Virgin Media Gig1 Broadband Review

Virgin Media Gig1 Broadband – Speed Demon

Let’s cut to the chase: Virgin Media Gig1 Broadband is blazing fast, but is it worth your cash? I’ve dissected its speeds, tested its hardware, and compared it to rivals like BT and Community Fibre. Spoiler: It’s a speed demon with a catch.

Speed Performance: Where Gig1 Shines (and Stumbles)

Virgin’s Gig1 offers 1,130Mbps downloads – enough to download a 4K movie in under 30 seconds. That’s 20% faster than BT’s top plan (900Mbps) and perfect for:

• 4K streaming on 10+ devices
• Large-file uploads/downloads (hello, remote workers!)
• Lag-free gaming (10-20ms latency)

But the 104Mbps upload speed lags behind rivals like Hyperoptic, which offers symmetrical speeds. If you’re backing up massive files daily, this might pinch.

Update: You can now pay £5 extra and get 1 Gbps uploads as well! That’s awesome for streamers and gamers.

Virgin Media Gig1 Broadband Speed Comparison Tool

The Hub 5 Router: Wi-Fi 6 Magic

Virgin’s Hub 5 (included free) is a game-changer:

• Wi-Fi 6: 25% faster speeds vs. older Hub 3
• 1x 2.5Gbps port for wired max-speed connections
• Mesh support: Add pods for large homes (up to 6,000 sq ft)

Compared to BT’s aging Smart Hub 2 (Wi-Fi 5), it’s a clear winner. I clocked 850Mbps via Wi-Fi 15 feet away – rare for ISP-provided routers.

What can you do with 1130Mbps

The Catch: Customer Service Woes

Ofcom data shows Virgin Media has 50% more complaints than the industry average. Common gripes:

• Price hikes: £5-8/month increases mid-contract
• Cancellation nightmares: 30% longer wait times vs. Sky
• Installation delays: 14% of users report issues

If hassle-free support matters, consider Plusnet or BT – but expect slower speeds.

Price Comparison: How Gig1 Stacks Up

Provider	Download Speed	Upload Speed	Price/Month	Contract
Virgin Gig1	1,130Mbps	104Mbps	£41	18 months
BT Full Fibre	900Mbps	110Mbps	£45	24 months
Community Fibre	3,000Mbps	3,000Mbps	£49	24 months

Best value: Gig1 undercuts BT while offering faster downloads. But in London, Community Fibre’s 3Gbps plan (£49) smokes Virgin on speed.

Alternatives to Gig1

1. Three 5G Home Broadband: £22/month, no fixed contract. Speeds vary (50-600Mbps), but great for renters.
2. Hyperoptic 1Gbps: £35/month, symmetrical speeds. Limited coverage but stellar for upload-heavy users.
3. Sky Ultrafast: £44/month. Slower (500Mbps) but bundles Netflix and better customer support.

Verdict: Who Should Buy Virgin Media Gig1?

Get it if:
✅ You want the UK’s most widely available gigabit plan
✅ Need rock-bottom latency for competitive gaming
✅ Can tolerate occasional customer service hiccups

Skip it if:
❌ Upload speeds are critical (Add the 1 Gbps uploads for a fiver)
❌ Price stability matters (Virgin hikes costs annually)
❌ You’re in a Community Fibre area

Final Thoughts

Virgin Media’s Gig1 is the sports car of broadband – exhilarating speed (1,130Mbps!) but watch for potholes (we’re looking at you, customer service ;)). The Hub 5 router and Wi-Fi 6 support make it a dream for gamers and 4K streamers, though upload speeds feel stuck in the slow lane (104Mbps).

At £41/month, it’s cheaper than BT’s 900Mbps plan, but Community Fibre’s 3Gbps (£49) laps it in areas with coverage. For smaller households, Three’s 5G (£22) offers flexibility, but lacks Gig1’s consistency.

My take: Go Gig1 if you’re a speed junkie with a big household. For upload-heavy work or peace of mind, pay the extra £5 and get 1 Gbps up and down.

Still torn? Compare all gigabit deals here 

FAQs

Does Virgin Media throttle speeds?

No – but peak-time congestion can reduce speeds by 10-15% in dense areas.

Can I bundle an O2 SIM with Gig1?

Yes! Virgin Media + O2 plans save £5-10/month.

Is the Hub 5 better than BT’s Smart Hub?

Absolutely. Wi-Fi 6 future-proofs it for 8K streaming and smart homes.

What’s the cheapest way to get Gig1?

Haggle at renewal! Existing customers often get £5-10 discounts.