Virgin Media M500 offers an average 516Mbps download speed and 52Mbps upload speed. It is well suited to busy households using several streaming services, games consoles and work devices at the same time.
M500 is available over Virgin Media’s established cable network and its newer XGS-PON full-fibre network. Compare it carefully with Gig1: the current broadband-only deals are closely priced, while Gig1 includes WiFi Max at no extra cost.
Virgin Media M500 deals
M500 can be ordered as broadband only, with a home phone or with Virgin Media television. The available packages depend on the services offered at your postcode.
| Package | Details | Price |
|---|---|---|
|
M500 Broadband Only |
Download 516Mb Upload 52Mb Router Hub 5 or 5x WiFi Max £8/month Landline Not included |
£21.99 /month Up to £300 switching credit |
|
M500 Broadband + Phone |
Download 516Mb Upload 52Mb Router Hub 5 WiFi Max £8/month Calls Anytime Chatter |
£36.99 /month Up to £300 switching credit |
|
M500 Sport + Cinema |
Download 516Mb Upload 52Mb TV 230+ channels Box Stream Sky Sports HD Included Sky Cinema HD Included Netflix Included |
£66.99 /month Up to £300 switching credit |
M500 at a glance
| Feature | M500 details |
|---|---|
| Average download speed | 516Mbps |
| Average upload speed | 52Mbps |
| Minimum guaranteed download speed | 258Mbps |
| Contract | 24 months |
| Network connection | DOCSIS 3.1 cable or XGS-PON full fibre |
| Router | Hub 5 or Hub 5x |
| Wi-Fi standard | Wi-Fi 6 |
| WiFi Max | £8 per month with standalone M500; included with Volt |
| Best for | Busy households, 4K streaming, gaming and frequent downloads |
| Nearest faster package | Gig1 with 1,130Mbps download and 104Mbps upload |
M500 pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fast 516Mbps average download speed | Standard 52Mbps upload speed is slower than symmetrical full fibre |
| Suitable for busy multi-device homes | WiFi Max costs extra with standalone M500 |
| Hub 5 or Hub 5x with Wi-Fi 6 | Monthly charges increase during the minimum term |
| Broadband-only, phone and TV options | 24-month commitment |
| 258Mbps minimum guaranteed download speed | Gig1 can cost only slightly more |
| Free setup with current online deals | Some services remain postcode-dependent |
M500 speeds and minimum guarantee
M500 offers an average 516Mbps download speed and 52Mbps upload speed.
The download speed allows several people to stream Ultra HD television, play online, join video calls and download files together. Virgin Media does not apply a monthly data limit to M500.
The 52Mbps upload speed is sufficient for most household activity. It is slower than the upload speeds available from several 500Mbps full-fibre packages, particularly those offering equal download and upload speeds.
Minimum guaranteed download speed
M500 comes with a minimum guaranteed download speed of 258Mbps to the Virgin Media Hub. The guarantee measures the broadband speed reaching the router rather than the speed recorded on an individual Wi-Fi device.
If the connection remains below 258Mbps for three consecutive days, report the problem to Virgin Media. If Virgin Media cannot correct it within 30 days, you can leave the contract without paying an early disconnection charge.
Wi-Fi results can fall below 258Mbps because of distance, walls, interference, router placement or device capability. A poor Wi-Fi result does not automatically mean the broadband line has fallen below its guarantee.
Cable and full-fibre M500
M500 uses two types of Virgin Media connection.
| Connection | Equipment | Standard M500 speeds |
|---|---|---|
| DOCSIS 3.1 cable | Hub 5 | 516Mbps download and 52Mbps upload |
| XGS-PON full fibre | Hub 5x | 516Mbps download and 52Mbps upload |
Both versions offer the same standard average speeds. The connection entering the home and the supplied Hub are different.
Customers in eligible XGS-PON areas can add symmetrical speeds for an additional monthly charge. This raises the upload speed until it is equal to the download speed. The option is unavailable on Virgin Media’s cable network.
Hub 5, Hub 5x and WiFi Max
Virgin Media supplies the Hub that corresponds with the network connection at the property. Cable customers receive Hub 5, while customers using XGS-PON full fibre receive Hub 5x.
| Equipment | Details |
|---|---|
| Hub 5 | Wi-Fi 6, one 2.5Gbps Ethernet port, three 1Gbps ports and modem mode |
| Hub 5x | Wi-Fi 6, one 10Gbps Ethernet port and three 1Gbps ports |
| Intelligent WiFi | Automatically changes wireless channels to reduce interference |
| Virgin Media Connect app | Checks room-to-room Wi-Fi, manages settings and helps identify weak areas |
| WiFi Max | Optional with standalone M500 and included with Volt |
Both Hubs are capable of delivering the full M500 connection to compatible devices. Most modern laptops, computers and games consoles have sufficient Ethernet or Wi-Fi capability for a 516Mbps service.
Keep the Hub in an open and central position where possible. Cupboards, television cabinets, thick walls and nearby electrical equipment can reduce wireless coverage.
WiFi Max with M500
Standalone M500 does not include the WiFi Max room guarantee. It costs £8 per month when added to M500 package.
WiFi Max offers a minimum 30Mbps Wi-Fi download speed in every room. Virgin Media can send up to three WiFi Pods, one at a time, after completing the required diagnostic checks.
If three Pods fail to deliver at least 30Mbps in an eligible room, Virgin Media applies a one-off £100 bill credit.
Customers receiving M500 through a Volt arrangement get WiFi Max at no extra cost. Gig1 and Gig2 also include it, which is important when comparing the total monthly cost of M500 with Virgin Media’s faster packages.
M500 alternatives
M350, Gig1 and competing 500Mbps full-fibre packages are the closest alternatives to M500.
The best option depends on the postcode price, upload speed, Wi-Fi package and whether the household will use the additional download bandwidth.
| Alternative | Better suited to |
|---|---|
| Virgin Media M350 362Mbps download / 36Mbps upload WiFi Max costs extra | Households that receive a significantly lower M350 price and do not require 516Mbps |
| Virgin Media Gig1 1,130Mbps download / 104Mbps upload WiFi Max included Currently £2 per month more for broadband only | Busy homes that want faster downloads, double the upload speed and the room guarantee |
| BT Full Fibre 500 500Mbps download / 73Mbps upload | Premises wanting an Openreach full-fibre connection and a faster standard upload |
| Plusnet Full Fibre 500 500Mbps download / 75Mbps upload | Customers wanting a straightforward full-fibre package with a faster upload |
| Vodafone Full Fibre 500 500Mbps download / 68Mbps upload on Openreach | Homes wanting a competing 500Mbps package with wider router and mobile options |
| Vodafone Full Fibre 500 alternative fibre networks 500Mbps download / 500Mbps upload | Premises with access to Vodafone’s symmetrical full-fibre service |
| Hyperoptic 500Mb 500Mbps download / 500Mbps upload | Premises prioritising equal download and upload speeds |
| Community Fibre 500Mb 500Mbps download / 500Mbps upload | London homes that regularly upload large files |
Compare M500 plus WiFi Max against Gig1 before ordering. Gig1 can offer a lower combined cost when the difference between the broadband packages is smaller than the separate WiFi Max charge.
M350 is worth considering only when its postcode-specific price is lower enough to justify the reduced speed. Current promotions can occasionally make M500 cost less than M350.
Virgin Media M500 FAQs
Is Virgin Media M500 full fibre?
M500 uses XGS-PON full fibre in Virgin Media’s newer and upgraded full-fibre areas.
Most established Virgin Media areas use fibre to the local network and coaxial cable for the final connection into the home. Both network types offer the same standard M500 average speeds.
Is WiFi Max included with M500?
WiFi Max is not included with standalone M500. It costs £8 per month.
Eligible Volt customers receive WiFi Max at no extra cost. The service includes the 30Mbps room guarantee, up to three WiFi Pods and a £100 bill credit if the completed Pod process fails.
Which router comes with M500?
Cable customers receive Hub 5. It offers Wi-Fi 6, one 2.5Gbps Ethernet port and three 1Gbps ports.
XGS-PON full-fibre customers receive Hub 5x. It offers Wi-Fi 6, one 10Gbps port and three 1Gbps ports.
Does M500 have a minimum speed guarantee?
Yes. M500 has a minimum guaranteed download speed of 258Mbps to the Virgin Media Hub.
The guarantee applies to the broadband line reaching the Hub. It does not guarantee 258Mbps over Wi-Fi in every room.
Can M500 have equal download and upload speeds?
Virgin Media offers a paid symmetrical-speed add-on in eligible XGS-PON areas. It increases the upload speed until it is equal to the download speed.
The option is unavailable on Virgin Media’s DOCSIS cable network.
Is M500 suitable for gaming and 4K streaming?
Yes. M500 has enough bandwidth for several 4K streams, online gaming, video calls and large downloads at the same time.
Gaming uses relatively little bandwidth during play. The 516Mbps connection is most useful for downloading large games quickly and preventing other household activity from competing for bandwidth.
Is M500 better than Gig1?
M500 costs less and offers enough speed for many larger households.
Gig1 offers more than double the download speed, twice the upload speed and includes WiFi Max. Gig1 is the better option when its postcode price is close to M500 or when the household wants the Wi-Fi room guarantee.
Can M500 include a home phone?
Yes, in eligible cable areas. The M500 broadband and phone package includes a digital home phone service through the Hub.
Virgin Media does not offer home phone service in some newer XGS-PON expansion areas. The postcode check confirms availability.
Can M500 include Virgin Media TV?
Yes. M500 is available with Virgin Media television packages, including entertainment, sport and cinema options.
Current TV packages use a Stream box and can include Mega TV channels, Sky Sports HD, Sky Cinema HD and Netflix. Package contents depend on the selected deal.