Virgin Media Flex Box
Dan Howdle • March 20th, 2025
With streaming services now firmly rooted in the entertainment landscape, and countless new shows and movies being streaming exclusives, finding your next binge isn’t quite as easy and seamless as it used to be. Virgin Media has taken note of this, and launched Flex: a new streaming digital TV solution, for new and existing broadband customers.
Flex isn’t the first plug-and-play TV device on the market. The device it uses could easily be mistaken for an Apple TV box, or compared to the likes of the Amazon Fire Stick. Competitor Sky has Sky Stream, and Flex is clearly designed to compete with it. How does it work? And how does it compare?
Key features
| Activation fee | £35 one-time fee |
|---|---|
| Channels and services | 150+ channels, BBC iPlayer, ITVX, All4, YouTube, My5 |
| Premium channels and add-ons available | Sky Sports, Sky Cinema, TNT Sports, Sky Max, Comedy Central, MTV, etc. |
| Supported apps | Disney+, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, many more |
| Flex box resolution | Up to 4K UHD |
| Additional box cost | Only one Stream box per account |
| Contract length | No contract, rolling monthly subscription |
| 4K compatibility | Requires a 4K TV for Ultra HD content |
What is Flex?
Flex is a streaming entertainment service for Virgin Media Broadband customers that combines Freeview live TV with apps like YouTube and paid-for subscription services like Disney+ and Netflix, all within a single interface. With customisable personal profiles, you can access your favourite shows, recommendations, and new releases on one screen, without the need to switch between apps. If you've ever used and Apple TV 4K, just like that.
Virgin Media broadband subscribers will receive a Flex box. Premium TV channels and subscription services are charged separately, and the monthly subscription fee for the most basic version is only £5.
Flex’s interface is user-friendly and features voice control. If you already own a smart TV, the benefit of using Flex may be limited, but for those without smart TV capabilities, Flex is a full-throated alternative to a full Virgin Media TV bundle, especially if you're looking for something a little more slimline than the cable-based Virgin TV 360 box.
The Virgin Flex box
The Flex box itself, once plugged into your TV and power supply, connects to your Wi-Fi network wirelessly. It’s a simple set-up process and you should be able to start watching TV within minutes, though you can schedule an engineer to visit if you need some extra support.
The box itself comes packed with a remote control, with a built-in microphone to make use of Stream’s voice search functions to quickly find your desired show or video. A dedicated Profiles button allows you to quickly switch between users.
One attractive feature of Flex is that you don’t need an aerial connection to access Freeview. This, in addition to 4K compatibility, makes Flex a nice alternative to a TV contract. However, unlike a full TV set-top box, you can’t record shows with it. If you can’t catch your favourite show live, you’ll have to rely on catch-up services.
How many Stream boxes can I have?
At the moment, you can only have one Flex box per Virgin Media account. There’s no option currently for multi-room viewing, so you can enjoy Stream services in one room at a time only. Additionally, Flex will only work on your specific broadband connection, so no gifting the device to someone else with Virgin broadband. Also, you can only access the Flex service if you don’t already have a Virgin TV package on your contract – it's one or the other, never both.
How to watch with Flex
For how comprehensive its features are, Flex is pretty straightforward to navigate once you have it installed. Here are the three steps you need to follow to get Stream and streamline your telly-watching experience.
Add Flex to your bundle
If you’re a new Virgin Media broadband customer, Flex is available as an add-on at point of purchase. If you’re an existing broadband customer, you can call 0800 952 2039 to request Flex on your account. There’s also a form on Virgin’s website if you’d prefer.
Install your Stream box
Your Flex box will come with a quick start guide to help you get installed. Here’s the highlights:
- Connect the Flex box to your TV – The box connects to your TV via HDMI cable, which comes in the box
- Power up the Flex box – The Flex box has a USB power cable and adapter included. Once plugged in, power up the Flex box with the button on the front
- Link the Flex box to your Wi-Fi network – Once it’s on, follow the onscreen instructions to pair the Flex box to your Virgin broadband wifi. If your TV is near your Virgin Media Hub, you may wish to connect your Flex box to it with the supplied ethernet cable instead
Start watching TV with Flex
With set-up complete, you’re ready to start watching. Flex’s home screen will show you highlights and recommendations from Live TV, catch up and subscription services all in one place. You can even set up multiple profiles so each member of the family can get their own recommendations. Parental Controls are available too.
Subscriptions on Virgin Flex
Flex supports almost all popular subscription services. You’ll use the My Virgin Media app to manage your subscriptions, which will then appear on the Flex service.
One benefit touted by Virgin Media is discounts on your additional streaming services. Customers who subscribe to paid services through Virgin Media will receive 10% of the subscription cost back as credit on their Virgin Media bill. Less a discount, more a rebate, this may still be the incentive you need to hop across to the service. Unfortunately, there’s no carrying over your profiles if you already use any of these subscription services. Subscribing through Virgin Media will create new accounts, resetting your preferences and recommendations.
Alternatives to Flex
Offered only to Virgin Media broadband customers without an existing TV package, Flex’s eligibility means it might not be available to you, even if its features tick all your boxes. Similar services are available from a number of other providers, though. Here’s our top picks:
Sky Stream or NOW
Both Sky Stream and NOW, powered by Sky, are available without broadband. That means you can have either even if you're a VIrgin Media customer. Sky Stream particularly is a little ahead of Flex in terms of channels and content.
TalkTalk TV
A very similar offering to Flex comes in the shape of TalkTalk TV. Also an add-on to TalkTalk broadband packages, TalkTalk TV combines Freeview TV with catch-up and subscription-based apps, perfect if you don’t want to commit to a full TV bundle. TalkTalk TV is a worthy competitor to Flex, if you are in the market for a new broadband contract with TV perks, without a full entertainment contract.
Go your own way
If you don’t need the bells and whistles of having all your subscriptions in one place, or aren’t interested in watching Freeview TV live, you may wish to cut out the middleman and manage your subscriptions yourself. Streaming services like Netflix and Disney+ regularly have new-subscriber benefits like free trials, and are compatible with most devices. Even low-end Smart TVs are equipped with app compatibility, meaning you can install your favourite apps direct to your telly, or screencast these apps from your phone.
If you don’t have a Smart TV, or aren’t looking to upgrade, low-cost devices like Google’s Chromecast, a Roku stick, or Amazon’s Fire Stick will also give you smart-style access to your favourite streaming apps without ties to a broadband or TV contract.
