Your guide to Virgin Media TV and broadband
A Virgin Media broadband and TV package, often termed a bundle, has numerous advantages compared to buying your services separately.
Virgin Media bundles
Virgin Media offers a variety of broadband and TV bundles to suit just about anybody. Whether you're a casual viewer or a dedicated sofa-dweller, there's a deal for you. You can start with a base package and enhance it by choosing a broadband speed of your choice, adding premium channels like Sky Sports, streaming services like Disney+ and Netflix (which comes as standard with some), or even adding an O2 SIM, which can be very cost effective.
Virgin Media bundles are a bit more detailed. You can basically choose whatever you want to include in your bundle, Virgin Media still insists on giving them names that don't really help. Sky's decision last year to ditch the names and just provide descriptions for its various bundles is just a lot easier to follow.
Bigger Combo Bundles
These packages pair mid-tier broadband speeds (M250–M350) with over 190 channels as standard. You can choose to add Sky Sports, Sky Cinema, or both, depending on your interests. Ideal for families and households that want more than just the basics
-
362Mb average speed
- Unlimited monthly downloads
- Zero one-off cost
- 18 month contract
- No phone line
Bigger Combo Volt Bundles
Built on the same TV and broadband base as the standard Bigger Combo but include an O2 SIM and Volt benefits like speed boosts and extra mobile data. A strong option for anyone already with O2 or looking to combine mobile and broadband under one roof.
-
516Mb average speed
- Unlimited monthly downloads
- Zero one-off cost
- 18 month contract
- No phone line
Biggest Combo Bundles
These offer a step up in both broadband speed (M350–Gig1) and channel count (over 210), including more entertainment and documentary options. Best suited to large households or anyone after a richer TV experience.
Biggest Combo Volt Bundles
The top-tier option, including Gig1 Fibre Broadband, the full TV line-up with sports, movies, and more, plus Volt extras and an O2 SIM. Designed for households that want it all—speed, channels, and mobile perks included.
Broadband + Flex TV Bundles
Entry-level deals that include M125 or M250 broadband and access to Virgin’s streaming-based TV platform, offering 100+ Freeview and app-based channels. A solid pick if you're more into streaming than traditional live TV.
Volt bundles
If you're already, or want to be, an O2 mobile customer, 'Volt' bundles are a good shout. By bundling Virgin Media broadband and TV with an O2 SIM, you'll get a broadband speed boost to the next available level (up to 1.1Gbps, or Gig1), double the mobile data on your O2 plan, and get additional perks like inclusive roaming.
Virgin Media TV
Virgin Media gives you a few different ways to get your telly fix, whether you're into live channels, binge-able box sets, or just want something you can dip in and out of.
Virgin TV 360
This is Virgin’s main TV set-top box. You get a voice-controlled remote, which makes finding something to watch a lot less faff, and there’s also the option to add extra mini boxes in other rooms, so the whole household isn’t stuck fighting over one screen. It supports 4K, has built-in streaming apps, and comes with over 190 live channels as standard, depending on your package.
Add-ons and extras
If you want more, you can bolt on premium options. Sports fans can add Sky Sports or TNT Sports, while film buffs can go for Sky Cinema. These sit on top of your regular channels, so you can tailor things to what you actually watch. It’s also easy to upgrade or change things through your account. Just bear in mind that when you start bolting on premium channel packs, especially sport, things can get expensive fast.
Streaming apps
All the big names are available right from the Virgin TV 360 interface. You don’t have to faff about with HDMI cables or extra remotes — just sign in and watch. Here are some examples…
| Platform | Available via Virgin? | Subscription required? |
|---|---|---|
| Netflix | Yes – integrated | Yes |
| Disney+ | Yes – integrated | Yes |
| Prime Video | Yes – integrated | Yes |
| BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4 | Yes – included | No |
Virgin TV Go
You can also watch live TV or recordings on your phone or tablet with the Virgin TV Go app. Great if someone’s hogging the main screen or you just want to catch up on a show in bed. It works over Wi-Fi or mobile data, anywhere in the UK. Especially good if you're travelling about a lot.
Virgin Media Flex
Flex (previously known as Stream) is Virgin’s more casual TV option. It runs through a small streaming box and connects to your broadband. You get access to over 150 Freeview and app-based channels, plus the option to add (and cancel) subscriptions like Netflix or Sky Cinema monthly. There’s no long-term tie-in, so it’s ideal if you’re not a full-on live TV watcher but still want access to the essentials.
What does Virgin Media offer?
Virgin Media's is now the only provider that can provide you broadband, TV, home phone and mobile as a single bundle. Sky has Sky Mobile and there are benefits to being a Sky Broadband, TV and Sky Mobile customer, but Sky won't bundle them all together the way Virgin Media does with Volt.
Virgin Media broadband
Whether you're just browsing or have a house full of devices streaming and gaming, there's a speed for you. And it's worth bearing in mind that even Virgin Media's slowest speed is going to be plenty for most households.
- M125: Average download speed of 132Mbps, great for browsing and streaming on a few devices
- M250: Average download speed of 264Mbps, handles multiple users streaming and downloading simultaneously
- M350: Average download speed of 362Mbps, perfect for 4K streaming and online gaming
- M500: Average download speed of 516Mbps, ideal for busy households with lots of devices
- Gig1 Fibre: Average download speed of 1,130Mbps, for those who want top speeds for heavy-duty usage
- Gig2 Fibre: Download speeds up to 2Gbps, perfect for tech enthusiasts and large households with heavy internet usage
Virgin Media TV
Virgin Media now has two ways to get Virgin TV: the traditional recording set-top box (TV 360), and Virgin Flex, the tiny little streaming box designed to compete with Sky Stream.
- Virgin TV 360: Live TV, on-demand shows, and streaming apps all in one place, plus a voice-controlled remote to make life easier
- Flex: Previously known as Stream, this is for those who prefer streaming, with access to over 150 channels and your favourite streaming services without being tied down
Virgin Media home phone
If you still like having a home phone, Virgin Media includes one with most bundles. You can choose from weekend, evening and weekend, or anytime call packages, with options for international and mobile add-ons.
Virgin Mobile SIM (O2)
Thanks to the partnership with O2, you can add an O2 mobile SIM to your package. This means double data, inclusive EU roaming, and access to O2 Priority rewards. Handy if you want to keep all your services under one roof.
”Virgin Media offers deep, deep discounts on its bundles compared to what you would pay for it's services separately. It's truly a case of the more you spend, the more you get when it comes to value. Problem is of course, you've got to need all of those services in the first place."
Dan Howdle, Broadband and mobile expert
Buying tips and advice
Virgin Media does things a bit differently from other providers, so it’s worth knowing how the contracts and charges work before you sign up.
18-month contracts
Its broadband and TV deals come on an 18-month term. You’ll pay the same price throughout the contract, but once those 18 months are up, the price usually goes up — by quite a bit. If you're out of contract and haven’t switched or negotiated a new deal, you're almost certainly paying more than you need to.
Upfront costs and early cancellation
There’s often no setup fee, especially if you’re ordering online or taking advantage of a promotion. But not always — it depends on the package and when you sign up. If you leave before your contract’s finished, you’ll usually have to pay an early disconnection fee. The exact amount depends on how many months you’ve got left, but it can run into the hundreds, so it’s worth double-checking before switching or cancelling early.
Upgrading and downgrading
If you want to upgrade your services during your contract — like adding channels or bumping up your broadband speed — that’s usually allowed, and sometimes it’ll reset your contract. Downgrading, though, is often not allowed during the 18 months, so make sure you're happy with what you're getting before you commit.
Rolling contracts and Flex
Virgin Media also offers 30-day rolling broadband plans. You can cancel any time with 30 days’ notice, and you’ll avoid early termination charges. That said, the monthly cost is a lot higher, and there’s a one-off setup fee too. The same rolling model applies to elements of Virgin Media’s Flex TV service — you can turn add-ons like Netflix or Sky Cinema on and off each month without being tied in over the longer term.
Promotional offers
From time to time, Virgin Media rolls out special deals for new sign-ups. These can include bill credits, which reduce your monthly payments, or freebies like a 43" Hisense TV. For instance, recent promotions allowed customers to choose between a £200 bill credit or a new TV when selecting certain broadband and TV bundles. These offers are time-limited and subject to change, so it's worth checking in with what's available at any given time, and if you see something you like, worth bearing in mind that dawdling may mean you miss out.
Switching from another provider
Changing to Virgin Media has become more straightforward. Thanks to the 'One Touch Switch' process introduced by Ofcom in July 2024, you no longer need to inform your current provider about the switch; Virgin Media handles the coordination. However, it's crucial to check your existing contract for any early termination fees if you're still within the minimum term. If you're out of contract, switching is typically hassle-free.
Securing the best deal
- Time your switch: Keep an eye on Virgin Media's special offers and flash sales, as they tend to come and go regularly
- Do your own research: Compare offers from different providers to ensure Virgin Media's deal is the best fit for your needs. Sometimes it might not be
- Negotiate: If you're already a Virgin Media customer and are renewing your contract, do try haggling for the best deal, specially if you can show a competitor is offering the same for less or on better terms
- Bundle: Combining broadband, TV, and mobile can lead to substantial savings
- Be prepared to walk away: Sometimes, indicating that you're considering other options can lead to improved offers
Virgin Media availability
Virgin Media doesn’t use the same network as other broadband providers in the UK. Before you get your hopes up about superfast speeds, it’s worth checking if you can get it where you live. Note, you can't get Virgin TV without Virgin Media Broadband, so although we'll talk about broadband here, you can take TV to be included in this roundup.
The quickest way to see if Virgin Media is available at your address is to pop your postcode at the top of this page.
Installation
There are two main ways to get connected. If your home has had Virgin Media before, you might be able to go for QuickStart. That’s a self-install kit they send in the post, with everything you need to plug in and get online yourself. It’s pretty straightforward and you can do it in your own time.
If your address hasn’t had Virgin Media installed before, or you just want someone to do it for you, you can book an engineer. They’ll bring all the gear, get everything set up and test the connection before they leave. You’ll need to be home while they’re there, and someone over 18 has to be present.
Is Virgin Media right for you?
Virgin Media has a lot going for it — especially if speed, TV choice or bundling everything together matters to you. But it’s not right for everyone, and whether it suits you depends on a few key things.
What Virgin Media does well
- Speed: It’s the fastest widely available provider in the UK, with average download speeds of up to 1,130Mbps — or up to 2Gbps in a few areas
- Channels and add-ons: Big channel line-ups, loads of add-ons and integrated streaming apps make it great for TV lovers
- Customisation: From broadband-only to full bundles with TV and mobile, there’s a decent amount of mix-and-match flexibility– you can throw in what you like
Who it suits best
Virgin Media tends to work best if you’re a heavy streamer, live in a large or busy household, or want everything — broadband, telly and mobile — under one roof. If you’re after top speeds or like the idea of bolting on Sky Sports or Disney+ without too much faff, it’s definitely worth a look.
Things to think about
That said, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s not available everywhere, so your first stop should be the postcode checker at the top of the page. Prices can also be higher than some rivals, especially if you're out of contract, and most deals still come on 18-month terms — which is better than most, but still might not suit renters or anyone unsure where they’ll be living in the near future.
