Zap eSIM vs RedteaGO for US data
RedteaGO sells travel eSIMs for many destinations, including several kinds of US plan: data-only, data with calls and texts, pay-by-day unlimited, and regional plans. Zap eSIM sells prepaid US data plans (1, 3, 5 or 10 GB, or Unlimited for 7 days) paid with Bitcoin over Lightning, with no account needed and no KYC. Here's how they compare for the United States.
Plan-by-plan comparison
| Plan size | Zap eSIM | RedteaGO data-only (US) | RedteaGO with calls & texts (US) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 GB | 7 days: $5.50 | 30 days: $1.60 | 7 days: $5.50 |
| 2–3 GB | 3 GB / 30 days: $8.49 | 3 GB / 30 days: $3.00 | 2 GB / 15 days: $9.00 · 3 GB / 30 days: $10.90 |
| 5 GB | 30 days: $11.99 | 30 days: $4.60 | 30 days: $14.90 |
| 10 GB | 30 days: $19.99 | 60 days: $8.30 | 30 days: $19.90 |
| Bigger plans | Not offered | 20 GB / 90 days $16.30 · 50 GB / 180 days $36.00 · 100 GB / 180 days $64.00 | 20 GB / 30 days: $29.90 |
| Zap eSIM | RedteaGO | |
|---|---|---|
| Unlimited | 7 days: $17.99 (first 2 GB each day at full speed, then up to 1 Mbps (best effort, often lower); resets about every 24 hours) | Pay by the day: from $0.70/day (Basic) or $4.90/day (Premium) |
| Networks | Verizon and AT&T (multi-network) | US data-only package details list Verizon and AT&T (4G/5G) |
| Activation window | Validity starts when the eSIM first connects to a supported network | Activate the data plan within 30 days after purchase |
| Hotspot | Usually works, but depends on your phone and isn't guaranteed | Hotspot sharing listed as a feature |
| Calls, texts & phone number | Data only, no phone number; keep your current number on your main SIM | Plans with calls and texts available |
| Top-ups | Yes, from your saved order link (GB plans; Unlimited can't be topped up yet) | Yes |
| How you buy | In the browser; eSIM delivered instantly on your order page | RedteaGO app (iOS/Android) or website; a guest checkout option is shown |
| Payment | Bitcoin Lightning | FAQ lists Apple Pay, PayPal, bank card, Alipay, crypto and RedteaGO credit |
| Account / ID | No account needed to buy (an account is optional), no KYC | See redteago.com |
| Support | Email zap.it.863@gmail.com | 24/7 customer support; service@redteago.com |
Prices checked on October 4, 2026 on each provider's own website: RedteaGO United States eSIM. All prices in US dollars as shown on those pages. Prices, taxes and promotions change and can differ by region or currency, so check the provider's site before you buy.
The honest verdict
RedteaGO's data-only US plans cost much less than Zap eSIM's and last as long or longer: 1 GB for 30 days at $1.60 (Zap eSIM: 7 days, $5.50), 3 GB for 30 days at $3.00 (Zap eSIM: $8.49), 5 GB for 30 days at $4.60 (Zap eSIM: $11.99) and 10 GB for 60 days at $8.30 (Zap eSIM: 30 days, $19.99). If price is what matters most, RedteaGO wins.
RedteaGO also sells unlimited data by the day and lists crypto among its payment methods; its page doesn't say which coins or networks, so check before you buy if you want to pay over Lightning.
Who should pick which
- Pick RedteaGO if you want the lowest price, long validity, big or pay-by-day unlimited plans, calls and texts, an app, or plans for other countries.
- Pick Zap eSIM if you want a plain Lightning checkout: tap a plan, pay the invoice from any Lightning wallet, and your eSIM appears on the order page, with no account needed and no KYC.
A private, secure connection, explained plainly: the private part is the checkout. You don't need an account or ID, and you pay with Bitcoin over Lightning instead of a card. The secure part is the standard encryption mobile networks use on the link between your phone and the network. It isn't a VPN and doesn't hide your activity from the mobile network. More in the FAQ, or read eSIM privacy: who can see what, what no-KYC means here and how paying with Bitcoin works.
Zap eSIM plans: 1 GB for 7 days ($0.90) · 3 GB for 30 days ($8.49) · 5 GB for 30 days ($11.99) · 10 GB for 30 days ($19.99) · Unlimited for 7 days ($17.99), with the first 2 GB each day at full speed, then up to 1 Mbps · compare all plans.
See Zap eSIM plans Top up an existing Zap eSIM
Zap eSIM is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by RedteaGO. Product names are used only to identify the services compared and belong to their owners.
Frequently asked questions
Is Zap eSIM cheaper than RedteaGO?
No. On October 4, 2026, RedteaGO's data-only US plans were far cheaper: 1 GB for 30 days at $1.60, 3 GB for 30 days at $3.00, 5 GB for 30 days at $4.60 and 10 GB for 60 days at $8.30, compared with Zap eSIM's $5.50 (1 GB, 7 days), $8.49 (3 GB, 30 days), $11.99 (5 GB, 30 days) and $19.99 (10 GB, 30 days).
Can I pay RedteaGO with crypto?
RedteaGO's FAQ lists crypto among its payment methods, along with Apple Pay, PayPal, bank card, Alipay and RedteaGO credit. It doesn't say which coins or networks, so check on redteago.com.
Does Zap eSIM have unlimited data?
Yes: Unlimited for 7 days at $17.99, with the first 2 GB each day at full speed, then up to 1 Mbps (best effort, often lower), resetting about every 24 hours. RedteaGO sells unlimited data by the day instead.
Is my connection private and secure?
Checkout is private: no account, no ID (no KYC), no email needed, and you pay with Bitcoin over Lightning instead of a card. Bitcoin payments aren't anonymous, but you don't hand over a name, card or ID to buy. The connection is a normal mobile data connection: traffic between your phone and the mobile network is encrypted as standard. It isn't a VPN or end-to-end encryption, and the mobile network still carries your traffic and can see connection details. For extra privacy online, use a VPN or encrypted apps on top. See our privacy policy for what we do collect.
How do I pay for Zap eSIM?
With Bitcoin over the Lightning Network from any Lightning wallet. Prices are in US dollars, charged in sats at the live rate when your invoice is created. More: how paying with Bitcoin works.
Do I need an account for Zap eSIM?
No account is needed and there's no KYC. Your eSIM is delivered instantly on your order page; save that link as your receipt and for top-ups.
How do I contact Zap eSIM support?
Email zap.it.863@gmail.com and include your order ID (it starts with ZAP-).