Comparison

SBB FreeSurf 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 FreeSurf

Access free internet on SBB long-distance trains. This app leverages strong mobile coverage for a faster connection than traditional train Wi-Fi. It's available for customers with specific Swiss mobile contracts and international travelers with participating SIM cards.

Highlights
  • Free internet access on SBB trains
  • Faster and smoother connection
  • Utilizes mobile phone coverage
  • Automatic recognition via beacon
  • SMS confirmation for registration
Features
Read full description

Internet access free of charge from the app. SBB FreeSurf is available on all SBB long-distance trains (IC and IR). SBB FreeSurf is based on the excellent mobile phone coverage along the Swiss rail routes – passengers can benefit from a faster and smoother internet connection with more bandwidth than you get with conventional train Wi-Fi. Customers with a digitec, Quickline, Salt (Das Abo, GoMo, Lidl Connect are included), Sunrise or Swisscom mobile phone contract can surf the internet for free with die SBB FreeSurf app. Passengers from abroad will be able to surf the internet for free with a SIM card (also eSIM) from a mobile phone provider participating in SBB FreeSurf. Trains with a free internet connection are marked with ‘FS’ (for FreeSurf) in the online timetable. When boarding the train, the customers can open the SBB FreeSurf app. Automatic recognition takes place using a beacon. After registering successfully, the customers will receive an SMS text confirming that they can surf for free via their mobile phone provider. When alighting from the train or switching off the connection, you will receive a message stating that free internet access is no longer active. We only need customers to provide the mobile number to be used for registration.

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 FreeSurf3 screens
ZIM@SBB4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: ZIM@SBB at 4.0 against SBB FreeSurf's 1.2. ZIM@SBB also leads on review sentiment (25% vs 3%) and update cadence (monthly vs every 3 months). On price, ratings volume, ads and in-app purchases 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

ZIM@SBB holds the better App Store score, 4.0 against 1.2. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 41 and 14 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 3% of SBB FreeSurf's written reviews are positive against 25% of ZIM@SBB's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

SBB FreeSurf ships an update every 3 months, ZIM@SBB monthly. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
SBB FreeSurf versus ZIM@SBB: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSBB FreeSurfZIM@SBB
PriceFreeFree
Rating1.2 (41 ratings)4.0 (14 ratings) — better
Positive reviews3.4% of reviews25.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings41 — better14
Update frequencyEvery 3 monthsMonthly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFreeFree
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPod
Requires iOS14.0 — better15.1
Further details — not scored
Size53 MB76 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperSBBZIM Connections Ltd.

Customer experience

SBB FreeSurf

All ratings36 ratings
Positive5.6%
Neutral0.0%
Negative94.4%
Written reviews59 reviews
Positive3.4%
Neutral3.4%
Negative93.2%

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 FreeSurf

No in-app purchases

None

ZIM@SBB

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is SBB FreeSurf free?
SBB FreeSurf 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 FreeSurf or ZIM@SBB?
ZIM@SBB is rated higher. SBB FreeSurf averages 1.2 out of 5 from 41 ratings, while ZIM@SBB averages 4.0 from 14 ratings.
Do SBB FreeSurf or ZIM@SBB have ads?
Neither SBB FreeSurf nor ZIM@SBB shows ads.
Which is updated more often, SBB FreeSurf or ZIM@SBB?
SBB FreeSurf ships an update every 3 months, and ZIM@SBB monthly. Most recently, SBB FreeSurf was updated on October 24, 2026 and ZIM@SBB on October 24, 2026.

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