Is eSIM better than a regular SIM card?

My own list:

A stolen phone no longer can have it’s SIM extracted and “read” to reveal the user’s phone number. (A far too common targeted-phishing attack vector for the “PIN’less” masses)

A new/replacement phone can be more easily provisioned w/o needing a hardware SIM from the carrier.

Depending on the carrier’s sophistication, authenticated web-access subscribers can “self-service” their eSIMs online. (Both for “migrations” and “replacements”)

Elimination of mechanical contacts (a.k.a. potential failure points) and the risk of damaging / dropping / loosing the itsy-bitsy nanoSIM or SIM drawer.

Multiple eSIMs (i.e. phone numbers) can be stored on the device and selected at-will.

And subjectively, anything that reduces the subscriber’s need to “deal with their carrier’s support” is generally a good thing. 😉

There are no relevant differences in terms of performances, if you use the same traffic plan with them.

The only thing I can tell you is that, using eSIMs (4G or 5G) you MUST choose a reliable cellular carrier among this list:-->Find wireless carriers and worldwide service providers that offer eSIM service - Apple Support

Regards

Giulio

I use SIM card protected with a SIM PIN because I use MVNO providers and in Europe we simply don't have the choice. They are all SIM card only.

I have no fears of theft because I set a PIN in Settings, Cellular (or Settings, Mobile data in UK)

I believe globally SIM cards use thousands of tons of plastic if that floats your boat.

eSIM is more secure because the SIM card can't be stolen.