Virgin Media M500
Broadband Deals
M500 Fibre Broadband
Virgin Media M500 Broadband has deals with speeds from 516 Mbps download / 52 Mbps upload, along with various bundles to suit every need.
Article Summary
M500 ultrafast speeds of 516 Mbps download—perfect for 4K streaming, online gaming, video calls, and large file downloads across multiple devices simultaneously.
M500 prices start from £27.99/month with Netflix included, with no setup fee on broadband-only packages (QuickStart self-install is free; engineer installation costs £90).
Flexible package options: choose M500 broadband only, or upgrade to Volt bundles combining M500 with an O2 SIM for even faster speeds and enhanced mobile data.
Hub 5 included—Virgin Media's most advanced router with WiFi 6 technology for superior coverage and performance throughout your home.
Simple switching process with easy online sign-up, and Volt bundles include connectivity boosts with potential WiFi Pod enhancements for whole-home coverage.
Article Summary
M500 ultrafast speeds of 516 Mbps download—perfect for 4K streaming, online gaming, video calls, and large file downloads across multiple devices simultaneously.
M500 prices start from £27.99/month with Netflix included, with no setup fee on broadband-only packages (QuickStart self-install is free; engineer installation costs £90).
Flexible package options: choose M500 broadband only, or upgrade to Volt bundles combining M500 with an O2 SIM for even faster speeds and enhanced mobile data.
Hub 5 included—Virgin Media's most advanced router with WiFi 6 technology for superior coverage and performance throughout your home.
Simple switching process with easy online sign-up, and Volt bundles include connectivity boosts with potential WiFi Pod enhancements for whole-home coverage.
How Does M500 Compare to Other Virgin Speeds?
Virgin Media M500 Package
M500 Fibre Broadband + Netflix
Average 516 Mbps
516 Mbps
52 Mbps
18 month contract
M500 Fibre + Phone + Netflix
Average 516 Mbps
516 Mbps
52 Mbps
18 month contract
M500 Sport + Cinema + Netflix + O2
Average 516 Mbps
516 Mbps
52 Mbps
18 month contract
M350 Fibre Broadband
Average 362 Mbps
362 Mbps
36 Mbps
18 month contract
Gig1 Fibre Broadband + Netflix
Average 1130 Mbps
1130 Mbps
104 Mbps
18 month contract
What Do You Actually Get With M500?
516 Mbps download, 52 Mbps upload. That's roughly 6x faster than the UK average. A 4K film downloads in about 2 minutes. Game updates that take an hour on standard broadband finish in under 10 minutes.
The hidden value: M500 currently costs less than M350 (£27.99 vs £28.99) because Virgin bundled Netflix Standard into the promo price. You're getting 40% more speed and Netflix for £1 less. This won't last forever.
What's in the box: Hub 5 router with WiFi 6 (faster wireless to newer devices), 18-month contract, no setup fee with self-install. The Hub 5 alone is a worthwhile upgrade from the Hub 4 you'd get with cheaper tiers.
Who should skip M500: If you're a solo user who streams Netflix and browses social media, M125 at £22.99 does that fine. M500 makes sense when 4+ people are online simultaneously or you regularly download large files.
M500 Fibre
Speed and Contract Details
516 Mbps Download
Average Speed
52 Mbps Upload
Professional Grade
18 Month Contract
From £27.99/month
Hub 5 WiFi 6
Included Free
Is M500 Fast Enough for Your Household?
Here's what 516 Mbps handles comfortably: Two 4K streams, one person on a video call, someone gaming online, and a couple of phones scrolling TikTok. All at once, without buffering.
The realistic limit: Around 8-10 devices doing bandwidth-heavy tasks simultaneously. Beyond that, you're looking at Gig1 territory. For most 4-person households, M500 has headroom to spare.
One thing to know: Upload speed is 52 Mbps, not 516 Mbps. Video calls, cloud backups, and uploading content share that 52 Mbps. For most people, that's fine. Content creators uploading large files regularly might feel the pinch. See our full Virgin Media broadband guide for more details.
What's Included That You Might Not Know About?
Available for new customers at an introductory price of £27.99 per month with Netflix included, M500 Fibre Broadband offers exceptional value with no setup fees and an 18-month contract that secures your rate for the duration.
Subscribers also benefit from promotional offers, making Virgin M500 even more enticing. The package includes Netflix Standard with Ads at no extra cost, adding genuine entertainment value to your broadband subscription.
M500 Fibre Broadband Virgin comes equipped with the Hub 5 router, featuring WiFi 6 technology and Intelligent WiFi, ensuring optimal performance across all your devices. Compare this with Sky Broadband or BT Broadband alternatives.
The WiFi Max guarantee promises download speeds of at least 30 Mbps in every room, or you receive a £100 bill credit. It also includes up to 3 WiFi Pods at no extra cost to enhance your home network coverage.
*The monthly price will increase each April from April 2025 by the Retail Price Index rate of inflation announced in February each year, plus 3.9%. Terms and conditions apply.
What Are the Full M500 Contract Terms?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Monthly Price | £27.99 (with Netflix) |
| Setup Cost | Free (usually £35) |
| Minimum Contract Term | 18 months |
| Out of Contract Price | £56 after 18 months |
| Annual Price Increase | RPI + 3.9% from April 2025 |
| Average Download Speed | 516 Mbps |
| Upload Speed | 52 Mbps |
| Usage Allowance | Unlimited |
| Router | Hub 5 (WiFi 6 enabled) |
| WiFi Guarantee | 30 Mbps in every room (WiFi Max) |
| Parental Controls | Virgin Media Web Safe |
| Home Phone | Optional |
| Anytime Calls Package | £10/month (includes UK mobiles) |
| TV Options | Optional: TV 360 or Stream |
| Static IP | Available for £5/month |
| Security Software | F-Secure SAFE (free for 12 months, then £3/month) |
| Customer Support | 24/7 UK-based support |
| Installation | Professional installation included |
| Volt Benefits | Available when bundled with O2 mobile |
| Netflix Included | Netflix Standard with Ads |
What Are the Downsides of M500?
Pros
- High average download speed (516 Mbps).
- Excellent value - cheaper than M350 with Netflix included.
- Includes Hub 5 router with WiFi 6 technology.
- Competitive introductory price (£27.99/month).
- Netflix Standard with Ads included at no extra cost.
- Free WiFi Max guarantee (ensures 30 Mbps in every room).
- Unlimited usage and typically free setup for new customers.
- Flexibility to add TV (TV 360/Stream) and phone services.
- Potential for Volt benefits when bundled with an O2 mobile plan.
Cons
- Upload speed (52 Mbps) isn't symmetrical like some full-fibre rivals.
- Price increase after the 18-month contract (to £56/month).
- Subject to annual price rises (RPI + 3.9% from April 2025 onwards).
- Minimum 18-month contract term commitment.
- Not the fastest option if you need gigabit speeds.
Note: Data as of December 2025. Details pertain to the Virgin Media M500 package. Check provider websites for current offers and availability.
Why Do People Choose M500 Over M350?
The maths is simple: M500 costs £1 less than M350 (£27.99 vs £28.99) while being 40% faster. You also get Netflix included and the Hub 5 router instead of Hub 4. The promotional pricing makes M350 hard to justify.
The technical reason: M500 sits on Virgin's premium tier, which means better equipment and priority on their network. Real-world Ofcom speed tests show M500 consistently hitting advertised speeds, even during peak evening hours.
What Extras Come With M500?
The Hub 5 router, included with M500, features WiFi 6 technology for maximum wireless performance throughout your home. This means faster speeds and better coverage for all your devices.
With the WiFi Max guarantee, Virgin Media ensures you'll get at least 30 Mbps in every room of your home, or they'll provide WiFi Pods to boost your coverage.
One standout feature is the inclusion of Virgin Media's WiFi Guarantee with WiFi Max, which promises at least 30 Mbps in every room or a £100 credit on your next bill. This reflects Virgin Media's commitment to delivering consistent, whole-home WiFi performance.
Security and ease are also built in. All M500 fibre broadband packages come with Virgin Media Web Safe, including both Virus Safe and Child Safe tools, to help protect your devices and family online.
For those on an eligible O2 Pay Monthly tariff, Virgin Volt M500 broadband delivers even more value—including a free broadband speed boost to M500 (if on a lower tier), double mobile data, and other perks showcasing the power of the Virgin Media and O2 merger.
M500 is also available as part of various bundles that combine broadband with TV and phone services. One of the most comprehensive options is the Mega Volt bundle, which includes M500 broadband, a full TV package, an unlimited O2 SIM, and more.
Every Virgin M500 deal comes with unlimited data usage, so you can stream, download, and game to your heart's content without worrying about data caps. Virgin Media claims M500 fibre broadband is ready for 4K streaming on multiple devices, cloud gaming, and smart home ecosystems.
With a reported network uptime of 99.91%, Virgin Media M500 is designed for consistent, dependable service. Explore more options in our broadband deals comparison.
Does Virgin's WiFi Guarantee Actually Work?
Virgin Media takes home broadband to the next level with its WiFi Guarantee, part of the WiFi Max service, ensuring every room in your house enjoys fast and reliable WiFi. This groundbreaking offering is integral to Virgin Media's M500 Fibre Broadband and select Volt packages, promising at least 30 Mbps download speeds in every corner of your home.
If this standard isn't met, Virgin Media steps up with an extraordinary commitment: the provision of up to three signal-boosting mesh WiFi Pods at no additional cost, or a £100 credit if the desired connectivity isn't achieved.
The WiFi Max service, available for M50 broadband packages and above, is designed to adapt to your home's unique layout and internet demands, utilising Intelligent WiFi technology to optimise channel usage and steer devices towards the stronger 5 GHz band for improved performance. For M500 and Volt subscribers, this service is included without extra charges.
Do You Actually Get 516 Mbps in Real Life?
Real-world performance and speed
Beyond the speeds advertised, independent reviews and user feedback across the UK offer a positive picture of the experience Virgin M500 delivers. According to ISPreview and other sources, many users do experience download speeds close to the advertised 516 Mbps, enabling ultra-fast activities such as downloading a 4K film in about a minute. The upload speed of 52 Mbps is solid for most home uses, though not symmetrical like some full-fibre alternatives.
Hub 5 router performance
The included Hub 5 router scores well in reviews, with tests showing WiFi speeds of up to 500 Mbps wirelessly, even at a reasonable distance from the device. This supports strong, reliable connections throughout the home, maximising the benefit of ultrafast broadband speeds.
Latency and gaming suitability
Reviews suggest 10–20ms is typical latency—a perfectly acceptable range for online gaming. M500's speed means large game downloads complete quickly, and multiple users can game, stream, and browse without competing for bandwidth.
Independent speed testing results
Real-world speed tests, such as those conducted by Ofcom, consistently show that Virgin Media M500 often meets or exceeds its advertised 516 Mbps download speed. For most households, M500 provides more than enough bandwidth for all daily activities without slowdowns.
Our M500 Fibre Broadband Review Verdict
Virgin Media M500 largely delivers on its speed promises and includes a well-performing Hub 5 router with WiFi 6. For households needing ultrafast broadband without jumping to gigabit, M500 Virgin Media offers exceptional value—especially with Netflix included. Compare with other UK broadband providers to find the best deal.
How Does M500 Compare to BT, Sky, and EE?
Virgin wins on price and download speed. Competitors often win on upload speed and coverage. Here's the detailed breakdown.
| Feature | Virgin Media M500 | BT Full Fibre 500 | Sky Ultrafast Plus | EE Full Fibre 500 | Vodafone 500 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. Download Speed | 516 Mbps | 500 Mbps | 500 Mbps | 500 Mbps | 500 Mbps |
| Avg. Upload Speed | 52 Mbps | 73 Mbps | 60 Mbps | 74 Mbps | 73 Mbps |
| Typical Price | £27.99 pcm | £39.99 pcm | £38.00 pcm | £42.00 pcm | £28.00 pcm |
| Contract Length | 18 months | 24 months | 24 months | 24 months | 24 months |
| Coverage | ~55% UK homes | UK-wide | UK-wide | UK-wide | UK-wide |
| Key Features | Netflix incl.; WiFi Guarantee; Hub 5 | Speed Guarantee; Home Tech Experts | Wall-to-Wall WiFi Guarantee | EE mobile benefits | Vodafone Together benefits |
Note: Data as of December 2025. Prices, speeds and features are indicative and may vary by location, contract and purchase date.
Is M500 Fast Enough for Serious Gaming?
Actual gameplay uses 3-25 Mbps—any modern broadband handles that. What matters is latency (ping) and how fast you download games. M500 excels at the second part.
Game Download Times: M500 vs 100 Mbps
M500 Gaming Performance for Popular Titles
Large Families Where Everyone is Online
Whether you have multiple screens streaming 4K videos, various consoles connecting to online gaming servers, or a myriad of smart home devices constantly syncing, M500 handles it with ease. You no longer have to worry about bandwidth issues when hosting a video call while others in the house are engaged in data-heavy activities. M500 Fibre Broadband makes it effortless to manage simultaneous online tasks without compromising quality.
Common Questions About M500
What is M500 fibre broadband?
M500 fibre broadband is Virgin Media's ultrafast broadband package delivering average download speeds of 516 Mbps and upload speeds of 52 Mbps. It's the entry point to Virgin Media's premium tier with Hub 5 router included, sitting between the standard tiers and gigabit packages.
What speed will I actually get with Virgin M500?
Virgin M500 delivers average download speeds of 516 Mbps and upload speeds of 52 Mbps. Real-world speeds can vary based on your location, network congestion, and whether you're connected via WiFi or ethernet. Most users report speeds close to the advertised average.
Is M500 fibre broadband worth it for gaming?
Yes, M500 fibre broadband is excellent for gaming. While actual gameplay only requires 3-25 Mbps, Virgin Media M500's speed advantage shines with fast game downloads (a 200GB game downloads in under an hour), quick updates, and the ability to game while others stream or work without lag.
What router comes with Virgin Media M500?
Virgin Media M500 includes the Hub 5 router with WiFi 6 technology. This provides faster WiFi speeds, better range, improved performance with multiple devices, and reduced interference. It's a step up from the Hub 4 on lower tier packages.
Can I get M500 Virgin Media in my area?
Virgin Media's network covers approximately 55% of UK homes. You can check M500 availability by entering your postcode on Virgin Media's website. If not currently available, you can register interest for future expansion via nexfibre.
What happens after the 18-month M500 contract?
After 18 months, the M500 fibre broadband price increases to £56/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.
Is Netflix included with M500?
Yes, the current M500 deal includes Netflix Standard with Ads at no extra cost. This adds genuine value to the £27.99/month price point, making M500 even more attractive compared to competitors.
How does Virgin Media M500 compare to BT?
Virgin Media M500 offers slightly faster download speeds (516 Mbps vs 500 Mbps) and significantly lower introductory pricing (£27.99 vs £39.99) than BT Full Fibre 500. However, BT offers higher upload speeds (~73 Mbps vs 52 Mbps) and wider UK coverage through the Openreach network. M500 includes Netflix while BT doesn't.
M500 Benefits
- ✓516 Mbps Average Speed: Download a 5GB file in under 90 seconds.
- ✓52 Mbps Uploads: Professional-grade upload speeds for video calls.
- ✓Hub 5 WiFi 6: Maximum wireless performance throughout your home.
- ✓10+ Devices: Support heavy usage across many devices simultaneously.
- ✓4K Everywhere: Stream 4K on every screen without compromise.
- ✓Professional Grade: Suitable for home offices with demanding needs.