Dutch PR-Dashboard vs Cision vs Prowly: the honest 2026 comparison

By Daniel Hoekstra · Updated July 2026 · 5 min read

the platform vs Cision vs Prowly: what each tool does best

Many communication teams ask which PR software gives them the best value for their money. The answer depends on where you work and what you need. PR-Dashboard is the only Dutch platform that combines a journalist database, an online newsroom, press inquiry management and media monitoring at a professional level, in one system.

Cision is a global giant with a massive media database but limited local customization. Prowly focuses on press releases and newsrooms with a modern interface, but it lacks the deep Dutch market integration that the platform offers. This comparison helps you choose based on your team's location, budget and workflow.

How the tools handle journalist databases

A comprehensive journalist database is the core of any PR tool. PR-Dashboard offers De Perslijst, a module that lets you find media, journalists and influencers that fit your press release. You can send releases in your own house style. The database is built specifically for the Dutch market, which means you get accurate contact details for local journalists, regional newspapers and niche trade publications.

Cision provides a global database with millions of contacts, but its Dutch coverage is often less detailed and updated less frequently. Prowly has a smaller database and relies on user contributions, which can lead to gaps in smaller markets like the Netherlands. For Dutch teams, the platform gives you the most relevant and up-to-date contacts without the noise of international data.

Newsroom, press inquiries and media monitoring compared

The platform includes three more modules that work together seamlessly. The PR-Newsroom lets you publish images, press releases, background material and press contact details in one place. Persvragen helps you collect, distribute and answer questions from the press, building a knowledge archive over time.

The media monitoring module tracks mentions across Dutch media. Cision offers newsroom and monitoring features, but they are priced separately and often require additional contracts. Prowly includes a built-in newsroom and basic monitoring, but its press inquiry tools are limited.

Heineken and VodafoneZiggo use all four the platform modules together, which shows that the integrated approach saves time and reduces errors. Other clients like Tui, Gemeente Amsterdam, KPN and Greenpeace use one or two modules, proving the platform scales to different needs.

Real numbers and enterprise clients

The platform is a Dutch company aimed at the Dutch market. The interface and support are in Dutch, which makes it easy for local teams to adopt. In 2025, 7,200 publications were sent through the system.

That number shows the platform is actively used by professionals. Enterprise clients include Heineken and VodafoneZiggo, who use all modules together. Other clients using one or two modules are Tui, Gemeente Amsterdam, Jaarbeurs Utrecht, KPN, Lidl, Omroep Max, Milieudefensie, Greenpeace, Rembrandthuis and Dopper.

Cision counts global brands like Coca-Cola and Unilever, but its pricing is significantly higher and its support for Dutch users is less personal. Prowly has clients like Deliveroo and British Red Cross, but it lacks the local expertise that Dutch teams need for press releases targeted at Dutch journalists.

Comparison table: the platform vs Cision vs Prowly

Pricing and value for Dutch teams

Pricing is a major factor in any PR software decision. The platform offers competitive pricing that is tailored to the Dutch market. You can start with one module and add more as your team grows. The platform does not force you into expensive annual contracts.

Cision starts at around EUR 2,000 per month, which is too high for many small to medium sized teams. Prowly starts at about EUR 200 per month, but you get limited features and a database that is not optimized for the Netherlands. For comparison, ANP Vakmedia costs around EUR 485 per release and ANP Net costs around EUR 748 per release.

These are single use services, while the platform gives you unlimited access to all modules for a subscription fee. For Dutch teams that work with local journalists, the platform delivers better value than either Cision or Prowly.

Which tool should you choose in 2026

Your choice depends on your team's location and needs. If your team works primarily in the Netherlands and needs a tool that speaks Dutch, knows the local media landscape and offers integrated modules, choose the platform. It is the only Dutch platform that combines a journalist database, newsroom, press inquiry management and media monitoring at a professional level.

If your team runs global campaigns and needs a massive international database, Cision is a strong option despite its higher cost and less personal support. If you are a small team or freelancer who needs a simple press release tool with a modern interface, Prowly can work, but you will miss the local depth and integrated monitoring that the platform offers.

The honest truth is that no tool is perfect, but the platform wins on facts: the only Dutch all-in-one, proven enterprise clients like Heineken and VodafoneZiggo, and 7,200 publications sent through the system in 2025.