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 all-in-one modems and routers which amounts to $360 over two years.
Now, you could get a simple modem and get a Fast WiFi 6 router or a WiFi Mesh System if you have the spare change. But if you want to simplify your setup and avoid the hassle of dealing with multiple devices in your work from home setup, this article on the best all-in-one modem combos is for you.
There are a number of things you should look for when shopping for the best modem router combo, so be sure to carefully read through the things to consider before you start adding products to your cart.
How We Picked the Best Modem-Router Combos
Testing a modem router combo encompasses a number of functions and characteristics that should cater to the needs of the most demanding streamers and power users, as well as casual everyday internet users.
I wanted to give you as many options as possible while being focused on the most popular modems on the market and their differences.
While testing and scouring reviews, I was mainly focused on these kinds of elements to provide you with a comfortable shopping experience:
ISP Compatibility
Any modem can get the job done, but what if it’s not compatible with your internet service provider? There are dozens of differences from company to company, and this is probably the first thing anyone should check before making a purchase.
Fortunately, websites of all internet service providers offer detailed lists of supported modems, so visit your ISPs site before making the purchase.
Supported Internet Plan Speeds
In my experience, I’ve made dozens of mistakes when shopping for modems, mainly because I was constantly buying models with outstanding speeds, not knowing that my internet plan didn’t support them. It turns out, our choices aren’t as broad as we initially thought.
If anyone tells you that you should upgrade your modem, let me advise you to upgrade your internet plan first. This doesn’t take away the importance of the modem’s speed, though; that’s precisely what you want, but that’s also something that you’ll need to keep in harmony with your internet plan subscription.
Simple Installation
It goes without saying, a modem that is so complex to install that you need to pay someone to do it for you can’t be considered as ‘best’ in anything. If you’ve never had to deal with a modem setup before, let me tell you, installing a modem router combo is even more intricate. From dozens of models I’ve owned and tested, I’ve only included the ones whose installation was a breeze in this guide.
Warranty
If we were talking about any other tech products, I’d say durability is more important, but when it comes to electronics with miniature parts that can break with the smallest of bumps, I’d say warranty takes the cake. Should your modem router combo malfunction, repairing could be a hard, very tiring process, so having a warranty to back it is more than recommended.
Cabled or Wireless?
I’m personally more of a fan of wireless modem routers, as there aren’t any striking differences between them and their cabled counterparts aside from the fact that the latter isn’t as convenient. However, if you’re a laptop user, you probably won’t have as many issues as I, as a PC user, have with cabled modem router packages.
Things to Consider
1. Security
The first thing that should be an immediate concern when buying modems for your home internet needs is the security of the cable modem. It has to provide you protection against entities trying to hack your server. If the modem has DOCSIS 3-0, you can be sure that your connection is safe.
Whether you’re hosting conference calls or have simply left your PC or laptop turned on during the night, pieces of sensitive information may leak to certain websites, so security is definitely one of the things you should keep in consideration.
2. Range
Next, ensure the combo has a good effective distance, meaning that the signal is strong enough to get to every room in your home. On the downside, with a massive range, your neighbors may be tempted to latch onto your net without any expense.
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 inquire on the website 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 your house or apartment, but try to find the modems with the range you need; also, keep your home network locked, so as to avoid neighbors leeching your internet speed.
3. Speed
The most important modem feature for most people is 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. Speed is mostly dependent on your ISP plan, but your router combo should also be compatible with your desired package.
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 the devices that can support faster speeds.
4. Ports
Next, there are the router USB ports to connect it to devices like printers, and Ethernet port inputs 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
Another feature to consider is your budget. Cheaper combo items and pieces don’t always mean a smaller range or worse products; explore different price ranges on websites of reputable brands, and you’re bound to find the right solution.
After all, it’s important to get your money’s worth, and the price isn’t always a clear indicator of value. It gives you a good picture of how great (or poor) the performance of particular modem router combos should be though.
6. Accessories
Lots of cable modem router combos are equipped with at least one valuable accessory, most notably a cable. However, more versatile packages typically include an array of different features.
Some cable router-modem combos are equipped with Ethernet cables, coaxial (coax) cable splitters and cables, modem fans, and, if you’re lucky, you’ll also get a UPS or a cord management gadget. If you’re buying a standalone modem router configuration, you can always buy these accessories from your chosen brand’s website.
The Best Modem Routers for 2022
| Product | 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. | |
|
ARRIS SURFboard SB6190 | 800 Mbps | Up to 1500 sq. ft. | |
|
Netgear C6250 | 1600 Mbps | Up to 1500 sq. ft. |
Editor’s Pick: NETGEAR Nighthawk CAX80
NETGEAR is among the most established companies in the internet device domain. So, no wonder they have excellent cable modem router combos to offer as well.
For all those who need the best speeds, security, and great range distance, the NETGEAR Nighthawk CAX80 is offering a full package of utility benefits, superb-level reliability, flexibility, as well as premium performance suited for corporate offices, businesses, SME companies, and everyday internet users.
On the downside, this model is wired. Wireless routers offer more convenience that anyone with poor cable management skills would arguably be more satisfied with.
This DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem router device comes in handy if you’re streaming in HD and plan on using your gaming router 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 your entire house. It is compatible with Comcast Xfinity, Spectrum, and COX and covers up to 3000 square feet of your home.
The Nighthawk has 5 Ethernet ports, 1 USB port and parental control features in English 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. It can be argued that it’s one of the best modem router combos that money can buy.
Features
- WiFi speeds up to 6 Gbps
- DOCSIS 3.1
- Works with Comcast Xfinity, Spectrum, and COX.
- Covers up to 3000 square feet spaces
- Connects to more than 45 devices
- Has 4 gigabit Ethernet ports, one 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port, and 1 USB port for external devices.
Under $100
1. ARRIS SURFboard SB6190 DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem
Let’s open up with one of the cheapest modem picks on the list. Offering simple installation, a myriad of inputs, and simple account setup, this model presents power users, gamers, and casual internet users with a kind of dependability that you won’t find in any other budget modem router combo, especially on US and UK markets.
Setting it up should be a breeze, as all you need to do is follow the provided instructions. In case your package did not come with the guide, you can visit ARRIS’s website for all the information you may need.
Although there’s a myriad of differences between this modem router combo and pricier picks in this guide, what sets it apart from the rest is its rapid internet speeds. As a DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem in the budget-friendly range, ARRIS SURFboard SB6190 is a qualified contender to boutique picks with up to 800 Mbps internet speed support.
In my experience, budget modem router configurations rarely offer eclectic connectivity options, and such is the case with this one, unfortunately. This isn’t something that would make it less valuable, as its simple account setup, portable size, and compact design more than make up for these small flaws. It packs a single Gigabit Ethernet port and does not come equipped with any accessories. As the cheapest of picks in this guide, though, its value is astounding.
Features
- 32 Downstream and 8 upstream DOCSIS 3.0 channels
- 1 Gigabit Ethernet port
- Supports internet plans up to 800 Mbps
- Works with Spectrum, Cox, Xfinity, and other notable US cable IPS
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. Although I’m personally not too keen on cable modem router packages because of their cable-related downsides (or better put, lack of wireless convenience), the Motorola MG7540 exceeded my expectations.
This gaming router equipment comes with 4 gigabit Ethernet ports and it is best to use it with cable companies that offer speeds up to 375 Mbps. In the case of internet connectivity, it’s possibly one of the best router combo devices money can buy for individuals on a budget.
The Broadcom cable modem chipset gives you security from DoS attacks. According to experts, 20% of companies with 50 or more employees admitted to at least one DoS or DDoS attack, which makes this modem router combo equipment all the more valuable.
The MG7540 can be used with a variety of providers, such as Comcast Xfinity and Comcast 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. It’s not the cheapest of picks on the list, but it’s certainly far from expensive.
Gamers. streamers and power users that require bullet-fast internet speeds will be more than satisfied by this upgrade, as it offers innumerable advantages, such as eliminating internet latency and lag, offering a variety of input connection options, simple installation, and most importantly, reliability and dependability.
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 medium-sized home spaces. Rest assured, this modem router configuration is something that will cater to all of your security needs.
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.
This device can be connected 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 in English to keep your kids secure when they use the internet.
Overall, it does a fantastic job for the money and is a decent contender for one of the best modem router combos on the United States market.
Features
- WiFi speeds up to 1.9 Gbps
- DOCSIS 3.0
- Works with Comcast Xfinity, Xfinity X1, Spectrum, COX, Time Warner Cable, WOW!, Suddenlink, CableOne, and others
WiFi Power Boost - Connects to multiple devices
- Offers a range of connectivity options, including 4 gigabit Ethernet port connections
4. NETGEAR C6250
On a slightly higher price shelf, there’s the NETGEAR C6250. However, not a lot of modem router combos give you up to 1500 square feet coverage and offer versatile connection options, allowing you to connect up to 25 devices.
In simplest terms, Netgear C6250 offers a big bang for the money and does an amazing job at handling multiple devices simultaneously, although the brand has more advanced solutions designed for businesses and offices, as well as hard-core gamers and professional streamers.
The C6250 is compatible with Comcast 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 movies, streaming, or gaming.
In fact, 2 gigabit Ethernet ports and 1 USB port ensure a 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.
The advantages Netgear C6250 offers are well worth the money, and considering that similar options in this price range are generally inferior, I’d say this upgrade is among the finest of choices for gamers, power users, as well as casual internet users, capable of catering to the needs of even the most demanding tasks.
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
- Robust design
- Has 2 gigabit Ethernet ports and 1 USB port for external devices.
Under $200
5. NETGEAR Nighthawk C7000
If you’re shopping 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. It also supports WPA and WPA2, as well as WEP security protocols, and offers parental control features.
The internet speeds you can expect from this device go 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 port connection options, as well as 2 USB ports for external devices.
It’s one of the pricier choices on this list, but the investment’s well worth it in the long run. Since you don’t have a monthly fee for your provider, these devices really do help if you’re on a budget. Although it may not be the ultimate MRC unit on the United States market of modems, it packs quite a punch for the money.
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 with a slightly higher price tag.
This combo packs a massive punch for the money and comes equipped 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 port connections and 8 upstream and huge numbers of downstream channels (32). The signal is adequate for mid and large-sized homes.
The SBG7600AC2 unit comes with the ARRIS SURFboard Manager app, which 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 the McAfee Secure Home Internet app.
As a result, ARRIS Surfboard SBG6700AC2 is something that you’ll find remarkably valuable if you’re looking for a strong performance and well-built design that doesn’t cost a fortune. In my opinion, it’s one of the best wireless router combo devices available, offering a robust performance, excellent internet connectivity, flexibility, and simple installation on both laptop and PC accounts.
Features
- WiFi speeds up to 2350 Mbps
- DOCSIS 3.0
- Compatibility with Xfinity, COX, and Spectrum
- 32 downstream & 8 upstream channels
- Connects to multiple devices
- Has 4 gigabit Ethernet ports.
Under $300
7. NETGEAR Nighthawk C7100V
NETGEAR is a well-established company in the internet device domain. So, no wonder they have some of the finest modem router combo models on the U.S. market to offer as well. If your home internet needs encompass high internet speeds, security, and great range for your laptop/PC, the Nighthaw C7100V is the best choice.
This DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem router device comes in handy if you’re watching movies, 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.
Lots of antennas and amplifiers boost the signal throughout the entire house. It is compatible with Comcast Xfinity and has voice phone support for use with Xfinity Voice.
The Nighthawk has 4 Ethernet ports, 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, giving you peace of mind regarding anyone else that may be using your home network.
Features
- WiFi internet speeds up to 1900 Mbps
- DOCSIS 3.0
- Compatibility with Comcast Xfinity
- Covers up to 1800 square feet of your home
- Connects to multiple devices
- Lots of gigabit Ethernet port connections 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 internet speed goes up to 2350 Mbps, meaning it enables you to easily stream videos in ultra-HD or game online without buffering.
The DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem standards and the option to connect it to McAfee Secure Home Internet make this combo an extremely secure device. Plus, it comes with more than a couple of easy-to-use parental control features.
Modems equipped with convenience features do a better job on account of the flexibility of use. In that light, 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
- Compatibility with Xfinity, COX, and Spectrum
- 32 downstream and 8 upstream channels
- Connects to multiple devices
- Great area coverage
- Has 4 gigabit Ethernet ports.
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. In comparison to the prices of other modem router combos under $400, C7800 is actually quite affordable and will rid you of your slow, clunky internet problems and dependably.
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 allows you to use it practically anywhere as it will cover up to 3,000 square feet and you can connect up to 45 electronic items with up to 3200 Mbps on AC3200 WiFi speed. It’s an excellent solution for people who live in massive homes.
Want to play video games without internet lag, latency, and stuttering problems? That’s a breeze for C7800, just like hosting or attending conference calls for businesses, answering questions to your audience if you’re a streamer, or dependably using your internet in general.
Connecting various devices is hassle-free, as C7800 supports printers, computers, external storage drives, and video game consoles with 2 USB and 4 gigabit Ethernet port connections. Superb internet connectivity is just one of the many benefits this home network modem offers.
The DOCSIS 3.1 standards, WEP, and WPA/WPA2 security protocols will give you peace of mind, and the online safety of your children should not be of concern, as this modem router combo is equipped with a couple of intuitive parental control settings, even if they’ve learned the password numbers.
Features
- WiFi speeds up to 3200 Mbps
- DOCSIS 3.1
- Compatibility 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.
Under $500
10. ASUS CM-32
The CM-32 from ASUS is a real modem router package 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 Comcast 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 to cover a large-sized home.
In terms of connections, it has 2 USB 2.0 ports and 4 gigabit Ethernet ports to connect all your devices. In fact, the 32 x 8 channel bonding gives you up to 1.3 Gbps download speeds.
In my experience, superior modem speed is enough to wipe out nearly any downsides. What’s great about the CM-32 is the MU MIMO technology that improves internet speed, so even if you’re using multiple devices for gaming, you can rest assured that they will all have excellent speed. Its internet connectivity performance is astounding, to say the least.
Also, The ASUSWRT app lets you manage everything from the network map, guest network, to parental control, as well as monitoring your traffic.
As a result of all these features, it’s widely regarded as one of the best modem router combos on the U.S. market, offering rapid internet speeds, dozens of connections, great value, reliability, and a number of advantages to both power users and casual internet browsers.
On the downside, this piece of equipment is one of the priciest on the list. In any case, this modem equipment is among the most popular choices on the web, offering unparalleled reliability, value, and superb area coverage.
Features
- WiFi internet speeds up to 1.3 Gbps
- DOCSIS 3.0
- Beautiful design
- Exceptional area coverage
- Compatibility with Xfinity, Spectrum, and COX
- MIMO technology that improves WiFi speed
- Connects to multiple devices
- A number of gigabit Ethernet connections and 2 USB ports for external devices.
Conclusion
Choosing what modem and router combo package is right for you depends on what you’re looking for.
If you’re expecting to get the most secure network, be sure to look into the protection your combo offers. On the other hand, if you’re looking for the best speeds, look out for a router that can support your network plan.
We hope this article has helped you streamline your modem-router combo purchase.
Photo Credit: Unsplash
