7 Best Modem Router Combo To Buy – Cable and Wi-Fi For Home and Office

There’s no denying that modem router combos have completely changed internet usage for millions of people around the world. A few years ago modems were acquired as a separate entity as were routers, but now you can get both of them in one package. A modem router combo is a perfect way to avoid monthly charges incurred when you rent a modem from your ISP and using the best modem router combo comes in handy when you want to achieve unbelievable download and streaming speeds.

Before purchasing a modem router combo, there are some things that you need to put into consideration. Are you buying the device for gaming or streaming? Is the device compatible with your ISPs? These questions are an excellent way to make sure you purchase the right device for your desired purpose. There are modem router combos that are ideal for gaming while others are best suited for browsing.

I recently replaced my router with a NETGEAR Nighthawk AC1900 modem router combo, and I have to admit the difference is unreal. I no longer have to wait for my favorite television series to buffer, I just get my popcorn and start streaming. Not to mention, my computer always hung when I was playing Call of Duty online. I always thought it was the graphics but later discovered that my internet speed was the problem.

It’s not just the internet speed and connectivity that I admire in modem router combos because there is no adaptation and loss of signal you tend to get with separate modem and router which sometimes, could even be incompatible but these devices are also highly reliable. Their signal reliability is next generation, ensuring that your internet won’t be cut-off prematurely and minimizing dropout. There is nothing more irritating than a slow internet connection, especially if you are using it to stream something interesting or download important files.

If you get the good ones such as ARRIS SURFboard SBG7580AC or NETGEAR Nighthawk AC1900, the upload speeds are unbelievable too in these devices, meaning you can upload videos to your YouTube channel, social media, or send large files fast to other people without worrying that the process might take the better part of your day. Since I acquired mine, uploading videos to my YouTube channel have become easy. Not to mention, I can now shoot my videos in Ultra HD with no worry about the size of the file.

Also, modem router combos can help you avoid experiencing slow internet connection during peak hours. There are those times during the day when the internet connection is slow due to congestion making browsing very hectic and increasing chances of dropped connections. However, with a modem router combo, all you have to do is make sure you have adequate data channels to maintain fast internet speeds even during peak hours.

Modem router combos have also significantly helped me to save money. The charges that I used to accrue by renting a modem from my ISP were an upwards of $140 every year. My modem router combo cost me about that, but then it is mine and solely mine; a good price to pay for a device that serves me better and demands less at the end of every year. If your mind is made up on purchasing a modem router combo, below are some excellent recommendations and after that, I have shared some important factors to consider before buying a good modem/router combo

Best modem router combo devices

NETGEAR Nighthawk AC1900 Wifi/Cable Modem Router Combo

Modem Router Combo
NETGEAR Nighthawk AC1900

The Nighthawk AC1900 from Netgear is the perfect embodiment of speed and reliability in a modem router combo. Its cable speed can hit 960 Mbps, but its Wi-Fi performance is really outstanding and can get you enjoying download speeds of up to 1.9Gbps. This speed is attained with the help of a very powerful 1.6GHz combined processor; a feature mostly found in high-end routers.

Also, the Nighthawk AC1900 has a 24 by eight channel bonding feature which makes hitting high internet speeds a piece of cake for this device. Not to mention, it also has the Beamforming+ feature, which plays a great role in ensuring that all devices in your home are connected and do not slow down your internet connection no matter the time of day. This modem router combo maintains high download and upload speeds even during peak hours making it very reliable.

Accessing and sharing media is also easy with the Nighthawk AC1900 thanks to its USB 2.0 port that guarantees fast and efficient file sharing. It also comes with a NETGEAR Genie App that makes installation easy and also plays a large part when it comes to connecting, monitoring, and controlling the devices in your home. The App is compatible with most Android devices as well as iPad, PC, iPhone, and Mac.

The Nighthawk AC1900 might not be compatible with bundled voice services, but it supports Cox, Comcast XFINITY, Spectrum, and a variety of other service providers.

Key Features

  • EZ Mobile Connect feature
  • Unique Netgear App
  • Fast self-activation

View at Bestbuy

ARRIS SURFboard SBG7580AC Modem Router Combo

Modem Router Combo
ARRIS SURFboard SBG7580AC

Another modem router combo from Arris, the SURFboard SBG7580AC is a DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem with a built-in AC1750 router. Upon its release, this device made history as the first Gigabit+cable modem gateway to retail in various stores across the country. This device is not just a modem but also an 802.11AC Wi-Fi access point running on two simultaneous dual bands and a 4-port Gigabit Ethernet Router as well.

It has the second best download speed for any modem router combo discussed on this list reaching up to 1.4Gbps and an upload speed of up to 343 Mbps. Its Wi-Fi speeds can also hit 1750 Mbps making it the most powerful modem in the SURFboard series. This device not only helps you save on monthly modem expenses but also ensures lighting quick streaming, download, and gaming speeds.

The SURFboard SBG7580AC is compatible with plenty of local service providers as well as recognized brands such as Coz, Comcast, Charter, and Time Warner just to mention a few. It boasts a fantastic 32 download and eight bonded upload channels, a feature that makes it possible for the SURFboard SBG7580AC to hit its incredible internet speeds with ease.

It also supports both the latest and former Internet standard and is ideal for Ultra HD video streaming, downloading large files, and online gaming.

Key Features

  • Unbelievably fast internet speeds
  • Extended warranty
  • Supports USB

View at Walmart

Motorola AC1900 Wi-Fi Gigabit Router Modem Combo

Motorola AC1900 Wi-Fi Gigabit Router

The Motorola AC1900 is among the cheapest yet most advanced modem router combo devices there are on the market. It features a high-speed wireless router with a built-in AC 1900 Dual Band which plays a great role in significantly increasing your internet speed. The router supports ac, n, b, and g devices ranging from computers to Chromecast, Apple TV, tablets, game stations, Roku, and HDTVs just to mention a few.

The Motorola AC1900 also has a unique feature that gives it an edge over its counterparts: a wireless power boost. This feature enhances Wi-Fi power amplifiers boosting your wireless signals to legal limits while increasing your range and speed. Streaming your favorite TV show from your tablet in the bedroom will not be a problem with this router thanks to the increased range and speed.

The Motorola AC1900 also has another feature that helps increase its range as well as its performance, the AnyBeam Beamforming. This feature works in tandem with the 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz bands to enhance your internet speed as well as the range covered. The Motorola AC1900 can hit download speeds of up to 686 Mbps and comes with a firewall to protect the system from hackers.

Also, it has a DOCSIS 3.O cable modem getaway, which is up to sixteen times faster than its predecessor, the DOCSIS 2.0. This device is certified by Comcast XFINITY and Time Warner Cable to reach speeds of up to 250 and 300 Mbps respectively. Other service providers such as Cox also certify this router and use it for their modem ownership programs. The Motorola AC1900 modem router combo also has a sleek design and requires minimal wiring ensuring you maintain the much-needed desk space or avoid filling your living room with wires.

Key Features

  • Power boost
  • Sleek design
  • Broad compatibility
  • Extended product life

View at Best Buy

NETGEAR N300 Wi-Fi Cable Modem Router Combo

Top Modem Router Combo
NETGEAR N300

The Netgear N300 is the embodiment of perfection in a modem router combo. Not to mention, it comes at an unbelievable price and is remarkably easy to install. This device features N300 Wi-Fi, new age technology that enables it to hit amazing download speeds and comes in handy regarding online games. It also helps stream HD videos with ease and without internet drops, which can be extremely irritating.

Online gaming is made easier by a Gigabit Wired component in the Netgear N300, which also plays a significant role in streaming high-quality videos. Its range might only cover medium sized homes, but this router also has an Ethernet option which allows you to plug in your TV or computer to best enjoy its services. It also has a USB port that makes file sharing easy from your hard drive and boasts of incredible upload speeds making data transfer easy.

Regarding security, the Netgear N300 is fortified not only with parental controls but high-level secure Wi-Fi connections (WPA/WPA2) as well. Also, guests access the network separately and can be monitored, meaning you can terminate their access whenever you feel right. The Netgear N300 is also easy to use as it comes with a unique Netgear Genie App which not only helps you control but also aids in monitoring and repairing your home network.

As opposed to other modem router combos that might require a remote to power and turn the Wi-Fi signal on and off, the Netgear N300 features simple buttons evident on the router. It also has a power saving feature and a DNLA feature that comes in handy when using DNLA TVs or game consoles. The Netgear N300 is compatible with Cablevision, XFINITY, Charter, Time Warner Cable, Cox, and dozens of cable internet providers in the U.S.

Key Features

  • Power saving feature
  • Netgear Genie App
  • 2.0 USB Port

View at Walmart

See Also: Best Router Under $100 that Boost Range and Speed

TP-Link N300

Modem Router

The TP-Link N300 is yet another way to eliminate monthly rental fees and save some of that money for something else. It has eight download and four upload channels that help increase your internet speed and reliability making it ideal for streaming high-quality videos, playing online games, as well as downloading content from the web without slowing down your connectivity.

The TP-Link N300 modem router combo connects to more than one device in your home using N300 Wi-Fi technology and ensures that they run concurrently without delays or drops. Also, DOCSIS 3.0 technology helps the modem router combo increase the throughput meaning all the connected devices will get to enjoy faster internet speeds. Sometimes, guests tend to use more bandwidth than expected, which might add to your costs.

However, the TP-Link N300 has a unique customizable QoS feature that helps you assign bandwidth to the various users in your network. This feature can also be of great help if you are trying to increase a device’s connection and keep it active. It can also help you prioritize on your favorite devices such as your gaming console, which might require more bandwidth as opposed to your mobile phone.

The TP-Link N300 is compatible with Cox, Suddenlink, XFINITY, Comcast, Mediacom, Time Warner Cable, WOW, Bright House Networks and a variety of other service providers. Also, it is among the few modem routers currently on the market with 24/7 technical support and a 2-year warranty.

Key Features

  • Decent warranty
  • High compatibility
  • Round the clock technical support

Zoom Telephonics AC1900 Wi-Fi Cable Modem Router Combo

Best Modem Router Combo
Zoom Telephonics AC1900

The Zoom Telephonics AC1900 uses a DOCSIS 3.0 eight by four cable modem to increase your internet speeds with the help of a 3×3 AC1900 dual-band wireless router and a four Gigabit Ethernet switch. Considering its price, that is enough speed to stream Ultra HD videos and play online games concurrently while also uploading or downloading files from the internet without overloading or overpowering the network.

It also has three dual-band antennas that help increase the modem router combo device’s speed exponentially while boosting its range and reliability as well in the process. An advanced firewall protects the device and ensures hackers don’t use up your bandwidth or corrupt your devices. Parental controls add to the security feature and play a significant role in limiting access to or by inappropriate sites.

With eight download and four upload channels, the Zoom Telephonics AC1900 is among the fastest modem router combos currently on the market. The reason for this claim is most modems use four by four channels which are slow and hardly reliable during peak hours. This device can reach speeds of up to 343 Mbps and has a Broadcom Full-band Capture feature that helps further increase that speed.

The Zoom Telephonics AC1900 also has a Multimedia over Cable (MoCA) rejection filter, which plays a significant role in improving your MoCA home network’s performance. This device also features two different types of beam forming that help in increasing the speed and range of the Zoom Telephonics AC1900 with any Wi-Fi compatible device.

Cables are a common failure point when it comes to routers. However, the Zoom Telephonics AC1900 has an integrated unit which helps reduce clutters caused by wires while eliminating external wiring connection, efficiently increasing its reliability. It supports 802.11, ac, g, b, a, and n Wi-Fi and is certified by Comcast, Time Warner Cable, XFINITY, Bright House and a variety of other widely recognized service providers.

Key Features

  • Special MoCA filter
  • Supports VPN tunneling
  • SPI firewall with intrusion detection and denial of service protection

Read: Top Gaming Headsets Under $100: Wired, Wireless, Bluetooth Headsets

ARRIS SURFboard SBG6900AC Wi-Fi Cable modem router Combo

Modem Router Combo
ARRIS SURFboard SBG6900AC

The Arris Surfboard is both a Wi-Fi router and a cable modem. Available in either black or white, the router can reach incredible speeds of up to 686 Mbps. This speed is enough to stream high-quality videos with ease and also comes in handy when playing online games with state of the art graphics. The 802.11 AC Wi-Fi router relies on a dual-band (2.4GHz and 5GHz) that run concurrently to ensure the internet does not drop.

The Arris Surfboard is compatible not only with Time Warner but also Bright House Networks, Cox, Comcast, and with several cable providers in the U.S. However, this device requires cable internet service. You can enquire from your cable service provider about the availability of this feature to fully enjoy the benefits of this router.

This device also comes with a Gigabit Ethernet port which makes it easy to connect it to your computer or laptop. In an era when most routers are taking the wireless route, it is advisable to have both options regarding connectivity to ensure that you are always connected. Also, depending on your cable ISP subscription, you can enjoy download speeds of up to 686 Mbps.

The upload speed is also good for a modem router combo device within its price range reaching up to 131 Mbps. The Arris Surfboard also has multiple channels making it an ideal router to carry out multiple yet heavy tasks such as streaming high-quality videos on one device, downloading files on another while playing high-quality online games at the same time. It comes with a 2-year warranty and supports the latest as well as the previous internet standards (IPv6 and IPv4).

Key Features

  • Compatible with most internet service providers
  • Uses two bands concurrently
  • Comes with 4 Ethernet ports
  • Four uploads and 16 download channels

Factors to consider before purchasing a modem router combo

COMPATIBILITY

The best modem router combos are compatible with Data Over Cable Services Interface Specification (DOCSIS) 3.0. The reason this compatibility is vital stems from the fact that most cable television shows use the same levels of speeds. DOCSIS 3.0 compatible router modems guarantee uninterrupted internet connectivity, allowing you to stream your favorite show with ease, even in areas with a lot of people, which might usually slow the internet down.

Also, your router modem combo device needs to be compatible with your cable company. You can get a compatibility list from the company so that you can have a variety of options to explore.

EASE OF USE AND DESIGN

The first thing tech savvy people look at when they lay hands on a new device is the specifications. While you might also have a clue on what to look out for, as far as this goes, operating the modem router combo device is entirely a different story. Purchase a design that is simple and within your tech level. No matter how the router looks, the multiple blinking lights and labels will confuse you and end up costing you more money as you get the device set up in your home.

A simple design is not only easy to operate but also cost effective. Not to mention, other people who might want to use the device in your home can do so with ease in your absence without messing up the settings.

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WARRANTY

Lately, most companies are releasing below-average products to compete with other organizations. I have been a victim on many occasions, but the device’s warranty came to my rescue. Get a modem/router combo with a generous warranty to guarantee long-term service from the device. Also, no internet provider will come to your aid if your modem router combo is the problem; the best way to avoid a repurchase is getting a device with a decent warranty.

PERFORMANCE

Performance is perhaps the most important consideration when purchasing a modem router combo. For starters, the device you intend to buy must have the same or higher speeds than the one you rent on an annual or monthly basis. Some come with 16 download channels while others have six. Download speeds are crucial because they are directly responsible for signal strength.

Check your download speeds; if your device is not receiving them fast enough, then your internet is bound to be slow. The internet signal will go as fast as it can and can’t be speeded up further by a fast router. However, your download speeds can reveal your device’s capabilities and play a significant role in helping you decide on the ideal modem router combo.

With these tips, you are now ready to sample some of these devices but I have already sifted through the junk to come up with this list and any modem router combo featured on this list is worth your buck.

Routers have played a great role in the Internet revolution as well as modems. Getting a modem router combo was a pipe dream a few decades ago, but now you can buy one at a very low price, and not only cut monthly internet costs but increase your network’s speed as well.

The best modem router combo is not always the flashiest; so make sure you have a good look at the specs as well as the combo’s compatibility with your devices before making a purchase.

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