Free expands the ability to swap your repeaters for WiFi 7, but is it a good idea?

Monday 16th December 2024 11:47 AM

Free now offers Freebox Pop and Ultra subscribers the opportunity to exchange their WiFi 5 repeaters for new WiFi 7 repeaters. This offer allows subscribers to obtain a first repeater for free, with a cost of €20 for each additional unit. If this update promises a technological advance on paper, we advise you to consider other options.

Disappointing results despite promises

Announced as a revolution, Free's WiFi 7 repeaters are attractive at first glance. They allow you to extend the WiFi range of your Freebox at a lower cost, and indeed, they work, but the performance is not there. The frequent cuts and latency surprised us, especially for a technology presented as high-end.

In our tests, these devices did not live up to their promises. Although speeds are decent in optimal environments, coverage remains patchy in large spaces, even with multiple repeaters. The problem is particularly felt when you live in a home that has several floors or that requires several repeaters, the simple fact of moving or changing floors risks cutting off your network, not great.

Believe us, this will not always be enough, especially if your walls are thick

A more reliable alternative: the Mesh router

Faced with these limitations, we always recommend favoring a Mesh router. Unlike repeaters, Mesh systems provide consistent coverage and a more stable network, even in large or multi-story homes. Brands like Eero or TP-Link Deco, although a little more expensive, guarantee a better user experience.

This type of solution works independently of the operator and easily integrates with existing WiFi boxes. Brands like Eero or TP-Link Deco, although a little more expensive, guarantee a better user experience, and believe us, it's day and night, as we mentioned in this test.

A much better solution

An interesting offer for specific needs

The exchange offered by Free remains an accessible option for subscribers looking to modernize their network without spending too much. But clearly, this solution seems especially suitable for small spaces or moderate needs in terms of connectivity. In demanding conditions (4K streaming, connected home, online gaming), the performance of WiFi 7 repeaters struggles to keep up.

If you encounter speed or coverage problems with your operator box, investing in a Mesh router will probably be more effective in the long term, regardless of your operator. Free's WiFi 7 repeaters, although attractive on paper, show their limits in practice, and the problem is the same at Orange, SFR and Bouygues. The WiFi of internet boxes is never up to the standard of dedicated WiFi routers, which you simply need to connect to the back of your Boxes.