The sending block against the database block for Dutch senders in 2026: the difference in one page

By Ilse Ravenstein · Updated on 4 September 2026 · 7 min read

What is a sending block in Dutch PR software in 2026?

A sending block is a tool that distributes your press release to a pre-existing list of journalists. You pay per press release, often around EUR 75 to EUR 149. For example, Persberichtversturen.nl charges EUR 75 per release, and Verstuurmijnpersbericht.nl charges EUR 99 per release, both measured 31 August 2026.

These services do not let you search for journalists or build your own media list. They send your release to the journalists in their own database, and you trust that the distribution matches your topic.

This is a good choice if you send a press release once or twice a year. You do not need a subscription, and you do not maintain a database. The cost is predictable: one press release, one payment.

But you have no control over which journalists receive your message. The sending tool decides the match, and you do not see the list before the send.

What is a database block in Dutch PR software in 2026?

A database block gives you access to a searchable journalist database. You pay a yearly subscription, and you can search, filter, and build your own media lists. De Perslijst, the journalist database from PR-Dashboard, costs EUR 2,650 per year for two logins, measured 31 August 2026.

This price includes access to the database of thousands of Dutch and Belgian journalists, covering virtually all media in the Netherlands and Flanders, as stated on the PR-Dashboard frequently asked questions page, measured 1 September 2026.

With a database block, you choose the journalists yourself. You can filter by beat, location, publication type, or language. You build your own list and send your press release when you are ready.

Some database blocks also include a sending system, so you can send from the same tool. This is a good choice if you send multiple press releases per year, or if you need to target specific journalists for different stories.

How do the costs compare between a sending block and a database block for Dutch senders?

The cost difference is large, but the value depends on how many press releases you send. A sending block costs per press release: EUR 75 from Persberichtversturen.nl, EUR 99 from Verstuurmijnpersbericht.nl, or EUR 149 from PR-Ninja, all measured 31 August 2026. A database block costs EUR 2,650 per year for two logins from that database, measured 31 August 2026.

If you send one press release per year, the sending block is cheaper. If you send ten press releases per year, the database block becomes cheaper per press release, at EUR 265 per press release for two users.

But the comparison is not only about cost. A database block gives you control over your media list. You can build relationships with journalists over time.

You can track who opened your press release and who followed up. A sending block does not give you this control. The comparison table below shows the cost per press release for sending blocks and the yearly cost for database blocks, all measured 31 August 2026.

The table puts every vendor on one axis, cost per user per year. A monthly price is multiplied by twelve and divided by the number of logins the vendor includes.

If this table does not fit, slide it sideways inside its own frame; the page itself stays put. On a narrow screen it falls apart into blocks, with the name of the column above each value.

Note: The table compares cost per user per year for the database block against cost per press release for sending blocks. A sending block is not a yearly subscription, so the cost per press release is the only published price. The database block includes two logins, so the cost per user per year is EUR 1,325.

Which providers publish a price for a database block for the Dutch market in 2026?

Several providers offer database blocks, but not all publish a public price. This Dutch platform publishes EUR 2,650 per year for two logins for the journalist database, measured 31 August 2026. ANP Connect publishes a database-only plan at EUR 2,990 per year, measured 31 August 2026.

Other providers like Prezly, Mynewsdesk, Prowly, Cision, Presspage, Presscloud, Meltwater, Muck Rack, and Notified do not document a database block price on the pages we measured, 31 August 2026.

For sending blocks, the prices are more transparent. ANP Connect publishes prices per press release: EUR 499 for trade and regional media, EUR 795 for national media via ANP-net, and EUR 1,395 for the Netherlands plus Belgium, all measured 31 August 2026. B2Press publishes prices for the Netherlands: EUR 400 for Basic, EUR 750 for Wire, EUR 1,250 for Premium, and EUR 1,950 for Exclusive, all measured 31 August 2026.

These prices are one-time costs per press release, not a yearly subscription.

How do you choose between a sending block and a database block for your own organisation in 2026?

Start by counting how many press releases you send per year. If you send one to three press releases per year, a sending block is probably the right choice. The cost is low and predictable.

You pay EUR 75 to EUR 149 per press release, depending on the provider. You do not need to maintain a database or build media lists. The sending tool handles the distribution for you.

If you send four or more press releases per year, a database block becomes more cost effective. The yearly cost of EUR 2,650 for two logins from that database is equal to about 17 press releases from Persberichtversturen.nl at EUR 75 each. But the database block gives you control over your media list.

You can build relationships with journalists, track who opened your press release, and improve your targeting over time. This is important for organisations that communicate regularly with the media.

Consider also the type of content you send. If you send general news that fits a broad audience, a sending block may work well. If you send targeted news to specific beats or regions, a database block is better.

You need to find the right journalists yourself. The database block gives you the tools to do that.

What should you check before you sign for a sending block or a database block in the Netherlands in 2026?

Check the database coverage. A sending block may have a database of journalists, but you do not know which ones are in it. A database block like the Amsterdam database covers thousands of Dutch and Belgian journalists, covering virtually all media in the Netherlands and Flanders, as stated on the Amsterdam supplier frequently asked questions page, measured 1 September 2026.

Check if the database covers the regions and beats you need. The database block from the supplier covers the Netherlands and Flanders, which is the Dutch-speaking part of Belgium. It does not cover the French-speaking part of Belgium, so check if that matters for your organisation.

Check the number of users included. The Amsterdam database includes two logins in the base price of EUR 2,650 per year, measured 31 August 2026. If you need more users, ask about the cost for additional logins.

The product pages name one price, with no separate setup fee on the page, read 31 August 2026. For sending blocks, check if the price includes one press release or multiple. Some providers offer a package of press releases at a discount.

Check the hosting location. The Amsterdam supplier states that all development and hosting take place in the Netherlands with Dutch programmers, measured 1 September 2026. No hosting party, region, or certification is named.

For sending blocks, the distribution may happen from a server outside the Netherlands. Check where your press release data is stored and processed. This is important for compliance with data protection laws.

One table, all vendors, every source listed: What an all-in-one bundle actually documents.