Virgin Media M350 Broadband Review

Pros

• 362Mbps average download speed — ideal for most families
• Affordable compared to FTTP plans of similar speed
• Widely available across Virgin’s UK network
• Flexible bundling with Stream or full TV
• Optional Wi-Fi 6 (Hub 5) with select packages

Cons

• Upload speed is just 36Mbps
• Wi-Fi performance varies depending on router supplied
• Uses cable network, so peak-time slowdowns may occur
• Annual price rise of £3.50 (or RPI-based on older contracts)

What does Virgin Media M350 broadband plan offer?

Virgin Media M350 offers mid-range ultrafast speeds for households that need more bandwidth than entry-level packages but don’t want to jump to gigabit-level pricing.

• Average download speed: 362Mbps
  This is more than enough for households with multiple devices streaming HD or 4K content, making video calls, downloading large files, and gaming — all at the same time.
• Average upload speed: 36Mbps
  While lower than the download speed, it’s still suitable for video calls, online gaming, cloud backups, and uploading content to social media. It’s not symmetrical, but it meets the needs of most households unless you regularly livestream or send large files.
• Wi-Fi router included
  Virgin Media supplies one of its Hubs — typically the Hub 3, Hub 4, or Hub 5 — based on your location, availability, and package.
  • Hub 3: Wi-Fi 5, DOCSIS 3.0 — basic but functional.
  • Hub 4: Wi-Fi 5, DOCSIS 3.1 — improved range and throughput.
  • Hub 5: Wi-Fi 6, DOCSIS 3.1 — better for homes with many connected devices.
    Hub 5 is often reserved for higher plans or Volt bundles but may be included with some M350 packages.
• Access to Virgin Media Wi-Fi hotspots
  M350 customers can use Virgin’s network of public Wi-Fi hotspots across the UK, which helps reduce mobile data usage when out of home.
• Optional Virgin Stream add-on
  You can add Virgin Stream — a contract-free HDMI streaming box that lets you access apps like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Prime Video, alongside pay TV channels you choose. It’s ideal if you don’t want a full TV bundle or long-term commitment.
• Bundling options
  M350 is available as a standalone broadband plan or can be bundled with Virgin TV, home phone, or a Virgin Mobile SIM.

Virgin Media M350 Broadband Only

• Broadband only, no landline
  This option doesn’t include a home phone, so you won’t be paying for landline.
• Cheaper than bundles
  Since it doesn’t come with TV or phone services, it usually costs less each month compared to Virgin’s broadband + TV or phone bundles.
• New customer offers
  Virgin often includes special deals like gift vouchers, bill credit, or discount pricing for new customers.

This broadband-only option is great for households that don’t need a landline or traditional TV. It keeps things simple — just fast internet at a lower cost, with the added bonus of rewards for new sign-ups.

TV and phone bundles

Virgin Media M350 can be taken as broadband-only or combined with TV and phone services:

• Stream is Virgin’s flexible, no-contract TV add-on via a compact streaming box. You only pay for the apps and channels you use (e.g., Sky Sports, Netflix).
• TV 360 bundles include a full set-top box, multi-room options, and 24-month contracts. This is Virgin’s full-featured platform with recording and live pause functionality.
• Home phone options include Weekend Chatter or Anytime Chatter plans.

What is Virgin Media M350 Volt?

If you’re an O2 pay-monthly customer and you take Virgin Media M350 Volt broadband, you’ll receive:

• Free speed boost
  Your M350 plan will be boosted to M500 speeds (516Mbps download) at no extra cost.
• WiFi Max included
  You’ll receive Virgin’s WiFi Max which includes mesh pods to extend your home Wi-Fi coverage.
• Double mobile data
  Your O2 mobile plan will get double the monthly data allowance.

These Volt benefits apply when both services are registered at the same address and are under the same name. You can usually activate Volt through the O2 app or Virgin Media account page.

Virgin Media M350 vs other Virgin plans

M350 offers better value in terms of price and speed compared to M250 and M500. Performance-wise, it is closer to M500 while saving you money.

Plan	Average Download Speed	Average Upload Speed
M125	132Mbps	20Mbps
M250	264Mbps	25Mbps
M350	362Mbps	36Mbps
M500	516Mbps	52Mbps
Gig1	1130Mbps	104Mbps

Router

Virgin Media M350 fibre broadband package comes with Hub 3, Hub 4, and Hub 5 routers. The model you receive depends on stock availability, location, and whether you’ve taken a Volt or O2 bundle.

Hub 3

• Wi-Fi standard: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac dual band)
• LAN ports: 4 × Gigabit Ethernet
• Wi-Fi bands: 2.4GHz and 5GHz
• Technology: DOCSIS 3.0
• Antenna setup: 3×3 MIMO (2.4GHz), 3×3 MIMO (5GHz)

The Hub 3 is a basic but functional router suited for smaller households with a few devices or lighter use.

Hub 4

• Wi-Fi standard: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac dual band)
• LAN ports: 4 × Gigabit Ethernet
• Wi-Fi bands: 2.4GHz and 5GHz
• Technology: DOCSIS 3.1
• Antenna setup: 3×3 MIMO (2.4GHz), 4×4 MIMO (5GHz)

The Hub 4 improves over the Hub 3 with better Wi-Fi range and a higher antenna count. It is ideal for busy homes with multiple users and is often supplied on faster broadband plans — though it may be offered to M350 customers when available.

Hub 5

• Wi-Fi standard: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax dual band)
• LAN ports: 1 × 2.5Gbps + 3 × 1Gbps Ethernet
• Wi-Fi bands: 2.4GHz and 5GHz
• Technology: DOCSIS 3.1
• Antenna setup: 4×4 MIMO (both bands)
• Extra features: WPA3 security, improved throughput and device management

The Hub 5 is Virgin’s latest and most advanced router, offering faster speeds, wider coverage, and better device handling thanks to Wi-Fi 6 and upgraded hardware. While typically reserved for M500, Gig1, or Volt customers, it may be included in select M350 deals depending on stock or package.

Minimum guaranteed speed, upload speed and latency

Virgin Media provides minimum guaranteed download speed to the router (not over Wi-Fi). For M350, this is typically around 181Mbps, or 50% of the advertised speed.

If your download speed stays below your guaranteed minimum for 3 consecutive days and isn’t fixed within 30 days, you can cancel the contract without paying early exit fees.

Here are the estimated speeds:

• Ethernet performance: 340–370Mbps download, 35–36Mbps upload.
• Wi-Fi (same room): 280–330Mbps download depending on router and interference.
• Wi-Fi (1–2 rooms away): 150–250Mbps; further drop in larger properties.

Upload speed

Virgin Media M350 offers just 36Mbps, though it is fine for standard use like file uploads, Zoom calls, and occasional cloud backups. However, it may not be suitable for heavy upload tasks like live-streaming, large video syncs, or remote server access.

Latency

Virgin’s cable network has higher latency than Openreach FTTP or alt-net full-fibre providers, especially during peak hours.

Typical ping times on M350:

• 15–25ms average latency under normal usage
• Slight spikes during congestion in busy areas
• Packet loss is minimal unless there’s local interference

This level of performance is adequate for most online gaming, video conferencing, and remote working. FTTP lines generally have lower jitter and more stable latency, which may appeal to gamers or hybrid workers needing consistency.

Installation

If your address is already cabled by Virgin, you are eligible for QuickStart, Virgin’s self-installation option. A kit with router and cables will be delivered, and you jus plug it in yourself.

If your home has never had Virgin before or is being switched to FTTP, a free engineer visit will be scheduled.

Setup is free for new customers on 24-month contracts. For 1-month rolling options, a £35 setup fee usually applies.

Add-ons and optional extras

• WiFi Max: Includes Virgin’s WiFi guarantee and mesh pods. Free with the M350 Volt bundle, otherwise available at an additional cost. Large households with Wi-Fi dead spots can add WiFi Max for better coverage and improved speeds.
• Stream Box: Add-on for flexible streaming via Virgin’s Stream platform.
• Parental controls and security tools: Web Safe, Child Safe, F-Secure.

M350 vs full fibre alternatives

Provider	Package	Download	Upload
Virgin Media (DOCSIS 3.1)	M350	362Mbps	36Mbps
BT (FTTP)	Full Fibre 300	300Mbps	50Mbps
Sky (FTTP)	Ultrafast Plus	500Mbps	60Mbps
Vodafone (FTTP)	Full Fibre 500	500Mbps	68Mbps

Download Speed

• Virgin Media M350 delivers average download speeds of 362Mbps, which is faster than BT’s Full Fibre 300 and Sky’s typical 145–300Mbps plans.
• BT Full Fibre 300, Sky Full Fibre 500, and Vodafone Full Fibre 500 offer faster speeds (up to 500Mbps), but they also come with higher monthly prices.
• Altnet providers such as Hyperoptic and Community Fibre offer symmetrical 1Gbps speeds in selected areas, but coverage is limited.

Upload Speed

• Virgin’s 36Mbps upload speed on M350 is fine for video calls, cloud storage, and occasional file sharing.
• FTTP plans from BT, Sky, and Vodafone usually come with upload speeds around 50–60Mbps, offering a smoother experience for users who upload often.
• Altnets often offer symmetrical speeds, meaning same upload speeds as download speeds (e.g. 500Mbps up and down)

Monthly Cost

• Virgin M350 is usually priced between £27 and £30 per month, depending on deals, making it cheaper than most 500Mbps FTTP packages.
• Comparable FTTP packages from BT, Sky, or Vodafone usually cost more for similar or slightly faster speeds.
• Entry-level fibre (like BT Fibre 2 or Sky Superfast) may be slightly cheaper, but their speeds (67Mbps or below) are significantly lower than M350.

Router

• Virgin Media provides either the Hub 3 or Hub 4 by default for M350 plans, with Hub 5 (Wi-Fi 6) available in select bundles, especially Volt or O2 customers.
• BT, Sky, and Vodafone mostly offer Wi-Fi 5 routers, with Wi-Fi 6 upgrades on premium packages.
• Many altnet providers include Wi-Fi 6 routers or mesh systems as standard, especially on higher-speed plans.

Availability

• Virgin Media’s cable network covers around 60% of UK homes, particularly in urban and suburban areas.
• BT, Sky, and Vodafone use the Openreach FTTP network, which is expanding but not yet available everywhere.
• Altnet full-fibre networks like Hyperoptic and Community Fibre offer excellent speeds at reasonable price but are only available in select postcodes, mainly major cities.

Customer Service

• Virgin Media has a wide range of plans on speed and price, but customer service reviews are mixed, especially for technical support and response times.
• BT, Sky, and Vodafone often perform slightly better in customer satisfaction scores.
• Altnet providers like Hyperoptic, Zen Internet, and Community Fibre typically score higher for support and reliability.

Is Virgin Media M350 broadband any good?

Virgin Media M350 is a great option for busy households with 3 to 5 people using multiple devices at the same time. It offers excellent speeds for HD and 4K streaming, online gaming, and everyday browsing — even when several devices are connected.

Some of the best features include:

• Volt upgrades and WiFi Max – You can boost your home Wi-Fi with mesh pods (WiFi Max) or get a free speed and hub upgrade if you’re also an O2 mobile customer through Volt.
• Flexible bundle options – M350 works as a standalone broadband package or can be added to Virgin’s TV bundles.
• TV bundles – Virgin’s Stream or TV 360 bundles come with premium entertainment, including Sky channels and box sets, with savings compared to buying them from separate providers.

However, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Upload speed is not symmetrical – With 36Mbps upload, it is not the best option if several users are uploading large files, gaming online, or video conferencing at the same time.
• Higher cost than some altnet providers – Providers like Community Fibre or Hyperoptic offer similar or even faster full fibre plans at lower monthly prices.
• Outdated Router – M350 customers often receive the Hub 3 or Hub 4, which don’t offer the same level of Wi-Fi performance as the more modern routers supplied by some altnets, especially those offering Wi-Fi 6 or mesh systems as standard.

Virgin Media M350 – FAQ

What is M350 broadband?
It’s a mid-tier Virgin Media plan with ultrafast speeds suitable for families or shared homes.

Is it faster than BT Fibre 2 or Sky Superfast?
Yes, significantly faster in terms of download speed.

Does it use full fibre?
No, it uses Virgin’s cable (DOCSIS) network, not Openreach FTTP.

Is the upload speed good for gaming or video calls?
Upload speed is 36Mbps — enough for video calls and online games, but not ideal for livestreaming or large file uploads.

Can I get it without a home phone?
Yes, M350 is available as broadband-only.

What type of router do you get?
Usually the Hub 3 or Hub 4. Hub 5 (Wi-Fi 6) may be included with Volt or WiFi Max.

Does M350 support Wi-Fi 6?
Only if you get the Hub 5 — this depends on your package and area.

How long is the contract?
24 months.

Can I add TV with this plan?
Yes, either via Virgin Stream (no contract) or full TV 360 bundles.

Are there any discounts or perks for O2 users?
Yes, the Volt package gives a free speed boost to 516Mbps, WiFi Max, and double mobile data.

What’s the WiFi Max feature?
It includes Hub 5, mesh pods, and a signal guarantee. Free with Volt, or extra for others.

Is installation free?
Yes, setup is free for new customers.

Does the price stay the same?
No. After your 24-month term, prices usually go up unless you renegotiate.

What’s the minimum guaranteed speed?
181Mbps to the router.

Is it good for streaming and downloads?
Yes. It is good for HD/4K streaming, downloads, and multitasking across several devices.

Are there any public Wi-Fi benefits?
Yes, you can use Virgin Media’s Wi-Fi hotspots across the UK.

Can I use my own router?
Not directly. Virgin’s hubs are required, and modem mode support varies.

How does it compare with Vodafone or BT full fibre?
Download speeds are close, but upload is lower and router tech is less advanced.

Do smaller providers offer better value?
Yes, some altnets like Hyperoptic or Community Fibre offer symmetrical speeds at lower prices, but they aren’t available everywhere.

Is M350 widely available?
Yes, it covers over half of UK homes — mainly in cities and towns.

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