By What is a Freebox?
A Freebox is the internet box supplied by Free, the French operator owned by the iliad group. It is a two-part device: a Freebox Server, which connects your home to the fibre or ADSL line and broadcasts Wi-Fi, and a Freebox Player, a set-top box that plugs into your television. Both are lent to you for the length of your subscription at no extra cost, and returned when you leave.
The word covers both the hardware and the subscription itself: in France, saying "I have a Freebox" means "I am a Free broadband customer". The plan you choose bundles internet, a landline with unlimited calls, and usually Free's TV package. You may also see it written Free Box in English — it is the same product.
Freebox in brief
- Five plans: Pop S, Pop, Ultra Essentiel, Ultra and the 5G box;
- From €24.99 to €49.99/month, promotional price for the first 12 months;
- No long-term contract on any Freebox — you can cancel at any time;
- Up to 8 Gbit/s symmetrical fibre on the Ultra range, Wi-Fi 7 across the whole range;
- Equipment lent free of charge, installation by a technician for fibre.
Free has been offering the Freebox since 2002 and was the first operator in France to bundle internet, television and telephone in a single box. That history matters when you compare providers: the current range is the result of more than twenty years of iteration, and the newest models sit among the fastest consumer connections available in the country. In independent testing across France in 2025, Free's fixed connections averaged 451 Mbit/s in download, third of the four main operators behind Bouygues Telecom and Orange (nPerf barometer, 2025).
What are the different Freebox offers in France?
Four fibre plans and one 5G box, ranked here by price. The Pop S at €24.99 is the entry point and the only one whose price never rises; the Pop adds television; the Ultra Essentiel and the Ultra double the speed to 8 Gbit/s, the Ultra alone bundling five streaming subscriptions. If fibre has not reached your address, the 5G box replaces it without a technician visit.
All of them include a landline with unlimited calls to French numbers, and all but the Pop S include TV services. None commits you for a minimum period, which matters more than it sounds when you are new in the country and not yet sure how long you will stay at this address — French broadband providers are otherwise fond of 12-month terms.
Free regularly cuts the price of its Freebox plans, so it is worth checking our guide to the cheapest internet offers in France before you commit.
| Freebox plan | First 12 months | Then | Download / upload | TV channels | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freebox Pop S | €24.99 | €24.99 | 5 Gbit/s / 900 Mbit/s | None | Internet only, cheapest and no price rise |
| Freebox Pop | €29.99 | €39.99 | 5 Gbit/s / 900 Mbit/s | 300+ | The best-value all-rounder for most homes |
| Freebox 5G | €29.99 | €39.99 | 1.5 Gbit/s / 130 Mbit/s | 300+ | Homes with no fibre connection |
| Freebox Ultra Essentiel | €39.99 | €49.99 | 8 Gbit/s / 8 Gbit/s | 340+ | Top speed without the streaming bundle |
| Freebox Ultra | €49.99 | €59.99 | 8 Gbit/s / 8 Gbit/s | 340+ | Everything included, five streaming services |
Prices are the standard rates for a new subscription, verified against free.fr — last updated September 2026. Promotional rates apply for the first 12 months; none of these plans has a minimum term. Speeds are the maximum advertised, shared on the Pop range and symmetrical on the Ultra range.
No offers match the selected filters.
💡How to contact Free customer service?
To contact Free, current customers can call 3244, available 24/7. For shorter waiting times, it is best to call between 9 pm and 9 am, or between 2:30 pm and 4 pm. If you are calling from abroad, dial +33 1 78 56 95 60. New customers or people looking to subscribe should call 1044. You can also contact Free via online chat on its website, through Facebook or X (@Free), or by mail at Free, Service National Consommateur, 75371 Paris Cedex 08.
Freebox Pop: the mid-range fibre plan expats love
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Landline calls unlimited in France
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included
TV included
Set-top box included
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No TV
The Freebox Pop is Free's mid-range fibre plan, and it often hits the sweet spot for expats who want a strong internet experience without breaking the bank. It's priced at €29.99/month during 12 months then €39.99/month, all without a long-term contract. That means you can try it out and change plans if your needs evolve.
On the performance side, Pop delivers very fast fibre, with up to 5 Gbit/s download (shared) and up to 900 Mbit/s upload, and it comes with WiFi 7 support for robust wireless coverage throughout your home. That WiFi matters more on Free than on any other provider: measured across France in 2025, Free lost 29% of its download speed over WiFi against a cable, the widest gap of the four main operators, so it is worth running an internet speed test both ways.
- →High-speed fibre that can handle streaming, remote work and multiple users at once;
- →WiFi 7 connectivity for better performance on modern devices;
- →Unlimited calls to French landlines and mobiles plus many international destinations;
- →A rich TV experience with more than 300 channels included; streaming subscriptions are not part of the plan, though Free runs regular trial promotions on them;
- →Discounts on Free Mobile plans when combined with the box.
What makes the Pop stand out for newcomers is its balance of price, speed and services. You get a complete triple play bundle with internet, TV and phone at a price that stays competitive, especially in the first year, which can be reassuring when you're settling into life in France.
Freebox Pop S: strong speeds, no TV, no fuss
No offers match the selected filters.
Offer tariff
/mo for months, then /mo
/mo (fixed price)
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Over 24 months:
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Landline calls unlimited in France
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Mobile calls unlimited in France
Mobile calls limited
Mobile calls pay-as-you-go
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included
TV included
Set-top box included
Streaming included:
No TV
The Freebox Pop S is all about speed, stability and simplicity, available for €24.99/month only. If you want a strong fibre connection without extra TV services you don't need, this offer is built for you. It's a pared-down version of the popular Freebox Pop, focusing on the core parts of your internet experience (reliable broadband and solid Wi-Fi) which many newcomers appreciate when they've already chosen their favourite streaming apps.
With the Pop S, you benefit from up to 5 Gbit/s download and up to 900 Mbit/s upload, making it well suited to remote work, 4K streaming and cloud gaming. It also includes WiFi 7 technology, and you can ask for a repeater if you need better coverage in a larger flat. This makes it a strong pick for expats who need dependable performance in all parts of their home.
- →Fast fibre speeds that manage heavy use without breaking a sweat;
- →Latest-generation Wi-Fi 7, with option for a repeater for bigger spaces;
- →No TV bundle included, so the price stays simpler and leaner;
- →Ability to link Freebox and Free Mobile for better combined pricing.
For people who already rely on Netflix, Disney+ or Prime Video, Pop S removes the clutter and focuses on what matters most: a smooth and robust connection that keeps your home online and efficient.
Freebox Ultra: premium fibre for work & streaming
No offers match the selected filters.
Offer tariff
/mo for months, then /mo
/mo (fixed price)
Annualised cost
Over 12 months:
Over 24 months:
Fees
Activation:
Cancellation:
Commitment
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Up to download
Up to upload
Wi-Fi
Phone
Landline calls unlimited in France
Landline calls limited
Landline calls pay-as-you-go
Mobile calls unlimited in France
Mobile calls limited
Mobile calls pay-as-you-go
Not included
included
TV included
Set-top box included
Streaming included:
No TV
The Freebox Ultra is Free's most advanced fibre plan and a strong option if you want premium broadband while settling in France. It targets users who need both power and convenience, blending very fast fibre with a full ecosystem of entertainment and calling services. Compared with mid-range plans, it focuses less on essentials and more on providing an all-in-one experience, for €49.99/month during 12 months then €59.99/month.
Its biggest advantage is the symmetrical 8 Gbit/s fibre combined with WiFi 7, which puts it above most consumer broadband offers in France. You won't always use the full speed, but if you juggle remote work, 4K streaming and multiple devices, the difference is noticeable.
Free also packs the Ultra with built-in streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, Universal+, and CANAL+ Live channel. For newcomers, it means fewer separate subscriptions to manage.
- →Fibre connection up to 8 Gbit/s, suited for heavy use and multiple users at the same time;
- →Wi-Fi 7 support for better wireless performance and coverage;
- →+340 TV channels;
- →5 streaming platforms bundled, reducing the hassle of signing up separately;
- →Included phone calls to France and many international destinations.
Freebox Ultra Essentiel (without streaming platforms)
No offers match the selected filters.
Offer tariff
/mo for months, then /mo
/mo (fixed price)
Annualised cost
Over 12 months:
Over 24 months:
Fees
Activation:
Cancellation:
Commitment
Performance
Up to download
Up to upload
Wi-Fi
Phone
Landline calls unlimited in France
Landline calls limited
Landline calls pay-as-you-go
Mobile calls unlimited in France
Mobile calls limited
Mobile calls pay-as-you-go
Not included
included
TV included
Set-top box included
Streaming included:
No TV
The Ultra Essentiel is the full Ultra minus its streaming bundle, for €10 less per month. Same fibre, same television, fewer subscriptions you may already be paying for elsewhere.
- →The same 8 Gbit/s symmetrical fibre as the Ultra, among the fastest available in France;
- →340+ TV channels, TV by CANAL and Eurosport 1 included;
- →No Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video or Universal+ bundled — they stay available as paid options;
- →Landline with unlimited calls, and €39.99/month for 12 months then €49.99, no contract.
Take it over the Ultra as soon as you already subscribe to those platforms on your own: you would otherwise pay twice for them.
Freebox 5G: plug-and-play high-speed Internet at home
No offers match the selected filters.
Offer tariff
/mo for months, then /mo
/mo (fixed price)
Annualised cost
Over 12 months:
Over 24 months:
Fees
Activation:
Cancellation:
Commitment
Performance
Up to download
Up to upload
Wi-Fi
Phone
Landline calls unlimited in France
Landline calls limited
Landline calls pay-as-you-go
Mobile calls unlimited in France
Mobile calls limited
Mobile calls pay-as-you-go
Not included
included
TV included
Set-top box included
Streaming included:
No TV
The Freebox 5G — marketed by Free simply as the Box 5G — is designed for homes not yet connected to fibre, offering a fast and simple alternative at a fixed address. While it relies on Free's 4G and 5G networks, this box is not nomadic and must be used at the registered installation address, which is important to know when settling in France.
The plan costs €29.99/month during 12 months then €39.99/month, with no contract and a satisfied-or-refunded guarantee equivalent to a one-month trial. Internet access is unlimited, and the SIM card comes pre-installed. Setup is straightforward: plug in the box and scan a QR code to get online.
What makes the Freebox 5G stand out:
- →Unlimited 4G/5G internet with no data cap;
- →5G connectivity with speeds up to 1.5 Gbit/s download and 130 Mbit/s upload;
- →WiFi 7 support and up to 100 devices connected at the same time;
- →More than 300 TV channels included, streamed through Free's TV app;
- →Award-winning design, recognized with an iF Design Award.
How to subscribe to an Internet plan with Free
Four steps, and the first one decides the rest: availability varies building by building in France.
- 1Check your address. Fibre, ADSL or 5G — the test below tells you in a couple of minutes which Freebox you can actually order;
- 2Open a French bank account. Free bills by direct debit and asks for a French IBAN, so this usually comes first rather than last;
- 3Order your Freebox online, guided step by step — useful if French telecom providers are new to you;
- 4Receive the box. On fibre optic internet, Free also books a technician to install the line.
See what's available at your door
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* Promotional price for the first months. Regular price may apply thereafter.
Linking your French mobile plan to your Freebox unlocks a monthly discount on the mobile line.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Freebox? Read more Close
A Freebox is the internet box supplied by Free, one of France's four main broadband operators. It comes in two parts: a Freebox Server that connects your home to the fibre or ADSL line and broadcasts Wi-Fi, and a Freebox Player that plugs into your television. Both are lent to you free of charge for the length of your subscription. In everyday French, "having a Freebox" simply means being a Free broadband customer.
How much does a Freebox cost per month? Read more Close
Freebox prices run from €24.99 to €49.99 per month. The Pop S is €24.99 and never rises. The Pop and the 5G box are €29.99 for the first 12 months then €39.99; the Ultra Essentiel is €39.99 then €49.99; the Ultra is €49.99 then €59.99. None of them has a minimum term, so the post-promotion increase is avoidable — you are free to switch when it lands. There is no equipment fee, but expect a one-off activation charge on subscription.
What equipment do I need for a Freebox? Read more Close
Nothing of your own. Free provides the Server and, on plans with television, the Player, along with the cables needed to connect them. On a fibre line a technician installs an optical socket at your address if there isn't one already. The 5G box is the exception in that it needs no line and no technician: the SIM is pre-installed, you plug it in and scan a QR code. All you need to supply is a power socket and, for TV, an HDMI-compatible television.
Is the Freebox available everywhere in France? Read more Close
Almost, but not quite. 42.8 million of France's 45.1 million premises were fibre-ready at the start of 2026, or 94.9% (Arcep, Q1 2026), which leaves roughly 2.3 million addresses still waiting, mostly in publicly funded rural networks. Where fibre has not arrived, Free offers ADSL or the 5G box instead. Availability is decided address by address, sometimes building by building, so the eligibility check above is the only reliable answer for your own home.
Can I subscribe to a Freebox without a French bank account? Read more Close
Not in practice. Free bills by monthly direct debit and asks for a French IBAN, as do the other major French operators. For newcomers this makes opening a French account the first step in the sequence rather than a later formality. If your account is not open yet, a no-commitment mobile plan or a prepaid SIM will keep you connected in the meantime, and you can order the Freebox once the IBAN exists.
Do I need to speak French to get a Freebox? Read more Close
Free's website, contracts and customer service operate in French, and its support line is French-speaking, so a subscription handled entirely on your own does assume a working level of the language. Selectra's advisors, by contrast, take the subscription in English from start to finish, at no cost to you. The technician who installs the fibre line will normally speak French only, which is worth knowing before the appointment.
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