An eSIM laptop connects directly to mobile networks, no Wi-Fi, hotspot, or dongle required. Most laptops don't have this built in unless you specifically bought a 5G or LTE configuration, and no MacBook has it yet. Below: every major laptop line that supports eSIM in 2026, how to check if yours is one of them, and how to get any laptop online in 170 countries today with Firsty.
Which laptops support eSIM?
A laptop needs two things: a cellular modem (usually sold as a "5G" or "LTE/WWAN" configuration) and eSIM support. Important: cellular is almost always an optional configuration. A ThinkPad X1 Carbon can have eSIM, but most units sold don't. Check your specific machine (guide below).
Microsoft
Surface Pro (5G models, incl. Surface Pro 9/10/11 with 5G)
Surface Go (LTE Advanced models)
Surface Laptop (5G/LTE configurations)
Lenovo
ThinkPad X1 Carbon (WWAN configurations)
ThinkPad X13 / T14 / T14s (4G/5G configurations)
ThinkPad Z13 / Z16
HP
EliteBook (4G/5G configurations)
Dragonfly series
Spectre x360 (select cellular models)
Dell
Latitude (mobile broadband configurations)
XPS (select 4G/5G models)
Others: Asus ExpertBook (WWAN models), Acer TravelMate (LTE models), Samsung Galaxy Book (5G models)
What about MacBooks?
No MacBook supports eSIM yet. Apple's first 5G MacBook Pro is expected in late 2026 or early 2027. Until then, the best way to get a MacBook online anywhere is a hotspot from your phone's Firsty eSIM. Full MacBook guide
How to check if your laptop has eSIM
Windows 11: Settings → Network & Internet. If you see Cellular, your laptop has a modem. Click it → eSIM profiles. If the option exists, you're eSIM-ready.
Quick test: press Win, type "eSIM." If "eSIM profiles" appears in settings search, you have it. No Cellular option? Your laptop has no modem. Jump to the hotspot section below.
How to set up Firsty on a Windows laptop
Log in to your Firsty account and generate your eSIM QR code or activation code.
On your laptop: Settings → Network & Internet → Cellular.
Manage eSIM profiles → Add a new profile.
Scan the QR code or enter the activation code from your Firsty account.
Select the profile, click Connect, and enable "Use cellular when Wi-Fi is poor."
You're connected in 170 countries, same eSIM, same account, no separate laptop plan to buy.
No eSIM in your laptop? You still have the best option
Most laptops, and every MacBook, don't have a modem. The practical answer used by most remote workers: your phone's eSIM + personal hotspot.
With one Firsty eSIM on your phone:
Every device you carry gets online in 170 countries
Same price everywhere, from €0.98/GB, or free on the Firsty Free plan
No contracts, pause anytime
Works with iPhone Instant Hotspot and Android tethering, over Wi-Fi or USB
eSIM laptop vs. phone hotspot: which is better?
| Built-in laptop eSIM | Phone hotspot (Firsty) | |
|---|---|---|
| Works on any laptop | cellular models only | including MacBooks |
| Extra hardware cost | ~€100–400 config upcharge | €0 |
| Phone battery impact | None | Moderate (use USB) |
| Setup | Per laptop | Once, on your phone |
| Coverage | Depends on plan | 170 countries, one eSIM |
Built-in eSIM is more convenient if you already own a cellular laptop. For everyone else, the hotspot route costs nothing extra and covers every device you travel with.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put an eSIM in any laptop?
No. Only laptops with a built-in cellular modem support eSIM. Most laptops are sold without one. Check Settings → Network & Internet for a Cellular option.
Do MacBooks have eSIM?
No. Apple is expected to launch its first cellular MacBook Pro in late 2026/early 2027.
Is there an eSIM adapter for laptops?
USB cellular adapters exist but are niche, fiddly and often carrier-locked. For most people a phone hotspot is cheaper and more reliable.
Why don't more laptops come with eSIM built in?
Mainly cost. A cellular/eSIM configuration adds a modem and antenna hardware, usually a €100 to €400 premium over the same laptop without it. That's why it tends to show up as an optional upgrade on business-focused lines like the ThinkPad or Surface Pro rather than as standard across the board.
Do I need Wi-Fi to activate an eSIM on my laptop?
Yes, once. You need an internet connection to download the eSIM profile the first time, either Wi-Fi or a phone's mobile data. After that, the eSIM works independently and doesn't need Wi-Fi to connect to mobile networks.
Does using cellular data drain my laptop's battery faster than Wi-Fi?
A little. A cellular modem draws more power than a Wi-Fi radio, so expect somewhat shorter battery life on eSIM versus Wi-Fi, the same tradeoff you'd notice on a phone.
Is a built-in laptop eSIM better than tethering from my phone?
Depends on what you already own. A built-in eSIM means one less device to manage, but a phone hotspot works on any laptop, including MacBooks, and costs nothing extra if you already carry a travel eSIM like Firsty. See the comparison table above.
Does Firsty work on Windows laptops?
Yes. Install via QR code from your account. Once you're logged in, generate your eSIM QR code or activation code and add it directly through your laptop's Settings → Network & Internet → Cellular menu, the same way you'd add it on a phone.
