While fiber is fantastic, the vast majority of people still get their signals from cable modems. As broadband speeds increase, old technology becomes obsolete, yet a new modem can quickly change your life. When the time comes to upgrade, gamers will want to hunt for the greatest modem/router combo, and we’re here to help you find it.
The 9 Best Modem/Router Combinations
Netgear Cable Modem Router Combo (C6250-1AZNAS)
Netgear is a well-known name among gamers, and they are responsible for some of the greatest cable modem router combination packages available. The C6250-1AZNAS is one of their more recent models and a great choice due to its overall performance and large range of settings.
This router’s AC1600 variant is designed for gamers who want something economical but dependable.
Although it features the 164 channel bonding configuration, it is not the fastest box on the market, with a top speed of 680Mbps. It’s also a dual-band device, so you can expect 2.4GHz and GHz Wi-Fi speeds on your smartphone, tablet, and other connected devices.
Do you like to play wired games? That is not a problem because this model features two Ethernet ports at 10/100/1000 with auto-sensing technology. While we still advocate using your own security, this one includes DoS protection in addition to WPA/WPA2 and SPI/NAT firewalls.
This is a great all-around modem/router combo that we believe gamers will like. It won’t provide you the versatility of a two-pronged strategy, but certain variations, like as the AC3200 Nighthawk, offer a bit more bang for your buck. All models are compatible with Cox, Xfinity, Spectrum, and other providers.
Motorola MG7550
If you’ve rented equipment from your cable operator in the last decade or so, Motorola has most likely made an appearance in your home. The business also sells modem/router combos to consumers, and the MG7550 is one of the better AC1900 choices.
This wireless gateway is configured with 164 channels and can support download speeds of up to 686Mbps.
The upstream speed is 123Mpbs, which is standard. What sets it apart are its four Gigabyte Ethernet ports and exceptional Wi-Fi capabilities. You should have no trouble getting a signal throughout your home as long as you don’t reside in a mansion.
The Motorola MG7550’s standout features include dual-band AC1900 Wi-Fi, DoS protection, and a power boost mode that improves the range. It’s also one of the smaller combinations, and it’s simple to use, with color-coded settings that are plainly stated on the rear. This model is available in two colors: black and white, and it comes with a two-year warranty out of the box.
NETGEAR Nighthawk C7000
The NETGEAR Nighthawk C7000 is a modem that combines exceptional performance and appearance in one device, delivering a one-of-a-kind user experience that will satisfy even the most demanding customers.
It has four Gigabit ports and two USB ports and provides extremely respectable dual-band Wi-Fi networking with a maximum combined speed of 1900Mbps (600Mbps in the 2.4GHz band and 1300Mbps in the 5GHz range), which is mostly owing to the assistance of 248 DOCSIS 3.0 channel bonding.
This router is incompatible with Windows, Linux, Mac, and browsers such as Chrome, Firefox, and Chrome. It is, however, compatible with all major cable internet providers, which is why it was created in the first place – to replace your provider’s cable modems and save you money.
The NETGEAR Nighthawk C7000 can cover more than 1800 square feet of space and can be utilized by up to 30 devices at the same time. Furthermore, it includes several security features like as WEP and WPA/WPA2 support, as well as parental control. However, its software does not provide many alternatives. Nonetheless, it is adequate for providing simple network control and convenience of use.
Overall, the NETGEAR Nighthawk C7000 is a terrific purchase and a device that gives so much, despite its premium price. However, that is to be anticipated from the finest modem router combo and must be accepted if you are looking for absolute quality.
ARRIS SURFboard SBG7600AC2
The ARRIS SURFboard is an outstanding piece of equipment, combining a cutting-edge Cable Modem and Wi-Fi Router to give the finest web surfing experience.
Given the company’s 60+ year history, as well as the fact that we’re talking about the guys who basically invented digital TV and brought Wi-Fi internet into people’s homes via their first cable modem gateway if you go for the Arris Surfboard, you’ll benefit from the incredible speed, faster downloading and streaming, increased network capacity, and also more online safety, as this bad boar.
Netgear N600
You’ll save a lot of money if you decide to go against the grain and buy your own modem. However, it can be difficult to spend a few hundred dollars upfront, which is where gadgets like the Netgear N600 come in useful.
The N600 will rapidly pay for itself, and while it is a DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem combo, it isn’t as quick as our top picks. It supports up to 340Mbps with dual-band N450 Wi-Fi on the standard two channels. The modem is in the 844 configuration and includes various useful functions such as guest network access, WPA/WPA2, DLNA sharing, and a convenient WPS button.
Netgear released a respectable combo with the N600, and while it is a touch simple, it will do the job. It is compatible with all major providers, including Cablevision and TWC, but it is especially simple to use if you are a Comcast client.
MOTOROLA MT7711 24X8 Cable Modem/Router
The Motorola MT7711 is a 248 DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem with an AC1900 Dual-Band WiFi Gigabit Router on top, as well as 2 phone ports. It’s worth noting that the Motorola MT7711 modem is exclusively designed to work with Comcast, whilst the phone ports offer XFINITY Voice phone service.
Essentially, you will receive three devices for the price of one, i.e. this is the art of the deal, if there ever was one.
Furthermore, the Motorola MT7711 includes a Broadcom cable modem chipset, which is designed to make DDOS attacks obsolete.
ARRIS Surfboard 16×4 (SBG10)
Following that is the ARRIS Surfboard (164), a low-cost DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem Plus/AC1600 Dual Band Wi-Fi Router. This hybrid has a maximum speed of 686 Mbps and is certified to work seamlessly with the most significant ISP providers in the United States, including Comcast Xfinity, Spectrum, and Cox. As is customary with combos, you’ll receive three items for the price of one: a traditional 164 Cable Modem with an AC1600 Dual-band Wi-Fi Router built on top, as well as a highly fast 2 Port Gigabit Router.
Motorola MG7700
The Motorola MG7700 is a well-built modem router combination with a good set of functions and, most importantly, a very strong overall performance that justifiably places it among the top modem router combos on the market. This is a dual-band device with four LAN ports that provide 1900Mbps Wi-Fi rates as well as Gigabit wired speeds.
It is compatible with Xfinity and Cox IPS providers and is recommended for internet plans of up to 600Mbps.
Unfortunately, this implies that Verizon, AT&T, Century Link, and other providers are out of the picture; therefore, consider this before making a purchase.
When it comes to other features of the Motorola MG7700, keep in mind that it has 248 DOCSIS 3.0 Channel Bonding, Beamforming support, and its handy Power Boost technology, which will do wonders for your Wi-Fi signal strength. On top of that, there are Parental Controls, a Firewall, and, most significantly, its intuitive, user-friendly software with a plethora of customizable possibilities.
The Motorola MG7700 is equipped with a Broadcom chipset and a two-year guarantee, and it provides good value for its low price. As a result, if you’re looking for a reliable, yet well-performing modem/router that will give you the most bang for your buck, this gadget will not disappoint.
ARRIS SURFboard SBG8300
If you are a more demanding customer with a Gigabit internet plan or higher and want a device that will allow you to maximize your internet traffic potential, the ARRIS SURFboard SBG8300 is the one for you.
With this combination, you will have 328 DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem and AC2350 Dual-band Wi-Fi capabilities, as well as the capacity to handle internet plans with rates of up to 4Gbps. You’ll also receive four Gigabit ports, as well as dedicated OFDM upstream and downstream channels, allowing you to make the most of your internet capacity.
Above all, the ARRIS SURFboard SBG8300 combo device will provide you with ease of use, MU-MIMO compatibility, and future-proof features that will allow you to use this device in the long term. Furthermore, all customizations and setups will be managed through the SURFboard Manager app, and you will be able to do so with the help of Google Alexa voice management. In other words, you will receive great performance and features in a single package.
For these reasons, if you are looking for a premium product that will allow you to enjoy your blazing fast internet speeds to the fullest, the ARRIS SURFboard SBG8300 is unquestionably the modem router combination device you should definitely consider.
How to Select the Best Router/Modem Combo
If you’re looking for a new modem that works with a router, you’re probably in one of two categories. You’re either trying to save money on your ISP’s monthly costs or save space by consolidating two devices into one.
Whatever the cause, the first item on your to-do list should be compatibility.
The best modem/router combo in the world won’t help you if it isn’t compatible with your service provider.
Fortunately, manufacturers specify which services their modems offer, so you won’t have to guess. This allows you to concentrate on other crucial factors like as speed, Ethernet ports, and flagship features.
Downstream Speed
When a manufacturer states downstream speed, it is directly related to your ISP subscription. If you want to use a Gigabyte plan and receive the stated speeds, you’ll need a router and modem combo that can handle a gigabyte.
You do not have to match the speeds perfectly, and it is sometimes better to go big.
As previously stated, technology advances at a quick speed. Internet service companies constantly extend their offerings and provide significant discounts on packages. If you choose a 500Mbps package and a 500Mbps modem, you will be out of luck if you decide to improve your speeds later. You may save yourself a lot of trouble by starting with a speedier combo.
Channel Bonding
Channel bonding is necessary unless you enjoy congestion, and it is a specification that specifies how those speeds are distributed within the modem. Data enters the modem as a stream, which is then separated into two 64Kbps channels by current ISDN devices. The current standard is DOCSIS 3.0, which is supported by the vast majority of modem/router combinations and provides a minimum of four channels.
The most typical arrangement is a 164 configuration, which greatly expands things. This means there are 16 downstream channels and 4 upstream channels. Most people use their PCs for purposes other than gaming, so you should think about the configuration carefully. Some users may require faster upload speeds, while others may be quite content with the default settings.
Signal Strength
It’s good to have a modem that can download a whole season of your favorite show in minutes, and no gamer will complain about top-tier speeds. If you live in a huge house or play video games in the basement with the modem upstairs, all that speed is useless if the signal can’t get out. In some homes, a closed door can disrupt a signal.
The size of your room isn’t as important as the overall size of your home, as is the distance between the modem and any connected gadgets. Unless you intend to use the Ethernet connections continuously, signal strength and speed must be considered. Some of the best DSL modem/router combos will include numerous antennae, which is something you should look for if you have a larger home.
Extras
When it comes to extras, many modems provide the same set of options. Guest networks, as well as built-in firewalls, are prevalent. Some combinations will even come with security software pre-installed, while others will give parents some control.
Dual-band Wi-Fi is no longer an uncommon occurrence, yet the type provided makes a significant impact.
All will have 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, but the 802.11 standards are what you should be familiar with. There is the 802.11a standard, as well as 801.11aj and a half-dozen more, with new ones appearing almost every few years.
While we’re not wireless gurus, this does a good job of explaining things.