Virgin Media M250 Fibre Broadband is a mid-tier broadband package. It offers an average download speed of 264 Mbps, which is sufficient for HD streaming, online gaming, and handling several devices simultaneously.
While M250 is faster than M125, it is more affordable than some higher-end packages such as M350 or M500. You might also consider similar plans from BT, Sky, or other full-fibre options. Yet, M250 often proves to be a great choice, especially in areas where Virgin Media’s network is available.
Quick Overview
- Average Download Speed: 264 Mbps
- Average Upload Speed: 25 Mbps
- Monthly Price Range for New Customers: From around £27 to £28.99
- Contract Length: 24 months
- Setup Fee: Often free for new customers
- Best For: Busy homes with multiple devices, gamers, and heavy streamers
- Additional Bundle Options: TV, home phone, Volt packages with O2 SIM, and WiFi Max guarantee
What Is Virgin Media M250 Fibre Broadband?
Virgin Media’s M250 Fibre Broadband is a step up from M125 and a step down from M350 in Virgin’s lineup. It offers an average download speed of 264 Mbps and an average upload speed of 25 Mbps. These speeds are great for doing lots of things online at the same time.
Originally, this plan was called M200 and had a speed of 213 Mbps. Virgin Media later increased this to 264 Mbps. This boost means that families can watch 4K videos, play online games, and have video calls without too much trouble.
Unlike many providers that use the Openreach network, Virgin Media has its own cable network. This often means faster and more reliable internet, especially in busy areas. But, not all places in the UK can get Virgin Media, so you have to check if it’s available where you live.
M250 is a great option for larger households that need a faster speed than M125. But it’s also less expensive than the higher speeds offered by M350, M500, or Gig1. M250’s price is often good, especially when Virgin runs promotions that include no setup fees.
Pricing and Plan Details
Monthly Costs
Virgin Media M250 plan usually costs £27 or £28.99 per month for new customers. You can get a discount during Black Friday, depending on the promotional deals available. Special offers often include free setup
Contract Length
The standard contract is 18 months. After that, the monthly price can jump to a higher out-of-contract rate (somewhere around £50 to £60 per month). You can switch to a better deal and save money.
Setup Fees
Promotional offers often waive the setup fee for new customers. However, Virgin Media might charge a fee between £30 and £35. Be sure to check the final costs before signing up.
Quick view of Virgin Media M250 Fibre Broadband
Broadband + TV bundles
Compare the available packages in your postcode and address.
Check your postcodeAnnual Price Increases
Many broadband providers raise prices each April. Virgin Media typically uses the Retail Price Index (RPI) rate plus 3.9%. The first increase might affect you the year after you sign up, unless there’s a price-freeze deal stated in the contract.
Potential Hidden Costs
- After the 18-month term, costs can spike.
- Adding a phone line may raise the price, unless it’s part of Volt or a bundle offer.
- If you want the WiFi Max guarantee, you might pay an extra monthly fee if you’re not on a Volt plan.
Key Features of M250
Speed Upgrades
Virgin Media boosted M250’s speed from an average of 213 Mbps to 264 Mbps. This happened around November 2022. The upgrade also raised upload speeds from 20 Mbps to 25 Mbps. Existing customers on M200 broadband were migrated to M250 without extra charges.
Wider Availability (but Not Everywhere)
Virgin Media’s network covers more than half of UK households. It continues to expand. If you live in an area where Virgin is not yet available, you might have to opt for other full fibre packages from BT or other providers.
Reliability
Virgin Media boasts that its service has a reliability rate of around 99.85% to 99.89%, suggesting minimal downtime across the network. However, real-world experiences can vary, and some areas might experience slowdowns during peak times. Independent research by Ofcom has shown that Virgin delivers, or even exceed, its advertised speeds.
No Phone Line Needed
Virgin Media cable broadband does not require a phone line, meaning there is no need to pay for line rental. If a landline and calls are needed, you can add them as part of a bundle. M250 broadband and phone bundles include options for weekend calls or anytime calls.
Flexible Bundling
M250 is available as a standalone option, or you can bundle it with TV channels, phone lines, or even mobile SIM cards. The Volt option includes broadband combined with an O2 SIM and various extras. Although this increases the price, it also provides more perks.
Bundles and Extras
Volt with O2
Volt packages include both Virgin Media and O2 services. It can include:
- A 6GB O2 SIM plan with unlimited minutes
- Priority from O2, which offers exclusive perks and experiences
- A home phone option (e.g., weekend or anytime chatter)
- WiFi Max guarantee at no extra cost
Volt usually costs around £3 more per month compared to broadband alone. Volt offers excellent value because it combines mobile data, phone line calls, and WiFi coverage guarantees. However, it might be unnecessary if you only need broadband.
Virgin TV Bundles
You can add Virgin TV to your M250 broadband. This gives you access to a basic set of channels or larger bundles that include Sky Cinema or Sky Sports. Virgin offers two primary TV options.
- Virgin TV 360: A modern set-top box, more traditional in design.
- Virgin Stream (Flex): A small box that streams channels and apps without a long-term TV subscription.
For many, these bundles offer the convenience of managing broadband, phone, and TV in one place. However, each bundle increases the monthly price and is only a better option if you frequently watch many channels, or you might prefer using streaming services like Netflix or Amazon Prime instead.
Home Phone
You can take M250 with or without a home phone line. If you don’t make calls, opting for broadband-only is a better and cheaper option. If you prefer a landline, you can pick:
- Weekend chatter (inclusive weekend calls to UK landlines)
- Anytime calls (24/7 calls to landlines, sometimes with extras for mobiles)
Bolt-ons are available for international calls or for calling mobile numbers without extra per-minute fees.
WiFi Max Guarantee
WiFi Max guarantees at least 30 Mbps in every room. It includes up to three WiFi Pods (mesh boosters) that you can place around your home. Volt customers receive this as part of their package. Non-Volt customers will need to pay around £8 a month for the same coverage guarantee. If the guarantee fails to deliver the promised speed, you can claim a credit on your bill.
Comparisons with Other Virgin Media Packages
M125
- Average download speed: 132 Mbps
- Average upload speed: 20 Mbps
- Price: Usually cheaper than M250 by a few pounds
M125 is great for smaller households or light users. However, many feel that the small cost difference between M125 and M250 is worth paying, as M250 doubles the download speed and improves upload speeds. If you have more than five devices, or perform bandwidth-intensive tasks like 4K streaming, M250 is the better choice.
M350
- Average download speed: 362 Mbps
- Average upload speed: 36 Mbps
- Price: Sometimes around £1 cheaper than M250 during promotions
Sometimes, M350 can be cheaper than M250. If M350 is available at a lower or equal cost, it may be a better deal, offering a significant increase in download speed and higher upload speeds.
M500, Gig1, and Gig2
- M500: 516 Mbps downloads, 36 Mbps uploads
- Gig1: 1,130 Mbps downloads, 52 Mbps uploads
- Gig2: 2 Gbps download, up to 2 Gbps upload in select areas
These packages are perfect for heavy users. They’re great for big families, advanced gaming, streaming 4K in multiple rooms, and transferring very large files. However, they usually cost more. Gig2, for instance, has very limited coverage. Most households probably don’t need such high speeds, but they might be just right for some power users.
Comparisons with Competitors
BT and Sky
BT and Sky often rely on the Openreach network. They provide full fibre in some regions, offering speeds up to 900 Mbps or more. In other places, they might only offer standard fibre up to 80 Mbps. If you live in an area where full fibre from BT or Sky is available, you can compare speeds and prices directly. Some BT deals at around 300 Mbps might cost slightly more than M250. Others might be cheaper depending on promotions.
Plusnet and NOW Broadband
Plusnet and NOW Broadband are popular for their affordable fibre options. Their top packages can reach speeds of around 300 Mbps. They also offer mid-tier options with speeds of 60–66 Mbps or 150 Mbps. If you’re looking for entry-level plans, you might find some cheaper deals. However, if you opt faster packages in the 250–300 Mbps range, you might have to pay a bit more, but the deals are still affordable.
Hyperoptic, Community Fibre, and Other Alt-Nets
Smaller ISPs like Hyperoptic or Community Fibre provide symmetrical gigabit speeds in select urban locations. They often have lower latency and very fast upload speeds. Prices can be competitive. However, availability is limited to certain buildings or streets. If you can get an alt-net that offers symmetrical speeds near 500–1000 Mbps at a similar price, it might be worth considering.
Rebel Internet and Other Full Fibre Providers
A few other providers offer speeds around 300 Mbps or 250 Mbps, costing anywhere from £30 to £45 per month. Virgin’s M250 might be cheaper than those. But it’s always worth comparing. Some providers stand out for better customer service or more flexible contracts.
Routers and WiFi Coverage
Hub 3 vs. Hub 4
Virgin Media offers either a Hub 3 or Hub 4 router with M250. Both have:
- Dual-band WiFi (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz)
- Up to four Gigabit Ethernet ports
- WPA2 security
The Hub 4 is more advanced router. It can handle more simultaneous connections and might have better performance in bigger homes. However, some M250 customers still receive the older Hub 3. If you need better WiFi coverage, consider:
- Using your own third-party router in modem mode
- Requesting the WiFi Max service with Pods
WiFi Max Guarantee
If your home has WiFi not-spots, WiFi Max can help. It includes pods (mesh boosters) that improve signal coverage in rooms far from the router. Volt customers get this feature at no extra monthly cost. Others can pay around £8 per month on a rolling basis. If Virgin fails to deliver the guaranteed 30 Mbps in every room, they would offer a £100 credit or attempt to fix the coverage.
The Virgin Media Connect App
This app allows customers to:
- Scan rooms for WiFi strength
- Pause WiFi to specific devices
- Troubleshoot connection issues
- Access Virgin Media WiFi hotspots if traveling
It can be helpful, especially for families who want to manage screen time or check if they need a booster.
Pros and Cons of Virgin Media M250
Pros
- Fast Average Speeds: 264 Mbps is enough for most households with multiple devices.
- Competitive Pricing: At times, M250 is cheaper than slower packages from other providers.
- No Phone Line Needed: You can opt for broadband-only deals if you want to avoid line rental.
- Good Bundling Options: Volt offers SIM data, weekend chatter, and WiFi Max. TV bundles can include many channels.
- Decent Reliability: Virgin’s cable network often matches or exceeds its advertised speeds.
Cons
- Availability Limitations: Virgin Media still does not cover the entire UK.
- Price Rises After Contract: Out-of-contract costs can jump to around £60 per month.
- Variable Customer Service: Many complain about long wait times and inconsistent support experiences.
- Not Always the Newest Router: Some M250 subscribers get the older Hub 3 instead of the Hub 4.
- Promotional Price Fluctuations: Sometimes M350 or other packages may be cheaper. Always compare current deals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is M250 Fast Enough for 4K Streaming?
Yes. It offers 264 Mbps on average. That is well above the minimum for 4K streaming on multiple devices. Families can stream simultaneously in high definition without issues.
How Many Devices Can M250 Support?
Virgin Media often says it can support around 10 to 12 devices. In practice, it can handle more, but performance varies if many devices stream or download large files at once.
Can I Upgrade from M250 to M350 Later?
Yes. Virgin Media sometimes allows mid-contract upgrades, though you may need to renew or extend your contract. Check the terms for any fees or changes in monthly price.
What If My Speeds Are Below the Minimum Guaranteed?
Virgin Media is part of Ofcom’s Code of Practice. You can contact them if your speeds drop below the guaranteed level (132 Mbps minimum for M250) for several consecutive days. If the problem persists, you can exit the contract without penalty.
Do I Need the WiFi Pods?
If your home has poor coverage in some rooms, the pods could help. If you already have a third-party mesh system or range extenders, you might not need WiFi Max.
Reliability and Real-World Speeds
Ofcom’s Findings
Independent tests suggest Virgin Media delivers or exceeds its advertised speeds. M250 measured closely to 264 Mbps in real-world conditions. That said, some areas can experience peak-time slowdowns from 8 pm to 10 pm.
Personal Factors
Home layout, router placement, and how many devices are online can impact speeds. If you share walls with neighbors using the same network hub, congestion can occur. Using Ethernet cables for gaming PCs or streaming boxes can improve stability.
Minimum Guaranteed Speeds
Virgin’s guaranteed minimum for M250 is around 132 Mbps. If you see speeds lower than that for three days in a row, contact support. They have 30 days to fix it. If they cannot, you can usually leave without penalty.
Contract Terms and Renewal Tips
Standard Contract
The standard contract is 18 months. Early termination fees may apply if you cancel before that period ends. Make sure you are aware of any fee structure.
Out-of-Contract Price
Once the 18-month term finishes, the monthly fee can jump to around £60. Many people renegotiate with Virgin or switch providers at that point to avoid a steep bill.
Annual Price Increases
Virgin often uses RPI + 3.9% from April each year. The exact rate can differ if there is a specific price-freeze promotion. Read the fine print before signing.
Negotiation
Broadband prices can be negotiable. If your contract is nearing its end, check other providers, then call Virgin Media’s retention department. They may offer a discount to keep you as a customer.
Customer Service
Common Complaints
Customers sometimes complain of long waiting times on phone lines. Chat support might not always be responsive. Billing issues, incorrect charges, or complicated cancellations also appear in user feedback.
Trustpilot Ratings
Virgin Media’s Trustpilot score is often low, around 1.6 out of 5. This kind of lower rating isn’t uncommon among big broadband providers, but it’s worth considering if customer support is important to you.
If you need help and assistance, you can try:
- The Virgin Media Community Forum
- Self-service fixes through the Virgin Connect app
- Scheduled callbacks during off-peak times
Is Virgin Media M250 a Good Choice?
Mid-Tier Balance
M250 is considered mid-tier in Virgin’s lineup. It offers a decent mix of speed and cost. It’s strong for HD and 4K streaming, gaming, and busy households.
Value for Money
It often competes well with packages around 100–300 Mbps from other providers. Sometimes M350 is cheaper, so you should always compare current deals. If M250 suits your usage but M350 has a better price, you might choose M350 instead.
Alternative Options
If symmetrical upload speed matters a lot, or if you need top-tier reliability, you might check full fibre providers like Hyperoptic or Community Fibre. For those who cannot get Virgin, BT or Sky’s faster FTTP plans could be better options.
Detailed Look at Speeds and Downloads
Typical usage
- 1080p HD film (about 5 GB): Could download in about three minutes on M250.
- 4K UHD film (about 20 GB): Might download in 12 to 15 minutes.
- 50 GB game file: Under 30 minutes, depending on network load.
These times assume ideal conditions. WiFi interference or network congestion can slow them down.
Upload speed
- Backing up photos or videos: 25 Mbps upload is reasonable, but not as quick as symmetrical full fibre.
- Live streaming gameplay: If you stream on Twitch, you might want more upload speed. However, 25 Mbps can still work well for many users.
Latency
Virgin’s cable network latency is generally stable. It might be slightly higher than pure FTTP lines. But it’s often better than older copper-based broadband. For gaming, stable latency is vital, and Virgin can hold up well in many areas.
Hub 3 Specifications
- WiFi 5 (802.11ac)
- Dual-band technology
- Up to four Gigabit Ethernet ports
- Good for normal household use
- Slightly improved WiFi 5 performance
- Designed to handle higher speed packages more efficiently
- Still has four Gigabit Ethernet ports
- Better for heavier usage or large homes
Some customers prefer using their own router for advanced features or better coverage. You can enable “modem mode” on the Hub and connect a third-party router. This can help if you have specific WiFi needs or want to customize network settings.
Conclusion
Virgin Media M250 Fibre Broadband offers a solid combination of speed, cost, and reliability. It delivers average download speeds of 264 Mbps, making it suitable for families, gamers, and those who stream 4K content. Its upload speed of 25 Mbps helps with video calls, online gaming, and quicker file sharing.
Pros of choosing M250 include the superior Virgin Media cable network, no setup fees, and flexible bundling options with Volt or TV services. The main downsides revolve around limited availability, significant post-contract price hikes, and the ISP’s sometimes frustrating customer service.
If the speed and price of M250 fit your needs compared to M125 or M350, it can be a reliable option. If you need faster download and upload speeds, then M350, M500, or even Gig1 might be a better choice. If symmetrical speeds are a priority, an alternative full-fibre provider could be your best bet.
When it comes to other providers’ services, M250 often stands out for its relatively high download speed. Some providers might offer slower packages for around the same price, making M250 a better value for money.
Overall, M250 is a robust mid-tier broadband choice. It helps you handle daily internet tasks, gaming, and high-definition streaming without breaking the bank. It is a great option for speed and affordability, making it popular for medium and large households