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Airalo and Ubigi are two of the eSIMs travelers mention most often for Japan. They look similar at first — both are data-only, both install from a QR code or app, and both cost far less than international roaming.
But when you put the prices and networks side by side, they are not the same. In this guide, a Japan-based writer compares the two plan by plan.
✈️ Quick answer
- Want the cheapest price on the same plan, or docomo coverage: Ubigi — a little cheaper on most matching plans, and it can use all three major networks (docomo, KDDI, SoftBank)
- Short trip (3–5 days) or about 20GB for a month: Airalo — has 3-day and 5-day unlimited plans and a cheaper 20GB plan
- Visiting several Asian countries: Airalo — its Asia regional eSIM is easy to add
- You come to Japan every year: Ubigi — the same eSIM can be recharged on your next trip
What you’ll learn
- Airalo vs Ubigi prices for the same Japan plans
- Which Japanese networks each eSIM uses
- How “unlimited” really works
- Which one to choose for your trip
Airalo vs Ubigi: Price Comparison for Japan
Here are the plans that exist on both sides, compared at the same data and days.
| Plan (Japan) | Airalo | Ubigi | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1GB · 3 days | $4.00 | $3.50 | Ubigi |
| 5GB · 15 days | $10.50 | $10.00 | Ubigi |
| 10GB · 7 days | $17.00 | $14.00 | Ubigi |
| 10GB · 30 days | $18.00 | $16.50 | Ubigi |
| 20GB · 30 days (Ubigi: 25GB) | $25.00 | $32.00 (25GB) | Airalo |
| Unlimited · about 1 week | $26.50 (7 days) | $25.00 (8 days) | Ubigi |
| Unlimited · 15 days | $48.00 | $39.00 | Ubigi |
| Unlimited · 30 days | $69.00 | $65.00 | Ubigi |
Prices on each official site, US dollars, checked November 4, 2026.
The result surprised us a little: Ubigi was cheaper on almost every matching plan, often by $1–3 and by $9 on the 15-day unlimited plan. Airalo wins on the 20GB-for-30-days size.
Plans that only one of them has
| Airalo only | Ubigi only | |
|---|---|---|
| Short plans | Unlimited for 3 days ($11.50), 5 days ($17.00) and 10 days ($34.50); 3GB for 3 or 7 days | — |
| Bigger plans | 20GB for 15 days ($24.00) | 50GB for 30 days ($55.00) |
| Frequent visitors | — | Annual plans: 60GB ($55) or 240GB ($180) over a year |
Airalo’s strength is choice. If you’re in Japan for just 3 or 5 days and want unlimited data, Airalo has a plan that fits exactly, while Ubigi’s shortest unlimited plan is 8 days.
Networks: The Biggest Difference
Japan has three major networks — NTT docomo, KDDI (au) and SoftBank — plus Rakuten Mobile.
| Airalo | Ubigi | |
|---|---|---|
| Japanese networks | SoftBank (main), KDDI, Rakuten | NTT docomo, KDDI, SoftBank |
| docomo coverage | No | Yes |
| Unlimited plans | 3 to 30 days | 8, 15 and 30 days |
| When validity starts | In most cases, when it first connects to a network in Japan (check each plan) | Smartstart: when you arrive and connect in Japan |
| Top-up | Available on many plans | Recharge in the app, even without Wi-Fi |
| Phone number | No (data only) | No (data only) |
| Other countries | Large catalog of local, regional (Asia) and global eSIMs | Covers many countries; the same eSIM can be reused |
Ubigi can use all three major networks, including docomo. docomo is generally seen as the network with the widest coverage in the mountains and rural areas, so this matters if you’re heading to places like the Japanese Alps, Shirakawa-go or the smaller islands.
Airalo’s Japan eSIM runs mainly on SoftBank and can also switch to KDDI or Rakuten. In Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, any of these networks is usually fine.
On both, your phone may show a different carrier name (a partner network) instead of “docomo” or “SoftBank”. That’s normal for travel eSIMs.
Unlimited Data: Read the Small Print
“Unlimited” on a travel eSIM rarely means unlimited high-speed data.
- Airalo: Airalo’s help center says its unlimited plans include 3GB of high-speed data per 24 hours by default. After that, speed drops to about 1 Mbps until the next day. That’s enough for maps and messages, but slow for video.
- Ubigi: check the fair-use details shown on the plan before you buy, as the rules can differ by plan.
If you watch a lot of video or work remotely, compare the daily high-speed allowance — not just the word “unlimited”.
Setup and Daily Use
When the days start counting
Both let you install the eSIM at home before you fly. Ubigi’s “Smartstart” begins your plan when you arrive and connect in Japan. Airalo says that in most cases the validity starts when the eSIM first connects to a network in its coverage area, but some plans start at installation — check the validity policy in the app before installing.
Topping up
Both let you add more data. Ubigi says you can recharge in its app even without Wi-Fi, which is handy when you run out in the middle of a day trip.
Reusing the eSIM
Ubigi’s eSIM can stay on your phone and be recharged on your next trip, to Japan or elsewhere. If you visit Japan every year, Ubigi’s annual plans are also worth a look.
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose Ubigi if…
- You want the lowest price on a standard plan (10GB, or 15–30 days unlimited)
- You’re going to the countryside, mountains or islands and want docomo
- You’ll come back to Japan and want to reuse the same eSIM
Tip: if the Ubigi page opens in Japanese, switch the language to English on the page. Please buy on the website (in your browser), not in the app.
Choose Airalo if…
- Your trip is 3–5 days and you want unlimited data
- You need about 20GB for a month
- You’re also visiting Korea, Taiwan or other Asian countries and want one Asia eSIM
Tip: if the Airalo page opens in Japanese, switch the language to English from the menu at the top. Please buy on the website (in your browser), not in the app.
Before You Buy: Check These 3 Things
- Your phone supports eSIM and is unlocked. A carrier-locked phone won’t connect.
- Buy on the website, not in the app, if you use our links (we only earn a commission on web purchases — the price is the same for you).
- Don’t delete the eSIM during your trip. Most can only be installed once.
FAQ
Q. Is Airalo or Ubigi better in Tokyo?
A. Both should work well in central Tokyo, since SoftBank, KDDI and docomo all have dense coverage there. In the city, the decision is mostly about price and plan size.
Q. Do Airalo or Ubigi give me a Japanese phone number?
A. No. Both Japan plans are data-only. Use LINE, WhatsApp or other apps for calls, and keep your home SIM on for SMS codes.
Q. Can I use hotspot (tethering)?
A. Generally yes, but with Airalo’s unlimited plans the daily high-speed allowance is shared with any devices you connect. Check each plan’s details.
Q. What if neither works for me?
A. If your phone doesn’t support eSIM, a pocket Wi-Fi with airport pickup is the easiest option. We compare all the options in our Best eSIM for Japan Travel guide.
Summary
- Same plan, lower price, and docomo coverage → Ubigi
- 3–5 day unlimited, 20GB, or multi-country Asia trip → Airalo
Whichever you pick, install it at home before your flight and you’ll have data as soon as you land. Have a great trip!
More Japan Travel Guides: see all English articles →
日本語の記事はこちら：O-talk（日本語サイト）
*Prices and networks are as listed on the official Airalo and Ubigi websites on November 4, 2026, in US dollars. They may change at any time. Please check each provider’s website for the latest information. This article contains affiliate links.
