The Best Modem & Router Combos in 2024
Why buy a router and a modem when you can have both in one package? Modem router combo devices can do it all and they usually cost less than buying two separate devices. They also take less space and are simpler to set up. But which is the best modem router combo device?
Well, it’s probably one of the modem router combos featured in this list. But if you cannot find your favorite here, we’ve prepared a handy guide in case you want to buy a modem router combo on your own which can be found after our list of best modem router combo devices.
Best Modem Router Combos
NETGEAR Modem Router Combo C7000
All-Around Modem Router Combo
- Wi-Fi Coverage: Dual Band 802.11ac
- Supports Xfinity, Cox, and Spectrum
- Number Of Downstream and Upstream Channels: 24×8
- Number Of Ethernet Ports: 4 Gigabit Ports
- Max Download Speed: 400 Mbps
The C7000 from Netgear is a capable modem router combo device that has excellent performance, solid coverage, and that’s compatible with most major ISPs. This device includes certification of compatibility by Comcast (Xfinity), Cox, and Spectrum.
When it comes to performance, the C7000 is solid. It supports DOCSIS 3.0 standard and offers up to 400 Mbps download speed along with 24×8 channels. The unit comes with dual-band support with speeds reaching up to 600 Mbps for the 2.5GHz band and 1300Mbps for the 5GHz band. Setup is simple and you should be able to install the device in no time. The range is listed at 1800 sq ft but the device can cover households that are larger (up to about 2,500 sq ft).
In practice, the max download speed over Wi-Fi hovers between 230 Mbps to 120 Mbps depending on the distance from the unit. An excellent result considering the test was performed on a 250 Mbps internet connection. On the back, you can find four gigabit ethernet ports along with one USB 2.0 port. The C7000 doesn’t support MU-MIMO protocol but it does the basics right. Overall, this is a solid modem router combo that is an excellent choice for most users.
- Excellent Range
- Solid Performance
- Compatible With All Major Cable ISPs
- USB 3.0 Port Would Be Better
ARRIS Surfboard SBG10
The Best Budget Modem Router Combo
- Wi-Fi Coverage: Dual Band 802.11ac
- Supports Xfinity, Cox, and Spectrum
- Number Of Downstream and Upstream Channels: 16×4
- Number Of Ethernet Ports: 2 Gigabit Ports
- Max Download Speed: 300 Mbps
The SBG10 is a budget-friendly modem router combo device that offers dual-band Wi-Fi coverage along with DOCSIS 3.0 support and 16×4 downstream and upstream channels. The device is compatible with all major cable providers in the US including Cox, Spectrum, and Xfinity.
Performance-wise the SBG10 supports up to 300 Mbps download speed which isn’t bad but also isn’t something to be amazed with. Dual-band Wi-Fi should allow users to use multiple connected devices without slowdowns. Wired connection options are limited. You get two gigabit LAN ports and zero USB ports, which is a shame.
Overall, this is a solid modem router combo device that’s affordable and that can support internet plans up to 300 Mbps download. It doesn’t come with advanced features, it doesn’t support MU-MIMO, and it has only two LAN ports and no USB ports but it offers a lot for its humble price.
- Affordable
- Compatible With All Major ISPs
- Limited Connectivity Options
- No USB Ports
NETGEAR Nighthawk CAX80
Premium Modem and Router Combo
- 1x 2.5 Gbps and 4x 1 Gbps Ethernet ports
- Wi-Fi 6
- Compatible with major US internet providers
- Optional Netgear Armor cybersecurity plan
If money is no object and you simply want a device that is universally trusted as a good modem+router combo for Gigabit connections then the NETGEAR Nighthawk is probably your main contender. This router+modem combo is not cheap at all, costing 430$ but is worth it if you want to not concern yourself about your local network for a long while.
The Nighthawk has one 2.5 Gbps port, 4x 1 Gbps Ethernet connections, and a USB 3.0 that will allow any device that you wire to your modem+router to work at blazing speeds. Besides the fast wired connections, the Nighthawk also uses Wi-Fi 6 for extremely fast wireless connections for your smart devices across your home.
The router+modem device uses DOCSIS 3.1 and 32×8 channel bonding while also offering you the option for extra cybersecurity with the Netgear Armor plan. This device is compatible with major internet service providers in the US like Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox, etc. At the same time, it is important to mention that the Nighthawk is NOT compatible with Verizon, AT&T, CenturyLink, DSL providers, DirecTV, DISH, and any bundled voice service.
- The multi-Gigabit ports on the device make it great for power users
- Wi-Fi 6 is reliable and fast
- Netgear is trying to emphasize security giving people peace of mind
- Very expensive while not doing much more than the competition
Motorola MT8733
Best for Xfinity Internet & Voice Users
- 1x 2.5 Gbps and 3x 1 Gbps Ethernet ports
- Wi-Fi 6
- 2 Xfinity phone lines
- Smart mobile app
If you are using Xfinity as your internet service provider then the Motorola MT8733 is the perfect router+modem combo that you can find on the market. This device is compatible both with Xfinity internet and voice services offering an easy all-around device. The downside is that it is ONLY compatible with Xfinity voice services and no other services.
The device itself is impressive with one 2.5 Gbps port and 3x 1 Gbps ports that will give you all the speed you need for any internet browsing or gaming. The device also uses Wi-Fi 6 that allows you to benefit from high internet speeds wirelessly.
The main advantage of this modem+router is as mentioned before the fact that you can also have 2 phone lines from Xfinity for a convenient one-in-all device. To make all of this easier the Motorola MT8733 has a smart mobile app that allows you to manage, optimize and secure your network from anywhere.
- Powerful Ethernet and Wi-Fi modem+router device
- Allows you to connect phone lines along with internet with one device
- Extremely comfortable if you use Comcast Xfinity services
- Very expensive device
- Only capable of phone connections when used with Xfinity
- Less 1 Gbps ports than most other devices
ASUS CM-32
Excellent High-End DOCSIS 3.0 Modem Router Combo
- Wi-Fi Coverage: Dual Band 802.11ac
- Support For Xfinity (Comcast), Spectrum, And Cox
- Number Of Downstream and Upstream Channels: 32×8
- Number Of Ethernet Ports: 4 Gigabit Ports
- Max Download Speed: Undisclosed
The ASUS CM-32 is a powerful DOCSIS 3.0 modem router combo that features excellent performance and lots of extra features. DOCSIS 3.0 support and 32×8 downstream and upstream channels allow this combo device to achieve up to 800 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band and 1734 Mbps on the 5 GHz band.
There’s support for Comcast Xfinity, Spectrum, and Cox. This device features MU-MIMO, personal VPN, Smart Quality of Service, parental controls, and a plethora of security standards. On the back, you can find four gigabit LAN ports along with two USB 2.0 ports. Four antennas are there for wide coverage but ASUS didn’t specify the exact range of this combo device.
Finally, we really like this unit’s design. Slick and futuristic without being overly tacky. Overall, the ASUS CM-32 is an all-around modem router combo that comes with speedy performance, great range, and a plethora of features. We don’t like the presence of USB 2.0 ports (USB 3.0 ports are preferred at this price point) and the fact that ASUS didn’t officially list max internet speed supported by this device.
- Slick Design
- Fast Performance
- Lots Of Extra Features
- Support For All Major ISPs
- Undisclosed Max Download Speed
- We Would Like To See USB 3.0 Ports In This Price Range
ARRIS Surfboard G36
Great Device for Multi-Gigabit Networking
- 1x 2.5 Gbps and 4x 1 Gbps Ethernet ports
- Wi-Fi 6 with speeds up to 3000 Mbps
- SURFboard Central App
- Compatible with major US internet providers
If you plan to upgrade to Gigabit internet you will need a modem and router that supports such speeds and can take advantage of your fast internet plan. The ARRIS Surfboard G36 is perfect for such tasks with one 2.5Gbps Ethernet port and 4x 1-Gigabit Ethernet ports. These speeds are no joke so any tasks requiring fast internet can be done extremely well.
Besides fast Ethernet connections, the Surfboard G36 is also capable of Wi-Fi 6 and can do up to 3000 Mbps. With this type of Wi-Fi speed, the real limit becomes your device and not the network.
If you are in the US, another great news is that this modem+router combo has been certified by most Gigabit internet service providers which means they acknowledge this device as compatible with their services.
As with most modern routers, the Surfboard G36 comes with a central app that helps you set up and maintain your network from anywhere which is quite a convenient tool to have.
- The router+modem combo can support multi-Gigabit speeds
- Wi-Fi 6 is as good as Wi-Fi can get currently
- Everybody loves an easy setup and not hassling with menus
- 300$ is a steep price for most people when it comes to a router+modem combo
NETGEAR C6230
Best for Xfinity Internet & Voice Users
- 2x 1 Gbps Ethernet ports and 1x USB 2.0 port
- Wi-Fi AC 1200
- Netgear Nighthawk app
- Usable with Xfinity, Spectrum, and Cox
When paying a lot of money for a router+modem combo is not your jam but you still want to benefit from Gigabit ports then the NETGEAR C6230 should be one of the devices you would consider purchasing.
This is a DOCSIS 3.0 modem+router that uses AC1200 (1200 Mbps) WiFi in 2.4 and 5 GHz. It has one USB 2.0 and 2x LAN Gigabit connection for when you need all of the internet speed you can get to your device.
You can set it up easily and manage your device with the Netgear Nighthawk app where you have access to WPA/WPA2 and other wireless security options. This is definitely not a fancy device but it gets the job done with no problems. The biggest advantage of the NETGEAR C6230 is obviously the price, which is only 126$!
- An excellent budget device capable of Gigabit speeds
- Relatively cheap compared to other options
- Easy to set up and manage
- Older Wi-Fi protocols
- Only 2x Gigabit ports
- USB 2.0 connection
How To Choose A Modem Router Combo
As we’ve said, buying a modem router combo is a great way to save money, space, and to get the entire internet setup in one device. While these devices seem simple enough (just hook it up to the cable and that’s it) there are several features you should look for.
As for the things you should look for regarding the router part of the combo, we’ve already covered them in great detail in our best routers under $100 piece. Now, there are some differences when it comes to modem router combos, but they are few and far between.
First of all, disregard Wi-Fi 6 support. At the moment, there aren’t any modem router combo devices that support the Wi-Fi 6 standard. They should arrive later this year but at the moment, you won’t find one.
Instead of focusing on Wi-Fi 6 support, just get a combo device that supports Wi-Fi 5. If you need Wi-Fi 6 support well, forget about getting a combo device and just get yourself a nice Wi-Fi 6 router.
Other than that, the info we shared in our routers under $100 piece should cover all the basics when it comes to the router part of a modem router combo device. Now, let’s talk about what to look for regarding the modem in your next modem router combo device.
Make Sure Your Next Modem Router Combo Supports Your ISP
Yeah, you don’t want to buy a combo device and then realize your internet provider doesn’t support it. The best modem router combo for Xfinity doesn’t have to be the best one for Spectrum or Cox.
Hell, if a modem works great with Cox, it doesn’t have to support Comcast or Xfinity. If a friend has a modem router combo and if the device works great with their ISP that doesn’t mean it will work with your ISP. The good news is that there are multiple ways to check whether or not you can use a specific modem router combo with your ISP.
The easiest one is to simply check specs of the combo device you’re eyeing. Each modem router combo should list supported ISPs. Many models support all major cable internet providers. But it’s best to just check supported ISPs. The list should be found on official specs pages.
The second way of inspecting whether or not your ISP supports a combo device you want to buy is to visit approvedmodems.com or similar sites and check compatible modems.
If you happen to use a small ISP that operates only in your area, chances are you won’t find it on the approved modems website and modem router specs pages won’t list it. The best way to check if a modem works with your ISP is to call them and ask them yourself.
Finally, before hooking up the device, learn how to activate the device with your ISP. Some ISPs offer automatic activation, others need a device’s MAC address, and some have their unique ways of activating new modems.
Get A DOCSIS 3.0 or 3.1 Device
DOCSIS stands for “Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification.” All cable internet modems have to support the DOCSIS standard. And as is the case with most tech standards, this one has multiple versions. DOCSIS 2.0 and older cannot support speeds over 40mbps so you don’t want a device that comes with DOCSIS 2.0.
You want to get either a DOCSIS 3.0 or 3.1 device. DOCSIS 3.0 devices can handle download speeds up to 1 Gbps and upload speeds up to 200 Mbps. DOCSIS 3.1 devices have capacity for 10 Gbps download and 1-2 Gbps upload.
Now, most users’ internet falls into DOCSIS 3.0 bandwidth. If you have upload speeds that exceed 200 Mbps you should get a DOCSIS 3.1 modem router combo devices. There’s also the DOCSIS 4.0 standard but that one is yet to debut on upcoming devices.
Don’t Let The Number Of Upstream And Downstream Channels Confuse You
Modem router combo specs include the number of downstream and upstream channels and they look something like this: 16 x 8. The first digit stands for the number of downstream channels, the more downstream channels the higher max download speed. 16 channels should be enough for all sans the fastest internet plans.
When it comes to upstream channels, 4 is the standard but if you have multiple gamers in your household or if you have a plan with fast upload speed try getting a device with 8 upstream channels.
Check Download And Upload Speeds
DOCSIS standard regulates maximum download and upload speeds supported by different versions of the standard. That said, if a modem router combo device supports, for instance, the DOCSIS 3.0 standard that doesn’t mean the device can handle 1 Gbps download and 200 Mbps upload bandwidth.
In order to find out maximum download and upload bandwidth of each model, check out the official specs for each device. This is especially important if you own a super-fast internet plan with high upload speeds because most devices support lower upload speed compared to the download speed.
The best way to find out how a modem router combo behaves in real-life scenarios is to look for official reviews. If a model you’re interested in doesn’t have any official review online, read user reviews.
Advantages Of Modem Router Combo Devices
There are a lot of advantages when it comes to owning a modem router combo instead of a separate modem and router. Here are the most important ones:
- It’s Cheaper To Get A Combo Device Than Two Separate Devices
- Modem Router Combo Takes Less Space Than Two Separate Devices
- It’s Easier To Setup One Combo Device Than Two Separate Devices
Downsides Of A Modem Router Combo Devices
Getting a modem router combo instead of two separate devices also has its downsides. The biggest disadvantage is that there aren’t any Wi-Fi 6 combo devices at the moment. That’s cool if you use an older laptop, smartphone, or a USB Wi-Fi adapter. But if you own the latest laptop or a 2019 or 2020 flagship smartphone you won’t be able to use their maximum wireless speed.
Next, in case you switch your ISP there’s a chance your new ISP won’t support your current modem router combo. So, instead of just getting a new cable modem you will have to spend more money on getting a completely new modem and router setup. Also, modem router combo devices are usually slower on average than wireless routers.
Finally, if you move to a larger household your current modem router combo might not be powerful enough to fully cover your new home with the wireless signal. Now, if you owned two separate devices you could’ve just bought a new router for long-range but if you have a combo device, tough luck. You’ll either have to spend money on wireless range extenders, get a new combo device with better range, buy new router and modem, or buy a mesh router and a new modem.