By What is RED by SFR? The low-cost offshoot of SFR explained
Launched in 2011, RED by SFR was SFR's response to the arrival of Free Mobile on the French market. Positioned as a fully digital, budget-friendly alternative to SFR, RED competes directly with Sosh (Orange's low-cost brand) and B&You (Bouygues Telecom). It targets users who want quality coverage without a long-term commitment and without paying for in-store support they don't need.
RED customers use the exact same SFR network as full-price SFR subscribers - including 4G (99% mainland coverage) and 5G in eligible areas - and have access to SFR Wi-Fi hotspots across France. The key difference is that everything is managed online: subscription, billing, troubleshooting, and cancellation.
📖 Also read:
RED by SFR vs SFR: what is the difference?
Both providers use the same network infrastructure, but differ significantly in price, service model, and target audience:
| SFR | RED by SFR | |
|---|---|---|
| Contract | With or without commitment | No contract (sans engagement) |
| Price | Higher - fixed, no annual increase | Lower - fixed, no annual increase |
| Network | SFR (4G + 5G) | SFR (4G + 5G) - identical |
| Customer service | Phone + in-store boutique | Online only (app + chat + forum) |
| In-store | Yes (SFR boutiques) | No |
| TV options | Full range of TV packages | 100-channel decoder available (+€5/month) |
| Best for | Users who want full support | Budget-conscious users comfortable online |
Comparison verified on 16 april of 2026. Source: sfr.fr and red-by-sfr.fr.
👉 Our take: who should choose RED over SFR?
RED by SFR is a strong choice for expats, students, or anyone comfortable managing their account online. If you need in-person support in French or English, SFR's full service is a better fit, but you will pay more for it.
RED by SFR internet offers: RED Box plans and prices
RED offers several home internet plans under the RED Box range. All are no-contract (sans engagement), with a fixed monthly price that does not increase in the second year: a genuine advantage over most competitors. The base RED Box Fibre includes landline calls to mobiles and landlines in France and internationally.
💰 Installation fee
RED Box subscriptions currently benefit from waived activation fees (mise en service offerte) as part of ongoing promotions. Check availability at your address before subscribing.
Non-exhaustive selection of offers, sorted by ascending price. Learn more about our scoring methodology
RED also offers an ADSL plan (RED Box ADSL from 20,99€/month) for addresses not yet covered by fibre, as well as a 5G box (Box RED 5G at 25,99€/month) for eligible areas. Check your eligibility on our dedicated page.
RED by SFR mobile plans: SIM-only from 1,99€/month
RED by SFR offers a range of SIM-only mobile plans (forfaits mobiles sans engagement) at some of the most competitive prices on the French market. All plans include unlimited calls, SMS and MMS in mainland France, and run on the SFR 4G/5G network. eSIM is available across the entire RED mobile range.
Non-exhaustive selection of offers, sorted by ascending price. Learn more about our scoring methodology
RED by SFR 5G coverage
RED by SFR gives access to 5G on all eligible plans (130 Go and above) using the SFR 5G network, which is progressively rolling out across France. In areas not yet covered by 5G, the network automatically switches to 4G. According to ARCEP data, SFR's network covers 92.8% of the French mainland population.
RED by SFR roaming: using your mobile abroad
All RED mobile plans include a data allowance usable from the EU and French overseas territories (DOM) at no extra cost.
The Forfait RED 250 Go 5G Spécial Voyage (15,99€/month) adds 35 Go of data usable in 124 destinations, including 62 outside the EU, making it the most suitable plan for frequent travellers.
💡 Buying a phone with RED
RED's online boutique sells new and refurbished (reconditionné) phones. Payment in up to 4 instalments is available.
Is RED by SFR right for you? Pros, cons and who it suits
RED by SFR is worth considering if you value low prices and flexibility over customer support. Here is an honest assessment:
| Advantages | Limits |
|---|---|
|
|
Updated in april of 2026
👉 Best suited to:
Students, young professionals and expats who are comfortable managing their account online in French. RED is particularly well-suited to those living in unbundled zones (zones dégroupées) and areas with good fibre coverage.
RED by SFR customer service: how to get help
RED by SFR is a fully online service. There is no dedicated phone line for customer support, and assistance in an SFR boutique is not free for RED subscribers. All support is managed digitally via the following channels:
- →RED&Moi app: available on iOS and Android. Manage your account, view bills, report issues.
- →Online chat with Léo: RED's virtual assistant on red-by-sfr.fr. Available Monday to Saturday, 8am to 10pm.
- →WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger: available for customer queries during the same hours.
- →Community forum: RED's online community (communaute.red-by-sfr.fr) is active and covers many common issues. Some threads are in English.
No English-speaking support from RED
RED by SFR does not offer English-language customer service. If you need assistance in English to subscribe, compare plans, or switch providers, our advisors can help you at no charge - call us or request a free callback.
Selectra is a partner of RED by SFR. Our English-speaking advisors can help you subscribe to RED internet and mobile plans, check your eligibility, and assist you throughout the process, free of charge.
Frequently asked questions about RED by SFR
What is RED by SFR? Read more Close
RED by SFR is the no-contract, low-cost brand of French operator SFR, launched in 2011. It offers mobile plans (from 1,99€/month) and home internet boxes (from 22,99€/month) on the SFR 4G/5G network, managed entirely online. Unlike SFR, RED has no in-store support and no phone helpline.
Does RED by SFR have English-speaking customer service? Read more Close
No - RED by SFR does not offer English-language customer service. All support is in French, via the RED&Moi app, online chat, WhatsApp, or community forum. For English-speaking assistance, Selectra's advisors can help you subscribe and manage your RED plan at no cost.
What is the difference between SFR and RED by SFR? Read more Close
Both use the same network, but RED by SFR is cheaper, fully online, and contract-free (sans engagement). SFR offers more TV options, in-store support, and phone customer service - but at a higher price that can increase in the second year. RED's price remains fixed.
How do I subscribe to RED by SFR internet or mobile? Read more Close
You can subscribe directly on the RED website (red-by-sfr.fr) or through Selectra's English-speaking advisors, who can guide you through the process in English and check your eligibility at no cost. To keep your existing French number, you will need your RIO code (call 3179 from your current SIM - it's free).
Can I get a SIM card or eSIM with RED by SFR? Read more Close
Yes. All RED by SFR mobile plans are available as a physical SIM or eSIM. The SIM card costs €10 at subscription. eSIM activation is digital and immediate once your plan is confirmed. RED SIM cards are multi-cut (nano/micro/standard) and compatible with all smartphones.