Virgin Media M350 Review: The Sweet Spot for Busy Households?
Stepping into the mid-tier of Virgin Media’s broadband lineup, the M350 plan promises to be the perfect workhorse for modern, connected families. With an average download speed of 362Mbps, it’s designed to handle multiple 4K streams, online gaming, and working from home simultaneously without breaking a sweat.
But in a competitive market, does it offer the right blend of performance and value? We’ve analysed the specs, real-world performance, and bundled options to see if Virgin Media’s M350 is the smart choice for your household.
Virgin Media Broadband
Great Speed and Reliability
✅ You crave speed and reliability for streaming/gaming.
✅ Bundling TV/mobile saves you money (especially with Volt).
✅ Future-proofing matters (Gig1/Gig2).
Virgin Media M350 Speed Comparison Tool
What this means for you:
Speed & Performance: Power for the Whole Family
Key Stats
| Metric | Virgin Media M350 |
|---|---|
| Average Download Speed | 362Mbps |
| Average Upload Speed | 36Mbps |
| Minimum Speed Guarantee | 50% of advertised speed (181Mbps) to the hub |
Real-World Performance
- Typical Usage: The 362Mbps speed is more than enough for a household of 4-6 people to browse, stream in 4K, game, and make video calls simultaneously. Virgin Media suggests it can comfortably support 10-15 active devices.
- Gaming: The connection offers higher bandwidth so the gamer’s experience is less likely to be affected when several devices are online. The 36Mbps upload is also good for streaming live gameplay smoothly on platforms like Twitch.
- Uploads: The 36Mbps upload speed is sufficient for video calls and sharing large files.
Who Actually Needs 362Mbps?
✅ Households of 4-6 people with moderate to heavy internet use.
✅ Streaming 4K UHD video on multiple screens at the same time.
✅ Online gamers who want a responsive connection and the ability to stream gameplay.
✅ Remote workers who need reliable uploads for video conferencing and sending large files.
What Can You Do with 350Mbps?
Plan Breakdown & Pricing: Competitive and Flexible
Virgin Media M350 is typically offered on an 18-month contract. The pricing is competitive, especially when bundled with other services.
Plan & Pricing Overview
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Standard Monthly Cost (Broadband Only) | £25.99 – £29.99 per month (for new customers) |
| Contract Length | 18 months |
| Setup Fee | Free setup (usually £35) |
| Annual Price Increase | Fixed £3.50 per month every April |
Bundles and Add-ons:
- Volt Bundles: If you have both Virgin Media broadband and an O2 mobile plan, you can get Volt benefits. This can include a broadband speed boost, double mobile data, and inclusive roaming in more countries at no extra cost.
- TV Bundles: M350 is included in packages like the Bigger Bundle + TV for around £34.99 per month, which includes Virgin TV 360 and over 190 channels.
- WiFi Max: For £8/month, you can add Virgin’s mesh Wi-Fi system, which includes up to three pods and guarantees a 30Mbps signal in every room (or a £100 credit if it fails).
Price Comparison – How Virgin Media M350 Stacks Up
| Provider | Plan Speed | Monthly Cost | Key Differentiator |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virgin Media M350 | 362Mbps | £25.99 | Great for 4-6 person households, reliable network |
| Virgin Media M500 | 516Mbps | £27.99 | Faster download speeds for just £2 more |
Router & Hardware: Capable, But Could Be Better
The router you receive can impact your Wi-Fi experience. The plan typically includes either the Hub 3 or Hub 4.
Hub 3 / Hub 4 Features:
- Wi-Fi 5 Technology: Both the Hub 3 and Hub 4 use Wi-Fi 5 technology, which is a generation behind the newer Wi-Fi 6 standard offered by some competitors on similar plans.
- Coverage: Suitable for most standard-sized homes. For larger properties or those with thick walls, the WiFi Max add-on with its mesh pods is highly recommended.
- Wi-Fi Speeds: Real-world Wi-Fi speeds can be good, but to ensure the best performance, especially for the full 362Mbps speed, a wired connection is recommended.
Customer Service: A Mixed Bag
Virgin Media’s customer service has room for improvement compared to some rivals, despite the reliability of the network itself.
- Network Reliability: 70% of Virgin Media customers are happy with the reliability of their service, which is more than any other broadband provider in a recent survey.
- Customer Service Satisfaction: However, customer service has a dismal 40% satisfaction score. Only TalkTalk does worse in this regard.
- Value for Money: Virgin Media is currently rated the worst of all eight providers in a survey for value for money. Only two thirds of customers are satisfied.
Virgin Media Broadband
Great Speed and Reliability
✅ You crave speed and reliability for streaming/gaming.
✅ Bundling TV/mobile saves you money (especially with Volt).
✅ Future-proofing matters (Gig1/Gig2).
Verdict: A Powerful Performer with One Flaw
Choose Virgin Media M350 if:
✅ You are a medium-to-large household (4-6 people) with multiple simultaneous internet users.
✅ You want a great balance of speed and value for money.
✅ You are considering bundling with an O2 mobile plan for Volt benefits.
✅ Network reliability is a top priority for you.
Consider alternatives if:
❌ Consistently excellent customer service is your highest priority.
❌ You feel you are getting poor value for money as an existing customer.
❌ You need the latest Wi-Fi 6 technology included as standard in the router.
Final Thoughts
Virgin Media’s M350 is the spacious family SUV of broadband – built to comfortably carry a heavy load of 4K streams, gaming, and video calls without breaking a sweat. It delivers a robust 362Mbps that effortlessly handles households of 4-6 people, all on Virgin’s famously reliable cable network.
At £26/month, it’s competitively priced, but it’s parked next to an even better deal: the M500 plan costs just £2 more for a significant speed boost to 516Mbps. The main compromises are the Wi-Fi 5 Hub 3/4 router, which feels dated, and Virgin’s notoriously bumpy customer service road.
My take: Go for the M350 if you’re a large, data-hungry household that prioritizes network reliability above all else. But unless your budget is absolutely fixed, spend the extra £2 for the M500 – it’s one of the best value jumps in Virgin’s lineup. If you’re an O2 customer, the free Volt benefits make this tier an outright steal.
Still torn? Compare all fibre deals here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Wi-Fi signal from the Hub 3/4 strong enough?
The signal is adequate for most average-sized homes. However, for larger properties or those with thick walls, the WiFi Max add-on with mesh pods is highly recommended to guarantee a strong signal in every room.
What happens if my speed drops below the guarantee?
Virgin guarantees a minimum download speed of 50% of the advertised speed (181Mbps) to your hub. If it falls below this for three consecutive days and the issue is on Virgin’s side, you can leave your contract without an early termination fee.
Can I use my own router with Virgin Media?
Yes, it is possible to use your own router with Virgin Media’s connection, which can be beneficial if you want more advanced networking features than the provided hub offers.
How does the annual price increase work?
Virgin Media increases broadband prices by £3.50 per month from the customer’s April bill each year. This is a fixed increase, so you know exactly how much your bill will go up by each year.
Is there an early termination fee?
Yes. If you cancel your contract early without a valid reason (like a breach of the minimum speed guarantee), you will be charged an early disconnection fee. The exact amount is calculated based on the monthly charges remaining in your contract.
What are Volt benefits?
If you have both Virgin Media broadband and an O2 mobile plan, you can get Volt benefits. This can include things like double mobile data on your O2 plan and sometimes a broadband speed boost, all at no extra cost.
