Virgin Media M250 Fibre Broadband

Virgin Media M250 fibre broadband offers a step up from entry-level speeds, ideal for mid-sized homes that rely on multiple devices and regular streaming. With a 264Mbps average download speed and 25Mbps upload, M250 provides enough bandwidth to handle more demanding usage, especially when several users are online at once.

Technical Specs

• Average download speed: 264Mbps
• Average upload speed: 25Mbps
• WiFi hub: Virgin Media Hub 3/4
• Network: Virgin Media cable network (DOCSIS)
• Contract: 24 months
• Setup cost: None (free installation)
• Volt add-ons (if applicable): O2 SIM (4GB data), WiFi guarantee, speed boost

M250 broadband runs on Virgin Media’s cable network and does not use Openreach. Unlike full-fibre services, Virgin’s network still uses coaxial cable from the street to the home, but average speeds are well above Openreach’s superfast plans.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Fast download speed suitable for 2–4 person households
• Handles 10+ devices easily
• Free installation on all plans
• Stream and game in HD across multiple rooms
• Volt package adds O2 mobile SIM and perks
• Optional phone or TV add-ons with no dish required

Cons:

• Upload speed is lower than some FTTP providers
• Price increases in April 2026 and 2027
• 24-month contract only – no short-term deals
• Gigabit alternatives from Community Fibre or Hyperoptic may offer better value in full fibre areas

Who Should Choose Virgin Media M250?

M250 is well-suited for:

• Households with 2–4 people using 10+ devices (TVs, phones, laptops)
• HD streaming and casual online gaming across multiple rooms
• Working or studying from home, video calls and large downloads
• Virgin Volt customers who can benefit from bundled O2 SIM and WiFi guarantees

It’s a balanced plan for homes that need more than basic speeds but don’t need full gigabit bandwidth.

Who Should Consider Alternatives?

If any of the following apply, M250 might not be your best option:

• You need symmetrical speeds (e.g. 150Mbps up as well as down) – consider Community Fibre or Hyperoptic
• You prefer shorter contracts (M250 is only available on 24-month terms)
• You want future-proofed speeds beyond 1Gb – M500 or Gig1 may be a better fit
• You live in a CityFibre or Openreach FTTP area with better upload performance or lower latency

Verdict

Virgin Media M250 offers excellent value for medium-sized homes. With 264Mbps average download speeds, it handles streaming, cloud backup, and multiple devices without slowing down. The upload speed is modest, and there’s no month-to-month option, but as a mid-tier cable plan, it fits a wide range of users. The Volt version also adds good value with an O2 SIM and WiFi guarantees.

Router

M250 plans are supplied with the Virgin Media Hub, which may be the Hub 3 or the newer Hub 5 depending on stock. The Hub 5 offers better WiFi coverage and supports WiFi 6, which is especially useful in households with many modern wireless devices. Both models use Virgin’s Intelligent WiFi tech that helps optimise connectivity and prioritise faster, less congested channels.

Alternative Plans from Other Providers

If you’re looking for better upload speeds or more affordable mid-tier options, these plans are worth comparing:

• BT Full Fibre 300: 300Mbps down / 49Mbps up
• Vodafone Full Fibre 150/500: 150–500Mbps on Openreach or CityFibre, symmetrical on CityFibre
• Community Fibre 150/500: 150–500Mbps symmetrical, from £20–£25 per month
• Hyperoptic 250Mb: 250Mbps symmetrical with flexible contract options

These alternatives may suit you if full fibre (FTTP) is available at your postcode.

Virgin Media Broadband – Overview

Virgin Media operates the largest cable broadband network in the UK, covering over 18.3 million premises. Its infrastructure uses DOCSIS over coaxial cable, which differs from Openreach or full FTTP networks but can deliver gigabit-class speeds. All Virgin broadband plans now come with free installation, Intelligent WiFi routers, and Volt perks if you’re an O2 customer.

FAQs

Is 264Mbps fast enough for a family of four?
Yes, it can support 10+ connected devices, multiple streams, and downloads at the same time without significant slowdown.

Does M250 include a landline?
Not by default, but you can choose a bundle with weekend calls included for a small extra cost.

Can I stream and game at the same time?
Yes, M250 supports HD streaming and casual gaming comfortably. For 4K streaming or competitive gaming, consider faster tiers.

Can I upgrade later?
Yes, Virgin allows you to upgrade to M350, M500 or Gig1 if your usage increases.

Is there a setup cost?
No – all Virgin Media M250 plans come with free installation.