Your monthly mobile bill in the Netherlands could be far lower — if you know where to look.
This guide breaks down how Dutch mobile pricing works, which providers offer the best deals right now, and how to avoid mistakes that can make “cheap” mobile deals a lot less cheap in the long run.
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What makes a Dutch mobile plan “cheap”?
Before you start scrolling through the cheapest Dutch mobile plans on Google, it’s worth understanding what actually drives the price. Not all “affordable” deals are as good as they look.
Dutch providers typically offer monthly, one-year, and two-year contracts. The longer you commit, the lower your monthly rate.
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If you’re settling in long-term, purchasing a two-year contract can save you a meaningful chunk of change over time. However, if you’re on a fixed-term visa or a study programme, the flexibility of a monthly plan is probably worth the small premium.
Another factor that affects the price of Dutch mobile plans is the availability of promotions and introductory offers. Welcome discounts, referral bonuses, and multi-month deals are all quite common in the Netherlands.
Be sure you know what the price looks like after the promo period ends, because that’s what you’ll actually be paying once your discount runs out.
Find the cheapest Dutch mobile plan for your needs
Whether you’re an international student on the hunt for your first Dutch SIM card or a seasoned expat looking to trim some costs, these are some of the cheapest mobile plans in the Netherlands.
Simyo: our top pick
Simyo’s prepaid plans start from €5 per month (SIM-only from €6), and run on KPN’s speedy and reliable mobile network — giving you premium coverage without the premium price tag.
Their highly-rated mobile app allows you to adjust your bundles monthly, ensuring you only pay for what you actually use. And, with over 36 Consumentenbond awards under their belt, you know you’re getting award-winning service.
Lebara: cheapest for students
If you’re a student on a budget, Lebara’s “Back to School” deal and student-focused plans start at just €4 per month.
Even better: their prepaid plans don’t require a BSN or Dutch bank account, making them one of the most accessible options if you’ve just landed in the Netherlands.
Hollands Nieuwe: cheapest for mobile phone bundles
If you need a new mobile phone, Hollands Nieuwe is your best bet. Their smartphone and SIM bundles start at a super-affordable €8 per month, and they’ve also got plenty of refurbished options if you’d prefer going down that route.
Got Ziggo internet at home? With a Hollands Nieuwe SIM bundle, you’ll get an extra combikorting (combination discount) knocked off your internet bill, too.
Budget Mobiel: cheapest for unlimited data
For the data-hungry expat who doesn’t want to rely on public Wi-Fi, Budget Mobiel offers unlimited data for just €21.
Plans are month-to-month, so you’re never locked into a long contract — though it’s worth knowing that eSIM isn’t currently supported, so do double-check your device has a physical SIM slot.
Lyca Mobile: cheapest for calling outside the EU
Lyca’s prepaid plans start at around €10 per month, and often include international minutes, making it a popular choice if you regularly call friends or family overseas.
Their “All in 1” plan offers international calling to 45 countries, eSIM compatibility, and a generous data allowance. As a prepaid provider, there’s no credit check, and you don’t need a Dutch bank account to get started.
Tips for choosing an affordable Dutch mobile plan
Here are a few practical things to keep in mind before you commit to a plan:
Match your contract length to your stay
While this sounds obvious, it’s easy to overlook in the rush of moving abroad and setting up your utilities.
A two-year SIM-only contract will work out cheaper than a monthly terminable SIM — but only if you’re actually going to be here for two years. Although monthly plans cost slightly more, they’re the smarter choice if your timeline is uncertain.
Look beyond the promo price
Always check what the price becomes after the discount period ends. A plan that looks like €6 per month might be €15 from month seven, and that’s a very different deal.
Check your provider’s fair-use policy
Unlimited data plans in the Netherlands almost always come with small print, often in the form of a daily data cap.
Once you hit your daily data limit, speeds are throttled, and you’ll need to request more data to continue browsing or streaming at full speed.
Compare phone costs separately from mobile plans
While bundling a new mobile phone into your subscription can feel convenient, it often means that you’re locked into a two-year contract — in addition to your monthly device repayment costs.
Buying a phone outright (or opting for a refurbished mobile) and pairing it with a SIM-only plan may work out cheaper in the long run.
Budget mobile plans in the Netherlands: Frequently asked questions
Is SIM-only cheaper than a Dutch phone subscription?
Yes, most SIM-only plans are considerably cheaper than mobile phone subscriptions.
With SIM-only, you’re paying a monthly charge for data, calls, and texts. Dutch mobile phone subscriptions, meanwhile, include added costs for device financing.
Are unlimited data plans expensive in the Netherlands?
Yes, Dutch unlimited data plans tend to sit at the higher end of the price spectrum. They average around €21 to €40 per month, depending on your provider and contract type.
What are the cheapest Dutch mobile plans for students?
The cheapest student mobile plans in the Netherlands are generally offered by Simyo, Lebara, Hollands Nieuwe, Budget Mobiel, and Lyca.
Do Dutch mobile plans have hidden costs?
Although most Dutch providers are reasonably transparent, a few things may catch you off guard.
If you run through your mobile bundle, your out-of-bundle costs (i.e. what you’re billed for calls, texts, or data after your allowance runs out) can be surprisingly steep.
Similarly, Dutch phone subscriptions will include a charge for the mobile device in your monthly fee.