Vodafone is one of the biggest telecom companies in the world. In the Netherlands, they offer Sim Only plans on their own network. That means: no middleman, direct control over coverage and speed. But what exactly do you get for your money, and who is Vodafone the right choice for?

Short answer: Vodafone is a premium provider with excellent 5G coverage, strong international roaming and its own infrastructure. You pay more than with budget providers, but in return you get extensive coverage, high speeds and reliable service. Suitable for anyone who travels a lot, uses a lot of data, or simply wants peace of mind.

Also read: What to look out for with Sim Only

What makes Vodafone different from other providers?

Vodafone runs its own network, just like KPN and Odido. You notice this difference in three ways:

  • 5G coverage: Vodafone has excellent 5G coverage. In cities, but also along motorways and in mid-sized towns.
  • International roaming: Vodafone operates in dozens of countries. Calling and using the internet abroad often works more smoothly than with virtual providers.
  • Network priority: During busy times, Vodafone customers get priority over customers of budget providers that lease the Vodafone network (such as Hollandsnieuwe).

The downside: you pay more than with budget providers for comparable bundles.

Also read: Why is Hollandsnieuwe cheaper than Vodafone?

What bundles does Vodafone offer?

Vodafone offers fixed data bundles, a shareable Family bundle, and three Unlimited variants:

Data bundles: 3GB, 15GB and 30GB

These bundles offer 3, 15, or 30 GB of data respectively, plus unlimited texting. Unlimited calling isn't included by default: you get 150 calling minutes per month. Unlimited calling is an add-on.

50GB (Family)

A bundle with 50 GB to share, including unlimited calling and texting.

Unlimited bundles

  • Unlimited Start: unlimited data and texting in the Netherlands (with 50 GB in the EU). No unlimited calling: you get 150 calling minutes per month, unlimited calling is an add-on.
  • Unlimited Plus: unlimited calling, texting, and data in the Netherlands, plus a larger EU data bundle.
  • Unlimited Max: the most extensive variant, also with unlimited calling, texting, and data in the Netherlands, plus the largest EU data allowance.

All bundles support 5G, provided your device supports 5G and you're in a 5G coverage area.

How's Vodafone's coverage?

Vodafone has extensive 4G coverage across the Netherlands. Its 5G network has also been heavily expanded by now: according to Vodafone's own figures, national 5G coverage is around 91%. All major cities, many mid-sized towns, and key traffic routes are covered. In rural areas the signal sometimes falls back to 4G, but in practice you'll barely notice: 4G is fast enough for most apps.

Internationally, Vodafone is strong. Within the EU you don't pay extra roaming costs: your bundle simply works in countries like Germany, France, and Spain. Outside the EU (such as Switzerland, Turkey, the US) you pay extra, but the rates are often lower than with budget providers.

Want to know how other providers score on coverage? Take a look at, for example, Simpel's coverage, a budget alternative on the Odido network.

What are the advantages of Vodafone?

  • Excellent 5G coverage: faster loading, a more stable connection in busy areas.
  • Own infrastructure: no dependence on other parties, direct support in case of outages.
  • International roaming: works smoothly in dozens of countries, handy for frequent travelers.
  • Network priority: less delay during busy times compared to virtual providers.
  • Extras: some bundles offer discounts on streaming services or extra data abroad.

What are the downsides of Vodafone?

But there's also a flip side:

  • Price: Vodafone is more expensive than budget providers. For a comparable bundle you'll generally pay more per month.
  • Contract length: Vodafone only offers 1-year and 2-year plans. There's no monthly cancellable plan.
  • Customer service: being a larger organization sometimes means longer wait times for support, though the quality is generally good.

For those who care about budget: 50+mobiel scores well as an alternative. With 44,000+ Trustpilot reviews at 4.5/5 stars, the rating remains high, at a lower price. Good to know: 50+mobiel is co-owned by the Home of the Brave holding.

Who is Vodafone suitable for?

Vodafone suits you if:

  • You travel a lot (within and outside Europe) and want reliable roaming
  • You use a lot of data and consider 5G speed important
  • You want peace of mind: own network, direct support, no middleman
  • You appreciate extras like streaming discounts or international bundles
  • Price is less important to you than quality and convenience

Vodafone is less suitable if:

  • You mainly use wifi and don't need much mobile data
  • You care about budget: then providers like 50+mobiel, Simpel, or Simyo are more affordable
  • You want flexibility: Vodafone doesn't offer a monthly cancellable plan, only 1- or 2-year contracts

Compare Vodafone with other providers via Welli →

How does Vodafone compare to budget providers?

Budget providers such as 50+mobiel, Simpel, or Simyo often use the network of Vodafone, Odido, or KPN, but without the extras and priority. The difference:

  • Price: budget providers are cheaper per month for comparable bundles
  • Speed: Vodafone offers full 5G speed, budget providers often offer lower 5G speeds
  • Roaming: Vodafone works more smoothly abroad, budget providers sometimes have restrictions
  • Support: Vodafone has phone-based customer service, many budget providers work mainly via chat or email

Torn between premium and budget? Welli looks at your calling and streaming habits and tells you which option truly fits you: not the cheapest deal, but the best deal for you.

Conclusion: is Vodafone Sim Only the right choice?

Vodafone is a solid premium choice if you value excellent 5G coverage, strong international roaming, and direct support. You pay more than with budget providers, but in return get reliability, speed, and extras.

For those who mainly use wifi or care about budget, there are more affordable alternatives. But if you're looking for peace of mind and quality, Vodafone is a good fit.

Welli helps you choose. Not the cheapest deal, but the best deal for you. Start comparing.