Virgin’s current router depends mainly on the connection entering the home. Hub 5 is used on the fibre-coax network, while Hub 5x connects to Virgin and Nexfibre full fibre. Your order confirms the model supplied.
WiFi Max is a separate extra. It combines Virgin’s mesh Pods with a guarantee of at least 30Mbps download in every eligible room. That guarantee should not be confused with receiving the full speed of Gig1 or Gig2 throughout the home.
Rating: 4.0 / 5
Virgin Media Broadband Checker
Virgin Media Hub 5, Hub 5x routers and WiFi Max
| Strengths | Limitations | |
|---|---|---|
| Hub 5 | Wi-Fi 6, WPA3 security and a 2.5Gb Ethernet port. Modem mode allows connection of a separate router or mesh system. | No Wi-Fi 7 or 6GHz band. Three of the four Ethernet ports are limited to 1Gb. |
| Hub 5x | Wi-Fi 6 with the same published wireless configuration as Hub 5. Its 10Gb Ethernet port can deliver full-fibre Gig2 to compatible wired equipment. | Modem mode is not currently available. No Wi-Fi 7 or 6GHz band. Three Ethernet ports are limited to 1Gb. |
| WiFi Max | Up to three Pods using one network name. At least 30Mbps download in every eligible room or a one-off £100 bill credit. Included with Gig1, Gig2 and Volt. | Does not deliver the plan’s average speed in every room. Costs extra on eligible M50–M500 packages without Volt. |
Router performance by connection type
Hub 5 has the connections needed for:
- M125, M250, M350 and M500
- Gig1 over Virgin’s fibre-coax network, provided a compatible device uses the 2.5Gb Ethernet port
Hub 5x is supplied with:
- Gig1 on Virgin or Nexfibre full fibre
- Gig2 Full Fibre
When do you need WiFi Max
WiFi Max becomes relevant when the Virgin app records less than 30Mbps in one or more eligible rooms and repositioning the hub has not solved the problem. It is also suitable for customers who prefer Virgin’s Pods to a separate mesh system.
There is little reason to add WiFi Max if the hub already reaches every room reliably. It is also the wrong answer when you need several hundred megabits between floors. Use Ethernet for the most consistent connection, or consider a more capable mesh system.
What is Modem mode
Hub 5 can feed a separate mesh through modem mode. Hub 5x requires the mesh to operate in access-point or bridge mode because modem mode is not currently available.
Hub 5 and Hub 5x specs
| Feature | Hub 5 | Hub 5x |
|---|---|---|
| Network | Fibre-coax, DOCSIS 3.1 | Full fibre, XGS-PON |
| Wall connection | Coaxial cable | Fibre |
| Wi-Fi standard | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) |
| Bands | Dual-band 2.4GHz and 5GHz | Dual-band 2.4GHz and 5GHz |
| 6GHz / Wi-Fi 7 | No | No |
| 2.4GHz configuration | 3×3 | 3×3 |
| 5GHz configuration | 4×4 | 4×4 |
| Antennas | 7 | 7 |
| Ethernet ports | 1× 2.5Gb and 3× 1Gb | 1× 10Gb and 3× 1Gb |
| Modem mode | Yes | Not currently available |
| WiFi Max / Pods | Yes | Yes |
| Connect app | Yes | Yes |
| Guest Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes |
| Supplied with | Fibre-coax orders, subject to the order details | Full-fibre orders, including Gig1 and Gig2 |
The hub remains Virgin’s equipment throughout the service. Customers do not select Hub 5 or Hub 5x during checkout. The network reaching the premises determines which model is required.
Both models use the same published Wi-Fi 6 configuration, but their network inputs and fastest Ethernet ports differ. Hub 5 connects to the coaxial network and has one 2.5Gb port. Hub 5x takes the full-fibre connection directly and includes one 10Gb port.
Use Hub 5’s 2.5Gb port when testing Gig1. The 10Gb port on Hub 5x is required for a single device to receive the full speed of Gig2. A 1Gb Ethernet port, switch or computer connection cannot pass the full average speed of either plan to one device.
The Virgin Media Connect app lets customers run a home scan, check speeds, manage Pods, view connected devices and pause individual connections. Virgin currently acknowledges problems with the pause and unpause function on Hub 5x.
Guest Wi-Fi is available through the hub settings. Parental controls now form part of Essential Security and are managed through My Virgin Media.
Hub 4 and Hub 3 specs
| Feature | Hub 4 | Hub 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Network | Fibre-coax, DOCSIS 3.1 | Fibre-coax, DOCSIS 3.0 |
| Wall connection | Coaxial cable | Coaxial cable |
| Wi-Fi standard | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) |
| Bands | Dual-band 2.4GHz and 5GHz | Dual-band 2.4GHz and 5GHz |
| 6GHz / Wi-Fi 7 | No | No |
| 2.4GHz configuration | 3×3 | 2×2 |
| 5GHz configuration | 4×4 | 3×3 |
| Ethernet ports | 4× 1Gb | 4× 1Gb |
| Modem mode | Yes | Yes |
| WiFi Max / Pods | Yes | Yes |
| Connect app | Yes | Yes |
| Guest Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes |
Virgin began offering free Hub 5 replacements to selected Hub 3 and Hub 4 customers in late 2025, with a wider rollout during 2026. This is an invitation-based programme rather than an automatic entitlement for every account.
Eligible customers receive an email, text message or notification through My Virgin Media. Check the account before requesting a replacement. Customers with Hub 3 or an older model can also receive a newer hub when moving to Gig1.
Neither Hub 3 nor Hub 4 can deliver Gig1’s full average speed to one wired device. Their Ethernet ports are limited to 1Gb, and both use Wi-Fi 5. Check whether a Hub 5 upgrade is available before paying for WiFi Max to improve an older router installation.
Ethernet vs Wi-Fi on the hub
Virgin measures its plan averages and minimum speed guarantees to the hub. A speed test on a phone or laptop includes the limitations of Wi-Fi and the device itself.
Use this test order:
- Connect a computer to the fastest Ethernet port using suitable multi-gigabit equipment.
- Run the test during the evening peak between 8pm and 10pm.
- Test the Wi-Fi speed in different rooms afterwards.
Hub 5 has a 2.5Gb port, while Hub 5x has a 10Gb port. Every other Ethernet port on the two routers is limited to 1Gb.
A 1Gb port, switch or computer connection prevents a single device from receiving Gig1’s full average speed. A device with Gigabit Ethernet commonly records close to 940Mbps after networking overheads. Older or damaged cables can reduce the result further.
Wi-Fi 6 uses the available wireless capacity more efficiently than the Wi-Fi 5 technology in Hub 3 and Hub 4, particularly when several compatible devices are active. It does not remove the effects of walls, distance and interference.
A compatible device close to Hub 5 or Hub 5x can receive a fast Wi-Fi connection. Move it into another room behind masonry walls and the speed can fall significantly. Buying a faster broadband package will not correct weak Wi-Fi caused by the home’s layout.
WiFi Max
WiFi Max is Virgin’s whole-home Wi-Fi extra. The Connect app checks the connection to the hub and then measures Wi-Fi performance in individual rooms. Virgin can send Pods when an eligible room remains below 30Mbps.
| WiFi Max | Details |
|---|---|
| Room guarantee | At least 30Mbps download in every eligible room |
| Failed guarantee | One-off £100 bill credit after Virgin’s required checks and any Pods it issues |
| Pods | Up to three, supplied one at a time following further tests |
| Monthly price | £8 on eligible M50–M500 packages without Volt; cancellable with 30 days’ notice |
| Included with | Gig1, Gig2 and eligible Volt packages |
| Compatible hubs | Hub 3, Hub 4, Hub 5 and Hub 5x |
| Unavailable with | Essential broadband and services in Virgin’s 2022/2023 network expansion areas |
Each Pod connects to a mains socket and extends the existing Wi-Fi network name. Virgin supplies the first Pod after its checks confirm weak room coverage. A second and third Pod require further tests after the previous unit has been installed.
The £100 credit does not apply immediately after one unsuccessful room test. Virgin completes further diagnostics after the third Pod and can arrange an engineer visit. The one-off credit follows if the speed still remains below 30Mbps in an eligible room after the required process.
The guarantee excludes broadband faults and network outages. Outdoor areas, garages, sheds, garden offices and unconverted lofts are also excluded. Tests taken while using a VPN do not count.
WiFi Max concerns room coverage rather than the broadband speed entering the hub. A Gig1 customer can therefore receive more than 1Gb at the hub while the WiFi Max guarantee promises only 30Mbps in another room.
Customers moved from Intelligent WiFi Plus cannot receive more than three Pods in total. Pods already issued under the previous service count towards that limit.
WiFi Max is useful when one or two rooms remain below 30Mbps and you want Virgin to manage the equipment. A third-party mesh is the better option when you need substantially faster connections between floors. Hub 5 can use that system through modem mode; Hub 5x requires access-point or bridge mode.
Volt package details are available on the Virgin Media Volt page.
Own router and modem mode
Hub 5 has modem mode. Once enabled, it switches off the hub’s router and Wi-Fi functions and passes the internet connection to your own router or mesh.
Customers taking Gig1 should connect the second router through Hub 5’s 2.5Gb port. The other router also needs a 2.5Gb WAN port to accept the full speed. A 1Gb WAN connection becomes the limit, regardless of the broadband speed reaching Hub 5.
Modem mode also disables Intelligent WiFi, WiFi Pod compatibility and several Connect app functions. The hub’s telephone service continues to operate.
Hub 5x does not currently have modem mode. A third-party mesh can still connect in access-point or bridge mode, leaving Hub 5x in charge of routing. Using a second device in router mode creates double NAT, which can complicate gaming, port forwarding and remote access.
Virgin requires its hub to remain connected to the coaxial or fibre input. Customers cannot replace it with their own cable modem.
Older Hub 3 and Hub 4
The comparison table above lists the relevant specifications. Selected Hub 3 and Hub 4 customers are receiving free Hub 5 upgrade invitations, but Virgin has not made the replacement available automatically to every account.
Check My Virgin Media for an invitation or current upgrade option. A Hub 3 customer moving to Gig1 is also eligible for a newer hub.
Returning the hub
Virgin supplies hubs and Pods as loan equipment. They must be returned when requested, including after cancellation or replacement. Virgin can charge for equipment it does not receive.
Current maximum non-return charges are:
- Hub 3 — up to £50
- Hub 4 — up to £75
- Hub 5 — up to £75
- Hub 5x — up to £85
- Wired Booster — up to £50
- WiFi Booster — up to £50
- WiFi Pod — up to £86 per unit
Use the return packaging and label supplied by Virgin. Keep the tracking receipt until the account confirms that every item has arrived.
If Virgin charges for equipment that was returned, provide the tracking number. Equipment returned within the permitted period after a charge can result in the amount being credited back to the account.
Virgin Media router FAQs
Which Virgin Media hub will I receive?
Hub 5 is Virgin’s current router for its fibre-coax network, while Hub 5x connects to full fibre. Older hub models remain in use, so check the equipment listed in your order rather than assuming a particular model.
Will Wi-Fi show Gig1 or Gig2 speeds?
Not throughout the home. Device hardware, distance, interference and walls affect Wi-Fi performance. Use Hub 5’s 2.5Gb Ethernet port to test Gig1 above 1Gb. Full-fibre Gig2 requires Hub 5x’s 10Gb port and compatible multi-gigabit equipment for a single device to receive the complete 2Gb.
Virgin’s minimum speed guarantee applies to the connection reaching the hub, not the speed received by an individual Wi-Fi device.
Is WiFi Max included?
WiFi Max is included at no extra cost with Gig1, Gig2 and eligible Volt packages. Customers on eligible M50–M500 packages without Volt can add it for £8 per month. It can be cancelled with 30 days’ notice when paid for separately.
Essential broadband and services in Virgin’s 2022/2023 network expansion areas cannot take WiFi Max. Your order confirms eligibility.
Does the 30Mbps guarantee replace my plan speed?
No. The broadband minimum in your order applies to the connection reaching the hub. WiFi Max has a separate guarantee of at least 30Mbps download in every eligible room over Wi-Fi.
Can I use my own mesh?
Yes. Hub 5 can enter modem mode and pass the connection to your mesh router. Hub 5x cannot currently enter modem mode, but a mesh can connect in access-point or bridge mode.
Can I cancel WiFi Max without leaving Virgin broadband?
Yes. Customers paying separately for WiFi Max can cancel the add-on by giving 30 days’ notice.
Hub 5 is a capable Wi-Fi 6 router, and its 2.5Gb Ethernet port is essential for receiving Gig1’s full average speed on one wired device. Hub 5x exchanges modem mode for a 10Gb port and a direct XGS-PON connection.
Choose WiFi Max for rooms receiving less than 30Mbps, not as a route to gigabit Wi-Fi throughout the home. If you still use Hub 3 or Hub 4, check your upgrade eligibility before changing broadband plan or paying for additional Wi-Fi equipment.
