We cut through all the marketing buzzwords and compare both Sky and Virgin Media on the key factors, like channels, broadband speed and customer service, so you can make the best choice.
TV Channels
There’s no doubt that Sky and Virgin Media both have a huge selection of channels. But it’s far more important to think about what channels and type of TV you and your family actually enjoy watching and build your package around that, rather than focusing on just the number of channels each provider has. We’ve all been there, scrolling hundreds of channels looking for something new, only to find yourself right back on the same few channels you always watch.
Sky TV packages start with their basic package, Sky TV as it’s simply called. You then choose which add ons you want such as Sky Cinema, Sky Sports or Sky Kids. There is also the option to add Netflix too. The Sky TV package has over 300 channels. This includes the hugely popular Sky Atlantic along with other key channels like Sky Max, Sky Comedy, Sky Witness, Fox and Gold, and of course all the Freeview channels. You also get Sky Box Sets with over 500 Box sets included.
Virgin Media works a little differently to sky. They offer their TV in the form of bundles. The Big Bundle (100+ channels), Bigger Bundles (190+ channels) and the Ultimate Volt Bundles (230+ channels). You can also customise these bundles further by adding channels packs. However none of these bundles or pack have Sky Atlantic, which may be a deal breaker for some.
Winner: Sky
Sky’s basic TV package does offer more channels than Virgin's Big Bundle which, along with the much loved Sky Atlantic, which makes it the winner in this section.
Broadband Speed
In April 2022 Sky launched their Gigafast package with average speeds of 900Mb, which is just below Virgin’s Gig1 package with 1130Mb. So if we are looking at just speeds alone, then they are pretty evenly matched.
However it Is important to consider that Sky’s Gigafast package, along with their Ultrafast and Ultrafast Plus packages have quite low availability at the moment. Their Gigafast package is only available to around to 24% of UK homes. Virgin’s Gig1 on the other hand is available across their entire network, which currently covers around 60% of UK homes. The most widely available Sky package is their Superfast package with speeds of 59Mb.
Winner: Virgin Media
This is a tough one. At the mid-range speeds, Sky and Virgin Media are both highly competitive. However, if you’re looking for the higher speeds, then Virgin just takes the lead because of their wider availability.
Call Packages
With Sky Broadband, Sky Pay As You Talk is included as standard. You can upgrade this to a more inclusive call plan for an additional monthly fee choosing from:
- Sky Talk Evenings and Weekends - Evening and weekend calls to UK mobiles and landlines
- Sky Talk Anytime - Anytime calls to UK mobiles and landlines
- Sky Talk International - Calls to UK mobiles and landlines, plus 50 worldwide destinations
Virgin Media include their Talk Weekends plan as standard with their broadband and phone bundles. This give you inclusive weekend calls to UK landlines, Virgin Mobile numbers and 0845 and 0870 numbers. Again, this can be upgraded if needed.
- Talk More Weekends - Weekend calls to UK landlines, UK mobiles and 0870 numbers
- Talk More Evenings and Weekends - Evenings and weekend calls to UK landlines, UK mobiles and 0845 and 0870 numbers
- Talk More Anytime - Anytime calls to UK landlines, UK mobiles and 0845 and 0870 numbers
- Talk More Anytime International - Anytime calls to UK landlines, UK mobiles, All 08 numbers and 50 international destinations
Winner: Virgin Media
The two providers are pretty closely matched with their call plans, but Virgin does take the lead as they offer some inclusive call as standard with their broadband and phone bundles.
Customer service
Figures from the Ofcom 2021 Comparing Service Quality report published 18 May 2022, show Sky with 84% Satisfaction with service overall, where as Virgin Media are below the average (83%) at just 78%.
| Comparing Service Quality Report | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average | 83% | 80% | 85% | 83% |
| Sky | 84% | 80% | 86% | 83% |
| Virgin Media | 78% | 80% | 85% | 85% |
In the latest Ofcom telecoms and pay TV complaints , Sky is also ahead of Virgin Media in both the broadband and the TV category. Sky had 4 broadband and 1 TV complaint per per 100,000 subscribers a, whilst Virgin Media had 18 for broadband and 10 for TV.
| Ofcom complaints per 100,000 | Q1 2022 | Q4 2021 | Q3 2021 | Q2 2021 | Q1 2021 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average Broadband | 10 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 19 |
| Sky Broadband | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 7 |
| Virgin Media Broadband | 18 | 13 | 15 | 17 | 33 |
| Average TV | 4 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 6 |
| Sky TV | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Virgin Media TV | 10 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 17 |
Winner: Sky
Sky is the clear winner here with consistently better results in both overall satisfaction and complaints.
Availability
Virgin Media runs on its own network, so its availability is quite different from Sky and other providers on the Openreach network.
Although Virgin Media’s network is being extended all the time, currently only around 60% of homes in the UK are able to access the service.
Sky however is pretty much nationwide, though the speeds you are able to receive will vary. Sky Ultrafast with average speeds of 145Mb is only available to 15.7% of UK homes at time of writing.Winner: Sky
Sky has the advantage here with most homes in the UK being able access the service.
Additional Factors
There are a few other factors to consider when comparing both providers.
If you are looking for multiscreen, then the cost of this can soon mount up. We've done a full guide on multiroom.
Sky TV is provided via a satellite dish mounted to the side of your house. Virgin Media will have to drill a hole through your exterior wall. Depending on there you live, this could be a significant factor when making your decision.
Current deals
Our verdict
Winner - Sky
Both Sky and Virgin Media are great options, offering a wide range of TV channels, brilliant broadband, and flexible packages.
Whilst Sky may not have the speeds that Virgin Media do, they do have wider availability with speeds that are fast enough for most households and a strong customer service record.