EN The sim only market is growing rapidly. According to recent figures from the ACM, in 2024 almost half of the Dutch will choose a sim only contract. Logical: it is flexible, convenient and often a lot cheaper than a handset bundle. But which provider suits you?
Two names often pop up in the search for a budget-friendly provider: 50+ mobiel and Youfone. Both score well on price, coverage and customer satisfaction. But which provider best suits your needs? In this article, we compare both providers so you can make an informed choice.
For whom are these providers suitable?
50+ mobiel: focused on simplicity and personal service
As the name suggests, 50+ mobiel focuses mainly on users aged 50 and older. The focus is on clear bundles, clear communication and easy access to customer service. This is a good choice if you are looking for security and convenience.
Youfone: competitive on price and flexible
Youfone focuses on price-conscious customers who want to manage their telecom business themselves. You put together your own bundle and arrange everything online. Youfone offers more flexibility, but less guidance compared to 50+ mobiel. In addition, you often pay extra for certain features.
Network performance and user experience
When choosing a sim only contract, you don't just want competitive prices, but above all, you want a reliable connection. That is the product and service you are purchasing. Therefore, it is important to look at the differences in network connectivity, performance and customer experience.
What network do 50+ mobiel and Youfone use?
50+ mobiel uses the Vodafone network. This network is known for stable coverage and good performance in urban areas.
Youfone uses the KPN network. This network, according to independent measurements by Opensignal, scores well at the European level in terms of 5G coverage and consistency.
How do these networks perform in the Netherlands?
Opensignal (2024) reports:
Vodafone: average download speed 89.6 Mbps and upload speed 15 Mbps.
KPN: average download speed 81 Mbps on 4G, but 176 Mbps via 5G - and often most stable during peak hours.
The network your provider runs on can make a big difference in your experience. If you're often on the go in outlying areas, Youfone offers a slight edge.
Also read: How is the coverage of 50+ mobiel?What do customers themselves think?
On platforms like Trustpilot and Google Reviews, both providers get a lot of positive feedback:
50+ mobiel scores especially high on ease of use and customer service combined with satisfaction with low prices.
Youfone gets good reviews for its value for money and speed, although the service is sometimes perceived as less accessible.
Price differences and bundles
In terms of price, the bundles are close to each other. Both providers have promotions where you get a temporary discount or receive double data. 50+ mobiel offers bundles with for example 10GB and unlimited calls from a few euros per month. Youfone is often just slightly more expensive, but already offers 5G. Please note that most offers only apply to two-year contracts.
Customer service and ease of use
An important difference is in the service. 50+ mobiel is easily accessible by phone and explains everything easily. You notice that they have experience with customers who do not want to arrange everything online. With Youfone, on the other hand, you arrange everything via the app or online portal. That is fast, but requires some dexterity and mobile knowledge.
For whom is 50+ mobiel the best choice?
Advantages for price-conscious users
Do you use your phone mainly to make calls, send apps and occasionally use the Internet? Then 50+ mobiel is a smart choice. You get:
Low monthly charges
Clear communication
No unexpected costs
And you really don't have to be over 50 to become a customer.
Why the target group will benefit
For many people who don't fancy complicated bundles or customer service that sends you from pillar to post, this is ideal. 50+ mobiel speaks plain language and likes to keep things as simple as possible.
When is Youfone a better option?
Users who want top quality network
Do you travel a lot? Do you live out of town? Or do you just want to be sure you always have maximum coverage? Then Youfone is the right option for you. Thanks to the KPN network, you're assured of a strong signal virtually anywhere in the Netherlands.
Suitable for intensive data use
Do you stream a lot? Or do you use your mobile as a hotspot? Then a provider with better data speeds and higher data limits comes in handy. Youfone offers more options in this regard than 50+ mobiel.
In short: Which provider suits you best?
Do you want a simple, inexpensive bundle and good phone service? Then choose 50+ mobiel.
Do you want to arrange everything yourself online and are you looking for inexpensive bundles with a 5G connection? Then Youfone suits you better.
Conclusion: is 50+ mobiel or Youfone the best sim only provider?
It depends on what you think is important. Both providers have their strengths. 50+ mobiel scores on price and customer satisfaction. They are clear, affordable and offer good service - ideal if you are mainly looking for a reliable, simple provider. Youfone, on the other hand, scores high on network performance thanks to its strong KPN network. Perfect for those who are on the road a lot or find fast data important. Do you just want a deal without fuss? Then 50+ mobiel is right for you. Do you prioritize range and speed? Then Youfone is your match.
Weli helps you choose. Not the cheapest deal, but the best deal for you.