You might wonder what the importance of buying the best modem router combo might be. To enjoy internet service in your home, you need to have a mobile data plan on your phone. You can also use an ISP that will provide full coverage for your home and enable other devices to connect. The other option is better as it allows others living with you, or your visitors, to connect to the internet using one source. You can also connect your computer, smart TV, smart home devices, and the likes.

To enjoy internet service in your home, you need a modem and you need a router. The modem establishes the connection to your ISP while the router enables the devices in your home to connect to the modem. The router helps create a wireless network that your other devices, including your phone, can search for and connect to, enabling you to explore all that the internet has to offer for you.

For you to enjoy great internet service in your home, we have curated the list of the best modem router combos for you.

The ARRIS SURFboard SBG7600AC2 DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem & AC2350 Dual-Band Wi-Fi Router enables you to connect to the internet with any of the major cable internet service providers in the country. It is compatible with Cox, Spectrum, Xfinity, and others. This 2-in-1 product is suitable for use with internet speed plans of up to 400Mbps if you want to make the most out of it. It does not support cable digital voice service. However, you can use any Voice Over Internet Protocol for your calls and it will work just fine.

It has DOCSIS 3.0 support which features channel bonding. With this, you can use multiple downstream and upstream channels at the same time, resulting in faster connectivity for you. It also means you get a maximum upstream speed of 200Mbps and a maximum downstream speed of 1Gbps. However, it is only best for cable internet speed plans of up to 500Mbps with Cox, up to 400Mbps with Spectrum, and up to 800Mbps if you are an Xfinity subscriber.

This modem-router combo has 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports, allowing you to enjoy wired connectivity with your devices if you choose to. It has a slim vertical design with lights in the front that give you information about the power and connectivity status of your modem and router. You can set it up easily by making use of the SURFboard Manager app. You can also use the app to manage your network and other settings.

This device lets you enjoy gaming, streaming, and sharing without the hassle of having your modem and router as two separate devices.

Key Features
  • DOCSIS 3.0 technology
  • AC2350 dual-band WiFi
  • 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports
  • 32 downstream and 8 upstream channels
Specifications
  • Speed: 1400Mbps
  • Channels: 32x8
  • Ports: 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports
  • Router Included: Yes
  • Brand: ARRIS
Pros
  • Certified for use with major cable ISPs
  • Sleek and modern design
  • 1 USB 2.0 port
  • Easy to setup
Cons
  • No support for cable digital voice service

The Netgear Nighthawk Cable Modem WiFi Router Combo C7000 is a great modem router combo from the popular brand - NETGEAR. This combo is perfect for users who subscribe to data plans with maximum speeds of 400Mbps. On its own, the high-performance WiFi provides wireless speeds of up to 1900Mbps, providing great access for local network connectivity within your home or office space. It comes with 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports making it easier for you to take advantage of the Ethernet ports on your devices and get a good Local Area Network. There is a USB port that will come in handy whenever you need to network a printer, storage drive, and other peripherals. The modem works with all major cable internet service providers such as Cox, Comcast Xfinity, and Spectrum.

In terms of cost savings, the Netgear C7000 saves you the rental fees for both a router and a modem. It also has a compact vertical build. Hence, you don’t have to worry about it taking up much space in your office or home. It can provide coverage for up to 1800 square feet. If this is not enough for you, you can use compatible range extenders such as those provided by Netgear and Foscam. You can also connect up to 30 devices to it at once. With DOCSIS 3.0 and 24x8 channel bonding, you can expect reliable connectivity from this combo. The router includes parental controls, and it supports WEP and WPA/WPA2 wireless security protocols to protect your internet from unauthorized access.

Key Features
  • Up to 1900 Mbps wireless speeds
  • 1 USB port
  • 1000Mbps Ethernet ports
  • DOCSIS 3.0 connectivity
Specifications
  • Speed: 1900 Mbps
  • Channels: 24x8
  • Ports: 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports
  • Router Included: Yes
  • Brand: NETGEAR
Pros
  • Works with major cable internet service providers
  • Provides coverage for up to 1800 sq. ft.
  • Can connect up to 30 devices
  • Compact vertical design
Cons
  • Might start malfunctioning once it starts getting old

The Motorola MG7700 Modem WiFi Router Combo is one of the best modem router combos you can buy in recent times. It has a fast 24x8 DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem and a built-in WiFi Gigabit router. The router is an AC1900 Dual-band router with four Gigabit Ethernet ports. It has power boost WiFi amplifiers that help extend the range of the WiFi coverage to enable you to enjoy internet service in a wider area in your home. The wireless power boost amplifies the coverage to the limit set by the FCC. This combo’s modem has a maximum speed of 1000 Mbps. But the actual service speeds you will enjoy might be capped at 650 Mbps. With this, you get to save up on rental fees, and you can enjoy having two devices in one.

The Motorola MG7700 Modem WiFi Router Combo has a compact design that helps you save on space in your home or office, without you having to take a loss in functionality. It is compatible with many cable service providers such as Comcast Xfinity, Cox, and Charter Spectrum. The router has four ethernet ports that allow you to connect your computers and other Ethernet-capable devices to enjoy the benefits of a LAN. It also has a Broadcom cable Modem Chipset that protects you from DDOS attacks, securing your connection. Being a dual-band router, you also get to enjoy any beam at both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies, improving on the performance and range.

This modem router combo is very easy to set up and it is one of the best options for you.

Key Features
  • For plans up to 800Mbps
  • 2.4 GHz radiofrequency
  • DOCSIS 3.0 connectivity
  • Works with Comcast Xfinity, Cox, and Spectrum
Specifications
  • Speed: 800Mbps
  • Channels: 24x8
  • Ports: 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports
  • Router Included: Yes
  • Brand: Motorola
Pros
  • Easy to set up
  • Dual-Band frequency band class
  • 1 Gigabit per second data transfer rate
  • Wireless power boost
Cons
  • The range can be better

The MOTOROLA MG7540 16x4 Cable Modem Plus AC1600 Dual Band Wi-Fi Gigabit Router is yet another modem router combo you can get if you would love to enjoy fast internet speeds and your subscription plan’s maximum speed is not more than 300 Mbps. It is certified for use with Comcast Xfinity, Cox, Charter Spectrum, and Sparklight CableOne internet service providers. It is also compatible with RCN and Mediacom. This modem is not compatible with DSL, fiber optic, or satellite internet services. However, if you intend to use it for cable internet service, you will find that it is compatible with many of the service providers. It includes AC1600 WiFi with DFS and 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports. While it does not have any phone ports, the Ethernet ports make it a suitable choice for wired internet connectivity. Hence, you can use it comfortably with your ethernet-capable devices such as your smart tv, computer, printer, and other such devices.

The router that comes with the MOTOROLA MG7540 16x4 Cable Modem Plus AC1600 Dual Band Wi-Fi Gigabit Router makes use of AnyBeam WiFi beamforming at 2.4GHz and 5.0GHz frequencies to focus the signal on the wireless clients, thereby giving you enhanced performance. It makes use of 16-channel bonding to ensure download speeds of up to 686Mbps and 4-channel bonding to give you upload speeds of up to 123Mbps. It also makes use of full-band capture digital tuning for higher speeds and energy savings. Enable you to enjoy the internet via your modem and router for a long time without incurring unnecessarily higher energy costs.

Key Features
  • Up to 1600 Mbps wireless speeds
  • UP to 686Mbps cable modem speed
  • 16x4 channel bonding
  • DOCSIS 3.0 connectivity
Specifications
  • Speed: 686 Mbps
  • Channels: 16x4
  • Ports: 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports
  • Router Included: Yes
  • Brand: MOTOROLA
Pros
  • 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports
  • Fast internet speeds
  • Full-band capture digital tuning
  • Anybeam WiFi beamforming
Cons
  • The wireless signal might lose quality after a while

The NETGEAR Cable Modem WiFi Router Combo C6220 is one of the best modem and router combos you can buy if you are on internet service plans with maximum download speeds not more than 200Mbps. However, while 200Mbps is the maximum speed this modem-router combo can handle, the actual speeds differ from one ISP to another. If you are a Comcast Xfinity subscriber, for instance, you can use it for subscription plans of up to 200Mbps. This is however not the case for Cox subscribers who are better off using it for plans with download speeds capped at 150Mbps. Spectrum users, on the other hand, are advised to not use it if they subscribe to plans that surpass a maximum download speed of 100Mbps.

The NETGEAR Cable Modem WiFi Router Combo C6220 is compatible with all major cable internet service providers in the country. It is not compatible with Verizon, AT&T, CenturyLink, and other DSL providers. It is also not compatible for use with any bundled voice service. The router provides fast WiFi performance and you get adequate coverage for up to 1200 square feet. The AC1200 router also allows you to get wireless speeds of up to 1200Mbps. It has 2 Gigabit Ethernet ports for LAN connection, and you have a USB port that gives you fast wired access to your printer, game box, storage drive, and other devices or peripherals. The presence of 16x4 channel bonding, DOCSIS 3.0, WEP, and WPA/WPA2 wireless security protocols also make this one of the best modem-router combos you can buy in recent times.

Key Features
  • Up to 1200 Mbps wireless speeds
  • Up to 200Mbps cable modem speed
  • 8x4 channel bonding
  • DOCSIS 3.0 connectivity
Specifications
  • Speed: 200 Mbps
  • Channels: 8x4
  • Ports: 2 Gigabit Ethernet ports
  • Router Included: Yes
  • Brand: NETGEAR
Pros
  • 2 Gigabit Ethernet ports
  • Compatible with major cable internet providers
  • 1 USB port
  • WiFi coverage up to 1200 sq. ft.
Cons
  • Customer service could be better

The NETGEAR Nighthawk WiFi 6 Cable Modem Router is one of the best modem-router combos you can buy if you don’t connect more than 25 devices concurrently in your home or office space. It is a WiFi 6 cable modem router with 90-day cyber threat protection coming with it out of the box. When you use the Nighthawk app, it is very easy to set up this device as you can do this in just three steps.

With the NETGEAR Nighthawk WiFi 6 Cable Modem Router, you do not need to worry about your device putting a limit on the maximum speed you can enjoy from your service provider. The modem supports internet plans of up to 2Gbps speeds, while the router has a maximum speed of 2.7Gbps. You can enjoy such speeds from the modem thanks to the DOCSIS 3.1 technology that offers a great improvement over its predecessor, DOCSIS 3.0. If you are a Cox or Spectrum subscriber, you can subscribe to data plans of up to 1Gbps. However, if you are an Xfinity subscriber, you might find that the optimal maximum speed for your subscription to be 800Mbps.

The NETGEAR Nighthawk WiFi 6 Cable Modem Router is backward compatible with 802.11a/b/g/n/ac.You get 4 Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports for wired connectivity, plus a USB 3.0 port. It has a dual-core 1.5Ghz processor and 512Mb of RAM, so you can expect it to process your information with adequate speeds.

Buy the NETGEAR Nighthawk WiFi 6 Cable Modem Router and get Armor Antivirus and data theft protection powered by Bitdefender for free for the first 90 days.

Key Features
  • DOCSIS 3.1 technology
  • Up to 2.7Gbps
  • Up to 25 concurrent devices
  • 2500 sq. ft. coverage
Specifications
  • Speed: 2Gbps
  • Channels: 32x8
  • Ports: 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports
  • Router Included: Yes
  • Brand: NETGEAR
Pros
  • 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports
  • Compatible with major cable internet providers
  • 1 USB 3.0 port
  • Nighthawk App for easy setup
Cons
  • The number of concurrent devices could be more

The ARRIS Surfboard G36 Multi-Gigabit Cable Modem & AX3000 Wi-Fi Router comes with DOCSIS 3.1 technology to give you the latest and extremely fast speeds of the modern world. It has a 2.5Gbps Ethernet port which is great for multi-gigabit networking. In addition to this, you get 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports that you can use for your wired connection to your printer, smart TV, gaming console, computer, and other devices. The modem is capable of combined download speeds of up to 6.5Gbps, and it is suitable for plans of up to 1.2Gbps if you are an Xfinity subscriber. If you are a Cox or Spectrum subscriber, however, you can enjoy plans of up to 1Gbps with this modem-router combos and have a smooth online experience.

The ARRIS Surfboard G36 Multi-Gigabit Cable Modem & AX3000 Wi-Fi Router gives you WiFi speeds of up to 3000 Mbps which you can use for gaming, streaming, working, or any other activity without worrying about lags. It is approved for use with major cable internet service providers across the country. However, you cannot use it with DSL or Fiber internet service providers.

By downloading the SURFboard Central App, you can easily set up your network and you can manage it from anywhere, even if you want to set screen time parental controls. Hence, this modem-router combo is suitable for families who want to enjoy great internet connectivity speeds while maintaining great control over their internet. Some users however complained that it is difficult to effectively use the admin services without directly connecting to the router via a LAN cable.

Key Features
  • DOCSIS 3.1 technology
  • AX3000 dual-band WiFi
  • 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports
  • 32 downstream and 8 upstream channels
Specifications
  • Speed: 6.5Gbps
  • Channels: 32x8
  • Ports: 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports
  • Router Included: Yes
  • Brand: ARRIS
Pros
  • 1 2.5Gbps Ethernet port
  • Capable of combined download speeds up to 6.5Gbps
  • Capable of WiFi speeds of up to 3000 Mbps
  • Approved for use with major cable ISPs
Cons
  • Admin page might be accessible via cable only

The ASUS Modem Router Combo is a great modem router combo option if you’re looking for a premium combo that lets you save on the costs of having two devices plugged in at once. This device comes with a dual-band wireless AC2600 WiFi Gigabit router that is certified for use by Comcast Xfinity, Spectrum, Time Warner Cable, Charter, and Cox. You can connect to the 2.4Ghz network and get up to 800Mbps while you can get up to 1734Mbps on the 5Ghz network. With the 32x8 channel bonding, you can also get speeds of up to 1300Mbps. This helps you save on monthly rental costs while still ensuring you get the premium connectivity that you deserve. It gives you up to 5000 square feet of coverage, limiting your need to use wifi extenders just to provide enough access in your building.

The ASUS Modem Router Combo will handle you streaming 4k videos from multiple devices without you experiencing a lag, as long as your ISP plan can handle that in your location. It comes with 2 USB 2.0 ports, one in front and one in the back, allowing you to use your USB-compatible devices. It also comes with 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports that make it possible for you to enjoy up to 1.3Gbps of wired connectivity speeds. You can monitor your traffic, create guest networks to avoid giving out the password of your main network, use parental control, as well as a VPN server and client using this modem-router combo. You can also use it as a media server, and you get Mac OS backup support.

Key Features
  • DOCSIS 3.0 technology
  • AC2600 dual-band WiFi
  • 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports
  • 32 downstream and 8 upstream channels
Specifications
  • Speed: 1.3Gbps
  • Channels: 32x8
  • Ports: 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports, 2 USB 2.0 ports
  • Router Included: Yes
  • Brand: ASUS
Pros
  • Customizable settings
  • Works well with a mesh network
  • Clean user interface
  • Good range
Cons
  • Web interface fails to load sometimes

The ARRIS SURFboard SBG10 DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem & AC1600 Dual Band Wi-Fi Router is one of the best modem router combos provided by ARRIS. As a brand, ARRIS has made a name for itself in the world of internet service tools. The company is known for producing great routers and modems for their customers, and this model is one of them. The SBG10 has a DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem and an AC1600 dual-band WiFi router. It is compatible with Cox, Spectrum, Xfinity, and others. It has 2 Gigabit Ethernet ports giving you a LAN port bandwidth of up to 1000Mbps. The ports are great for wired networking. This combo is very easy to set up and you can do that and also manage your network through the SURFboard Manager app.

The ARRIS SURFboard SBG10 DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem & AC1600 Dual Band Wi-Fi Router is not compatible with DSL or Fiber internet service providers, and for cable internet service, it is best for plans of up to 400 Mbps. If you use this modem router combo for plans with higher speeds, you might not get the needed value for your money. The modem is suitable for Spectrum’s 400 Mbps plan, while it is advisable you subscribe to the 300 Mbps plan or lower if you are a Cox or Xfinity subscriber.

It has 16 downstream and 4 upstream channels, so it is a perfect choice for homes with fewer devices to manage, who want to enjoy stellar internet speeds.

Key Features
  • For plans up to 400Mbps
  • AC1600 Dual Band WiFi router
  • 1000Mbps Ethernet port
  • DOCSIS 3.0 connectivity
Specifications
  • Channels: 16x4
  • Ports: 2 Gigabit Ethernet ports
  • Router Included: Yes
  • Brand: ARRIS
Pros
  • Works with multiple service providers
  • 2 Gigabit Ethernet ports
  • SURFboard Manager app
  • Great for cable internet service plans
Cons
  • No support for cable digital voice service

The Motorola MG7315 DOCSIS 3.0 8x4 Cable Modem + N450 Single Band Wi-Fi Gigabit Router is one of the best modem router combos for subscribers who don’t need heavy internet connections. If you are not into competitive gaming or need gigabit internet speeds, then you can make do with this and enjoy your time on the internet. It provides you with access to decent speeds for streaming, surfing the web, emails, and downloading. You can even enjoy some gaming on the web via this modem-router combo. It has a built-in N450 single-band Wi-Fi Gigabit router and four Gigabit Ethernet ports. It also comes with a firewall. You can use this with both DOCSIS 3.0 and DOCSIS 2.0 cable services as it is backward-compatible.

The Motorola MG7315 DOCSIS 3.0 8x4 Cable Modem + N450 Single Band Wi-Fi Gigabit Router gives you access to actual cable internet speeds of up to 145Mbps. It also comes with a Broadcom Cable Modem Chipset which gives you security against denial of service attacks. This modem is approved for use with Comcast Affinity and Xfinity x1, Cox, Charter Spectrum, Time Warner Cable, Brighthouse, WOW!, Cable One, RCN, Mediacom, and other cable internet service providers. With this, you get to eliminate cable modem rental services, and you get to own a good router with a wireless power boost which boosts wireless signals to the legal limit. It also comes with anybeam beamforming that focuses the signal on wireless clients, further enhancing the performance and range.

Key Features
  • DOCSIS 3.0 technology
  • N450 single-band WiFi
  • 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports
  • 8 downstream and 4 upstream channels
Specifications
  • Speed: 343Mbps
  • Channels: 8x4
  • Ports: 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports
  • Router Included: Yes
  • Brand: Motorola
Pros
  • Backward compatible with DOCSIS 2.0
  • Wireless power boost
  • Vertical space-saving design
  • Approved for use with major cable ISPs
Cons
  • Slower than some combos

There are different modems and routers you can buy for your home for you to enjoy internet access. While these are two devices, there are modem-router combos that provide the functions of both in one device. The best modem-router combos connect you to your ISP while giving you access to wireless internet in your home. When you buy a combo, you will also spend less money when compared to buying your router and modem as separate devices.

What do you look at when choosing the best modem-router combo for you? And what do some of the specifications mean?

WiFi Standards

In the guide above, you would have seen things such as ‘AC1600 dual-band WiFi router’. The number after the AC stands for the speed of your router in Mbps. An AC1600 router, for instance, is expected to be capable of speeds up to 1600Mbps. While this number is an indicator of the bandwidth your router can support, it does not automatically mean that is the internet connection speed you will get.

In the real world, as at the time of writing this guide, most Internet Service Providers do not offer download speeds exceeding 1Gbps. Hence, once you buy a router that can give you speeds of 1200Mbps, you are good to go.

Features

Many modem router combos come with various features that come in handy for users. One of such features is the USB port. Having a USB port on your router allows you to connect devices such as printers to your network so you can share with multiple devices. You can also connect external hard drives to your router via a USB port and access your files wirelessly in your home or office.

Modem-router combos such as the ASUS Modem Router Combo on this list come with 2 USB ports allowing you to use more than one USB-enabled device such as a printer or hard drive with your network. Most combos, however, have just one USB port. Some come with USB 2.0, but if you can get a router with USB 3.0, you will get access to faster connectivity.

Many routers also have apps by their manufacturers that allow them to control various settings without directly plugging into the router. However, you must note that for most routers, you need to be connected to the router’s wireless network before you can change settings via the app. Some of the apps also give you access to other features such as creating guest networks, parental control, changing the WiFi name and password.

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