Virgin Media M350 Fibre Broadband

November 7th, 2024
Virgin Media M350 Fibre Broadband

What is Virgin Media M350 Fibre Broadband?

virgin media m350 fibre broadband is a flexible internet plan that works well for homes with multiple users. It offers fast download speeds of 362 Mbps and upload speeds of 36 Mbps. This makes M350 a great option for families or shared spaces. Many people can stream videos, play games online, and make video calls without any issues. This package is also good for 4K streaming on several devices, gaming, and quick file uploads. It is a smart choice for those who need a lot of internet speed.

The M350 package uses Virgin Media’s own network. This is not the same as the Openreach network that many UK providers use. Since Virgin Media has its own system, it can manage speed and reliability more effectively, even during busy times. The M350 package benefits from Virgin’s solid infrastructure. It offers stable speeds in places with Virgin Fibre. This leads to fewer slowdowns than on shared networks.

M350 lets users combine services. You can mix broadband, Virgin TV, and home phone. This gives you more ways to enjoy entertainment and stay connected. For improved WiFi at home, Virgin has a WiFi Max guarantee. It provides at least 30 Mbps in every room for a small monthly fee. This feature comes with WiFi pods that help spread the coverage. They keep speeds steady in larger or multi-story homes.

Key Features of Virgin Media M350

  • Feature: Details
  • Monthly Price: £27.99 (special offer)
  • Setup Fee: Free (usually £35)
  • Contract Term: 18 months
  • Out-of-Contract Price: £66 per month
  • Annual Price Increase: RPI + 3.9% each April from 2025
  • Download Speed: 362 Mbps
  • Upload Speed: 36 Mbps
  • Data Limit: Unlimited
  • Router: Hub 3 or Hub 4
  • WiFi Guarantee: 30 Mbps per room, £8/month add-on
  • TV Options: Virgin TV 360, Flex TV
  • Volt Benefits: WiFi Max, 6GB O2 SIM, weekend calls

Correct as of 28/10/2024

Benefits and Drawbacks of Virgin Media M350

Benefits:

  • Ultrafast Speeds: The M350 lets you download at 362 Mbps. This speed is great for enjoying HD and 4K streaming. You can also game online and browse on several devices at the same time.
  • Great Value with Volt: The Volt bundle comes with extra features. It includes a WiFi Max guarantee, a 6GB O2 SIM for mobile data, and a home phone line. This makes it a smart choice for anyone looking for a flexible package.
  • Affordable Pricing: The M350 package has a price that competes well with other broadband services. It is a good option for anyone wanting speeds over 350 Mbps without choosing the highest-priced plan.

Drawbacks:

  • Router Options: virgin offers two routers. You can select the Hub 3 or the Hub 4. The Hub 4 provides a stronger range and connection.
  • Price After Contract: When your contract finishes, the monthly price increases to £66. It’s smart to renew your contract to maintain a lower rate.
  • Consider Other Packages: The M500 package can be priced close to the Hub options. It's wise to compare both packages to find the best deal.

James Ford Broadband Deals Reviewed by James Ford, TV and Broadband Expert

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

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
£24.00per month

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
£29.00per month

M350 Fibre Broadband

  • New customers only
  • Exclusive perks from O2 priority
362Mb average* speed
Unlimited Downloads
£0.00 Setup costs
18 Month contract
Pay as you goCalls
£34.50per month

Virgin Media M350 vs. M500: Speed Comparison

Virgin Media offers two Fibre Broadband packages: M350 and M500. These packages are designed for homes that use a lot of internet. They differ in their upload and download speeds. This means they can serve different needs.

Package Average Download Speed Average Upload Speed Ideal For
M350 362 Mbps 36 Mbps Large households needing ultrafast speeds for streaming, gaming, and video calls
M500 516 Mbps 52 Mbps Very large households or heavy users who want faster speeds for 4K streaming, extensive cloud storage, and online gaming
  • M350 Speeds: The M350 provides download speeds of 362 Mbps and upload speeds of 36 Mbps. This makes it a smart pick for families and shared homes. It can easily support several streaming activities, HD and 4K video, online gaming, and more at the same time.
  • M500 Speeds: The M500 is even faster, offering download speeds of 516 Mbps and upload speeds of 52 Mbps. It works really well for more devices without losing quality. It's perfect for larger homes where people often download large files or stream in 4K.

Both packages are fast. But the M500 package is noticeably faster. This is great for homes that require more internet speed. It also offers quicker upload speeds. This helps a lot with cloud storage and working from home.

Who Is Virgin Media M350 Best Suited For?

The M350 Fibre Broadband package is designed for homes with many people who need fast and reliable internet at the same time. It provides download speeds of 362 Mbps. This plan is a good fit for:

  • Large Households: The M350 can easily support several people using it at the same time. They can stream, game, and have video calls with no slowdowns at all.
  • Gamers: This plan works great for gaming on different devices in HD and 4K. It is ideal for heavy online games and fast downloads.
  • Remote Workers: Those who work from home will appreciate the steady connection speed. The 36 Mbps upload speed is perfect for video calls and sending big files.
  • Heavy Internet Users: The ultrafast broadband speed of the M350 plan is perfect for users who need a reliable connection. This suits those who transfer large files, stream, and use the internet often.

What Does Virgin Media M350 Broadband Offer?

The Virgin Media M350 broadband package is a smart choice. It is low-priced and gives fast speeds for a mid-level plan. With speeds of 362 Mbps, you can download large files easily. You can also stream on many devices. This plan provides a dependable full fibre-like experience in your home.

Virgin Media has a special cable network. It is separate from the Openreach network. This makes their coverage areas unique. Their system is designed to provide fast internet speeds.

Pricing Options:

  • Broadband-only: £27.99 each month for new customers. This is a special offer.
  • M350 Volt: £37.99 a month. This plan has extra Volt benefits. You will receive a 6GB O2 mobile SIM, a WiFi Max guarantee, and weekend calls.

Virgin Media M350 Broadband Offer

Does Virgin Media M350 Come with TV Bundles?

Yes, you can combine the Virgin Media M350 Fibre Broadband package with Virgin TV services. This provides a full solution for your internet and entertainment needs. These bundles are flexible. You will have access to many TV channels, premium content, and on-demand services. This makes the M350 a great choice if you want fast broadband and plenty of TV options. Here’s what you can get:

1. TV 360 Bundle

The TV 360 package gives you a complete entertainment experience. It has over 190 channels. You can enjoy popular networks and premium options like Sky Sports, Sky Cinema, and Discovery channels. There is also the Bigger Bundle that comes with M350 broadband and TV for only £12 more each month. This is a great way to get fast internet and a lot of TV content all in one.

Key features of TV 360:

  • 190+ Channels: You get channels for sports, movies, documentaries, and entertainment. You can also add more premium content if you want.
  • 4K Ultra HD Compatibility: Enjoy some channels in amazing 4K resolution. This is perfect for fans of sports and movies.
  • Voice Control Remote: You can use the remote to search for shows, change channels, and pause live TV just by using your voice.
  • Record Multiple Shows: You can record up to six shows at once. This way, everyone at home can save their favourite shows easily.

The TV 360 bundle works great with M350 broadband. It provides a smooth experience for using the internet and streaming TV. Families can watch HD and 4K content without any buffering or delays.

2. Flex TV

Flex TV is a good option for those who want flexibility. It has a low month-to-month plan starting at just £5 per month. With Flex TV, you can add or take away premium channels whenever you feel like it. This is great for people who want to control their entertainment without a long-term commitment.

Highlights of Flex TV:

  • Monthly Flexibility: You can change your channels every month. You can add or remove sports or movie packages. There are no contracts keeping you tied down.
  • Stream Your Subscriptions: Flex TV lets you handle your subscriptions easily. You can watch Netflix, Disney+, and more right on the Virgin set-top box.
  • Cost-Effective: Flex TV offers basic channels at a lower price. You can choose extra add-ons for premium content, like Sky Cinema and BT Sport, every month without any trouble.

Router Options and WiFi Coverage with Virgin Media M350

The Virgin Media M350 package includes either the Hub 3 or the Hub 4 router. These routers work with WiFi 5, which uses two frequency bands: 2.4GHz and 5GHz. They provide strong and secure connections for most homes that are medium to large size. Each router has four Ethernet ports that deliver speeds of 1 Gbps. This is great for connecting directly to gaming consoles, smart TVs, and devices used in home offices.

Hub 3 and Hub 4 Router Specifications

Feature Hub 3 Hub 4
WiFi Standard WiFi 5 (802.11ac) WiFi 5 (802.11ac)
Frequency Bands Dual-band (2.4GHz and 5GHz) Dual-band (2.4GHz and 5GHz)
Antenna Setup 5 internal antennas 7 internal antennas
Ethernet Ports 4 x 1 Gbps 4 x 1 Gbps
Supported Devices Up to 20 devices Up to 30 devices
Channel Selection Smart channel selection Smart channel selection
Mesh Compatibility Supports mesh with WiFi Max Supports mesh with WiFi Max
Optimisation Features Band steering, airtime fairness Band steering, airtime fairness

The Hub 4 has a better setup. It has more antennas for wider coverage in larger areas. This is good for homes with lots of connected devices. Both routers can use mesh technology. This helps provide steady connections in different rooms and on different floors. It's ideal for big households that use many devices.

These routers give good coverage. However, the Hub 3 and Hub 4 do not support WiFi 6. WiFi 6 is the latest standard. It can help people with devices that need faster speeds and more bandwidth. This includes advanced smart home setups and new mobile phones. WiFi 6 works better when several devices are connected at the same time. But for most homes, the current WiFi 5 in these routers provides reliable and fast speeds. It meets everyday needs well.

Virgin Media offers a WiFi Max guarantee for £8 per month. This service includes WiFi pods that increase your signal strength. With this, you will have at least 30 Mbps in every room. It also helps get rid of weak spots and provides solid coverage in your home. This is very useful for larger or multi-story houses.

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Reliability and Customer Service

Virgin Media M350 offers strong broadband service. Ofcom data shows that its speeds usually exceed the advertised 362 Mbps. The average delay for the M350 is around 15 milliseconds. This is a little higher than some full-fibre services, but it still works well for video calls, online gaming, and everyday internet use without much lag. Virgin Media has its own cable network. This gives it an edge over providers using the shared Openreach network, especially during peak times.

Key Reliability Metrics:

  • Page Loading Speed: The M350 loads webpages in about 406 milliseconds. This is good for normal browsing. However, it is slower than some providers that use fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP) connections.
  • Daily Disconnections: On average, Virgin Media M350 has only 0.10 disconnections that last 30 seconds each day. This is about the same as the reliable service from other major UK ISPs.

Virgin Media’s Customer Service and Support Options

Virgin Media offers several ways for M350 users to get help. They can use online chat, call support, or use the Connect app. The Connect app is a useful tool. It allows customers to manage and fix their home network on their own. Here are some key features of the Connect app:

  • Broadband Speed Test: This app lets users check their broadband speed. They can see if their Virgin Media connection is giving them the internet speed they want.
  • WiFi Monitoring and Device Management: Users can find out all the devices connected to their network. This helps them control which devices use the internet and adjust settings for better performance.
  • Troubleshooting: The app gives easy steps to solve connection issues. This can reduce the need for help from tech support.
  • Access to Virgin Media WiFi Hotspots: Customers can connect to Virgin Media’s WiFi hotspots around the UK. This allows them to get internet access when they are away from home.

Additional Customer Support Benefits

  • Engineer Visit and QuickStart Kit: Virgin Media gives QuickStart kits for people who want to do their own installs. If you need help, you can book an engineer visit to ensure everything is set up right.
  • Billing Support and Social Tariffs: Virgin Media has billing support to help with bill credit and changes when the Retail Price Index (RPI) goes up. For those who get universal credit or other benefits, Virgin Media offers social tariffs. These tariffs provide affordable broadband choices for families with lower income.

The Virgin Media M350 Fibre Broadband package gives you a reliable internet service. It also comes with strong customer support. With the WiFi Max guarantee and the Hub 3 or Hub 4 routers, you get good coverage in your home. The Connect app and several customer service choices let you check and fix any connection issues easily. This full service and support approach ensures that M350 customers have a strong home broadband solution that meets different needs.

Virgin Media M350 Fibre Broadband Expert Review

Price: (4.5/5)

The Virgin Media M350 Fibre Broadband package is a great offer. New customers can grab it for only £27.99 a month right now. There is no setup fee, which helps save money for ultrafast broadband with reliable service. After the 18-month contract, the price rises to £66 a month. If you want to save some cash, it’s smart to renew your contract.

Speed: (4.5/5)

The M350 has an average download speed of 362 Mbps. Its upload speed is 36 Mbps. This makes it perfect for homes that have many users. With this speed, you can enjoy smooth 4K streaming, quick downloads, and gaming with low lag. You can do these activities on several devices at the same time. While the download speed and upload speed are not the same, the M350’s download speed is more than enough for streaming, gaming, and working with large files.

Reliability: (4/5)

The M350 Fibre Broadband gives you a strong and steady internet connection. Ofcom says Virgin Media usually provides speeds that are faster than they say. The latency is around 15 milliseconds, which is great for online gaming and video calls. With Virgin Media’s own network, you will have fewer slowdowns, even when many people are online at once.

Router: (3.5/5)

The M350 package comes with either the Hub 3 or Hub 4 router. Both routers support WiFi 5 and can connect on two bands, 2.4GHz and 5GHz. They work well for medium to large homes and cover a good area. These routers use mesh technology, which helps keep a strong connection in different rooms and floors. But, they do not support WiFi 6. This new standard would be great for homes that have the latest high-speed devices. You can choose the WiFi Max guarantee for better coverage. This option offers at least 30 Mbps speed in every room for an extra £8 each month. It is a good choice for bigger or multi-story homes.

M350 Expert Review

FAQs About Virgin Media M350 Fibre Broadband

How does Virgin Media M350 compare to other broadband packages?

The M350 is a plan that provides ultrafast speeds of 362 Mbps. It sits between the lower-cost M250 and the faster M500. This plan is great for homes that need stable speeds for streaming, gaming, and working from home. It offers good value without the higher prices of the top plans.

What devices work best with Virgin Media’s M350 Hub 3 and Hub 4 routers?

The Hub 3 and Hub 4 use WiFi 5 technology. It works well with many current devices such as smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles, and smart TVs. But, if you have devices that need WiFi 6, they may not reach their full speed. This is because neither of the routers supports the newer WiFi 6 standard.

Can Virgin Media M350 be installed without an engineer visit?

Virgin Media offers a QuickStart kit. This kit allows customers to set up the M350 package by themselves. If you prefer to have help, you can ask for an engineer visit. The engineer will make sure everything is set up right, especially if your home has a tricky layout.

Are there any mobile services included with the M350 Volt bundle?

The M350 Volt bundle includes a 6GB O2 SIM card. This card offers mobile data, calls, and texts as part of the plan. It is an easy way for people to have one plan for both broadband and mobile. This means you do not need separate contracts.

How can I monitor my broadband usage with Virgin Media M350?

The Virgin Media Connect app is designed for M350 users to manage their broadband connection. You can check which devices are online, run speed tests, and solve WiFi issues. The app also connects you to Virgin Media WiFi hotspots across the UK. This way, you can stay connected even when you are away from home.

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