What are the Best Router Modem Combos of 2023?
Jamarion Simmons Sep 29, 2023 4:45 AM
Since most cable companies charge a monthly rental fee for them, upgrading your cable modem (the box that converts the cable entering your home into an internet signal) and Wi-Fi router (the box that takes this connection and converts it to Wi-Fi) is a surefire way to improve and reduce the cost of your internet service. The best router modem combos accomplish the same tasks more easily, more affordably, and with fewer wires and power connectors than two separate devices would.
Overview
But it's not quite that easy. Make sure the modem you purchase is compatible with your cable provider because not all providers accept modems (such as Spectrum, Cox, or AT&T). On your cable provider's website, you can typically find information on compatibility. If not, it's better to call and inquire before making a purchase.
Here are the best cable/router combos to guide you in making the best decision.
1. Motorola MG7700 Cable Modem and Router
Important Specifications
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Brand : Motorola
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Frequency Band Class: Dual-Band
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Wireless Communication Standard: 5 GHz Radio Frequency, 2.4 GHz Radio Frequency
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Compatible Devices: Tablet, Smartphone
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Included Components: Cable Modem Router, Power Supply, Ethernet Cable
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Connectivity Technology: Wi-Fi, Ethernet
Product's highlights
Many buyers are seeking for a straightforward and dependable gadget when selecting a modem-router combo. The Motorola MG7700 Cable Modem and Router is a fantastic choice if you're looking for a house with typical internet needs. For the majority of home networks, this modem-router combo offers a reliable connection and a speed that is appropriate, and it is compatible with all of the main cable internet providers, including Xfinity, Cox, and Spectrum.
This modem-router is great for internet plans up to 400Mbps, and perhaps even higher, with maximum download rates of 800+Mbps. Although Motorola won't reveal the modem-coverage router's range, its Power Boost amplification and AnyBeam beamforming technologies (which concentrate the WiFi signal on receiving devices) aid in the creation of a dependable WiFi network. Another benefit of this DOCSIS 3.0 modem-router combo is its unassuming form, which allows for discreet placement on a desk or side table. Data Over Cable Service Interface Specifications, or DOCSIS, is the acronym for the cable data transmission standard. On the front of the device, there are simple-to-read indicator lights that make it easy to set up and use. Although this gadget lacks any USB ports, users can still connect directly to the internet via one of its four Gigabit Ethernet ports.
Pros
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Good speeds
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Beamforming support
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4 Gigabit Ethernet connections
Cons
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No USB ports
2. NETGEAR Nighthawk CAX80
Important Specifications
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Brand: NETGEAR
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Series: CAX80-100NAS
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Frequency Band Class: Dual-Band
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Wireless Type: 802.11ax
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Compatible Devices: Phone, Tablet, WiFi-Enabled Devices, Media Streaming Devices, Computer, PC, Mac, Gaming Consoles
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Included Components: Nighthawk AX8/8 Stream WiFi 6 Cable Modem Router; Ethernet cable; Quick start guide; Power adapter
Product's highlights
You should update to a DOCSIS 3.1 modem if you have an extremely high-speed cable internet plan (such as one that is measured in gigabits rather than megabits) in order to keep up. DOCSIS 3.0 modems are currently more affordable, simpler to find, and totally compatible with the majority of current internet services. However, a speedier DOCSIS 3.1 modem router, such as the NETGEAR Nighthawk CAX80, can let you benefit from outstanding speeds if you have a gigabit plan.
This modem router not only supports WiFi 6, which is a faster and newer WiFi standard, but it also has DOCSIS 3.1. This quick modem-router set is a future-proof option because it supports DOCSIS 3.1 and WiFi 6 technology. Up to 6Gbps cable internet plans are supported by this Netgear modem and router combo. Customers may rest assured that this modem-router combo won't fast go out of date because the majority of plans have a 1Gbps maximum speed. With its remarkable specifications and excellent coverage, Netgear advises using this device in spaces up to 3,000 square feet. Users can connect to the five Ethernet ports—one 2.5Gbps and four Gigabit ports—or the USB 3.0 port at the back of the machine, which has an angular and streamlined front.
Pros
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Allows for WiFi 6 standard
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DOCSIS 3.1 standard is supported.
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Very rapid rates
Cons
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Expensive
3. Orbi Whole Home WiFi 6 System with Built-in Cable Modem (CBK752)
Important Specifications
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Brand: NETGEAR
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Series: CBK752-100NAS
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Frequency Band Class: Tri-Band
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Wireless Type: 802.11ax, 802.11ac
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Compatible Devices: Gaming Console, Tablet, Smart Television, Smartphone
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Included Components: One (1) Orbi Cable Modem Router (CBR750), One (1) Orbi Satellite (RBS750), One (1) 19V/3.16A power adapter (router), One (1) 12V/2.5A power adapter (satellite), One (1) 2m Ethernet cable, Quick start guideOne (1) Orbi Cable Modem Router (CBR750), One (1) Orbi Satellite (RBS750), One (1)…
Product's highlights
In search of a modem and router that can service big houses? With the addition of more "satellites," the Orbi Whole Home WiFi 6 System can extend WiFi coverage to up to 5,000 square feet (sold separately). This kit includes two devices to create a high-performing WiFi 6 mesh network, not just one modem-router device. This package comes with a satellite extender, a DOCSIS 3.1 modem and router combo (which guarantees amazing speeds), and other accessories. The modem-router combo translates and broadcasts internet traffic like any other modem-router equipment would. The coverage is increased to 5000 square feet with the installation of the Orbi Mesh WiFi satellite.
With the help of the modem router and the one satellite included in this set, the entire coverage area will have a strong WiFi signal with no regions of a weak or dead connection. The best part is that you can expand coverage even farther by adding more units. The coverage area can be increased by 2,500 square feet by adding another satellite (sold separately). In addition to having exceptional coverage, this system has tri-band WiFi and WiFi 6 that is extremely fast, allowing more devices to connect without affecting speed.
Pros
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Wide-ranging coverage (up to 5000 sq ft.)
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Backs up the WiFi 6 standard
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Supports the DOCSIS 3.1 protocol
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Has tri-band WiFi.
Cons
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Expensive
4. ARRIS SURFboard SBG8300 DOCSIS
Important Specifications
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Brand: ARRIS
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Series: SBG8300
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Special Feature: Fast Charging
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Frequency Band Class: Dual-Band
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Wireless Type: 802.11ac
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Compatible Devices: IPhone, Tablet, cell phone, computer, streaming devices, smart TV, IOT devices
Product's highlights
This router and modem combo from Arris would be an excellent choice if you're seeking for a less expensive solution with top-notch modem functionality. Additionally a good option for necessities, this device.
A high-capacity modem router combo that uses the DOCSIS 3.1 modem technology is the Arris Surfboard SBG8300. 2.4 and 5 GHz network bands with a supported data transfer speed of 1 Gbps are available to you on the WiFi network, respectively. It works with a wide range of service providers, including Cox, Spectrum, Xfinity, and many other well-known brands. This is a 3-in-1 choice as well because it combines the features of a modem, gigabit router, and WiFi.
There are no network loss issues with the Arris Surfboard SBG8300 because it has 32 downstream and 8 upstream DOCSIS channels. Additionally, it supports the more recent and dependable DOCSIS 3.1 version, which is ideal for cable connections and provides up to 4 Gbps cable internet access. For a reliable wireless connection, this device uses Wave 2 AC2350 technology for WiFi.
Pros
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Uses Wave 2 AC2350 wireless technology to operate.
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A 3-in-1 router with reasonable pricing
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DOCSIS 3.1 technology is supportedn
Cons
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A few service alternatives, like ATT, Verizon, and CenturyLink, are not supported.
5. NETGEAR N600 (8×4) WiFi DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem
Important Specifications
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Brand: NETGEAR
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Series: C3700
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Frequency Band Class: Dual-Band
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Wireless Type: 2.4 GHz Radio Frequency
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Compatible Devices: Phone, Tablet, WiFi-Enabled Devices, Media Streaming Devices, Computer, PC, Mac, Gaming Consoles
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Included Components: 1
Product's highlights
Another inexpensive option created by Netgear is on our list. This is a convenient and portable alternative that will be useful in a variety of situations.
One of the most transportable possibilities for a router and modem combo is the Netgear N600. In addition, because it is made for simple home use, it is the least expensive choice on our list. The Netgear N600 provides a maximum data transfer speed of 343 Mbps, which is still faster than the majority of typical household internet services. Regarding compatibility, Xfinity, Comcast, Cox, Spectrum, and numerous more well-known service providers have approved the Netgear N600.
There are two 2-gigabit ethernet connectors on the back for wired connections, as well as a USB port—something that even some high-end choices on the market lack. The Netgear N600 lacks any external antennas while supporting dual-band networks, which is reasonable. In addition, the Netgear N600 comes with a year of guarantee from Netgear, making it a highly trustworthy choice despite the lower price.
Pros
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Cheapest router-modem combo solution currently available
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Numerous well-known service providers have accredited
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Suitable for installation in a simple home
Cons
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The maximum data transfer rate is 343 Mbps.
1. A cable modem/router combo is what?
A cable modem/router combo is a single device that combines a Wi-Fi router's characteristics with a cable modem's functionality. Like a cable modem, you connect it straight to your coaxial cable. From there, you may connect your PCs, cellphones, tablets, and other devices wirelessly or using wired Gigabit Ethernet connections.
2. Is buying a modem/router combo better than buying them separately?
Since these all-in-one devices are typically far more economical than purchasing a cable modem and a router separately, getting a cable modem/router combo might help you save quite an amount of money. Additionally, if you rent a cable modem, you can save even more by giving it back to your ISP, which will lower your monthly fee. Having said that, the best wireless routers offer a lot more options and sophisticated functions, even though modern cable modem/routers are highly capable if you have more sophisticated needs.
3. Does my ISP have to approve my cable modem/router?
Most of the time, sure. It's crucial to choose a cable modem that is guaranteed to be compatible because it needs to be registered with your ISP in order to function properly. Most ISPs won't allow you to set up a cable modem that isn't on their approved list, while some may allow you to register any cable modem.
Fortunately, the majority of the country's major cable providers have already "pre-approved" the cable modems produced by all the major companies. The manufacturer's website or the package will typically have this information.
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Last update on 2023-09-29 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API
Many other brands are available on the market nowadays that deal specifically with network-related devices including modems, routers, NAS, and other comparable possibilities. Since the ISP typically provides a compatible modem at a higher rental cost, the majority of consumers do not think about purchasing a separate modem.
However, you can significantly reduce the rental cost and maintain a much neater configuration if you get a modem router combo rather than just a router for wireless connectivity. Today, we've compiled a list of the top router and modem combos available on the market, broken down by price. If you're unsure about which choice is ideal for you, consult our buying guide for any further information you might require. Or, you could just choose one of the top suggestions listed here.