You might want to buy a modem router combo because it is cheaper than renting a modem and router from your internet service provider (ISP). Plus, modem router combos come with tons of other features that give you the maximum download speeds. But with so many devices on the market, it’s hard to know which one is worth getting. Here is our list of the best modem router combos, including the best for gaming and for Comcast, Spectrum, and Cox users.
What Is A Modem Router Combo?
A modem router combo is a device that functions both as a modem and a router. It lets you connect to your internet service provider, so you can connect to your WiFi network. This eliminates the need for a standalone modem and router.
Motorola MG7550: Best Modem Router Combo for Gaming
The Motorola MG7550 gives you the best features to enhance your gaming experience. This modem router combo has four Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports for connecting your gaming consoles, TVs, and more. With wired and wireless connections, this device supports up to 253 devices.
Gamers will also love the Wireless Power Boost feature, which adds WiFi power amplifiers to boost the speed and range of your device to the legal limit. Plus, the Dynamic Frequency Selection allows you to use WiFi channels that are normally reserved for radar when they are not in use. This is especially helpful for anyone who lives in an apartment or urban area, where all the normal WiFi channels are congested.
This device is certified to be compatible with Comcast Xfinity, Charter Spectrum, Time Warner Cable, Cox, and other major ISPs. It is best for internet plans within 250 to 300 Mbps (megabits per second). With this device, you can enjoy speeds of up to 686 Mbps on its 16 downstream channels and 123 Mbps on its four upstream channels. On top of all that, it comes with a two-year warranty, making the Motorola MG7550 one of the best modem router combos for gaming.
If you want to know more about what a good WiFi speed is, check out our article on how to test your WiFi speed.
Netgear C6250: Best Modem Router Combo For Comcast and Xfinity Users
Whether you’re working or playing, the Netgear C6250 router will give you the speeds you need to connect with minimal lag and buffering. With support for the latest Data Over Cable Services Interface Specification (DOCSIS) 3.0 standard, this modem router combo can deliver speeds up to 16 times faster than the previous standard.
It also supports 16×4 channel bonding, which allows you to combine the speeds of its 16 downstream and four upstream channels to increase your bandwidth. As a result, you can connect quickly, even during peak hours, and enjoy download speeds of up to 680 Mbps. This dual-band 802.11ac (WiFi 5) modem router combo can give you coverage of up to 1,500 square feet for a maximum of 25 devices.
The Netgear C6250 is certified to work with Comcast, Xfinity, Cox, and Spectrum. However, it does not work with DSL connections, AT&T, CenturyLink, DirecTV, DISH, Verizon, or bundled voice services. Ideal for internet plans with maximum speeds of 300Mbps, the Netgear C6250 is one of the best modem router combos for Comcast or Xfinity users.
Motorola MG7700: Best Modem Router Combo for Spectrum Users
The Motorola MG7700 uses a beamforming technology called Anybeam. With this, WiFi signals travel in a focused, targeted direction, instead of in a scattershot manner. As a result, you get faster WiFi speeds with better range.
This device has most of the same features as the MG7550. It has the same Power Boost feature for high-performance WiFi connectivity, as well as four Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports. But, unlike its lower-end counterpart, the Motorola MG7700 has 24 downstream channels and eight upstream channels. It promises to deliver download speeds of over 1,000 Mbps.
This dual-band modem/router is one of many Spectrum-authorized devices for subscribers who have a plan tier of up to 400 Mbps. It also works with Cox and is certified to be compatible with Xfinity by Comcast. Its rugged, vertical design allows you to maximize space in your home. At the same time, it helps maintain the device’s internal cooling. If you’re on the hunt for a modem router combo for Spectrum, the Motorola MG7700 is one of the best choices.
ARRIS SURFboard SBG7600AC2: Best Modem Router Combo for Cox Users
If you want a compact modem router combo with fast connectivity to boot, the ARRIS SURFboard SBG7600AC2 is your best bet. This dual-band router features four Gigabit Ethernet ports, as well as 32 download and eight upload channels that can be bonded for faster speeds.
With this device, you can play games or stream TV and movies at 1,600 Mbps. It supports the latest standards, such as DOCSIS 3.0 and IPv6. You can also connect it to your mesh WiFi devices, which makes this device a good addition if you want to future-proof your home. It also has an app that lets you see which devices you have on your network, improve device connectivity, and set up parental controls.
The SBG7600AC2 is on Cox’s list of certified cable modems, making it one of the best modem router combos for subscribers with plans capped at 300 Mbps. This means if you have their Ultimate Classic plan or lower, this device will work for you. Other providers aren’t left out either. It works with Spectrum plans at 400 Mbps or lower and Xfinity plans at 600 Mbps or lower.
Netgear Nighthawk C7000: Best Modem Router Combo Overall
For your connectivity, security, and file sharing needs, the Netgear Nighthawk C7000 is one of the best modem router combos you can get. The C7000 is a dual-band router that features 24×8 channel bonding and a 1.6GHz processor. It is recommended for cable speeds of up to 400 Mbps, though it can theoretically support speeds of up to 1.96 Gbps (gigabits per second). As for download speeds, it promises to deliver up to 960 Mbps.
The Nighthawk’s security features give you peace of mind while online. It has a double firewall to better prevent attacks on your network. Meanwhile, parental controls and guest network access let you screen who can use your network. It also functions as a media server and even allows you to print files wirelessly from your PC. All these features are housed in a thin and lightweight design.
This modem router combo gives you WiFi coverage of up to 1,800 square feet and for up to 30 devices. For these reasons, the Netgear Nighthawk C7000 is one of the best modem router combos on the market today.
Once you choose a modem router combo, check out our guide on the best place to put your WiFi router.
HelloTech editors choose the products and services we write about. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission.