What channels do I get with Virgin Media Flex?

Dan Howdle • December 9th, 2024

Virgin Media Flex, the new name for 'Stream from Virgin Media', is Virgin Media's attempt to keep up with the showstopping Sky Stream service that's setting fire to the UK TV subscription model to much applause. And it's… well, it's okay.

You will still need Virgin Media Broadband to get it, despite the box itself requiring only an internet connection (though you can get it for almost nothing, which counts for a lot. What Flex offers is the core channel list of Virgin TV. So what channels do you get exactly? We've done the digging so you don't have to.

Key feature comparison

Here's a big picture overview of Virgin Media Flex:

Visit Virgin Media

So, first thing's first: You can get it for £5 per month if you're either about to subscribe to Virgin Media Broadband or even as an existing customer. We suppose it should be applauded for that. It delivers 150-something Freeview channels you already have numerous available means to receive. It's pretty darn close to the entry-level Virgin TV package that uses Virgin Media cables and a Virgin TV 360 box. It's just a bit more convenient.

Ultimately though, there may well be a wealth of customers out there without a smart TV or a Freeview box or any way to access the actual Freeview app, and want one of these boxes thrown in with their broadband deal. It does offer the ability to download and use apps to the box, so you're also well covered if you're looking for a single device that's an all-rounder.

It also provides a means to access Sky TV services via Virgin Media, as well as watch your favourite TV Streaming apps. Although not free, Sky Stream offers Sky Atlantic, and Flex does not. You should consider that if you're choosing between Sky Stream and Virgin Media Flex.

Virgin Media Flex channels list

There are over 150 channels available as standard with Flex – far too many to list here. You can check out the full list on Virgin Media's website. A good idea since the line-up does tend to change a lot over time.

Virgin Media Flex channel highlights

By no means a definitive list, but here are a selection of some of the more popular channels available on Virgin Media Flex:

Visit Virgin Media

Add-on channel packs for Virgin Media Flex

This is ultimately the real reason Virgin Media wants to give you a streaming box for £5 per month: It's a platform to access additional content you will actually have to pay a subscription fee for. None of the channels listed in this section are free. Far from it. But, at least you have the option of adding them on.

Sky Sports on Virgin Media Flex

Be aware that at the time of writing getting Sky Sports on Virgin Media Flex is among the most expensive ways to get the service. You'll need to check the price when you're considering getting it and Virgin Media will only show you add-on pricing during the sign-up process.

Virgin Media is throwing Sky Sports Racing HD (horse racing) in with the free channels pack. That leaves you with the following channels on the Sky Sports HD pack:

TNT Sports (formerly BT Sport) on Virgin Media Flex

TNT Sports (previously BT Sport) is another add-on you can add to Virgin Media Stream. Right now, at the time of writing, it's £18 per month.

Here are the channels you'll find with TNT Sports:

Visit Virgin Media

Sky Cinema on Virgin Media Flex

You'll get all 11 (12 at the time of writing thanks to the seasonal Sky Cinema Christmas) Sky Cinema channels in HD for £24.99 per month at the time of writing – one of the most expensive ways to get it, but offset somewhat by the mere £5 per month you'll pay for Flex. Here are the channels:

Visit Virgin Media

Apps on Virgin Media Flex

As a digital streaming box with its own software and operating system, you can of course load most of the streaming apps you might want onto the device. Several of them even offer subscriptions that can be rolled into the monthly price you'll pay for Virgin Media Stream: Netflix, Disney+, Lionsgate+, Prime Video, Paramount+, and BritBox.

Full list coming up, but it's worth noting you won't be able to watch NOW via its app on the Virgin Media Flex box, and neither will you be able to watch Apple TV+. Virgin Media wants you to subscribe to Sky premium channels directly through them, so this limitation isn't particularly surprising.

Here is up to date list of apps you can load onto your Virgin Media Flex box:

By integrating subscriptions like Netflix, Disney+, Lionsgate+, Prime Video, Paramount+, and BritBox into your monthly Virgin Media bill, you also benefit from at least 10% credit back on each subscription. Virgin Media Flex offers a streamlined way to manage your favourite apps and subscriptions all in one place.