Home

 › 

Reviews

 › 

The 5 Best Router and Modem Combos: Reviewed and Ranked

best router and modem combo

The 5 Best Router and Modem Combos: Reviewed and Ranked

At the heart of every wireless network are a router and a modem. Combination devices, like the subject of this article, combine the ability to wirelessly broadcast your home network while also serving as the central connection for your internet service. Router and modem combos come in a variety of configurations, so it can be tough to find the right fit for your home or small office needs.

What sort of router and modem combo should you consider? Well, it certainly does have some factors to keep in mind when choosing your ideal combo device. These devices should be fast, reliable, easy to set up, and present overall good value for their cost.

  • Best Router and Modem Combo Overall:
    Best Satellite Modem
    ARRIS
    $199.00
    • 2-in-1, Both a Modem and router
    • SURFboard's Central App makes setting up your device easy
    • Able to support cable internet plans at speeds of up to 800Mbps
    • Warranty: 2 years
    We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
    03/12/2024 05:03 pm GMT
  • Best Budget Router and Modem Combo:
    Decent Speeds
    Netgear
    $89.95
    • COMPATIBLE WITH Cox, Xfinity by Comcast, and Spectrum
    • NOT COMPATIBLE WITH AT&T, Verizon, DISH, CenturyLink, DirecTV, DSL providers, and any service bundled with voice
    • CARRIER SPEEDS: Xfinity (up to 200Mbps), Spectrum (up to 300Mbps), Cox (up to 150Mbps).
    • 1500 square feet wireless coverage, 25 connected devices, at a speed of up to 1600Mbps.
    • Comes with 1 USB port and 2 Gigabit Ethernet ports
    We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
    03/12/2024 11:27 am GMT
  • Best Router and Modem Combo for Gaming: Netgear
  • Best Mesh Enabled Router and Modem Combo: Netgear
  • Best Router and Modem Combo for Long Range Coverage: Netgear

Best Router and Modem Combo Overall: ARRIS SURFboard SBG7600AC2

Best Satellite Modem
ARRIS SURFboard 3.0 Cable Modem & Wi-Fi Router
$199.00
  • 2-in-1, Both a Modem and router
  • SURFboard's Central App makes setting up your device easy
  • Able to support cable internet plans at speeds of up to 800Mbps
  • Warranty: 2 years
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
03/12/2024 05:03 pm GMT

The

Best Satellite Modem
ARRIS
$199.00
  • 2-in-1, Both a Modem and router
  • SURFboard's Central App makes setting up your device easy
  • Able to support cable internet plans at speeds of up to 800Mbps
  • Warranty: 2 years
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
03/12/2024 05:03 pm GMT
supports cable broadband speeds of up to 800Mbps and has an astounding coverage area for an all-in-one device. This router and modem combo supports Wi-Fi 5 protocols and covers up to 2200 square feet with wireless signals. The SBG7600AC2 also is compatible with a variety of broadband providers in the United States, with support covering Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox, and other providers who may be local to your home state.

On the back of the unit is four 1 Gbps ethernet ports, ensuring that hard-wired connections can maintain supremely fast speeds. Setting the SBG7600AC2 up is painless, with ARRIS’s SURFboard Central App making it an easy affair to set up and manage this particular device.

The SBG7600AC2 also contains a dual-band 802.11AC wireless radio, which allows for multiple concurrent connections to be made while it is in operation. While this device doesn’t support the latest WiFi 6 protocols, it still presents great value for those looking for an easy-to-use and widely compatible combo device with their broadband provider.

Check out the

Best Satellite Modem
ARRIS
$199.00
  • 2-in-1, Both a Modem and router
  • SURFboard's Central App makes setting up your device easy
  • Able to support cable internet plans at speeds of up to 800Mbps
  • Warranty: 2 years
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
03/12/2024 05:03 pm GMT
on Amazon.

The Best Budget Router and Modem Combo: Netgear C6250

Decent Speeds
NETGEAR Cable Modem Wi-Fi Router C6250 300 Mbps
$89.95
  • COMPATIBLE WITH Cox, Xfinity by Comcast, and Spectrum
  • NOT COMPATIBLE WITH AT&T, Verizon, DISH, CenturyLink, DirecTV, DSL providers, and any service bundled with voice
  • CARRIER SPEEDS: Xfinity (up to 200Mbps), Spectrum (up to 300Mbps), Cox (up to 150Mbps).
  • 1500 square feet wireless coverage, 25 connected devices, at a speed of up to 1600Mbps.
  • Comes with 1 USB port and 2 Gigabit Ethernet ports
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
03/12/2024 11:27 am GMT

While it is a budget option, the

Decent Speeds
Netgear
$89.95
  • COMPATIBLE WITH Cox, Xfinity by Comcast, and Spectrum
  • NOT COMPATIBLE WITH AT&T, Verizon, DISH, CenturyLink, DirecTV, DSL providers, and any service bundled with voice
  • CARRIER SPEEDS: Xfinity (up to 200Mbps), Spectrum (up to 300Mbps), Cox (up to 150Mbps).
  • 1500 square feet wireless coverage, 25 connected devices, at a speed of up to 1600Mbps.
  • Comes with 1 USB port and 2 Gigabit Ethernet ports
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
03/12/2024 11:27 am GMT
isn’t lacking in performance. It maintains compatibility with a variety of providers, including larger options like Xfinity, Spectrum, and Cox. It doesn’t carry the same lightning speed as the best overall in this list but does support broadband plans at up to 300mbps.

The C6250 features a dual-band wireless radio capable of channel bonding. This helps provide constant coverage with a minimum of interference even during high congestion usage times.

Much like the offering from ARRIS, the C6250 also is running WiFI 5 protocols. 802.11AC helps maintain killer speeds with multiple users online in the same home.

Netgear has rated the device for medium-sized homes, and wireless coverage was good during testing.

As a budget offering, the C6250 does have fewer ports on offer, only featuring two gigabit-enabled ethernet ports. Installation is easy, with Netgear’s Nighthawk app providing the necessary steps to get your C6250 up and running in no time.

Check out the

Decent Speeds
Netgear
$89.95
  • COMPATIBLE WITH Cox, Xfinity by Comcast, and Spectrum
  • NOT COMPATIBLE WITH AT&T, Verizon, DISH, CenturyLink, DirecTV, DSL providers, and any service bundled with voice
  • CARRIER SPEEDS: Xfinity (up to 200Mbps), Spectrum (up to 300Mbps), Cox (up to 150Mbps).
  • 1500 square feet wireless coverage, 25 connected devices, at a speed of up to 1600Mbps.
  • Comes with 1 USB port and 2 Gigabit Ethernet ports
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
03/12/2024 11:27 am GMT
on Amazon.

The Best Router and Modem Combo for Gaming: Netgear Nighthawk C7000

NETGEAR Nighthawk Cable Modem WiFi Router Combo C7000-Compatible with Cable Providers Including Xfinity by Comcast, Spectrum, Cox for Cable Plans Up to 800Mbps | AC1900 WiFi Speed | DOCSIS 3.0
$231.29
  • Save monthly rental fees: Model C7000 replaces your cable modem and Wi-Fi router, saving you up to 168 dollars/year in equipment rental fees.
  • Speeds by carrier: Xfinity (up to 800Mbps), Cox (up to 500Mbps), Spectrum (up to 400Mbps).
  • Fast Wi-Fi performance: Get up to 1800 square feet wireless coverage and 30 devices connected with AC1900 speed (up to 1900 Mbps).
  • Versatile connections: 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports and 2 USB ports give you fast wired connections to your computer, printer, game box, storage drive, and other devices.
  • Modem technology: Engineered with 32x8 channel bonding and DOCSIS 3.1.
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
03/11/2024 07:26 am GMT

Gaming and streaming require constant speed and accept little compromise when it comes to an internet connection. Netgear's provides gamers, movie mavens, and music lovers with speeds up to 800mbps from compatible providers.

The C7000’s combined 1.6GHz processor allows for blazing-fast wireless and wired connections, and the four ethernet ports on the back of the unit support up to 1Gbps of transfer speed.

This device has three wireless antennas, covering much larger spaces than the best overall or budget options. The 24 downstream and 8 upstream channels are capable of channel bonding, ensuring optimal coverage no matter the situation.

Setup and installation with compatible providers are easy, as it uses Netgear’s Nighthawk app for installation and maintenance. For those who know the importance of having optimal performance to do their best in their favorite online game, this is the best choice.

Check out the Netgear on Amazon.

Best Mesh Enabled Router and Modem Combo: Netgear Orbi CBK752

NETGEAR Orbi Whole Home WiFi 6 System with DOCSIS 3.1 Built-in Cable Modem (CBK752) – Cable Modem Router + 1 Satellite Extender | Covers up to 5,000 sq. ft. 40+ Devices | AX4200 (Up to 4.2Gbps)
$399.99
  • Integrated cable modem and WiFi 6 satellite provides high-performance WiFi coverage for up to 5,000 sq. ft. and 40+ devices. Expand coverage by 2,500 sq. ft. with each optional Orbi Mesh WiFi 6...
  • DOCSIS 3.1 supports internet plans up to 4Gbps and is compatible with most cable service providers. Certified with Spectrum and Cox (up to 1Gbps), Xfinity (up to 800Mbps).
  • Fast AX4200 Gigabit speed with WiFi 6 technology for uninterrupted streaming, HD video gaming, and web conferencing
  • Save up to 168/yr in equipment rental fees
  • Easily set up and manage your WiFi with the Orbi app
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
03/11/2024 07:32 am GMT

Mesh networks for the home have been steadily gaining steam over the last few years. These specialized networks have been present in business and enterprise applications for some time, but have made their way to homes for users looking for the absolute best coverage throughout the home. There aren’t many options in the router and modem combos for mesh-enabled devices, but the Netgear is the best in class despite this.

The Orbi CBK752 is a WiFi 6 device, meaning it supports the latest protocols for wireless connectivity. This blazing combo device supports plans up to 1Gbps with compatible service providers. Spectrum, Cox, and Xfinity are all supported under this speedy device, and it comes with up to three additional satellites or nodes depending on the package selected.

The router and modem combo as well as the satellites pack six internal antennas with MIMO standards accepted. High throughput is guaranteed with the CBK752, and users can utilize up to four satellites in their mesh network.

Setup and configuration are simple, using Netgear’s Orbi app to install and maintain the router and modem combo as well as any satellites present in the mesh network.

Check out the Netgear on Amazon.

Best Router and Modem Combo for Long Range Coverage: Netgear Nighthawk C7800

Netgear Nighthawk Cable Modem WiFi Router Combo (C7800) - Compatible with Cable Providers Including Xfinity by Comcast, Cox, Spectrum AC3200 WiFi Speed | DOCSIS 3.1 (Renewed)
$273.99
  • COMPATIBLE WITH ALL MAJOR CABLE INTERNET PROVIDERS: Including certification by Xfinity by Comcast and COX. NOT compatible with Spectrum, Verizon, AT&T, CenturyLink, DSL providers, DirecTV, DISH and...
  • SAVE MONTHLY RENTAL FEES: Model C7800 replaces your cable modem and WiFi router saving you up to $150/yr in equipment rental fees
  • BUILT FOR ULTIMATE SPEED: Best for cable provider plans up to 2 Gigabits speed
  • FAST WiFi PERFORMANCE: Get up to 3000 square feet wireless coverage and 45 devices connected with AC3200 speed (up to 3200 Mbps)
  • VERSATILE CONNECTIONS: 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports and 2 hi speed USB 3.0 ports give you fast wired connections to your computer, printer, game box, storage drive, and other devices
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
03/11/2024 07:22 am GMT

Have a ton of space to cover in your home but don’t want to invest in a mesh system? Netgear's is a combination router and modem which provides maximum coverage for large homes without the need for a mesh network configuration.

In lieu of multiple satellites or nodes, the C7800 uses high-powered wireless antennas to make sure there is maximum coverage in the largest of homes. Netgear’s high-powered combo device supports wireless speeds of up to 3.2Gbps over wireless connections and is compatible with Comcast, Spectrum, Cox, and many other providers.

The C7800 is DOCSIS 3.1 compatible, and capable of speeds up to ten times faster than the previous 3.0 protocol.

This dual-band device uses the Nighthawk app for installation and configuration. Netgear’s app makes getting your new C7800 up and running an absolute breeze. This also extends to maintaining your home network, with easy configuration present through your smart device of choice.

Check out the Netgear on Amazon.

How to Pick the Best Router and Modem Combo: Step by Step

Combination devices don’t need to be a stressful thing to decide upon. There are a few factors to consider when searching for one. A router and modem combo will sit as the heart of your home or small office network setup, and any of these devices could serve you ably with minimal fuss.

When searching for a router and modem combo consider the following:

  • Speed
  • Cost
  • Installation
  • Service Provider Compatibility
  • Features

Speed

How fast should a router and modem combo be for you? Before choosing a device, you really have to consider the supported transfer speed for your internet service plan. Budget devices might not serve you well, provided you are on a faster plan. When considering a combination device, make sure it does support the speeds you’re supposed to get. Paying for an 800Mbps connection and then using one that only supports up to 300Mbps could lead to issues down the road.

Cost

Everyone has a budget stick to, and the combination device you choose should fit within that. Cost is of some consideration when choosing a router and modem combo. Factors like a device’s speed, its compatibility with your service provider, and the features it supports can all be impacted by the cost of the device.

It can be hard to strike a fine balance between what your home network supports and what your wallet can afford, but make sure you get something that takes full advantage of your service plan.

Installation

Even for the tech-savvy, an involved device installation can be more hassle than it is worth. Installation of your intended device should be quick and simple. Modern devices require very little manual configuration, but web portals and companion apps for smartphones and tablets make it even easier. If you’re curious about a device, look into its installation. This might serve to save you headaches down the road. There is certainly nothing worse than splurging on a new device and having no clue how to install it.

Service Provider Compatibility

So you’ve chosen a device that fits your needs, covers your home or office, and is capable of maintaining the speeds you want. There is a slight catch however, it isn’t supported by your service provider. This is an unfortunate reality with some devices, but thankfully manufacturers will state in the documentation or manuals which providers they support. Major providers like Comcast, Cox, and Spectrum are usually fairly safe bets for most router and modem combos. Localized subsidiaries or providers might not be applicable for their support, however.

If you have an intended device and there isn’t a clear indication it is supported by your service provider, contact them to find out whether or not making the purchase is a wise call.

Features

Router and modem combos have a variety of feature sets that match their price point. More expensive devices for example might have more antennas or support mesh nodes for greater coverage. Others might not support the latest WiFi protocols or might lack ethernet ports for hardwired connections for multiple devices. Whatever the scenario, it is of vital importance to consider what you need in a router and modem combo. What combination of features is most beneficial to your home or office network?

A couple of empty nesters might not want the high-speed gaming router and modem combo, and the gamer might not need a mesh network to play his favorite multiplayer games. Extra features can certainly sweeten the pot when considering a device, with more simultaneous connections or massive coverage being more important than prioritized DLNA connections.

What To Know Before Purchasing a Router and Modem Combo

Router and modem combos are not the usual choice for configuring a small business or home network. Conventionally most users will have a service provider’s approved modem running into a separate external router or switch. That isn’t to say a router and modem combo is a less-than-ideal solution, because there are actually a great many benefits to implementing one in your network.

Where a router and modem combo might have some failings, comes into play depending on what sort of services you’re subscribed to, and whether that device can support the service. Not all modems are supported, with many providers insisting upon purchasing or renting ones directly from them. Also, something to consider is that external routers might provide an even greater feature set than a combination device.

Router and modem combos excel in combining the setup and installation processes of separate devices into one cohesive user experience. The home or small office network can be administered from one device, and as such there will only be one point of failure in the event of an outage.

Using a Router and Modem Combo: What It’s Like

Employing a router and modem combo in your small network is no different than using a router and modem on their own. Functionally, they are an identical experience, and as such users might find themselves opting for a combination device to save on space.

As with many network-oriented devices, the price point of a device does heavily dictate where the more bleeding-edge features lie. Newer and more expensive devices support more network configurations, or might even use new standards MU-MIMO for connecting local wireless users.

From the layperson’s perspective, the router and modem combo is an identical experience. It no longer takes an experienced or certified technician to install these devices in your home as well. Most installation processes are thoroughly documented by manufacturers. This is aided by the inclusion of companion apps for your smartphone or tablet which provides further instruction through interactive means.

Whatever your intended use case, a router and modem combo can certainly fit the needs of your network. They have a smaller space footprint compared to purchasing two separate devices. Installation is a much shorter endeavor with only having to set up and configure one device as opposed to multiple installations to just get on the internet.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a router and modem combo?

A router and modem combo is a device that combines the functions of administering and extending a network like a router with the ability to receive and transmit data outside of a local area network like a modem. These devices can route an external network connection to multiple devices while simultaneously functioning as the central point of connection for a wide area network.

I already have a router and modem, why get one of these?

If you’re happy with your home network setup, then a router and modem combo might not be an ideal choice. For those who are seeking to reduce the footprint of networking devices in their home, they are of great benefit. New installations also make these combination devices an attractive option, since their installation process and the overall setup can take less time than setting up a modem with your ISP and then having to configure the router on your own.

Are router and modem combos better than separate devices?

There isn’t an inherently better choice when it comes to choosing network devices to fit the needs of your home or small office. Most devices are certainly capable, as modern standards have provided a great level of performance for minimal cost. Combination devices aren’t necessarily better than separate devices, but they are more convenient. Having a device act as a dual-function point of contact for your local devices and your service provider makes running a network an easy task.

Are stronger antennas or mesh nodes better for network coverage?

It certainly depends on the area you’re trying to cover when considering device options. If there are multiple rooms and very few open sight lines, like you aren’t using an open floor plan, then a mesh network might prove to be a more ideal fit. Wider spaces like small offices or homes might benefit from stronger antennas. They both fit a similar function, but their approach is different.

Are router and modem combos good for streaming media?

Provided the router and modem combo supports quality of service or DLNA connections, then yes. Supporting protocols that allow for dedicated and bonded channels to provide maximum network saturation to singular devices is what makes for ideal gaming or streaming experiences. Also consider using a hardwired connection for any streaming media or gaming, as the transfer rate and throughput of an ethernet based connection is far faster than any wireless connection.

To top