Virgin Media vs Vodafone broadband: Which is better?
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Is Virgin Media or Vodafone Broadband Better?
Key Differences in Broadband Packages
Broadband Speed and Performance
Virgin Media or Vodafone: Which Has The Best Value Broadband?
Virgin Media and Vodafone: Coverage and Availability Compared
Who Offers the Best Customer Satisfaction and Support?
TL;DR
Virgin Media and Vodafone are two of the largest broadband providers in the UK, Both Virgin Media and Vodafone have award-winning broadband services and a wide range of deals. Vodafone offers expansive coverage, with great value packages for mobile customers. Virgin Media delivers fast speeds while its TV bundles include a choice of Sky channels, and also has dedicated offers for mobile customers. Choosing between them means weighing up whether you prefer the wider coverage or prioritise speed and technology.
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Is Virgin Media or Vodafone Broadband Better?
They both offer a wide range of home broadband packages, with a range of tariffs, speeds, and connection types on offer. But which one stands out in 2024? Let’s explore both providers, comparing average connection speed, cost, customer satisfaction levels, technology and bundles to help you choose the ISP that best fits your needs.
What are the key differences?
Vodafone uses BT’s Openreach and CityFibre lines to deliver its broadband service while Virgin Media has its own cable network. This is a major point of difference because the cable network impacts both the type of broadband offered and the speeds available.
Maintaining its own network means Virgin has more control over the technology used for broadband access. It can upgrade at its own pace and react quicker to customer demand.
Another important difference is in contract length. Most Virgin broadband packages are 18 months in length. In contrast, the majority of Vodafone broadband packages have a minimum 24-month term.
Why choose Vodafone?
If you already have a BT landline or use BT broadband, it’s quick and easy to switch to Vodafone and take advantage of its full-fibre status for superfast broadband connectivity.
Vodafone broadband prices typically represent very good value for money and can be cheaper than alternative ISPs. Even better, if you’re an existing Vodafone customer, you may be able to get a cheaper deal.
Why choose Virgin Media?
Virgin is known for investing heavily in its broadband services. If a shorter contract and access to the latest hardware is important to you, this is a big selling point. Virgin’s router is considered to be one of the best on the market and again reflects its commitment to making the latest technology available to customers.
Likewise, it’s made a big push to offer some of the fastest home broadband packages around, so you can expect superfast streaming.
Key Differences in Broadband Packages
There are some differences in the home broadband packages on offer, with variations in network coverage, type of broadband available, average speeds and performance.
Broadband Speed and Performance
When you’re choosing a new ISP, speed and performance are two of the most important considerations. You need to know that you have a fast enough connection for your needs and for the number of people in your home.
Speed
Vodafone: Vodafone’s most basic offering is Fibre 1 with an average speed of 35 Mbps.
Full Fibre 74 offers a quicker average speed of 74 Mbps. For something quicker, Full Fibre 910 offers an average speed of 910 Mbps.
Pro II Full Fibre is available at speeds of 1.6Gbps, 1.8Gbps and 2.2Gbps.
Virgin Media: Virgin’s entry level package is M50 Fibre Broadband with average download speeds of 54 Mbps – making it faster than Vodafone’s alternative offering.
The mid-level M125 package offers average speeds of 132 Mbps. Bigger households with heavier usage can get 264 Mbps on average with the M250 package. Virgin Media’s fastest broadband package is the Gig2, with average download speeds of 2,000 Mbps (2 Gbps).
The winner
Thanks to its 2.2Gbps package, Vodafone outpaces Virgin Media on speed.
Knowing your current connection speed could make choosing between the various packages that much easier. You can check your internet speed online to understand your present connection and then decide if you’d like a package which offers similar speeds or something faster.
Virgin Media or Vodafone: Which Has The Best Value Broadband?
Both Virgin Media and Vodafone offer a range of good value broadband packages.
Monthly Costs
Vodafone’s cheapest broadband package is £24 per month with a 24-month contract. There’s no installation cost but the monthly fee does increase by £3 each April. That means you’ll be paying £31 per month at the end of your contract.
Virgin Media’s lowest priced package is £24 with no set up fees and no equipment costs. This is based on an 18-month contract.
The winner
Virgin once again comes out on top here. The contract duration is shorter, so you can shop around for a better deal in 18 months, plus it’s slightly cheaper over the duration of the contract. That said, if you are a Vodafone mobile customer, a better deal may be available to you.
It’s easy to find out which providers cover your home address. Just input your postcode to check which broadband deals are available in your area.
Virgin Media and Vodafone: Coverage and Availability Compared
Virgin Media currently covers around 60% of the UK or 17.5 million homes and is investing billions of pounds in expanding its network further. Its partnership with O2 provides additional coverage via 4G and 5G, taking it to around 65% of the population.
Vodafone boasts 95% UK coverage. It is the one of the largest full-fibre ISPs in the country, with an estimated 47% coverage. That’s the equivalent of 15.1 million UK homes.
The winner: Vodafone comes out on top when it comes to coverage and availability thanks to its use of Openreach and CityFibre networks. It covers more of the UK than its rival and has greater accessibility in rural areas. Full fibre broadband is also the most reliable broadband technology, so it wins bonus points there too.
Who Offers the Best Customer Satisfaction and Support?
Your broadband deal may say you have lightning fast connection speeds but if it’s unreliable, it isn’t much use. And few things are as frustrating as having a problem and not being able to get hold of someone who can help.
Virgin Media: Virgin’s Trustpilot profile shows a very poor 1.5-star rating but it’s worth noting these reviews don’t all relate to its broadband service. Many reviews cite difficulty in connecting with customer service and cancelling their packages.
Ofcom complaints data for broadband services is similarly poor, with 18 complaints per 100,000 subscribers. That may not sound like a lot, but it puts Virgin Media in the second spot as the most complained about ISP. NOW broadband is the worst performer.
Vodafone: Vodafone doesn’t fare much better. It’s just one spot behind Virgin Media in the complaints table with 16 complaints per 100,000 subscribers. It’s rated excellent on Trustpilot with a 4.4 average star rating. Again, those reviews cover all of Vodafone’s services, not just Vodafone broadband.
The winner: Vodafone comes out on top. It narrowly outperforms Virgin Media in the Ofcom complaints data and receives vastly more complimentary reviews on Trustpilot. There isn’t much to split when it comes to customer service, with both offering phone, online and social media contact options.
If you’re ready to make a decision on a provider based on what you’ve read so far, you can start the process of switching your ISP by reviewing the broadband deals available now in your area.
Additional Features
Sometimes you don’t just want a basic broadband package. You might want peace of mind that comes from additional security or the convenience that combined TV and broadband bundles offer.
Virgin Media: Virgin customers can expect to get a fairly sophisticated router. Called Hub, it is dual-band and compatible with WiFi 6. It’s made from 100% recycled plastic so it’s eco-friendly and can be paired with an app for easy setup.
You can bundle your Virgin Media broadband with a phone line if desired (though a phone line isn’t required for a broadband connection) and a choice of TV packages. You’ll get freedom to choose the kind of channels you want – for example by opting for sport only.
If you do go for a phone line, you’ll get a choice of phone packages with some evening and weekend calls included.
You’ll be able to manage your connection with an app, which gives an additional degree of convenience.
Vodafone: Vodafone’s router is more basic in comparison. While it does the job, it isn’t as cutting-edge as Virgin Media’s router. Vodafone does include line rental as standard with its broadband packages which is convenient if you do need or use a landline. Vodafone also offers broadband plus TV packages, but it doesn’t offer Sky channel, instead you’ll get a box for streaming Apple TV. Like Virgin Media, it also has a customer app so you can manage your package and connection from your mobile device.
The winner: Virgin Media is the clear winner here with a more advanced router and a wider choice of TV packages, including popular Sky channels.
Virgin Media Broadband vs Vodafone Broadband: Our Verdict
Virgin Media broadband and Vodafone broadband both offer ultrafast connection speeds, have good value lower cost packages, and a choice of bundles. Choosing between them comes down to the specific factors that matter most to you. Vodafone edges ahead when it comes to coverage and customer satisfaction. It has much wider accessibility and greater network coverage. This is especially important if you live in a rural area. Virgin Media’s broadband packages stand out for their speed and use of the very latest technology such as XGS-PON. Its convenient bundles include the option to add Sky TV to your package and watch your favourite sports and movie channels. This makes it a popular choice for those who want an all-in-one entertainment solution. If your priority is wider coverage and low cost, Vodafone is a good fit. If speed and entertainment matter more, Virgin Media is the clear choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Virgin Media broadband available in my area?
To see if your home is covered, use our Virgin Media coverage checker.
Is Vodafone broadband available in my area?
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