Comparison

ZIM@SBB vs Pendlo

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

Head to head
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.

About

Pendlo

Features
Read full description

Pendlo zeigt dir, was gerade wirklich auf deiner Fahrt passiert. Wir kombinieren offizielle Fahrplan- und Echtzeitdaten des Schweizer ÖV mit Live-Meldungen aus der Community – so weisst du vor dem Einsteigen, woran du bist. WAS PENDLO KANN • Abfahrtstafel für deinen Bahnhof: Zeit, Linie, Ziel, Gleis und Verspätung auf einen Blick • Community-Meldungen direkt an der Zeile des Zuges: Auslastung, Störungen, defekte Toiletten und mehr • Fahrtverlauf: jeder Halt mit Zeit, Gleis und Haltedauer • WC am Bahnhof: welcher Zug am längsten hält • Echtzeit-Verbindungen für den gesamten Schweizer ÖV – mit Meldungen, noch bevor du einsteigst • Offizielle Auslastungsanzeige bei Verbindungen, wo verfügbar • Karte mit Meldungen in deiner Nähe • Deine Pendlerstrecke immer griffbereit OFFIZIELL UND COMMUNITY – KLAR GETRENNT Offizielle Daten und Community-Meldungen sind in der App immer klar gekennzeichnet, damit du jederzeit weisst, woher eine Information stammt. FAIR UND RESPEKTVOLL Meldungen sind sachlich und neutral. Es werden keine Personen beschrieben, fotografiert oder verfolgt. Alle Inhalte lassen sich melden; wir moderieren aktiv. PENDLO PLUS (optional) Mit PLUS bekommst du die Sitzplatz-Prognose an jedem Halt, GPS-Fahrterkennung, Muster auf deiner Linie und unbegrenzte Fixrouten (die erste ist gratis). Abfahrten, Karte und Community bleiben für alle kostenlos. Pendlo ist ein unabhängiges Community-Projekt und steht in keiner Verbindung zu Transportunternehmen oder Behörden. Nutzungsbedingungen (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Datenschutz: https://pendlo.ch/datenschutz.html

Screenshots

ZIM@SBB4 screens
Pendlo4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: ZIM@SBB at none against Pendlo's 2. Pendlo's advantage is update cadence (every 3 days vs monthly). On price, ads, device support 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. Pendlo sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per month. ZIM@SBB asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

ZIM@SBB ships an update monthly, Pendlo every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on October 3, 2026 and October 6, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
ZIM@SBB versus Pendlo: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterZIM@SBBPendlo
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.2 (13 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews25.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings13 — better—
Update frequencyMonthlyEvery 3 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPod
Requires iOS15.115.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size76 MB24 MB
Age rating4+9+
DeveloperZIM Connections Ltd.Nico Zeller

In-app purchases

None

ZIM@SBB

No in-app purchases

2 purchases

Pendlo

Subscriptions2
  • Pendlo PLUS$5.991 Month
  • Pendlo PLUS Jahr$44.991 Year

Questions

Is ZIM@SBB free?
ZIM@SBB is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Pendlo free?
Pendlo is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do ZIM@SBB or Pendlo have ads?
Neither ZIM@SBB nor Pendlo shows ads.
Which is updated more often, ZIM@SBB or Pendlo?
ZIM@SBB ships an update monthly, and Pendlo every 3 days. Most recently, ZIM@SBB was updated on October 3, 2026 and Pendlo on October 6, 2026.

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