Virgin Media M125 Broadband Review
Virgin Media M125 is the entry-level plan from Virgin Media and a great option for households looking for both ultrafast speed and a reasonable price.
With average download speeds of 132Mbps and upload speeds of 20Mbps, it’s well suited for HD streaming, video calls, and quick downloads and uploads..
Below, we look at how M125 performs in real-world conditions, how it compares to other plans, and who it’s best suited for.
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M125 Fibre Broadband
M125 Fibre Broadband + Phone
M125 Broadband + Flex
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Actual speeds
Virgin says the M125 plan offers average download speeds of 132Mbps.
When the internet wasn’t busy (like during the day), speeds were often a bit faster — around 135 to 138Mbps. Even during peak evening hours (between 8 and 10pm), speeds were 128Mbps, which is still fast enough to stream Netflix or Disney+ in 4K without any problems.
Upload speeds hit the average of 20Mbps. That’s enough for regular tasks like joining video calls, sending files, or uploading photos and short videos.
| Speed | Details |
|---|---|
| Average Download Speed | 132 Mbps advertised 135–138 Mbps during quiet times 128 Mbps at peak hours (8–10 pm) Suitable for 4K streaming (Netflix, Disney+) |
| Average Upload Speed | 20 Mbps Good for file sending, standard-res video uploads, HD video calls Upload ceiling may limit large uploads or livestreaming |
Virgin’s minimum speed guarantee on M125 promises at least 66Mbps. If your line consistently drops below that and they can’t fix it, you’re free to cancel without early termination charges
Latency
For gaming and video calling, latency and jitter can be just as important as download speed.
On a properly installed M125 line, we measured ping times in the 15–25 ms range and didn’t encounter any packet loss in everyday use.
That’s enough for most multiplayer games, cloud gaming and smooth Zoom chats.
Worth noting: Ofcom has long found FTTP to have slightly better latency and jitter figures than cable, but that doesn’t make cable a bad option—just know that the most responsive connections tend to come from fibre-to-the-premises networks.
Virgin Media Performance Overview
Who M125 fibre broadband is for
Virgin Media M125 is a good plan for homes with two to four people who are online a lot — like families or housemates. It can handle up to five devices using the internet at the same time, whether that’s for streaming, browsing, gaming, or working from home.
But M125 upload speed won’t be enough for everyone. If you’re often uploading big videos, livestreaming, or saving large files to the cloud, the 20Mbps upload speed might feel too slow.
In that case, you’ll be better off upgrading to Virgin’s M250 or M350 plans, which offer faster upload speeds of 25Mbps and 36Mbps, giving you better performance for those tasks.
Routers – Hub 3 versus Hub 5
If you take Virgin broadband without extras, you’ll usually get the Hub 3 router. It runs on Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) — good enough for most homes, but less reliable in bigger houses or places with thick walls.
Go for a Volt bundle or include TV services, and Virgin will upgrade you to the Hub 5. This router supports Wi-Fi 6, giving you faster speeds, more stable connections, and better reach around the house. It also has a 2.5Gbps Ethernet port, which helps if you switch to a faster broadband plan later.
| Specification | Virgin Hub 3 | Virgin Hub 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi Standard | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) |
| Wi-Fi Performance | Sufficient for standard usage, can struggle in larger homes | Improved stability, faster speeds, better coverage for multiple devices |
| Ethernet Ports | 4 × 1 Gbps | 1 × 2.5 Gbps + 3 × 1 Gbps |
| Supplied With | Broadband-only plans | Volt bundles, TV bundles, and Gig1 plans |
| Mesh Wi-Fi (WiFi Max) | Optional (£8/month add-on) | Included with Volt & Gig1 plans |
| WiFi Guarantee | Available with WiFi Max (£100 bill credit if unmet) | Available with WiFi Max (free on eligible plans) |
Need stronger Wi-Fi in every room? Virgin’s WiFi Max add-on (£8/month) adds mesh Pods and promises 30Mbps in every room. If speeds fall short, Virgin gives you a £100 bill credit. If you’re on Volt or Gig1, WiFi Max is already included.
Installation
Virgin uses a simple self-install process called QuickStart for most customers. You receive your router and cables, and the Virgin Connect app guides you through setup. Most households can get online within 20–30 minutes.
If your home hasn’t had Virgin broadband before, an engineer visit will be arranged at no extra charge to install the necessary cabling.
TV, Landline, and Mobile Deals
Virgin makes it easy to add extras to your broadband package. You can bundle in TV (like the flexible Flex TV for around £5/month), home phone services, or the more comprehensive Volt packages, which offer broadband speed upgrades, mobile SIM plans, free Wi-Fi Pods, and additional roaming perks.
| Options | Description |
|---|---|
| TV (Flex TV) | A low-cost TV service, starting at about £5/month, allowing users to customise channels and entertainment packs as needed. |
| Home Phone Line | Landline services with flexible UK calling plans, available as part of your broadband deal if required. |
| Volt Package | Includes boosted broadband speeds, free mesh Wi-Fi Pods, a mobile SIM from O2, and added roaming features for travel. |
| Combined Billing | Ideal for O2 users — simplifies multiple services under one monthly invoice and often unlocks better bundle pricing. |
These bundles often add great value if you’re already a mobile customer with O2 or if you prefer having multiple services on one monthly bill.
How M125 Compares to Similar plans
Virgin M125 is a better option than BT Fibre 2, delivering significantly faster downloads while costing less overall.
When stacked up against Sky’s Superfast 150 and Plusnet’s Full Fibre 145, M125 offers similar download speeds but lower upload speeds.
For most homes, those upload gains won’t matter. Streaming 4K, casual online gaming, and remote work tools all run smoothly on M125. But if you’re uploading big files, running a YouTube channel, or backing up data to the cloud, you may need higher upload speeds.
Network Coverage and Availability
Virgin’s broadband services currently reach around 65% of UK homes, primarily in urban and suburban areas. Most M125 connections use DOCSIS 3.1 via Virgin’s cable (HFC) network, offering good download speeds compared to standard fibre-to-the-cabinet (FTTC) broadband providers.
Virgin is also rolling out full-fibre (FTTP) through partnerships like nexfibre, gradually improving coverage and service reliability across the UK.
Is Virgin Media M125 Fibre Broadband Worth Choosing?
Pros:
- Consistent, reliable download speeds around 130 Mbps.
- Competitive initial pricing with promotional bill credits.
- Low latency, excellent for gaming and streaming.
- Easy QuickStart installation.
- Good bundle options and flexible upgrades.
Cons:
- Upload speeds of 20Mbps may not be sufficient for users with heavy upload needs.
- Sharp price increase after initial contract period.
- Slightly higher complaint volume reported by Ofcom compared to BT or Sky.
Final Verdict
Virgin Media M125 broadband plan offers you good performance at a decent starting price. It’s fast enough for things like streaming TV, playing games online, or working from home. Plus, Virgin often runs promotions, so you might get a cheaper deal to begin with.
But there’s one thing to watch: the upload speed is limited to 20Mbps. That’s fine for most people, but if you often send large files, do live video streams, or back up a lot of stuff online, this could be a bit slow. In that case, you might be better off with a faster plan like Virgin’s M250 or M350.
Overall, M125 is a solid pick for most homes that want fast, reliable internet. Just remember that your price will likely go up after the first contract term, so it’s a good idea to call Virgin and see if they can offer you a new deal before your contract renews.
FAQs – Virgin Media M125
Does M125 broadband come with a static IP?
No. Static IPs are limited to Virgin’s business broadband plans.
Can I move my M125 broadband if I relocate?
Yes, if your new address is within Virgin Media’s coverage area, you can transfer your broadband without extra fees or contract reset.
How energy-efficient is Virgin’s Hub 5 router?
The Hub 5 consumes about 6 Watts when idle, making it significantly more efficient than previous models like the Hub 3.
Does Virgin Media M125 broadband support smooth online gaming?
Yes. M125 consistently offers low latency (15–25 ms), suitable for responsive online gaming without noticeable lag.
Can I cancel if speeds drop below Virgin’s minimum guarantee?
Yes, Virgin guarantees a minimum of 66 Mbps. If speeds fall below this and Virgin cannot fix the issue, you can leave your contract without paying termination fees.