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Best modem router combos in 2024 – our top picks

These are the best modem router combos you can get today.
Last Updated on March 13, 2024
Best Modem Router Combos

If you’re on the hunt for the best modem router combo, we’ve got you covered.

Having a good internet connection is almost a necessity. We use the internet every day to work, play, get information, and stay connected. In order to connect devices to the web, a modem and router are required. A modem connects to your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and receives information from them. From there, a router distributes the signal to other devices, allowing them to connect to the same network. In the past, it was necessary to purchase the two separately. However, advancements in technology have made it possible to fit both into one machine, known as a modem router combo.

These days, you can find modem router combos that feature the latest WiFi 6 technology, but some also come with previous WiFi standards. On top of that, you can find options with both DOCSIS 3.0 and DOCSIS 3.1. As far as connectivity is concerned, these combos typically come with a few Gigabit Ethernet ports.

When it comes to compatibility, most of them work with major cable providers like Cox, Spectrum, and Xfinity. However, some are meant for specific providers only. In addition, they also support different cable plans and WiFi speeds.

With so many options to choose from, it can get tricky to choose the right one for your needs. To help you kick off the search in the best possible manner, we’ve rounded up some options we think are the best modem router combos available in the market.

So, without any further ado, let’s dive into the list!

Products at a Glance

How we picked

We’ve used our expertise to explore the market and find the best modem router combos. While selecting the devices, we carefully looked at their specs, features, performance, and other notable aspects that make them worth getting. We’re also constantly on the lookout for new modem router combos to add to our list, so make sure to check back here soon.

Our Recommended

Best modem router combos in 2024 – our top picks

1
PROS
  • Works with all major U.S. cable providers
  • WiFi 6
  • 2,500 sqft coverage
  • DOCSIS 3.1
CONS
  • Comparatively comes with a high price point
  • Overkill if not used with a high speed internet connection

If you’re looking for the best modem-router combo, the Netgear Nighthawk CAX30S just might be what you need. It boasts excellent performance and great configurability, which should establish a robust communication channel between your devices and the modem/router endpoint.

To begin with, this modem router combo comes with WiFi 6, which is the latest WiFi standard and is around 40% faster than the previous one. On top of that, it features dual-band functionality, so it supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies. The first band is great for range, while the 5GHz provides faster speeds in small areas. 

As far as coverage is concerned, the modem router should be ideal for a three to four-bedroom house or apartment, as it offers a range of up to 2,500 sqft. Furthermore, it can connect with up to 25 devices simultaneously and supports WiFi speeds of up to 2.7 Gbps. So, if you have a high-speed internet connection, you can experience its full capabilities with the CAX30S.

It also sports four Gigabit Ethernet ports for wired connections. This should help establish a strong internet connection by eliminating radio wave interference that WiFi signals are prone to. There’s also a USB 3.0 port, which can help you connect your external storage device to the router to share files over the network. 

The CAX30S also comes with DOCSIS 3.1, which has a maximum bandwidth limit of 10 Gbps. This means that you can get premium internet connections without worrying about whether this modem-router combo will be able to handle it or not. A great aspect of this device is that setting it up is simple, as the Nighthawk app helps you on each step by providing on-screen instructions.

Lastly, the router is compatible with major cable providers like Xfinity, Spectrum, and Cox. What this means is that if you already have an internet plan with these ISPs or are planning on making the shift, you can do so without worrying about compatibility issues.

Overall, the Netgear Nighthawk CAX30S is the best modem-router combo. Its support for WiFi 6, 2,500 sqft coverage, and DOCSIS 3.1 make it worth every penny. We even think it deserves to be one of the best DOCSIS 3.1 modems.

2
PROS
  • Affordable
  • Supports cable plans up to 300 Mbps
  • Great for a two to three-bedroom house or apartment
  • Dual-band
CONS
  • DOCSIS 3.0
  • No WiFi 6

If you’re looking for something that delivers great performance but won’t break the bank, we’d recommend the Netgear C6250. 

First, this modem-router combo is built to support cable plans up to 300 Mbps. However, this will vary from carrier to carrier. For instance, it supports up to 300 Mbps for Spectrum, up to 200 Mbps for Xfinity, and up to 150 Mbps for Cox. What this means is that your cable plan determines how this combination will work. For example, if you have a 500 Mbps Xfinity internet plan, you most likely won’t be able to experience its full performance due to the limit on the modem/router. That said, it does feature a 16×4 channel configuration, meaning that it should be able to provide a decent amount of bandwidth for periods of heavy internet use.

When it comes to coverage, the modem/router combo has a range of 1,500 sqft, making it a solid choice for a two to three-bedroom house or apartment. In addition, it supports WiFi speeds of up to 1,600 Mbps and can connect with 25 devices. However, we won’t recommend connecting a lot of devices with any modem/router as the more devices there are, the more bandwidth will get divided between them, and that will result in a drop in performance.

Additionally, this router is a dual-band box, so you can switch between 2.4GHz and 5GHz depending on your usage. 5GHz WiFi is better for purposes that require fast internet, like online gaming, while 2.4GHz is slower and prone to interference from other electronics but has a longer signal range.

On top of that, just like some of the best Gigabit modems, there are two Gigabit Ethernet ports for a wired connection, which is always great to get the full speed of your internet connection. As far as security goes, this modem router combo includes DoS protection as well as WPA/WPA2 and SPI/NAT firewalls

Overall, we think the Netgear C6250 is the best budget modem router combo. In terms of value and performance, this Netgear option could be a fantastic pickup.

3
PROS
  • Approved for cable plans up to 800 Mbps
  • Four Gigabit Ethernet ports
  • Works with major cable providers like Spectrum, Cox, and Xfinity
  • Parental controls for increased customization
CONS
  • DOCSIS 3.0
  • Does not come with the latest WiFi standard

If you were on the hunt for the best mid-range router combo, the ARRIS Surfboard SBG7400AC2 does not disappoint when it comes to performance. 

To begin with, the combo is approved for cable plans up to 800 Mbps, and it works with major cable providers like Spectrum, Cox, and Xfinity. This means that you can freely choose from a variety of cable internet plans, and this combo will handle them without a hitch. On top of that, it features dual-band connectivity and supports WiFi speeds of up to 2.3 Gbps. What this translates to is that you can switch between 2.4 Ghz and 5 Ghz bands for better performance and range while experiencing the full speed of your internet via WiFi. One thing to note is that 2.4 GHz is prone to interference from other electronics, and while 5 GHz doesn’t have this issue, it has a shorter range.

Regarding other connectivity options, there are four Gigabit Ethernet ports on the back of the device, which offer wired connection capabilities and eliminate wireless interference issues. Since this router combo has a maximum data transfer rate of 2.4 Gbps, pairing it with a CAT6 or CAT6a Ethernet cable would be beneficial as they have a maximum transmission speed of 10 Gbps. Doing so should provide a seamless gaming, streaming, and browsing experience.

Lastly, setting up this modem router combo is pretty straightforward, as all you have to do is download the SURFboard Central App and follow the onscreen instructions. This not only adds a layer of accessibility but also provides insight into how your network is performing.

Overall, the ARRIS Surfboard SBG7400AC2 is the best mid-range modem router combo. It also comes with additional features like parental controls, which can help you block certain websites and promote healthy internet habits. However, do keep in mind that it comes with DOCSIS 3.0, which may be a dealbreaker for some. 

How to pick the best modem router combo

A router/modem combo is a great way to reduce costs and clutter from cables and extra devices. Before buying a router/modem combo, make sure to take the following considerations into account.

ISP compatibility

First, you need to pick a router/modem combo that is compatible with your particular ISP. Generally, this is not a big deal as most larger ISP companies like Comcast or Cox are compatible with pretty much any router/modem combo. Even some of the best modems for Spectrum work with other ISPs. However, smaller ISP companies may not have support for different kinds of router/modem combos.

Security

Good router modem combos come with robust security systems. This can protect from malware, as well as provide customers with security options such as parental control and internet time limits.

DOCSIS protocols

DOCSIS (Data Over Cable Service Interface Specifications) is a standardized interface that determines how your modem transmits data over the coaxial cables. Essentially, the DOCSIS protocol version tells you what the absolute maximum downstream and upstream capacities are. Currently, DOCSIS 3.0 and 3.1 are the most common versions. Most ISP providers offer average broadband speeds of about 60 Mbps, so a DOCSIS 3.0 protocol will be fine for most users.

Coverage

While choosing a router, make sure to go with the one that provides enough range to cover your entire house, apartment, or office. For a two to three-bedroom apartment, you’d be fine with a modem-router combo that offers a range of up to 1,500 sqft. However, for large homes or offices, you’d want to go with at least 4,000 sqft of coverage.

Ethernet ports

Modem-router combinations aren’t limited to providing wireless capabilities, so look for an option with at least one Gigabit port, but having more is always preferred. A Gigabit port allows you to connect your laptop or desktop directly to the device, meaning you’ll get the full speed of your internet plan without any disruptions.

Wireless standard

The wireless standard of the modem-router combination is an important factor to consider, as an outdated version might cause compatibility issues and cause your internet speed to exceed its limit. So, opt for a device that has 802.11ac or 802.11ax(WiFi 6) wireless standards to ensure a level of future-proofing.

 

Is it better to have a combo modem and router?

There are huge advantages to buying a modem router combo rather than separately. First off, all of your networking needs will be in one simple device, which not only makes for less mess but will also simplify your troubleshooting process if you ever drop a connection. Moreover, with all the tech being in one, you’re never likely to run into speed hiccups due to compatibility. The only real downside is that modem router combos can be a little more expensive than separate devices, which some people’s budgets might not stretch to.

 

What is the life expectancy of a router modem combo?

The life expectancy of any device, including modems and routers, depends on how they’re being used, how regularly they are maintained, and firmware updates from the manufacturer.

A modem-router combo should last a good five years if it’s placed in a well-ventilated area to avoid overheating, updated with the latest firmware, and occasionally given a break. That said, the chances of electronics failing due to a number of reasons are never zero. Keeping that in mind, a modem router could become faulty after a couple of months or continue for years on end.

Is it OK to have 2 routers on one modem?

It is perfectly fine to connect two routers with one modem, and it might even be beneficial if you want multiple wired connections, create an isolated network for work, or extend the range of your WiFi. That said, you must first ensure that your modem can support two routers and has the necessary ports to connect with them.

Our Verdict

For us, the Netgear Nighthawk CAX30S is the best modem router combo. It comes with the latest WiFi 6 standard and has dual-band functionality. On top of that, it provides coverage of up to 2,500 sqft and can connect with 25 devices simultaneously. The combo also comes with DOCSIS 3.1 protocol, which allows for superfast speeds.