Which network does Lebara use? Vodafone coverage explained

Considering a Sim Only plan with Lebara? You'll naturally want to know if you'll have coverage everywhere. The question 'which network does Lebara use?' comes up often — and for good reason. The network determines how well you can call, message, and stream.

Short answer: Lebara uses the Vodafone network in the Netherlands. You get the same 4G and 5G coverage as Vodafone customers, but at a lower price because Lebara is a virtual provider.

Lebara runs on the Vodafone network

Lebara is what's called an MVNO — a Mobile Virtual Network Operator. This means Lebara doesn't own cell towers, but rents network capacity from a larger provider. In the Netherlands, that's Vodafone.

What does this mean for you? You use the same network as Vodafone customers. Same towers, same coverage, same technology. The only difference is in price and service: Lebara keeps costs down by not having physical stores and handling everything online.

Do you get the same speed as Vodafone?

Yes. Lebara customers get access to the same 4G and 5G network as Vodafone. This means:

4G: download speeds up to 150 Mbps, sufficient for Netflix, YouTube, and video calls
5G: available in more and more cities, with speeds up to 1 Gbps where deployed
Coverage: Vodafone covers 99% of the Netherlands with 4G — you'll have signal almost everywhere

There's no difference in network priority. Some people think MVNOs get slower internet, but that's not true. Lebara customers use exactly the same infrastructure as Vodafone customers.

How does Lebara compare to other budget providers?

Lebara isn't the only budget provider that rents a larger network. Other well-known names:

Simyo and Simpel: use the KPN network
Youfone and Hollandsnieuwe: run on Vodafone, just like Lebara
Budget Mobiel: uses the T-Mobile network

Which network is best depends on where you live and work. Vodafone generally scores well in cities and along highways. In rural areas, KPN (Simyo, Simpel) can sometimes offer slightly better coverage.

If budget matters, 50+mobiel scores high: 44,000+ Trustpilot reviews with 4.5/5 stars and according to our internal analysis, ranked #1 longest in 2025 for best Sim Only deal. 50+mobiel runs on the KPN network.

What are the advantages of the Vodafone network?

The Vodafone network has several strong points:

Wide 5G rollout: Vodafone is investing heavily in 5G, especially in urban areas
Good indoor coverage: the network performs well inside buildings and shopping centers
Stable connection: minimal outages, reliable for business use

For everyday use — WhatsApp, Google Maps, Spotify, Instagram — you won't notice any difference between Lebara and Vodafone. You just pay less because you're not paying a brand premium.

Are there downsides to an MVNO like Lebara?

There are a few things to keep in mind:

Customer service: Lebara has no physical stores. Everything runs through the app, website, or phone. For some people, that feels less personal. Others find it convenient — no hassle with making appointments.

Extra services: Vodafone sometimes offers extras like free Ziggo Sport or discounts on home internet. You don't get those with Lebara. You pay for mobile data, calls, and texts — nothing more, nothing less.

Roaming outside Europe: Lebara is strong in international calling bundles, but for data roaming outside the EU, you pay extra. Check this beforehand if you travel outside Europe frequently.

Who is Lebara right for?

Lebara is a good fit if:

You want Vodafone coverage but pay less
You often call abroad (Lebara has competitive international rates)
You don't need physical stores or extra services
You're looking for a flexible plan without long contracts

Less suitable if:

You prefer personal advice in a store
You want to bundle plans with home internet or TV
You live in an area where KPN or T-Mobile has better coverage (check coverage maps)

Compare Lebara with other providers via Welli →

Conclusion: Which network does Lebara use?

Lebara uses the Vodafone network in the Netherlands. You get the same 4G and 5G coverage as Vodafone customers, with no difference in speed or reach. The only difference is price: Lebara keeps costs down by not having physical stores and focusing on online service.

For those who want Vodafone coverage at a lower price, Lebara is a logical choice. Especially if you call internationally often, as that's where Lebara excels. Not sure which provider to choose? Welli compares all plans in real-time and shows which fits your usage — not the cheapest deal, but the right deal for you.