Virgin Media Gig2 Review
UK's Fastest Home Broadband
Gig2 is Virgin Media's fastest package with downloads of 2000 Mbps and uploads of 200 Mbps (upgradeable to symmetrical 2 Gbps for £6/mo). It uses XGS-PON technology via the Nexfibre network, and comes with the Hub 5x WiFi 6E router. Currently available in select areas only. At £56.99 a month, is it worth it?
Gig2 Takeaways
2000 Mbps downloadand 200 Mbps upload via XGS-PON—UK's fastest residential broadband. Perfect for 8K streaming, cloud gaming, 4K video conferencing, and large file transfers across multiple devices.
From £56.99/month on18-month contracts via Nexfibre network. Fixed £4/month annual rises replace unpredictable RPI + 3.9%. Out-of-contract jumps to £84/month—always renegotiate.
Hub 5x withWiFi 6E included—Virgin's most advanced router with 6GHz band access, tri-band wireless, and 2.5G Ethernet port for multi-gigabit wired connections.
Optional symmetrical 2000Mbps uploads for £6/month—ideal for content creators, cloud backup, and professional users requiring fast upload speeds.
Limited availability: CurrentlyNexfibre areas only (expanding to Grantham, York, parts of London). Check postcode availability before committing.
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Is Gig2 Worth It?
At £56.99 per month, Virgin Media Gig2 is the UK's fastest residential broadband. With nearly double the speed of Gig1 and true XGS-PON full fibre technology, it's built for power users who demand the absolute best.
£56.99
Current Price
£25 more than Gig1 for 76% more speed
200 Mbps
Upload Speed
Upgradeable to 2 Gbps symmetrical (+£6)
Quick Value Assessment
Gig2 is best for tech enthusiasts wanting bragging rights, content creators needing fast uploads, households with 10+ heavy users, and anyone wanting to future-proof for 8K streaming and VR/AR applications.
The key benefit is raw speed and future potential. The XGS-PON network can theoretically support 10 Gbps, and the Hub 5x with WiFi 6E ensures you can actually use those speeds wirelessly.
Watch out for the limited availability (Nexfibre areas only) and the out-of-contract pricing which jumps to £84/month. For most households, Gig1 at £31.99 offers better value per Mbps.
Consider the alternatives: Trooli Pro offers symmetrical 2 Gbps for £49.99 (if available), while Zzoomm offers 2 Gbps symmetrical on 12-month contracts.
Gig2 Pricing History & Evolution
The commercial trajectory of Gig2 reveals Virgin Media O2's strategic evolution from early-adopter premium pricing to a bundle-first approach integrating Netflix and Volt benefits.
Gig2 Price Timeline
Internal Trials
Virgin Media O2 conducted localized trials of 2Gbps speeds on the nascent Nexfibre network to validate XGS-PON stability.
Official Launch
Gig2 officially debuted with a headline price of £84/month. Symmetrical upload boosts introduced as a £6 add-on.
Initial Discounting
Promotional rates dropped to ~£69.99 for new customers to compete with EE and BT high-end offerings.
Policy Realignment
Fixed £3.50 annual price increase introduced, replacing unpredictable RPI+3.9% inflation-linked model.
Value-Add Integration
Netflix Standard with Ads became core inclusion. Annual price increase revised to £4.00 for new contracts.
Current State
Promotional cycles introduced '3 months free' offers and bill credits £125-£145, bringing effective costs to historic lows.
Current Gig2 Pricing
Gig2 Availability (Nexfibre Network)
Unlike Gig1 (available to ~16 million homes on the HFC network), Gig2 is exclusive to the Nexfibre XGS-PON footprint—approximately 1 million homes at launch, targeting 5 million by 2026.
- • Belfast - Northern Ireland coverage
- • Cardiff - Wales expansion
- • London - Select postcodes
- • Manchester - Greater Manchester area
- • Glasgow - Central Scotland
- • York - 13,000+ homes added March 2024
- • Milton Keynes, Sheffield - Ongoing rollout
Virgin Media O2's "Project Mustang" aims to upgrade the legacy HFC network to full-fibre XGS-PON by 2028.
| Package | Speed | Price | Network |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gig1 | 1,136 Mbps | £31.99/mo | HFC (DOCSIS 3.1) |
| Gig2 | 2,000 Mbps | £59.99/mo | XGS-PON (Nexfibre) |
| Gig2 + Upload Boost | 2,000/2,000 Mbps | £65.99/mo | XGS-PON (Nexfibre) |
Virgin Media Gig2 Packages
Filter by type, price, and sort to find your perfect Gig2 deal
Showing 6 of 6 deals
Gig2 Full Fibre Broadband
Average 2000 Mbps
2000 Mbps
200 Mbps
18 month contract
Gig2 Full Fibre Broadband
Fixed price until March 2026 bill
2000 Mbps
18
Month contract
£56.99
Per month
Gig2 Full Fibre + Netflix
Average 2000 Mbps
2000 Mbps
200 Mbps
18 month contract
Gig2 Full Fibre + Netflix
Fixed price until March 2026 bill
2000 Mbps
18
Month contract
£58.99
Per month
Gig2 + Upload Boost (Symmetrical)
Average 2000 Mbps
2000 Mbps
2000 Mbps
18 month contract
Gig2 + Upload Boost (Symmetrical)
Fixed price until March 2026 bill
2000 Mbps
18
Month contract
£62.99
Per month
Gig2 Full Fibre + Phone
Average 2000 Mbps
2000 Mbps
200 Mbps
18 month contract
Gig2 Full Fibre + Phone
Fixed price until March 2026 bill
2000 Mbps
18
Month contract
£64.99
Per month
Gig2 + 10GB O2 SIM (Volt)
Average 2000 Mbps
2000 Mbps
200 Mbps
24 month contract
Gig2 + 10GB O2 SIM (Volt)
Fixed price until March 2026 bill
2000 Mbps
24
Month contract
£64.99
Per month
Gig2 + Unlimited O2 SIM (Volt)
Average 2000 Mbps
2000 Mbps
200 Mbps
24 month contract
Gig2 + Unlimited O2 SIM (Volt)
Fixed price until March 2026 bill
2000 Mbps
24
Month contract
£73.99
Per month
Bill Credits & Promotional Mechanics (January 2026)
Virgin Media's commercial strategy for Gig2 relies heavily on "front-loading" value through bill credits. This lowers the psychological barrier of the high monthly price while securing a 24-month commitment.
3 Months Free
Black Friday promo for new 24-month contracts. £0 until Feb 2026.
£125-£145 Credit
Standard bill credit applied to first bill, carries over to subsequent months.
£50 Refer-a-Friend
Paid via BACS or PayPal to both parties when referred customer activates.
Up to £200 Switch
Specifically to offset Early Termination Fees from your previous ISP.
Effective Monthly Cost (EMC)
Example: Gig2 + Netflix at £59.99 with 3 months free + £50 referral
24-Month Price Projection
* With 3-months-free promo. Base + £4 each April.
Setup & Equipment Fees
* Waived for online new customer orders. ** With WiFi Max guarantee.
Early Termination Fee (ETF) Calculator
If you leave before your contract ends, you'll owe approximately 60% of the remaining contract value. Virgin uses a tapered formula that reduces the penalty the closer you are to the end.
Formula
ETF = Monthly × Remaining Months × 0.6
Example: Leave at Month 6 of 18
£56.99 × 12 months × 60% = ~£410
ETF applies to base broadband only. Add-ons (Netflix, phone) may have separate terms. To exit fee-free, wait until after your minimum term and give 30 days' notice.
Gig2 Pricing Explained: What Will You Actually Pay?
Understanding broadband pricing involves more than the headline monthly cost. Here's what Gig2 actually costs and how it compares to Gig1.
Cost Per Mbps Comparison
At £56.99 for 2000 Mbps, Gig2 costs approximately 2.85p per Mbps. Compare this to Gig1 at £31.99 for 1136 Mbps, which costs 2.82p per Mbps. The cost per Mbps is almost identical, but you're paying £25 more per month for nearly double the speed.
The real question is whether you'll actually use 2000 Mbps. For most households, Gig1 provides more than enough speed at a lower price point. Gig2 makes sense only for specific use cases.
Upload Speed Value
Gig2's default 200 Mbps upload is nearly double Gig1's 104 Mbps. For content creators, cloud backup users, or anyone regularly uploading large files, this alone may justify the premium.
For £6/month extra, you can unlock symmetrical 2000 Mbps uploads—matching the download speed. This is exceptional value for professional users who need fast uploads, as competitors like Hyperoptic charge more for symmetrical gigabit.
When Gig2 Makes Financial Sense
- • Content creators: If you regularly upload large video files, the upload speed boost pays for itself in time saved
- • Large households (10+ users): The extra headroom prevents congestion during peak usage
- • Future-proofers: If you're signing an 18-month contract, 2 Gbps ensures you won't outgrow it
- • Tech enthusiasts: If having the fastest connection matters to you, Gig2 delivers
How Does Gig2 Compare on Price?
Gig2 isn't the only 2 Gbps option in the UK. Trooli and Zzoomm offer competitive alternatives with symmetrical speeds included.
| Provider | Download | Upload | Price/month | Contract |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virgin Media Gig2 | 2000 Mbps | 200 Mbps* | £56.99 | 18 months |
| Gig2 + Upload Boost | 2000 Mbps | 2000 Mbps | £62.99 | 18 months |
| Trooli Pro | 2000 Mbps | 2000 Mbps | £49.99 | 24 months |
| Zzoomm 2Gbps | 2000 Mbps | 2000 Mbps | £54.95 | 12 months |
| Community Fibre 3Gbps | 3000 Mbps | 3000 Mbps | £49 | 24 months |
*Gig2 upload upgradeable to symmetrical 2 Gbps for £6/month. Trooli/Zzoomm: select areas only. Community Fibre: London only. Prices as of January 2026.
What Do You Get With Gig2 for £56.99/month?
Virgin Media Gig2 Full Fibre is the UK's fastest residential broadband, delivering average download speeds of 2000 Mbps and upload speeds of 200 Mbps (upgradeable to symmetrical 2 Gbps for £6/month).
Unlike Gig1 which runs on Virgin's HFC (Hybrid Fibre Coaxial) network, Gig2 uses XGS-PON full fibre technology via the Nexfibre wholesale network. This means true fibre to the premises (FTTP) with superior reliability and future upgrade potential to 10 Gbps.
The package includes Virgin's Hub 5x router with WiFi 6E technology, featuring access to the 6GHz spectrum for the fastest, least congested wireless experience. A 2.5G Ethernet port enables multi-gigabit wired connections.
WiFi Max is included free—up to 3 mesh WiFi Pods at no extra cost with the 30 Mbps WiFi Guarantee in every room. The Hub 5x's tri-band wireless can handle over 100 simultaneous device connections.
How Fast Is Gig2 Compared to Other Packages?
Virgin Media Gig2 delivers average download speeds of 2000 Mbps—that's 28x faster than the UK average of 70 Mbps and 76% faster than Gig1's 1136 Mbps.
To put this in perspective, Gig2 can download a 50GB game in approximately 3 minutes versus 6 minutes on Gig1 and over 90 minutes on standard 70 Mbps broadband.
The key differentiator from Gig1 isn't just speed—it's the technology. Gig2's XGS-PON full fibre connection provides more consistent speeds, lower latency, and better reliability than Gig1's HFC connection, especially during peak times.
How Fast Is Your Current Broadband?
Compare your speed to Gig2's blazing 2,000 Mbps
Your Speed
Real Impact
Download Times
Simultaneous Use
4K Streams
2 → 45
HD Video Calls
10 → 226
Connected Devices
10 → 226
Gig1: 1130 Mbps avg. Speed test powered by Cloudflare.
What Can You Actually Do With 2,000 Mbps?
Gig2's speeds sound impressive, but what does 2,000 Mbps actually mean for your daily usage? Here's a practical breakdown.
Call of Duty (240GB)
~16 minutes
vs 28 mins on Gig1
Oppenheimer 4K (25GB)
~4 minutes
vs 7 mins on Gig1
1TB Cloud Backup
~1.1 hours*
~6 mins with symmetrical
100GB Game Patch
~7 minutes
vs 12 mins on Gig1
8K Streaming
10+ simultaneous
100 Mbps per stream
4K Video Calls
50+ at once
12 Mbps per call
Smart Home Devices
500+ connected
with bandwidth to spare
Cloud Gaming
<5ms latency
ideal for GeForce NOW
Based on 2000 Mbps download / 200 Mbps upload. *Upload with standard 200 Mbps; symmetrical 2 Gbps boost reduces to ~6 minutes. Real-world performance may vary based on network conditions.
8K Streaming and Downloads with Gig2
Measuring the Streaming Experience
For cinephiles, heavy streamers, or anyone downloading large UHD files frequently, Gig2 delivers significant time savings over Gig1—cutting download times nearly in half.
Gig2's near-instantaneous downloads ensure you spend more time watching and less time waiting, a compelling benefit for serious 8K content consumers.
8K Download Time Comparison
Times based on 8K bitrate of 36 GB/hour. Gig2 (green) vs Gig1 (grey).
Do You Actually Need 2 Gbps Speeds?
Let's be honest: most people don't need 2 Gbps. Here's who genuinely benefits from Gig2 (and who should stick with Gig1).
Gig2 IS Worth It For:
- Content creators uploading large video files regularly
- Households with 10+ heavy simultaneous users
- Tech enthusiasts who want the fastest available
- Professionals needing symmetrical uploads for cloud work
- Future-proofers on 18-month contracts
- Gamers who frequently download 100GB+ games
Gig2 is NOT Worth It For:
- Most typical households (Gig1 is plenty)
- Price-conscious users (£25/mo more than Gig1)
- Areas without Nexfibre coverage (not available)
- Light users who mainly stream and browse
- Those outside Gig2's limited coverage area
Gig2 Full Fibre Broadband: Pros and Cons
Pros
- UK's fastest residential broadband at 2000 Mbps
- True full fibre (XGS-PON) with 10 Gbps upgrade potential
- WiFi 6E Hub 5x router with 6GHz band access
- Optional symmetrical 2 Gbps uploads (+£6/mo)
- WiFi Max with up to 3 Pods included free
- No setup fee on 18-month contracts
- Fixed £4/month annual rises (not RPI linked)
- 2.5G Ethernet port for multi-gigabit wired speeds
Cons
- Premium pricing (£56.99/mo—£25 more than Gig1)
- Limited availability (Nexfibre areas only)
- Default upload (200 Mbps) not symmetrical
- Out-of-contract price jumps to £84/month
- Overkill for most typical household needs
- Trooli offers same speeds cheaper with symmetrical uploads
- Not available via Virgin's main HFC network
Is Gig2 Fibre Future Proof?
A 2 Gbps broadband connection might seem like overkill right now, especially if your household mainly streams 4K video and plays cloud-based games. Today, a single 4K stream uses around 25 Mbps, and even high-quality cloud gaming tops out at about 35-50 Mbps.
So why consider Gig2 with its 2 Gbps potential? The answer lies in future-proofing. Emerging trends include:
- • 8K Streaming: Soon, more services will offer 8K content, requiring 100-200 Mbps per stream.
- • Extended Reality (XR): Immersive VR/AR applications could push individual requirements to 100+ Mbps per device.
- • Multiple Device Households: Smart-home devices, remote work setups, and simultaneous streaming quickly add up.
The XGS-PON technology underlying Gig2 can theoretically support speeds up to 10 Gbps, meaning your connection has significant headroom for future upgrades.
How Fast Do Games Download and Update on Gig2?
While smooth online gameplay only requires 3-25 Mbps, Gig2 shines with ultra-fast game downloads. Download entire AAA games in minutes, not hours.
Game Download Times: Gig2 vs 100 Mbps
Gig2 Gaming Performance
Actual performance may vary based on server location and game optimisation.
Gig2 Full Fibre Broadband Package Details
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Monthly Price | £56.99 (first 18 months), then £84 |
| Setup Cost | Free |
| Minimum Contract Term | 18 months |
| Out of Contract Price | £84 after 18 months |
| Annual Price Increase | Fixed £4/month each April |
| Average Download Speed | 2000 Mbps |
| Average Upload Speed | 200 Mbps (2000 Mbps with +£6/mo add-on) |
| Usage Allowance | Unlimited |
| Router | Hub 5x (WiFi 6E enabled) |
| Technology | XGS-PON Full Fibre (Nexfibre network) |
| WiFi Guarantee | 30 Mbps in every room (WiFi Max) |
| WiFi Pods | Up to 3 included at no extra cost |
| Parental Controls | Virgin Media Web Safe |
| Customer Support | 24/7 UK-based support |
| Extra Benefits | Priority from O2 perks and experiences |
Hub 5x WiFi 6E Router
Gig2 comes with Virgin Media's most advanced router—the Hub 5x with WiFi 6E technology. This unlocks the new 6GHz frequency band for the fastest, least congested wireless experience.
- • WiFi 6E (802.11ax): Access to 6GHz spectrum for ultimate speed
- • Tri-Band: Three wireless bands to distribute devices efficiently
- • Latest Security: WPA3 encryption for enhanced protection
- • Intelligent WiFi: Optimises channel usage and steers devices
- • WiFi Max: Up to 3 mesh WiFi Pods at no extra cost
Hub 5x Port Specifications
1x 10 Gbps
RJ45 Ethernet port for true multi-gigabit wired connections
3x 1 Gbps
Standard RJ45 ports for additional devices
WiFi 6E Tri-Band
2.4GHz + 5GHz + 6GHz bands for optimal device distribution
Note: WiFi 6E availability may vary by region. The 10 Gbps port enables wired speeds beyond what most consumer devices can utilise today, ensuring future-proofing for next-gen hardware.
How Does Virgin Achieve 2 Gbps Speeds?
At the heart of Virgin's 2 Gbps offering is the XGS-PON (10 Gigabit Symmetrical Passive Optical Network) standard. XGS-PON uses a single strand of glass fibre to serve up to 128 premises via passive splitters, meaning no active electronics are required between the local exchange and the customer's Optical Network Terminal (ONT).
This passive architecture reduces maintenance and increases reliability. In an XGS-PON network, upstream and downstream data each have a dedicated 10 Gbps capacity, enabling true symmetrical speeds and ample headroom for future speed upgrades beyond 2 Gbps.
Virgin Media delivers Gig2 by leasing capacity on Nexfibre's wholesale XGS-PON network. Nexfibre has invested billions to deploy a nationwide full-fibre infrastructure capable of supporting speeds up to 10 Gbps.
Who Else Offers 2 Gbps Full Fibre Broadband?
Virgin Media's Gig2 isn't the only provider offering blazing-fast 2 Gbps speeds. Trooli and Zzoomm are tough competitors both in terms of price and package.
| Feature | Virgin Media Gig2 | Trooli Pro | Zzoomm 2Gbps |
|---|---|---|---|
| Download Speed | 2000 Mbps | 2000 Mbps | 2000 Mbps |
| Upload Speed | 200 Mbps (2000 opt.) | 2000 Mbps | 2000 Mbps |
| Monthly Price | £56.99 | £49.99 | £54.95 |
| Contract Length | 18 months | 24 months | 12 months |
| Installation Fee | Free | Free | Free |
| Wi-Fi Router | Hub 5x (Wi-Fi 6E) | Wi-Fi 6 Router | Wi-Fi 6 Router |
| Additional Features | WiFi Max, Priority perks | Static IP available | Free in-home Wi-Fi setup |
Unlike Virgin's Gig2, Trooli's Pro package has symmetrical 2 Gbps upload and download, making it an outstanding contender for ultra-fast uploading.
Virgin Media Speed Tier Comparison
Not sure if Gig2 is right for you? Compare all Virgin Media packages to find the best fit.
| Package | Download | Upload | Price/month | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M125 | 132 Mbps | 20 Mbps | £26/mo | Light users, 1-2 people |
| M250 | 264 Mbps | 25 Mbps | £28/mo | Small households, HD streaming |
| M500 | 516 Mbps | 52 Mbps | £28/mo | Most households, 4K streaming |
| Gig1 | 1,136 Mbps | 104 Mbps | £31.99/mo | Best value gigabit, gamers |
| Gig2 | 2,000 Mbps | 200 Mbps | £56.99/mo | Power users, future-proofers |
Virgin Media Gig2 Full Fibre: Frequently Asked Questions
What is Virgin Media Gig2 Full Fibre Broadband?
Virgin Media Gig2 Full Fibre is the fastest residential broadband in the UK, delivering average download speeds of 2000 Mbps and upload speeds of 200 Mbps. It uses XGS-PON technology via the Nexfibre network to achieve these speeds.
How much does Gig2 cost?
Gig2 costs £56.99 per month on an 18-month contract, rising to £84 per month out of contract. There is no setup fee for the initial 18-month term. For symmetrical upload speeds (2000 Mbps up), add £6/month.
Is Gig2 available in my area?
Gig2 is currently only available in Nexfibre areas. Coverage is expanding with trials underway in select UK locations including Grantham, York, and parts of London. Check Virgin Media's website to see if Gig2 is available at your address.
What router comes with Gig2?
Gig2 includes the Hub 5x router with WiFi 6E technology, which provides access to the 6GHz spectrum for the fastest, least congested wireless experience. It also includes a 2.5G Ethernet port for multi-gigabit wired connections.
Is Gig2 worth it for most households?
For most households, Gig1 (1136 Mbps) or M500 (516 Mbps) is more than sufficient. Gig2 is best suited for power users, content creators, households with many simultaneous high-bandwidth activities, or those wanting to future-proof for 8K streaming and VR/AR.
What is XGS-PON technology?
XGS-PON (10 Gigabit Symmetrical Passive Optical Network) is a full fibre technology that uses a single strand of glass fibre with passive splitters. It supports up to 10 Gbps in both directions, enabling true symmetrical speeds and future upgrade potential.
Can I get symmetrical upload speeds with Gig2?
Yes! For an additional £6 per month, you can upgrade from the default 200 Mbps upload to 2000 Mbps symmetrical upload speeds—matching your download speed for professional content creation and large file uploads.
What happens after the 18-month contract?
After 18 months, the Gig2 price increases to £84/month if you don't re-contract. We recommend negotiating a new deal, switching to another package, or considering competitors at that point to maintain value.
Gig2 Benefits
- ✓2000 Mbps Average Speed: The fastest residential broadband in the UK, nearly double Gig1's speeds.
- ✓200 Mbps Uploads: Professional-grade upload performance, upgradeable to symmetrical 2000 Mbps for £6/month.
- ✓Hub 5x WiFi 6E: Next-generation router with 6GHz band support for the fastest wireless experience.
- ✓XGS-PON Technology: True full fibre via the Nexfibre network with 10 Gbps upgrade potential.
- ✓No Setup Fee: Free installation for the initial 18-month term with QuickStart self-install.
- ✓WiFi Guarantee: 30 Mbps in every room with up to 3 WiFi Pods at no extra cost.