The 9 Best Cable Modem Router Combos Of 2023 By Lifewire

Upgrading your cable modem (the box that turns the cable coming into your house into an internet signal) and Wi-Fi router (the box 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 best cable 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 simple. Not all modems work with all providers, and you’ll need to make sure the unit you buy is compatible with your cable company (such as Spectrum, Cox, or AT&T). Information about compatibility can usually be found on your cable provider’s website. If not, it’s best to call and check before you buy.

Here are the best cable/router combos to help you make the best choice possible.

Are you looking for a basic cable modem and router? If you’re a Comcast Xfinity, Cox, or Spectrum customer, buy the Motorola MG7700 Cable Modem and Router (unless you have a huge home or pay extra for a superfast connection).

If it’s time to upgrade your modem and your router, the Motorola MG7700 is likely the right one for you if you’re a customer of Comcast Xfinity, Cox, or Spectrum and don’t pay extra for a superfast plan. Your cable company (or even your bill from them) will be able to tell you what speed connection you have. Still, as a rough guide, if you’re on a basic plan, it almost certainly won’t be what’s known as a 1-gigabit connection, and if it is, we’ve got picks for you below.

Best Overall

Motorola MG7700 Cable Modem and Router

Simple security management
Easy setup
Unobtrusive design
Combo unit limits placement locations
Only approved for Comcast Xfinity, Cox, and Spectrum

One of the best features of the Motorola MG7700 we like most has nothing to do with its technical prowess: It’s not terribly ugly. To get the best range from its wireless signal, you don’t want to hide the modem/router behind furniture or in a closet. But this unit is just inoffensive enough that you can put it on a side table in the living room and not be embarrassed.

Crucially for when things go wrong, the light indicators are also easy to see and understand—something you don’t typically find in a modem from a cable company.

The MG7700 has four ethernet ports for you to hook up some equipment via a physical cable for better speed and reliability, which is often a good idea for devices like a games console, Smart TV, or Apple TV. It can easily stream your movies and TV in 4K, also called Ultra HD. It’s the standard for really, really sharp pictures. It’s also more than capable of doing a great job with Zoom or FaceTime calls.

One more caveat is that if your internet connection includes a voice package (confusingly called VOIP, you’ll know if you have it as you will have a phone number as part of your internet package), you’ll need to look at this model’s older brother: the Motorola MT7711.

Once we got the Motorola MG7700 up and running, it delivered outstanding speeds, reliably maxing out our 100 Mbps Spectrum plan when we were hard-wired via the LAN ports. When we went wireless, performance varied greatly.

If you consider yourself a power user and you’re an Xfinity, Spectrum, or Cox user, the Netgear Nighthawk C7000 might check all the boxes. Let’s see. Capable of a pretty fast connection? Check! Four ports for lots of additional devices? Check! A good range for big homes (2,500 square feet): Check! Not ugly: Check (mostly)!

Best Performance

Netgear Nighthawk C7000 DOCSIS 3.0 AC1900 Wi-Fi Cable Modem Router

Slim design
Built-in DLNA media server to share pictures, music, and video
Easy to set up
Lacks some advanced networking features like MU-MIMO and QoS
A bit pricey
Only approved for Comcast Xfinity, Spectrum, and Cox

These capabilities are reflected in the higher price tag, and it could be overkill for the average user’s internet needs. It really comes down to whether you’re a gamer or stream to different TVs in the house at the same time. Another bonus is that if you’re an Xfinity phone service customer, you can plug your landline handset right in.

If you have a home big enough where a room isn’t used all that often (or rooms, for that matter), and you have a super-high-speed gigabit connection (your cable company can tell you this), this could be the combo modem router for you.

For such a high-end modem, the Netgear Nighthawk C7000 is surprisingly thin and light. Compared to the Xfinity modem that we have lying around, it’s a huge improvement. While the C7000 doesn’t have the richest software, it’s enough to manage your network effectively with little to no fuss. The device doesn’t have the richest array of ports we’ve ever seen, but it should be fine for most people—we were able to connect a few different game consoles and a desktop.

The plus of the Netgear C6220 AC1200: it’s affordable! The negative (other than the name, come on companies, pull yourselves together): modest performance. And it’s somewhat ugly (tastes vary, but we bet you agree with us).

Best Budget

Netgear C6220 AC1200 Wi-Fi Cable Modem Router

Extremely affordable
Built-in DLNA media server to share pictures, music and video
Easy to set up, even for an inexperienced person
Limited Ethernet ports
Not suitable for larger homes
Only approved for Comcast Xfinity, Spectrum, and Cox

For this model, you’ll want to make sure you don’t have a faster connection than this modem can handle. Who is this model aimed at? Folks who rent their modems from their cable companies, don’t have super-big homes, don’t have a really high-speed connection (no more than a 200 Mbps connection, which your cable company will be able to tell you if you have), and don’t have a lot of additional devices to hook up. There are only two Ethernet ports, which let you plug in devices with a cable, which is faster and more reliable—but you have to trail a cable between them.

Overall, despite its modest performance, it can handle Zoom calls and 4K streaming (that is, pin-sharp TV shows and movies) with ease.

The SBG7600AC2 is a very good modem/router with a terrible name. What you should know: It’ll handle a really fast connection (1.4 gigabit, which is almost certainly faster than you have), has four fast Ethernet ports for plugging in TVs and games consoles via a cable, and it’s a bit nerdy looking.

Best Value

Arris Surfboard SBG7600AC2 DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem & Wi-Fi Router

Good Wi-Fi coverage
Simple to set up
Great app support
Limited advanced features
Only approved for Comcast Xfinity, Spectrum, and Cox

Let’s cut to the chase: The Nighthawk CAX80 has a lot of features with a lot of letters that really does (not literally) spell out “future proof.” But it’s expensive.

Best Splurge

Netgear Nighthawk CAX80 DOCSIS 3.1 AX6000 Wi-Fi 6 Cable Modem Router

Supports the latest high speed Wi-Fi 6 standard
Works with high speed cable connections (DOCSIS 3.1)
2.5 Gbps Ethernet port for plugging in devices with a cable
Expensive
Not compatible with cable bundled voice services
Only approved for Spectrum, Cox, and Comcast Xfinity

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

The Orbi CBK752 is different from the other products on this page because it is a different product. Sure, it’s the same modem/router combo, but rather than being one unit, it’s two to ensure your home is covered with a strong Wi-Fi signal—and if you have a really large home, you can add more to get virtually unlimited coverage.

Best Mesh

Netgear Orbi Whole Home Wi-Fi 6 System with DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem (CBK752)

Supports high speed connections ( DOCSIS 3.1 standard)
Supports Wi-Fi 6, the latest version of the technology
Extensive coverage
Expensive
Subscription required for advanced security features
Only approved for Spectrum, Cox, and Comcast Xfinity

Instead of having strong and weak sections of your home, the Orbi units talk to one another to make sure the signal is strong everywhere. Or that’s the idea, anyway. Thanks to friendly software, the configuration is quite easy.

The main unit has four Ethernet ports, and each satellite has two as well. The Ethernet ports on the satellites aren’t wired in the same way as the base 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 quite cool.

On this list, we have two Arris modem/routers. We hesitate to bring up any of the complex technical differences between them, but one Arris product is for slower connections, and one (this one, the SBG8300) is for faster connections.

Best for Gigabit Internet

Arris Surfboard SBG8300 DOCSIS 3.1 Gigabit Cable Modem & Wi-Fi Router

Supports the higher speed DOCSIS 3.1 standard
Easy app-based setup
Solid Wi-Fi performance
Lacks advanced wireless features
No USB ports
Only approved for Cox, Spectrum, and Comcast Xfinity

You’ll know if you have a faster connection because you pay more each month, and you likely had to ask to upgrade to the faster connection. So, yes, the faster Arris model costs more, but you are already paying for the connection, so you need the faster modem/router to take advantage of what you are already paying for.

Not only will Netgear’s Nighthawk C7800 let you take advantage of the fastest cable internet plans available both today and in the future, but it also offers solid coverage for a large and busy home. It’s a really good product, but it also looks rather unique. It’s not something we’d like to have in our living room.

Best Range

Netgear Nighthawk C7800 DOCSIS 3.1 AC3200 Wi-Fi Cable Modem Router

Supports the higher speed DOCSIS 3.1 standard
Expansive range
Two USB 3.0 ports
Pricey
Limited security and parental controls
Only approved for Spectrum, Cox, and Comcast Xfinity

We’re aware we’re going to sound a bit snobby, but if we were going to go with one of the two Netgear products on this page, we’d save up for the CAX80 only because it looks so much nicer. That being said, 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.

This is a very specialized product. It works only with the ISP Xfinity, and you need it only if you also have Xfinity’s voice service. If you meet both of these requirements, this is a perfectly fine product.

Best for Xfinity Voice Services

Motorola MT7711 Cable Modem/Router with Voice Gateway

Built-in support for Xfinity Voice
Solid Wi-Fi performance
Two voice ports
Only works with Xfinity by Comcast

As it’s designed with Comcast’s internet service in mind, it’s also effortless to get it up and running with all of your Xfinity services by following a simple Quick Start procedure to automatically register it with your ISP.

It’s not ugly, has all the ports you might need, and comes with backup battery capability, so if the power goes out, your phone is still working. Keep in mind, it’s not capable of the fastest internet connection out there, but otherwise, it might be exactly what you need.

What to Look for in a Modem/Router Combo

Bandwidth

To take full advantage of the bandwidth your ISP provides, you’ll need a modem/router combo that at the very least matches, and ideally exceeds, the top speed 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 description.

Bands

Routers are increasingly offering multiple data bands (think of traffic lanes) in an effort to reduce bottlenecking and increase efficiency in directing network traffic. Dual-band devices typically supply 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, with the 5 GHz band providing more peak bandwidth. Tri-band routers provide an additional 5 GHz 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 or modest home, nearly any modem/router combo will provide ample coverage for your entire living space. For larger homes, however, pay close attention to the range indicated by the model you’re considering. You may also want to consider a modem/router with something called 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 separate cable modem and a mesh network.

Ethernet Ports

Make sure your router has enough Ethernet ports for the devices you’ll want to plug in. If you have an internet plan that offers speeds above 100 Mbps, 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 basic internet plan, you’ll want support for relatively modern Wi-Fi standards. On the Wi-Fi side, a cable modem/router combo works the same as any other wireless router, meaning you’ll choose from the same Wi-Fi standards and frequencies, such as 802.11n and 802.11ac, which have recently been redesignated as Wi-Fi 4 and Wi-Fi 5, respectively to make life easier. You may also have heard of the newer Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax standard, which is starting to appear.

It’s not a bad idea to invest in technology for the future, but it will be a while before you’re likely to really need Wi-Fi 6 in your home or even be able to take advantage of it entirely.

Why Trust Lifewire?

Jesse Hollington is a freelance writer with over 10 years of experience writing about technology and three decades of experience in information technology and networking. He’s installed, tested, and configured just about every type and brand of router, firewall, wireless access point, and network extender in places ranging from single-family dwellings to office buildings, university campuses, and even coast-to-coast wide-area network (WAN) deployments.

What is a cable modem/router combo?
A cable modem/router combo is a single device that combines the capabilities of a cable modem with the features of a Wi-Fi router. You plug it directly into your coaxial cable just like you would a cable modem, and then connect your computers, smartphones, tablets, and other devices directly using either wired Gigabit Ethernet connections or via Wi-Fi.
Is it better to get a modem/router combo or separate devices?
Buying a cable modem/router combo can save you quite a bit of money since these all-in-one units are usually far more affordable 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 advanced features to be found among the best wireless routers.
What is DOCSIS?
DOCSIS, which stands for Data Over Cable Service Interface Specifications, is the standard cable companies use to give your home internet access. It’s been around for over 20 years, so there are lots of different versions of it. Unless you have a really high-speed internet connection, it’s not usually something to worry about.
Does DOCSIS 3.1 increase speed?
The speed 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 support these standards on the other end. Buying a DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem won’t give you any better performance if your cable provider only supports DOCSIS 3.0, although it could still be a good investment for the future.Further, even though 32-channel DOCSIS 3.0 modems offer theoretical speeds of up to 1 Gbps, most cable providers top out at 600 Mbps over DOCSIS 3.0, so if your ISP is offering multi-gigabit plans, you’ll almost certainly need a DOCSIS 3.1 modem to take advantage of those speeds.
Does my cable modem/router need to be approved by my ISP?
In most cases, yes. Since your cable modem has to be registered with your ISP to work properly, it’s important to buy one that’s guaranteed to be compatible. While some ISPs may let you register any cable modem, most will refuse to set one up that isn’t on its approved list.Fortunately, most major cable providers in the U.S. have already “pre-approved” the cable modems from all the big manufacturers. You’ll normally find this information on the packaging or on the manufacturer’s website. However, if you’re still not sure, you can always ask your cable provider if the modem/router you’re considering will work with their network.
What does ‘Approved for plans up to’ mean?
When a cable provider tests a modem and certifies it as compatible with their network, they also specify the maximum speed that they’re willing to guarantee on their network. This number is usually lower than the maximum possible speed of a cable modem, and it’s not always the same for each ISP. Think of it like the difference between how fast your car can actually go and the varying speed limits on your local highways. You might get better performance than the ISP’s maximum rating, but don’t count on it.

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

Buying a cable modem/router combo can save you quite a bit of money since these all-in-one units are usually far more affordable 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 advanced features to be found among the best wireless routers.

DOCSIS, which stands for Data Over Cable Service Interface Specifications, is the standard cable companies use to give your home internet access. It’s been around for over 20 years, so there are lots of different versions of it. Unless you have a really high-speed internet connection, it’s not usually something to worry about.

The speed 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 support these standards on the other end. Buying a DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem won’t give you any better performance if your cable provider only supports DOCSIS 3.0, although it could still be a good investment for the future.

In most cases, yes. Since your cable modem has to be registered with your ISP to work properly, it’s important to buy one that’s guaranteed to be compatible. While some ISPs may let you register any cable modem, most will refuse to set one up that isn’t on its approved list.

When a cable provider tests a modem and certifies it as compatible with their network, they also specify the maximum speed that they’re willing to guarantee on their network. This number is usually lower than the maximum possible speed of a cable modem, and it’s not always the same for each ISP. Think of it like the difference between how fast your car can actually go and the varying speed limits on your local highways. You might get better performance than the ISP’s maximum rating, but don’t count on it.

Don Reisinger is a full-time freelance writer based in New York City. He has been covering technology, video games, sports, and entertainment for 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.

What to Look for in a Modem/Router Combo#

Bandwidth#

Bands#

Range#

Ethernet Ports#

Wi-Fi Standards#

Why Trust Lifewire?#