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Uncompromised Travel

Airalo vs Ubigi for Japan: which is better?

By Richard Jasinski·Updated 3 November 2026

Airalo and Ubigi, set out the same way from each company's own website and review listings, read on 20 October 2026. No score and no winner.

Airalo vs Ubigi for Japan: which is better?

On their own published facts, Airalo is best for any traveller, with business plans for teams; Ubigi is best for frequent and business travellers, remote workers and students. For Japan: each card opens with the company's own Japan plan, as its website showed it on the day it was read. No score and no winner: choose by what your trip needs.

Airalo

Best for
Any traveller, with business plans for teams

Ubigi

Best for
Frequent and business travellers, remote workers and students

Airalo and Ubigi: side by side

The same facts for each company, from its own website, in the same order. Where a company publishes nothing on a row, the card says so. Left out, because it is not readable for both: based in and refunds.

Airalo

Japan plan
Unlimited packages: 3 days US$11.50, 5 days US$17.00, 7 days US$26.50, 10 days US$34.50, 15 days US$48.00, 30 days US$69.00 (as read on 20 October 2026).
What it is
A marketplace reselling several providers: the terms say 'We operate as an aggregator and marketplace of connectivity services', sold under the Airalo name ('the world's first eSIM store'). Mostly data, but some packages add calls and texts ('We offer flexible data packages, some have calls and texts').
Unlimited data
Yes, in 130+ countries and regions.
Hotspot and tethering
Unlimited eSIMs: 'Yes, Airalo Unlimited eSIMs support tethering and hotspot use' and 'All tethered usage is included in your daily high-speed data allowance'.
Phone number, calls and texts
Some packages include calls and texts.
Data validity
The validity period starts when the eSIM activates, which for most eSIMs is when it connects to a supported network at the destination.
Top-ups
Yes: 'you can top up your eSIM, you don't need to buy a new eSIM'.
Customer support
24/7, multi-language support: live chat, WhatsApp and the app, plus a Help Center and Contact us page ('we're available 24/7').
Guest reviews, per platform
Trustpilot 4.1 out of 5 from 47,927 reviews (newest review 20 October 2026); the App Store 4.6 out of 5 from 101,988 reviews (newest review 19 October 2026); Google Play 4.6 out of 5 from 191,305 reviews (read 20 October 2026).

Ubigi

Japan plan
Japan: unlimited 15 days 39 euros; unlimited monthly US$45. Japan and South Korea 5GB/month US$5 (as read on 20 October 2026).
What it is
A global mobile connectivity provider selling its own travel eSIM data plans ('Ubigi is a global mobile connectivity service provider that offers eSIM data plans'). Data only: 'Ubigi eSIM provides data-only services'.
Unlimited data
Yes, in 90+ destinations.
Hotspot and tethering
Allowed. 'Use any Ubigi data plan to turn your smartphone into a hotspot.' Monthly plan page: 'Tethering is unlimited'.
Phone number, calls and texts
Ubigi is data only, with no phone number, calls or SMS.
Data validity
'Smart Start': the plan activates and its validity starts on arrival in a covered area (or immediately if already there).
Top-ups
Data is bought as one-off plans, monthly plans (renewed automatically, cancel after 3 months) or annual plans (for example 2GB per month for 12 months, paid up front).
Customer support
'24/7 Customer support'. Channels named: an online contact form and a customer service team; the app has self-service.
Guest reviews, per platform
Trustpilot 4.1 out of 5 from 49,112 reviews (newest review 20 October 2026); the App Store 4.6 out of 5 from 11,210 reviews (newest review 22 September 2026); Google Play 4.0 out of 5 from 8,194 reviews (read 20 October 2026).

Where each line comes from

Every line links back to the page it was read from, read on 20 October 2026.

Airalo vs Ubigi: the questions people ask

Do Airalo and Ubigi offer unlimited data?

Airalo: Yes, in 130+ countries and regions. Ubigi: Yes, in 90+ destinations.

Can I use either as a hotspot?

Airalo: Unlimited eSIMs: 'Yes, Airalo Unlimited eSIMs support tethering and hotspot use' and 'All tethered usage is included in your daily high-speed data allowance'. Ubigi: Allowed. 'Use any Ubigi data plan to turn your smartphone into a hotspot.' Monthly plan page: 'Tethering is unlimited'.

Does either give me a phone number?

Airalo: Some packages include calls and texts. Ubigi: Ubigi is data only, with no phone number, calls or SMS.

How do I reach their support?

Airalo: 24/7, multi-language support: live chat, WhatsApp and the app, plus a Help Center and Contact us page ('we're available 24/7'). Ubigi: '24/7 Customer support'. Channels named: an online contact form and a customer service team; the app has self-service.

Can I top up either?

Airalo: Yes: 'you can top up your eSIM, you don't need to buy a new eSIM'. Ubigi: Data is bought as one-off plans, monthly plans (renewed automatically, cancel after 3 months) or annual plans (for example 2GB per month for 12 months, paid up front).

How long does the data last?

Airalo: The validity period starts when the eSIM activates, which for most eSIMs is when it connects to a supported network at the destination. Ubigi: 'Smart Start': the plan activates and its validity starts on arrival in a covered area (or immediately if already there).

What do reviews say about each?

Airalo: Trustpilot 4.1 out of 5 from 47,927 reviews (newest review 20 October 2026); the App Store 4.6 out of 5 from 101,988 reviews (newest review 19 October 2026); Google Play 4.6 out of 5 from 191,305 reviews (read 20 October 2026). Ubigi: Trustpilot 4.1 out of 5 from 49,112 reviews (newest review 20 October 2026); the App Store 4.6 out of 5 from 11,210 reviews (newest review 22 September 2026); Google Play 4.0 out of 5 from 8,194 reviews (read 20 October 2026). Each platform is shown on its own, never added together.

Can I buy either through Uncompromised Travel?

No. Uncompromised Travel is a publication and does not sell eSIMs. Buy from each company's own website or app.

How current is this comparison?

Both companies' websites, app listings and Trustpilot pages were read on 20 October 2026. Prices and terms change, so check them before you buy.

Built to answer SIM-1250 from the Uncompromised Travel eSIM table. What is shown: what each company's own website, app store listings and Trustpilot page say, read on 20 October 2026, set out the same way for each. No score and no winner. No company paid to be on this page. How this site earns · How we work.

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