Quick Answer
Virgin Media is the winner for broadband speed, offering widely available gigabit connections that are often faster than Sky’s Openreach-based service. Sky is the winner for TV entertainment, with Sky Stream and Sky Glass offering a superior viewing experience.
Choose Virgin Media if: Internet speed is your priority (gamers, large families). Choose Sky if: You want the best TV package (Sky Sports, Atlantic) and decent fiber speeds.
| Feature | Virgin Media | Sky Broadband |
|---|---|---|
| Network | Private Cable (HFC) | Openreach (FTTC/FTTP) |
| Max Speed | 1.13 Gbps | 900 Mbps |
| TV Platform | Virgin TV 360 | Sky Stream / Glass |
| Setup | Engineer usually required | often Self-Install |
| Mobile | O2 (Volt benefits) | Sky Mobile (O2 network) |
Speed & Performance
Virgin Media
Virgin operates its own network, separate from the Openreach infrastructure used by most UK ISPs.
- Gig1: Widely available 1.1 Gbps download speeds.
- Technology: Mostly DOCSIS 3.1 cable, moving to full fiber (Project Mustang).
- Uploads: Asymmetric (e.g., 50 Mbps upload on 500 Mbps plan).
Sky Broadband
Sky relies on Openreach.
- Superfast (FTTC): ~61 Mbps. Available to 96% of UK homes.
- Ultrafast (FTTP): Up to 900 Mbps (Gigafast). Availability depends on Openreach fiber rollout.
- Reliability: Generally very stable, but max speeds are lower than Virgin in non-fiber areas.
TV Packages: The Main Event
Sky is arguably the UK’s premium TV provider.
- Sky Atlantic: Exclusive home of HBO shows (House of the Dragon, etc.).
- Sky Sports: The most comprehensive sports coverage.
- Hardware: Sky Glass (TV with built-in Sky) and Sky Stream (puck) require no satellite dish.
Virgin Media offers excellent TV bundles too.
- Virgin TV 360: A powerful set-top box with voice control and profiles.
- Content: Includes Sky Sports and Cinema in premium bundles.
- Reliability: TV signal comes via cable, not satellite or pure internet (though Stream is internet-based).
Pricing
Virgin Media often has aggressive new customer deals but high out-of-contract prices. Negotiating at the end of your contract is essential.
Sky pricing is competitive, especially when bundling TV. Sky Broadband alone can be slightly more expensive than budget ISPs for the speed you get.
Verdict
If your home can get Virgin Media, it is usually the faster option for internet. The Volt bundles (combining Virgin broadband + O2 mobile) offer great value, boosting your speed to the next tier for free.
If you prioritize entertainment, Sky offers a more seamless TV experience. For millions of households, Sky’s “Superfast” 61 Mbps is sufficient, making the superior TV platform the deciding factor.