T-Mobile International Pass vs eSIM — which is the better deal?

T-Mobile's international coverage — what's actually included

T-Mobile includes some international texting and slower-speed data automatically with certain higher-tier plans, and sells an International Pass add-on for faster speeds and more data in specific destinations, typically priced per day or per data allotment for the length of your trip.

Where it gets complicated

The "included" international data on standard plans is often throttled to slow, 2G-equivalent speeds — technically connected, but too slow for maps, video calls, or anything beyond basic messaging. The faster International Pass add-on costs extra on top of your regular plan.

What a travel eSIM costs instead

A Proost eSIM gives you full 4G/5G speeds for the whole length of your trip, at a fixed one-time cost, with no throttling and no add-on fees stacked on top of your existing plan.

Key differences

T-Mobile's included international data prioritises staying connected at minimal cost to them — which usually means slow speeds unless you pay more. A travel eSIM is separate, dedicated data at full speed for however much you buy.

When T-Mobile's international options make sense

When a travel eSIM wins

The bottom line

If you rely on your phone for more than basic texting while travelling, a Proost eSIM at full 4G/5G speed will serve you far better than throttled included data, often for less than the International Pass add-on costs anyway.