Updated September 28, 2026 · NomadCue Editorial Team
Magenta Telekom vs SoftBank
Magenta Telekom
Higher score in this comparison
SoftBank
Where Magenta Telekom and SoftBank differ
| Compare | Magenta TelekomReviewSee alternativesSee alternatives | SoftBankReviewSee alternativesSee alternatives |
|---|---|---|
| Countries covered | 140Higher | 1 |
| Top-ups | YesHas it | No |
| Price from | Not confirmed | ¥1,650 |
| 5G | Not confirmed | No |
| Fair use policy | Data is stopped when the package allowance is used up, with no further charges; unused units expire at the end of the package; packages are not valid on ships, ferries, planes or satellite connections | Not confirmed |
| Networks | Not confirmed | SoftBank |
Same on both: Unlimited data (No), Seller type (Carrier).
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Key differences
- Magenta Telekom scores higher overall: 9.2 vs 8.7.
- Countries covered is higher at Magenta Telekom: 140 vs 1.
- Top-ups: only Magenta Telekom.
- Support channels: only Magenta Telekom offers Email, Phone, Chat.
- Founded is lower at SoftBank: 1986 vs 1996.
- Region: only Magenta Telekom offers Global.
- Region: only SoftBank offers Local.
Our verdict on each
Magenta Telekom
Magenta Telekom sells travel data as a carrier plan rather than a standalone eSIM, covering 140 countries from its home network. It suits existing Magenta and T-Mobile Austria customers adding a short trip package, with carrier billing and email, phone and help centre help if a package runs out.
SoftBank
SoftBank's travel SIM is a local Japan plan sold by the carrier itself at ¥1,650, so it suits a short trip that stays in the country. It is a single-market buy with 5G and top-ups missing and help limited to a help centre.
Score breakdown
| Area | Magenta Telekom | SoftBank |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Not confirmed | 8.7 |
| Offer | 9.1Higher | 8.2Price is ¥1,650 and coverage is 1, so the offer suits local trips rather than multi-country travel. |
| Trust | 9.4 | 9.8Higher |
How they place
| Ranking | Magenta Telekom | SoftBank |
|---|---|---|
| Travel SIMs and eSIMs | 175 of 926 | 403 of 926 |
| Travel eSIMs | 183 of 918 | 408 of 918 |
Every fact side by side
| Fact | Magenta Telekom | SoftBank |
|---|---|---|
| Region | Global | Local |
| Features | Carrier plan | Carrier plan |
| Audience | Short trip | Short trip |
| Legal entity | T-Mobile Austria GmbH | SoftBank Corp. |
| Headquarters | Austria | Japan |
| Founded | 1996 | 1986Lower |
| Support channels | Email, Phone, Help centre, ChatCovers more | Help centre |
Where each stands against the rest
| Fact | Magenta Telekom | SoftBank | Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price from | Not confirmed | ¥1,650highest quarter | ¥840 |
| Countries covered | 140above the median | 1lowest quarter | 120 |
Median across 492 listed travel providers.
Pros and cons
Magenta Telekom
Pros
- Broad reach for a carrier add-on, with coverage across 140 countries
- Buy a top-up when the package allowance runs out, with no further charges
- Support runs on email, phone and help centre
Cons
- Unlimited data is not part of the offer
- The fair use policy places ships, ferries, planes and satellite connections outside the package, which matters for cruise and ferry itineraries
- Unused units expire at the end of the package
SoftBank
Pros
- A carrier plan from SoftBank Corp., the operator behind the network, rather than a third-party seller.
- Built for short trips, so the plan matches a quick holiday rather than a long stay.
- An established operator, founded in 1986 and headquartered in Japan.
Cons
- Coverage is 1, so the SIM is dead the moment you fly somewhere else.
- On countries covered it ranks 257 of 303, among the narrowest reach on the site.
- The ¥1,650 start ranks 208 of 313 on price, so entry cost is mid-table rather than a bargain.
Who each suits
Magenta Telekom
Who it suits
- Magenta or T-Mobile Austria customers who want travel data billed to their home line
- Travellers on short trips to Europe and beyond who need broad country coverage
- People already comfortable managing packages inside the carrier app and account
Who should look elsewhere
- Travellers who need unlimited data, which this offer does not include
- Anyone crossing at sea or in the air, since the fair use policy places ships, ferries, planes and satellite connections outside the package
- Travellers wanting a single market only, where SimToIsrael is a simpler fit
SoftBank
Who it suits
- Travellers on a short Japan trip who want the local operator's own network.
- Anyone whose itinerary stays inside a single market and prefers buying from the carrier.
Who should look elsewhere
- Multi-country trips: Zwitchy covers 200 against SoftBank's 1.
- Price-first shoppers: eSIMGo.is starts at $0.99 against SoftBank's ¥1,650.
- Long stays that need more data: the plan is built for a short trip, so weigh Zwitchy instead.
Current offers
Magenta Telekom
Current offer
Bonus
5 GB Reisepaket fuer 60 Tage in 49 Nicht-EU Laendern gratis: 5 GB for 60 days free
Requires an eligible mobile and internet plan (Magenta Family); valid until revoked; not valid on ships, ferries, planes or satellite connections; ends after 60 days, unused units expire
Source, checked September 26, 2026
Bonus
Bis zu 60 GB Datenvolumen monatlich gratis in der Tuerkei: up to 60 GB per month free in Turkey
Free for Mobile S, Mobile Unlimited M, Mobile Unlimited L and Mobile Unlimited XL plans registered from 02.06.2026; 20/30/40/60 GB per month by plan; automatic renewal, monthly units expire, billed in 100 kB steps, cancellable with one month notice to month end
Source, checked September 26, 2026
SoftBank
Current offer
Bonus
Get Additional Data For Free (1GB to 3GB): 1GB to 3GB
Prepaid SIM for Travel data allowance, running since March 2018
Source, checked September 26, 2026
Country by country
| Country | Magenta Telekom | SoftBank |
|---|---|---|
| Austria | Yes | No |
| Japan | No | Yes |
Questions about each
Magenta Telekom
How many countries does the Magenta Telekom travel package cover?+
The travel package covers 140 countries, which puts it in the global range rather than a single market. You can buy it as a carrier plan added to an existing home line, so one package can cover several stops on a multi country trip.
Does Magenta Telekom offer unlimited data?+
Unlimited data is not part of this offer. The package runs on a fixed allowance, and data is stopped when that allowance is used up, with no further charges. If you need a heavier allowance, a top-up is available when the package runs out.
SoftBank
What does the SoftBank travel SIM cost?+
Plans start at ¥1,650. You are buying from SoftBank Corp. as a carrier, so the price comes from the operator rather than a travel reseller or marketplace. Compare that with eSIMGo.is at $0.99 if the entry price is what decides it.
Does the SoftBank travel SIM include 5G?+
5G is not included, so the plan is not aimed at buyers shopping for a 5G eSIM. It runs on the SoftBank network, which is enough for maps and browsing on a short trip. Anyone who treats 5G as a requirement should check alternatives before buying.
Other options to compare
Related by the facts
Magenta Telekom
SoftBank