Kamernet vs Huismaatje: which platform to pick in 2026?

If you are searching for a room in Amsterdam or another Dutch city, Kamernet and Huismaatje are two of the best-known platforms. They overlap partly but also differ clearly. This article compares them honestly, including the downsides.

(Transparency: this article is written by the Huismaatje editorial team. We do our best to be objective, but be aware that we have our own interest.)

What is Kamernet?

Kamernet is the largest room-rental platform in the Netherlands. It has existed for more than 20 years and has by far the widest supply of rooms, studios and apartments. It is the go-to platform for private landlords who want to advertise their room.

Cost: Kamernet uses a paid model. As a searching tenant you pay a monthly subscription (around 18 to 25 euros per month in 2026) to get full access to landlords' contact details. Free use only shows limited information.

Supply: large and nationwide. From Amsterdam to Groningen, from student rooms to luxury studios.

Audience: broad: students, young professionals, expats, anyone looking for a room.

Strongest points:

• The most supply of any platform
• A good filter set (price, location, type)
• A trusted name among landlords

Weaker points:

• Paid model: you pay for what other platforms offer for free
• Less focus on the housemate match; more transactional
• Some listings are old or already taken

What is Huismaatje?

Huismaatje is a free platform focused specifically on finding the right housemate and room in Amsterdam. The focus is not only on the supply itself, but on matching residents based on lifestyle, habits and expectations.

Cost: free, for both tenants and landlords.

Supply: smaller than Kamernet, but growing. Strong in Amsterdam.

Audience: people looking for both a room and a suitable housemate. Popular with people who already live in a shared house and are looking for a new housemate.

Strongest points:

• Free
• Focus on the housemate match: you know in advance whether there is a click
• A transparent profile for both tenant and landlord
• Low threshold for private landlords

Weaker points:

• Less supply outside Amsterdam
• Smaller than Kamernet in absolute numbers
• Less suited to those who want a room fast without caring about housemate compatibility

When do you choose which platform?

Choose Kamernet if:

• You want to find a room fast and search broadly
• You also live or search outside Amsterdam
• You are willing to pay for maximum supply
• You want a studio or full apartment (not only shared houses)

Choose Huismaatje if:

• You are searching in Amsterdam
• You want a real click with your housemates
• You do not want to take out a subscription
• You are in an existing house looking for a housemate

Do you have to choose, or can you use both?

You do not have to choose. Both platforms can be used at the same time, and being active on several platforms increases your chances. Use Huismaatje for the housemate match and Kamernet for broad supply. In Amsterdam's tight market, every channel that improves your odds is worth trying, and a free platform alongside a paid one costs you nothing extra.

Also read our guide on free Kamernet alternatives to find a room in Amsterdam for more platform options. For the bigger picture of what renting in Amsterdam involves, see our guide to renting a room in Amsterdam and the broader room search complete guide.

Are there other relevant platforms?

Besides Kamernet and Huismaatje there are:

• Pararius: more focused on full dwellings and apartments, less on shared rooms. See our Pararius alternatives.
• HousingAnywhere: ideal for international students and expats. See our HousingAnywhere alternatives.
• Social media groups: sometimes faster but less reliable.
• Woningnet: for social housing (housing-corporation homes, long waiting times).

A wider comparison helps you avoid putting all your eggs in one basket. The reality for most room seekers in Amsterdam is that the search takes four to eight weeks at a realistic budget, so spreading across platforms shortens the wait.

How do the two compare in practice?

If we line them up on the things that actually decide your search, the picture is clear. On raw volume, Kamernet wins: more listings, more cities, more options to scroll through on a quiet evening. On cost, Huismaatje wins: nothing to pay, no subscription that quietly renews while you have already found a room. On the quality of who you end up living with, Huismaatje is built for exactly that, while Kamernet leaves the housemate question entirely to the viewing night.

A practical workflow many seekers use: start a free Huismaatje profile so matches come to you, and add a single paid month on Kamernet during the weeks you search most intensively. You cancel the paid subscription once you sign a contract, and you keep the free profile in case your situation changes. That way you pay for volume only when you need it, and lean on matching for the part that costs you nothing. Neither platform locks you in, so there is little reason to bet on just one.

Frequently asked questions

Is Kamernet really worth paying for?

On the tight Amsterdam market, a month's subscription is quickly earned back if it lands you the right room. But remember there are also free alternatives, so weigh the cost against how urgently you need access.

Are there fake listings on Kamernet?

Unfortunately yes, although Kamernet actively enforces against them. Every large platform has fake listings. Read our article on recognising room rental scams for the warning signs.

Can I advertise for free as a landlord on Huismaatje?

Yes. Huismaatje is free for both tenants and landlords. On Kamernet the landlord pays for a listing.

Which platform has the most supply in Amsterdam?

In absolute numbers of listings, Kamernet has the most nationwide. But for Amsterdam-specific and housemate-focused searching, Huismaatje is valuable alongside it or as an alternative.

Is it possible to use both platforms actively at the same time?

Yes, and it is wise. Create profiles on both platforms, set up search alerts and respond actively. More channels means more chances. Browse live rooms on the room map to start.