SoftBank Air Review (2025): Setup, Speeds, and English-Friendly Alternatives

Need home internet fast—but fiber is taking too long?

Setting up traditional fiber internet in Japan can mean long wait times, weekday appointments, and even construction work inside your apartment. Depending on where you live, it might take up to 2 months beofre you're online.

That's where SoftBank Air can come in. It's a no-installation home wiFi solution that skips the contructions, works out of the box, and gets you connecteed in just a few days.

In this SoftBank Air review, we'll break down what it is, how it compares to fiber, what real users are saying—and what alternatives are available for foreigners in Japan.

Related Article:

Are you looking for home internet in Japan? Do you need English customer support. Check out the top 7 internet providers in Japan here!

Compare the Top 7 Internet Providers in Japan | Best Plans with English Support

What is SoftBank Air?

SoftBank Air is a plug-and-play home internet service from SoftBank. They provide a WiFi router (Air Terminal) that does not need any construction work or installation. Their oruter connects to their mobile network, just likea cell phone.

They market it as a hassle-free solution for those who want home itnernet without all the costs, waiting, and planning that come along with construction and regular fiber-optic home internet.

Once you sign up with SoftBank Air's service, they will send you a router. All you have to do is plug it into an outlet and you'll be able to connect to the internet on the same day that it arrives!

SoftBank Air At a Glance

Plans & Pricing

Payment Flexibility:

• Installment Options for Purchase12 / 24 / 36 / 48 / 60 months – or pay in a lump sum.
• Total Purchase Price:71,280 JPY (regardless of number of installments).

Monthly payment amount will vary based on the term length.

Speeds & Data Limits

Average connection speeds are recorded on the website minsoku on July 2, 2025.

The table below shows common online activities and the interenet speeds typically required for each.

Coverage & Availability

SoftBank Air runs off SoftBank's 4G/5G network, offering wide coverage across most of Japan's cities and suburbs.

Urban vs Rural Areas

Coverage is generally strong in populated areas, thanks to SoftBank's mid-band LTE and growing 5G network. However, in rural or mountainous regions, indoor reception may be weaker—especially since SoftBank no longer uses the 900 MHz band for Air, which helped with building penetration.

If you live in a major city or suburban area, SoftBank Air is likely to work well. But if you're in a remote location, performance may be less consistent.

How to Check Availability

Before applying, we recommend checking service availability at your exact address:

• Address-Based Speed Map:See the estimatd top speed and available netowrk type (4G or 5G).
• 5G Area List:Confirm if your area qualifies for the latest Air Terminal 6 Speeds (up to 2.7 Gbps).

📌You can also visit a SoftBank or Y!mobile store to check availability and ask about coverage at your home.

Application & Installation

SoftBank Air is relatively easy to install compared to traditional fiber intenret, but process may still present some challenges—especially if you don't speak Japanese.

Simple Plug-in Setup

SoftBank Air does not require a technician visit or home construction. Once the Air Terminal router arrives, just plug it into a power outlet. It connects automatically to the SoftBank netowrk, and your WiFI should be available within a few minutes.

Shipping & Timeline

• In-store sign-up: You may be able to take the device home immediately, depending on stock.
• Online or phone application: The router typically arrives within two business days. (Delivery may take longer if it falls over a weekend.)
• You'll also receive a "Start Notice" via mail or SMS with your account details about a week after applying.

Application Process:

You can apply through:

• The SoftBank website (Japanese only)
• Phone (Japanese only)
• SoftBank/Y!mobile stores (English may be available, but varies depending on the store).

To apply, you'll need:

• Japanese Driver's license, Japanese passport, My Number Card, or Residence card + foreign passport or special permanent resident certificate.
• Credit card or cash card to process your payment.
• A person who is fluent in Japanese as all application steps, forms,a nd support are conducted in Japanese.

Language & English Support

SoftBank Air is mainly a Japanese-language service, and official English resources are extremely limited. While there is a brief English overview on SoftBank's website, all detailed pages, contracts, manuals and application forms are written in Japanese.

Application Process

Whether applying online, by phone, or in-store, the process is conducted in Japanese. For this reason, many international residents need help form a Japanese-speaking friend or choose to apply through a third-party agency that offers English support. Another thing to beware of is required documents typically include a residence card and other forms of ID.

Customer Support

SoftBank does offer an English-language phone line for general inquires. However, this support is limited—agents may not be able to help with specific troubleshooting or billing issues related to SoftBank Air. Thee is no official English email or chat support available.

Real User SoftBank Reviews

SoftBank Air reviews vary widely between very satisfied and very disappointed, depending on user expectations and environment.

Positive

Performance Praise

"Today I changed from Y!mobile Pocket WiFi to the new SoftBank Air...This one is faster..."

Device Switch, Promo Offer

"SoftBank Air Terminal 6 has pretty fast connection❗You can comfortably use it for work or watch videos at home😄"

Negative

Speed/Reliability Issues

"SoftBank Air is ridiculously slow...!?...pages still won't load...Might be time to seriously think about other solutions?"

Customer Churn Risk

"I haven't posted recently because it's been so bad...Current situation..."

Strong Warning with Alternative Recommendation

"I've written this many times, but I regret signing up for SoftBank Air...I recommend wired optical fiber...you'll definitely get annoyed!"

Who Should Use SoftBank Air (And Who Shouldn't)

SoftBank Air isn't the perfect fit for everyone, but given the right situation, it can be a convenient solution.

✅SoftBank Air May Be a Fit If You:

• 🧳Are a renter of a short-term resident who can't install fiber.
• ⚡Need internet immediately and are okay with occasional slowdowns.
• 🚫Live in a place without fiber access or just need a temporary bakcup option.

❌SoftBank May Not Be Ideal For:

• 🎮Gamers or remote workers who need low latency and reliable high-speed internet.
• 🏠Large households iwth many devices or heavy data usage.
• 🌐International residents who prefer English-language customer support.
• 📉Anyone looking for long-term speed and reliability (fiber is the better fit).

Tip: If you're unsure, try a flexible solution, like Sakura Mobile Home WiFi first. You can always upgrade to fiber later if needed.

Summary: Pros & Cons of SoftBank Air

Pros of SoftBank Air:

• Quick SetupNo installation delay—internet can start within days of applying, or immediately in-store.
• No ConstructionNo need to coordinate with building management or wait for cable laying. Simply plug it into an outlet.
• Unlimited DataUnlimited usage for a flat fee.

Cons fo SoftBank Air

• Slow SpeedsAir Terminal 6's 2.7 Gbps max speed is theoretical, and speeds are often much slower than fiber. Latency is also higher, so online gaming or video calls can suffer.
• Signal LimitationsSoftBank Air uses mid-band LTE/5G (no 900MHz), so walls and distance can degrade signal. Coverage depends on the nearest cell tower, indoor placement, and weather.
• Peak-Time ThrottlingAs a shared mobile network, speeds can dip during busy hours.
• Language BarrierNo English support/documentation is offered. Foreign residents may find it harder to sign up or troubleshoot SoftBank Air cimpared to other providers that offer English service.

If You Need High-Speed, Unlimited Internet as an International Resident in Japan

If you’re an international resident looking for fast, unlimited internet in Japan, Sakura Mobile has two great options—both with full English support and no long-term contracts.

Sakura Fiber Internet

Perfect for long-term residents who need maximum speed and stability.

Need Flexibility? Try Sakura Mobile’s Home WiFi

If you're staying short-term or move frequently, Sakura Mobile Home WiFi is a hassle-free solution.