Virgin Media M250 Fibre Broadband

What Is Virgin Media M250 Fibre Broadband?

Virgin Media M250 Fibre Broadband is a great choice for busy households. It offers fast and reliable internet for many devices at once. With download speeds of 264 Mbps and upload speeds of 25 Mbps, M250 is good for HD and 4K streaming. It also works well for online gaming, video calls, and uploads of large files. This broadband package is perfect for families or shared homes where several people need consistent access to the internet.

M250 users enjoy steady speed and high quality from Virgin Media’s own network. This is true even during busy times when many people are using the internet. Virgin Media has strong network infrastructure that works separately from other major UK providers. Because of this independence, there is more network capacity and reliability. As a result, M250 can provide stable, superfast broadband speeds in eligible Virgin Fibre areas without the slowdowns that often happen on shared networks.

The M250 plan is flexible. It lets customers combine broadband with Virgin TV and home phone services. This flexibility gives both new customers and current users choices that fit their unique needs for entertainment and connectivity. If customers want better WiFi coverage in their homes, Virgin offers optional add-ons. One of these is the WiFi Max guarantee. It ensures a minimum speed of 30 Mbps in every room for an extra monthly fee. It also includes WiFi pods to help extend the coverage.

Virgin Media M250 Fibre Broadband: Snapshot

Correct at of 28/10/2024

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits:

• Boosted Speeds: The M250 package offers fast download speeds of 264 Mbps. This speed is great for HD streaming, online gaming, and browsing on several devices at once.
• Great Value with M250 Volt: The Volt bundle provides extra features. It includes a WiFi guarantee, an O2 SIM for mobile data, and a home phone line. This makes it a good choice for people who want a versatile package.
• Affordable Broadband Option: The M250 plan is reasonably priced among broadband providers. It's a smart choice for those who want speeds over 250 Mbps without extra features.

Drawbacks:

• Router Options: You might get either the Hub 3 or the Hub 4. The Hub 4 is better if you want more range and connection.
• Cost After Contract: The price goes up to £60 a month once the first term ends. So, it helps to sign up again to keep a lower price.
• Other Choices: Sometimes, the Virgin Media M350 package is priced the same. It's a good idea to look at both packages to find the best deal.

Broadband Deals Reviewed by James Ford, TV and Broadband Expert

Offer Ends06/11/2024

Gig1 fibre broadband only

• New customers only
• Exclusive perks from O2 priority

1130Mb average* speed

Unlimited Downloads

£0.00 Setup costs

18 Month contract

Pay as you goCalls

£39.99per month

Buy Now
or call 0800 977 5741

Offer Ends07/11/2024

M125 Fibre Broadband

• New customers only
• Exclusive perks from O2 priority

132Mb average* speed

Unlimited Downloads

£0.00 Setup costs

18 Month contract

Pay as you goCalls

£25.00per month

Buy Now
or call 0800 977 5741

Offer Ends06/11/2024

M250 Fibre Broadband

• New customers only
• Exclusive perks from O2 priority

264Mb average* speed

Unlimited Downloads

£0.00 Setup costs

18 Month contract

Pay as you goCalls

£30.50per month

Buy Now
or call 0800 977 5741

Offer Ends06/11/2024

M500 Fibre Broadband

• New customers only
• Exclusive perks from O2 priority

516Mb average* speed

Unlimited Downloads

£0.00 Setup costs

18 Month contract

Pay as you goCalls

£33.00per month

Buy Now
or call 0800 977 5741

View All Broadband Deals

How Much Does Virgin Media M250 Cost Per Month?

The Virgin Media M250 Fibre Broadband package is available for new customers at a monthly price of £28.99. This makes it a good option for homes wanting faster internet speeds. Virgin Media often has deals that may offer benefits like bill credits or no setup fees. These deals help lower the starting costs. The base price for the M250 package stays the same during the 18-month minimum contract. However, customers should know that prices might go up after this contract ends.

After signing the contract, prices might go up. Each April, there will be yearly changes based on the Retail Price Index (RPI) plus 3.9%. This adjustment is linked to inflation and other costs. Because of this, customers who are close to finishing their contract should look at the current Virgin Media broadband deals. They can also consider re-contracting to keep their budget. Virgin Media often updates these deals. Checking for the latest offers can help you save more money.

What Speeds Can You Expect with M250?

Virgin Media’s M250 Fibre Broadband offers download speeds of 264 Mbps and upload speeds of 25 Mbps. This makes it perfect for homes with many users who enjoy HD and 4K streaming, online gaming, and uploading large files. The speed allows for smooth streaming and lag-free gaming. It also ensures effective video calls. You can use several devices at the same time without issues.

Speed Comparison with Other Virgin Media Packages

To see where the M250 fits in with Virgin Media's packages, let's look at how it compares to the other options:

• M125: M125 has download speeds of 132 Mbps and upload speeds of 20 Mbps. This plan is good for smaller households with moderate internet use. It can handle HD streaming and online activities, but it may feel slow for larger homes or heavy data tasks.
• M250: M250 is a mid-level package with 264 Mbps download speed and 25 Mbps upload speed. This speed works well for most households, especially those with several devices. It’s perfect for busy households that need reliable, fast internet for gaming, streaming, and remote work at the same time.
• M350: M350 gives you faster speeds, with 362 Mbps for downloads and 36 Mbps for uploads. This plan fits large households or people with high data needs. It’s great for online gaming fans, 4K streamers, and anyone who uploads large files often.
• M500: M500 offers 516 Mbps download and 36 Mbps upload speeds. This plan is meant for very demanding homes. It can support ultra-HD streaming, serious online gaming, and several devices in use at once, all while keeping a steady connection with little lag.
• Gig1: Virgin’s best option, Gig1, gives speeds over 1,000 Mbps (1 Gbps). It fits households with high needs, like ultra-HD 4K streaming, VR, AR, and several heavy-use devices running at the same time. This plan is designed for large homes or anyone seeking the fastest speeds available.

Correct at of 28/10/2024

Is Virgin Media M250 Reliable for Busy Households?

The M250 Fibre Broadband package from Virgin Media is made for busy homes that need a lot of internet. It provides a reliable download speed of 264 Mbps and an upload speed of 25 Mbps. This means several users can enjoy HD and 4K streaming, online gaming, and video calls at the same time without any problems.

Reliability for Various Household Sizes

• Small Households (1-2 People): For one or two people, the M250 package offers extra speed. It easily handles daily online tasks. Even when both users are streaming or gaming, the M250 keeps everything running smoothly with little to no buffering.
• Moderate Households (3-4 People): A household of three or four people will find M250 to be a great choice. It has enough capacity for several devices at the same time. Each person can enjoy streaming, gaming, and video calls without slowing down the internet.
• Large Households (5+ People): The M250 works for larger households, but if many people use the internet heavily, like streaming in 4K or intense online gaming, there could be some performance issues. For homes where several devices are used at once with high demand, Virgin’s M350 or M500 plans may work better.

Tools and Support for Enhanced Reliability

Virgin Media has a tool for customers to test their broadband speed. This helps users check if their internet speed works for their home needs. If you need more help, Virgin Media offers good customer service. You can reach them through online chat, phone calls, or the Virgin Media Connect app. This app helps users fix problems, check WiFi signal strength, and manage devices connected to the internet. It ensures you have a strong connection at home.

WiFi Guarantee for Full Home Coverage

For bigger homes or families that need better WiFi coverage everywhere, Virgin has a WiFi guarantee. You can also get extra WiFi pods for a little more each month. These pods help cover all rooms, giving you at least 30 Mbps in each one. This is important for houses with several floors or larger layouts.

Grab the cheapest Broadband & Phone Deals

Make savings up to 44% & keep the operational cost lower!!!

Compare Now

What Router Comes with the Virgin Media M250 Package?

Virgin Media M250 customers get either the Virgin Media Hub 3 or Hub 4. Both routers have WiFi 5 technology. They support dual-band connections on the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. This helps manage traffic well across different devices and improves connection speeds. This is very useful for busy households. It allows several devices to connect at the same time with little interference. This is perfect for streaming, online gaming, and browsing on different devices.

The Virgin Media Hub 3 is a strong router made for homes that have average internet needs. It works with WiFi 5 (802.11ac) and can connect on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies. This helps lessen crowding and boosts performance. Here are its main features:

• WiFi Standard: WiFi 5 (802.11ac)
• Frequency Bands: Dual-band (2.4GHz and 5GHz)
• Antennas: Internal antennas provide good coverage in average-sized homes.
• Ethernet Ports: 4 x 1 Gbps Ethernet ports for connecting devices like computers, gaming consoles, or streaming devices.
• Maximum Connected Devices: Supports about 20-25 devices. This may change depending on how they are used.
• Security: Uses WPA2 encryption to keep wireless connections secure.
• Dimensions: Approximately 215 x 75 x 250 mm.
• Other Features: Includes basic parental controls and supports Virgin Media’s Intelligent WiFi. This feature improves the connection for devices based on how they are used and where they are located in the house.

The Virgin Media Hub 4 is a better router. It was made to support Virgin Media’s better broadband plans. This hub gives better performance, especially for users with high demands. It works with WiFi 5 and has improved hardware. This helps with coverage and can handle more devices than the Hub 3.

• WiFi Standard: WiFi 5 (802.11ac)
• Frequency Bands: Dual-band (2.4GHz and 5GHz)
• Antennas: It has 8 internal antennas. They help improve range and performance, especially in larger homes or homes with many devices.
• Ethernet Ports: There are 4 x 1 Gbps Ethernet ports.
• Processor: The improved processor can handle several connections at the same time. This makes it perfect for busy households.
• DOCSIS 3.1 Compatibility: It supports DOCSIS 3.1. This allows for gigabit speeds on Virgin Media’s network. It is useful in Gig1-enabled areas.
• Device Capacity: You can connect 30+ devices without significant drops in performance.
• Security: It uses WPA2 encryption and comes with firewall protection for safety.
• Dimensions: The size is 215 x 75 x 250 mm (approximately the same as Hub 3).
• Additional Features: Hub 4 has advanced Intelligent WiFi with mesh features. This automatically improves signal and reduces dead zones. It also works with Virgin Media’s WiFi pods for extra coverage.

Virgin Media also has a WiFi Max guarantee for £8 each month. This plan promises at least 30 Mbps of WiFi speed in every room. If the speed in any room falls below this, customers can ask for up to three WiFi pods. These pods are useful for bigger homes. They help remove dead zones and boost the WiFi signal all around the house.

Does M250 Come with TV Bundles?

Yes, you can bundle Virgin Media M250 with various Virgin TV options. This is great for those who want TV services with their broadband plan. You can choose popular packages like TV 360 and Flex TV. These packages give you access to premium TV channels, movies, sports, and on-demand content.

• TV 360: This premium package offers many channels. You will get access to Sky Sports, Sky Cinema, and other popular networks. It is great for families who love live sports and entertainment.
• Flex TV: Flex TV is a customisable and budget-friendly choice. It comes with a basic set of channels. You can add different content like movies or sports if you want. This is perfect for viewers who want to control their choices without paying for a complete package.

These TV bundles give you a choice of entertainment options. You can combine your broadband, phone, and TV services into one plan. The bundles can be changed to match different needs. This way, Virgin Media customers can enjoy many streaming and live content options.

Can I Add a Home Phone Line to M250?

Yes, Virgin Media M250 customers can add a home phone line to their broadband package for a small monthly fee. This option suits homes that like having a landline or those who need dependable voice services with their fast internet.

• Anytime Calls: Customers can add anytime calls for just £10 each month. This plan covers calls to UK landlines and mobile numbers. It is a good option for families that often make calls.
• Weekend and International Plans: Virgin Media has different calling plans. These include options for weekend calls and international call bundles. This gives families many choices based on their calling habits. Households can easily pick a plan that fits their needs, whether they call occasionally or regularly.

What Is the Average Speed of M250?

The Virgin Media M250 Fibre Broadband package offers an average download speed of 264 Mbps and an average upload speed of 25 Mbps. This speed is good for most homes. It allows for smooth streaming of TV shows in HD or 4K. You can also enjoy efficient video calls and upload large files quickly without any noticeable delays. The M250 package is great for online gaming and works well with multiple devices at the same time.

Enhanced Upload Speeds (Correct as of 28/10/2024)

Virgin Media updated its speed from M200 to M250. This change gives an upload speed of about 26.03 Mbps in the evening from 8 pm to 10 pm and 26.12 Mbps over the entire day. Ofcom's national tests show that this new upload speed is better than the average from major UK ISPs. It helps with tasks that need a lot of data, like using cloud storage, uploading files, and video calls for remote work. You might not notice the upload speed while browsing casually. But it will show its benefits when you work from home, back up files, or play games online. A steady upload speed is very important for these activities.

Reliability of Virgin Media M250 Fibre Broadband

Virgin Media’s M250 broadband connection gives an average download speed of 264 Mbps. This is a good amount of speed for streaming, online games, and everyday internet use on several devices. It is faster than many mid-tier packages. But, recent data from Ofcom shows there might be some reliability issues. Users should think about this when comparing it to other major UK providers like BT. Here are some key points for M250 compared to BT’s FTTP (Fibre to the Premises) 145 Mbps package:

Performance Metrics for Virgin Media M250 (Correct as of 28/10/2024)

Source – Ofcom

In national tests on network reliability, Virgin Media’s M250 showed some areas where users could see small performance differences. This is especially true for web page loading speeds and latency. For tasks like streaming TV shows or casual browsing, these differences are usually minor. However, they might impact activities that need less delay, such as competitive gaming or high-resolution video calls.

Additional Support and Reliability Measures

Virgin Media provides different options to make its network more reliable.

• WiFi Max Guarantee: Virgin offers a WiFi guarantee for a small extra fee. This ensures you get at least 30 Mbps in every room by using WiFi pods. This is really helpful for bigger homes.
• Engineer Visit: If you need help with installations or technical problems, Virgin Media can send an engineer. They will help improve your connection, especially in new network expansion areas.
• Customer Support: Virgin Media gives you access to online tools. You can also contact customer support by phone or online chat. They can help you fix connection problems or do a broadband speed test.

Comparing Reliability for Informed Decisions

Virgin Media’s M250 plan offers fast speeds and great Volt benefits for O2 customers. It works well in homes with many devices for browsing, streaming, and regular internet use. However, if you need very low lag or high speed during busy times, it is a good idea to compare the plan’s value with its service quality. You might also want to check other major UK ISPs like BT, which might provide lower lag on their full-fibre services.

Expanded Coverage and Service Benefits

Virgin Media is growing its network. This means that more places can now get Virgin Fibre broadband. This includes both new areas and those under existing Virgin Media deals. Along with fast broadband, Virgin offers Volt benefits. These are for customers who also use O2 mobile services. They can enjoy perks like more mobile data and a WiFi guarantee. Customers can also get WiFi pods to cover their whole home.

Installation and Customer Support

Virgin Media offers good service. They can send an engineer to help with installation or changes. They also provide remote support so customers can check their broadband speed with Virgin’s speed test. If you are near the end of your contract, Virgin suggests looking at new deals or re-contracting. This way, you can keep your costs down and prevent early disconnection fees.

Grab the cheapest Broadband & Phone Deals

Make savings up to 44% & keep the operational cost lower!!!

Compare Now

Our Expert Review: Virgin Media M250 Fibre Broadband

Price: (4.5/5)

Virgin Media’s M250 Fibre Broadband is a good deal at £28.99 a month. It is one of the best-priced ultrafast plans you can find. There is no setup fee, so you can get great speed without spending a lot. The monthly price is competitive. Although the cost can go up when you are out of contract, the starting price and regular Virgin Media deals make it a great choice. It is perfect for households that need fast and reliable broadband at a good price.

Speed: (4/5)

The M250 package gives you download speeds of 264 Mbps and upload speeds of 25 Mbps. This makes it perfect for HD and 4K streaming, online gaming, and quick downloads. The speed boost from Virgin's earlier plans provides enough bandwidth for busy households. You can connect several devices at the same time without slowing down, even when many people are online.

Reliability: (4/5)

M250’s connection comes from Virgin Media's strong network. It gives stable and reliable performance for most homes. Some measurements, like speed and how fast web pages load, might be a bit slower than some fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP) plans. Still, Virgin Media offers reliable service in areas that can use it. The M250 plan is great for gaming, streaming, and remote work. It provides steady performance for a range of broadband needs.

Router: (3.5/5)

Customers receive either the Hub 3 or Hub 4 router, which both use WiFi 5 technology with dual-band support (2.4GHz and 5GHz). The Hub 4 has extra features, like additional antennas, which improve coverage, especially in larger homes. However, as neither router supports WiFi 6, users with high device demands may consider upgrading or opting for Virgin’s WiFi Max guarantee. Intelligent WiFi features further optimise the connection, making it suitable for day-to-day streaming, gaming, and browsing across several devices.

FAQs About Virgin Media M250 Fibre Broadband