Virgin Media M350 Fibre Broadband Review
Virgin Media is a major broadband provider in the UK, offering some of the fastest widely available internet speeds. The M350 Fibre Broadband package sits in the middle of its lineup, delivering speeds that far exceed the national average.
But how does it perform in the real world? In this review, we take a unbiased look at the M350 package, cutting through marketing claims to see how well it performs in everyday use. From speeds and reliability to customer service and hidden costs, we examine whether M350 is a good choice for households looking for high-performance broadband.
Latest Offer: Free setup. £25 bill credit. Ends 27th March
Key Features
Download & Upload Speeds
- Advertised download speed: 362Mbps
- Advertised upload speed: 36Mbps
- Real-world speeds may vary depending on location and time of day
Virgin Media M350 is an ultrafast broadband package which is around five times faster than the UK average, but as with any provider, actual performance can differ based on local network congestion and WiFi setup.
Broadband Type
- Reaches home via Virgin Media’s cable network (coaxial to home)
- Not yet full-fibre (FTTP), though upgrades are planned
- More stable than standard fibre-to-cabinet broadband
Virgin Media operates its own network which is capable of higher speeds than standard fibre-to-cabinet (FTTC) broadband however lacks reliability and latency when compared to full-fibre (FTTP) alternatives.
Router & WiFi Performance
- Comes with either Hub 3 or Hub 4 router
- Dual-band WiFi with a device limit of around 20 devices
- WiFi Max pods available for improved coverage (at an extra cost)
Most M350 customers usually receive Virgin Media’s Hub 3 router, an advanced old model. Some receive the Hub 4, which offers slightly better performance and improved range.
Contract & Pricing
- 18-month contract
- Introductory offers available
- Prices rise significantly post-contract
- Free setup with selected plans
Virgin Media frequently offers discounts for new customers, but its prices tend to increase sharply after the initial 18-month period.
Performance
Speed tests show that M350 often delivers speeds close to its advertised 362Mbps download speed on a wired connection. However, peak-time congestion can lead to noticeable slowdowns, particularly on WiFi.
- Wired connection (Ethernet): 350-370Mbps
- WiFi (good signal): 300-350Mbps
- WiFi (weak signal, far from router): 100-150Mbps
Latency & Ping
- 15-20ms ping (acceptable for gaming and video calls)
- Higher than full-fibre broadband but adequate for most users
- Fluctuations in response times during peak hours
For gamers and remote workers, low latency is an advantageous factor. While M350’s response times are sufficient for most applications, they lag behind full-fibre providers like BT in terms of consistent speeds.
Is M350 good for streaming and online gaming?
- 4K streaming (Netflix, YouTube, Disney+): You can watch them without buffering
- Online gaming (PS5, Xbox, PC): Generally smooth, occasional latency issues.
- Video calls (Zoom, Microsoft Teams): Stable, though quality can dip in peak times.
- Downloading large files: Very quick, with HD films downloading in minutes
Bandwidth for Multiple Devices
M350’s speeds are quite sufficient for large household with multiple high-usage devices. Tests reveal its capacity:
- 4K streaming on 4-5 devices simultaneously
- Online gaming without major disruptions
- Smart home devices such as cameras, speakers, and thermostats
M350 vs M250 vs M500
Compared to Virgin M125 (average speed of 132Mbps) and the M250 broadband (average download speed of 264Mbps) plans, Virgin Media 350 fibre optic broadband is a step up in speed.
M350 provides a significant speed boost compared to M250, with 362Mbps download speed versus 264Mbps. The upload speed difference is 36Mbps versus 25Mbps.
When comparing M350 to M500, the download speed jumps to 516Mbps, but the upload speed remains the same. M500 is recommended for very busy households or when M350 speed is not sufficient.
M350 Broadband Options
0 fibre broadband can be bundled with TV, home phone plans and an O2 SIM card, but opting for broadband only can save you money.
The Virgin TV 360 set-top box and Stream TV provide access to more than 250 channels.
M350 Broadband only
Virgin Media M350 broadband only plan does not provide landline service, you only have internet access. If you don’t need a home phone call for making regular calls, it’s a cheaper option that can help you save money.
M350 Broadband and Phone
M350 broadband and phone bundle includes Weekend Chatter. You can make unlimited weekend calls to the UK landline and mobile numbers of any network for no extra cost.
You can also upgrade to Anytime Chatter which includes unlimited calls to landlines and mobiles within the UK on weekends.
M350 Broadband, Phone and TV
Virgin Media Bigger Combo Bundle combines M350 Broadband and TV in one package. While this option includes Weekend Chatter (free weekend calls), you can also choose a package without landline.
Bigger bundle usually includes the Maxit TV package (190+ TV channels) and Virgin TV 360 set-top box. The package includes BT Sport in HD, while you can add Sky Sports and Sky Cinema plus Netflix for an extra cost.
If you’d prefer a lighter TV package with M350, Virgin Media Big Bundle is a great option , with 100+ TV channels, it’s also cheaper than the Bigger Combo Bundle.
Sky Cinema, Sky Sports, and Netflix can be added as extra features. Volt bundles include an O2 SIM with 10GB of data per month.
M350 Volt
Virgin Media offers Volt bundles which allow you to get O2 Mobile SIM with 10GB of data per month.
Whether this option (Volt) is worth the money or will save you money depends on your specific needs. However, if you find that a mobile plan with broadband is better than the other options available, go for it.
Virgin Media M350 vs. Competitors – Is It the Best Deal?
| Provider | Package | Download Speed | Upload Speed | Price (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virgin Media | M350 | 362Mbps | 36Mbps | £35.99/mo |
| BT | Full Fibre 300 | 300Mbps | 50Mbps | £32.99/mo |
| Sky | Ultrafast Plus | 500Mbps | 60Mbps | £34.99/mo |
| Vodafone | Gigafast 500 | 500Mbps | 63Mbps | £32.00/mo |
Virgin Media’s M350 is reasonably priced, but it does not always offer the best value. BT and Vodafone provide higher upload speeds, while Sky and Vodafone’s faster 500Mbps options are cheaper than M350.
Routers
Virgin Media WiFi Hub 3 vs. Hub 4
- Hub 3: Standard router, works well for most homes
- Hub 4: Improved performance for high-usage households
The Virgin Media Hub 3 router comes with Wi-Fi 5 technology and Intelligent WiFi. It comes with 802.11ac WiFi standard, Smart Channel Selection, 4 Gigabit ports, 5 antennas and excellent security settings. In addition, the Connect app allows you to manage and optimise your Wi-Fi.
The Virgin Media Hub 4 comes with WiFi 5 (802.11ac) dual-band technology, four Gigabit Ethernet ports for wired connections, and seven internal antennas for improved WiFi coverage. It supports Intelligent WiFi for better device management, DOCSIS 3.1 technology for faster speeds and lower latency, and is designed to handle more simultaneous connections compared to its predecessor, the Hub 3.
Differences:
| Feature | Hub 3 | Hub 4 |
|---|---|---|
| WiFi Standard | WiFi 5 (802.11ac) | WiFi 5 (802.11ac) |
| Antennas | 5 internal antennas | 7 internal antennas |
| Ethernet Ports | 4 x 1Gbps LAN ports | 4 x 1Gbps LAN ports |
| Technology | DOCSIS 3.0 (24 downstream & 8 upstream channels) | DOCSIS 3.1 (More efficient, lower latency) |
| Simultaneous Connections | Handles fewer devices efficiently | Supports more devices with better performance |
| WiFi Performance | Standard dual-band WiFi | Improved range and stability |
| Availability | Standard for M125, M250, and some M350 users | Primarily for M350, M500, and Gig1 users |
WiFi Max
WiFi Max is an optional add-on that guarantees a speed of 20Mbps in every room, with compensation if performance falls short. It offers up to three WiFi Pods to improve signal in not-spot areas in your home.
However, it requires an additional monthly fee unless included in certain Volt bundles.
How to Boost WiFi Coverage
- Place the router in a central, open location
- Avoid electronic interference from microwaves, thick walls, etc.
- Use Virgin’s WiFi Max Pods for extended coverage (extra cost)
Installation and Setup
Installation Process
- Self-install available
- Engineer visit required if home is not pre-wired
Customer Service Review
- Mixed customer feedback
- Longer wait times on phone support
- Live chat and online troubleshooting guides available
Is Virgin M350 the Right Choice for You?
Best for:
- Households with multiple users and smart devices
- Gamers and streamers requiring fast speeds
- Remote workers needing a stable connection
Who Might Need a Different Plan?
- Light users: M125 or M250 speeds may be sufficient
- Heavy users: M500 or Gig1 offers faster speeds
Final Verdict – Should You Buy Virgin Media M350?
M350 is a solid mid-tier broadband option, offering fast speeds and reasonable stability. However, it falls short on upload speeds compared to full-fibre competitors, and customer service issues remain a concern.
Pros:
- Fast download speeds (362Mbps).
- Suitable for large households and gaming.
- Wider availability than full-fibre competitors.
Cons:
- Slower upload speeds than some rivals.
- Price increases significantly after the contract ends.
- Customer support can be slow.
For those who prioritise fast download speeds and broad availability, M350 is a reliable choice. However, if upload speed, latency, or long-term pricing stability are key concerns, it may be worth exploring alternatives.
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