Fast internet is just as much a given for most Dutch people as running water. You want to send WhatsApp messages instantly, watch YouTube without buffering, and use Google Maps without delay. Budget Mobiel is one of the cheapest providers in the Netherlands, but how fast is their internet really? In this article, we explain what you can expect.
Read more about which provider Budget Mobiel is and how they compare to other providers.
What internet speed does Budget Mobiel offer?
Maximum speed with unlimited internet
Do you have an unlimited Budget Mobiel plan? Then your download speed is up to 25 Mbps and your upload speed is 10 Mbps. That's enough for WhatsApp, email, online banking, and streaming in HD quality. If you're used to higher speeds, for example for 4K streaming on multiple devices at once, this might feel slow.
For comparison: Netflix recommends 5 Mbps for HD quality (720p) and 25 Mbps for Ultra HD (4K). So Budget Mobiel's speed is more than enough for HD streaming and just enough for a single 4K stream. Running multiple streams alongside 4K, or watching 4K while doing other things on your connection, becomes difficult.
Speed with smaller data bundles
If you choose a smaller data bundle, such as 1 GB, 5 GB, or 10 GB, the speeds are usually a bit higher. Under optimal conditions and good coverage, you can reach up to 100 Mbps. That's fine for standard use: browsing, social media, light streaming, and video calling via WhatsApp or Zoom.
Keep in mind: this 100 Mbps is a theoretical maximum. In practice, your speed depends on your location, network congestion, and the quality of your phone.
How does Budget Mobiel's Fair Use Policy work?
Daily limit of 4 GB
Even though it's called 'unlimited', Budget Mobiel works with a daily limit of 4 GB. This means you can use 4 GB per day without any extra action. For most people, that's more than enough: think of a day full of WhatsApp, email, browsing, and a few hours of YouTube.
But do you stream a lot of shows on the go or download large files? Then you might hit that 4 GB faster than you think. An hour of Netflix in HD uses about 3 GB.
Also read: Is Budget Mobiel really unlimited?
Manually topping up with 1 GB at a time
After that 4 GB, you can request an extra 1 GB for free by texting Budget Mobiel. You can repeat this as often as you like. Just keep in mind that you have to do this yourself: it doesn't happen automatically.
Other providers with truly unlimited internet, such as KPN or Vodafone, don't have this daily step. But you do pay more for that.
What about Budget Mobiel's coverage?
Use of the KPN network
Budget Mobiel uses KPN's network. And that's good news, because KPN is one of the three major providers in the Netherlands with its own nationwide network. So coverage-wise, you're in good shape, even in rural areas or smaller towns.
Budget Mobiel is what's known as a virtual provider (MVNO). This means they don't have their own transmission towers but rent KPN's network. So the coverage is identical to KPN's own.
Also read: Is Budget Mobiel part of KPN?
Reliability inside and outside the Randstad
Whether you live in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, or a village in Friesland: the KPN network offers stable coverage almost everywhere. Even in busy spots like stations, shopping centers, or festivals, coverage is usually great. You'll rarely experience dropouts or weak connections.
Good to know: besides 4G, Budget Mobiel also supports 5G via the KPN network. You'll need a 5G-compatible device for that, though. The difference with KPN itself isn't in 5G availability, but in the maximum speed of your bundle.
Compare all Sim Only bundles via Welli →
Who is Budget Mobiel suitable for, and who isn't it for?
Ideal for basic use
Budget Mobiel is a great choice if you mainly text, email, browse, or occasionally watch a video. You get reliable internet via the KPN network, at a low price. Suitable for:
- WhatsApp, email, and social media
- YouTube and streaming in HD quality
- Google Maps and online banking
- Occasionally streaming a podcast or Spotify playlist
- Light video calling (WhatsApp, FaceTime)
If budget is important to you, 50+Mobiel is also worth checking out: this provider scores around 4.5 stars on Trustpilot with more than 44,000 reviews. Good to know: 50+Mobiel is co-owned by the same holding company as Welcompare (Home of the Brave); we compare all providers neutrally. Budget Mobiel is also among the most affordable options.
Less suitable for heavy users
Do you stream a lot in 4K or on multiple devices at once, video call via Zoom or Teams, or download large files? Then you're better off looking at a provider with higher speeds and truly unlimited internet without a daily limit. Budget Mobiel is not suitable for:
- Netflix or Disney+ in 4K, or multiple streams at once
- Daily video calling for work (Zoom, Teams)
- Online gaming on your phone
- Downloading large files (movies, software)
- Multiple devices at once via hotspot
Also read: What should you pay attention to with a Sim Only plan?
How does Budget Mobiel compare to other budget providers?
Budget Mobiel isn't the only cheap provider with limitations. Simpel, for example, offers a download speed of up to 150 Mbps and an upload speed of up to 50 Mbps, without a daily limit. Youfone and Hollandsnieuwe also offer higher speeds (up to 150 Mbps), but are slightly more expensive.
Want to know which provider best fits your usage? Welli compares all providers in real time and shows you what really suits you, not just based on price, but also on speed and ease of use.
Frequently asked questions about Budget Mobiel internet
Can I watch Netflix with Budget Mobiel?
Yes. With 25 Mbps you can watch Netflix perfectly fine in HD quality; that requires at least 5 Mbps per stream. Even 4K (Ultra HD) is just about possible, since Netflix recommends 25 Mbps for that. For 4K, though, you shouldn't be doing much else on your connection at the same time, and multiple streams at once won't work.
What happens after 4 GB per day?
Your internet doesn't stop, but you'll need to manually request an extra 1 GB via text message. You can repeat this for free, but it's an extra step you have to take yourself.
Is Budget Mobiel faster than 50+Mobiel?
No, both providers offer 25 Mbps with unlimited internet. The difference lies in the daily limit: Budget Mobiel has a 4 GB daily limit, while 50+Mobiel has no daily limit but does have a monthly Fair Use Policy.
Conclusion: does Budget Mobiel have fast internet?
Budget Mobiel offers reliable coverage thanks to the KPN network, but there are clear limits when it comes to speed. With 25 Mbps on unlimited internet and a daily limit of 4 GB, it's sufficient for basic use: WhatsApp, email, browsing, and streaming in HD quality. But it's less suitable for heavy internet users who stream a lot in 4K, video call daily for work, or download large files.
Choose Budget Mobiel if you're looking for a simple, cheap plan and don't need top speed. Want more speed or truly unlimited internet without a daily limit? Then providers like Simpel, Youfone, or even KPN are better options.
Not sure whether to choose Budget Mobiel or another provider? Tell Welli your calling and streaming habits and get instant, tailored advice: not the cheapest deal, but the best deal for you.