Comparison

SBB Preview vs ZIM@SBB

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

SBB Preview

Test the latest travel planning and ticketing features before they are released to the public. This app offers early access to new functionalities for Swiss public transport, including journey planning, ticket purchasing, and real-time travel updates.

Highlights
  • Early access to new features
  • Journey planning with touch timetable
  • Two-click ticket purchasing
  • Supersaver tickets and Saver Day Passes
  • Real-time delay and disruption notifications
  • Digital travelcards with SwissPass Mobile
  • EasyRide for automatic fare calculation
Features
Read full description

SBB Preview — always be among the first to test the latest features. Important: SBB Preview is the preview version of the SBB Mobile app. We are using SBB Preview to test new and innovative functions and features which we want to include in the SBB Mobile app in future. The basic functions for timetable enquiries – and for ticket purchases – for journeys anywhere in Switzerland are the same in SBB Preview as in SBB Mobile. We’ve kept the Preview app in grey to make it easier to distinguish. The heart of the app is the new navigation bar with the following menu points and contents: Plan: • Plan your journey with a simple timetable request via the touch timetable or use your current position as the origin or destination, locating it on the map. • Buy your ticket for the whole of Switzerland in just two clicks. Your travelcards on your SwissPass are applied. • Travel particularly affordably with supersaver tickets or Saver Day Passes. Trips: • When purchasing tickets, your journey will be saved in the ‘Journeys’ tab. • Even if you don’t buy a ticket, you can save your journey manually in the timetable. • The app accompanies you from door to door as you travel and you will receive information about delays, disruption and interchange times via push notification. EasyRide: • Check in, get on and set off – across the entire GA Travelcard network. • EasyRide calculates the right ticket for your journey on the basis of the routes you travelled on and charges you the relevant amount subsequently. Tickets and travelcards: • Show your public transport travelcards digitally with SwissPass Mobile. • It also gives you an overview of your valid and expired tickets and travelcards on the SwissPass. Profile: • Straightforward access to your personal settings and our customer support. Contact us. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us: https://www.sbb.ch/en/timetable/mobile-apps/sbb-mobile/contact.html Data security and authorisations. Why does SBB Preview need permissions? Location: For connections starting from a current location, the GPS function has to be activated so that SBB Preview can find the nearest stop. This also applies if you want to have the nearest stop displayed in the timetable. Calendar and e-mail: You can save connections in your own calendar and send them by e-mail (to friends, an external calendar). SBB Preview requires read and write permissions to be able to import your desired connection into the calendar. Access to the camera: To take photos straight in SBB Preview for the personalised touch timetable, the app needs access to the camera. You will be asked for permission. Internet access: SBB Preview needs internet access for timetable informations and ticket purchase options. Memory: To support offline functions such as the list of stops, connections (history) and ticket purchase, SBB Preview needs access to your device’s memory (save app-specific settings).

About

ZIM@SBB

This app provides travelers with a seamless digital SIM experience for mobile connectivity in over 200 destinations. It offers affordable data plans without roaming charges, using innovative eSIM technology for easy activation and reliable global network access.

Highlights
  • eSIM data plans for 200+ destinations
  • No roaming charges
  • Affordable plans starting at CHF 2
  • 24/7 live chat support
  • Multi-network connectivity
  • Easy app-based activation
Features
Read full description

Welcome to ZIM@SBB, Switzerland's premier eSIM marketplace, revolutionising mobile connectivity. In partnership with SBB and global network providers, we bring you a seamless digital SIM experience, eliminating the hassle of physical SIM cards for travellers. Our eSIM technology is at the forefront of digital travel, ensuring effortless connection worldwide. What is an eSIM? An eSIM is a digital SIM card that is built into your smartphone, allowing you to activate a mobile plan without using a physical SIM card. With an eSIM, you can conveniently access local data and voice plans, avoiding roaming charges and enjoying better network coverage while travelling. Staying connected is all digital; the process can be done through our app It’s simpler, and smarter, and there are no hidden fees after you purchase an eSIM plan. Why Choose ZIM@SBB? Global Network Access: Select from our extensive range of data plans, covering over 200 destinations. Enjoy the flexibility of our plans without any roaming charges. Multi-network Connectivity: Stay connected from urban to rural areas,our eSIMs will pick up the best signal anywhere Swiss Precision and Reliability: With SBB's legacy of precision, expect nothing less than reliable and high-quality service. Affordable Plans in Swiss Francs: Our eSIM plans start at CHF 2 for 1GB of data, offering exceptional value for money. 24/7 Live Chat Support: Our dedicated support team is available round the clock, ensuring help is always available. Multiple payment methods: Choose your plan and pay with your preferred payment method. Innovative eSIM Technology: A digital SIM card embedded in your device, making international travel connectivity easier than ever. How Does It Work? Download ZIM@SBB App: Our user-friendly app is your gateway to global connectivity. Choose Your Plan: Browse and select the eSIM plan that fits your travel needs. Easy Activation: Activate your plan instantly through our app. No physical SIM change needed. Stay Connected: Enjoy seamless internet access wherever your journey takes you Compatible Devices: Most modern smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches are eSIM compatible. Visit our FAQ section to check your device's compatibility. How to activate an eSIM QR Code Activation: Open the camera app on your device and scan the QR code provided by ZIM@SBB. Your phone will recognize the eSIM and prompt a notification; tap it. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the activation process. Manual Activation: Go to your device settings and select 'Mobile Data' or 'Cellular'. Choose 'Add eSIM' or 'Add Data Plan'. Select 'Enter Details Manually'. Input the SM-DP+ Address and Activation Code provided by ZIM@SBB. Who Should Use ZIM@SBB? Travel enthusiasts seeking hassle-free global connectivity. Business travelers requiring reliable internet access. Digital nomads who value flexibility and affordability. Why SBB Chose ZIM? SBB, known for its innovation and quality, partners with ZIM for its pioneering eSIM technology and global reach. Download ZIM@SBB Now Your next journey deserves the best in connectivity. Download ZIM@SBB and step into the future of travel communication.

Screenshots

SBB Preview4 screens
ZIM@SBB4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: SBB Preview at 5.0 against ZIM@SBB's 4.2. SBB Preview also leads on review sentiment (52% vs 25%) and update cadence (every 9 days vs monthly). ZIM@SBB's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and monetization model (free vs ad-supported). On price, in-app purchases and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

SBB Preview holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: ZIM@SBB has 13 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 52% of SBB Preview's written reviews are positive against 25% of ZIM@SBB's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

SBB Preview ships an update every 9 days, ZIM@SBB monthly. The most recent releases landed on September 15, 2026 and September 16, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard7 real differences · 3 level
SBB Preview versus ZIM@SBB: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSBB PreviewZIM@SBB
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (2 ratings) — better4.2 (13 ratings)
Positive reviews52.0% of reviews — better25.0% of reviews
Number of ratings213 — better
Update frequencyEvery 9 days — betterMonthly
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationAd-supportedFree — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch — betteriPhone, iPod
Requires iOS15.0 — better15.1
Further details — not scored
Size384 MB76 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperSBBZIM Connections Ltd.

Customer experience

SBB Preview

All ratings2 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews25 reviews
Positive52.0%
Neutral12.0%
Negative36.0%

ZIM@SBB

All ratings13 ratings
Positive76.9%
Neutral15.4%
Negative7.7%
Written reviews4 reviews
Positive25.0%
Neutral25.0%
Negative50.0%

In-app purchases

None

SBB Preview

No in-app purchases

None

ZIM@SBB

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is SBB Preview free?
SBB Preview is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is ZIM@SBB free?
ZIM@SBB is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, SBB Preview or ZIM@SBB?
SBB Preview is rated higher. SBB Preview averages 5.0 out of 5 from 2 ratings, while ZIM@SBB averages 4.2 from 13 ratings.
Do SBB Preview or ZIM@SBB have ads?
SBB Preview shows ads; ZIM@SBB does not.
Which is updated more often, SBB Preview or ZIM@SBB?
SBB Preview ships an update every 9 days, and ZIM@SBB monthly. Most recently, SBB Preview was updated on September 15, 2026 and ZIM@SBB on September 16, 2026.

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