Virgin Media WiFi Max improves wireless coverage in homes where the router’s signal struggles to reach every room. It uses mesh WiFi Pods and Intelligent WiFi technology to provide a stronger connection in bedrooms, upstairs rooms and other areas with poor reception.
Virgin Media guarantees at least 30Mbps download speed in every room or gives you a £100 bill credit, subject to its conditions. WiFi Max is included with Gigabit broadband and Volt packages, while customers on other qualifying plans can add it for a monthly charge.
What does Virgin Media WiFi Max include?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Monthly cost | £8 extra |
| Included free | Gig1, Gig2 and qualifying Volt plans |
| Minimum Wi-Fi guarantee | 30Mbps in every room |
| Compensation | £100 one-off bill credit |
| WiFi Pods | Up to 3 if needed |
| Compatible routers | Hub 3, Hub 4, Hub 5 and Hub 5x |
| Wi-Fi technology | Mesh Wi-Fi and Intelligent WiFi |
| Home network management | Virgin Media Connect app |
| Installation | Self-installation |
| Cancellation | 30 days’ notice for paid add-on |
WiFi Max is available with M125, M250, M350 and M500 broadband packages. Customers taking Virgin Media Gig1 get it without an additional charge.
It is also included with qualifying Virgin Media Volt packages, which combine Virgin Media broadband with an eligible O2 mobile plan.
Virgin Media WiFi Max features and benefits
Whole-home Wi-Fi coverage
WiFi Max is ideal for larger houses and homes with thick walls or several floors. Its WiFi Pods extend the signal to rooms where your Hub alone cannot provide a good wireless connection.
For example, you could have fast Wi-Fi in the living room but poor reception in an upstairs bedroom. A WiFi Pod placed between these areas can improve coverage without moving the main router.
Up to three WiFi Pods
Virgin Media provides one WiFi Pod initially. If you still cannot receive 30Mbps in every room, you can request a second and then a third after further checks.
The Pods create a mesh network with your Virgin Media Hub. Your phone or laptop can connect to a stronger Wi-Fi point as you move around your home without manually switching networks.
Intelligent WiFi
Virgin Media’s Intelligent WiFi automatically adjusts wireless settings to improve performance. It selects less congested Wi-Fi channels and helps compatible devices connect to the appropriate 2.4GHz or 5GHz band.
It can reduce interference from neighbouring Wi-Fi networks and improve performance when several devices are connected.
Virgin Media Connect app
The free Virgin Media Connect app lets you check Wi-Fi performance room by room. Its home scan measures the broadband connection and wireless speeds to identify areas with poor coverage.
You can also see connected devices, check WiFi Pods and get advice on their placement.
30Mbps Wi-Fi guarantee
Virgin Media guarantees at least 30Mbps download speed in every room of your main home. If you still receive less after installing the necessary Pods and completing Virgin Media’s checks, you can claim a one-off £100 bill credit.
The guarantee does not cover gardens, sheds, external home offices or broadband network faults.
WiFi Max and Hub compatibility
WiFi Max works with the Hub 3, Hub 4, Hub 5 and Hub 5x. The Hub 5 and Hub 5x support Wi-Fi 6, while the older Hubs use Wi-Fi 5.
The type of WiFi Pod supplied may vary, so not every customer receives the same wireless hardware.
You can compare the equipment in our Virgin Media Hub specifications guide.
Virgin Media WiFi Max vs other providers
BT, Sky and Vodafone also offer home Wi-Fi services that use extenders or mesh equipment to improve coverage.
| Provider | Monthly cost | If coverage cannot be fixed |
|---|---|---|
| Virgin Media WiFi Max (30Mbps in every room) | £8 extra free with Gigabit and Volt | £100 bill credit |
| BT Complete Wi-Fi Plus (Wi-Fi in every room) | Depends on package | £100 back |
| Sky WiFi Max (10Mbps or 25Mbps) | From £6 extra | One month’s broadband and WiFi Max charges refunded |
| Vodafone Super WiFi (10Mbps in every room) | £7 extra included with Pro 3 | Leave without early termination fees |
Virgin Media has the highest stated minimum room speed among these services at 30Mbps, compared with Sky’s maximum 25Mbps guarantee and Vodafone’s 10Mbps.
BT offers a similar £100 money-back promise, while Vodafone allows customers to leave without early termination fees if its Wi-Fi guarantee cannot be met.
However, these guarantees are not directly identical. Each provider has different rules for testing, equipment, room coverage and compensation.
Virgin Media WiFi Max FAQs
Can I use Virgin Media WiFi Pods in modem mode?
No. Virgin Media WiFi Pods require your Hub to operate in router mode. Switching Hub 3, Hub 4 or Hub 5 to modem mode disables Intelligent WiFi and Pod compatibility. You will need your own mesh Wi-Fi system if you use a separate router.
Can I connect a games console to a Virgin Media WiFi Pod using Ethernet?
Yes. Compatible WiFi Pods have Ethernet connectivity, allowing you to connect a gaming console, computer or another wired device. However, the connection between the Pod and Hub may still use Wi-Fi, so it is not equivalent to running an Ethernet cable directly to the Hub.
Can I order three WiFi Pods at the same time?
No. Virgin Media normally supplies Pods one at a time. You must check your Wi-Fi speeds after installing each Pod before requesting another. The maximum is three Pods per household.
Can I claim the £100 credit more than once?
No. Virgin Media allows only one successful £100 Wi-Fi guarantee claim per account holder at a particular address. You must also complete its troubleshooting process before receiving the credit.
Can I keep my WiFi Pods after leaving Virgin Media?
No. The WiFi Pods remain Virgin Media’s property. You must return them if requested when cancelling your broadband or WiFi Max service. Failure to return equipment may result in a charge.
Does WiFi Max guarantee the full speed of my broadband plan in every room?
No. The guarantee is for at least 30Mbps over Wi-Fi, regardless of whether you have M125, M500 or Gig1. Actual wireless speeds depend on your device, router, WiFi Pod placement and interference.