Broadband comparison
Virgin Media vs BT broadband
Both add the same yearly rise, so compare the starting prices at your postcode.
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Which is cheaper?
It depends on your address and the offers of the day — the deals below are for your postcode. Add each provider’s rises: Virgin Media +£96, BT +£96 over 24 months.
Can I switch between them easily?
Yes. With One Touch Switch you only contact the new provider, even between Openreach, Virgin Media and full fibre networks.
What should I compare?
The 24-month total including rises, the speed guaranteed at your address, and set-up costs.
vs
- Rises over 24 months: +£96 vs +£96
- Social tariff: yes vs yes
- Complaints: 6 vs 7 per 100k
Live deals from both providers for your postcode appear below.
Virgin Media and BT side by side
| | |
|---|---|---|
| Network | Its own cable and full fibre network (with nexfibre): 18.8 million premises, all gigabit-capable | Openreach (part fibre and full fibre), nationwide |
| Contract | 24 months; 30-day contracts on M125–M500 at a higher price | 24 months (12 on some deals) |
| Price rises | +£4 a month every April (contracts from 2 October 2025), applied to promotional prices too; Essential plans exempt | +£4 a month every 31 March, written into the contract (TV +£2). Sign after 1 March 2026 and the first rise is 31 March 2027 |
| Added over 24 months | +£96 | +£96 |
| Social tariff | Essential Broadband £12.50 (15Mb) and Essential Plus £20 (54Mb), 30-day, no rises or fees; new and existing customers | Home Essentials from £16.50 (36Mb) for Universal Credit with no earnings; also £22 (36Mb) and £25 (67Mb). 12 months, no rises or exit fees. Open to EE and Plusnet customers too |
| Credit check | Usually a soft check; a deposit is possible after a refusal | Soft check for broadband only; hard check with TV. A deposit is possible with a poor history |
| Set-up | £0 with QuickStart self-install (engineer £30) | £0 on current deals |
| Leaving early | Early Disconnection Fee of about 78–96% of the remaining payments, no cap; 30 days’ notice | Remaining months at the monthly price, less avoided costs and 1% |
| Guarantees | WiFi Max £8 a month (free with Gig1/Gig2): 30Mb in every room or £100 credit | Stay Fast Guarantee (minimum speed) and Complete Wi-Fi: £100 back if any room lacks signal |
| Ofcom complaints per 100k | 6 | 7 |
Verdict
Both add the same yearly rise, so compare the starting prices at your postcode. Virgin Media had fewer Ofcom complaints in Q1 2026 (6 vs 7 per 100,000 customers). Network matters — Virgin Media: Its own cable and full fibre network (with nexfibre): 18.8 million premises, all gigabit-capable. BT: Openreach (part fibre and full fibre), nationwide. Check which reaches your address.
Facts checked 24 October 2026 · Virgin Media review · BT review
Virgin Media and BT deals at your address
FAQ
Common questions
Is Virgin Media or BT cheaper?
Both add the same yearly rise, so compare the starting prices at your postcode. Starting prices change often, so check both at your postcode.
Which has fewer complaints?
Virgin Media, according to Ofcom’s Q1 2026 figures.
Do Virgin Media and BT have social tariffs?
Virgin Media: Essential Broadband £12.50 (15Mb) and Essential Plus £20 (54Mb), 30-day, no rises or fees; new and existing customers. BT: Home Essentials from £16.50 (36Mb) for Universal Credit with no earnings; also £22 (36Mb) and £25 (67Mb). 12 months, no rises or exit fees. Open to EE and Plusnet customers too.