Virgin Media Gig1 Fibre Broadband – Is it any good?

Virgin Media Gig1 Fibre Broadband offers an average download speed of 1130Mbps and upload speeds averaging around 104Mbps. This makes it one of the fastest widely available broadband packages in the UK for residential use. It runs on Virgin Media’s DOCSIS 3.1 network rather than Openreach’s FTTP infrastructure, meaning availability is tied to Virgin’s cable footprint.

All Gig1 packages come with Virgin’s Intelligent WiFi Hub (Hub 5 or 5x depending on availability) and are backed by the WiFi Max guarantee, promising a minimum of 30Mbps in every room or you’ll receive a £100 credit.

• Download speed: 1130Mbps (average)
• Upload speed: 104Mbps (average)
• Contract length: 24 months
• Setup: No setup fee
• WiFi Guarantee: 30Mbps minimum in every room or money back
• Technology: DOCSIS 3.1 via Virgin’s own network
• Unlimited data: Yes

Pros and Cons

What we like:

• Gigabit-class download speeds across most of Virgin Media’s network
• No setup fee, even on gigabit-tier plans
• Strong upload performance (104Mbps), better than Openreach FTTP 910 plans
• Includes Virgin’s best WiFi Hub (Hub 5/5x) with WiFi Max coverage
• Bundles available with premium TV and mobile options

What could be better:

• Still uses Virgin’s coaxial cable for final connection, not pure FTTP
• Higher latency compared to some full fibre providers
• No symmetrical speeds (uploads max at 104Mbps)

All Gig1 plans come with unlimited usage, no setup fee, and Virgin’s latest WiFi router with full-home coverage tools.

Who Should Choose Virgin Media Gig1?

Gig1 is ideal for households that require the fastest broadband available without compromise.

It’s best for:

• Large families or shared homes where 6+ people use the internet simultaneously
• Power users who work from home, stream in UHD, game online and upload content
• Homes with 20+ connected devices, including smart TVs, consoles, CCTV, cloud devices
• Multi-room setups where WiFi performance needs to remain stable throughout

It also suits users who want a premium entertainment bundle, combining ultrafast broadband with full TV and mobile plans under one provider.

Who Should Go for Alternatives?

Gig1 might not be the right choice if:

• You don’t need gigabit speeds. Virgin’s M125, M250 or M350 may be more cost-effective for lighter usage.
• You want symmetrical speeds. Community Fibre, Hyperoptic or other FTTP providers offer identical upload/download speeds on 1Gbps plans.
• You live outside Virgin’s coverage. Gig1 is not available on Openreach; if you’re in a full fibre area, BT Full Fibre 900 or Vodafone Full Fibre 910 may be better options.

Our Verdict

Virgin Media Gig1 is one of the fastest home broadband options in the UK, delivering real-world speeds above 1Gbps with reliable upload rates. It’s a future-proof connection for households with high demand and multiple devices, offering consistently strong performance even during peak times.

Backed by the WiFi Max guarantee, it ensures solid coverage across large homes, and the bundled options with O2 SIM and premium TV make Gig1 an attractive choice for households looking to bundle services.

However, it’s not full FTTP and upload speeds—while decent—don’t match the symmetrical speeds offered by some alternative fibre providers. Still, as a gigabit broadband option, Gig1 remains one of the most accessible and feature-rich packages on the UK market.

Router – Virgin Media Hub 5 / 5x

Gig1 comes with Virgin’s WiFi Hub 5 or Hub 5x, depending on your location. These are Wi-Fi 6 routers, designed to handle gigabit speeds across multiple devices. Both routers support:

• OFDMA and MU-MIMO (for better simultaneous streaming)
• 2.5Gbps WAN port
• Dual-band (2.4GHz and 5GHz)
• WPA3 security
• WiFi Max compatibility

The WiFi Max service extends coverage with optional mesh pods, which automatically adapt to eliminate dead zones.

Alternative Plans from Other Providers

If Gig1 isn’t the right fit or you want symmetrical fibre, here are some strong alternatives:

• BT Full Fibre 900 – 910Mbps download / 110Mbps upload, FTTP Openreach
• Vodafone Full Fibre 910 – 910Mbps / 910Mbps on CityFibre, lower prices
• Community Fibre 1Gbps – 920Mbps symmetrical, £20/month for 24 months
• Hyperoptic 1Gb – Symmetrical, full FTTP, no price rises

These plans offer similar or symmetrical gigabit speeds and may be better suited for upload-heavy users or those outside Virgin Media’s network.

Virgin Media Broadband – Overview

Virgin Media delivers broadband through its own cable network, reaching over 18.5 million homes. Its full range includes M125, M250, M350, M500, and Gig1, with all plans now delivered over gigabit-ready DOCSIS 3.1 lines.

Customers benefit from:

• No setup fees
• No line rental
• Unlimited usage
• Free setup
• Fast routers with Wi-Fi 6
• Wide coverage across cities and towns

Customer service ratings have seen modest improvements, and the My Virgin Media app provides account control, speed diagnostics, and WiFi optimisation tools.

FAQ – Virgin Media Gig1

What speed is Gig1 broadband?
Gig1 offers average download speeds of 1130Mbps and upload speeds of 104Mbps.

Is Gig1 available in my area?
It’s available across the entire Virgin Media network. You can check your postcode on their website.

Does Gig1 come with a router?
Yes. It includes the latest Virgin Media Hub 5 or 5x, with Wi-Fi 6 and mesh support.

Is Gig1 better than BT Full Fibre 900?
Gig1 has slightly faster downloads, while BT Full Fibre 900 offers better upload speeds via FTTP. It depends on your usage priorities.

Is Virgin Gig1 symmetrical?
No. While download speeds are over 1Gbps, upload speeds average 104Mbps, which is higher than Virgin’s lower tiers but not symmetrical.

Can I bundle TV or mobile with Gig1?
Yes. Bigger Combo and Mega Volt bundles let you add TV, Netflix, and O2 SIM plans with perks like Volt speed boosts and roaming.