Comparing Virgin Media broadband deals
Virgin Media offers some of the fastest widely available broadband packages available. It delivers its services through its own cable network that over half of all homes in the UK have access to.
There’s a good range of Virgin Media deals to suit everyone. Monthly prices start from under £30 per month, for its entry-level, broadband only deal. But if you’re happy to pay the extra cost, there are also TV and phone bundles available.
Expect fast and reliable internet speeds regardless of which package you’re signed up. In fact, in 2024, limited homes could even have access to its new Gig2 deal, with average download speeds up to 2Gb!
To put that into perspective, with a deal that fast, you could download Oppenheimer in 4K in just over 4 minutes!
Let’s explore what Virgin Media has to offer.
TalkTalk Broadband: key features
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Virgin broadband speeds and plan options
There are stacks of choice when it comes to Virgin Media broadband deals. You can either opt for a broadband only option, or make the most of one of its many bundle deals that include a home phone service, TV packages or a mobile SIM.
For now, let’s explore Virgin’s broadband only packages. Which speed would suit your home? Let’s find out!
Virgin M50 Fibre Broadband
- Download speed: 54Mb
- Upload speed: 5Mb
Virgin Media's entry-level M50 superfast package will be enough if there’s only one or two of you using the internet.
Virgin Media M125 Fibre Broadband
- Download speed: 132Mb
- Upload speed: 20Mb
M125 is a good option for most small family homes, although the slower upload speeds could be a problem for some.
Virgin Media M250 Fibre Broadband
- Download speed: 264Mb
- Upload speed: 25Mb
The upload speed with M250 is comparable to the best upload rate available with many BT Openreach fibre services. This is something which a lot of Virgin's cheaper broadband packages struggle with. It also provides much better download speeds.
Virgin Media M350 Fibre Broadband
- Download speed: 362Mb
- Upload speed: 36Mb
This service offers upload speeds better than those available to most homes using fibre on the Openreach lines. Great for busy homes with 3-5 people, you can all enjoy streaming high-definition video in different rooms without buffering.
Virgin Media M500 Fibre Broadband
- Download speed: 516Mb
- Upload speed: 52Mb
These kinds of download speeds will suit homes where 5 or more may be streaming and downloading at the same time.
Virgin Media Gig1 Fibre Broadband
- Download speed: 1.1Gb
- Upload speed: 104Mb
Few people truly need Gig1, but if you want to make short work of huge downloads while streaming multiple 4K videos at the same time, this will let you do that.
Virgin Media Gig2 Fibre Broadband
- Download speed: 2Gb
- Upload speed: 200Mb
The same applies to Virgin Media's currently limited Gig2. We can't think of many instances where an average home will need a 2Gb service, especially at £80+ per month. But if you can afford it, and you live in a busy household, this will make light work of all your online needs.
This package can be upgraded to increase the upload speed to a symmetrical service (2000Mb). This is something the likes of BeFibre and Hyperoptic do as standard.
How fast is Virgin Media home broadband?
| Download Speeds (Average) | 54Mb / 132Mb / 264Mb / 362Mb / 516Mb / 1.1Gb / 2Gb |
| Data Usage Limit | Truly unlimited |
| Type of Broadband | HFC and FTTP |
| Home Phone Line? | Yes (optional) |
| Inclusive phone calls? | Call bundles available as an add-on |
| Bundled Wi-Fi Router? | Virgin Media Hub 3, 4, 5 or 5x (depending on package) |
To help you understand how fast the different Virgin Media broadband packages are, here are some examples of approximately how long it would take to download the feature film ‘Dune 2’ in 1080p (HD) (9.25GB)
| Virgin Broadband Package | Download Time |
|---|---|
| Virgin M50 | 22 mins 50 secs |
| Virgin Media M125 | 9 mins 20 secs |
| Virgin Media M250 | 4 mins 40 secs |
| Virgin Media M350 | 3 min 24 secs |
| Virgin Media M500 | 2 min 23 secs |
| Virgin Media Gig1 | 8 seconds |
| Virgin Media Gig2 | 4 seconds |
How well does Virgin broadband perform when it comes to speed?
In our 2024 Broadband Awards, customer speed satisfaction was middling, with around 69% of customers happy with their service.
In the latest Ofcom speed test data, though, it delivered an impressive 103.3%+ of its advertised download rate.
Unfortunately, the Virgin Media broadband service was plagued with a series of outages in early 2024, so it's not surprising if this has made customers a little disgruntled.
Can I get Virgin broadband?
If you’re a new customer looking to switch to Virgin, the first step to finding a new package is using our broadband deals checker.
Virgin isn't available to everyone. It operates its own network, and it doesn’t have quite the same reach as providers that use the BT Openreach network. Coverage varies all over the country, and even if other homes in the same town can get Virgin Media services, it doesn’t necessarily mean you will too.
To make this easy, Broadband Genie has a free broadband postcode checker. Enter your address below, and we’ll check a national database of exchanges and filter the results by location.
How is Virgin Media broadband installed?
Once you’ve signed up to Virgin Media, you’ll be able to arrange the most suitable date for an engineer to visit and set up your internet connection. Alternatively, a Quickstart, self-install service is available if your home has previously had a Virgin Media broadband service.
Installation normally takes between 30 minutes to 2 hours.
For more FAQs, you can visit this Virgin Media Broadband, TV and phone installation guide.
Does Virgin Media offer a social tariff?
Yes. There are several options available to customers receiving certain benefits, including Universal Credit and Income Support.
Essential broadband is available for low-income customers for £12.50 per month on a rolling monthly basis. This gives homes access to average download speeds of 15Mb.
Alternatively, if you think you might need access to faster speeds, ‘Essential Broadband Plus’ offers download speeds of 54Mb for £20 a month. There’s also the option to upgrade to include a Flex stream box for added access to Freeview TV channels and subscription services.
For more details, visit our guide to social tariff broadband.
Is Virgin broadband good value for money?
Given the speeds, we think Virgin Media offers pretty good value for money.
You can get 132Mb broadband for the same price as many 65Mb fibre deals, so you can't really get fairer than that.
The broadband and TV packages can be expensive, but you do get a really great TV box and a wide choice of channels. There are cheaper TV and broadband deals out there, but only Sky can deliver the same kind of premium entertainment (and it can’t match the Virgin network speeds, unless you have access to full fibre in your area).
Is Virgin raising its prices for broadband customers?
Virgin Media hasn't confirmed the set 2025 price rises yet for broadband customers. But you can assume things will get pricier for customers, regardless whether they're in or out of contract.
Prices are set to rise each April from April 2025 by the Retail Price Index rate of inflation (RPI) announced in February, plus a set fee of 3.9%.
Virgin Media perks and rewards
Virgin Media usually offers bill credits with its broadband, which can help lower the effective monthly cost. But recently, we’ve seen more creative special offers including a free Robovac for the larger Virgin Media bundle deals. You can also normally get a free setup when you sign up as a new customer.
You can compare the latest Virgin Media offers on our Virgin Media cashback and rewards page. For general help with rewards, visit our guide to claiming free gifts and vouchers.
How reliable is Virgin Media broadband?
Unfortunately, in 2023 Virgin Media was plagued by a number of outages, some of which lasted hours at a time, leaving customers unable to get online or access their Virgin Media emails.
In our most recent Broadband Survey, it scored an acceptable 71% satisfaction. However, we anticipate these scores to drop if these technical hiccups become a regular issue. For now, we'll give it the benefit of the doubt these won't carry on to be a regular occurrence.
Virgin Media has a clear service status page, so there should be no need to head to a third-party site such as Downdetector if you're having issues. Although this gives a good general overview of wider reports if you're choosing whether to sign up to a Virgin Media package.
Virgin is signed up to Ofcom's voluntary Broadband Speed Code of Conduct. This means if report you're having problems with your internet, but it can't be fixed within 30 days, you must be able to leave your contract without paying an early exit fee.
Virgin Media landline and broadband bundles
Does Virgin offer home phone packages?
Virgin Media offers call bundles. You can choose from a selection of inclusive call add-ons:
- Weekend & evening chatter (+£5 a month)
Gives you unlimited evening and weekend calls to UK landlines and UK mobiles from 7pm to 7am Monday to Friday, or all day Saturday and Sunday. - Anytime chatter (+£10 a month)
For anytime calls to UK landlines and mobiles. - International anytime chatter (+£15 a month)
As well as anytime calls to UK landlines and mobile, you’ll be able to make calls to mobiles and landlines in 50 destinations with the International Anytime Chatter phone service
Alternatively, you can sign up to a dedicated home and phone bundle such as Broadband + Home Phone Volt deal.
You can also make use of perks, experiences, and priority ticketing, although you’ll need to register to get alerts for these special deals.
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What is VOLT?
You’ll be considered a VOLT customer if at least one member of your household is an O2 Pay Monthly customer, and you have Virgin Media broadband.
Exclusive Volt Benefits include:
Free Virgin Media broadband speed boost to the next level: if you’re not getting the top speed already (up to a max of 1Gb).
Double mobile data for every O2 pay monthly mobile plan registered under your name in your household. Plus use your O2 Phone or SIM in 75 destinations within the O2 Travel Inclusive Zone.
Up to 3 Wi-Fi pods (boosters) to extend Wi-Fi coverage in your home.
You can also make use of perks, experiences, and priority ticketing, although you’ll need to register to get alerts for these special deals.
Virgin Media broadband and mobile deals
Virgin Mobile doesn’t exist any more. But don’t worry, mobile deals are still available. It’s since teamed up with O2.
It’s possible to get standalone O2 Pay Monthly or SIM-only deals through Virgin, but there are also several options to get these bundled in to a broadband package.
You can go big with deals that include broadband (+ home phone add-ons), TV services and O2 SIM by signing up to the likes of the Mega Volt Bundle or the Bigger Combo Volt Bundle. But these deals are expensive, so we strongly advise you think whether you’d be able to cover the cost of this throughout the course of your broadband.
Alternatively, there are smaller, more affordable deals available that include an O2 SIM, such as Virgin Media M250 Fibre Broadband + Home Phone Volt, priced under £40 per month.
What’s the choice for Virgin TV and Broadband bundles?
You have access to hundreds of TV channels if you sign up to a Virgin Media TV and broadband deal. Expect to pay a premium for bundles that include both Sky Sports, Sky Cinema and an included Netflix streaming service, but there are also more affordable entry-level bundles available, too.
You can also pause, rewind and record on the Virgin TV 360 box.
Plus, a new Flex TV option is available on a rolling contract. With this, you’ll only have to give 30 days’ notice if you want to cancel.
What channels are included with Virgin Media Broadband + TV Bundles?
- 190+ channels, including Sky channels.
- 195+ channels, including Main Event and F1.
- 230+ channels, including Sky Sports HD and Sky Cinema HD, plus a Netflix standard plan with ads.
- 200+ channels, including the Sky Cinema HD Collection and Sky channels.
- 210+ channels, including Sky Sports HD and Sky Cinema HD, plus a Netflix Standard plan with ads.
What channels are included with Virgin Media Flex TV?
With a Virgin Media Flex TV Stream box, you have access to 150+ TV channels and On Demand TV. All extra entertainment subscriptions are available on a 30-day rolling contract. You will also get 30% credit back on full-price TV channels such as Sky Sports and Essential Entertainment.
Virgin Media’s refer a friend scheme
Virgin Media has a refer a friend scheme in place. For each friend or family member that signs up to its broadband service, you’ll get £50 cashback.
How good is the Virgin Media Wi-Fi hub?
All Virgin Media broadband deals include a free Virgin Media Wi-Fi router. Most customers will receive the Virgin Media Hub 3, while new Gig1 subscribers will now get the Virgin Media Hub 5 or 5x.
If you’re an existing customer, you can request a free upgrade from Virgin.
For more information on these Hubs, or a Virgin Hub 5 review? You can read our full Virgin Media router round-up.
Virgin Media apps
My Virgin Media App
The My Virgin Media app is available to Virgin customers for free. As well as giving you easy access to your package information and billing, you can check the service status of the Virgin Media network using your mobile data if you have problems with your home broadband service.
Virgin Media Connect App
If you’re having issues with Wi-Fi black spots around your home, the Virgin Media Connect app will scan your home to test speeds. It’s available to anyone with a Hub 3, 4, 5 or 5x. If you have Wi-Fi pods, you can check the health of these devices and receive placement guidance.
Additional features available through the app include setting up a guest WiFi network.
Virgin TV Go
If you’re signed up to a Virgin TV deal, you can use the Virgin TV Go app to stream TV on your mobile or tablet. You can also download selected shows for online viewing.
Virgin Media: pros and cons
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Which Virgin Media package should I choose?
Before you sign up to a Virgin Media deal, it’s important to think about which package suits you and your home best. After all, there’s an 18-month contract commitment.
As most internet users might not make full use of the higher broadband speeds, the size of your household should be the main consideration for your package choice.
Virgin Media claims the M125 package is ideal for families, and the M250 and M350 packages are the 'ultimate experience' easily adequate for 5 or more people. This assumes that everyone will be using the internet a lot. This may be the case for some larger families or student households, in which case going for a faster package will enable you to avoid slowdown when everyone is online at the same time.
However, there is no point in paying for more than you need.
This applies to bundle options such as phone and TV too. If you’re set on signing up for a TV service, but you’re worried about the extra expense and commitment, the new Flex TV Stream box may be a better option for you. It can be tricky and expensive to get out of long contract bundle deals.
Points to consider before you choose
- How many people will be using your broadband connection?
- Are you a heavy downloader, or do you regularly play online games?
- Would the expense of the faster speed be worth it for you?
What are the benefits of Virgin Media broadband?
Truly unlimited - Virgin doesn’t impose restrictions when it comes to usage, and there’s no traffic management. So this means you shouldn’t find yourself subject to slower speeds during peak times.
Very fast download speeds - Virgin Media offers very fast download speeds to around 50% of the UK. In many cases, this will be the fastest broadband service that most people can sign up to.
Good choice of TV services - There are bundled broadband and TV deals to suit all budgets, with a great choice of channels and packages available. The new Flex TV option is invaluable for those who don’t want to commit to a lengthy 18-month agreement.
What are the drawbacks of Virgin Media broadband?
Unclear price rise information - Other major broadband providers are currently doing a better job of communicating their price rise information. It’s bad enough that consumers need to pay inflated monthly fees whilst in contract, but it’s almost a mystery what you should budget for.
Installation is more complex - If your house has never had Virgin Media before, an engineer will need to visit. Virgin says it normally takes around two hours, although this could be longer in some cases. However, if your home is already set up for Virgin, a self install option might be available.
High customer complaints - In November 2024, Ofcom complaints data showed Virgin Media to be the second most complained about provider in the UK.
Slower upload speeds - Although Virgin Media's download speeds are impressive, its upload speeds aren’t. This may be a problem if you live-stream games.
How to switch to Virgin broadband
Thanks to 'One-Touch Switch', there should no longer be any need to get in contact with your current provider when switching. Virgin Media should arrange this process for you and let your existing provider know.
First, check whether you have access to Virgin Media deals by adding your address and postcode into our deals checker. If so, during checkout, you will need to share information such as your current broadband provider and account number.
The time it takes to switch to Virgin Media from another provider will vary depending on whether you need an engineer visit. Be aware, it may also take 10 days to transfer your phone number across.
Expert Summary: how good is Virgin Media broadband?
Virgin Media has plenty of choice when it comes to packages. You may find that its broadband service is the fastest you can get in your area. This is because it runs its own network that’s separate to many other big name providers, and so it has a different service area.
Its entry-level broadband deals are increasingly offering good value for money, with a low monthly price under £30 for a very fast service. However, its TV bundles can work out pricier. We also find working how which package would be best is a little complicated. Thankfully, the new Flex TV options make this less of a problem and gives you scope to chop and change.
Having said that, it's undoubtedly one of the best choices for telly addicts, with plenty of bundle options and hundreds of channels available.
Virgin Media customers are generally happy with their speed, but customers have recently reported issues with easy cancellations and support in general.
To find out what other customers have to say about their Virgin Media experience, visit our Virgin Media Reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Virgin Media
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Is Virgin Media cheaper than Sky?
Virgin Media is regularly on offer for a monthly price that’s cheaper than Sky’s. It also requires less commitment as it has a shorter contract length. However, although both are subject to price rises every spring, Virgin Media doesn’t currently offer clear information for its customers on what they are expected to pay.
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Will Virgin raise its prices in 2025?
In April 2024, Virgin Media customers were affected by a price increase of 8.8%. This was a higher rate of inflation than competitor providers. Virgin Media has yet to confirm what its 2025 price rise will look like. However, a new Ofcom ruling states if a price rise is enforced, it must be clearly communicated in pounds and pence.
For more help, visit our Virgin Media price rises guide.