Virgin Media M500 + NetflixBroadband Deals

516Mbps: Half a Gigabit of Power

M500 delivers an average download speed of 516Mbps - more than half a gigabit of raw broadband power. This represents over 10 times the UK average broadband speed, providing exceptional headroom for even the most demanding households. At 516Mbps, you could theoretically download a 5GB HD movie in under 2 minutes, or a 50GB game in approximately 13 minutes.

In practical terms, 516Mbps comfortably handles 4K streaming on multiple devices simultaneously, lag-free online gaming, crystal-clear video conferencing, and rapid file downloads - all happening at the same time without any degradation in performance. It's the sweet spot between the entry-level speeds and full gigabit, offering premium performance at a more accessible price point.

Netflix Standard with Ads Included

Your M500 bundle includes Netflix Standard with Ads at no extra cost - that's a £4.99/month value built into your broadband package. This gives you full access to Netflix's extensive library of original series, films, documentaries, and licensed content. From award-winning dramas to true crime, comedy specials to children's programming, Netflix complements your broadband perfectly.

The Standard with Ads tier streams in HD quality (1080p) on one device at a time, with occasional ad breaks of approximately 4-5 minutes per hour. If you want ad-free viewing or need more simultaneous streams, you can upgrade your Netflix tier independently. But for most viewers, the included tier provides excellent value and full content access.

WiFi 6 (802.11ax)

The Hub 5 features WiFi 6 technology, the latest wireless standard offering up to 40% faster wireless speeds than the previous WiFi 5 generation. WiFi 6 uses advanced features like OFDMA and MU-MIMO to serve multiple devices more efficiently, reducing congestion and improving performance across your entire home.

This means faster Netflix loading times, smoother video calls, and better gaming performance over wireless - even when many devices are connected simultaneously.

Multi-Device Performance

Modern households connect dozens of devices - phones, tablets, laptops, smart TVs, gaming consoles, smart speakers, security cameras, and more. The Hub 5 is designed to handle this load, efficiently managing traffic across all devices without the slowdowns that older routers experience.

WiFi 6's Target Wake Time (TWT) feature also improves battery life on connected devices by scheduling communication more efficiently, meaning your devices stay connected while using less power.

Extended Range & Security

The Hub 5 provides excellent WiFi coverage throughout most homes. For larger properties, Virgin Media offers WiFi Pods - mesh extenders that work seamlessly with your Hub 5 to eliminate dead spots and provide consistent coverage in every room, garden, and garage.

Built-in WPA3 security provides enhanced protection against network intrusions. Parental controls let you manage what content children can access and when they can use the internet.

Full Content Library Access

Netflix Standard with Ads gives you complete access to Netflix's entire content library - the same shows and films available on premium tiers. This includes all Netflix Originals like Stranger Things, The Crown, Squid Game, Wednesday, and hundreds of award-winning series. You also get access to licensed films, documentaries, stand-up specials, and international content.

New content is added every week, with major film and series releases throughout the year. You can browse by genre, mood, or use Netflix's recommendation engine to discover new favourites. The only limitation compared to higher tiers is the occasional ad breaks during viewing.

HD Streaming Quality

The Standard with Ads tier streams in full HD (1080p) resolution, delivering excellent picture quality on TVs, laptops, tablets, and phones. For most viewers on most screens, 1080p provides a crisp, detailed image that looks great. With 516Mbps broadband backing it up, content loads instantly and plays without buffering.

The tier supports streaming on one device at a time. If you need multiple simultaneous streams (for example, different family members watching in different rooms), you can upgrade to Netflix Standard (2 devices) or Premium (4 devices + 4K) independently while keeping your broadband bundle.

Advantages

• 516Mbps speeds - over 10x the UK average
• Netflix Standard with Ads included (£4.99/month value)
• Hub 5 router with WiFi 6 for best wireless performance
• 52Mbps upload - excellent for video calls and uploads
• Handle 5+ 4K streams or 10+ HD streams simultaneously
• Perfect balance of speed and value
• Unlimited downloads with no data caps
• FREE professional installation
• One bill for broadband and streaming
• Volt-eligible for even faster speeds with O2 mobile

Considerations

• Netflix tier includes ads (upgrade available separately)
• Netflix streams on 1 device at a time only
• No TV channels included - broadband and streaming only
• 18-month minimum contract
• Price rises to £72/month after contract ends
• Annual £4 price increase each April
• May be overkill for light internet users
• Requires Virgin Media coverage area
• No phone line included
• Can't combine with Gig1 at same price point