SFR Fibre Premium vs Freebox Ultra Essential: Which 8 Gb/s Symmetrical Internet Box Reigns Supreme?

Free launched the Freebox Ultra and Freebox Ultra Essentiel in early 2024, featuring symmetrical speeds of 8 Gb/s and Wi-Fi 7 support. While the Ultra offers streaming access, the Essentiel is a more affordable option without SVoD services. In comparison, the SFR Box 8X also delivers 8 Gb/s but lacks Wi-Fi 6E compatibility. Both options provide extensive TV services, with Free offering more channels and superior features, particularly in the TV experience.

Introducing the Freebox Ultra and Freebox Ultra Essentiel

In early 2024, Free made waves in the telecom sector by launching its groundbreaking internet box, the Freebox Ultra, which remains unrivaled even today. This innovative box boasts a remarkable symmetrical speed of 8 Gb/s, Wi-Fi 7 capabilities, and includes access to various streaming platforms. However, recognizing that not everyone is a fan of series, Free introduced an alternative: the Freebox Ultra Essentiel. This model shares many features with the Freebox Ultra but comes at a significantly lower price and lacks the included access to SVoD services.

Comparing the SFR Box 8X

On the competitive front, we have the SFR Box 8X, which is part of the SFR Fibre Premium plan. Launched in 2022, this box resembles the SFR Box 8 but offers enhanced power and a slightly altered range of connections, including a 10G port that allows users to enjoy the full benefits of fiber optics, also achieving a symmetrical speed of 8 Gb/s.

While both internet offers showcase similar features, only one can claim the top spot. We’ll evaluate connectivity, speeds, TV services, included accessories, and pricing to determine which premium internet box reigns supreme.

Wi-Fi & Connectivity: The Future is Here

The upcoming era of Wi-Fi 7 is poised to be a significant focus for internet providers by 2025, and new models are expected to be released shortly. Yet, Free has already embraced this next-generation technology with its Freebox Ultra, which supports “quad-band” Wi-Fi 7.

The Freebox Ultra Essentiel also takes advantage of this technology, allowing users to experience incredible wireless speeds, expanded bandwidth, and access to the 6 GHz frequency band, along with the ability to utilize multiple frequency bands at once.

In contrast, SFR is trailing in this aspect. Apart from Free, it is currently the sole operator without a box compatible with Wi-Fi 6E. The SFR Box 8X only supports Wi-Fi 6, lacking access to the 6 GHz band and relying solely on the congested 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands. For a box priced at 45 euros monthly, this is somewhat disappointing, leaving users eager for SFR’s transition to Wi-Fi 7.

When we scrutinize the specifics of the SFR Box 8X, it features a USB-C port capable of faster data transfers compared to the USB-A 3.0 port found on the Freebox Ultra. However, the Ethernet ports on the Freebox Ultra deliver speeds of up to 2.5 Gb/s, while the SFR Box 8X maxes out at 1 Gb/s.

In terms of Wi-Fi and connectivity, the Freebox Ultra Essentiel clearly takes the lead, earning it the first point in this comparison.

Speed: Unmatched Fiber Optics

Both the SFR Fibre Premium and Freebox Ultra Essentiel tout a symmetrical speed of 8 Gb/s as a standout feature. However, to fully benefit from such impressive speeds, users must be eligible for XGS-PON/10G-EPON fiber and possess compatible equipment. Our performance tests on the Freebox Ultra confirmed this speed, which is particularly appealing to tech enthusiasts, streamers with high-end setups, or professionals requiring substantial data transfers.

This level of speed is also advantageous for households with multiple users, ensuring ample bandwidth for everyone, especially during remote work. Nonetheless, it’s important to recognize that national average speeds from platforms like nPerf and DegroupTest may not accurately reflect local performance, with SFR currently lagging behind due to its reliance on coaxial fiber instead of FTTH fiber optics. Meanwhile, Free ranks highly in both comparators.

Despite this, we’ll award one point to each provider in this round for their symmetrical speeds.

TV Experience: A Tale of Two Decoders

When it comes to the TV experience, both the SFR Fibre Premium and Freebox Ultra Essentiel offer extensive options. Each includes a TV decoder, with SFR providing a bouquet of 200 channels, while Free boasts over 280 channels. While SFR allows users to opt for the SFR TV app without a decoder, this does not result in any price reduction, which is unfortunate.

SFR’s offering includes the SFR Box 8 TV, characterized by its robust design and advanced features, such as 4K HDR imaging, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos sound. It also includes a built-in connected speaker featuring voice assistants like Alexa and OK SFR. However, it operates on a proprietary ecosystem, complicating the use of third-party applications.

In contrast, the Freebox Ultra Essentiel comes with a Free 4K TV Player, an Android TV decoder that also supports 4K HDR, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos. It offers features like replay, live control, and an impressive 320 hours of storage for recordings, with the option to expand this by paying a nominal fee.

Despite its focus on customers who may not be interested in SVoD, the Freebox Ultra Essentiel provides a superior TV experience when compared to SFR’s offerings.

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