However, simply buying the connection from an ISP is not enough as you would also need a modem for accessing the network and a router for using the network wirelessly. Thus, a router and modem combo work out pretty well in almost all scenarios. If you are also looking for such a device, kindly consider the following factors before making your decision.
Data Transfer Speed: If you are buying any network utility, you need to ensure that it offers the same bandwidth capacity as your internet connection, if not more. This way, you will be able to use your connection up to its full potential without any problems. If this criteria is not satisfied, you will get a significantly slower performance even if you get the most premium plan from your ISP.
Compatibility with Service Provider: Various service providers use different technologies while offering the connection. Thus, they have a certain range of modems that are certified by the service provider for their connection. If the modem is not certified by your ISP, it cannot be used for your network setup. So make sure that your ISP, whether it is ATT Uverse, Xfinity, Verizon FiOS, or some other popular option, has certified the modem for their connection. Coverage Range: Since you are buying a router and modem combo, you will definitely get wireless network compatibility on these devices. Even though all of the options present on this list features the wireless network feature, the connectivity range for each device will definitely vary based on physical design, technical specifications and budget range. In terms of range, there are various types of devices that are suitable for domestic or professional installations.
Today, we will talk about the best router modem combo devices available in the market right now. If you are planning to get an internet connection for the first time, it will be a great investment since it saves a lot of additional expenses such as rent for modems and service charges. We will be explaining all of our picks in great detail so that you can understand the product completely before placing your order. We also have a Buying Guide for the best router modem combo that will help you pick out the best option from our list.
Best Router Modem Combo in 2023
Best Router Modem Combo Reviews
1. NETGEAR Nighthawk Cable Modem WiFi Router
We will start our selection with one of the most popular brands in the market for modems. The following option is designed by Netgear which is known for premium as well as budget-friendly network modems. In the 1st position, we have the Netgear Nighthawk Cable Modem. This is one of the budget-friendly options available on our list that are produced by Netgear. Still, it offers up to 1900 Mbps data transfer speed which is more than enough for domestic installations. And, the modem plus router combo does not feature any external antenna which makes it perfect for compact space installations. As for compatibility, the Netgear Nighthawk Cable Modem offers full support for many popular ISP options such as Xfinity, Comcast, Spectrum, Cox. Although, the speed transfer speed will vary based on which network carrier you are using. Apart from wireless connections, the Netgear Nighthawk Cable Modem will also offer you 4 wired connections via gigabit ethernet ports. You will also find 2 additional USB ports in case you want to create a NAS setup. Best Features
Features both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz network bands Supports up to 1900 Mbps network speed Comes with 4 gigabit LAN ports Features 2 USB ports Works on DOCSIS 3.1 modem version
Pros
One of the best options for this budget range No external antennas present on the device Features 4 ethernet and 2 USB ports
Cons
Speed capacity might not be perfect for office usage
2. Motorola MG7700 Modem WiFi Router Combo
Motorola also deals with a lot of tech products that are focused for mid-range series of options, even for network-related appliances. We have a couple of options available from Motorola. In the 2nd position, we have the Motorola MG7700 is also a great modem WiFi combo in the mid-range series of options. This is also a basic option that offers up to 1 Gbps connection speed which is still doable for regular home connections. But, the device triumphs when it comes to WiFi performance thanks to the Power Boost feature which is only available on Motorola routers. It features many premium features such as DOCSIS 3.0 modem version and compatibility with many popular service providers like Xfinity, Cox, and Spectrum. Motorola is promising up to $156 dollars saving every year once you install this unit. The Motorola MG7700 also features 4-gigabit ports so that you won’t have any trouble with wired connections. Even with these features, the Motorola MG7700 is rather a compact unit compared to many other options present in the market. Best Features
Features both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz network bands Supports up to 1000 Mbps network speed Comes with 4 gigabit LAN ports Comparatively compact option Compatible with majority of popular ISP options
Pros
Unit offers 4 gigabit LAN ports Special features available such Power Boost and WiFi Amplifier Cheaper option compared to other picks
Cons
Speed limit is lesser than other options
3. NETGEAR Nighthawk Cable Modem
Coming to the premium selection of modem router combo from Netgear, we have the following option on our picks. Netgear has designed this option specifically for heavy-duty usage and fast connections. In the 3r position, we are placing one of the fastest router combo devices you can find in the market. The Netgear Nighthawk is basically the perfect pick for offices or large commercial floors since it supports up to 6000 Mbps data transfer speed. And since this router also supports WiFi 6 technology, you will be able to enjoy such high-speed options over wireless networks as well. Compared to other standard options, the Netgear Nighthawk offers nearly 5 times faster performance. The Netgear Nighthawk also offers nearly 3 times the device capacity compared to other options, further improving its performance regarding office use. And, it is backed with the DOCSIS 3.1 modem technology which is supported by almost all major ISP providers like Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox, etc. As for the coverage range, Netgear is promising up to 3000 sq. ft coverage area with the Netgear Nighthawk modem router which is quite good in comparison. Best Features
Features both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz network bands Supports up to 6000 Mbps network speed Up to 3000 sq. ft. coverage range Supports WiFi 6 technology Works on DOCSIS 3.1 modem technology
Pros
4-gigabit ports are available Nearly 3 times device capacity compared to other routers One of the fastest options in the market
Cons
Might be overkill for basic internet connections with less than 500 Mbps bandwidth
4. Motorola MT7711 24X8 Cable Modem
Motorola has a variety of options available in the market when it comes to routers and modems. It also produces multiple modem router combos so that you can find a suitable choice within your budget range. The Motorola MT7711 is yet another great option for basic usage since it has up to 1000 Mbps connection speed and support for comcast Xfinity service which is a preferred option for home connections. This is basically a 3-in-1 model since you will have the functionality of modem, router, and even voice ports within the same device. You will be able to access the voice functionality directly from the dual RJ-11 ports present at the back of the router. The Motorola MT7711 also features the power boost feature, similar to many other options designed by Motorola. Basically, this feature will amplify the WiFi signal to offer even a stronger and reliable wireless connection. Apart from that, it also features AnyBeam, a feature that allows the router to focus the signal on wireless clients for enhanced performance. You will also find a battery-powered variant of the Motorola MT7711 that allows nearly 8 hours of stand-by time without electricity. Best Features
Features both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz network bands Supports up to 1000 Mbps network speed Comes with 4 gigabit LAN ports Features 2 Rj-11 telephone ports Motorola exclusive WiFi features like Power Boost and AnyBeam
Pros
Allows direct voice functionality via RJ-11 ports AnyBeam feature offers enhanced WiFi performance Works on DOCSIS 3. 0 modem version
Cons
Does not work with any other service apart from Xfinity
5. ARRIS SURFboard SBG8300 DOCSIS
If you are looking for a cheaper option with premium modem features, the following router modem combo from Arris would be a great pick. This unit is also a decent choice for basic requirements. The Arris Surfboard SBG8300 is also a high-capacity modem router combo that works on the DOCSIS 3.1 modem technology. As for the WiFi, you will have access to both 2.4 as well as 5 GHz network bands with a supported data transfer speed of 1 Gbps. It can be used with many different service providers like Cox, Spectrum, Xfinity, and many other popular names. This is also a 3-in-1 option as you will have the functionality of modem, gigabit router, and WiFi. The Arris Surfboard SBG8300 offers 32 downstream and 8 upstream DOCSIS channels so that you won’t have to worry about problems like network loss. It also supports the newer and more reliable DOCSIS 3.1 version with 2 downstream and 2 upstream channels which is perfect for cable connections, offering up to 4 Gbps cable internet service. As for the WiFi, this device utilizes the Wave 2 AC2350 technology for a stable wireless connection. Best Features
Features both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz network bands Supports up to 1000 Mbps network speed Comes with 4 gigabit LAN ports 32 downstream and 8 upstream channels Supports up to 4 Gbps cable connection
Pros
Operates on Wave 2 AC2350 wireless technology 3-in-1 router under an affordable price range Supports DOCSIS 3.1 technology
Cons
Does not support a handful of service options like ATT, Verizon, and CenturyLink
6. NETGEAR N600 (8×4) WiFi DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem
We have yet another budget-friendly option designed by Netgear on our list. This is a compact and portable option that will certainly be helpful for many applications. The Netgear N600 is one of the most portable options you can find for a router modem combo. On top of that, it is also the cheapest option on our list since it is designed for basic home usage. The Netgear N600 offers a data transfer speed of up to 343 Mbps data transfer speed, which is still higher than most common home internet plans. As for compatibility, the Netgear N600 is certified by Xfinity, Comcast, Cox, Spectrum, and many other popular service providers. On the rear, you will find 2-gigabit ethernet ports for wired connection along with a USB port which is missing from even some premium options in the market. Even with the dual-band network support, the Netgear N600 does not feature any external antennas which is appraisable. And despite the cheaper price tag, Netgear is offering a year of warranty on the Netgear N600, making it a highly reliable option. Best Features
Features both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz network bands Supports up to 343 Mbps network speed COmes with 2 gigabit LAN ports Features 1 USB port Works on DOCSIS 3.0 modem version
Pros
Cheapest option available for a router modem combo Certified by many popular service providers Suitable for basic home installations
Cons
Data transfer speed is limited to 343 Mbps
7. ARRIS SURFboard SBG7600AC2 DOCSIS
Arris has managed to land yet another great option on our picks for the best router modem combos. Similar to our last option from Arris, this unit is also a cheaper option than many other brands. The Arris Surfboard SBG7600AC2 is yet another high-speed modem router combo available on our list that you can buy within a pretty decent price range. It supports about 2350 Mbps data transfer speed which is more than you need for home-usage. It also offers 4-gigabit ports so that you can connect up to 4 simultaneous devices via a LAN cable to your network. Coming to compatibility, the Arris Surfboard SBG7600AC2 is certified by many popular options like Cox, Spectrum, Xfinity, etc. The network performance for the Arris Surfboard SBG7600AC2 is also pretty reliable since it operates on 32 downstream and 8 upstream channels. And with the Wave 2 AC2350 technology, you will get reliable performance even over wireless connections. The unit supports a dedicated mobile app developed by Arris called Surfboard Manager App that allows quicker and easier installation, even for novice users. Best Features
Features both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz network bands Supports up to 2350 Mbps network speed Comes with 4 gigabit LAN ports 32 downstream and 8 upstream channels Supports a dedicated Surfboard Manager app
Pros
Setup and installation is easy Wave 2 AC2350 wireless technology Speed capacity is good for the price
Cons
Does not feature RJ-11 telephone ports
8. NETGEAR Cable Modem WiFi Router Combo
While we are discussing cheaper options for a modem router combo, let us talk about yet another budget-friendly option designed by Netgear. It is a standard router option that also features modem functionality. The Netgear C6220 Modem WiFi Router Combo is also one of the best options available for basic home installations. This router features 2 external antennas and offers up to 1200 sq, ft coverage area which is great considering the size of the router. It also supports nearly 20 simultaneous device connections which should suffice for all WiFi-enabled devices on your home. When it comes to compatibility, the Netgear C6220 Modem WiFi Router Combo offers a wide range of selection for network providers similar to other Netgear options. It supports Xfinity, Comcast, Cox, Spectrum, and many other popular names. Apart from the flawless wireless connectivity, you will also find 2 gigabit ethernet ports on the back of the Netgear C6220 Modem WiFi Router Combo that offers stable and reliable wired connections for 2 devices. Best Features
Features both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz network bands Supports up to 1200 Mbps network speed Comes with 2 gigabit LAN ports Features 1 USB port Up to 1500 sq. ft. coverage area
Pros
Basic option for low speed connections Coverage range is pretty good Features a USB port
Cons
Router feature external antennas
9. NETGEAR Orbi Whole Home WiFi 6 System
Even though Netgear is primarily known for budget-friendly network devices, there are a few options designed by Netgear such as the one mentioned below that are more suited for a premium range. Such options are perfect for professional use. Coming up next, we have the Netgear Orbi router modem combo. Unlike all of the options we have seen so far, the Netgear Orbi Whole Home is basically a complete system which offers multiple functionalities. Not only does it offer multiple features like router and modem, but the set also includes multiple hardware. One of these systems is a router whereas the other is a satellite extender. With dual units, the Netgear Orbi Whole Home System manages to offer a wide coverage range of about 5000 sq. ft. that you won’t find with any other option. Also, this system is capable of up to 4200 Mbps data transfer speed, making it viable for high-speed data connections. Even though the range for the wireless network is pretty wide, you don’t have to worry about the performance. The Netgear Orbi Whole Home System works on the WiFi 6 network technology to offer a highly stable and fast wireless connection. Best Features
Features both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz network bands Supports up to 4200 Mbps network speed Comes with 6 gigabit LAN ports Up to 5000 sq. ft. coverage Supports more than 40 concurrent connections
Pros
Great option for commercial buildings and shop floors Set includes a router and a satellite range extender Nearly 3.5 times faster than other standard options
Cons
Quite an expensive option for a router and modem combo
10. CenturyLink DSL Modem by GreenWave
In the end, we are bringing yet another compact and portable option for a router and modem combo. This option is designed by CenturyLink which is also a respected brand for network devices. Rounding up our picks for the best router modem combo, we have the C4000LG CenturyLink Modem. This is also one of the most compact options you will find for a router modem combo. But, it does not compromise with the performance at all since you will still get about 3000 Mbps connection speed with 2 stream connectivity. It is powered by a networking optimized dual-core CPU for a powerful network performance. The CenturyLink C4000LG modem offers 160 MHz channels which offer literally twice as fast performance as the traditional 80 MHz channels. Thus, you won’t have any problems while connecting this router with a gigabit connection. The CenturyLink C4000LG also features a DSL port that supports all ADSL or VDSL profiles. As for wired connectivity, the CenturyLink C4000LG is equipped with 4 LAN ports and 1 USB port for ease of access. Best Features
Features both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz network bands Supports up to 1900 Mbps network speed COmes with 4 LAN ports Features 1 USB port 160 MHz channels
Pros
One of the most compact options on this list Unique design aspect Great data transfer speed
Cons
Connectivity range should have been better
Buying Guide For The Best Router Modem Combo
When you are buying a simple router, you will have to ensure a lot of qualities such as physical design, connectivity range, network quality, WiFI version, etc. in order to get the best option within your budget range. The choice becomes even more difficult to find when you are looking for a device that combines the functionality of both a router as well as a modem. Thus, we have presented a list of the best router modem combos present in the market right now to make the selection procedure for you. While you were going through our list, you must have found various recurring properties within these options. If you are not sure which of these properties you have to prefer, don’t worry. We will talk about these features in detail in our buying guide for the best router modem combo. Thus, you can understand the importance of these features regarding general use and prefer the best qualities for your case.
1. ISP Compatibility
One of the most important things to check when it comes to buying a modem is the ISP compatibility. As you may already know, all major ISPs offer a rental modem along with their connection. The main reason behind that is the technology used in their connection which is compatible with the said modem. But, if you do not want to pay continuous rent on the rental modem, you can choose to buy a 3rd party modem from the market. But, you will have to make sure that it is certified by your ISP and is compatible with your connections. With each of our choices for the best router modem combo, you will find a list of the compatible ISPs for each option which will make it much easier to select the perfect option in your case. If the said modem is not compatible with your ISP, there is no point in investing a large sum as you won’t be able to use your connection at all.
2. Data Transfer Speed
The data transfer speed on the other hand is an important feature when it comes to the router functionality. You will have to check the supported data transfer speed of the device for both wired as well as wireless connections. The supported bandwidth capacity will give you an idea about what type of connection you can use with the router modem combo. If you are choosing a device for your office where the connectivity speed is usually higher than 2 Gbps, you need to make sure that the modem offers the same data transfer speed, if not higher. On the other hand, the basic options that are much cheaper in comparison, support data transfer speed up to 1 Gbps, or even 500 Mbps in some cases. Such devices are still good enough for basic options and budget internet plans where the bandwidth capacity is not higher than 200 mbps. For wireless connections, if you want a gigabit connection speed over WiFi, your device features a 5 Ghz network band. Otherwise, you won;t be able to perceive a gigabit connection over your network wirelessly.
3. WiFi Version
The WiFi version might be an unfamiliar feature for those who are buying a router for the first time. As the name suggests, it primarily deals with the wireless network option available with the router modem combo. Before choosing a router for your network, you need to make sure that it offers a high-quality wireless connection which can be used without any interruptions. The supported WiFi version on a router not only affects its network speed, but also its coverage range. Right now, WiFi 6 is the latest and most powerful WiFi version available in the market that offers the highest speed capacity, but at the expense of coverage range. Thus, it is an ideal choice if you are planning to use the connection within a confined space. On the other hand, you should prefer the older WiFi version if your connection speed is not that high, and if you want to use the WiFi connection from a range such as an outdoor lawn or terrace of your house.
4. Warranty
Last but not the least, you should carefully check the warranty period available on the router modem combo you are buying since it deals with the overall reliability of the product. As you may already know, the router modem combos are not the cheapest options when it comes to network equipment. On top of that, the cost is even higher if you are buying a high-speed option with a large coverage range. For such a high investment, you must wish to buy a highly reliable option so that you won’t have to replace the device in the near future. For that, simply check the warranty period allotted by the manufacturer on the device and make sure that it is long enough for the given price range. Within the warranty period, most of the internal, as well as external problems caused in the device, will be repaired for no cost. And if the problem is beyond repair, you may also get a free-of-cost replacement which is even better. Q. Is buying a router modem combo better than installing separate devices? Buying a modem router combo device is always more beneficial compared to getting separate devices. First of all, it will be quite cheaper since you only have to buy a single device instead of 2. On top of that, if you are renting a modem from your ISP, you will be paying a huge sum in the coming years that could be saved if your router features the modem functionality. Another great advantage of buying the combo device is the space-saving installation, which is quite important for a lot of users. Q. What is DOCSIS 3.1 and does it affect my internet speed? DOCSIS 3.1 is the latest DOCSIS version present on modems right now. DOCSIS stands for data over cable service interface specification and it certainly deals with the data transfer capacity of the modem. The DOCSIS 3.1 version supports up to 10 Gbps bandwidth capacity, which is much higher than what you will ever need for domestic or even official usage. It also offers up to 1 Gbps upload speed which is a huge advantage for content creators, vloggers and live-streamers. But, to get such high speed, your internet plan must offer similarly high bandwidth. Q. Do I need a standalone battery on my router modem combo? Generally, router modem combo devices do not feature a standalone battery feature since the power requirement for these devices are very high and it could not be satisfied with a simple standalone battery. But, there are a handful of brands that have designed a couple of premium options that feature battery backup that will keep your connection active for a couple of hours without electricity. But, you should only invest in such options if you absolutely need an active internet connection 24×7.
Conclusion
There are a lot of brands present in the market that specifically deal with network related devices such as modems, routers, NAS, and other similar options. Most users do not consider buying a separate modem since the ISP usually offers a compatible modem at a premium rental charge. But, if you were to buy a modem router combo instead of just a router for wireless connection, you can save a lot of money on the rental charge, all the while keeping the setup much cleaner. Today, we have enlisted the best router modem combos present in the market within various price ranges. If you are not sure which option is best suited for you, check out our buying guide for any additional info that you may need. Or, simply go with one of the top recommendations present right here. If you are looking for a router modem combo for a basic home connection, we will suggest going with the NETGEAR N600 since it is the cheapest option present in the market. This router modem combo is compatible with various service providers such as Xfinity, Comcast, Spectrum, Cox, and many other popular service providers. The router offers up to 343 Mbps bandwidth capacity over wireless connection via a 2.4 GHz network which is good enough for basic use. On the other hand, the NETGEAR Orbi Whole Home WiFi 6 System will be an ideal pick for large homes or offices. It is the most premium device you can find in the market, in terms of both design as well as compatibility. It offers nearly 5000 sq. ft coverage area as it is a set of routers and a satellite range extender. Also, you can connect more than 40 devices to your network once you install the NETGEAR Orbi Whole Home WiFi 6 System. Lastly, we will recommend the NETGEAR Nighthawk Cable Modem if you have a highly premium network connection with a bandwidth limit higher than 4 Gbps. This router modem combo supports up to 6 Gbps connection speed which makes it ideal for office use. It also supports WiFi version 6 so network reliability is not a question for this device. It is also compatible with almost all major cable providers such as Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox, etc. Comment * Name * Email * Website
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