If you’re looking for the best router for Spectrum, then we have you covered right here. Spectrum offers some very good internet packages with speeds of up to 1 Gbps. However, while their modem is free, they have a rental fee for the router. Plus, their router is good for most general use but not the best if you have a specific use case, like the best gaming performance or the widest coverage.
If you browse through the options available, you will find regular routers, modem router combos, and several other types of routers – so you’re more likely to find what you’re looking for and also be picky. When it comes to features and specs, you can expect to find Spectrum-compatible routers that offer strong WiFi standards, gigabit and multi-gigabit ports, and additional features like parental controls and QoS that can improve your network experience.
With that said, to save you time and effort, we have researched and rounded up what we think are the best routers for the ISP. Whether you’re looking for the best router for the Spectrum 1 gig plan or a budget-friendly option, you’ll find everything in our guide.
Products at a glance
- Best router for Spectrum overall
ASUS ROG Rapture GT6 – 1 Pack, White
- Standard: WiFi 6
- Frequency Bands: 2.4GHz, 5GHz x2
- Max Speed: 10Gbps
- LAN Ports: 3x 1Gbps
- Best mesh router for Spectrum
Netgear Orbi RBKE963B WiFi 6E Mesh Black
- Standard: WiFi 6E
- Frequency Bands: 2.4GHz, 2x 5GHz, 6GHz
- Max Speed: 10.8Gbps
- LAN Ports: 1x 2.5Gbps, 3x 1Gbps (Router & Satellites)
- Best gaming router for Spectrum
ASUS ROG Rapture Wifi 6E Router (GT-AXE16000)
- Standard: WiFi 6E
- Frequency bands: 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz-1, 5 GHz-2, 6 GHz
- Max speed: 16000 Mbps
- LAN ports: 2x 10Gbps (WAN/LAN), 4x 1Gbps
- Best WiFi 7 router for Spectrum
Netgear Nighthawk RS700S WiFi 7 (BE19000)
- Standard: WiFi 7
- Frequency Bands: 2.4GHz, 5GHz, 6GHz
- Max Speed: 19Gbps
- LAN Ports: 1x 10Gbps, 4x 1Gbps
How we selected the best router for Spectrum
For this guide, we compared several routers from different brands and selected the best. Our team went a step further and tested the routers hands-on to give you a better idea of their real-world performance.
While the selection of standard routers that come with Spectrum packages more than do the job, you may be looking for something to suit your specific needs.
Since routers, in general, are widely compatible with internet service providers, we’ve selected several alternative options you can use with your internet package. From high-end gaming routers to affordable mesh systems, we’ve got you covered right here.
The routers in this guide have been selected based on speeds, wireless standards, coverage, security, and other factors. Further, we are always looking for more WiFi routers compatible with the ISP for our list, so make sure to check back here soon.
- Standard: WiFi 6
- Frequency Bands: 2.4GHz, 5GHz x2
- Max Speed: 10Gbps
- LAN Ports: 3x 1Gbps
- WAN: 1x 2.5Gbps
- CPU: 1.7GHz tri-core
- Memory: 256MB Flash, 512MB DDR4 RAM
- USB: 1x 3.2Gen A-type
- Dimensions: 172.3 x 78.1 x 176.75 mm
- Weight: 880g
- High-speed WiFi 6 router
- Great software support
- Anti-malware protection
- Compact design
- Can be expensive for casual users
- “Gamer” aesthetic may not appeal to everyone
If you are looking for the best router for your Spectrum internet, then you should check out the Asus ROG Rapture GT6.
Now, this is a WiFi 6 router, which is sufficient for most users who don’t plan on upgrading to extremely high WiFi speeds. You get two bands – 5GHz and 2.4GHz – and you can switch between them on compatible devices. Depending on your ISP, you should be able to get good speeds.
The app also gives you a lot more control over your network – VPN, QoS, parental controls, and more.
PC Guide
Coming to the ports, you get a main 2.5 Gbps WAN port for the internet connection. Then there are three LAN ports, but they’re limited to a Gigabit, so it might feel limiting for some. Plus, you also get a USB 3.2 type A port for storage.
During our Asus ROG Rapture GT6 review, we saw that the router was easy to set up. You have to get the dedicated app for it to get it up and running. The app also gives you a lot more control over your network – VPN, QoS, parental controls, and more.
The Rapture GT6 does have more of a “gamer” aesthetic to it – but it shouldn’t stop you from using it as a regular WiFi router. Plus, as it is mesh-compatible, you’d be able to expand its reach in the future. Another perk here is that it doesn’t have external antennas – so it takes up less space.
What users say
On Amazon, the Asus ROG Rapture GT6 has a 4.5-star rating, and more than 3,600 customers have rated it. Most of the customer reviews mention that the router is easy to set up, offers a lot of customization options, and provides a reliable connection. “Quite expensive, but delivers and works great (so far) – and that’s what I REALLY care about,” one of the customers wrote in a review.
- Standard: WiFi 6E
- Frequency Bands: 2.4GHz, 2x 5GHz, 6GHz
- Max Speed: 10.8Gbps
- LAN Ports: 1x 2.5Gbps, 3x 1Gbps (Router & Satellites)
- WAN: 1x 10Gbps (Router)
- CPU: Quad-Core 2.2GHz (Router & Satellites)
- Memory: 512MB NAND Flash and 1GB RAM (Router & Satellites)
- USB: None
- Dimensions: 279.4 x 190.5 x 76.2mm (11 x 7.5 x 3in)
- Weight: 1.36kg (3.0lbs)
- Suitable for large homes or offices
- Easy to set up with the app
- Good security features
- Lacks USB ports
- Most features are paid
If you have a large home or you’ve got a lot of area to cover, then you should consider getting the Netgear Orbi RBKE963 mesh router.
To start with, this is a WiFi 6E router, which is newer and more advanced than the WiFi 6. So you get three frequency bands – 6GHz, 2x 5GHz, and 2.5GHz. However, you’ll still be missing out on WiFi 7 perks – which is the latest WiFi standard.
To support such high speeds, you need powerful cores in the router. The mesh system comes with a Quad-core 2.2GHz CPU in the router as well as the satellites. Plus they also feature 512MB NAND Flash and 1GB RAM for the memory to support the power and keep the speed up.
You also get the Netgear Armor, which adds an extra layer of security.
PC Guide
In our review, we saw that the Netgear Orbi could reach the farthest corners of the office and still maintain a strong signal. You can read more about our hands-on experience in the review.
To set up the router, you will have to download the Netgear app. With the app, you will be able to gain better control of your network. You can change passwords, set up guest networks, and much more. However, a lot of the
From a security perspective, the Netgear offers 802.11i, 128-bit AES encryption with PSK, which safeguards your network. Plus, you also get the Netgear Armor, which adds an extra layer of security. However, note that this is a 30-day free trial, after which you will have to buy the service.
What users say
On Amazon, the Netgear Orbi RBKE963 has a rating of 4.2 stars, and more than 680 people have rated the product. According to the customer reviews, the router is easy to set up, has wide coverage, and comes with an intuitive app. With that being said, customers have mixed opinions on the price of the product.
- Standard: WiFi 6E
- Frequency bands: 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz-1, 5 GHz-2, 6 GHz
- Max speed: 16000 Mbps
- LAN ports: 2x 10Gbps (WAN/LAN), 4x 1Gbps
- WAN: 1x 2.5Gbps, 2x 10Gbps (WAN/LAN)
- CPU: 2.0GHz quad-core processor
- Memory: 256MB NAND flash and 2GB DDR4 RAM
- USB: 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 1x USB 2.0 Port
- Dimensions: 354 x 354 x 193mm
- Weight: 2425g
- Strong performance on ethernet and wireless
- Quad-band WiFi 6E for 6GHz adoption
- Easy to use app with many useful features
- Pricey for casual users
- The design might be flashy for some users
If you want a gaming router, the Asus ROG Rapture GT-AXE16000 is a good choice. Let’s start with the technical specs. This is a WiFi 6e router, which means you get one additional band than the WiFi 6 routers. Even though this is not as fast as WiFi 7, it should still get your job done. But again, both 6E and 7 are not widely available yet, so you’re not missing out on anything.
And so, with WiFi 6e, you get that 6GHz band that can deliver fast speeds on compatible devices. Plus, the two 5GHz bands and the 2.4GHz band expand the router’s bandwidth further. If you want to explore wired options, you will get 10Gbps LAN and WAN options. The router also offers 2 USB ports to expand connectivity options.
The app is quite intuitive, and you can adjust a lot of settings, including VPN, QoS, guest networks, and more.
PC Guide
In our review, we found out that the WiFi router delivered good download and upload speeds over a wide network in our office. Plus, the latency for 2.5GHz was between 13 to 22 ms, which is quite low. For more information, you should check out our hands-on review.
During our testing, we also had a chance to look at the dedicated Asus app, which you can use to set up the router. The app is quite intuitive, and you can adjust a lot of settings, including VPN, QoS, guest networks, and more.
As mentioned, the Asus ROG Rapture GT-AXE16000 has that “gamer” aesthetic. And while that design is attractive, it has mirrors on the top, which might attract fingerprints and dust – something to consider if you want something with minimal upkeep.
What users say
The Asus ROG Rapture GT-AXE16000 has a 4.4-star rating on Amazon, and the product has been rated by more than 800 people. As per the reviews, the router works well and customers liked the easy installation process. However, the opinions are mixed on build quality and price.
“This is easily the best router I’ve ever owned. It’s got great range, which is a huge plus, but what makes it so excellent is the amazingly fast wireless connectivity it has,” one of the customers said in a review.
- Standard: WiFi 7
- Frequency Bands: 2.4GHz, 5GHz, 6GHz
- Max Speed: 19Gbps
- LAN Ports: 1x 10Gbps, 4x 1Gbps
- WAN: 10Gbps
- CPU: Quad-core 2.6GHz
- Memory: 512MB NAND Flash and 2GB RAM
- USB: 1x USB 3.0 Type-A
- Dimensions: 281.7 x 124.0 x 142mm (11.1 x 4.9 x 5.6in)
- Weight: 1.635kg (3.61lb)
- Latest WiFi standard
- Future proof standards for WiFi, and 10Gbps WAN and LAN ports
- Dedicated app for settings
- WiFi 7 might be an overkill
- Expensive
- Paid Netgear features
If you want the latest tech and future-proof your Spectrum internet, then we think that the Netgear Nighthawk RS700S is a good choice.
Now, this is a WiFi 7 router, which is the newest WiFi standard. This means you get faster speeds and much less interruption. You can split your network and choose among 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz bands. Or you can choose to let your devices pick the best speed. And if you decide to get a wired connection, the router offers 10 Gig WAN and LAN ports so your internet is not capped.
On the inside, the RS700S comes with a quad-core 2.6 GHz processor, 2GB of RAM, and 512MB of NAND Flash—all of which sound like a lot of power for a router. But this is what keeps the router’s performance up under pressure.
The RS700S comes with a quad-core 2.6 GHz processor, 2GB of RAM, and 512MB of NAND Flash.
PC Guide
In our review, we saw that the RS700S had the fastest file transfer speed. Plus, it delivered excellent speeds and we got strong signals even at a long distance. However, as our office didn’t have a high specced network, so were limited to WiFi 6. For a detailed overview, check out our review.
On the same note, WiFi 7 (or even WiFi 6e, for that matter) is not widely used yet. Considering that this router doesn’t come cheap, it might be a significant investment for something that hasn’t become common yet.
Much like other Netgear routers on this list, this one also needs you to set up the app. The mobile app is quite handy, and you can set up parental controls, QoS, VPN, and a lot of other things with it. However, it also pushes a lot of reminders for their subscriptions.
What users say
On Amazon, the Netgear Nighthawk RS700S has a rating of 4.5 stars, and the product has been reviewed by 140 people. Judging by the reviews, customers liked the router’s performance, appearance, and the installation process. They mentioned that the WiFi router was fast, easy to get it running, and it is reliable. However, users had mixed opinions about the price of the product.
Considerations for the best router for Spectrum
Selecting a router for isn’t just about picking one of the best wireless routers. Instead, there are a lot of boxes you need to tick first. To start with, you need to double-check whether a router is compatible with Spectrum or not. Once you confirm that, here are a few essential points that can help you pick the best router.
Wireless standards
As you will be using your router for quite a few years, you should get a router that has the latest wireless technology. At the moment, you can go for a WiFi 6 or WiFi 6E router, which are both new wireless standards.
Now, WiFi 6 is more commonly used, so most of the devices that you own will be able to take advantage of the high speed. However, if you have new devices that are compatible with WiFi 6E, you can consider getting WiFi 6E routers. If you’re looking for options with the latest WiFi standards, check out some of the best Wi-Fi 6 routers and the best Wi-Fi 6E routers.
Coverage
The goal is to get a Spectrum router capable of covering the entire area and eliminating any deadzones. Most of the routers’ product descriptions mention the approximate area covered by the router, so you should get an idea.
For instance, some of the best routers for large homes can cover 6,000 sq. ft. area or more. On the other hand, a router covering 2500 to 3000 sq. ft. is more suitable for a small home. You may also be interested in checking out some of the best mesh routers, as these are also great when it comes to range.
Number of devices supported
If you’re planning to use the router in your office where several people will be connecting to the same network, you’d want to go with a router that can handle multiple devices.
Some routers can only support up to 10 devices at the same time. However, you can also find routers that can connect with up to 50 or more devices simultaneously. Just make sure the router has a good processor and enough RAM so it can perform well under load.
Wired connectivity
If you have the 1 Gbps plan from Spectrum, then you’ll need to opt for a router that comes with at least one Gigabit port. However, if you have multiple devices that require an Ethernet connection, then you’ll need to pick the one with at least 4 Gigabit ports. You can also find multi-gig ports on some routers, but they are an overkill for Spectrum.
Security
Most routers offer basic network security, parental controls, guest network setups, and other security features for free. However, some advanced features might be “premium,” and you can get those at an additional cost. Such features are mostly found in the best secure routers.
What is the fastest Internet speed on Spectrum?
The fastest internet plan from Spectrum offers speeds of up to 1 Gbps. This is one of the reasons why you don’t need a router with a multi-gig port for it.
Is it better to use your own router with Spectrum?
As you have to pay an additional monthly fee for the official Spectrum router, and considering it is not that good, you’re better off using your own router. There are different brands in the market, such as Asus, Netgear, and TP-Link, that make some of the best Spectrum-compatible routers.
