PR This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Quick Answer: IIJmio and mineo are Japan's two most established MVNOs among Japanese users. IIJmio offers the lowest per-GB pricing (20GB at ¥2,000) with eSIM support and family data sharing. mineo offers a unique unlimited low-speed option ("Maias") for ¥990 and a community-based "Packet Gift" sharing system. Both require Japanese language ability for sign-up and support.
Plan Comparison
| Data | IIJmio (Voice SIM) | mineo (Voice SIM) |
|---|---|---|
| 1GB | — | ¥1,298 |
| 2GB | ¥850 | — |
| 5GB | ¥990 | ¥1,518 |
| 10GB | ¥1,500 | ¥1,958 |
| 15GB | ¥1,800 | — |
| 20GB | ¥2,000 | ¥2,178 |
On raw pricing, IIJmio is generally cheaper at every tier. However, mineo has unique features that can change the equation.
IIJmio: Strengths & Unique Features
- Best MVNO pricing — 20GB at ¥2,000 is the lowest voice SIM plan at this capacity among major MVNOs.
- eSIM support — IIJmio offers both physical SIM and eSIM, including data-only eSIM from ¥440/month (2GB). This is useful for dual-SIM strategies.
- Family data sharing — Multiple SIMs under one account can share a data pool. Ideal for families wanting to save on separate plans.
- Frequent device sales — IIJmio regularly offers smartphones at steep discounts (sometimes ¥1) when bundled with a new contract. Good for getting a Japan-compatible phone cheaply.
- Network choice — Choose between docomo or au network when signing up.
mineo: Strengths & Unique Features
- "Maias" unlimited option — For ¥990/month (add-on), get unlimited data at a reduced speed (approximately 1.5 Mbps). This is enough for messaging, music streaming, standard-quality video, and basic web browsing. A unique offering in the market.
- "Packet Gift" community sharing — mineo users can gift unused data to other mineo users. The "Freetank" community pool lets users donate and receive data from strangers. A genuinely unique community-driven feature.
- Three network options — Choose between docomo, au, or SoftBank network.
- "Yuzuru" (Yield) feature — Voluntarily reduce your speed during congestion to earn "coins" redeemable for data. Rewards users who help manage network load.
- Active user community — mineo's "Maikingu" community forum is one of the most active MVNO user communities in Japan.
Speed Comparison
Both carriers experience MVNO speed drops during peak hours. Based on user reports and speed test aggregates:
- Off-peak (morning, afternoon, late evening): Both deliver 20-60 Mbps, generally comparable.
- Peak hours (12:00-13:00): Expect 1-5 Mbps on both. IIJmio tends to be marginally faster during congestion in many reports, though this varies by area and network choice.
- Evening peak (18:00-19:00): Moderate slowdown on both, typically 5-15 Mbps.
Which Should You Choose?
| If You... | Choose |
|---|---|
| Want the lowest price per GB | IIJmio |
| Need eSIM support | IIJmio |
| Have a family needing multiple SIMs | IIJmio |
| Want unlimited data (even at reduced speed) | mineo (Maias) |
| Want SoftBank network option | mineo |
| Enjoy community features | mineo |
Important Note for Foreign Residents
Both IIJmio and mineo are primarily Japanese-language services. Sign-up, support, and documentation are in Japanese. These carriers are best suited for foreign residents who can read Japanese (at least with translation tools) and have a Japanese bank account or credit card. For those who need English support, consider GTN Mobile as a starting point.
Q: Can I use mineo's Maias unlimited add-on for video streaming?
At approximately 1.5 Mbps, standard-definition video (480p) generally works. HD video (720p+) will buffer frequently. It is best for messaging, music, social media, and light browsing.
Q: Does IIJmio's family sharing work across different network types?
Data sharing works between SIMs on the same account but both SIMs should generally be on the same network type (both docomo or both au) for data sharing to function properly.
Q: Which MVNO has better customer support?
mineo's community forum often provides faster answers for common issues, as experienced users help newcomers. IIJmio's official support is competent but standard. Both are primarily Japanese-language only.
Disclaimer: Pricing based on publicly available information as of early 2026. MVNO plans change frequently. Both carriers offer promotional pricing for new subscribers that may differ from listed regular prices. Please confirm current details on each carrier's official website.
