5G vs home broadband: what's the difference?

5G broadband uses the mobile network – the same super-speedy technology your phone relies on – to deliver internet straight to your home. Instead of waiting for drilling or new cables to be run to your property, you simply plug in a 5G router, insert your 5G SIM, and connect your devices and you’re online in minutes with little to no fuss.

As the connection is completely wireless, your performance can vary depending on factors like signal strength, how far you are from the mast and how busy the local network is at any given time.

For renters, students, city dwellers or anyone who needs fast broadband without the wait, 5G is a brilliantly convenient alternative if you can't commit to home broadband.

Pros of 5G Broadband

• No setup needed, simply plug in and go

• Good speeds when you have strong 5G coverage

Cons of 5G Broadband

• Speeds can fluctuate depending on signal and peak hours

• Coverage varies by area

Broadband uses a physical wired connection, usually a coaxial cable, that runs directly from your provider into your home. Because it’s a fixed, hard-wired setup, you get a stable and consistent connection that isn’t affected by things like bad weather.

Most home broadband works by delivering your internet connection through a dedicated fibre cable that runs straight into your home. This wired link gives you a strong, stable signal from the moment it arrives. The router then takes that connection and distributes fast, reliable WiFi around your home, keeping all your devices online without a hitch. Your speeds stay steady and consistent, even at peak times when the whole street is streaming, gaming or downloading at once.

Broadband is one of the most reliable ways to stay online, delivering smooth, uninterrupted browsing. And when it comes to speed, broadband can really flex its muscles, offering ultrafast performance that keeps up with heavy streaming, gaming and all your household’s devices at once.

Pros of Broadband

• Faster top-end speeds than most 5G services

• Less affected by congestion or external factors

Cons of Broadband

• Availability varies by postcode

5G broadband speeds typically sit between 50–300Mbps, giving you plenty of power for streaming, browsing and gaming. In areas with strong 5G coverage, speeds can climb even higher. Just keep in mind that real-world speeds can vary depending on where you live, the strength of the signal and how busy the local network is during peak times.

Broadband offers speeds ranging from 100Mbps right up to 1,130Mbps, giving you plenty of options whether you’re a casual browser or a full-on streaming household. Because it’s a wired connection, performance stays solid and consistent throughout the day, even at busy times. It’s an excellent choice for larger or device-heavy homes that need fast, reliable connectivity across the board.

It really depends on what you need from your internet connection and what suits your lifestyle the best. There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to choosing the right broadband connection, so we’ve broken it down for you.

Why broadband is the better option at home

Home broadband is the go-to option for households that need serious speed and unwavering stability no matter what you get up to. If your home is packed with smart tech devices, gamers, streamers or remote workers, broadband is one of the only types of connection that can handle the lot without breaking a sweat.

It’s designed for people who want the very best internet performance, day, night and everything in between, and don’t mind a fixed setup. If you’re staying put for a while and want a connection that never flinches, home broadband is what you're looking for.

When to choose 5G broadband

5G broadband is a fantastic choice if you move frequently or just want broadband that fits around your lifestyle.

If you only need moderate speeds for everyday tasks like streaming, browsing, video calls and gaming on the go, 5G broadband is the one for you. And in areas with strong 5G coverage, it can feel impressively quick and surprisingly reliable. For anyone craving simplicity and flexibility, 5G is broadband on your terms.

If you're looking for home broadband, you've come to the right place.

At Virgin Media, we’ve got a range of superfast and ultrafast broadband deals with speeds to suit every home – from 100 Mbps to 1 gbps and beyond.

Not sure what you can get? Use our helpful broadband postcode checker to see all of the broadband deals that are available in your area.