Mobile data in Spain - eSIM recommendations?

We just got back from Madrid. Got a local SIM card at one of the mamy places near Sol. Cost $15 - great for GPS, bus info, calls. We were advised not to get a SIM card at the airport - too expensive. But this one was perfect

I’d 100% go eSIM for Spain - way less hassle than messing around with a local SIM after you land. Having data working right away for maps, WhatsApp, taxi apps, all that stuff, just makes the whole arrival way smoother.
For a normal city trip like Barcelona + Madrid, eSIM is kind of the no-brainer move. You install it before the flight, land, switch it on, and you’re good to go. No hunting for a shop, no swapping tiny plastic SIMs, no airport stress. I’ve had a good experience with Skyalo - easy setup, solid for everyday travel use, and just super convenient overall.

I think eSIM is the best route as you can be online as soon as you land. And still able to maintain your primary phone number (just disable roaming) and use eSIM for cellular data.

I've only used Nomad across different countries and it has always worked well for me. Easy installation/set up especially if you buy through the app. Upon landing, just toggle a few settings and you are good to go. In Spain, I only used it in Madrid and it worked well. I forgot which is the partner network (cellular provider) they have there. Download the Nomad app and check the plan details for Spain (several to pick from).

I just back from Spain so here's my two cents.

• The various travel E-sim companies are just middlemen between cell network providers like Vodafone, Verizon, Tmobile, Movistar, Orange, etc. They might sell plans from 3-4 different providers in the same country and their coverage and speeds will vary somewhat. Choose the app with the lowest price as long as you're comfortable that it's reputable and you like the interface. I found Nomad to be the cheapest and user friendly enough for me.
• Service in Madrid, Sevilla, Cadiz, was fine. Perhaps it wasn't as fast as my 5g coverage in the US, but I only needed it for Google maps, Cabify, email, basic web browsing, nothing too heavy. I was in Spain for 13 days and used about 6 gb of cellular data (being somewhat conscientious about not wasting data).
• Activation was easy, I just activated before I left for Spain, and turned it on when my plane landed at Barajas. it started working instantly and I used it to order my Cabify to my hotel, etc. I would recommend taking a screen shot of all the instructions for activating your service on your phone whether android or iOS so you can refer to them without having data coverage.
• I have an iPhone so I didn't consider getting a physical sim card as modern iPhones don't have a sim card slot. I think the value of immediately getting service at the airport and not having to spend time on your trip shopping for a sim card is worth something. Just consider how much data you actually need. If you realistically will be doing lots of video streaming, teleconferencing, uploading large files, that could foreseeably use lots and lots of data, take that into consideration. If you're just looking at google maps, you don't need a lot of data and a cheap eSim isn't very expensive. I paid $10 with a promo code and felt like it was worth it.

I would recommend taking a screen shot of all the instructions for activating your service on your phone whether android or iOS so you can refer to them without having data coverage.

I did the same thing first few times, but now I got it memorized but still have the photo saved if needed.

Also, check with your cell provider that you have a compatible phone for eSim. iPhone (if that is what you have) must be unlocked to work with eSim.

I am in Europe right now using an Airalo esim in my Iphone11. This is the fourth trip in a row using a regional European Airalo esim since I visit multiple countries on each trip. When entering a new country the esim automatically connects to the local provider. Each year, when I go to Europe, I simply just top up my already installed esim upon arrival at my first destination. All very simple. Coverage has been fine. Prices seem reasonable. In Spain I have used it in Zaragoza, Madrid, Segovia, Alicante and Valencia. With the esim, I can use maps, my email, messages and Facetime and make local calls if needed such as to a hotel or restaurant thru Whatsapp. You will find that WhatsApp is widely used in Europe and outside the US. I am an older traveler so I watched youtube videos on how to install the esim and followed the Airalo instructions without problems.

I have used Airalo a couple times (using it now in Sicily) and no complaints. Speeds have been fine, though obviously the normal issues with coverage in remote areas or deep within stone buildings.

I have Google Fi, so I have coverage in Europe for calls and texts, data as well, but an eSIM is much cheaper for data, and I use lot of data when traveling. I manage the settings so my primary number is still active for calls and texts, the new eSIM for data only.

Airalo is more cost effective for a single country, than all of Europe and the UK, but even a Europe wide SIM is not too bad.

Just returned. Spouse and I both used an E-sim we bought directly from Orange and downloaded before we left. About $20 for data/text/calls. Our friends used Saily for data only. All were fine. Make sure to take the directions with you in case of any issues. Plenty of Orange outlets everywhere.