition (the best you can do is install extensions for specific browsers.)

Avast Free Antivirus: Getting Started

If you’re the type of person who runs an app installer and accepts every default setting, then Avast Free Antivirus could cause you a problem. It also installs Avast Secure Browser and sets it as your default browser unless you notice the warning (in suspiciously tiny print) and clear the checkboxes. We’ve no problem with a provider offering extras like this, but they shouldn’t be installed unless you specifically select them.

The Avast Free Antivirus app looks great. The screens are a subdued gray and white, but they’re brought to life with eye-catching splashes of green and orange. Icons are large, and you’re never left wondering what they mean because they all have a text caption. And with animations everywhere - panels moving in from the left, highlights fading up and down as you move the mouse cursor over them - the app feels more like a polished modern website than the usual dull static Windows app.

There are neat usability touches everywhere. Many free apps don’t highlight which functions you can use and which you can’t, so you’re regularly choosing an option and getting a ‘CAN’T DO THAT UNLESS YOU PAY!!’ screen. Avast makes it instantly clear with an icon at the top right of each button: a padlock means you can’t use it, a down arrow means you can use it but there’s something to install first, and no icon means it’s all yours. 

When you click any option for the first time, Avast displays a help page quickly and clearly explaining what the feature does and how to use it. It’s another neat touch which avoids confusion and helps you feel at home right away.

Avast Free Antivirus: Protection

We track the performance of all the top antivirus apps as reported by independent testing labs including AV-Comparatives, AV-Test, MRG Effitas and SE Labs. Most providers submit their full-featured paid versions for testing, but Avast sends its free edition, which shows a lot of confidence in its power.

That confidence seems fully justified, too. We keep an aggregate score of antivirus performance across nine major tests, and currently Avast Free Antivirus is equal first with Bitdefender and McAfee. (ESET, F-Secure and Norton are equal fourth, and Avira follows in seventh place.)

Lab results are important, but we’re always keen to run further tests of our own. We began by attempting to access 50 of the latest phishing URLs, as collected by experts at OpenPhish. Avast did a good job, blocking 86% immediately. Bitdefender Antivirus Free was relatively disappointing at 64%. Avira Security Free scored a little better in recent tests with a 90% protection rate, but that was with a browser extension only. Avast Free wins overall because it has system-wide browsing protection which protects every browser and app on your device.

We switched to our malware test, and tried to download some very dangerous files from 50 brand new links. Avast Free did an excellent job, blocking 94% of threats either at the URL level, or when the files hit our hard drive. That couldn’t match Bitdefender Antivirus Free, which blocked 100% of our test threats, but was just ahead of Avira Free’s 90%.

These results can vary significantly depending on the files and links we use, but, on balance, we think they match the independent lab reports: Avast and Bitdefender Free are too closely matched to call, and Avira is just a fraction behind.

Avast Free Antivirus: Comprehensive Antivirus

Avast Free Antivirus automatically monitors your device to detect malicious files as they appear, but if you want to run a manual check, it has more scan types than anyone else, even paid products.

The Smart Scan runs a quick antivirus scan in under a minute, for instance, and also looks for poorly configured system settings which might compromise your security. Bitdefender’s Vulnerability Scan tries to do something similar, but we found Avast spotted more relevant issues and gave better advice.

The catch? Smart Scan also checks for a bunch of performance and other issues which can’t be fixed with the free version, and repeatedly prompts you to upgrade to fix them all (it took us an extra four clicks to get rid of the upselling attempts and return to the dashboard.) It’s a little annoying, and more pushy than most of the competition, but no surprise: you’re getting leading-edge antivirus for free, of course Avast is going to try to sell you an upgrade. 

If you’re looking for something more thorough, the Full System Scan checks your entire device for threats. This can take a very time, perhaps hours, but Avast Scans are faster the second time around.

That’s good, but it’s only the beginning. Avast Free can also run custom scans of whatever files, folders or drives you need, either from the app or the Explorer right-click menu. A Boot-Time scan can remove stealthy threats by checking your system before Windows loads. If that doesn’t work, Avast Free can even create a bootable USB key to scan your device without Windows running, helping catch stealthy threats that you couldn’t remove otherwise. Bitdefender Antivirus Free isn’t nearly as generous, leaving its own Rescue Environment and all but the most essential scan types for paying customers only.

While everyone likes free extras, we much prefer the Avast Free focus on its core antivirus protection. You probably don’t need a horribly limited VPN, but we’ll bet you do need comprehensive malware protection, and that’s where Avast Free Antivirus excels.

Avast Free antivirus: Final verdict

Most top free antivirus apps leave out at least some key features to try and persuade you to upgrade (Avira Free leaves out web protection, Bitdefender Free drops most of its advanced scap types), but not Avast Free Antivirus. It has all the real-time and web filtering technologies you need, and they block more malware than just about anyone else.

If you’re looking for more functionality, though, don’t rule out Avast One Essential. It has the same excellent protection, and includes extras like a free VPN. (Sure, it’s a very limited VPN - no kill switch, can’t change location - but with 5GB of free data a week, it might work for basic browsing.)

We've listed the best cloud antivirus.