If you’re in a hurry, check out our Editor's Pick, NETGEAR Nighthawk CAX80. | ||
If you’re tired of paying your internet provider hundreds of dollars every year in line rent, you’ve come to the right place. On average providers charge $10-$15 a month to lease an all-in-one modem and router which amounts to $360 over two years.
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Considering this staggering cost, it makes sense to buy your own modem router combo. Not only will it be more practical, but you won’t have to worry about additional costs charged by your ISP. Plus, it will help you to save some space if you have a small room.
Choosing the right combo will maximize the provider plan, improve download speeds so you can stream and view in HD, as well as connect multiple devices throughout your home at once. Also, you can easily change providers since you’ll keep the devices if you move or want to change your internet plans.
Now, you could get a simple modem and get a Fast WiFi 6 router or a WiFi Mesh System if you have a spare change. But if you want to simplify your setup and want to avoid the hassle of dealing with multiple devices, a combo is the way to go.
You most likely decided to buy a combo for the modem and router to either get rid of the ISP
costs or you like the idea of having 2 devices in one. But to choose the right one, you must know about a few elements.
So, to help you make the right and educated purchase decision we compiled a list of things you should check out before buying a modem router.
Things to Consider
1. Security
The first thing to consider when buying a modem router combo is the security of the cable modem. It has to provide you protection against issues with others hacking the server. If the modem has DOCSIS 3-0, you can be sure that your connection is safe.
2. Range
Next, ensure the combo has a good range, meaning that the signal is strong enough to get to every room in your home. There’s no point in having the best ISP speed when you can’t have the signal all around the house. Check how many antennas the combos have and ask the company how strong the signal is.
Sometimes you won’t find this information under specifications, but try to find it in people’s reviews. You’ll always have some dead spots in the house or apartment, but try to find the best router with the range you need.
3. Speed
The most important feature for most people is the internet speed. Check out which is the maximum download (and upload) internet speed you can get. If you’re a gamer or if you like to stream HD videos often, fast speed is the top priority. It is the speed you have on your plan.
This could be a 500 Mbps plan or a Gigabyte plan. Whichever it is, you would want to find a modem and a router that can handle the speed. Naturally, they won’t match 100% always, but make sure to go with those devices that can support faster speeds.
4. Ports
Next, there are the router USB ports to connect it to devices like printers, and Ethernet ports you can connect to computers for a faster internet connection. You have to know what type of Ethernet and USB ports it has to know what devices you can plug in for a stable and fast network when you don’t plan on using a Wi-Fi signal.
5. Price
The last feature some of you look at right away is the price tag. Cheaper combos don’t always mean a smaller range or worse products.
The Best Modem Routers for 2021
Model | Wi-Fi Speed | Area Coverage | Price | |
 | Netgear Nighthawk CAX80 | 2000 Mbps | Up to 3000 sq. ft. | |
 | Motorola MG7550 | 1900 Mbps | Up to 3000 sq. ft. | |
 | Netgear Nighthawk C7800 | 3200 Mbps | Up to 3000 sq. ft. | |
 | Netgear C3700 | 300 Mbps | Up to 1000 sq. ft. | |
 | Netgear C6250 | 1600 Mbps | Up to 1500 sq. ft. |
Editor’s Pick: NETGEAR Nighthawk CAX80
NETGEAR is a well-established company in the internet device domain. So, no wonder they have the modem router combo to offer as well. For all those who need the best speeds, security, and great range, the NETGEAR Nighthawk CAX80 is the best choice.
This DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem router device comes in handy if you’re streaming in HD and gaming daily. You can use it with cable internet plans of up to 2 Gbps and it has up to 6 Gbps WiFi speeds, while the maximum download speed is up to 1000 Mbps.
The 3 antennas and amplifiers boost the signal throughout the entire house. It is compatible with Xfinity, by Comcast, Spectrum, and COX. It covers up to 3000 square feet of your home.
The Nighthawk has 5 Ethernet ports and 1 USB port and parental control features for all parents who would like to keep an eye on what their kids are doing, as well as Guest WiFi controls to allow access to your guests.
- WiFi speeds up to 6 Gbps
- DOCSIS 3.1
- Works with Xfinity by Comcast, Spectrum, and COX.
- Covers up to 3000 square feet of your home
- Connects to more than 45 devices
- Has 4 gigabit Ethernet ports, one 2.5 gigabit Ethernet port, and 1 USB port for external devices.
Best Modem Router Combo Under $100
1. NETGEAR C3700
If you need a modem router combo but you are on a tight budget, check out NETGEAR C3700. It is a reliable device that fits perfectly into a mid-sized home.
The C3700 has a DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem and the dual band router that gives you 8x faster speeds – WiFi goes up to 600 Mbps. It has SPI and NAT firewall protection, while your WiFi is safer with WPA/WPA2, and your kids are safer with limiting access for kids.
This combo works with all major cable internet providers such as Xfinity, Time COX, Cablevision, Warner Cable, and Bright House Networks. It is not compatible with Cable bundled voice service providers.
It also comes with 8 x 4 gigabit Ethernet ports to connect your external devices to a fast connection, as well as a USB port. Plus, you can connect the devices with WPS (WiFi protected setup) called Push ‘N’ Connect and install the combo with your iPad, tablets, smartphones, and computers.
Features
- WiFi speeds up to 600 Mbps
- DOCSIS 3.0 Works with Xfinity, Time COX, Cablevision, Warner Cable, and Bright House Networks
- SPI and NAT firewall protection
- Connects to multiple devices
- Has 8×4 gigabit Ethernet ports.
Best Modem Router Combo Under $150
2. MOTOROLA MG7540
The first modem router combo from Motorola features a DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem plus a built-in AC1600 dual-band WiFi 1-gigabit router which gives you speeds of up to 1600 Mbps.
It comes with 4 gigabit Ethernet ports and it is best to use it with cable providers that offer speeds up to 375 Mbps. The Broadcom cable modem chipset gives you security from DoS attacks.
The MG7540 can be used with a variety of providers, such as Xfinity and Xfinity X1, Spectrum, BrightHouse, Time Warner Cable, COX, WOW!, RCN, WOW!, Mediacom and others. Note that it’s not compatible with CenturyLink, AT&T, Verizon, DSL, and satellite services.
The AC1600 WiFi router offers internet access to most devices and services, including Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Echo, Google Home, Chromecast, AppleTV, and most smartphones, tablets, or notebooks.
Features
- WiFi speeds up to 1600 Mbps
- DOCSIS 3.0
- Works with Xfinity and Xfinity X1, Spectrum, BrightHouse, Time Warner Cable, COX, WOW!, RCN, WOW!, Mediacom and others
- Can work on WiFi DFS frequencies
- Connects to multiple devices
- Has 4 gigabit Ethernet ports.
3. MOTOROLA MG7550
The second Motorola on the list, MG7550, has a DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem and a dual-band AC1900 WiFi router with 4 gigabit Ethernet ports.
This combo should be used with cable provider plans of up to 375 Mbps. The Broadcom chipset saves you from DoS attacks, while Power Boost technology amplifies the WiFi signal which can cover an entire medium-sized home.
You can use the MG7550 with Xfinity, Xfinity X1, Spectrum, COX, Time Warner Cable, WOW!, Suddenlink, CableOne, and others. You cannot use it with DSL, or satellite services from Verizon, Frontier AT&T, CenturyLink, and fiber optic.
You can connect this device to many services and devices, like smartphones, tablets, game boxes, notebooks, as well as Amazon Echo, Google Home, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, Roku, Apple TV, and others. Plus, this Motorola device offers built-in parental controls to keep your kids secure when they use the internet.
Features
- WiFi speeds up to 1.9 Gbps
- DOCSIS 3.0
- Works with Xfinity, Xfinity X1, Spectrum, COX, Time Warner Cable, WOW!, Suddenlink, CableOne, and others
- WiFi Power Boost
- Connects to multiple devices
- Has 4 gigabit Ethernet ports.
4. NETGEAR C6250
On a slightly higher price range, there’s NETGEAR C6250. However, not a lot of modem router combos give you up to 1500 square feet coverage and connection to up to 25 devices.
The C6250 is compatible with Xfinity, COX, and Spectrum. However, you won’t be able to use it with CenturyLink, DSL providers, Verizon, AT&T, DirecTV, DISH, and bundled voice service providers.
It works best with provider plans with up to 300 Mbps of speed, while the router can give you up to 1600 Mbps wireless connection speed, perfect if you’re into HD streaming or gaming.
What’s more, 2 gigabit Ethernet ports and 1 USB port ensure fast internet connection with your external devices (printers, storage drives, or game boxes.) This DOCSIS 3.0 device has a parental control feature and supports WEP and WPA/WPA2 wireless security protocols.
Features
- WiFi speeds up to 1600 Mbps
- DOCSIS 3.0
- Works with Xfinity, COX, and Spectrum
- Covers up to 1500 square feet of your home
- Connects to multiple devices
- Has 2 gigabit Ethernet ports and 1 USB port for external devices.
Best Modem Router Combo Under $200
5. NETGEAR Nighthawk C7000
If you’re looking for a reliable but still affordable modem router combo, look no further. The Nighthawk C7000 from NETGEAR is the product you need.
This combo can connect to various cable internet service providers, like Xfinity, Spectrum, and COX. However, it isn’t compatible with AT&T, DSL providers, CenturyLink, DirecTV, Verizon, bundled voice services, and DISH.
The C7000 is a 24×8 channel bonding modem DOCSIS 3.0, meaning it secures your network and gives you faster speeds. 24 channels are used for downstream and 8 channels are used when you. It also supports WPA and WPA2, as well as WEP security protocols. Plus, it has parental control features.
Internet streaming downloading speed you can expect from this device goes up to 960 Mbps, while the WiFi speeds go up to 1.9 Gbps. The WiFi signal powered by 3 antennas can cover up to 1800 square feet of your home, but it also works in homes up to 2,500 square feet. You can connect up to 30 devices and use 4 gigabit Ethernet ports, as well as 2 USB ports for external devices.
It’s one of the priciest models on this list, but the investment’s well worth it in the long run. Since you don’t have a monthly fee to your provider, these devices really do help if you’re on a budget.
Features
- WiFi speeds up to 1.9 Gbps
- DOCSIS 3.0
- Works with Xfinity, COX, and Spectrum
- Covers up to 1800 square feet of your home
- Connects to up to 30 devices
- Has 4 gigabit Ethernet ports and 2 USB ports for external devices.
6. ARRIS SURFboard SBG7600AC2
SURFboard SBG7600AC2 from ARRIS is an excellent modem router combo option in the slightly higher price tag. Still, if offers excellent features.
This combo comes with a DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem, a dual-band Wi-Fi router AC2350, and another 4-port Gigabit router. It is compatible with Xfinity, Spectrum, and COX. You cannot use AT&T, Century Link, or Verizon with this combo.
It can give you speeds up to 1.4 Gbps and Wi-Fi speeds up to 2350 Mbps. The Wi-Fi router has 4 gigabit Ethernet ports and 8 upstream and 32 downstream channels. The signal is adequate for mid and large-sized homes.
The SBG7600AC2 comes with the ARRIS SURFboard Manager app, that enables you to manage the quality and availability of your home Wi-Fi, as well as control internet access rules. Last, the combo comes with McAfee Protection which you can manage with McAfee Secure Home Internet app.
Features
- WiFi speeds up to 2350 Mbps
- DOCSIS 3.0
- Works with Xfinity, COX, and Spectrum
- 32 downstream & 8 upstream channels
- Connects to multiple devices
- Has 4 gigabit Ethernet ports.
Best Modem Router Combo Under $300
7. NETGEAR Nighthawk C7100V
NETGEAR is a well-established company in the internet device domain. So, no wonder they have the modem router combo to offer as well. For all those who need the best speeds, security, and great range, the Nighthaw C7100V is the best choice.
This DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem router device comes in handy if you’re streaming in HD and gaming daily. You can use it with cable internet plans of up to 400 Mbps and it has up to 1900 Mbps WiFi speeds, while the maximum download speed is up to 1000 Mbps.
The 3 antennas and amplifiers boost the signal throughout the entire house. It is compatible with Xfinity and has voice phone support for use with Xfinity Voice.
The Nighthawk has 4 Ethernet ports and 2 USB ports and parental control features for all parents who would like to keep an eye on what their kids are doing, as well as Guest WiFi controls to allow access to your guests.
Features
- WiFi speeds up to 1900 Mbps
- DOCSIS 3.0
- Works with Xfinity
- Covers up to 1800 square feet of your home
- Connects to multiple devices
- Has 4 gigabit Ethernet ports and 2 USB ports for external devices.
8. ARRIS SURFboard SBG8300
The SURFboard SBG8300 from ARRIS isn’t exactly a cheap modem router combo, but it can definitely fit into any home. It is actually 3 products in one: a modem, a 4-port gigabit router, and the AC2350 dual-band WiFi.
The device is compatible with Xfinity and COX providers, as well as the Spectrum internet service provider. The modem goes up to 10+ Gbps, while the WiFi speed goes up to 2350 Mbps, meaning it enables you to easily stream videos in ultra-HD or online gaming without buffering.
The DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem standard and the option to connect it to McAfee Secure Home Internet make this combo an extremely secure device. Plus, it comes with Parental control features.
You can control the ARRIS Surfboard through the SURFboard Manager app from your Android or iOS smartphone, which connects to Alexa for simpler management. Since it only has 4 gigabit Ethernet ports, you’ll have to connect it only to external devices that have Ethernet and not USB ports.
Features
- WiFi speeds up to 2350 Mbps
- DOCSIS 3.1
- Works with Xfinity, COX, and Spectrum
- 32 downstream and 8 upstream channels
- Connects to multiple devices
- Has 4 gigabit Ethernet ports.
Best Modem Router Combo Under $400
9. NETGEAR Nighthawk C7800
The Nighthawk C7800 from NETGEAR is the most powerful device on this list. This ultra-fast modem router combo is a great tool for every avid internet user.
The device is compatible with the biggest providers, like Xfinity and COX, and works best with cable internet plans of up to 2-gigabit speed. It will cover up to 3000 square feet and you can connect up to 45 devices with up to 3200 Mbps on AC3200 WiFi speed.
You can connect various devices, such as printers, computers, external storage drives, game boxes, with 2 USB and 4 gigabit Ethernet ports.
The DOCSIS 3.1 standard, WEP, and WPA/WPA2 security protocols keep your network safe, and you can rest assured that your kids will stay safe online with Parental controls.
Features
- WiFi speeds up to 3200 Mbps
- DOCSIS 3.1
- Works with Xfinity and COX
- Covers up to 3000 square feet of your home
- Connects to multiple devices
- Has 4 gigabit Ethernet ports 2 USB ports for external devices.
Best Modem Router Combo Under $500
10. ASUS CM-32
The CM-32 from ASUS is a real modem router beast. If you are looking for the best combo that will handle your streaming and gaming in HD, look no further.
This combo works with Xfinity, Spectrum, and COX providers. It comes with a DOCSIS 3.0 32×88 cable modem and AC2600 router with 4 external antennas that give you the signal range that can cover a large-sized home.
It has 2 USB 2.0 ports and 4 gigabit Ethernet ports to connect all your devices. What’s more, the 32 x 8 channel bonding gives you up to 1.3 Gbps download speeds.
What’s best about the CM-32 is the MIMO technology that improves internet speed, so even if you’re using multiple devices for gaming, they will all have excellent speed. Also, The ASUSWRT app lets you manage everything from the network map, guest network, to parental control, as well as monitoring your traffic.
Features
- WiFi speeds up to 1.3 Gbps
- DOCSIS 3.0
- Works with Xfinity, Spectrum, and COX
- MIMO technology that improves WiFi speed
- Connects to multiple devices
- Has 4 gigabit Ethernet ports 2 USB ports for external devices.
Conclusion
Choosing what modem and router combo depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re expecting to get the most secure network, look for these specs. On the other hand, if you’re looking for the best speeds, make sure to check at what are the best speeds on both modem and router.
