Virgin Media Stream Box

Dan Howdle • October 14th, 2024

With streaming services now firmly rooted in the entertainment landscape, and countless new shows and movies being streaming exclusives, finding your next binge isn’t quite as easy and seamless as it used to be. Virgin Media has taken note of this, and launched Stream from Virgin Media: a new, contract-free digital TV solution, for new and existing broadband customers.

Stream, by Virgin Media, isn’t the first plug-and-play TV device on the market. The device it uses could easily be mistaken for an Apple TV box, or compared to the likes of the Amazon Fire Stick. Competitor Sky has combined TV and Apps in one place since 2016 with Sky Q (satellite) and now with Sky Stream. How does it work? And how does it compare?

Key features

What is Virgin Media Stream?

Virgin Media Stream is an entertainment service that combines Freeview live TV with apps like YouTube and paid-for subscription services like Disney+ and Netflix, all within a single interface. With customisable personal profiles, you can access your favourite shows, recommendations, and new releases on one screen, without the need to switch between apps. If you've ever used and Apple TV 4K, just like that.

For a one-time activation fee of £35, Virgin Media broadband subscribers can receive a Stream box. Premium TV channels and subscription services are charged separately, but there are no ongoing monthly fees for the Stream service itself.

Stream’s interface is user-friendly and features voice control. If you already own a smart TV, the benefit of using Stream may be limited, but for those without smart TV capabilities, Stream can act as an alternative to a full Virgin Media TV bundle if you're looking for something a little more slimline.

The Virgin Stream box

The Stream box, once plugged into your TV and power supply, connects to your wifi network wirelessly. It’s a simple set-up process and you should be able to start watching TV within minutes, though you can schedule an engineer to visit if you need some extra support.

The box itself comes packed with a remote control, with a built-in microphone to make use of Stream’s voice search functions to quickly find your desired show or video. A dedicated Profiles button allows you to quickly switch between users.

One attractive feature of Stream is that you don’t need an aerial connection to access Freeview. This, in addition to 4K compatibility, makes Stream a nice alternative to a TV contract. However, unlike a full TV set-top box, you can’t record shows with this service. If you can’t catch your favourite show live, you’ll have to rely on catch-up services like iPlayer or All4.

How many Stream boxes can I have?

At the moment, you can only have one Stream box per Virgin Media account. There’s no option currently for multi-room viewing, so you can enjoy Stream services in one room at a time only. Additionally, Stream will only work on your specific broadband connection, so no gifting the device to someone else with Virgin broadband. You can only access the Stream service if you don’t already have a Virgin TV package on your contract.

How to watch with Stream

For how comprehensive its features are, Stream is pretty straightforward to navigate once you have it installed. Here are the three steps you need to follow to get Stream and streamline your telly-watching experience.

Add Stream to your bundle

If you’re a new Virgin Media broadband customer, Stream is available as an add-on at point of purchase. If you’re an existing broadband customer, you can call 0800 952 2039 to request Stream on your account. There’s also a form on Virgin’s website if you’d prefer.

Remember, you can’t get Stream if you already have a Virgin Media TV package.

Install your Stream box

Your Stream box will come with a quick start guide to help you get installed. Here’s the highlights:

• Connect the Stream box to your TV – The box connects to your TV via HDMI cable, which comes in the box
• Power up the Stream box – The Stream box has a USB power cable and adapter included. Once plugged in, power up the Stream box with the button on the front
• Link the Stream box to your wifi network – Once it’s on, follow the onscreen instructions to pair the Stream box to your Virgin broadband wifi. If your TV is near your Virgin Media Hub, you may wish to connect your Stream box to it with the supplied ethernet cable instead

Start watching TV with Virgin Stream

With set-up complete, you’re ready to start watching. Stream’s home screen will show you highlights and recommendations from Live TV, catch up and subscription services all in one place. You can even set up multiple profiles so each member of the family can get their own recommendations. Parental Controls are available too.

Subscriptions on Virgin Stream

Virgin Stream supports almost all popular subscription services. You’ll use the My Virgin Media app to manage your subscriptions, which will then appear on the Stream service.

One benefit touted by Virgin Media is discounts on your additional streaming services. Customers who subscribe to paid services through Virgin Media will receive 10% of the subscription cost back as credit on their Virgin Media bill. Less a discount, more a rebate, this may still be the incentive you need to hop across to the service. Unfortunately, there’s no carrying over your profiles if you already use any of these subscription services. Subscribing through Virgin Media will create new accounts, resetting your preferences and recommendations.

Alternatives to Virgin Stream

Offered only to Virgin Media broadband customers without an existing TV package, Stream’s eligibility means it might not be available to you, even if its features tick all your boxes. Similar services are available from a number of other providers, though. Here’s our top picks:

Sky Stream or NOW TV

Both Sky Stream and NOW TV, powered by Sky, are available without broadband. That means you can have either even if you're a VIrgin Media customer. Sky Stream particularly is leagues ahead of Virgin Media Stream in terms of channels and content, but then you won't get it with no monthly fee like you will with Virgin Media Stream.

TalkTalk TV

A very similar offering to Virgin Media Stream comes in the shape of TalkTalk TV. Also an add-on to TalkTalk broadband packages, TalkTalk TV combines Freeview TV with catch-up and subscription-based apps, perfect if you don’t want to commit to a full TV bundle. TalkTalk TV is a worthy competitor to Stream, if you are in the market for a new broadband contract with TV perks, without a full entertainment contract.

Go your own way

If you don’t need the bells and whistles of having all your subscriptions in one place, or aren’t interested in watching Freeview TV live, you may wish to cut out the middleman and manage your subscriptions yourself. Streaming services like Netflix and Disney+ regularly have new-subscriber benefits like free trials, and are compatible with most devices. Even low-end Smart TVs are equipped with app compatibility, meaning you can install your favourite apps direct to your telly, or screencast these apps from your phone.

If you don’t have a Smart TV, or aren’t looking to upgrade, low-cost devices like Google’s Chromecast, a Roku stick, or Amazon’s Fire Stick will also give you smart-style access to your favourite streaming apps without ties to a broadband or TV contract.

Compare TV packages