Nearly half of all Dutch consumers think they're paying too much for their mobile plan. That's according to research by the ACM (Dutch Authority for Consumers & Markets). Yet switching remains difficult: temporary discounts, fine print and promotions that expire after a few months make it hard to see the full picture. Which provider is really the most affordable? And what do you actually get for that price?
In this article, you'll learn step by step how to find the cheapest Sim Only plan that fits your usage, preferences and budget.
What do we mean by 'cheapest Sim Only'?
Price vs. value: bundle, network and service
The cheapest Sim Only isn't always the one with the lowest monthly fee. What you get for that price is just as important. Pay attention to:
- How large your data bundle is
- How many call minutes or text messages are included
- Which network you're using (KPN, Vodafone or Odido)
- Whether customer service is accessible and helpful
A plan at €4 per month might seem affordable, but if you regularly exceed your bundle, it can actually cost you more. A bundle at €8 with more data is then the smarter choice.
Budget bundles vs. unlimited: when to choose what?
Do you mainly use your phone for WhatsApp and some browsing? Then a small bundle (2-5 GB) is often sufficient. Suitable for: sending messages, checking email, occasionally looking up a route in Google Maps.
Are you someone who streams a lot, video calls or works on the go? Then an unlimited internet plan is often more cost-effective. You don't have to think about your usage anymore and never hit a limit.
How to compare prices smartly
Temporary promotions and discounts (duration & conditions)
Many providers lure you in with low rates, but these often only apply for a few months. Always check how long the discount lasts and what you'll pay afterwards. A plan at €5 per month can suddenly become €12 after six months.
Note the end date of your discount in your calendar. That way you can compare again in time and possibly switch to a better deal.
Contract duration: monthly cancellable vs. 1-2 years
An annual contract is usually cheaper, but monthly cancellable plans offer more flexibility. Handy if you're not sure how much data you need or if you want to switch soon.
Who is an annual contract suitable for? If you know exactly what you use and don't plan to switch quickly. Who is monthly cancellable better for? If you want to take advantage of new promotions or if your situation might change quickly (for example, a temporary work contract).
Additional costs: activation fees, administration, EU roaming
Watch out for any one-time activation fees (often €15 - €20) and check if EU roaming is included. This prevents unexpected costs abroad. Some providers also charge administration fees when you cancel — check this in advance.
Fair Use Policy and conditions for unlimited internet
'Unlimited' isn't always truly unlimited. Most providers have a Fair Use Policy. With extreme usage (for example, more than 100 GB per month), your speed may be reduced. It also occasionally happens that your internet speed with an unlimited plan is lower than with a limited plan.
Always dig into the conditions before choosing a bundle. Is there a maximum speed listed? Then you know what to expect.
Network and quality
Networks in the Netherlands: KPN, Vodafone and Odido
The Netherlands has three main networks: KPN, Vodafone and Odido. All three offer nationwide 4G and 5G, but performance can vary by region. KPN often scores best outside cities, while Vodafone and Odido are stronger in urban areas.
Budget providers like 50+mobiel, Youfone and Simpel use these networks. They rent capacity, which allows them to offer lower prices without having to build towers themselves.
Read also: Which network does 50+ mobiel use?
Coverage differences per region and practical speeds
Use an online coverage map or test your speed via a Speedtest to check how coverage is in your area. Only then will you know exactly which network can achieve the highest internet speed where you live or work.
Do you live in a rural area? Then KPN is often the best choice. Do you live in a city? Then all three networks perform well, and you can mainly look at price and service.
Cheapest Sim Only plans
3 of the cheapest Sim Only providers right now
Looking for a cheap sim only plan? You'll quickly come across a few familiar names. Instead of looking at one specific deal, it's smarter to look at providers that are structurally affordable.
Based on price level, bundle structure and offers, these three providers are often among the most affordable options in the Netherlands.
50+ mobiel — simple and sharply priced
50+ mobiel is known for its low prices and straightforward plans. You choose a data bundle and get unlimited calling and texting as standard. The provider often runs temporary promotions, making you extra affordable in the first period.
What makes 50+ mobiel especially attractive is its simplicity. No complicated options or extras, just a clear plan that does what it should. You also use the Vodafone network, which ensures a stable connection throughout the Netherlands.
If budget matters, 50+mobiel scores high: 44,000+ Trustpilot reviews with 4.5/5 and according to our internal analysis, ranked #1 longest in 2025 for best Sim Only deal.
Read also: Is 50+ mobiel a good provider?
Youfone — flexible and sharply priced
Youfone is a popular choice for price-conscious users who like to keep control over their plan. You configure your bundle yourself and can adjust it later. Handy if your usage changes or if you temporarily need more data.
The provider uses the KPN network and therefore offers strong coverage throughout the Netherlands. Youfone is often in the same price segment as 50+ mobiel, but offers slightly more flexibility in settings and bundle options.
Read also: Why is Youfone so cheap?
Simpel — affordable and straightforward
Simpel targets people who just want a cheap plan without fuss. The bundles are simply structured and prices are often low, especially in combination with promotions.
The provider uses the Odido network and thus offers good coverage and speed. As with the other providers: the larger your data bundle, the higher your monthly price, but the base remains affordable.
Read also: Why is Simpel so cheap?
Main differences between providers
All three providers offer comparable bundles, but the quality of internet and service can differ. Base your choice not only on price, but also on what matters to you.
Is customer service very important to you? Then choose 50+ mobiel. Would you rather have the option to add faster internet to your bundle? Then Youfone suits you better. Do you just want the lowest price without extras? Then Simpel is a good choice.
Good to remember! The three mentioned providers are well-known price fighters in the market. It can vary monthly which provider is actually the cheapest at that moment. Other well-known budget providers are Lebara and Hollandsnieuwe.
How to choose the cheapest plan
You now know broadly what to look for to find the cheapest plan. But how do you start? We've created a step-by-step plan for that.
Step 1: Determine your data and calling profile
Check in your phone's settings or via your current provider how much data you use monthly. That way you know exactly how much you need and can more easily compare bundles of the same size on price and features.
The average Dutch person uses between 6 and 10 GB per month. Do you mainly use WhatsApp, email and occasionally YouTube? Then you're probably on the lower end. Do you stream Netflix daily or work a lot on the go? Then you need more.
Step 2: Check your coverage
Use an online coverage map to see which network scores best in your area. When you start comparing bundles, you can already filter on this network to make a pre-selection.
Do you live in an area with poor KPN coverage? Then there's little point in looking at Youfone. Choose a provider on the Vodafone or Odido network instead.
Step 3: Filter similar bundles by price
Now that you know how much data you need and which network suits you, you can filter by price. Use our comparison tool to set all filters and sort by price, data volume, network and contract duration.
Also pay attention to the conditions: is the price temporary? Are there activation fees? Is EU roaming included? These details make the difference between a real good deal and a fake deal.
Step 4: Determine your preferences
Now that you have a good selection of bundles in front of you, it's time to make the choice, but how do you do this? There are so many bundles that all have their own pros and cons.
To make the choice as easy as possible for yourself, it's wise to determine what matters to you. Do you find good customer service important or do you prefer high internet speed? List your preferences and see which bundle from the selection matches most closely.
Doubting between two options? Welli looks at your calling and streaming habits and tells you which fits. Give Welli 2 minutes and you'll have a bundle that truly suits you.
Common mistakes (and how to avoid them)
Choosing too small a bundle and out-of-bundle costs
Too small a bundle can lead to high out-of-bundle costs. Better take a buffer for safety. Do you use an average of 8 GB per month? Then choose a 10 GB bundle. Those few extra euros per month are cheaper than paying out-of-bundle once.
Forgetting the discount period (price increase after promotion)
Note the end date of your discount and compare again when the price rises. That way you always stay as affordable as possible. Set a reminder in your calendar for one month before the end of the promotion period — then you still have time to switch.
Not checking roaming and 5G conditions
Not every provider offers the same conditions outside the EU. Check this before you travel. Some providers charge extra for countries like Switzerland, Turkey or the United Kingdom — these don't fall under EU roaming rules.
5G is also not always included as standard. With some budget providers, you pay extra for access to the 5G network. Do you have a 5G phone and want the fastest connection? Then check this in advance.
Who is this for?
This article is suitable for anyone who wants to save on their mobile plan without compromising on quality. Whether you're a student, self-employed, or just someone who's conscious about money — the steps in this article help you make the right choice.
Also handy if you're taking out a Sim Only plan for the first time and don't know where to start. Or if you've been with the same provider for years and are curious if there are better deals.
Read also: What to look for with Sim Only?
Conclusion: the smartest choice for the cheapest Sim Only plan
A cheap Sim Only plan isn't just about the lowest price, but about the right balance between data, network and service. Choose the bundle that fits your usage and look beyond just the price tag.
It's the extras like a stable network, reliable customer service and fast internet that make your plan truly affordable. A bundle at €5 per month that doesn't work in your area isn't a deal — it's frustration.
Follow the steps in this article, compare smartly and choose consciously. That way you never pay more than necessary and have a plan that truly fits you.
Give Welli 2 minutes and you'll have a bundle that truly suits you. Click to start.