KPN is one of the three biggest telecom providers in the Netherlands. Almost everyone knows that. But what does that mean for you if you're considering a Sim Only plan? You pay more than with budget providers, but do you actually get something extra in return?

In this article, we explain what KPN Sim Only offers, what you're paying for, and who it's worth the investment for.

Short answer: KPN Sim Only offers a strong own network with high speeds and excellent coverage, and scores high on customer satisfaction year after year. You pay a premium price, but you get speed, coverage, and service in return.

Also read: What should you pay attention to with Sim Only?

What makes KPN different from other providers?

KPN is not a virtual provider that rents someone else's network. KPN IS the network. That means three things:

  • Speed: KPN offers 5G as standard and very high download speeds. Streaming in 4K, downloading large files, video calling without hiccups: it just works.
  • Coverage: KPN covers 99% of the Netherlands. Even in rural areas, tunnels, and buildings where other providers struggle, you often still have signal with KPN.
  • Priority: When the network is busy, KPN customers get priority over virtual providers that use the KPN network (such as Simyo or Budget Mobiel). Your connection stays stable, even during busy periods.

That's what you're paying for: not just a plan, but access to KPN's own network, one of the three major networks in the Netherlands.

What does KPN Sim Only cost?

KPN is more expensive than budget providers. That's no secret. A comparable plan with KPN often costs about €8 to €10 more per month than with Simyo, Youfone, or Budget Mobiel.

Example: a bundle with 10GB of data costs around €18.50 per month with KPN. You get the same amount of data from a budget provider for €8 to €10.

Why the difference? You're paying for:

  • KPN's own network (not rented)
  • Higher speeds and better coverage
  • Priority on the network during busy periods
  • More extensive customer service (phone, chat, stores)
  • Extras like a free SIM card if lost, and faster activation

For those who care about budget: 50+Mobiel scores high in the budget segment. With 44,000+ Trustpilot reviews and a score of 4.5/5 stars, 50+Mobiel is a strong alternative if you don't want to pay KPN's premium price. Good to know: 50+Mobiel is co-owned by the Home of the Brave holding.

How is KPN's customer service?

KPN scores high on customer satisfaction year after year. That's due to a combination of accessibility and problem-solving ability.

You can reach KPN via:

  • Phone: Dutch customer service
  • Chat: Live chat via the KPN app or website
  • Stores: KPN has physical stores throughout the Netherlands where you can go with questions or issues
  • Online: MijnKPN environment with an overview of your usage, invoices, and settings

Problems are usually resolved quickly. That's a big difference compared to budget providers, where you often can only get in touch via email or a ticket system.

Also read: Simpel customer service: all contact options at a glance

Which bundles does KPN Sim Only offer?

KPN offers sim only bundles with fixed data bundles, such as 10 GB and 20 GB, and several Unlimited plans. With Unlimited, you mainly choose based on maximum speed, EU data, and how many MBs you can share with housemates. In addition, many bundles let you choose between a limited calling bundle or unlimited calling and texting. The exact price depends on your contract length, bundle, and any KPN combi-discounts.

KPN offers 2 different fixed data plans:

  • 10 GB: internet speed 300 Mbit/s, use your MBs within the EU, share your MBs with someone at the same address
  • 20 GB: internet speed 300 Mbit/s, use your MBs within the EU, share your MBs with someone at the same address

KPN offers 4 different Unlimited plans:

  • Unlimited 50: internet speed 50 Mbit/s, 40 GB per month within the EU, share up to 40 GB monthly
  • Unlimited 400: internet speed 400 Mbit/s, 50 GB per month within the EU, share up to 50 GB monthly
  • Super Unlimited: internet speed 700 Mbit/s, 75 GB per month within the EU, share up to 75 GB monthly
  • Super Unlimited +: internet speed 1000 Mbit/s, 100 GB per month within the EU, 25 GB per month outside the EU, share up to 100 GB monthly

The fixed data bundles cost between €18.50 and €20.50 per month. The Unlimited plans cost between €28 and €40 per month.

Note: not all bundles have unlimited calling and texting by default. With the fixed data bundles, you can add unlimited calling and texting as an extra; with the Unlimited plans, unlimited calling and texting is included. All bundles have 5G access (if you have a 5G phone) and roaming within the EU.

KPN also offers business Sim Only plans with extra options such as multiple SIM cards on one plan and more extensive international bundles.

What are the downsides of KPN Sim Only?

KPN isn't the best choice for everyone. There are downsides as well:

Price: You pay significantly more than with budget providers. If you mainly use wifi and don't need much mobile data, that difference is hard to justify.

Overkill for light use: Do you only use WhatsApp, email, and the occasional Google Maps? Then you don't need the KPN network. A budget provider on the KPN network (like Simyo) gives you the same coverage for a fraction of the price.

Not sure which provider to choose? Welli compares all bundles in real time and shows you what really fits your usage: not just the cheapest deal, but the best deal for you.

Start comparing with Welli →

Who is KPN Sim Only interesting for?

KPN suits you if:

  • You're on the go a lot and want coverage everywhere (including rural areas)
  • You use a lot of data and high speeds are important to you (streaming, video calling, large files)
  • You want priority on the network (no slowdown during busy periods)
  • You value good customer service (reachable by phone, physical stores)
  • You're willing to pay more for reliability and convenience

KPN is less suitable if:

  • You mainly use wifi and don't need much mobile data
  • Budget is your most important criterion
  • You want to stay on a monthly cancellable plan without paying extra
  • You're a light user (only WhatsApp, email, occasional browsing)

Also read: Cheapest Sim Only plan: find the best deal

How does KPN compare to virtual providers on the KPN network?

Providers like Simyo, Youfone, and Budget Mobiel use the KPN network. That means you basically have the same coverage as with KPN itself. But there are differences:

  • Speed: Virtual providers often have a lower maximum speed (for example 100-300 Mbit/s instead of 300-1000 Mbit/s with KPN)
  • Priority: During busy periods, KPN customers get priority. Virtual providers may experience delays.
  • 5G: All virtual providers now offer 5G, just like KPN. The difference is in speed and priority, not in 5G availability.
  • Customer service: Virtual providers often have more limited customer service (no phone contact or physical stores)

For daily use, you often notice little difference. But if you live in a busy area, travel a lot, or need high speeds, KPN makes the difference.

Conclusion: What does KPN Sim Only offer?

KPN Sim Only offers a good network with high speeds, excellent coverage, and a reliable connection. You pay a premium price for that, but you also get premium service in return.

For those who are on the go a lot, use a lot of data, or value good customer service, KPN is worth the investment. For those who mainly use wifi and care about budget, there are affordable alternatives that use the KPN network without the extra cost.

Welli helps you choose. Not the cheapest deal, but the best deal for you. Give Welli 2 minutes and you'll know exactly which bundle fits.