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
Feature
Vodafone
Virgin Media
Top Download Speed
Up to 2.2 Gbps (Pro II)
Up to 2 Gbps (Gig2 in select areas)
Top Upload Speed
Up to 200 Mbps
Up to 104 Mbps
Network Type
Openreach (FTTP/FTTC) and CityFibre
Own cable network
Router Technology
Wi-Fi 6 router, boosters with Pro II
Hub 5 with Wi-Fi 6 and mesh networking
TV Bundles
Apple TV 4K included in Pro II plans
Sky Sports, Netflix, Virgin Originals
Contract Length
24 months
18 months
Coverage
95% of UK homes
60% of UK homes (urban and suburban areas)
Trustpilot Rating
4.5 out of 5 (Excellent)
1.4 out of 5 (Bad)
Ofcom Complaints
16 per 100,000 users
18 per 100,000 users
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
Virgin Media Broadband Packages
Offer Ends31/07/2025
M125 Fibre Broadband
New customers only
Boosted Broadband Speeds and Double Mobile Data for O2 Customers
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.
Package
Features
Monthly Cost
Mix Bundle
100+ channels, TNT Sports
£33
Bigger Bundle
Sky Cinema, Netflix, Virgin Originals
£63
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.
Package
Features
Monthly Cost
Fibre + Apple TV
Includes Apple TV 4K and 75 Mbps speeds
£29
Pro II Full Fibre
2.2 Gbps speeds, Apple TV 4K
£55
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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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
Feature
Virgin Media Hub 5
Vodafone Wi-Fi 6 Router
Wi-Fi Standard
Wi-Fi 6
Wi-Fi 6
Mesh Network Support
Included
Boosters available
Ethernet Ports
4 Gigabit
2 Gigabit
Parental Controls
Yes
Yes
Device Management
Advanced options
App-based management
Best For
Large households
Medium to large households
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:
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.
Extra Charges: Mistakes in billing and extra costs for equipment or early cancellation
often annoy customers.
Wi-Fi Problems: A lot of people complain about Wi-Fi trouble and slow internet speed,
especially during busy times.
Slow Customer Support: Virgin Media customers often wait a long time for help with
their broadband service.
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:
Peace of Mind for New Customers: Vodafone has clear terms. This gives you fewer
problems when you finish your contract.
Broadband Service and Mobile Network Integration: Many users enjoy Vodafone’s broadband
service, especially the deals they offer on SIM and broadband packages.
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.
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.
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
Metric
Virgin Media
Vodafone
Trustpilot TrustScore
1.4 out of 5 (Bad)
4.5 out of 5 (Excellent)
Trustpilot Reviews
95,398 total reviews
74,356 total reviews
5-star Reviews
9%
63%
1-star Reviews
67%
34%
Ofcom Complaints
18 per 100,000 customers
16 per 100,000 customers
Key Issues
Billing disputes, extra charges,
Reliable Wi-Fi, good mobile bundles,
and inconsistent Wi-Fi performance
and strong rural coverage
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
Which provider offers better broadband speeds?
Virgin Media provides internet speeds of up to 2 Gbps. Vodafone’s Pro II Full Fibre is slightly
faster, reaching speeds of 2.2 Gbps.
Which provider is better for rural areas?
Vodafone has a large network called Openreach and CityFibre. This helps it give better service in
rural areas compared to Virgin Media.
Does Virgin Media offer better TV packages?
Yes, Virgin Media’s TV bundles include premium channels like Sky Sports. This is great for anyone
who loves entertainment. Which provider has better customer service?
Vodafone outperforms Virgin Media. It gets fewer complaints and has a better Trustpilot rating,
which is 4.5 out of 5.
Are Vodafone’s broadband packages more affordable?
Vodafone has prices starting at £24. Virgin Media, on the other hand, offers 18-month contracts
that are shorter. This lets you have more flexibility.
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