Virgin Media M500 Broadband Review

What does Virgin Media M500 offer?

• Router: M500 is typically supplied with the Hub 3, Hub 4, or Hub 5 router. The model depends on stock and the bundle chosen. Hub 5 supports Wi-Fi 6.
• WiFi Max option: If you add WiFi Max, you get the Hub 5 (if not already provided) plus up to three WiFi Pods to improve coverage. Virgin offers a room-by-room Wi-Fi guarantee when this is active.
• TV bundles: M500 can be bundled with Virgin TV 360 (with set-top box and traditional channels) or Stream (Virgin’s flexible, no-contract streaming box for on-demand apps and Freeview channels).
• Technology: Delivered over Virgin’s DOCSIS 3.1 cable network, not full fibre (FTTP).
• Upload speed: Uploads are not symmetrical. M500’s 52Mbps upload is still faster than most FTTC or entry-level fibre plans but lower than full fibre options like Hyperoptic or Community Fibre.

Virgin Media M500 broadband deals

Virgin Media M500 is available as broadband-only, with a landline, or as part of a TV bundle.

Broadband only:
This option includes just the internet connection — no landline, no TV, and no phone number is provided. It’s ideal for households that rely on mobile phones.

Broadband + phone:
Adds a landline service with weekend calls or other calling plans depending on the package. A good option if you still use a home phone but don’t need TV channels.

Broadband + phone + TV (Bigger Combo):
Bundles M500 with Virgin TV 360 (full set-top box with live channels, catch-up, and recording) or the more flexible Stream box (contract-free, app-based Freeview and on-demand access). Also includes a landline.

Contract length:
Standard 24-month term across all plans.

Setup cost:
Setup is usually free for new customers. A setup fee usually applies to one-month contracts.

Annual price rise:
– For contracts started before 9 January 2025: price increases every April by RPI + 3.9%, using the January RPI rate.
– For contracts from 9 January 2025 onwards: price rises by a fixed £3.50 per month every April.

New customer only:
M500 promotional deals are only available to new Virgin Media customers. Existing customers may not qualify for the same offers.

If you cancel your plan early, Virgin applies an exit fee based on the remaining months of your contract.

Virgin Media M500 routers

Virgin Media offers three routers: Hub 3, Hub 4, and Hub 5, depending on the plan and location, and all three routers can handle ultrafast speeds.

Hub 3 is the most common router for M500 customers. It supports dual-band Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and works well for typical households, though it may struggle in larger homes or with many connected devices.

Hub 4 is less widely supplied but offers better performance, with more antennae for improved Wi-Fi range and the same Wi-Fi 5 support. It’s better suited for homes with heavier usage or more rooms.

Hub 5 is the latest router, supporting Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), 1Gb Ethernet ports, and improved internal hardware. It’s normally offered with faster Gig1 plans but may be included with M500 if you choose WiFi Max or as part of select bundles.

WiFi Max and Volt

WiFi Max is Virgin Media’s whole-home mesh WiFi add-on. It guarantees 30Mbps in every room, and if speeds fall short, customers receive a £100 bill credit. Up to three WiFi Pods are included as needed to extend coverage. On M500, WiFi Max is typically £8 per month unless included through Volt or other promotions.

Volt is a combined broadband and mobile benefit for customers who also have an O2 Pay Monthly plan. Volt perks include:

• A speed boost to the next available broadband tier (up to 1Gbps max)
• WiFi Max included at no extra cost
• Double data on your O2 SIM
• O2 Travel Inclusive and other mobile perks

This means that when you take M500 Volt, your broadband is upgraded to Gig1 and you get free extras if you’re with O2.

• Upgraded to 1130Mbps download speed
• Includes Hub 5 and up to 3 WiFi Pods
• Double data on your O2 plan

The SIM plan itself is optional and pricing varies. Earlier promotions bundled a 6GB or 10GB SIM for £10/month, but current offers may differ. Volt is activated automatically once both services are linked under the same account address.

Minimum speed guarantee

Virgin Media M500 usually delivers speeds close to the advertised 516Mbps, but actual speeds can vary based on factors like home Wi-Fi setup.

Virgin Media provides a minimum guaranteed download speed for each plan, including M500.

For M500, the guaranteed minimum speed is 258Mbps, measured to the router, not over Wi-Fi.

If your speed drops below 258Mbps for three days in a row, and Virgin can’t fix it within 30 days, you can cancel your contract early without paying an exit fee.

How does Virgin M500 compare?

Virgin Media M500 offers faster download speeds than similar plans from other providers. Here’s a general comparison:

Virgin Media M500 – 516Mbps down / 52Mbps up
BT Full Fibre 500 – 500Mbps down / 73Mbps up
Sky Full Fibre 500 – 500Mbps down / 60Mbps up
Vodafone Full Fibre 500 – 500Mbps down / 68Mbps up

While Virgin M500 offers faster download speed, its upload speed is lower than competitors on Openreach. Virgin’s standard routers do not come with WiFi 6 unless you’re given the Hub 5.

Customers looking for symmetrical speeds, faster upload speeds, or a WiFi 6 router can opt for Openreach FTTP providers or an alt-net provider.

Is Virgin Media M500 broadband worth it?

VVirgin Media M500 is well-suited for households with many users and heavy usage — such as families with multiple devices, 4K streaming, remote work, or large downloads — without taking an expensive gigabit plan.

Pros:

• Fast download speeds (516Mbps) for heavy usage
• Widely available on Virgin’s cable network
• Cheaper than full gigabit plans

Cons:

• WiFi 6 is only available with Hub 5, which isn’t guaranteed
• Customer support feedback is mixed
• Upload speed is limited to 52Mbps and not symmetrical

FAQ

What speeds do you get with M500?
Average download speed of 516Mbps, upload speed of 52Mbps.

Is M500 full fibre?
No, it uses Virgin’s DOCSIS 3.1 cable network, not FTTP.

Is the speed symmetrical?
No, upload speed is lower than download — not symmetrical.

What router comes with M500?
Usually Hub 3, sometimes Hub 4 or Hub 5 depending on stock, bundle, or if WiFi Max is added.

Does M500 include WiFi 6?
Only if you receive the Hub 5.

What’s the minimum guaranteed speed?
258Mbps, measured to the router.

Can I get M500 without a phone line?
Yes, it’s available as broadband-only, with phone, or with TV + phone in a Bigger Combo bundle.

What TV options come with M500?
Available with Stream (app-based, no contract) or TV 360 (full set-top box).

How long is the contract?
Standard 24-month term.

Is WiFi Max included?
Only if added or included with Volt. Comes with Hub 5 and up to 3 WiFi Pods.

What is M500 Volt?
Free upgrade to Gig1 speeds, WiFi Max, and double O2 mobile data if you have an eligible O2 SIM.

Is setup free?
Yes, usually free for new customers on 24-month contracts.

Any special offers?
Deals vary — often include bill credit, discounts, or free setup.

Can I upgrade later?
Yes, you can move to Gig1 or add features like WiFi Max.

Is M500 good for gaming and streaming?
Yes, fast enough for 4K, gaming, remote work, and multiple users.

Related

Virgin Media News