Virgin Media Gig1 Review
Is Virgin Media's 1 Gbps broadband worth the upgrade? We put Gig1 to the test with real-world usage, speed tests, and value analysis.
Quick Verdict: Is Gig1 Worth It?
Gig1 is excellent for power users and large households, but for most people, M500 offers better value. Gig1 shines when you have multiple heavy users, need maximum download speeds for large files, or simply want the fastest connection available. The Hub 5 router with WiFi 6 is included, which is a nice bonus.
Speed
Router
Bundles
Value
Gig1 Package Specifications
Speed & Connection
- Download Speed:1,130 Mbps average
- Upload Speed:52 Mbps average
- Connection Type:Coaxial (HFC)
- Data Limit:Unlimited
Package Details
- Router:Hub 5 (WiFi 6)
- Contract:18 months
- WiFi Guarantee:WiFi Max available
- Setup Fee:Usually free
Gig1 Speed Performance
Real-World Speed Experience
Download speeds are impressive. Gig1 delivers on its promise, with most users seeing speeds between 900-1100 Mbps via wired Ethernet connection. Over WiFi, expect 300-600 Mbps depending on distance from the router and device capabilities.
Upload speeds are the main limitation. At around 52 Mbps, uploads are significantly slower than downloads. This is due to Virgin Media's cable (HFC) technology, not full fibre. For most users this is fine, but content creators and heavy uploaders may find this limiting.
Consistency is generally good. Virgin's network handles peak times reasonably well, though some users report slight slowdowns during busy evening hours (7-10pm).
1,130 Mbps
Average Download
52 Mbps
Average Upload
~10ms
Typical Latency
Who Should Get Gig1?
Gig1 is Great For
- Large households with 5+ heavy internet users
- Gamers who want fastest possible downloads
- People who download large files regularly (games, videos)
- Home offices with multiple video conferences
- Smart homes with many connected devices
- Anyone who simply wants the fastest available
Consider M500 Instead If
- You have 1-4 people in your household
- Price is a major consideration
- You mainly stream and browse
- You don't download large files regularly
- Your devices can't use speeds over 500 Mbps
- You want better value for money
Gig1 vs M500 Comparison
| Feature | Gig1 | M500 |
|---|---|---|
| Download Speed | 1,130 Mbps | 516 Mbps |
| Upload Speed | 52 Mbps | 36 Mbps |
| Router | Hub 5 | Hub 5 |
| Typical Price | ~£50/mo | ~£40/mo |
| Best For | 5+ users, power users | 2-4 users, best value |
Gig1 Pros and Cons
Pros
- Fastest widely-available broadband in the UK
- Excellent for large households and heavy users
- Hub 5 router with WiFi 6 included
- Handles multiple 4K streams effortlessly
- Game downloads in minutes, not hours
- WiFi Max guarantee available
- Wide availability across Virgin Media areas
Cons
- Upload speeds limited to ~52 Mbps
- Premium pricing compared to M500
- Overkill for small households
- Cable technology, not true full fibre
- Most devices can't fully utilise 1 Gbps
- Peak time slowdowns can occur
Gig1 Review FAQ
Is Gig1 actually 1 Gbps?
Gig1 delivers average speeds of 1,130 Mbps download (actually over 1 Gbps). You'll typically see 900-1100 Mbps via Ethernet. WiFi speeds will be lower depending on your distance from the router and device capabilities.
Why are upload speeds so slow on Gig1?
Virgin Media uses cable (HFC) technology which is optimised for downloads. While they offer gigabit downloads, uploads are limited by the technology. If you need fast uploads, consider a full fibre provider like BT Full Fibre.
Is Gig1 good for gaming?
Yes, Gig1 is excellent for gaming. Download speeds mean you can install large games quickly, and latency is typically low (around 10ms). The only limitation is upload speed, but 52 Mbps is still fine for online gaming.
What router comes with Gig1?
Gig1 includes the Hub 5 router with WiFi 6 technology. This is Virgin Media's best router, capable of WiFi speeds up to 1.7 Gbps and featuring OFDMA for better multi-device performance.
Is Gig1 worth the extra cost over M500?
For most households, M500 offers better value. Gig1 is worth it if you have 5+ heavy users, download large files regularly, or simply want the fastest available. The price difference is usually £10-15/month.
Get Virgin Media Gig1
Ultrafast 1 Gbps broadband with Hub 5 router and WiFi Max guarantee.