Compare Rakuten Mobile, ahamo, LINEMO, and povo 2.0 by price range, data allowance, contract terms, and support.
Start with cards for each brand's strengths, then use the table for a point-by-point comparison.
People who want English support and free domestic calls
People who prioritize network quality and roaming
Light to moderate data users who rely on LINE
People whose usage varies by month or who need a secondary SIM
The comparison table focuses on the details that matter when choosing a plan. Read the fine print before signing, but start with the big picture.
| Brand | Best for | Price range | Data allowance | Contract terms | Support | In brief |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rakuten Mobile | People who want English support and free domestic calls | ¥1,078 to ¥4,378 | 3GB / 20GB / Unlimited | No fixed contract term; eSIM supported | English support available | 2GB international roaming in 100+ countries |
| ahamo | People who prioritize network quality and roaming | ¥2,970 to ¥4,950 | 30GB / 110GB | No fixed contract term; online-only | Online support only | 30GB roaming in 91 countries |
| LINEMO | Light to moderate data users who rely on LINE | ¥990 to ¥2,970 | 3GB / 10GB / 30GB | No fixed contract term; eSIM supported | English support available | LINE Giga Free |
| povo 2.0 | People whose usage varies by month or who need a secondary SIM | ¥0 to ¥990+ | Top-up model / 1GB to 1TB | No fixed contract term; top-up based | Mostly self-service | 24-hour unlimited data for 330 yen |
If the table feels too dense, use this shortcut to decide which brand to check first.
English support, roaming, and Rakuten Link calls make it the easiest all-around starting point.
A solid fit if you want at least 30GB, roaming in 91 countries, and predictable pricing.
LINE Giga Free and 3GB, 10GB, and 30GB tiers make monthly data use easier to manage.
The 0-yen base and top-up model work well when some months are heavy and others are near zero.
The FAQ is split into four categories: getting started, plan comparison, referral benefits, and troubleshooting.
Yes. For eSIM plans, you can prepare before landing using the QR code or activation instructions sent after you apply. Plans that mail a SIM require a confirmed delivery address.
Start by comparing each brand's strengths. Rakuten Mobile is the easiest entry point for English support, ahamo is the Docomo-network roaming option, LINEMO is strong if you use LINE heavily, and povo works best when your usage changes month to month or you want a backup SIM.
eSIM is faster if you want to get connected quickly. A physical SIM can be easier if you're unsure about device compatibility or prefer a card you can physically swap.
Most plans include throttling conditions during congestion or extreme usage. If you plan to stream heavily, check the fine print before signing up.
Last updated2026-05-13
Official information checked2026-05-13
Disclosure: This site includes referral links. Comparisons are organized by pricing, data allowance, eSIM support, identity verification, payment methods, support, and ease of cancellation.
Referral link steps and eligibility are covered on a separate page so you can confirm them before starting.