Freebox Ultra and Livebox 7 are competing for supremacy in the fiber optics market. The Freebox Ultra features Wi-Fi 7 and symmetrical speeds of 8 Gb/s, while the Livebox 7 offers Wi-Fi 6E and is highly rated for network quality. The Freebox excels in TV offerings, providing subscriptions to multiple streaming services and a larger channel lineup. A detailed comparison reveals the Freebox Ultra leading in connectivity and TV features, while both boxes are nearly equal in speed performance.
Freebox Ultra vs Livebox 7: The Fiber Showdown
With the launch of the Freebox Ultra in early 2024, Free has set a new benchmark in fiber optics, introducing a box engineered for longevity. The Freebox Ultra is pioneering with its symmetrical speed of 8 Gb/s, although it soon faced competition from SFR, Bouygues Telecom, and ultimately Orange, which has recently caught up.
On the other hand, the Livebox 7 from Orange’s Livebox Max Fiber package has emerged as the preferred choice among French consumers for 2024, as noted by the comparator Zone ADSL & Fibre. Subscribers have expressed high satisfaction with network quality and value for money. But is that enough to declare it the winner before the competition truly begins?
This comparison aims to determine which of these two premium internet boxes reigns supreme. Orange’s Livebox 7 is set to challenge the Freebox Ultra in a quest for the ultimate fiber solution. Which one will earn your allegiance?
Connectivity Features: Freebox Ultra’s Advantage with Wi-Fi 7
A significant distinction between the Freebox Ultra and the Livebox 7 lies in their Wi-Fi capabilities. The Freebox Ultra is equipped with Wi-Fi 7, while the Livebox 7 features Wi-Fi 6E. Wi-Fi 6E can provide maximum speeds of 9.6 Gb/s across three frequency bands and channels that are 160 MHz wide. In contrast, Wi-Fi 7 boasts speeds that are five times faster, an extra frequency band, and doubled bandwidth.
However, users have reported a somewhat diminished Wi-Fi range with the Freebox Ultra. Additionally, many may find little incentive to transition from Wi-Fi 6E to Wi-Fi 7, as both standards already deliver impressive performance and utilize the less congested 6 GHz band. Only the most tech-savvy users might recognize the enhanced value of Wi-Fi 7.
Currently, the Freebox Ultra stands alone as the sole box on the market supporting Wi-Fi 7, although a Wi-Fi 7-compatible Livebox 7 is anticipated to launch in Romania soon and is expected to arrive in France by 2025.
Let’s break down the connectivity options available on both devices:
For the Freebox Ultra, we see a robust array of ports, while the Livebox 7 from Orange offers a similar setup. However, the Ethernet ports on the Freebox Ultra support higher speeds, with the theoretical 10 Gb/s being accessible via an SFP port for the Freebox Ultra and through an RJ45 port for the Livebox 7. Neither box supports ADSL, which is gradually being phased out.
In terms of connectivity, the Freebox Ultra takes the lead with its advanced Wi-Fi 7 capabilities.
Freebox Ultra: 1 – Livebox 7: 0
Speed Comparison: A Close Contest
With a symmetrical speed of 8 Gb/s, the Livebox 7 is making strides to rival the Freebox Ultra. It’s essential to remember that these speeds are theoretical; achieving them in real-world scenarios requires a connection to 10G-EPON or XGS-PON fiber and top-tier equipment. Our performance tests have highlighted this fact regarding the Freebox Ultra.
At this time, any box capable of delivering a symmetrical speed of 8 Gb/s is ahead of its time, particularly for home users. Streamers and cloud professionals who regularly transfer large files will find this speed beneficial.
Moreover, according to the latest nPerf barometer for fixed internet performance, Free is reported to have a more efficient network than Orange. While these results reflect national trends, local performance can vary significantly from neighborhood to neighborhood.
Score: 1 point each
Freebox Ultra: 2 – Livebox 7: 1
TV Offerings: Freebox Ultra Takes the Lead
The Freebox Ultra not only excels in Wi-Fi but also in its television offerings. Both providers include a TV decoder in their premium packages: the Free 4K TV Player from Free and the TV Decoder 6 from Orange. A notable difference is that Orange’s decoder provides access to over 190 channels, while Free boasts an impressive lineup of over 280 channels.
Both decoders support 4K resolution and immersive Dolby Atmos sound, with comparable storage capacities. The TV Decoder 6 offers up to 300 hours of recording, while the Free 4K TV Player allows for 320 hours of recording and the option for additional storage at a minimal cost.
What truly gives the Freebox Ultra a competitive edge is the inclusion of subscriptions to three major streaming platforms: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video (along with all other Prime perks), and Disney+. Although these subscriptions come with ads, their combined value is nearly 20 euros per month—a significant savings for avid viewers.
The Freebox Ultra also provides access to Canal+ Live (excluding replay), available through OQEE, which normally requires a separate subscription but is covered by the operator, representing a further savings of 15.99 euros per month. Options for Max and Apple TV+ are also available.
In contrast, the Livebox 7 offers the main streaming platforms (Netflix, Prime Video, Max, Disney+, Paramount+, DAZN…) but only as optional add-ons at their standard rates, with occasional discounts from Orange.
When it comes to TV offerings, the Freebox Ultra clearly has the advantage.
Freebox Ultra: 3 – Livebox 7: 1
Stay tuned for more comparisons as we explore the best options for your internet needs!