Virgin Media Revamps TV Packages, Adds Free Netflix to Compete with Sky

Virgin Media has announced significant changes to its television packages, introducing new pricing and features aimed at enhancing its competitiveness against Sky. The updates include a free Netflix subscription, which was previously available only in higher-tier plans. This strategic move positions Virgin Media as a formidable rival in the evolving pay-TV market.

The new offerings begin with the £30.99 M125 Fibre Broadband + Flex package. This plan features over 150 TV channels and provides 132Mbps fibre broadband, available on a 30-day rolling contract that allows for flexibility without long-term commitments. Customers seeking greater value may prefer to subscribe to one of Virgin’s 24-month contracts, as the company has introduced the £36.99 Entertainment bundle. This more comprehensive option includes over 200 channels, featuring select Sky channels and all essential free-to-air options, alongside 362Mbps fibre broadband.

In a noteworthy change, Virgin Media now includes a free Netflix subscription with its Entertainment bundle, aligning its offerings more closely with Sky’s packages, which provide Netflix as part of their deals.

New Plans for Film and Sports Enthusiasts

For film and sports fans, Virgin Media has launched additional plans. The £46.99 Cinema bundle offers access to over 200 channels along with Sky Cinema HD, while the £66.99 Sport bundle includes eight Sky Sports channels, featuring major events such as the Premier League and F1, all complemented by 362Mbps broadband and a complimentary Netflix subscription.

For those desiring a combination of cinema and sports, the £74.99 Sport + Cinema bundle merges these packages and includes faster 500Mbps broadband. There is also the £84.99 Max Volt bundle, which boasts internet speeds of up to 1,130Mbps. This premium option also provides customers with an O2 Classic Plan SIM featuring unlimited data, minutes, and texts, along with roaming in 75 destinations. Additionally, customers can enjoy a three-month trial of either Amazon Prime or Disney+.

While these changes are designed to enhance value, they come with an important caveat. Starting in April 2026, Virgin Media will implement an annual mid-contract price increase of £4. This will result in the £36.99 package rising to £40.99 in 2026 and to £44.99 in 2027. This practice of annual price increases is not unique to Virgin; earlier this year, Sky raised its TV and broadband prices by 6.2%.

Sky currently offers competitive options, with packages starting from £15 for its Essential TV bundle, which includes over 100 channels and access to Sky Atlantic. This entry-level plan also features free subscriptions to Netflix and Discovery+ as part of Sky’s popular £35 Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle.

As both providers adjust their offerings and pricing, consumers now have more choices when considering their television and broadband services. The competition between Virgin Media and Sky continues to evolve, reflecting changing consumer preferences and the ongoing demand for flexible, value-driven entertainment options.