The Best Modem/Router Combos in 2023

While Fiber is nice, the majority of consumers still receive their signals through cable modems. As broadband speeds increase, old tech becomes outdated, but a new modem can quickly turn your world around. When it’s time to upgrade, gamers will want to look for the best modem/router combo, and we’re here to help you choose the right one.

How to Choose the Right Router/Modem Combo

If you’re shopping for a new modem that’s coupled with a router, you probably fall into one of two categories. You’re either looking to relieve yourself of those monthly fees from your ISP or save space by combining two gadgets into one. No matter the reason, the first box you need to check off your list is compatibility.

The best modem/router combo on the planet won’t do you a bit of good if it isn’t compatible with your service provider. Thankfully, manufacturers let you know which services their modems support, so you won’t have to guess. That means you can focus on more important things like speed, Ethernet ports, and flagship features.

Downstream Speed

When a manufacturer mentions downstream speed, it directly correlates to your subscription with your ISP. If you are on a Gigabyte plan and actually get the speeds promised, you’ll need a router and modem combo capable of handling a gig. You don’t have to match the speeds exactly, and sometimes it can be better to go big.

As mentioned, technology increases at a rapid pace. Internet providers frequently expand their service and offer up deep discounts on bundles. If you’re on a 500Mbps plan and pick a modem to match, you’ll be out of luck if you decide to upgrade your speeds down the line. By choosing a faster combo from the start, you may save yourself from a major headache.

Channel Bonding

Channel bonding is important unless you like congestion and it’s a specification that tells you how those speeds are split up within the modem. Data enters the modem in a stream, and modern ISDN devices generally split that stream into two channels at 64Kbps each. The current standard is DOCSIS 3.0 which is supported by the majority of modem/router combos and provides you with four channels at a minimum.

The most common setup is a 16×4 configuration which opens up things considerably. It means there are 16 channels for the downstream and 4 reserved for the upstream. Most folks use their PCs for more than gaming, so you’ll want to consider the configuration carefully. Some users may require higher upload speeds while others may do just fine with the standard configuration.

Signal Strength

Picking up a modem that can download a season of your favorite show in minutes is nice, and no gamer is going to complain about top-tier speeds. If you live in a large home or game in the basement with the modem upstairs, all that speed is for nothing when the signal can’t get out. A closed door can kill a signal in some homes.

Room size isn’t that significant, but the overall size of your home is along with the distance between the modem and any connected devices. Unless you plan on using the Ethernet ports full-time, you need to consider signal strength along with speed. Some of the best DSL modem/router combos will have multiple antennae as well something – you’ll want to shoot for if you have a larger home.

Extras

When it comes to extras, many modems share a similar set of features. Guest networks are a common occurrence along with built-in firewalls. Some combos will even have security software pre-installed while others give parents a measure of control.

Dual-band Wi-Fi is no longer a rarity although the type provided makes a major difference. All will have 2.4GHz and a 5GHz bands, but the 802.11 standards are what you’ll want to familiarize yourself with. There is the 802.11a standard, 801.11aj, and a half-dozen more with new ones rolling out seemingly every few years. While we’re not experts on the wireless fronts, this breaks things down quite nicely.

9 Best Modem/Router Combos

Last update on 2023-09-19 // The links above are affiliate // Images from Amazon

Netgear Cable Modem Router Combo (C6250-1AZNAS)

Great Choice for Gamers

Netgear is a brand plenty of gamers will be familiar with, and they are responsible for some of the best cable modem router combo packages around. The C6250-1AZNAS is one of their newer models and a top option due to its overall performance and the wide variety of configurations.

The AC1600 model of this router is built for gamers looking for something affordable, but reliable. It’s not the fastest box around with a top speed of 680Mbps although it has the 16×4 channel bonding configuration. It’s a dual-band box as well, so you can expect 2.4GHz and GHz Wi-Fi speeds on your smartphone, slate and other connected gadgets.

Prefer to game wired? That’s not a problem as this model has not one, but two Ethernet ports at 10/100/1000 with auto-sensing tech. While we still recommend using your own security, this one does come with DoS protection build in to go along with WPA/WPA2 and SPI/NAT firewalls.

This is an excellent all-around modem/router combo and one we feel gamers will appreciate. It won’t give you the flexibility of a two-pronged approach, but several variants provide a bit more bang for your buck like the AC3200 Nighthawk. All models are certified for use with Cox, Xfinity, Spectrum, and more.

Pros:

• Works with all major U.S. providers
• Parental controls
• x2 Gigabyte wired connections
• DoS protection
• WPS

Cons:

• Not the quickest
• Better options for larger homes
• Only one USB port

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Motorola MG7550

The Best Modem/Router Combo for Comcast

If you’ve rented equipment from your cable company in the past decade or so, there’s a good chance Motorola has made an appearance in your household. The company also produces modem/router combos directly for consumers, and the MG7550 is one of the better alternatives in the AC1900 range.

This wireless gateway is set to the 16×4 channel configuration and supports speeds up to 686Mbps with downloads. The upstream speed is 123Mpbs which is par the course. What’s different are four Gigabyte Ethernet ports and its outstanding Wi-Fi capabilities. As long as you don’t live in a mansion, you should have no problem getting a signal throughout your home.

Flagship features for the Motorola MG7550 include dual-band AC1900 Wi-Fi, DoS protection, and a power boost function which extends the range. It’s one of the slimmer combos as well, and easy to use with color-coded options that are clearly labeled on the back. This model is available in Black or White and comes with a 2-year warranty out of the box.

Pros:

• x4 Ethernet ports
• WPS button
• Power Boost
• Three internal antennas
• Parental controls

Cons:

• No USB port

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NETGEAR Nighthawk C7000

An Amazing High Performing All-in-One Modem

NETGEAR Nighthawk C7000 is a modem that combines great performance and appearance in one and delivers one of a kind user experience that will please even the most demanding users.

It offers good connectivity with four Gigabit ports and two USB ports and provides highly respectable dual-band Wi-Fi networking with a maximum combined speed of 1900Mbps (600Mbps in 2.4GHz band and 1300Mbps in 5GHz range) that is achieved mostly due to the help of 24×8 DOCSIS 3.0 channel bonding.

This router doesn’t support Windows, Linux, Mac, or browsers such as Chrome, Firefox or Chrome. However, it is compatible with all the major cable internet providers, which is its primary purpose in the first place – to replace your provider’s cable modems and save you from excessive costs.

NETGEAR Nighthawk C7000 is capable of covering more than 1800 square feet of space and can be simultaneously used by up to 30 devices. Moreover, it offers numerous security features such as supports for WEP and WPA/WPA2 and parental control.

However, its software doesn’t offer too many options. Still, it is good enough to provide easy network management and ease of use.

All in all, NETGEAR Nighthawk C7000 is a great deal and a device that delivers so much, including the high price tag. However, that is something that could be expected from the best modem router combo and something you must accept if you are searching for sheer quality.

Pros:

• Great performance and range
• Decent software
• Excellent looks

Cons:

• Expensive
• Lacks some advanced features
• No MU-MIMO and QoS capability

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ARRIS SURFboard SBG7600AC2

A Channel Bonding Champ

The ARRIS SURFboard is an impressive piece of equipment, making for a state of the art Cable Modem & Wi-Fi Router combo, which is built and designed to deliver the ultimate web surfing experience.

Considering the company’s 60+ years legacy, and also the fact that we’re talking about the guys who basically invented digital TV and brought Wi-Fi internet into people’s homes courtesy of their first cable modem gateway, if you go for the Arris Surfboard you’ll benefit from incredible speed, faster downloading and streaming, increased network capability and also more safety online, as this bad boy comes with free of charge McAfee Secure Home Internet suite.

Pros:

• lightning fast DOCSIS speeds up to 1.4 Gbps and Wi-Fi speeds up to 2350 Mbps
• McAfee Secure Home Internet suite
• full compatibility with all major ISP providers
• 32 DOWNLOAD & 8 UPLOAD channels on cable modem
• supports latest Internet standard IPv4 and IPv6
• AC2350 Wave 2.4 / 5.0 GHz Dual-band Concurrent Wi-Fi Router with 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports
• Wi-Fi beamforming
• easy to install and to use
• works great on Mediacom too

Cons:

• NOT approved for Gigabit plans
• kind of expensive

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Netgear N600

The Best Budget-Friendly Modem/Router Combo for Xfinity

When you decide to buck the system and pick up your own modem, you’re going to save quite a bit of money. It can still be difficult to drop a few hundred up front however which is where devices like the Netgear N600 come in handy.

The N600 will pay for itself rather quickly, and while it’s a DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem combo, it’s not as nimble as our top choices. It’s certified for up to 340Mbps with dual-band N450 Wi-Fi on the usual two channels. The modem is in the 8×4 configuration with several solid features like guest network access, WPA/WPA2, DLNA sharing and a handy WPS button.

Netgear put out a respectable combo with the N600, and while it is a little basic, it’s going to get the job done. It works with all the major providers like Cablevision and TWC but is exceptionally easy to use if you’re a Comcast customer.

Pros:

• Works with most providers
• Ease of use
• DLNA sharing

Cons:

• 8×4 channel bonding
• Not suitable for larger homes

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MOTOROLA MT7711 24X8 Cable Modem/Router

Another Decent Combo For Gamers

The Motorola MT7711 makes for a 24×8 DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem, with an AC1900 Dual-Band WiFi Gigabit Router as the cherry on top, plus 2 phone ports. It’s worth mentioning that the Motorola MT7711 modem is built to work with Comcast only, while the phone-ports support XFINITY Voice telephone service.

Basically, you’ll get three devices for the price of one, i.e. this is the art of the deal, if it ever was one. On top of that, the Motorola MT7711 boasts a Broadcom cable modem chipset, which is supposed to render DDOS attacks obsolete.

Pros:

• fast built-in WiFi router with AC1900 WiFi and Power Boost
• works great for internet speeds of up to 400 MBPS
• 4x 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports
• comes with AnyBeam beamforming feature @2.4/5 GHz
• Wireless Power Boost
• easy to install

Cons:

• only works with COMCAST XFINITY ISP

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ARRIS Surfboard 16×4 (SBG10)

Budget Modem/Router From ARRIS

Next in line we have the ARRIS Surfboard (16×4), which is an affordable DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem Plus/AC1600 Dual Band Wi-Fi Router. This hybrid boasts 686 Mbps Max Speed and it’s certified to work flawlessly with the most important ISP providers in the US, including Comcast Xfinity, Spectrum and Cox. As usual when it comes to combos, you’ll basically get 3 products for the price of one: a classic 16×4 Cable Modem with an AC1600 Dual-band Wi-Fi Router built on top, plus a very fast 2 Port Gigabit Router.

Pros:

• 16 DOWNLOAD & 4 UPLOAD channels
• supports IPv4 and IPv6 and plans up to 300 MBPS
• AC1600 2.4/5.0 GHz Dual-band Concurrent Wi-Fi and 2 Gigabit Ethernet ports
• Wi-Fi beamforming technology
• APPROVED on Comcast Xfinity, Spectrum (Charter, Time Warner, Bright house Networks), Cox & more
• amazing value for money

Cons:

• NOT compatible with Verizon, AT&T or CenturyLink

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Motorola MG7700

Excellent Performance and Ease of Use in One

Motorola MG7700 is a well-built modem router combo that brings a good set of features, and above all, a very good overall performance that rightfully positions it among the best modem router combos available on the market. This is a dual-band device that supports 1900Mbps Wi-Fi speeds, as well as plus Gigabit wired speeds, through its four LAN ports.

It is compatible with Xfinity and Cox IPS providers and is recommended for up to 600Mbps internet plans. Unfortunately, that means that Verizon, AT&T, CenturyLink, and other providers are out of the equation, therefore, pay attention to this detail before the purchase.

When talking about other aspects of Motorola MG7700, have in mind that it comes with 24×8 DOCSIS 3.0 Channel Bonding, Beamforming support, as well as its handy Power Boost technology that will do miracles to your Wi-Fi signal strength. On top of that, there are also Parental Controls, a Firewall, and equally importantly, its intuitive, easy-to-use software, with a nice list of customization options.

Motorola MG7700 is fitted with a Broadcom chipset and a two-year warranty, and overall, it delivers a pretty good value for its rather affordable price. Therefore, if you are after a solid, but well-performing modem combo router that will bring you the most for your money, this device won’t disappoint you.

Pros:

• Excellent performance
• Good wireless range
• Easy setup
• Beamforming

Cons:

• Limited compatibility
• Not such a great option for large homes

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ARRIS SURFboard SBG8300

A Modem Router Combo Built for Premium Performance

If you are a more demanding user, with a Gigabit internet plan, or stronger, and are looking for a device that will let you maximize your internet traffic potential, ARRIS SURFboard SBG8300 is the one for you.

With this combo, you will have both 32×8 DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem and AC2350 Dual-band Wi-Fi capabilities and the ability to support internet plans with up to 4Gbps speeds. Furthermore, you will get four Gigabit ports, as well as dedicated OFDM upstream and downstream channels that will let you use your internet bandwidth to the max.

Above everything else, the ARRIS SURFboard SBG8300 combo device will give you ease of use, MU-MIMO compatibility and future-proof characteristics that will help you use this device in the long run. Moreover, every customization and setup you will be managed through the SURFboard Manager app, and most importantly, you will be able to do them with the help of Google Alexa voice management. In other words, you will get exceptional performance and features in one.

For these reasons, if you are after a premium product that will let you enjoy your blazing fast internet speeds in the best possible way, ARRIS SURFboard SBG8300 is certainly the modem router combo device you should be seriously considereing.

Pros:

• Easy setup
• It supports speed plans at up to 4Gbps
• Future-proof
• It has dedicated OFDM downstream and upstream channels
• MU-MIMO compatible

Cons:

• No USB ports

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