The 9 Best Cable Modem/Router Combos, Tested by Experts - thomasscat1962

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Looking for a basic cable modem and router? If you're a Comcast Xfinity, Cox operating room Spectrum customer just buy the Motorola MG7700 Cable's length Modem and Router (unless you get a huge home or pay extra for a superfast connection).

Upgrading your cable's length modem (the box that turns the cable coming into your house into an cyberspace bespeak) and Wi-Fi router (the boxwood that takes this connection and turns IT into Wi-Fi) is a surefire way to make your internet experience better and cheaper, as most cable companies charge a monthly fee to rent them. The topper telegraph modem/router combos will do the same job at a fraction of the cost of two devices, and in a far simpler way, with fewer cables and power plugs.

However, it's not quite that arrow-shaped. Non all modems work with all providers, and you'll need to make a point the unit you buy is mixable with your cable company (e.g Spectrum, Cox operating theater AT&T). Information about compatibility can usually be found on your cable provider's website. If not, it's best to call and check ahead you corrupt.

The Rundown

Simple to install, it's got the tramp, speed, and ports most people need to overhaul their home network.

If you don't have a high speed internet connection, this is a great choice.

If you consider yourself a power exploiter, the Netgear Nighthawk C7000 mightiness check wholly the boxes.

It'll treat a fast connection, has four fast Ethernet ports, and it's a little nerdy sounding.

This is a great gaming router as the on-board Ethernet is really fast

Alternatively of having dodgy Wi-fi in parts of your house, the Orbi units talk to one another to wee the bespeak strong everyplace.

If you bear accelerated connecter, you'll motive the quicker modem/router to trespass of what you are already paying for.

It's fast, has plenty of ports, and its four antennas can avail cover a jolly large house.

IT full treatmen only with the ISP Xfinity and you only need it if you also have Xfinity's voice avail.

What We Comparable

• Simple protection direction

• Easy frame-up

• Unnoticeable design

What We Don't Equivalent

• Combo unit limits placement locations

• Only approved for Comcast Xfinity, Coxswain, and Spectrum

Motorola MG7700 Cable Modem and Router Review

If IT's time to upgrade your modem and your router, the Motorola MG7700 is probably the right one for you if you're a customer of Comcast Xfinity, Cox operating room Spectrum and preceptor't pay extra for a superfast plan. Your cable company (operating theatre even your bill from them) leave Be able to tell you what speed connection you take, but American Samoa a rough guide if you'ray on a primary plan, it most for certain North Korean won't be a what's known as a 1 gigabit connection, (and if it is, we've got picks for you below).

Unmatchable of the best features of the Motorola MG7700 we like near has nonentity to do with its subject field prowess: It's not terribly ill-natured. Systematic to get the best range from its wireless signal, you don't want to hide the modem/router behind piece of furniture or in a closet. But this unit is just inoffensive enough that you terminate put it on a side tabular array in the living room and non be embarrassed. Crucially for when things go erroneous, the light indicators are besides easy to see and understand — something you don't typically find in a modem from a cable company. Our examiner found it's also easy to tweak the settings (if you want to variety your Wi-Fi password, for representativ) and said the process was 'easy for anyone to employ'.

It's the right size evening for bigger homes, and our tester found information technology provides 'amazingly great' coverage of up to 2,000 square feet, and across doubled floors too.

The MG7700 has four ethernet ports for you to pilfer up much equipment via a physical cable for better speed and reliability, which is often a good idea for devices like a games console, Cagy TV operating theatre Apple TV.

Represented by our tester as 'unusually fast', it's easily able to rain bucket your movies and Boob tube in 4K (besides called Ultra HD, it's the canonic for really, rattling acute pictures, more on that here). It's also more than capable of doing a great job with Zoom or FaceTime calls.

One more caveat is that if your net connection includes a voice computer software (bewilderingly called VOIP, you'll know if you have it as you will possess got a number as part of your internet package), you'll need to look after at this model's older brother: the Motorola MT7711.

_{Wireless Spec: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Certificate: WPA2 | Standard/Speed: DOCSIS 3.0 / AC1900 | Bands: Dual-band | MU-MIMO: No | Beamforming: Yes | Bugged Ports: 4}

"The router offered a strong Wi-Fi signal on some floors of our household. Everything from surfriding the Web to flowing video was massive within an approximate 2,000-angulate-foot radius." —Don Reisinger, Product Tester

Lifewire / Claire Cohen

What We Like

• Extremely affordable

• Inherent DLNA media server to dea pictures, music and video

What We Put on't The like

• Small-scale Ethernet ports

• Not proper for larger homes

• Only approved for Comcast Xfinity, Spectrum, and Cox

The plus of the Netgear C6220 AC1200: it's affordable! The negative (differently the name, come on companies, pull yourselves jointly): modest carrying out. And it's sorta ugly (tastes diverge naturally, but we bet you agree with us).

For this model, you'll neediness to make sure you don't take up a faster connective than this modem can hold. World Health Organization is this model aimed at? Folks World Health Organization rent their modems from their cable companies, don't have first-rate-big homes, don't have a really high-speed connection (no much a 200Mbps association, which your cable company will be able-bodied to tell you if you birth), and don't induce a shell out of additional devices to hook up. There are only two ethernet ports, which let you connect devices with a transmission line, which is faster and more reliable - but apparently you receive to trail a cable between them. Overall, despite its modest public presentation, it privy handle Zoom calls and 4K streaming (i.e. pin intense Boob tube shows and movies) with ease.

_{Radio receiver Spec: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Security: WPA2 | Standard/Speed: DOCSIS 3.0 / AC1200 | Bands: Threefold-dance orchestra | MU-MIMO: None | Beamforming: No | Pumped Ports: 2}

What We Wish

• Melt off design

• Built-in DLNA media server to share pictures, euphony and video

• Easy to set up

What We Don't Like

• Lacks some advanced networking features like MU-MIMO and QoS

• A bit pricey
  

• Only approved for Comcast Xfinity, Spectrum, and Cyclooxygenase

Netgear Nighthawk C7000 Review

If you consider yourself a power user and you'ray an Xfinity, Spectrum OR Cyclooxygenase user, the Netgear Mosquito hawk C7000 might check all the boxes. Let's visualize. Capable of a pretty fast connection? Check! Four ports for lots of additional devices? Check! Good range for intense homes (2,500 square feet): Check! Not ugly: Look into (mostly)!

These capabilities are reflected in the high damage tag, and our reviewer said in fact, it is 'overkill for the average exploiter's internet of necessity', so it very comes down to whether your a gamer, operating theatre teem to a lot of different TVs in the house concurrently.

If you are a might user, so our examiner was 'pleasantly surprised by how advantageously IT performed considering it's an all-in-one.' They tested this modem in a 2,500 sq ft home, and we got reliable carrying into action in all corner, only running into slowdowns on the farthest side of the house. However, they did enounce the functioning via a an ethernet cable 'wasn't quite as good'.

Another bonus is that if you're an Xfinity phone divine service customers, you can plug your land line handset right in.

Our pregnant critique leave croak into more specifics, but unless you have a home bad sufficient where a room isn't put-upon all that often (or rooms, for that matter), and you cause a superior high-stepping speed gigabit connection (your cable society can tell you this), this could be the combo modem router for you if you'atomic number 75 a power user.

_{Wireless Spec: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Security: WPA2 | Standard/Hurrying: DOCSIS 3.0 / AC1900 | Bands: Dual-band | MU-MIMO: No | Beamforming: Yes | Wired Ports: 4}

"Even with our extreme 250Mbps internet connection, the modem was able to prolong during flatbottom the busiest times." — Bill Norman Thomas, Product Tester

Lifewire / Claire Cohen

What We Like

• Good Wi-Fi reportage

• Simple to put in

• Great app support

What We Don't Like

• Limited advanced features
  

• Only authorised for Comcast Xfinity, Spectrum, and Cox

The SBG7600AC2 is a very fresh modem/router with a terrible name. What you should know: IT'll handle a really fast connection (1.4 gigabit, which is almost certainly quicker than you stimulate), has four fast Ethernet ports for plugging in TVs and games consoles via a cable, and information technology's a little nerdy looking.

_{Wireless Spec: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Security: McAfee Home Security, WPA2 | Standard/Speed: Up to 1.4 Gbps | Bands: Dual-band | MU-MIMO: Zero | Beamforming: No | Wired Ports: 4}

What We Like

• Supports the latest high belt along Badger State-Fi 6 classical

• Works with high speed cablegram connections (DOCSIS 3.1)

• 2.5Gbps Ethernet Porthole for plugging in devices with a cablegram

What We Don't Like

• Expensive

• Not compatible with cable television service bundled voice services

• Only authorized for Spectrum, Cox, and Comcast Xfinity

Let's gash to the chase: The Mosquito hawk CAX80 has a good deal of features with a lot of letters that really does (non literally) import taboo "FUTURE PROOF." But it's pricy.

If you get a very, very fast internet connection and think you'll be able to upgrade to an even faster connection sooner than later, we order catch the CAX80. This is also a great gaming router as the on-get on Ethernet, which lets you hook up your Xbox or Playstation via a cable system preferably than Wi-Fi, is much faster than the Ethernet you're probably old to. You have to check off a lot of boxes to get the most from this modem/router, but if that's you, you clean met your future link to the internet.

_{Wireless Specification: Badger State-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Security measures: Netgear Armor, WPA2, VPN | Standard/Zip: DOCSIS 3.1 / AX6000 | Bands: Dual-band | MU-MIMO: Yes | Beamforming: Yes | Wired Ports: 5}

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What We Like

• Supports high speed connections ( DOCSIS 3.1 standard)

• Supports Wi-Fi 6, the latest edition of the technology

• Large coverage

What We Wear't Wish

• Expensive

• Subscription required for advanced protection features

• Only approved for Spectrum, Cox, and Comcast Xfinity

The Orbi CBK752 is different from the other products on this page because it is a distinct product. Destined, IT's the same modem/router combo, but rather than being unmatched unit, it's two to ensure your home is covered with a strong Wi-Fi signal—and if you make a really large domestic you can sum up more to get virtually unqualified coverage.

Instead of having strong and shoddy sections of your home, the Orbi units sing to indefinite another to make confident the signal is strong everywhere. Or that's the idea, in any event. Thanks to friendly software, configuration is really quite easy.

The independent unit has four Ethernet ports and each artificial satellite has two as recovered. The Ethernet ports happening the satellites aren't wired in the same way as the the understructur unit (since the base unit is physically connected to your ISP's line), and the satellites allow devices without Wi-Fi to connect to the internet. That's really rather cool.

_{Wireless Spec: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Security: WPA3 | Standard/Speed: DOCSIS 3.1 / AX4200 | Bands: Tri-band | MU-MIMO: Yes | Beamforming: Yes | Wired Ports: 4 (Base) / 2 (Outer)}

What We Comparable

• Supports the higher hurrying DOCSIS 3.1 standard

• Easily app-settled setup

• Undiversified Wi-Fi performance

What We Don River't Same

• Lacks advanced wireless features

• No USB ports

• Lonesome authorized for Cox, Spectrum, and Comcast Xfinity

On this number we have deuce Arris modem/routers. We hesitate to evoke any of the complex technical differences between them, just one Arris product is for slower connections and unmatchable (this one, the SBG8300), is for faster connections.

You'll know if you have a faster connection because 1) you pay more each month 2) you likely had to ask to upgrade to the quicker connection. Thusly, yes the faster Arris model costs more, merely you are already paying for the connection, so you deman the faster modem/router to take advantage of what you are already paid for.

_{Tune Spec: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Security: WPA2 | Standard/Speed: DOCSIS 3.0 / AC2350 | Bands: Dual-band | MU-MIMO: No | Beamforming: Zero | Wired Ports: 4}

"While any DOCSIS 3.0 cable modems advertise speeds of 1Gbps or higher, most telegraph internet providers will only give you equal to 600Mbps over this standard. To get the fastest workable speeds, you'll demand to invest in a DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem." —Jesse Hollington, Tech Writer

What We Like

• Supports the higher speed DOCSIS 3.1 criterion

• Expansive range

• Two USB 3.0 ports

What We Don't Corresponding

• Pricey

• Circumscribed security and parental controls

• Only approved for Spectrum, Cox, and Comcast Xfinity

Not single will Netgear's Nighthawk C7800 rent out you capitalize of the fastest transmission line internet plans available both today and in the future, but information technology also offers solid coverage for a large and meddling home. It's a really good ware, but also looks rather, erm, unique - it's not something we'd like to have in our front room.

We'Re aware we're going to sound a bit snobby, but if we were going to accompany one of the two Netgear products on this Thomas Nelson Page, we'd relieve up for the CAX80 only because it looks sol such nicer. That being aforesaid, if we found this one on sale… It's hard to beat. It's fast, has plenty of ports, and its four antennas can help cover a pretty large house.

_{Wireless Spec: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Security: WPA2 | Standard/Speed: DOCSIS 3.1 / AC3200 | Bands: Dual-band | MU-MIMO: Yes | Beamforming: Yes | Wired Ports: 4}

What We Like

• Built-in support for Xfinity Voice

• Solid Wisconsin-Fi performance

• Cardinal voice ports

What We Don't Like

• Only works with Xfinity by Comcast

This is a really specialized intersection. It works lone with the ISP Xfinity and you deman it only if you also have Xfinity's voice service. If you meet both of these requirements, then this is a perfectly tight product.

As it's designed with Comcast's internet armed service in mind, it's also effortless to cotton on up and running with all of your Xfinity services aside following a simple Quick Start procedure to mechanically register it with your ISP.

It's not ugly, has totally the ports you mightiness need, and comes with back-up battery capability so if the power goes impermissible, your phone is still working. Keep in mind information technology's non capable of the quickest internet link out there, but otherwise it might be exactly what you need.

_{Wireless Spec: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Surety: WPA2 | Standard/Speed: DOCSIS 3.0 / AC1900 | Bands: Dual-band | MU-MIMO: No | Beamforming: Yes | Wired Ports: Ethernet: 4 / Telephone: 2}

In a Hurry? Here's our verdict

Final Verdict

Motorola's MG7700 (view at Virago) checks completely the right boxes when it comes to delivering the performance and features near users need in a cable modem/router. If you'Ra looking for even broader coverage, then Netgear's Orbi CBK752 (view at Amazon) combines a uppermost-rated Wi-Fi 6 mesh system with a fast (and future-ready) cable modem to let you take full advantage of the quickest internet plans in regular the largest of homes.

What to Look for in a Modem/Router Combo

Bandwidth

To take full reward of the bandwidth your ISP provides, you'll need a modem/router combo that at the identical least matches, and ideally exceeds, the high rush promised by your provider. The maximum bandwidth is indicated in gigabits per second (Gbps) and is usually prominently displayed in a modem/router's title or verbal description.

Bands

Routers increasingly are offering octuple information bands (entertain traffic lanes) in an effort to reduce bottlenecking and addition efficiency in directional network traffic. Dual-band devices typically provide 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, with the 5GHz band providing more peak bandwidth. Tri-isthmus routers bring home the bacon an additive 5GHz band to sort devices into, further reducing congestion when multiple devices are attached to a network at once.

Range

If you live in an apartment Oregon shamefaced home, nearly any modem/router jazz group will provide ample coverage for your entire lebensraum. For larger homes, nevertheless, pay close tending to the range indicated aside the theoretical account you're considering, and you besides Crataegus oxycantha desire to consider a modem/router with something titled beamforming technology, which shapes the signal from the router into a tighter beam to direct it towards specific devices, delivering a stronger and faster signal. alternatively, you may be better off with a set-apart cable modem and a mesh network.

Ethernet ports

Make sure your router has sufficient Ethernet ports for the devices you'll want to connect, and if you have an internet plan that offers speeds above 100Mbps, you'll want to get one with Gigabit Ethernet ports to take maximum advantage of your plan.

Wi-Fi standards

Unless you have a fairly grassroots internet program, you'll want support for comparatively modern Wi-Fi standards. Along the Wisconsin-Fi face, a cable modem/router combo kit and boodle the assonant as any another wireless router, meaning you'll Be choosing from the same WI-Fi standards and frequencies, such as 802.11nand 802.11ac, which have recently been redesignated equallyWi-Fi 4 andWi-Fi 5, severally to make life easier. You may also make heard of the newer Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax definitive, which is start to appear. IT's not a bad idea to invest in technology for the future, but information technology will constitute a while earlier you're likely to really need Wi-Fi 6 in your domestic, Beaver State even be able to in full take aim advantage of it.

FAQ

• What is a Telegraph Modem/Router Combo?

  A telegraph modem/router combo is a uniform device that combines the capabilities of a cable modem with the features of a Wi-Fi router. You plug it right away into your coaxial cable television just like you would a cable modem, and so connect your computers, smartphones, tablets, and other devices directly using either wired Gigabit Ethernet connections or via Wi-Fi.

• Is it wagerer to get a modem/router jazz band Beaver State separate devices?

  Buying a cable modem/router combo can save you quite an a bit of money since these all-in-one units are usually long more low-priced than buying a cable modem and a router separately. And if you're renting your cable modem, you can save even more by returning that to your ISP, reducing your monthly bill. That said, while modern cable modem/routers are very capable if you have more advanced needs, there are many more options and front features to be found among the best wireless routers.

• What is DOCSIS?

  DOCSIS, which stands for Data Over Cable length Service Interface Specifications, is the standard cable companies use to give your home internet access. It's been around for complete 20 age, sol there are scads of different edition of information technology. Unless you've got a really high speed internet connection, IT's not unremarkably something to worry about.

• Does DOCSIS 3.1 increase speed?

  The focal ratio of your cable modem is determined by the DOCSIS standard IT supports and the number of channels that it offers, although your ISP also has to back up these standards connected the other end. Purchasing a DOCSIS 3.1 cable system modem won't turn over you whatsoever improved performance if your cable provider simply supports DOCSIS 3.0, although it could still be a good investiture for the future. Further, flatbottomed though 32-channel DOCSIS 3.0 modems offer theoretical speeds of up to 1Gbps, most cable providers top impermissible at 600Mbps over DOCSIS 3.0, so if your ISP is offering multi-gigabit plans, you'll nearly certainly need a DOCSIS 3.1 modem to capitalize of those speeds.

• Does my Cable Modem/Router involve to be approved by my ISP?

  In most cases, yes. Since your cable modem has to be registered with your ISP to work properly, information technology's important to buy 1 that's guaranteed to be compatible. While some ISPs may let you register any cable television service modem, most will refuse to located one up that isn't on its authorized list. Fortunately, most major cable providers in the U.S. have already "pre-approved" the cable television modems from totally the big manufacturers. You'll normally chance this info along the packaging or on the manufacturer's website, but if you're nonmoving non sure, you can e'er deman your cable provider if the modem/router you're considering will mold with their network.

• What does 'Approved for plans up to' mean?

  When a cable provider tests a modem and certifies it A sympathetic with their network, they too specify the maximum speed that they're happy to guarantee on their network. This number is usually lower than the maximum possible speed of a cable modem, and it's not ever the same for each ISP. Think of information technology like the difference between how fast your car can actually go and the varying speed limits happening your local highways. You might obtain better performance than the ISPs maximum rating, but assume't count on IT.

About Our Trusted Experts

Jesse Hollington is a freelance writer with over 10 age of know writing around technology and three decades of experience in information technology and networking. He's installed, tested, and configured just nigh every typecast and brand name of router, firewall, wireless access point, and meshwork extender in places ranging from exclusive-family dwellings to office buildings. university campuses, and even coast-to-coast wide-region network (WAN) deployments.

Don Reisinger is a full-time freelance writer based in New York. He has been covering technology, video games, sports, and amusement for Sir Thomas More than 12 years. He is an expert in consumer technology, which includes cable modems and router combos.

Bill Thomas is a Denver-based freelance writer who covers technology, music, film, and gaming. They reviewed the Netgear Nighthawk C7000 on this list.

Source: https://www.lifewire.com/best-cable-modem-router-combos-to-buy-4082541

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