Quick Answer
Virgin Media is the clear winner for raw speed availability. Their gigabit network covers over 55% of the UK, meaning you are much more likely to get 1 Gbps speeds with Virgin today. BT is the better choice for reliability and coverage in rural areas, and their Full Fibre (FTTP) is excellent where available, but its gigabit footprint is smaller (though growing fast).
Choose Virgin Media if: You want the fastest possible speeds (1.1 Gbps) right now. Choose BT if: You want a stable connection with widely available FTTC/FTTP options, or bundle with EE.
| Feature | Virgin Media | BT |
|---|---|---|
| Network | Private Cable (HFC/FTTP) | Openreach (FTTC/FTTP) |
| Max Speed | 1.13 Gbps (Gig1) | 900 Mbps (Full Fibre) |
| Avg Speed | ~132 Mbps (Entry plan) | ~36-50 Mbps (Entry plan) |
| TV Bundle | Virgin TV 360 | EE TV (formerly BT TV) |
| Customer Service | Average | Above Average |
Speed Comparison
Virgin Media: The Speed King
Virgin Media operates its own network using DOCSIS 3.1 cable technology.
- Speeds: Start at 132 Mbps and go up to 1,130 Mbps.
- Availability: Unlike Openreach providers, Virgin’s entry-level speed is often faster than BT’s mid-tier speed.
- Uploads: Asymmetric. Gig1 offers ~50-100 Mbps upload.
BT: The National Standard
BT uses the Openreach network.
- Full Fibre (FTTP): Where available, offers speeds up to 900 Mbps. Uploads are solid (110 Mbps on 900 plan).
- Fibre (FTTC): In most homes, BT relies on “Fibre to the Cabinet,” topping out at ~67-74 Mbps.
- Reliability: BT’s “Unbreakable Wi-Fi” (hybrid 4G backup) is a strong selling point for stability.
Pricing & Packages
Virgin Media Plans
Virgin often requires negotiation after the contract ends.
| Plan | Speed | Typical Price |
|---|---|---|
| M125 | 132 Mbps | £26/mo |
| M250 | 264 Mbps | £32/mo |
| M500 | 516 Mbps | £44/mo |
| Gig1 | 1130 Mbps | £45/mo |
BT Broadband Plans
Pricing is generally premium, reflecting the brand trust.
| Plan | Speed | Typical Price |
|---|---|---|
| Fibre 1 | 50 Mbps | £30/mo |
| Fibre 2 | 67 Mbps | £34/mo |
| Full Fibre 100 | 150 Mbps | £36/mo |
| Full Fibre 900 | 900 Mbps | £55/mo |
Note: Prices fluctuate with inflation (CPI+3.9% is common in UK contracts).
TV & Mobile Bundles
Virgin Media (Volt):
- Bundles with O2 mobile SIMs.
- “Volt” benefits double your broadband speed and mobile data if you have both.
- Virgin TV 360 offers a traditional cable TV experience with premium channels (Sky Sports, Cinema) in 4K.
BT (EE):
- Bundles with EE mobile (UK’s best mobile network).
- EE TV (via Apple TV box) is flexible, relying on streaming apps like NOW TV for Sky content.
Verdict
Virgin Media remains the default choice for speed freaks. If you can get it, the price-per-Mbps is unbeatable, and M125 is a fantastic starting point compared to BT’s Fibre 1.
BT is the safe, steady choice. If Virgin isn’t on your street, BT Full Fibre is a top-tier alternative. Even on slower FTTC connections, BT’s reliability and Complete Wi-Fi guarantee make it ideal for families who value uptime over raw throughput.