Return policy comparison · 2026
ESIMUSA vs KnowRoaming
Policy data verified July 24, 2026 by the Thrifle team
Winner
ESIMUSA
B+
3.7 / 5.0 · Good
KnowRoaming
B+
3.5 / 5.0 · Good
The verdict
ESIMUSA has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading B+ (3.7/5.0) against KnowRoaming's B+ (3.5/5.0). It wins 1 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return window: 180-day window (very generous) versus 90-day window (above average).
Score breakdown
Five axes, 5.0 points total — the same deterministic grader behind every Thrifle policy page.
ESIMUSAKnowRoaming
Return window · worth 2.0
Restocking fee · worth 1.0
Return shipping · worth 1.0
Holiday window · worth 0.5
Transparency · worth 0.5
Key terms side-by-side
| ESIMUSA | KnowRoaming | |
|---|---|---|
| Return window | ✓ 6 months (unactivated eSIM only) | 90 days (unused/unactivated data plans full refund; activated plans discretionary) |
| Free returns | N/A (digital eSIM, no shipping) | — |
| Restocking fee | None | None (digital eSIM product) |
| Return shipping | N/A - digital product delivered by QR code | — |
| Holiday extension | — | None published |
| Non-returnable | eSIMs that have been scanned and activated on a device, requests made more than 6 months after purchase | Activated data plans that have used more than 2% of data are not guaranteed a refund; refunds denied for repeated refund requests, Terms of Service violations, or fraud |
| Watch-out items | — | Refund requests must be made within 90 days of purchase - no refunds once the plan's validity period expires |
ESIMUSA tip
The 6-month window is unusually long for this category, but it only applies while the eSIM stays unactivated - once you scan the QR code onto a phone, the refund door closes regardless of how much data you actually used.
KnowRoaming tip
Refunds on an activated eSIM plan are entirely discretionary - your best shot at getting money back once you've started using it is staying under 2% of your data allowance or documenting an actual service outage.
Frequently asked questions
Who has the better return policy, ESIMUSA or KnowRoaming?
ESIMUSA has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading B+ (3.7/5.0) against KnowRoaming's B+ (3.5/5.0). It wins 1 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return window: 180-day window (very generous) versus 90-day window (above average).
What is ESIMUSA's return window?
ESIMUSA's return window is 6 months (unactivated eSIM only).
What is KnowRoaming's return window?
KnowRoaming's return window is 90 days (unused/unactivated data plans full refund; activated plans discretionary).
Does ESIMUSA or KnowRoaming offer free returns?
ESIMUSA: N/A (digital eSIM, no shipping). KnowRoaming: see full policy.