Compare Virgin Media TV & Broadband Packages – Are They Any Good?

Virgin Media broadband and TV packages are bundled deals that combine fast cable or gigabit broadband with TV channels, streaming apps and a home phone line.

Quick overview

• Broadband speeds: TV bundles are normally paired with broadband plans from M125 (average 132Mbps) up to Gig1 (average 1,130Mbps), with M250, M350 and M500 options in between.
• Home phone: optional digital landline with add‑ons such as Evenings & Weekends or Anytime Chatter, plus international calling extras on some deals.
• TV boxes: Virgin Media Stream is now the default 4K streaming box for new broadband + TV customers, while Virgin TV 360 remains the full set-top box with recordings in many cabled areas and for existing users.
• TV packages: choices now centre on Broadband & Flex TV, the Entertainment, Cinema, Sport and Sport + Cinema bundles, plus the high‑end Max Volt bundle that adds O2 mobile and extras.
• TV channels and apps: Flex TV delivers about 150+ channels; the Entertainment/Cinema/Sport bundles use Mega TV (200+ channels); Sport + Cinema and Max Volt push channel counts to over 230 channels, including Sky Sports HD, Sky Cinema HD and premium entertainment, along with streaming apps like Netflix, Disney+ and Prime Video on the box.
• Price range: recent broadband + TV deals for new customers typically start in the high‑£20s to mid‑£30s per month for smaller bundles under promotional pricing, while packages that include Sky Sports, Sky Cinema and Volt features cost more once promotions end.

Why add phone and TV to Virgin Media broadband?

Virgin Media offers broadband on its own, but many households consider broadband + TV, or broadband + TV + phone, in one package. Bundling is not always the cheapest option, yet it can deliver clear benefits.

Simpler bills and support

Choosing a combined service means you receive a single monthly bill instead of juggling separate providers for broadband, TV and phone. It also means there is one support contact if anything goes wrong, reducing confusion over which provider handles which issue. With a single account and predictable payments, households avoid the hassle of multiple renewals and renewal dates. For busy homes, that ease is often as important as the channel line‑up.

Great savings versus separate services

Virgin often promotes discounted prices for broadband + TV bundles, which can cost less than subscribing separately to broadband and a standalone streaming service. In some bundles (for example, Sport + Cinema or Max Volt), Netflix Standard with ads is included, which can be more affordable than paying for TV and Netflix separately. You still need to consider total cost over the contract term — once discounts end — but for households that want both live channels and streaming in one place, a bundle can offer better value.

Extras such as Volt and other perks

Combining certain Virgin Media bundles with an O2 mobile SIM unlocks Volt benefits such as double mobile data on the O2 SIM, a boost to Virgin broadband speeds and inclusive roaming or security add‑ons on qualifying O2 plans. Virgin also occasionally offers time-limited incentives such as free months or bill credit on broadband + TV bundles, especially during major sports seasons or promotional periods.

When bundling makes sense vs broadband-only

Bundles tend to be a suitable option for homes that watch a lot of live sport or premium channels, want a unified TV guide with catch‑up, recordings and streaming apps, or already use O2 mobile and benefit from Volt extras.

On the other hand, broadband-only may be the better route if the household mainly relies on streaming apps (Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, NOW), seldom watches live channels, values flexibility (app‑by‑app subscriptions), and aims for the fastest broadband at lowest cost.

Virgin Media broadband speeds

Virgin Media’s fixed‑line broadband is still largely delivered over a hybrid fibre‑coaxial network (HFC) using DOCSIS, with fibre deeper in the network and coaxial cable running to the premises. In parallel, Virgin Media O2 is rolling out full‑fibre (XGS‑PON) in some areas. In either case, the broadband performance for customers remains the same across technologies where offered.

Main broadband plans used with TV bundles

Here are the typical broadband plans paired with TV bundles:

• M125 – average 132Mbps download / 20Mbps upload
  Suitable for smaller or lighter‑use homes that browse, stream in HD and have only a few devices online.
• M250 – average 264Mbps download / 25Mbps upload
  Better option for homes where several people are online together, multiple HD or 4K streams or regular cloud backups happen.
• M350 – average 362Mbps download / 36Mbps upload
  Suitable for busy, multi‑device homes with 4K streaming, gaming, smart TVs and frequent video calls.
• M500 – average 516Mbps download / 52Mbps upload
  An excellent option for heavy users, home workers transferring large files, multiple 4K streams and demanding broadband activity.
• Gig1 – average 1,130Mbps download / 104Mbps upload
  Virgin’s top-tier plan, ideal for households needing gigabit-class download speeds for large game updates, 4K streams on multiple screens and significant cloud workloads.

Not all bundles offer every speed in all areas, but the combinations above are the ones most commonly presented on Virgin’s broadband + TV page.

Real‑world performance and peak‑time behaviour

Independent speed‑test data and reports suggest Virgin’s faster plans often deliver actual download speeds at or slightly above the stated averages. In one broad survey, M500 delivered an average of 540.35Mbps (versus the quoted 516Mbps), and the 1.1 Gbps service recorded an average of 1,139Mbps.

For households with good Wi‑Fi setup, this bandwidth allows multiple 4K streams, concurrent gaming, cloud backups and heavy browsing without noticeable slowdowns or buffering.

Still, there are technical trade‑offs compared with symmetrical full‑fibre services: upload speeds remain well below download speeds, which can be limiting for tasks that involve frequent large uploads (e.g. content creation, cloud backups, remote work). Additionally, because the network uses shared coaxial segments, latency and jitter may increase in areas with many heavy users, which can affect latency‑sensitive activities such as online gaming.

Virgin Media TV packages in detail

Here we examine the hardware, the available bundles and the viewing experience.

Virgin Media Stream (default box)

• The standard 4K streaming box supplied to new broadband + TV customers. It plugs into your TV via HDMI and delivers live channels and on‑demand content over your Virgin broadband connection.
• Offers a wide selection of apps: Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4 (All 4), Paramount+, NOW (for extra Sky content), plus other streaming and music apps.
• Lets you add or remove TV “packs” on rolling 30‑day terms rather than locking into a long TV contract, while broadband remains on a fixed‑term plan.
• Supports up to five additional Stream boxes in other rooms for multi‑room viewing, subject to a small monthly fee per extra box.
• Stream operates more like a streaming device (for example, Sky Stream or Apple TV) than a traditional pay‑TV set‑top box.

Virgin TV 360

• The traditional set‑top box with recordings, still widely used by many existing customers and available in cabled regions where legacy infrastructure remains.
• Provides 4K/UHD output for supported channels and apps, voice‑enabled remote, a unified guide combining live channels, catch‑up and on‑demand apps, and the ability to record multiple shows at once.
• Records content and allows playback on “360 mini‑boxes” in other rooms, sharing the same account and recordings.
• In certain full‑fibre build areas, Stream may be the only option, so 360 is not always available for new sign‑ups. In other areas, customers may request 360 to retain recording features rather than opting solely for app‑based TV.

Legacy V6 boxes

Some long‑standing customers continue to use older V6 boxes, which use the older TiVo interface. While still supported, new packages focus on Stream and 360, and upgrades are often offered when service or hardware changes occur.

Virgin Media TV bundles

Virgin’s current range of broadband + TV packages revolves around a core Mega TV offering, optional add‑ons, and a flexible entry‑level TV option:

Broadband & Flex TV

Combines Virgin broadband (often M125 or above) with Flex TV, which carries approximately 150+ essential channels along with catch‑up apps. The TV package runs on rolling 30‑day terms, allowing flexibility, while broadband remains on standard fixed‑term plans.

Entertainment bundle

Combines broadband with Mega TV, delivering around 200+ channels, including entertainment, lifestyle, factual and kids channels. On compatible boxes, it also offers an ultra‑HD entertainment channel.

Cinema bundle

Adds a movie channel package to the Entertainment bundle, including Sky Cinema HD and associated film channels, along with on‑demand movie libraries accessible via the guide.

Sport bundle

Builds on Mega TV and adds Sky Sports HD channels, granting access to Premier League football, EFL matches, Formula 1, cricket and other live sporting events. Depending on offers, TNT Sports may also be added as an extra.

Sport + Cinema bundle

Combines Mega TV, Sky Sports HD and Sky Cinema HD, offering a broad mix of live sport and films. This bundle often includes Netflix Standard with ads as part of the monthly price, merging traditional TV and streaming in one package.

Max Volt bundle

Virgin’s top-of-the-range broadband + TV package. It pairs M500 broadband, Mega TV with Sky Sports HD and Sky Cinema HD, Kids Pick channel pack, Netflix Standard with ads, Anytime Chatter home phone, and an unlimited O2 SIM. It also unlocks Volt benefits such as double mobile data and a potential broadband speed boost.

Because Virgin updates its offers periodically, the exact broadband speeds, channel counts and add‑ons attached to each bundle may change. The structure above reflects the package names and features prevalent at the time of writing.

Channels and content

• Flex TV: about 150+ core and catch‑up channels, including standard Freeview‑style content and major catch‑up apps.
• Entertainment / Cinema / Sport bundles (Mega TV): around 200+ channels, including major entertainment channels, lifestyle, factual, music and a broad kids offering. On compatible hardware, lifestyle and entertainment channels can broadcast in 4K/UHD.
• Sport + Cinema and Max Volt bundles: channel counts exceeding 230, featuring premium content such as Sky Sports HD, Sky Cinema HD, film channels, entertainment and kids channels.

Across all packages, viewers get:

• All the standard Freeview channels and core public broadcasting channels.
• A large selection of entertainment, lifestyle, factual and kids channels.
• The option on higher-end bundles to access premium sports, film and broad entertainment channels, combined with streaming apps.

For homes consuming a lot of TV content — live channels, film premieres, sports, kids’ programmes and streaming — these bundles deliver a richer, more traditional TV experience than a patchwork of streaming apps alone.

Apps and streaming services

The Stream and TV 360 boxes integrate a range of streaming and catch‑up services:

• Netflix
• Disney+
• Amazon Prime Video
• Paramount+
• BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4 / All 4, My5
• NOW (for access to additional Sky content via streaming)
• YouTube, Spotify and other entertainment or niche apps

Some services can be added directly to your Virgin bill (where offered); others are billed separately via the app provider. The unified interface allows users to search across live channels, recordings and streaming‑on‑demand, reducing the friction of switching between multiple devices or apps.

Is Virgin Media broadband any good?

Virgin’s broadband remains among the fastest widely available services in the UK, but features and caveats deserve careful consideration depending on your usage.

Speeds and real‑world performance

Virgin delivers high download speeds even on standard cable broadband plans, with Gig1 offering average 1,130Mbps download and 104Mbps upload. Many users — according to independent tests — report download speeds at or above the official averages.

For typical multi-device households, that bandwidth provides enough capacity for multiple concurrent 4K streams, online gaming, large file downloads, cloud backups and video calls without noticeable slowdown.

However, upload speeds and latency remain areas where cable broadband lags behind symmetrical full‑fibre alternatives. For users who regularly upload large files or rely on low latency — for example, content creators, streamers or professionals working from home — a full‑fibre connection may be more suitable.

Router and Wi‑Fi performance

Virgin broadband routers vary according to plan and area: older Hub 3 units, Hub 4, and newer Hub 5 / Hub 5x models for faster broadband tiers.

• Hub 4 and Hub 5 provide better Wi‑Fi coverage and bandwidth handling than older models and are adequate for many medium-sized homes if positioned centrally.
• In larger homes or those with many devices, a mesh network or Wi‑Fi pods (whether from Virgin or third-party kit) may be necessary to spread strong signal throughout.
• For latency‑sensitive uses such as PC gaming or video calls, a direct wired Ethernet connection remains the most reliable option regardless of router capabilities.

Reliability and outages

Virgin reports high overall network uptime and for many customers, broadband and TV run without notable interruption. However, because part of the network is shared coaxial‑based, performance and reliability can vary by area and time of day, particularly in densely populated or heavily loaded regions. Local infrastructure and demand levels can influence how smooth the service feels.

Customer service and support

While many Virgin customers have seamless experiences, the service has received criticism over the years around billing, contract renewals, price increases and issue resolution times. As a result, customer satisfaction tends to be more mixed than with some full‑fibre rivals. For users who value predictable service and strong support, it may be worth comparing reviews and feedback in their area before signing up.

Value for money

When you consider speed per pound, Virgin’s M350, M500 and Gig1 plans — especially with promotional pricing — often cost less than comparable speeds from some full‑fibre or legacy providers.

That advantage can erode over time though: mid‑contract price rises or sudden increases at the end of the contracted period can reduce long‑term value. Households willing to monitor pricing and renegotiate or switch after the first term generally get the best use out of Virgin broadband. If you prioritise predictable long‑term pricing over maximum speed, a smaller full‑fibre ISP may be a better fit.

6. Is Virgin Media TV any good?

Virgin Media remains one of the most comprehensive pay‑TV options in the UK and competes directly with services such as Sky TV, BT TV and streaming‑only platforms — but it has trade‑offs to consider.

Picture quality and viewing experience

With a compatible TV and good broadband, Virgin delivers both HD and 4K content — including UHD broadcasts on supported channels and apps. Streaming services such as Netflix or Disney+ can also operate in high definition or 4K where tier permits.

As long as broadband and Wi‑Fi remain reliable, viewers typically experience crisp, smooth picture quality with minimal buffering on live channels and streams alike.

Virgin TV 360 and Stream experience

TV 360 is the closest to a traditional pay‑TV experience: full EPG, recordings, live and on‑demand in one interface, voice search and multi‑room playback. It is well suited to households that prefer channel‑surfing, recording shows, or watching scheduled live TV.

Stream offers flexibility: a streaming-first interface, rolling TV packs and a focus on apps rather than long‑term TV contracts. It is a good fit for those who mostly stream and only occasionally watch live TV, or who prefer a lighter monthly commitment.

Overall, Virgin’s TV platform — whether 360 or Stream — competes well with newer pay‑TV and streaming hybrids. Sky retains some advantages in content exclusivity and interface polish, but Virgin often offers greater value, simpler bundling and a broader mix of channels and apps under one roof.

Content and channels vs rivals

If you subscribe to a high-end bundle, Virgin can include Sky Sports HD (and sometimes TNT Sports), giving access to football, F1, cricket and other major live events. Film lovers can add Sky Cinema HD for first‑run movies and extensive libraries.

Channel-wise, Mega TV and bundled packs offer broad entertainment, kids, factual, lifestyle and music coverage — a collection overlapping significantly with what customers expect from premium pay‑TV services.

Compared with Sky, Virgin loses some exclusives — for example, Sky Atlantic remains only on Sky’s platform — meaning certain prestige series may require using additional streaming services such as NOW. On the other hand, Virgin’s strong sports, film and entertainment mix, plus integrated apps, make it a compelling alternative.

Compared with BT TV, which leans heavily on external streaming add-ons over Freeview, Virgin delivers a more cohesive package where both live channels and apps are integrated into one box and guide.

Pricing vs Sky and BT

Mid‑range Virgin bundles often match or beat the price of equivalent Sky deals when you factor in broadband and streaming together, especially if you catch a promotional offer.

Sky becomes more competitive if you prefer a lighter TV pack, want to avoid broadband commitments, or prefer a standalone streaming-first approach (Sky Stream).

BT Full Fibre plus BT TV sits between the two in terms of price and flexibility. It is a reasonable option when upload speed, full‑fibre reliability and simple streaming integration matter more than a broad live channel list.

Because offers change often, it is important to compare the total cost over the contract, not just the headline monthly rate, before deciding.

What Virgin TV lacks

There is no direct equivalent of a “Sky Glass‑style” integrated TV hardware + service bundle in the Virgin lineup. For some high‑end content (notably Sky Atlantic exclusives), users may need to rely on external streaming passes such as NOW rather than getting everything in one unified guide.

On the service side, Virgin’s history of customer complaints — around billing changes, contract renewals and support responsiveness — remains a concern for some users. These drawbacks seldom matter to households that seldom need support, but they are worth bearing in mind before committing to a long-term bundle.

For users who mostly stream on‑demand and do not need extensive live TV or recordings, standalone streaming platforms remain a strong alternative.

Is a Virgin Media broadband and TV bundle a good choice?

Pros

• Very fast broadband speeds, including Gig1, paired with TV bundles — ideal for multi‑device homes needing bandwidth for many simultaneous streams, gaming, video calls or large downloads.
• Large channel packages available with Sky Sports HD, Sky Cinema HD and broad entertainment and kids‑channel selections on the bigger bundles.
• Broad app integration via Stream and TV 360 — Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video and others are built into the platform alongside live TV and on‑demand.
• Volt extras (if paired with O2 mobile) deliver double mobile data, broadband boosts and other perks for households using both services.
• Frequent promotional pricing, bill credits or free-month offers on broadband + TV bundles, which can lower the total cost significantly in the first term.

Cons

• Customer service and complaint levels are more mixed than some full‑fibre or “pure” streaming‑only providers.
• Upload speeds remain lower than symmetrical full‑fibre alternatives, which may limit cloud uploads or latency‑sensitive work.
• Price increases during or after the first contract term can reduce value if you do not renegotiate or switch.
• Availability is limited to areas covered by Virgin’s network — not all parts of the UK are eligible.

Who Virgin Media suits best

Virgin Media broadband and TV bundles are suitable for:

• Multi‑device homes requiring high download speeds for concurrent streaming, gaming, work and browsing.
• Households that watch a lot of live sport or want Sky Sports HD and premium film content in one package with broadband.
• Families that prefer a unified TV hub — live channels, on‑demand apps, recordings — all under one remote and login.

Who should consider other options

You may prefer a different setup if:

• You live outside Virgin’s network area and only have access to Openreach‑based or alternative full‑fibre providers.
• You primarily use streaming apps and rarely watch live TV — in which case standalone streaming plus broadband could be cheaper and more flexible.
• You prefer symmetrical upload speeds, consistent latency and long-term price predictability over maximum download speed and large channel bundles.

Bottom line

For households that want fast broadband and a comprehensive TV service from a single provider, Virgin Media remains among the most capable bundle options in the UK. The mix of gigabit‑class speeds, big channel packages and integrated streaming apps — especially when a good promotion is available — delivers strong value. If you are prepared to watch for price increases and aware of the service’s limitations (on uploads, support and coverage), it offers excellent performance for many typical UK homes.

Alternatives to Virgin Media broadband and TV bundles

If Virgin Media does not seem like the right fit, there are other strong alternatives that combine broadband and TV in different ways.

Sky broadband and Sky TV

Sky continues to lead in pay‑TV recognition with options such as:

• Sky Stream: a 4K streaming puck running over broadband, offering Sky Entertainment, Netflix and optional sport or cinema packs.
• Sky Glass / Sky Glass Air: TV‑centric packages that integrate streaming, voice control and built-in hardware or smart‑TV support.
• Sky broadband: full‑fibre plans at various speeds, often bundled with Wi‑Fi guarantees and switching incentives.

Sky’s strengths include a polished TV interface, strong content discovery, and tight integration of Sky’s own channels, apps and on‑demand libraries. However, entry‑level broadband speeds tend to be lower than Virgin’s mid‑range offerings, and some of its bundle prices still involve longer commitments than streaming‑first options.

BT Full Fibre and BT TV

BT combines its Full Fibre broadband with BT TV packages that rely on a blend of TV and streaming:

• Full Fibre plans with download and upload performance often better than Virgin’s cable equivalents — especially useful for users needing reliable upload and low latency.
• TV add‑ons built around NOW memberships (for Sky‑branded content) plus mainstream apps like Netflix and discovery+.
• A reputation for network reliability and simpler, more modular TV and streaming combinations.

The trade‑off is that BT TV often feels less like a unified cable‑style package and more like a hybrid mix of Freeview, streaming and add‑on passes. Combining top-tier full fibre with full TV offerings can also become expensive, especially when multiple add‑ons are needed.

Community fibre and other altnet bundles

Full‑fibre altnets increasingly offer broadband plus TV via partners such as Netgem — which can appeal if you want symmetrical speeds and flexibility:

• Community Fibre TV (London): adds a Netgem 4K TV box to full‑fibre broadband, with 240+ live channels, 30+ apps and large on‑demand libraries.
• Connect Fibre TV, WightFibre and others: use Netgem’s IP‑based platform (often via PLEIO) to deliver live TV and streaming on top of full‑fibre broadband.
• These bundles tend to offer symmetrical upload and download speeds, which benefits cloud uploads, streaming, work‑from-home and content creation.
• Pricing for gigabit full‑fibre plus TV on altnets can be more competitive than comparable national‑brand cable bundles, though availability is limited to specific cities or regions.

For households that value upload speed, want symmetric full‑fibre, but still want a degree of live TV or streaming flexibility, these altnet bundles are worthy alternatives.

Using standalone streaming instead of pay‑TV

A final path ignores traditional TV altogether and relies purely on broadband + streaming:

• Take a fast broadband package (from Virgin, a full‑fibre ISP, or another provider).
• Use a combination of subscription apps — Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, NOW, Apple TV+, plus free platforms like BBC iPlayer, ITVX — and optional movie/sports passes when required.
• This approach is often cheaper and more flexible if you do not need a comprehensive live channel package or full‑time premium sports access.
• It is especially attractive if you value monthly flexibility, minimal commitment and the ability to pause or cancel services at will.

For many modern households that mainly watch on-demand content, this “stream first” model can offer the best balance of price, flexibility and content variety.

FAQs

Is Virgin Media broadband and TV available in my area?
Virgin Media’s network covers many UK premises but not everywhere. You need to check your postcode on Virgin’s site or a comparison tool to confirm coverage, available speeds and eligible bundles in your area.

Do I need a Virgin landline with broadband and TV?
No. Many newer broadband + TV bundles are sold on a broadband-only basis, with a digital landline offered as an optional add‑on that connects through your hub. Some older bundles may include a physical landline by default, but new sign‑ups increasingly treat phone service as optional.

Can I get Netflix with Virgin Media bundles?
Yes. Some bundles — for example, Sport + Cinema and Max Volt — include Netflix Standard with ads as part of the monthly price. On other plans you can add Netflix separately, either billed via Virgin or by subscribing directly through the Netflix app. Always check what is included before ordering.

How long are Virgin Media broadband and TV contracts?
Most broadband + TV deals come with a 24‑month contract as standard. Some older or legacy deals may vary; always check the contract terms in the offer details before you commit.

How much does installation cost and how long does it take?
Installation costs depend on the offer: frequently Virgin runs promotions offering free setup for new broadband + TV customers. Where a fee applies, it tends to depend on property type and any additional wiring needed. An engineering visit usually lasts an hour or two; self‑install (QuickStart) is possible where the premises is already cabled.

Can I keep my phone number if I switch to Virgin?
Yes — in most cases you can port your existing phone number to Virgin’s voice service, provided your prior provider supports number transfer and you follow the correct process. Do not cancel your old line until the port is complete, or you risk losing your number.

What happens at the end of my contract?
When the 24‑month term ends, your monthly fee typically reverts to Virgin’s standard out‑of‑contract rate, which can be considerably higher. At that point you have the option to renegotiate, downgrade or switch to a different provider without early termination penalties.

How easy is it to switch away from Virgin Media?
Switching from Virgin to another provider generally involves: ordering the new service, arranging a suitable installation date, and cancelling Virgin once the new line is live (and any number port is complete). Because Virgin uses its own network rather than Openreach in many areas, there is no automatic “gaining‑provider led” migration — you must manage the overlap carefully to avoid downtime or double billing. Checking contract end‑dates and exit terms in advance helps avoid surprises.