Moving to The Netherlands for university or a new job opportunity is a big step for anyone. While exciting, there is a lot to take in, new surroundings, a new home, and new routines. Between settling into a new country, meeting new people, and starting a job or university, practical things like arranging internet and TV are often overlooked. Even if it seems confusing at first, arranging them by yourself is easier than you think!
As a housing company with years of experience in supporting new residents, we’ve prepared this guide to explain your internet and TV options, commonly used providers, and what to consider when choosing a package. As such, you’ll quickly get connected, while making a confident, hassle-free choice!
What's new in 2026?
Internet in the Netherlands is becoming even more fiber-dominant, with providers rapidly expanding fiber optic coverage. 5G home internet is also gaining popularity as a flexible alternative, especially for short-term renters and students who want quick installation without fixed contracts. Pricing structures are becoming even more competitive, with more temporary discounts and streaming services bundles.
How to select the right internet and TV provider for you
Step 1: Check internet and TV availability at your address
Before jumping to packages and options, it is important to understand what types of internet are available in the Netherlands. Dutch internet speeds are known to be among the fastest in Europe, with an average speed of around 200 Mbps. That means that no matter which internet and TV provider you choose, your internet experience will be satisfactory.
For better understanding the three main types of internet available in the Netherlands, we will organize them based on advantages and disadvantages.
Three Main Types of Internet in The Netherlands
Cable
+ Available in most places
+ Stable, high-speed connection
– Few provider choices
– Lower upload speeds
DSL
+ Available almost everywhere
+ Cheapest option
– Slower speeds with heavy usage
Glass Fiber
+ Fastest internet speeds
+ Equal upload & download speeds
– Not available everywhere
– Installation still expanding
We advise everyone to check internet type availability through the internet providers’ website before taking any decision. Checking availability only takes a few seconds and you only need to fill in your postal code and house number and then you’ll be shown multiple options suitable for your residence area.
Step 2: Research the best deals and packages for internet and TV
When it comes to internet and TV, there isn’t a perfect solution that would solve all our needs. Recommending an ISP (internet service provider) is highly subjective as everyone has a different ideal based on their needs: some like fast internet and value good internet connections, while others are looking for the cheapest option. So, it’s important to understand what you need and research accordingly.
Internet providers in the Netherlands offer multiple deals and packages and selecting one of them can be tricky without a proper plan in mind. Take a minute to think about your situation. Are you a student living with others? Or living on your own? Are you perhaps working remote and need a reliable connection? How long are you going to live at your current address? These are questions that you need to ask yourself before jumping to conclusions.
From our experience with various tenants, we recommend one-year contracts. As a newcomer living in the Netherlands, you never know where the wind will take you, and you might move homes more often than expected. Not only that but you might realize that a package is just not suitable for you and your needs and you won’t have any way of canceling it. It is easier to extend a contract if you’re satisfied with the internet provider, rather than stressing over it every time you change your lifestyle.
To help you a bit, we’ve already looked for different internet and TV options and compiled an overview of current offers and packages, most suitable for international students and expats.
Ziggo
The Citylifer considers Ziggo a top choice due to its accessibility and affordability. Ziggo is a nationwide choice when it comes to internet in the Netherlands because it offers reliable services for reasonable prices. Not only that but it is very easy to manage your subscriptions through the Ziggo App.
Ziggo offers the possibility of choosing your own packages, whether for internet or TV, so you can play around and mix options that suit you the best.
Internet packages
Whether you are a student or work from home, we suggest WiFi Middel. You can easily enjoy a good movie or video game, while writing your assignment. Are you having an important meeting? You can attend it without the stress of lagging. WiFi Middel offers a download speed of 400 Mbit/s and an upload speed of 40 Mbit/s. Prices start from €47,50 per month.
If you’d rather have an even faster internet connection, you can choose WiFi Groot, Ziggo’s fiber optic cable option, with 1000 Mbit/s download and 100 Mbit/s upload speeds, from €55,00. Keep in mind that availability depends on your home address.
TV packages
For TV we recommend Ziggo Complete, which includes 70+ TV channels, Ziggo Sport and UEFA European football. For an even better experience, you can choose the Max package, which includes six premium sport channels (Ziggo Totaal), along with a SkyShowtime subscription.
For all 1-year contracts at Ziggo, you get a 50% discount for the first six months.
The Citylifer considers Ziggo a top choice due its Ease of use and Reliability
KPN
At The Citylifer, a lot of residents choose KPN because installation is straightforward and customer support is available in English. Not only that but KPN is popular among them for its continuous extension of fiber optic options. KPN’s subscriptions are also very easy to manage through the KPN app.
Internet packages
If fiber optic is available in your area, it is worth choosing SuperFiber 500, with 500 Mbit/s download and upload, for €51,00 per month. Another popular option among customers is SuperFiber 1000 with a speed of 1 Gbit/s download and upload, €52,50 per month. This option is suitable if you live with multiple people and internet is used simultaneously on multiple devices.
If Fiber Optic is not an option for you, KPN will automatically suggest the Sneller 200 package, with a speed of 200 Mbit/s download and upload, starting from €45,00 per month.
It is worth mentioning that all KPN clients receive for free F-Secure Virus Scanners and Safe Browsing Malware Filters, which are privacy security options for your devices.
TV packages
KPN TV+ has two available options: with TV channels or Streaming only. With KPN TV+ with TV channels, you can watch 65+ TV channels, including ESPN. Not only that but you can have all streaming apps on one single screen, rent movies with Pathé Thuis or buy individual sports matches, such as Eredivisie. Monthly price is €12,50. Not a fan of TV channels, but still want to enjoy all the other perks? Then KPN TV+ streaming only is your best choice for €3,50 monthly.
For all packages, with KPN you pay €35,00 for the first six months of a 1-year contract.
The Citylifer considers KPN a top choice due to Fiber-focus & Security
Odido
Another top choice at The Citylifer for affordable and flexible internet packages is Odido. It offers a wide range of subscriptions, tailored around different internet needs, starting from casual browsing to intensive internet use.
Internet packages
If you are only casually browsing the internet and occasionally stream, Odido’s standard internet option is perfect for you. Starting from €37,50 per month, you can enjoy internet up to 100 Mbit/s download and 30 Mbit/s upload via the DSL network. If fiber optic is available at your address, we suggest choosing the Fiber Optic 400 package for €51,00 with 400 Mbit/s download and upload. If you are intensively using internet, Odido also offers the Fiber Optic 1000 option with a speed of 1 Gbit/s download and upload, for €56,00 per month.
Another great option available at Odido is Klik&Klaar. You can get high-speed internet for home via 5G network, at a surprisingly price of 26 euros per month. And the good news? You can cancel it at any time, without the prior one month notice.
TV packages
With Odido, you can watch TV via the TV app or Media Box. There are 65 channels, and you benefit from features like Catch-up, Live Pause or Start Over. The TV subscription is €12,50 per month through the TV app or €15,00 via the Media Box. You can expand your TV experience by adding additional channel packages, such as ESPN Complete, Viaplay or Ziggo Sport Totaal (you don’t need an additional subscription at Ziggo).
At Odido, for the first six months of a 1-year contract, you can benefit from a monthly €16,50 discount for all packages.
The Citylifer considers Odido a top choice due to Affordability & Flexibility
Budget Thuis
If you are a student and looking for budget-conscious internet options, The Citylifer recommends Budget Thuis. It’s a reliable internet provider, with multiple subscriptions, including standard and fiber optic packages, without spending too much.
Internet packages
If you are a student and looking for budget-conscious internet options, The Citylifer recommends Budget Thuis. It’s a reliable internet provider, with multiple subscriptions, including standard and fiber optic packages, without spending too much.
TV packages
At Budget Thuis, you have two options for TV: TV packages from KPN or the new Budget Thuis TV. With the Interactive TV from KPN, you get more than 100 channels for €15,00 every month. Budget Thuis TV offers more than 75 TV channels for €15,00 per month. For both packages, you can add additional channels.
With all 1-year contracts you get big discounts for the first eight months.
The Citylifer considers Budget Thuis a top choice for its affordability and student-friendly pricing
Step 3: Decide, place your order and install
Now that you are familiar with internet providers and packages, and you have decided which speed fits your needs, the final step is placing the order. In the Netherlands, you can either choose an internet-only subscription or an internet + TV package. If you watch a lot of TV or you are a sports fan, the latter is the most convenient option because everything is included in a single subscription and bill. You can easily order your subscription online, but if you have any additional questions, you can always discuss face to face with a customer service employee.
Installation
In most cases, internet installation is very easy. If the connection is already active at your address, the provider will send the equipment directly to your home and you can install the router and modem yourself within a few minutes by following the instructions included in the package.
However, if a new fiber connection needs to be activated or installed, a technician appointment may be necessary. In these cases, installation can take from a few days to several weeks.
Keep in mind that providers may charge a one-time activation fee of around €20. It is best to discuss this with your internet provider.
Final thoughts
“When you find out the best internet provider of your choice, you're just a few clicks away before your contract is ready!”
The good news is that internet in the Netherlands is among the fastest and most reliable in Europe. Whether you’re joining university, starting a new job, or moving into your first home in Rotterdam, you’ll likely be online within a few days. Focus on finding the package that matches your lifestyle, and don’t worry too much about finding the perfect provider.
Which internet provider do we recommend for internationals?
While the best option depends on your address and budget, here are our recommendations for most internationals:
- Ziggo: Our top choice when fiber optic is not available in your area. Ziggo’s cable network delivers fast and stable internet everywhere in the Netherlands.
- KPN: Our top choice if fiber optic is available at your address. It offers excellent reliability, strong speeds, and English customer service.
- Odido Klik&Klaar: For short stays, is often the most convenient option. You can get online quickly using the mobile network, and can cancel the contract at any given time without prior notice.
- Budget Thuis: For budget-conscious students is one of the most affordable internet providers, offering reliable internet without spending too much.
FAQ
Do I Need a Dutch Bank Account to Order an Internet Subscription?
It depends on the internet provider. Many providers in the Netherlands prefer Dutch bank accounts because they use iDeal | Wero payment system, for a one-time payment of 0,01 euros to confirm the account. However, some providers accept foreign IBANs, as long as they are from European SEPA countries. It is important to check with the internet and TV provider what options are available.
Can I use my own router instead of the provider’s?
In the Netherlands, most internet providers supply and expect you to use their modem/router combination. The provider’s equipment is usually required for the connection to work properly, and replacing it entirely is often not supported.
Can I get internet without a BSN?
Yes. In most cases, you can subscribe to an internet plan in the Netherlands without a Burgerservicenummer (BSN). Providers typically require a valid address, identification (such as a passport or EU ID), and a payment method like an IBAN. The BSN is mainly used for government administration and is not usually required to set up an internet contract, although some providers may request it later for verification purposes.
