Vodafone vs Virgin Media Broadband Deals

Choosing between Vodafone and Virgin Media broadband means looking at several things. You need to think about coverage, speed, price, and extra features. Vodafone offers good UK coverage using Openreach and CityFibre. This makes it great for people in rural areas who want to save money. On the other hand, Virgin Media is a better fit for city dwellers. They offer very fast speeds and big TV bundles.

Key Comparison: Vodafone vs Virgin Media Broadband

Broadband Speeds and Performance

Speed and performance matter a lot when picking broadband. Here’s how the two providers compare:

Virgin Media Broadband Speeds

• Download Speed Range: 132 Mbps to 2 Gbps (in some places with Gig2)
• Upload Speed: Up to 104 Mbps
• Network Technology: Coaxial cable and full fibre broadband

Vodafone Broadband Speeds

• Download Speed Range: 35 Mbps to 2.2 Gbps (Pro II Full Fibre)
• Upload Speeds: Up to 200 Mbps
• Network Technology: Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) and Fibre to the Cabinet (FTTC)

Broadband Speeds Verdict

• Winner: Virgin Media.
• It gives super-fast internet speeds that can go up to 2 Gbps.
• This makes it great for people who need a lot of internet.
• Vodafone’s Pro II also has similar speeds.
• However, it has better upload rates.

Coverage and Availability

Vodafone Coverage

• Network Reach: Openreach and CityFibre provide services to 95% of homes in the UK.
• Best For: This is great for people in rural areas and anyone wanting full fibre broadband.

Virgin Media Coverage

• Network Reach: 60% of homes in the UK are included, mainly in cities and nearby suburbs.
• Best For: People in urban areas looking for fast internet and full TV bundles.

Coverage Verdict

Winner: Vodafone. It has wider UK coverage. This makes it a better choice, especially in rural areas.

TV Bundles and Entertainment

Virgin Media TV

Virgin Media offers amazing TV bundles with over 210 channels. This list features channels like Sky Sports, TNT Sports, and Netflix. The Virgin TV 360 box allows you to record live TV and watch shows whenever you want.

Vodafone TV

Vodafone offers Apple TV 4K with its broadband packages. While it does not include Sky Sports or TNT Sports, it is a fantastic choice for those who enjoy streaming.

TV Packages Verdict

Winner: Virgin Media. Their large TV bundles have Sky Sports and Netflix. This makes them better than Vodafone’s Apple TV offer.

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Router Technology and Features

The quality of your broadband connection often depends on the router you get from your broadband provider. Virgin Media and Vodafone offer good routers. Still, they have different features and performance levels.

Virgin Media Hub

Hub 5

Virgin Media’s Hub 5 is a powerful router. It is included with the Gig1 Fibre Broadband packages. This router is great for homes with heavy internet use. It can support several devices at the same time.

• Wi-Fi Standard: This device has Wi-Fi 6 technology. It means you will have faster speeds and less lag. It works better with several devices at once.
• Mesh Network Support: It can create a mesh network. This will help eliminate Wi-Fi dead spots in large homes. A strong signal will be everywhere.
• Gigabit Ethernet Ports: There are four gigabit Ethernet ports. These ports provide steady, wired connections to devices such as gaming consoles, smart TVs, and desktops.
• Device Management: Users can control connected devices. You can set up parental controls and prioritise bandwidth for things like streaming or gaming.
• Advanced Security: This device offers better encryption. It helps keep your broadband experience safe.

Hub 3

The Hub 3 is the basic router from Virgin Media used for their lower broadband plans. It is not as advanced as the Hub 5. However, it is a good choice for smaller homes that need simple internet service.

• Wi-Fi Standard: This device has dual-band Wi-Fi. It can work with both 2.4GHz and 5GHz signals. This gives you more ways to connect.
• Good for Smaller Homes: It works well for basic internet use. Still, it does not have extra features like Wi-Fi 6 or mesh networking.

Vodafone Router

Vodafone offers several routers that work great with its broadband packages. These routers are reliable. However, they are not as advanced as the Virgin Media Hub 5.

Wi-Fi 6 Router

Vodafone’s Pro II Full Fibre plans include this router. This router is designed for quick and effective internet service.

• Wi-Fi Standard: The router uses Wi-Fi 6. It gives faster speeds and works well, especially when many devices are connected at home.
• Wi-Fi Boosters: Some plans from Vodafone include boosters. These help to cover bigger homes and improve the signal in hard-to-reach spots.
• Ethernet Ports: It has Gigabit Ethernet ports. These are perfect for connecting devices like desktops or gaming systems, providing a stable wired connection.
• Mobile App Integration: You can control the Vodafone router through its app. This lets you set parental controls, check usage, and solve any connection issues.

Standard Router

The router from Vodafone’s basic plans is fine for everyday use. But, it lacks the advanced features that Wi-Fi 6 routers have.

• Dual-Band Wi-Fi: It works with both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies. This is good for everyday internet use.
• Limited Advanced Features: This choice is perfect for small homes or people who need basic internet connections.

Router Comparison Table

Router Verdict

Winner: Virgin Media Hub 5

The Hub 5 is special because it has a lot of great features. It provides mesh networking, several Gigabit Ethernet ports, and strong device management tools. These features make it perfect for homes with many devices and high internet usage. While Vodafone’s Wi-Fi 6 router is nice, it lacks built-in mesh networking and has fewer Ethernet ports. This means it is not as flexible as the Hub 5.

Customer Service and Trustpilot Reviews

The quality of customer service matters a lot when picking a broadband provider. Virgin Media and Vodafone are two major names in the UK broadband market. But their customer satisfaction is very different. You can see this in the reviews on Trustpilot and the complaints data from Ofcom.

Virgin Media: Customer Service Insights

• Trustpilot Reviews: Virgin Media has 95,398 reviews on Trustpilot. It has a TrustScore of 1.4 out of 5, which is seen as “Bad.”
• Ofcom Complaints: Virgin Media receives 18 complaints for every 100,000 customers. This number is higher than the average for the industry.

Key Pain Points for Virgin Customers:

1. Your Contract and Ending It: Customers often feel upset about how difficult it is to cancel their broadband service. Many face hidden fees or surprise charges when their contract ends.
2. Extra Charges: Mistakes in billing and extra costs for equipment or early cancellation often annoy customers.
3. Wi-Fi Problems: A lot of people complain about Wi-Fi trouble and slow internet speed, especially during busy times.
4. Slow Customer Support: Virgin Media customers often wait a long time for help with their broadband service.
5. Good Value vs. Expectations: Even though Virgin Media offers good value with average speeds and bundled TV services, many feel the overall experience does not meet their expectations.

Vodafone: Customer Service Insights

• Trustpilot Reviews: Vodafone has 74,356 reviews and a TrustScore of 4.5 out of 5. This shows that it is rated as “Excellent.”
• Ofcom Complaints: Vodafone receives 16 complaints for every 100,000 customers. This number is a bit lower than the average in the industry.

Why Vodafone Stands Out for Mobile Customers:

1. Peace of Mind for New Customers: Vodafone has clear terms. This gives you fewer problems when you finish your contract.
2. Broadband Service and Mobile Network Integration: Many users enjoy Vodafone’s broadband service, especially the deals they offer on SIM and broadband packages.
3. Reliable ISP with Consistent Wi-Fi: Vodafone gets a lot of praise for its steady internet connection. Their Pro II Full Fibre plans offer high speed and reliability.
4. Support for Rural Postcodes: Vodafone uses Openreach and CityFibre to provide strong coverage. This means you can get excellent service even in tough-to-connect areas.
5. Good Value for Long-Term Subscriptions: New customers will see that Vodafone’s prices are good. They also offer deals like a free Apple TV 4K and discounts if you already have a mobile plan.

Customer Service Comparison Table

Correct as of 10 January 2025.

Customer Service Verdict

Winner: Vodafone

Vodafone is the best option for customer satisfaction. It receives fewer complaints and has a higher TrustScore. Their broadband service is excellent for mobile users who need reliable Wi-Fi and simple contracts. Vodafone also provides bundled services, such as SIM and broadband packages. In contrast, Virgin Media has problems with billing and service reliability. This can negatively affect the experience for people. Even though it offers fast internet and a solid TV service, these issues remain.

FAQs About Vodafone vs Virgin Media Broadband