Virgin Media offers some of the fastest broadband speeds in the UK – but how do its routers compare? Here’s everything you need to know, especially as Virgin Media has just confirmed a major free router upgrade for existing customers.
Thousands of Virgin Media broadband customers are set to receive a free upgrade to the company’s next-generation WiFi Hub 5, offering faster speeds, wider coverage and future-ready performance.
Virgin Media O2 has started a nationwide rollout that will see customers with older Hub 3 and Hub 4 routers upgraded to the WiFi Hub 5 at no extra cost.
The upgrade begins this autumn, with thousands of homes expected to benefit before the end of 2025 and a wider rollout planned for 2026.
The Hub 5 supports Wi-Fi 6 technology and uses seven internal antennas to deliver stronger, more stable coverage around the home – helping to cut lag, buffering and dropouts for streaming, gaming and video calls.
If you’re signing up to Virgin Media today, or waiting for your free upgrade, here’s what to expect from each router in the lineup. Remember, new customers reading this – you can skip the first two and go straight to the Virgin Media Hub 5.
Until now, the Hub 3 has been the standard router for Virgin’s M125–M500 broadband packages.
Key features:
Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) – Supports solid speeds for most households.
Dual-band – Switches between 2.4GHz and 5GHz for better stability.
4 gigabit ports – Great for wired connections and gaming.
App controls – Works with the Virgin Media Connect app to manage your network, share passwords via QR code, and pause devices at bedtime.
Smart scan – Automatically finds less congested Wi-Fi channels.
The Hub 3 has been a reliable workhorse, but it’s starting to show its age. Coverage can drop off in larger homes, and it lacks Wi-Fi 6 – meaning it can’t make the most of newer devices or faster broadband packages.
The good news? It’s being replaced by the Hub 5 at no extra cost, giving you a major upgrade without having to switch plans.
If you still have a Hub 4, it’s definitely time to upgrade. Originally launched for early Gig1 customers, it soon became clear that the Hub 4 couldn’t fully deliver on gigabit speeds or support Wi-Fi 6 devices.
While it’s still functional, Virgin Media has confirmed that Hub 4 users are included in the free Hub 5 rollout – so check your account or contact customer support if you haven’t been upgraded yet.
The Hub 5 is now Virgin Media’s flagship router, supplied with the Gig1 package and gradually being rolled out to more customers across the network.
Key features:
Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) – Faster, more efficient, and ideal for homes packed with smart devices.
7 antennas – Delivers wider, stronger coverage throughout the home.
1 × 2.5Gbps + 3 × 1Gbps ethernet ports – Take full advantage of Virgin’s Gig1 speeds.
Dual-band (2.4GHz & 5GHz) – For balanced performance across multiple devices.
WiFi Max guarantee – Free with Gig1 plans; promises 30Mbps in every room or £100 back, plus optional mesh Wi-Fi pods for tricky spots.
Smart app controls – Manage and test Wi-Fi strength, share access and pause devices easily.
The Hub 5 is a major step forward – it’s faster, smarter and perfect for households with lots of devices. Its Wi-Fi 6 capability means smoother streaming, gaming and video calls, even when everyone’s online at once.
The Hub 5x is Virgin Media’s most advanced router, used exclusively with its Gig2 broadband service. This runs on XGS-PON full fibre technology, delivering symmetrical upload and download speeds of up to 2Gbps.
Key upgrades:
Full fibre connection (not coaxial).
1 × 10Gbps ethernet port for ultra-fast wired speeds.
Wi-Fi 6 compatible with all the same smart features as the Hub 5.
The Hub 5x is only available in selected areas (around 1 million homes so far) but showcases what Virgin Media’s next-generation network will look like.
If you’re a Virgin Media customer with a Hub 3 or Hub 4, keep an eye out – your free Hub 5 upgrade could be on the way soon. Get in contact if you aren’t offered this within the next few weeks.
The new router offers faster speeds, stronger coverage and Wi-Fi 6 support, keeping your home connection ready for whatever comes next.
Like the sound of Virgin Media’s routers? Find the best Virgin Media broadband deal today
