Virgin Media M500 Fibre Broadband

Virgin Media’s M500 broadband package delivers average download speeds of 516Mbps and average upload speeds of 52Mbps. It runs on Virgin’s DOCSIS 3.1 cable network, which means download performance remains strong during peak hours, though uploads are still asymmetric and not as fast as full fibre (FTTP) providers like Community Fibre or Hyperoptic.

The M500 plan is available as a broadband-only service or bundled with Virgin’s TV and landline services. The broadband-only version comes with Virgin’s Hub 5 router, and includes free installation for new customers.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Faster average download speeds (516Mbps).
• Consistent performance even in busier households with 10+ devices.
• Free setup with no activation fee.
• Can be bundled with Virgin TV (including Sky Sports, Cinema, Netflix).

Cons:

• Upload speeds (52Mbps) are lower than full-fibre competitors.
• Availability limited to Virgin Media network.
• Prices rise annually in April and increase after 24 months.
• Gigabit upgrade (Gig1 or Gig2) may offer better value for money.

Who Should Choose Virgin Media M500?

M500 is designed for large households or homes with a high number of connected devices. It’s ideal if you regularly have 6–8 people online, or you run 10+ devices such as smart TVs, home hubs, consoles, and laptops simultaneously.

The 516Mbps download speed is suitable for households where multiple people are streaming Ultra HD (4K), downloading large files, and playing online games – all at once.

If you work from home and need reliable Zoom calls while your children stream or game, M500 delivers that balance between high throughput and cost.

It’s also a strong option for hybrid homes where some people work remotely and others use connected entertainment or smart home gadgets heavily.

Who Should Go for Alternatives?

If upload speed is a top priority — such as for live streamers, remote workers handling cloud sync, or frequent large file sharers — you may want to consider a symmetric FTTP provider like Community Fibre or Hyperoptic. They offer higher upload speeds (up to 1Gbps) on similar or lower-priced plans.

Likewise, if your household uses very few connected devices and you only browse or stream occasionally, Virgin’s M250 or M350 tiers might provide better value.

On the other end, if you’re future-proofing a smart home or already hitting your limits with M500, the Gig1 or Gig2 packages offer Virgin’s fastest download speeds.

Our Verdict

Virgin Media M500 hits a strong sweet spot between speed and affordability. It’s faster than most mid-tier full fibre plans from Openreach ISPs and significantly more powerful than basic packages like BT Fibre 2 or Plusnet Full Fibre 145.

If your home is busy with streaming, gaming, downloading and smart devices, M500 can keep up without breaking the bank. It also makes sense if you want to bundle with TV – Virgin’s Bigger Combo and Biggest Combo options offer full Sky channel access with sports, films and Netflix built-in.

However, M500 still relies on asymmetric speeds, which means uploads don’t match downloads. This is fine for most households but less ideal for users uploading large files frequently.

Overall, it’s a fast, convenient, and widely available tier for larger homes that want performance but don’t need gigabit-level speeds.

Virgin Media Hub 5 Router – Included with M500

Virgin’s Hub 5 router is included free with M500 and is capable of handling its full 516Mbps download speeds across multiple devices.

• WiFi 6 support: The Hub 5 uses 802.11ax (WiFi 6) technology, improving throughput and latency.
• Dual-band (2.4GHz and 5GHz): Compatible with legacy and modern devices.
• 4× Gigabit Ethernet ports for direct wired connections.
• Intelligent WiFi features: Automatically selects the best frequency band and channels for each device.

The Hub 5 replaces the older Hub 3 and Hub 4 models and supports Virgin’s “Intelligent WiFi Pods” mesh boosters if needed in larger homes.

Alternative Plans from Other Providers

If Virgin Media is not available in your area or you want a plan with symmetric speeds, here are comparable plans from other providers:

• BT Full Fibre 500
  • Download: 500Mbps
  • Upload: 73Mbps
  • Price: ~£44.99/month
  • FTTP (Openreach network)
• Vodafone Full Fibre 500
  • Download: 500Mbps
  • Upload: 68Mbps (Openreach) or 500Mbps (CityFibre)
  • Price: ~£30–£34/month
• Community Fibre 500 Mbps
  • Download / Upload: 500Mbps symmetric
  • Price: £24/month (usually discounted)
  • Available in London only
• Hyperoptic 500Mbps
  • Download / Upload: 500Mbps symmetric
  • Price: ~£26/month
  • No mid-contract price hikes
  • Available in selected urban areas

These alternatives offer similar speeds and, in many cases, faster uploads. However, Virgin Media may still be a better option for users looking for TV bundles or for areas where full fibre rollout is limited.

Virgin Media Broadband – Overview

Virgin Media operates the UK’s largest cable broadband network, reaching over 18.3 million premises. Its broadband is delivered via DOCSIS 3.1, allowing high download speeds without requiring full fibre to the premises.

Virgin’s broadband speeds typically outperform similar packages on Openreach lines in terms of download capacity. However, upload speeds remain lower because of the nature of cable infrastructure.

Key traits of Virgin broadband:

• Separate from Openreach network, so unaffected by BT congestion.
• Offers ultrafast to gigabit broadband to nearly all homes on its footprint.
• Pricing is competitive, especially on its broadband-only plans.
• TV bundles include Sky channels, Netflix, and optional add-ons like TNT Sports.

All broadband packages come with free installation, and the first 24 months are price locked, after which annual price changes apply in April each year.

FAQ: Virgin Media M500 Fibre Broadband

How fast is Virgin Media M500?
It offers average download speeds of 516Mbps and upload speeds of 52Mbps, measured during peak times.

What router comes with M500?
You’ll receive the Virgin Hub 5, a WiFi 6 dual-band router capable of supporting multiple devices at high speeds.

Can I get M500 without TV or phone?
Yes, you can take M500 as a broadband-only plan or bundle it with Virgin TV and home phone if needed.

Is installation free?
Yes, all Virgin Media M500 packages come with free setup, saving around £30 compared to providers who charge an activation fee.

Does Virgin Media M500 support gaming and 4K streaming?
Absolutely. M500 is well-suited for online gaming, UHD streaming, and heavy downloads — even simultaneously across different users in the home.

Can I upgrade to Gig1 or Gig2 later?
Yes, if you want faster speeds in the future, you can upgrade to Gig1 (1.13Gbps) or Gig2 (2Gbps) depending on availability in your area.