The Best eSIM-Compatible Phones For Small Businesses

Essentials to know

• eSIM phones let you run two numbers on one device: ideal for separating business and personal calls, texts and WhatsApp without carrying two phones.
• Most modern phones support eSIM: including recent iPhones, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel and many Android models, though regional variants matter.
• Best for small businesses and teams: eSIM-compatible phones simplify onboarding, remote working, BYOD policies and scaling without SIM admin.
• What to look for in a business phone: strong network compatibility, dual-SIM support, regular security updates, solid battery life and easy eSIM management.
• eSIM-only phones are becoming the norm: with faster setup, fewer moving parts and easier number control, they’re increasingly future-proof for business use.

Want to wave goodbye to the hassle of physical SIM cards, while still running a second dedicated business number on one phone? eSIM technology makes it easier than ever to use your business number alongside your personal line, without juggling SIM cards or carrying two devices.

But not all phones support eSIM, and the options on the market vary widely in features, price and practicality for business use.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best eSIM-compatible phones for small businesses, explain what makes a phone eSIM-compatible, and help you choose the right devices for your needs – whether you’re working solo or supporting a growing team.

What makes a phone eSIM-compatible?

An eSIM-compatible phone is one that can host a digital SIM profile in place of, or alongside, a physical SIM card. Instead of inserting a plastic card into a slot, you download a digital profile that connects your device to a mobile network.

To be genuinely eSIM-compatible, a phone needs:

• Built-in eSIM support at a hardware and software level
• Network support from your chosen provider
• The ability to store and manage one or more eSIM profiles

Many modern phones allow you to run an eSIM alongside a physical SIM, or even multiple eSIMs at once. This flexibility is what makes eSIMs so appealing to businesses.

Why eSIM phones are ideal for modern small businesses

eSIM phones solve several common frustrations for small business owners:

• They let you run business and personal numbers on one device
• You can activate a new number in minutes, not days
• There’s no physical SIM to lose, damage or wait for in the post
• Numbers can be managed digitally as your business evolves and your needs change

eSIM plans are particularly well-suited to businesses that rely on fast, reliable communication and want to avoid unnecessary admin as they grow.

Who do eSIM-compatible phones make most sense for?

While eSIMs offer benefits to almost all phone users, they’re particularly useful for some businesses and professions. eSIM-compatible phones work especially well if you’re:

• A sole trader or freelancer running a dedicated business number alongside their personal number from one device
• Managing a small team and want simple, easy-to-manage device setups
• Working with remote or hybrid team members
• Operating a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policy, where staff use their own phones for work
• Travelling regularly or working with international clients
• Looking for clearer visibility over mobile costs and usage

Because eSIMs are provisioned digitally, they make it far easier to onboard, change or remove numbers without physically handling SIM cards. That makes eSIM-compatible devices an excellent choice for many businesses.

iPhone models that support eSIM

In the UK, most recent iPhone models (from the XR onwards) are eSIM compatible, while still including a physical SIM tray if required. Popular options include the iPhone 17, 16, 15, 14, 13 and 12 series, as well as the iPhone SE 3 (2022). The iPhone Air is eSIM-only globally.

Samsung Galaxy phones with eSIM support

Samsung broadened its eSIM support with the Galaxy S20 series and now offers a wide range of Android phones with eSIM support, covering both premium and more affordable models. Well-suited options for business users include:

• Galaxy S20, S21, S22, S23, S24 and S25 series – including Plus, Ultra and FE models (some US, Hong Kong and South Korea variants of S20 and S21 models do not support eSIM)
• Galaxy Note 20 and Note 20 Ultra 5G – eSIM supported on most international models (US and Hong Kong variants are not eSIM-compatible)
• Galaxy Z Fold series – Fold, Fold2 5G, Fold3 5G, Fold4, Fold5 5G, Fold6 5G and Fold7 (some US and Hong Kong variants of early Fold models do not support eSIM)
• Galaxy Z Flip series – Z Flip, Flip3 5G, Flip4, Flip5 5G, Flip6 5G, Flip7 and Flip7 FE (some US variants of early models do not support eSIM)
• Selected Galaxy A-series models – including Galaxy A54, A55 5G, A56, A35 and A36 (eSIM support varies by model and region)

As with all phone models, it’s worth double-checking specifications before you purchase, as eSIM availability can vary depending on regional and carrier policies.

Google Pixel phones that work with eSIM

Google was an early adopter of eSIM technology, first introducing broad support for eSIM with the Pixel 3. Since then, eSIM support has been built into the entire Pixel range, with newer models allowing two eSIMs to be active at the same time – a useful feature for business users who want maximum flexibility. Pixel phones with eSIM support include:

• Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL – eSIM supported on devices purchased with Google Fi (Pixel 2 only)
• Pixel 3 and 3 XL – eSIM supported, but availability varies by country and carrier (not supported on models sold in Australia, Taiwan or Japan, or on some US carrier variants)
• Pixel 3a and 3a XL – eSIM supported, except on devices sold in Japan or through certain US carriers
• Pixel 4, 4 XL and 4a
• Pixel 5 and 5a
• Pixel 6, 6a and 6 Pro
• Pixel 7, 7a and 7 Pro
• Pixel 8, 8a and 8 Pro
• Pixel Fold
• Pixel 9 and Pixel 10 series

As with all phones, eSIM availability can still vary depending on country, carrier and where the device was originally purchased.

Other Android brands offering eSIM-compatible devices

eSIM support is expanding beyond Apple, Samsung and Google. Other manufacturers offering compatible devices include:

• Motorola – Razr (2019, 2022, 5G, 40, 40 Ultra, Razr+, Razr+ 2024, Razr 2024, Razr 60 and Razr 60 Ultra), Edge (2022, 2023, Edge+ 2023, Edge 40, 40 Pro, 40 Neo, Edge 50 Fusion, 50 Pro, 50 Ultra, Edge 60, 60 Pro, 60 Fusion and 60 Stylus), and Moto G models including Moto G Power 5G (2024), G52J 5G (and II), G53J 5G, G34, G53, G54, G84, Moto G54 5G, Moto G35 and Moto G Stylus 5G (2024)
• Sony – Xperia 10 III Lite, Xperia 10 IV and 10 V, Xperia 1 IV, 1 V and 1 VI, Xperia 5 IV and 5 V, and Xperia Ace III
• Oppo – Find X3 and X3 Pro, Reno 5A, Reno 6 Pro 5G, Reno 9A, Find N2 Flip, Find X5 and X5 Pro, A55s 5G, Find N3 and N3 Flip, Find X8 and X8 Pro, Reno14 and Reno14 Pro, Find X9 and X9 Pro (the Oppo Lite series does not support eSIM)
• Huawei – P40, P40 Pro, Mate 40 Pro, Pura 70 Pro (the P40 Pro+ and P50 Pro do not work with eSIM)

Availability can vary by model and region, so it’s always worth checking the exact specifications before purchasing.

Dual SIM and eSIM – what business owners need to know

Many eSIM-compatible phones support dual SIM – usually one physical SIM plus one eSIM. This allows you to run your business and personal numbers side by side on the same device.

Before buying any phone, especially second-hand or ex-contract models, always check that it is network unlocked.

Locked devices can limit which eSIM providers you’re able to use, make it harder to switch networks in the future, and restrict your ability to add international or backup eSIMs when you need them. For business use, unlocked phones offer far more flexibility and fewer surprises over time.

eSIM features that matter for business use

When you’re choosing a phone for business use, it’s worth looking beyond the headline specs. The features below tend to have the biggest impact on day-to-day reliability, ease of use and how well a device supports your work over time:

Coverage & compatibility

Strong support for UK networks and frequency bands is vital for reliable calls and data, particularly if you work on the move or outside major towns and cities. Good compatibility also reduces the risk of dropped calls or patchy data when switching between locations. For businesses that rely on their phones throughout the day, consistent coverage is often more important than headline speeds.

Setup & management

Phones that make it easy to add, label and switch eSIM profiles can save a surprising amount of time. Simple, well-designed settings make it easier to keep work and personal numbers clearly separated and reduce day-to-day admin. This becomes especially valuable if you ever need to change plans, add a temporary number or support someone else using the device.

Security & updates

Regular operating system and security updates are essential for protecting business data and maintaining long-term reliability. Phones that receive updates promptly are better protected against vulnerabilities and tend to remain usable for longer. This is particularly important if your device is used for customer communication, payments or accessing business systems.

Performance & storage

Choosing a model with enough RAM and internal storage helps keep devices responsive as you juggle calls, messages, apps and files throughout the day. As many modern phones no longer support expandable storage, it’s worth choosing a model with sufficient built-in capacity from the outset. This avoids slowdowns later on and reduces the need to replace devices prematurely.

Battery life

eSIM itself has minimal impact on battery life, but dual SIM use, 5G connectivity and business apps can all increase power consumption. A phone that comfortably lasts a full working day without constant charging helps reduce friction and keeps you reachable when it matters most.

Buying eSIM phones for teams

If you’re purchasing phones for more than one person, consistency really matters. Using the same or similar models across your team can make devices easier to support, quicker to set up and simpler to manage over time.

Here are a few things to consider when choosing devices for a team:

• Limit the number of models to simplify support
• Choose phones with long update lifecycles
• Ensure all devices are unlocked and eSIM-compatible

Think ahead about onboarding, role changes and offboarding and put clear processes in place for these events.

It’s worth thinking ahead to your business’s potential future needs. Pairing eSIM-compatible phones with business eSIMs makes it far easier to scale without increasing admin burden.

Are eSIM-only phones the future for small businesses?

Some newer smartphones – particularly in the US – have removed the physical SIM slot entirely, relying solely on eSIM technology. For small businesses, this points to simpler, more flexible mobile setups, with no physical SIMs to manage and faster, fully digital number activation.

eSIM-only phones make it easier to onboard team members, replace devices and support flexible working, all with less admin. While dual-SIM phones still offer reassurance for some businesses, eSIM-only models are increasingly becoming a practical, efficient and business-friendly option as network support continues to improve.

Frequently asked questions about eSIM phones

Can I use an eSIM and a physical SIM at the same time?

Yes – many phones support one physical SIM plus one eSIM. If this is important to you, choose a compatible model rather than an eSIM-only device.

Do eSIM phones work with WhatsApp Business?

Yes. WhatsApp Business works exactly the same with an eSIM number as it does with a second virtual number.

Are eSIM-only phones safe for business use?

Yes – when supported by a reliable eSIM provider, eSIM-only phones can be a secure and dependable option for business use, especially when you retain long-term control of your number.

Can I move my eSIM to a new phone?

In most cases, yes. The process varies by provider but is designed to be transferable.

Does eSIM affect battery life?

The type of SIM itself has little impact on your device’s battery life. Battery use depends more on apps, signal strength and 5G usage.

What happens if my phone is lost?

If a phone is lost or stolen, business eSIMs can usually be suspended or reissued quickly, reducing disruption.

Bringing it all together with YourBusinessNumber

Once you’ve chosen the right eSIM-compatible phone, pairing it with a dedicated business number makes all the difference.

With YourBusinessNumber, you can activate a business number in minutes and run business and personal lines on the same device, all without swapping physical SIM cards. Everything is managed digitally through a single setup, with predictable costs on a flexible rolling monthly plan that scales easily as your business grows.

The right phone, combined with a business-ready eSIM, turns your existing mobile phone into a reliable, professional communication tool, without any unnecessary complexity.

Ready to switch your business to eSIM and take charge of your communication? Get your business eSIM today with us.