Virgin Media Flex is a streaming TV service that you can add to your Virgin Media broadband package. It gives you over 150 live TV channels, catch-up programmes and popular streaming apps through a small Stream box connected to your television.
Unlike traditional TV bundles, Flex lets you add Sky Sports, Sky Cinema, Netflix, Disney+ and other paid subscriptions for as little as 30 days. You can remove them when you no longer need them.
Flex is ideal if you mainly watch free TV channels but occasionally want extra sports, films or entertainment without committing to a long TV contract.
Virgin Media Flex plans and costs
Flex is an optional add-on to Virgin Media broadband. You can order it with a new broadband package or ask Virgin Media to add it to your existing connection.
| Detail | Virgin Media Flex |
|---|---|
| Monthly cost | £5 extra |
| TV contract | Rolling 30 days |
| Activation fee | Up to £35; may be waived |
| Included channels | 150+ |
| TV equipment | Virgin Media Stream box |
| Premium channels | Optional paid subscriptions |
| Subscription savings | 10% bill credit on qualifying subscriptions |
| Recording | Not supported |
| Broadband required | Virgin Media, minimum 50Mbps |
| Cancellation | 30 days’ notice |
| Monthly price (broadband included) | £24.99 |
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Which Virgin Media broadband plans support Flex?
Flex is available with Virgin Media’s standard broadband plans, including M125, M250, M350, M500 and Gig1. Gig2 customers should confirm Flex availability for their address when ordering.
You need a compatible Virgin Media Hub 3 or newer. See our Virgin Media router comparison for details.
Your broadband normally has a 24-month contract, but Flex is separate and can be cancelled without ending your broadband service.
Virgin Media Flex features
Stream box with 4K support
The small Virgin Media Stream box connects to your television through HDMI and receives channels over broadband. It supports 4K Ultra HD content on compatible televisions, with no satellite dish or aerial required.
You can install it yourself without an engineer. However, the box has no built-in recording facility. Instead, you can use catch-up services and save programmes to My Watchlist.
Over 150 TV channels
Flex includes more than 150 free-to-air, essential and themed streaming channels. Popular choices include BBC One, BBC Two, ITV1, Channel 4, Channel 5, Film4, Sky News, Sky Mix, Really and U&Dave.
There are also news, children’s, lifestyle and specialist channels. The exact line-up changes occasionally, and some premium entertainment channels require a subscription.
You can check individual channels in Virgin Media’s official Flex channel guide.
Catch-up and streaming apps
The Stream box includes BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4, YouTube, Netflix, Disney+ and Prime Video, among other apps.
You can watch free catch-up programmes without paying for additional TV subscriptions. However, Netflix, Disney+ and Prime Video require their own paid subscriptions.
Optional sports and entertainment
Flex gives you the freedom to add Sky Sports HD, Sky Cinema HD, TNT Sports, Essential Entertainment, Kids Pick and selected international channels.
For example, you can subscribe to Sky Sports for a month when there is an important tournament, then cancel it afterwards. Premium channels and subscriptions have separate charges.
10% subscription savings
Virgin Media offers 10% bill credit on qualifying entertainment subscriptions purchased through Flex. This can include premium channels and streaming services.
The saving is calculated against standard eligible subscription prices and does not apply to every promotional offer.
Voice search and personal profiles
The Stream remote supports voice commands, so you can search for a film, programme or actor without typing. Flex also offers personal profiles, viewing recommendations and My Watchlist.
You can find programmes across different streaming services from one TV menu instead of opening each app separately.
Managing subscriptions
You can add or remove paid subscriptions through the Subscriptions app on your Stream box or your online Virgin Media account.
New packs can normally be activated immediately, while cancellations take effect under the subscription’s notice terms. Charges for subscriptions purchased through Flex appear on your Virgin Media bill.
Virgin Media Flex vs full Virgin Media TV packages
Virgin Media’s standard TV bundles include larger channel collections, with entertainment, sports and cinema channels included according to the package.
Both Flex and current full TV bundles use the Stream box. The main differences are the number of included channels, subscriptions and contract terms.
| Feature | Virgin Media Flex | Full Virgin Media TV bundles |
|---|---|---|
| Channels included | 150+ | 200+ on most bundles |
| TV contract | Rolling 30 days | Usually 24 months |
| TV equipment | Stream box | Stream box |
| Premium entertainment | Paid add-ons | Included according to bundle |
| Sky Sports | Optional | Included in Sport bundles |
| Sky Cinema | Optional | Included in Cinema bundles |
| Netflix | Additional subscription | Standard with Ads included |
| 4K support | Yes | Yes |
| Programme recording | No | No on Stream box |
| Best for | Occasional paid TV | Regular premium TV viewing |
The older Virgin TV 360 box has recording facilities, but the Stream box supplied with current bundles does not.
Cost comparison
Virgin Media’s advertised starting prices in October 2026 are:
| Broadband + TV package | Monthly price from |
|---|---|
| Broadband + Flex | £28.99 |
| Entertainment bundle | £32.99 |
| Cinema bundle | £42.99 |
| Sport bundle | £52.99 |
| Sport + Cinema bundle | £62.99 |
| Max Volt bundle | £74.99 |
These are combined broadband and TV prices, not standalone TV charges. The included broadband speeds and contract terms differ between bundles.
If you regularly watch Sky Sports, Sky Cinema and premium entertainment channels, a full TV bundle may cost less than paying for several Flex subscriptions separately.
You can compare broadband options in our Virgin Media broadband review.
Alternatives to Virgin Media Flex
You do not have to use Virgin Media Flex to watch streaming television. Freely, NOW and Sky Stream are worth comparing, particularly if you already have a smart TV.
| Service | Cost | Main content and benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Freely | No monthly subscription | Free UK live channels, BBC iPlayer, ITVX and catch-up TV. Compatible TV or device required |
| NOW Entertainment | £7.99/month | Sky entertainment channels, Sky Originals and on-demand series |
| NOW Cinema | £9.99/month | Sky Cinema channels and hundreds of films |
| NOW Sports | £14.99/day or £34.99/month | Sky Sports channels and live sporting events |
| Sky Stream Essential TV | £15/month on a 24-month contract or £18/month on a rolling offer | 100+ channels, Sky Atlantic, Netflix and discovery+ |
The listed prices are standard or advertised introductory rates. Longer minimum terms may offer lower prices, and offers can change.
Freely is the cheapest alternative if you only need live UK channels and catch-up programmes. It works with compatible televisions and streaming devices without a monthly subscription.
NOW is a good option for people who want specific Sky programmes, movies or occasional sports without taking Virgin Media TV. You can use it with any broadband provider. See our NOW Broadband guide for its broadband options.
Sky Stream is worth comparing if you regularly watch Sky Atlantic and Netflix. It works over any suitable broadband connection, so you do not need Sky broadband. Read our Sky broadband review for more details.
Virgin Media Flex FAQs
Can I use my existing Netflix or Disney+ account with Flex?
Yes. You can sign in to your existing account through the Stream box. If you decide to transfer subscription billing to Virgin Media, check that you will not be charged twice.
Can I use Flex when my Virgin Media Hub is in modem mode?
No. Virgin Media’s Flex terms require your Hub to operate in router mode. The Stream box is not officially supported when the Hub is switched to modem mode.
Can I cancel Flex without cancelling Virgin Media broadband?
Yes. Flex has a separate rolling contract. You can cancel the TV service with 30 days’ notice while keeping your existing broadband package.
Do I need a TV Licence for Virgin Media Flex?
Yes. Virgin Media requires Flex customers to have a valid TV Licence. UK licensing rules also require a licence for watching live television or using BBC iPlayer.
Can I continue watching Flex after switching to another broadband provider?
No. Flex requires an active Virgin Media broadband connection. If you cancel your broadband, you cannot continue using Flex as an independent TV service. You must return the Stream box when Virgin Media requests it.