eSIMs offer the best of both worlds: you get all the perks of a regular SIM card, plus the freedom of data roaming — without breaking the bank! 🤳🏼✨
In this guide, we’ve tested the best providers in the Netherlands for 2025, comparing prices and key features to find the perfect eSIM plan for your needs.
TIP: In a hurry? These are our top picks for an eSIM in the Netherlands. 👇
💸 All-round cheapest eSIM:
☎️ Best eSIM for calling and texting:
🗺️ Best eSIM for full flexibility:
✈️ Best eSIM for travel:
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What is an eSIM and how does it work?
An eSIM, short for ’embedded SIM’, is the digital version of a physical SIM card.
Because eSIMs operate virtually, you can buy and instal them directly on mobile phones, tablets, and even smart watches.
This makes them ideal for globetrotters: you can buy a SIM card for your travels from home — and instantly access mobile data and calling/texting capabilities when you arrive.
Best eSIM plans in the Netherlands
If you’re on the hunt for the best eSIM plans to cover your trip to the Netherlands (or abroad), we’ve ranked providers by price, value, coverage, and ease of access.
Here are the best of the best! 🙌
In contrast to many local eSIM providers that only provide mobile data plans, offers inexpensive eSIM packages for calling, texting, and mobile data.
We liked the fact that you could choose between a flexible prepaid subscription or a more committed SIM-only plan. The only downside? A monthly terminable subscription will cost you an extra €2.
budget-friendly eSIM plans pack big benefits in a small package — from 5G connectivity to generous data allowances and unfettered access to 200+ destinations.
We’re also big fans of the fact that Jetpac customers can register for SmartDelay, giving them airport lounge access if their flight has been delayed.
Jam-packed with features like unlimited data, automatic connectivity the minute your plane touches down, and a choice of the best data providers in each region, eSIMs are the premium choice for travel lovers.
However, we did find that although Holafly offers unlimited data, their plans tend to be pricier than many other options we’ve tested.
‘ travel eSIMs offer some truly stellar flexibility — instead of choosing a fixed country-specific plan, you simply top up your wallet and pay as you go.
This means that we’d be able to use the same eSIM in up to 181 different countries and, as we weren’t locked into a subscription, our funds would never expire!
With a starting price of just €4.15, is as easy on your wallet as it is effortless to install, providing you access to affordable eSIM plans for the Netherlands.
Although we loved how seamless the installation process was, it was slightly disappointing that Airalo only offers short-term packages, ranging from 7 to 30 days.
consistently ranks as one of the best ˷ͧ mobile data providers, thanks to its blazing-fast upload/download speeds.
As KPN users, we enjoyed getting access to some of the most expansive coverage in the Netherlands, even though it came with a rather hefty price tag.
Offering unlimited data and unlimited calling/messaging capabilities, Red Unlimited eSIM packages are geared towards heavy data users.
In our plan, we also had a whopping 40GB of data to use within the EU. So rest assured, you won’t be running out anytime soon — even if you’ve hopped over the ˷ͧ border.
Unlike many eSIM packages that only offer you a bundle of mobile data, eSIMs come with a mobile number.
We found this a stellar option if you like the calling and texting functionality of a regular ˷ͧ SIM, but don’t want the hassle of applying for one.
If you’re planning a jaunt around Europe, regional plans are some of the handiest and most affordable options on this list.
We liked being able to choose between a comprehensive eSIM package covering all European countries or a more localised (and wallet-friendly) eSIM package for the Netherlands.
3 things you need to know about ˷ͧ eSIMs
Are you champing at the bit to purchase your own eSIM, but have some lingering questions you’d like answered before biting the bullet?
Here are three key things you need to know about eSIMs — especially if you’ll be visiting or moving to the Netherlands in 2025. 👇
1. An eSIM can help you avoid high data roaming costs
If you’re planning on travelling through the Netherlands (or Europe in general), a ˷ͧ or European eSIM is much cheaper than activating roaming on your regular phone plan.
And, depending on your eSIM of choice, this option can also be more affordable than buying a local SIM at the destination you’re travelling to.
READ MORE | Making international calls from the Netherlands: the best providers in 2025
Good to know: If you already have a mobile data subscription from an EU country, you can use your provider’s Roam Like at Home feature instead.
This enables you to use your existing subscription wherever in the EU you travel, though unlimited data users may notice that their plan is capped at a lower number of GBs per month.
2. You can use multiple eSIMs on the same device
One of the key benefits of using an eSIM is its dual SIM support.
READ MORE | Unlimited data SIM cards in the Netherlands: the ultimate guide
Dual SIM technology involves having two SIM cards loaded on one mobile phone, allowing you to switch between providers.
This way, you can keep your home mobile number active while using a ˷ͧ or European eSIM for data or local calls when you travel.
3. Not all devices are compatible with eSIMs
Unfortunately, if your device is an older model, it’ll likely be incompatible with most eSIMs on the ˷ͧ market.
However, if you have an iPhone XS or newer, you’re in luck! For Samsung, anything newer than a Galaxy S21 will generally also work.
In very rare cases, certain regions may even be blacklisted by some eSIM companies.
Have you used an eSIM in the Netherlands before? Tell us all about your experience in the comments!
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eSIMs in the Netherlands: Frequently asked questions
What’s the best eSIM in the Netherlands?
Choosing the best eSIM will largely be a subjective choice, as some users may prioritise price or being able to order a new mobile number over other factors.
In general, however, the best eSIMs in the Netherlands are those offered by , , and — as well as plans from ˷ͧ mobile data providers , , and .
Are eSIMs available in the Netherlands?
Yes, several international eSIM companies offer plans that cover the Netherlands — in addition to the several ˷ͧ mobile data providers that also sell eSIMs.
Which ˷ͧ data providers offer eSIMs?
, , , and are several of the ˷ͧ mobile data providers that also offer eSIM packages.
Is my phone compatible with a ˷ͧ eSIM?
Provided that your phone is a relatively recent model (typically from 2018 or 2019 onwards), there’s a high chance that it’ll be compatible with a ˷ͧ eSIM.
Can I use both an eSIM and a physical SIM in the Netherlands?
As eSIMs can be activated whenever they are needed, users can load both their physical SIM and an eSIM on the same mobile device.