Carrier Comparison
povo 2.0 vs ahamo: Pay-As-You-Go or All-In?
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If you only read this part
If you consistently use 20GB or more a month, or travel abroad even once a year, go with ahamo. If your usage swings month to month, you want a cheap backup line, or you want the lowest possible cost to keep a number alive, povo 2.0 is built for exactly that. When in doubt, ahamo is the harder one to get wrong: there are no toppings to manage.
Both are online-only and Japanese-first. If signup clarity matters to you, keep LINEMO in the comparison too.
Section 01
Pricing: Flat Rate vs Toppings
The two plans are built on opposite philosophies. ahamo is all-inclusive flat rate; povo is a 0-yen base where you buy only what you need.
| Plan | Data | Calls | Monthly |
|---|---|---|---|
| ahamo | 30GB | 5-min free included | 2,970 yen |
| ahamo Omori | 110GB | 5-min free included | 4,950 yen |
| povo base | 0GB | Pay per call | 0 yen |
| povo 3GB topping | 3GB / 30 days | Pay per call | 990 yen |
| povo 20GB topping | 20GB / 30 days | Pay per call | 2,700 yen |
Two povo caveats. Toppings expire (the 3GB one dies after 30 days) with no rollover. And if you go 180 days without buying a paid topping, your line can be suspended or terminated. It is not a free number-parking service forever.
Prices are as of our last verification. Check the official sites (povo / ahamo) for the latest.
Section 02
Network and Coverage
ahamo runs on the docomo network, povo on au. In cities you will not feel a difference. In the mountains and the countryside, docomo's stability is a clear step above, which makes ahamo the pick if you live rurally or spend weekends hiking and skiing.
If your life stays inside Tokyo, Osaka or Nagoya, network quality will not separate them. Decide on pricing structure and usage instead.
Section 03
Abroad, ahamo Wins
ahamo includes international roaming in 91 countries and regions within your 30GB, at no extra charge. For short trips, you land, your phone works, and you never buy a local SIM. The catch: speeds get throttled after 15 consecutive days abroad, so it is a travel perk, not an expat plan.
povo sells roaming as separate toppings. It works, but it cannot match roaming that is simply included.
Section 04
Signing Up and Paying
Both are online-only with Japanese-language signup flows. A residence card gets you in the door, but payment methods differ: ahamo accepts bank transfer (kouza furikae) as well as credit cards, while povo is credit card only. If you do not have a Japanese credit card yet, povo is effectively closed to you.
If your Japanese banking is not set up yet, start with a SIM you can get without a Japanese credit card and switch later.
The Verdict
Which One Should You Pick?
Pick povo 2.0 if
0 yen + what you need
You use under 3GB a month or your usage swings wildly. You want a cheap second line. You do not mind managing topping expiry dates. You have a Japanese credit card, because povo requires one.
Pick ahamo if
2,970 yen, all-in
You reliably use 20GB or more. You live outside the big cities and want docomo coverage. You leave Japan at least once a year. You want zero plan management. You would rather pay by bank transfer.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is povo's 180-day rule?
If you go more than 180 days without buying a paid topping, your line can be suspended or terminated. The standard way to keep a number alive is to buy one small topping, such as the 330-yen 24-hour unlimited data pass, every six months.
Does ahamo charge a signup fee?
No. Online signup carries no administration fee, including MNP transfers from another carrier.
Can I sign up in English?
Both signup flows and support are Japanese-first. If an English-friendly signup process is your top priority, look at LINEMO instead.