Virgin Media Hub 5
Virgin Media's latest router featuring WiFi 6 technology and a 2.5G ethernet port for the fastest possible connections.
Hub 5 Overview
The Virgin Media Hub 5 is a significant upgrade from the Hub 4, bringing WiFi 6 technology to Virgin Media customers. This means faster wireless speeds, better performance with multiple devices, and improved coverage throughout your home.
The standout feature is the 2.5G ethernet port, which allows wired connections faster than gigabit speeds - perfect for customers on theGig1 or Gig2 packages who want maximum performance. This is particularly useful for gaming PCs, workstations, or NAS devices that benefit from the fastest possible connection.
WiFi 6 brings several improvements over the previous WiFi 5 standard, including OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access) which allows the router to communicate with multiple devices simultaneously, reducing latency and improving performance in busy households.
The Hub 5 is included at no extra cost with M350 and above packages. Lower-tier customers (M125 and M250) receive the Hub 4 router instead.
Key Features
- ✓WiFi 6 (802.11ax): Latest wireless standard delivering up to 40% faster speeds than WiFi 5.
- ✓2.5G Ethernet Port: Dedicated port for wired speeds above gigabit - perfect for Gig1 and Gig2 customers.
- ✓Dual-Band: Simultaneous 2.4GHz and 5GHz operation for optimal device connectivity.
- ✓OFDMA Technology: More efficient data transmission with multiple devices connected simultaneously.
- ✓WPA3 Security: Latest encryption standard providing enhanced network protection.
- ✓Smart Channel Selection: Automatic optimisation to avoid interference and congestion.
- ✓Target Wake Time: Improved battery life for connected devices like phones and laptops.
- ✓MU-MIMO: Multi-user capability allowing better performance when streaming to multiple devices.
Technical Specifications
Hub 5 vs Hub 4 Comparison
Wondering whether the Hub 5 is worth upgrading to? Here's how it compares to the older Hub 4 router that comes with entry-level Virgin Media packages.
| Feature | Hub 5 | Hub 4 |
|---|---|---|
| WiFi Standard | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | WiFi 5 (802.11ac) |
| Max WiFi Speed | ~1.7 Gbps | ~1.3 Gbps |
| 2.5G Ethernet Port | ||
| OFDMA | ||
| WPA3 Security | ||
| Included With | M350+ | M125, M250 |
Who Should Get the Hub 5?
Hub 5 is Ideal For
- Households with many WiFi devices (10+)
- Gig1 or Gig2 customers wanting maximum speeds
- Gamers who need low latency WiFi
- 4K streaming on multiple TVs simultaneously
- Working from home with video calls
Hub 4 May Be Sufficient If
- •You have fewer than 5 devices
- •Basic browsing and streaming is your main use
- •You're on M125 or M250 packages
- •Budget is the main priority
- •Your devices don't support WiFi 6
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Virgin Media packages include the Hub 5?
The Hub 5 is included free with M350, M500, Gig1, and Gig2 packages. Lower-tier packages (M125 and M250) come with the older Hub 4 router.
Can I upgrade to Hub 5 if I have a lower package?
You can request a Hub 5 upgrade, but Virgin Media may charge an upgrade fee or require you to move to a higher-tier package. The most cost-effective way is to upgrade to M350 or above, which includes the Hub 5 at no extra cost.
Is the Hub 5 better than mesh routers?
For most homes, the Hub 5 provides excellent coverage. However, larger homes or those with thick walls may still benefit from Virgin Media's WiFi Pods or a third-party mesh system for optimal coverage throughout.
What is the 2.5G ethernet port for?
The 2.5G port allows wired connections faster than standard gigabit ethernet. This is particularly useful for Gig1 and Gig2 customers who want to achieve the fastest possible wired speeds to a PC or NAS device.
Does Hub 5 support WiFi 6E?
No, the Hub 5 supports WiFi 6 (802.11ax) but not WiFi 6E. WiFi 6E adds the 6GHz band, which the Hub 5 doesn't have. However, WiFi 6 is still significantly faster than WiFi 5 and sufficient for most households.
Can I use my own router instead of Hub 5?
Yes, you can put the Hub 5 into modem mode and use your own router. This is useful if you have a high-end router with features like advanced QoS or better mesh capabilities.