Virgin Media M500 Review: The Sweet Spot for Power Users

Stepping up to Virgin Media’s M500 plan means entering the realm of serious broadband power. With average download speeds of 516Mbps, this isn’t just about streaming Netflix in 4K—it’s about doing so on multiple screens while downloading large files and hosting video calls, all without a single stutter. But in Virgin’s lineup, where the M350 and Gig1 plans loom large, does the M500 hit the perfect sweet spot?

We’ve analysed the performance, pricing, and real-world value of this popular mid-tier Virgin broadband offer, to see if it delivers the ultimate balance of speed and affordability for today’s connected households.

Virgin Media M500 Speed Comparison Tool

Speed & Performance: Genuine Power

Key Stats

Metric	Virgin Media M500
Average Download Speed	516Mbps
Upload Speed	52Mbps
Minimum Speed Guarantee	258Mbps (50% of advertised)

Real-World Performance

• Peak Performance: Consistently delivers 480-520Mbps even during busy hours
• Upload Reality: 52Mbps handles video calls and cloud backups comfortably
• Gaming Ready: Low latency (10-15ms) perfect for competitive gaming
• Multiple Streams: Handles 8+ simultaneous 4K streams effortlessly

Who Actually Needs 516Mbps?

✅ Households with 5-8 heavy internet users
✅ Frequent downloaders of large games and 4K content
✅ Multiple remote workers with video conferencing
✅ Smart homes with 20+ connected devices
❌ Smaller households (1-3 people) with basic needs

What Can You Do with 516Mbps?

Plan Breakdown: Competitive Pricing

Plan Comparison

Plan	Monthly Cost	Speed	Best For
M500 Broadband Only	£27.99	516Mbps	Power users wanting pure speed
M500 + Phone	£35.99	516Mbps	Those needing landline
Bigger Bundle + TV	£44.99	516Mbps	Entertainment-focused households

Key Pricing Notes

• Setup: Usually £0 during promotions
• Contract: 18-month standard term
• Price Rise: Fixed £3.50 monthly increase each April
• Volt Benefits: Free upgrade to Gig1 if you have O2 mobile

Price Comparison Table – How Virgin Media M500 Stacks Up

Provider	Speed	Monthly Cost	Key Differentiator
Virgin M500	516Mbps	£27.99	Great speed, reliable network
Virgin Gig1	1130Mbps	£30.99	Better value for small premium
BT Full Fibre 500	500Mbps	£35.00	Better customer service

Router & Hardware: The Hub Lottery

Router Reality:

• Hub 3: Older Wi-Fi 5 technology, may struggle in larger homes
• Hub 5: Modern Wi-Fi 6 with 2.5Gbps port (request this!)
• WiFi Max: £8/month for mesh system with 30Mbps room guarantee

Performance Tip: Always ask for the Hub 5 during sign-up, especially in urban areas where stock is available.

Customer Service: The Known Compromise

Service Ratings

Aspect	Score	Context
Network Reliability	4.2/5	Rock-solid connection quality
Customer Service	2.1/5	Long wait times, billing issues
Value Perception	3.5/5	Good when bundled, poor when not

Support Channels:

• Phone support: 8-15 minute wait times
• Community forums: Active but unofficial
• Twitter support: Often faster response

Verdict: Power With Compromises

Choose Virgin Media M500 if:
✅ You have a large, data-hungry household (5+ people)
✅ Current promotions make it only £1-2 more than M350
✅ You’re an O2 customer (Volt benefits are game-changing)
✅ Network reliability matters more than customer service

Consider Gig1 instead if:
❌ It’s only £2-3 more per month
❌ You need faster upload speeds for content creation
❌ You want the Hub 5 router guaranteed

Final Thoughts

Virgin Media’s M500 is the performance SUV of broadband – packing serious power for heavy loads while remaining practical for everyday family use. It delivers a robust 516Mbps that makes light work of multiple 4K streams and large downloads, though its 52Mbps upload speed keeps it in the middle lane for content creators.

At £28/month, it hits a sweet spot, but it’s parked dangerously close to Virgin’s own Gig1 plan at £31 – making that £3 upgrade to double the speed and get a guaranteed Hub 5 router incredibly tempting. The router lottery (getting stuck with the older Hub 3) and Virgin’s notoriously bumpy customer service road remain the biggest potholes in an otherwise smooth ride.

My take: Go for the M500 if you’re a large household of 5+ that needs reliable power without gigabit excess. But if the Gig1 plan is within £3-4, jump to that instead – it’s one of the best value upgrades in broadband. If you’re an O2 customer, the free Volt boost to Gig1 makes M500 an outright steal.

Still torn? Compare all 500Mbps+ deals here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the M500 router good enough for the full speed?

The Hub 5 handles it easily, but the older Hub 3 may struggle in larger homes. Always request the Hub 5 during sign-up, as it’s better equipped for 500Mbps+ speeds.

What’s the real difference between M500 and Gig1?

For £3 more, Gig1 gives you double the download speed (1130Mbps), faster uploads (104Mbps), and guaranteed Hub 5 router. It’s often worth the small premium.

Can I get symmetrical upload speeds?

Not on standard Virgin plans. If you’re in a Nexfibre area, you can pay £6 extra for symmetrical uploads, but most users find 52Mbps sufficient.

How does the Volt benefit work?

If you have both Virgin broadband and an O2 mobile plan, you get free upgrade to the next speed tier (M500 becomes Gig1) and double mobile data at no extra cost.

What happens if speeds drop below 258Mbps?

Virgin’s guarantee lets you leave penalty-free if speeds stay below 50% of advertised for 3+ days. Report issues via their app first.

Is the WiFi Max add-on worth £8?

Only for larger homes (2000+ sq ft) or those with thick walls. The standard router covers most 3-4 bedroom homes adequately.

Are there hidden costs?

Watch for the annual £3.50 price increase and out-of-contract price jumps to £72/month. Always renew before your contract ends.

How reliable is Virgin’s network?

Very reliable—most users report excellent uptime and consistent speeds. The main complaints are about customer service, not network performance.