Virgin Media supplies a Wi-Fi Hub with every broadband package. The Hub 5 and Hub 5x are its newest models, both supporting Wi-Fi 6 for faster wireless connections and better performance with multiple devices. The older Hub 4 is still used and supports Virgin Media’s Gig1 broadband.
The main difference between the Hub 5 and Hub 5x is the broadband network they connect to. Hub 5 works with Virgin Media’s cable network, while Hub 5x is designed for its newer full fibre network. You cannot simply choose either router, as Virgin Media supplies one compatible with your connection.
Latest Virgin Media Hubs
Virgin Media Hub 5
The Hub 5 is Virgin Media’s latest router for its cable broadband network. It has Wi-Fi 6, seven internal antennas and a 2.5Gbps Ethernet port. This allows a compatible computer to receive more than 1Gbps over a wired connection on Gig1.
Hub 5 is commonly provided with Gig1 and selected M125, M250, M350 and M500 orders, particularly broadband and TV bundles. However, Virgin Media does not guarantee Hub 5 with every lower-speed broadband-only order.
Virgin Media Hub 5x
Hub 5x connects directly to Virgin Media’s newer XGS-PON full fibre network. It supports Wi-Fi 6 and includes a 10Gbps Ethernet port for compatible multi-gigabit devices. Unlike Hub 5, it does not use a coaxial cable connection.
Hub 5x is provided on Virgin Media’s XGS-PON full fibre connections, including Gig1 and Gig2, as well as lower-speed plans where offered. The network available at your address determines whether you receive Hub 5x rather than Hub 5.
Virgin Media Hub 4
Hub 4 uses Wi-Fi 5 rather than Wi-Fi 6, but supports DOCSIS 3.1 and can handle Gig1 broadband. Its four Ethernet ports are limited to 1Gbps each, making it less suitable than Hub 5 for getting the full Gig1 download speed on one wired device.
Hub 4 is still used with Gig1 and some lower-speed cable broadband connections, including M125, M250, M350 and M500. It is mainly associated with existing customers and older installations, although equipment supplied on new orders can vary.
Virgin Media Hub specifications
| Specification | Hub 4 | Hub 5 | Hub 5x |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi standard | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Wi-Fi bands | 2.4GHz, 5GHz | 2.4GHz, 5GHz | 2.4GHz, 5GHz |
| Internal antennas | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| 2.4GHz Wi-Fi | 3×3 | 3×3 | 3×3 |
| 5GHz Wi-Fi | 4×4 | 4×4 | 4×4 |
| Broadband technology | DOCSIS 3.1 | DOCSIS 3.1 | XGS-PON |
| Ethernet ports | 4 × 1Gbps | 3 × 1Gbps, 1 × 2.5Gbps | 3 × 1Gbps, 1 × 10Gbps |
| Guest Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Intelligent WiFi | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| WPS | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| WiFi Pods | Supported | Supported | Supported |
| Digital home phone | Supported | Supported | Supported |
Virgin Media Hub features
Wi-Fi 6
Hub 5 and Hub 5x support Wi-Fi 6, which improves wireless speeds and reduces congestion when several devices share the connection. Both use 4×4 wireless technology on the 5GHz band. Older Wi-Fi 5 devices will still connect, but they cannot take advantage of all the improvements.
High-speed Ethernet
The Hub 5’s 2.5Gbps port is ideal for Gig1 customers who want the full download speed on a compatible wired computer. Hub 5x goes further with a 10Gbps port for multi-gigabit connections.
For gaming PCs, consoles and desktop computers, Ethernet also avoids the interference and signal changes that can affect Wi-Fi.
Intelligent WiFi
All three Hubs include Intelligent WiFi, which manages wireless channels and connected devices to improve performance. It can help reduce congestion when neighbouring Wi-Fi networks are using the same frequencies.
WiFi Max and WiFi Pods
Virgin Media offers WiFi Max for homes with poor Wi-Fi coverage. It can provide up to three WiFi Pods to improve reception in rooms where the signal is weak.
WiFi Max guarantees at least 30Mbps download speed in every room or a £100 bill credit, subject to its conditions. It is included with Gigabit and qualifying Volt packages, while other customers can add it for an extra monthly charge.
Modem mode
Hub 4 and Hub 5 support modem mode, allowing you to connect your own router or mesh Wi-Fi system. This is ideal if you want more advanced network controls or better wireless coverage.
Virgin Media does not currently provide official modem-mode support for Hub 5x. You can connect another router behind it, but this is not the same as using a dedicated modem mode.
Virgin Media Connect app
The Virgin Media Connect app allows you to check wireless coverage, identify poor Wi-Fi areas and manage compatible Hubs and WiFi Pods. You can also use it to help find suitable positions for WiFi Pods.
Digital home phone
The Hubs support Virgin Media’s internet-based home phone service. You can connect a compatible telephone to the Hub and make calls over your broadband connection without a separate analogue phone line.
Virgin Media Hub 4 vs Hub 5 vs Hub 5x
| Comparison | Hub 4 | Hub 5 | Hub 5x |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wireless performance | Good | Better with Wi-Fi 6 devices | Better with Wi-Fi 6 devices |
| Maximum single wired port | 1Gbps | 2.5Gbps | 10Gbps |
| Full Gig1 speed on one wired device | Limited by 1Gbps port | Yes, with suitable equipment | Yes, with suitable equipment |
| Suitable for Gig2 | No | No | Yes |
| Modem mode | Yes | Yes | Not officially supported |
| Broadband connection | Cable | Cable | XGS-PON full fibre |
Hub 5 is a worthwhile improvement over Hub 4, particularly for Gig1 customers and homes with newer Wi-Fi 6 devices. Hub 5x has greater wired speed capacity, but it is not necessarily faster over Wi-Fi than Hub 5.
The Hub you receive depends on the network at your address and Virgin Media’s equipment allocation. For more information about available connections and speeds, see our Virgin Media broadband review.
Older Virgin Media Hubs
Virgin Media Hub 3
Hub 3 supports Wi-Fi 5, DOCSIS 3.0 and four Gigabit Ethernet ports. It remains in use with older Virgin Media connections and lower-speed broadband plans. However, it cannot deliver Gig1 speeds and lacks the Wi-Fi 6 technology found in newer models.
Virgin Media Super Hub 2 and 2ac
The Super Hub 2 and 2ac are much older routers. The 2ac supports Wi-Fi 5, while the original Super Hub 2 uses older wireless technology. Both have been superseded by more powerful Hubs with better support for modern broadband speeds.
Virgin Media is gradually offering Hub 5 upgrades to selected customers with older equipment. If you still use Hub 3 or an earlier model, you can check whether an upgrade is available through My Virgin Media.
Virgin Media Hubs pros and cons
Pros
- Hub 5 and Hub 5x support Wi-Fi 6.
- Seven internal antennas on Hub 4, 5 and 5x.
- Hub 5 has a 2.5Gbps Ethernet port for Gig1.
- Hub 5x has a 10Gbps Ethernet port for multi-gigabit broadband.
- Intelligent WiFi and guest Wi-Fi are included.
- Compatible with Virgin Media WiFi Pods.
- Hub 4 and Hub 5 support modem mode.
- Provided with Virgin Media broadband at no separate router rental charge.
Cons
- Hub 4 still uses the older Wi-Fi 5 standard.
- None of these Hubs supports Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7.
- No 6GHz Wi-Fi band.
- Hub 5x has no officially supported modem mode.
- Wi-Fi coverage may need extending in larger houses or through thick walls.
- You cannot freely choose between Hub 5 and Hub 5x because they use different networks.
Virgin Media Hub FAQs
Can I upgrade to Hub 5 for free without changing my broadband plan?
Yes. Virgin Media is offering free Hub 5 upgrades to selected existing customers using Hub 3 or Hub 4 during 2026. You can check My Virgin Media for an upgrade offer. Not everyone qualifies automatically.
How long does a new Virgin Media Hub take to activate?
A replacement Hub normally takes 5–30 minutes to register on Virgin Media’s network and download its software. Virgin Media advises connecting your new Hub within five days of receiving it, as your old Hub will stop working.
How do I access my Virgin Media Hub settings?
Connect to your Hub and enter 192.168.0.1 in your browser. Use the settings password printed underneath the router, not your Wi-Fi password. You can then change wireless settings, check connected devices and view connection information.
Can I use two Virgin Media Hubs in the same house?
No. Virgin Media allows only one Hub to be registered to a customer account at a time. If you need better coverage, you can use compatible WiFi Pods or connect your own Wi-Fi access points.
Will Virgin Media WiFi Pods work when Hub 5 is in modem mode?
No. Enabling modem mode disables the Hub’s Wi-Fi and its WiFi Pod support. If you want to use modem mode, you will need your own router or mesh Wi-Fi system to provide wireless coverage.
Does resetting a Virgin Media Hub delete my settings?
Yes. A factory reset restores the original Wi-Fi name, Wi-Fi password and router settings. Press the reset button for 10 seconds and allow the Hub to restart. Any custom settings will need to be configured again.