The Virgin Media Hub 5 is the latest Wi-Fi router from Virgin Media, designed to offer the best in broadband connectivity, especially for users with their Gig1 fibre broadband package. As the first router from Virgin Media to feature WiFi 6 technology, it promises faster speeds, lower latency, and increased capacity for multiple devices—ideal for households with various connected gadgets. The Hub 5 delivers high-speed internet while maintaining stable connections across different rooms and floors of your home.
With its eco-friendly design, impressive features, and the ability to support Virgin Media’s advanced Gig1 Fibre broadband, the Hub 5 is a powerful choice for users who want to get the most out of their internet service. Whether streaming, gaming, or working from home, the Hub 5 aims to provide you with the best experience possible.
When comparing the Virgin Media Hub 5 to its predecessors, the Hub 4 and older models like the Hub 3, the differences are significant in terms of performance, technology, and design. Here’s a breakdown:
The Hub 5 introduces Wi-Fi 6, a notable upgrade from the Wi-Fi 5 on the Hub 4. Wi-Fi 6 enhances speed, reduces latency, and allows for more stable connections when multiple devices are connected, making it ideal for households with heavy usage. This new technology provides improved range and better performance in crowded networks, a big leap over the Hub 4’s older Wi-Fi technology.
One of the significant improvements in the Hub 5 is the addition of a 2.5 Gbps Ethernet port alongside the three 1 Gbps Ethernet ports. This is a considerable step up from the Hub 4, which only includes four 1 Gbps Ethernet ports. This allows users to take full advantage of high-speed fibre broadband, particularly with Virgin Media’s Gig1 package, offering better download speeds (up to 1130 Mbps).
The Hub 5 offers better Wi-Fi coverage compared to the Hub 4, thanks to its advanced chipset and seven antennas. Users report more stable connections even in larger homes, which was a common issue with the older models.
The Hub 5 also sports an eco-friendly design made from 100% recycled plastics, marking a shift towards sustainability that the previous models didn’t emphasise. This design change adds to its appeal for eco-conscious consumers.
The intelligent Wi-Fi feature in the Hub 5 is an improvement over the Hub 4, as it optimises the Wi-Fi signal automatically for the best performance. Setup is also a breeze with the Hub 5, as it provides a straightforward interface for managing network settings, just like the Hub 4, but with more advanced options available.
Overall, the Hub 5 offers faster speeds, better Wi-Fi performance, and more advanced features than the Hub 4, making it the better choice for users on the Gig1 Fiber Broadband package. However, Hub 4 still offers decent performance for users on lower-speed plans.
For those seeking the most cutting-edge technology, the Virgin Media Hub 5 provides a solid upgrade over the Hub 4, especially for users in need of higher speeds and more devices on their network.
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feature | Hub 5x | Hub 5 | Hub 4 | Hub 3 |
| Number of Antennae | 7 | 7 | 7 | 5 |
| 2.4 GHz WiFi Band | 3x3 11b/g/n/ax | 3x3 11/b/g/n/ax | 3x3 11/b/g/n | 2x2 11/b/g/n |
| 5 GHz WiFi Band | 4x4 11ax | 4x4 11ax | 4x4 11ac | 3x3 11ac |
| WiFi Spec | 6 | 6 | 5 | 5 |
| Dual Band | Concurrent | Concurrent | Concurrent | Concurrent |
| Network Connection | XGS-PON | DOCSIS 3.1 | DOCSIS 3.1 | DOCSIS 3.0 |
| Ethernet | 1x 10 Gbps, 3x 1Gbps | 1x 2.5Gbps, 3x 1Gbps | 4x 1Gbps | 4x 1Gbps |
| WPS Push Button | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Removable Password/QR Card | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Default SSID | Single | Single | Single | Single |
| Guest Network Available | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Intelligent WiFi Technology | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Phoneline | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| WiFi Pod Compatibility | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
The Virgin Media Hub 5x and Hub 5 are both advanced routers for high-speed internet and stable WiFi coverage and while they share several features, there are key differences that can influence user experience.
The availability of each hub depends on the broadband package and region:
For the most accurate and up-to-date information on hub availability and package options, it’s recommended to visit Virgin Media’s official website or contact their customer service directly.
|
|
|
Comparison | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feature | Hub 5x | Hub 5 | Status |
| Number of Antennae | 7 | 7 | 🟩 Same |
| 2.4 GHz WiFi Band | 3×3 11b/g/n/ax | 3×3 11/b/g/n/ax | 🟥 Different |
| 5 GHz WiFi Band | 4×4 11ax | 4×4 11ax | 🟩 Same |
| WiFi Spec | 6 | 6 | 🟩 Same |
| Dual Band | Concurrent | Concurrent | 🟩 Same |
| Network Connection | XGS-PON | DOCSIS 3.1 | 🟥 Different |
| Ethernet | 1x 10 Gbps, 3x 1Gbps | 1x 2.5Gbps, 3x 1Gbps | 🟥 Different |
| WPS Push Button | Yes | Yes | 🟩 Same |
| Removable Password/QR Card | Yes | Yes | 🟩 Same |
| Default SSID | Single | Single | 🟩 Same |
| Guest Network Available | Yes | Yes | 🟩 Same |
| Intelligent WiFi Technology | Yes | Yes | 🟩 Same |
| Phoneline | Yes | Yes | 🟩 Same |
| WiFi Pod Compatibility | Yes | Yes | 🟩 Same |
2000Mbps average download speed
200Mbps average upload speed
💳 Your Virgin Media Price:
£69.99 a month* for 18 months
Price from month 19 currently £84 a month*.
📦 Package Details:
Virgin Media WiFi Hub
Intelligent WiFi technology
2000 Mbps average download speed
200 Mbps average upload speed
🎁 Extra Benefits:
Access to perks and experiences with Priority
WiFi guarantee included at no extra cost and up to 3 WiFi pods if needed
1130Mbps average download speed
104Mbps average upload speed
💳 Your Virgin Media Price:
£41.00 a month* for 18 months
Price from month 19 currently £78 a month*.
📦 Package Details:
Virgin Media WiFi Hub
Intelligent WiFi technology
1130 Mbps average download speed
104 Mbps average upload speed
🎁 Extra Benefits:
Access to perks and experiences with Priority
WiFi guarantee included at no extra cost and up to 3 WiFi pods if needed
516Mbps average download speed
52Mbps average upload speed
💳 Your Virgin Media Price:
£33.00 a month* for 18 months
Price from month 19 currently £72 a month*.
📦 Package Details:
Virgin Media WiFi Hub
Intelligent WiFi technology
516 Mbps average download speed
52 Mbps average upload speed
🎁 Extra Benefits:
Access to perks and experiences with Priority
XGS-PON technology in Hub 5x provides symmetrical upload and download speeds, significantly enhancing performance for 4K streaming, cloud gaming, and large data transfers.
Hub 3 supports DOCSIS 3.0 and WiFi 5 (802.11ac) with five antennae. Hub 4 supports DOCSIS 3.1 and WiFi 5 with seven antennae. Hub 5 advances to DOCSIS 3.1 and WiFi 6 (802.11ax) with enhanced speed and performance. Hub 5x introduces XGS-PON technology for symmetrical upload and download speeds, making it the most advanced model.
Hub 3: 2x2 2.4 GHz (11/b/g/n) and 3x3 5 GHz (11ac).
Hub 4: 3x3 2.4 GHz (11/b/g/n) and 4x4 5 GHz (11ac).
Hub 5: 3x3 2.4 GHz (11/b/g/n/ax) and 4x4 5 GHz (11ax).
Hub 5x: 3x3 2.4 GHz (11/b/g/n/ax) and 4x4 5 GHz (11ax).
Hub 3: Four 1 Gbps ports.
Hub 4: Four 1 Gbps ports.
Hub 5: One 2.5 Gbps port and three 1 Gbps ports.
Hub 5x: One 10 Gbps port and three 1 Gbps ports.
Yes, all models (Hub 3, Hub 4, Hub 5, and Hub 5x) are compatible with Virgin Media’s WiFi pods to extend and optimize network coverage.
Yes, all models support guest networks, allowing visitors to connect to a separate, secure WiFi network.
DOCSIS 3.1, supported by Hub 4 and Hub 5, offers higher data throughput and better handling of network congestion compared to DOCSIS 3.0 in Hub 3. This results in faster and more reliable internet speeds.
Hub 3 has five antennae, while Hub 4, Hub 5, and Hub 5x each have seven, offering better WiFi coverage and performance.
Yes, all models come with Intelligent WiFi technology, which helps optimize the network performance and coverage.
Yes, all models (Hub 3, Hub 4, Hub 5, and Hub 5x) are equipped with a WPS push button, allowing for simple and quick connections of compatible devices.
Note: Deals on Broadband is a comparison website for broadband providers. We don’t own any services and make a small commission by linking customers to provider websites. Broadband deals and packages change frequently. While we aim to keep all information on this site up-to-date, we strongly recommend checking the current information for each service provider for accurate and recent pricing, information, and terms and conditions.
© 2025 Deals on Broadband
