Budget Mobiel advertises 'unlimited internet' for €20 a month. Sounds attractive, but how unlimited is it really? You actually get 4 GB per day; once that's used up, you can top up with 1 GB for free via text message. The speed is capped at 25 Mbps. And there are also limits abroad and when calling. In this article we explain all the conditions, so you can see whether this plan fits your usage.
Also read: Which provider is Budget Mobiel?
What does 'unlimited' mean at Budget Mobiel?
Daily data limit of 4 GB
You get 4 GB per day in the Netherlands. Used it up? Then you can top up with 1 GB for free via text message, as often as you like. The next day you start again with 4 GB. Keep in mind that you have to request this top-up yourself; it doesn't happen automatically.
For most people, 4 GB per day is more than enough. That covers WhatsApp, email, browsing, Google Maps, and a few hours of YouTube in standard quality. But if you stream a lot in HD, download large files, or video call often, you'll hit that limit quickly.
Maximum speed of 25 Mbps
Download speed is capped at 25 Mbps, uploading goes up to 10 Mbps. That's enough for:
- WhatsApp, email, and browsing
- YouTube in low or standard quality (480p-720p)
- Spotify and other music streaming
- Google Maps and navigation
But for HD streaming (1080p or higher), video calling via Teams or Zoom, or large downloads, 25 Mbps is on the slow side. Netflix, for example, recommends 5 Mbps for HD and 25 Mbps for 4K. With Budget Mobiel, you're at the bare minimum for HD and can forget about 4K.
Also read: What is the speed of Budget Mobiel unlimited?
Data abroad: also limited
EU bundle of 31 GB per month
Within the European Union, you get 31 GB of data per month. Exceed that? Then your speed drops to 100 Kbps for downloading and 50 Kbps for uploading. That's so slow you can basically only send WhatsApp messages; browsing, streaming, or navigating becomes practically impossible.
You can buy extra bundles to boost your speed again, but here too: it's not unlimited. For a week's holiday in Spain or France, 31 GB is usually enough, but if you're backpacking for a month or working remotely from abroad, you'll run into limits.
Unlimited calling and texting: fair use policy
Budget Mobiel also calls calling and texting 'unlimited', but there's a fair use limit attached. Go over 100 hours of calling or send more than 2,000 texts per month? Then Budget Mobiel may temporarily limit your connection or get in touch with you.
For normal use, this isn't a problem. Even if you call for an hour every day, that's 30 hours a month, well under the limit. But if you use your SIM card for a call center, automated services, or spam, that falls outside the terms.
Also read: Budget Mobiel contact: how to get in touch
Price and contract types
You pay €20 per month for the unlimited plan. You can choose from:
- Monthly cancellable (flexible, no commitment)
- One-year contract (slightly lower monthly price)
- Two-year contract (even better value per month)
The longer you commit, the lower the monthly price. But be careful: with a one-year contract, you're locked in if you find out the limits don't suit you after all.
Compare all Sim Only plans via Welli →
Who is Budget Mobiel unlimited suitable for?
This plan is a good fit for:
- People who mainly use WhatsApp, email, and occasionally watch a video
- Users who don't need top speed
- Anyone who wants to save on monthly costs and doesn't mind requesting free extra data via text message when needed
- People who usually stay within 4 GB per day
Less suitable for:
- People who stream a lot in HD, video call, or download large files
- Anyone who'd rather not deal with daily limits or top up data themselves
- Users who regularly use more than 4 GB per day
- Anyone who's often abroad and uses the internet intensively there
If budget matters most, 50+Mobiel is also worth a look: the brand scores around 4.5 stars on Trustpilot with more than 44,000 reviews. Good to know: 50+Mobiel is co-owned by the Home of the Brave holding. Budget Mobiel is a good alternative if you don't mind the daily top-up.
How does Budget Mobiel compare to other budget providers?
Other budget providers like Simyo, Youfone, and Simpel often offer similar prices, but with different conditions. Simyo, for example, has no daily limit but a monthly bundle instead. Youfone offers higher speeds (up to 50 Mbps) for a few euros more. Simpel has a more flexible system where you put together your own bundle.
Budget Mobiel's unique point is the combination of a low price (€20) with theoretically unlimited data, but with that 4 GB daily limit and free top-up via text message. For those who don't mind that, it's a sharp deal. Anyone who'd rather not deal with daily top-ups at all can look at the alternatives.
Also read: What should you pay attention to with Sim Only?
Frequently asked questions about Budget Mobiel unlimited
Can I have the 4 GB per day topped up automatically?
No, you have to send a text message yourself every time to request 1 GB of extra data for free. Budget Mobiel doesn't offer an automatic top-up. You can do this as often as you like, and the next day you simply start again with 4 GB.
What happens when I use up my 4 GB?
Your internet stops until you top up with 1 GB for free via text message. Calling and texting still work as normal. The next day at midnight, you automatically get 4 GB again.
Can I use Budget Mobiel as a hotspot?
Yes, tethering (using your phone as a hotspot) is allowed. But be careful: if you use your phone to get your laptop or tablet online, that 4 GB will run out quickly. Large downloads or HD streaming via a hotspot eat up data fast.
Is Budget Mobiel suitable for Netflix on the go?
In standard quality (480p-720p), yes, but HD (1080p) or 4K becomes difficult due to the 25 Mbps limit. Netflix automatically adjusts the quality to your speed, so you can watch, just not in the highest resolution.
Conclusion: is Budget Mobiel really unlimited?
No, not in the literal sense. You get 4 GB per day and can then top up with 1 GB for free via text message, as often as you like. Speed is capped at 25 Mbps. Abroad you get 31 GB per month, after which the speed drops dramatically. And fair use rules also apply to calling above 100 hours per month.
For those who mainly want to use WhatsApp, email, browse, and occasionally watch a video in standard quality, Budget Mobiel is a great deal for €20 per month. But anyone looking for truly unlimited internet without interruptions or text-message top-ups should look further, or accept that 'unlimited' at Budget Mobiel is a marketing term with conditions attached.
Welli helps you choose. Not the cheapest deal, but the best deal for you.