7 Best WiFi Modem Router Combo: Buying Tips

Last Updated on 1 month by Touhid

In this post, to make your choice easier, we are here to discuss the best WiFi modem router combo. Only having an internet connection with good speed is not enough to provide your devices with a fast connection, and for that, you will need a good modem router combo. 

The market is full of different types of modems and routers, but not every combo will work best for you. So, keep reading the article to know the best WiFi modem router that you’re looking for.

What is the WiFi Modem Router Combo?

You might think the WiFi modem and router combo are two different devices working together. But even though technically this is correct, in a combo, instead of two devices, these functionalities come in one single device.

The modem module establishes a connection between your house and the internet service provider (ISP) and transforms the incoming signal into a format that is compatible with your devices for internet access. 

Whereas the router part enables several devices to connect to the internet via the modem and controls the local network in your house. Along with many other functions, it also makes network communication easier between devices and offers WiFi connection and firewall security. That’s why it is important to ensure computer security of your network.

Having the functionality of both devices on one single device makes it more convenient to manage and set up the device.

Features of the Best Modem WiFi Router Combo

While finding the best WiFi modem router combo, there are a few features that are a must in your device. Keep on reading to know more about these features.

• Must be DOCSIS Supported: To effectively manage high-speed internet services, your hardware must support the most recent DOCSIS 3.0, 3.1, or 4.0 standards.

• Dual-band WiFi: Another must-have feature is the dual-band WiFi, so your device must have two bands, 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, to ensure you have less interference.

• Should follow the latest WiFi Standards: Search for the most recent WiFi protocols (802.11ac or WiFi 6) for quicker and more effective wireless connections.

• Look for Beamforming Technology: Beamforming technology is an added benefit that improves the coverage and speed of the WiFi signal by directing it toward connected devices.

Best WiFi Modem Router Combo

If you search through Amazon or visit the market, you will find over 1000 modem router combos, but not every device is worth buying. So, to make your choice easier today, we have listed the 7 best wifi modem router combo.

1. NETGEAR Nighthawk WiFi 6 Modem Router(CAX80)

The first combo on our list is the Netgear Nighthawk CAX80. This is Netgear’s top-of-the-line modem and also comes at a premium price. It offers a fast AX6000 connection and 6 Gbps Ethernet.

It has DOCSIS 3.1 and Wi-Fi 6 installed to fully utilize the majority of high-speed plans that are now offered. Additionally, it works with several well-known cable internet providers, including Cox, Xfinity, and Spectrum.

This is the best WiFi modem router combo for a large home, which has dual-band WiFi 6 and coverage of up to 2,500 square feet. The modem router has the capability to connect up to 30 devices at once.

Additionally, the NETGEAR Armor software automatically protects your WiFi and any connected devices. With its compatibility with the DOCSIS 3.1 technology, internet subscriptions with speeds up to 6 Gbps are possible.

Key Features

• It comes with One 2.5 multi-gig LAN or internet port and four 1 Gig Ethernet ports.
• Has a huge coverage of 2500 sq ft.
• Offers a maximum combined WiFi speed of 6Gbps.
• Works without any issues with providers such as Cox, Xfinity, Spectrum, and others, removing the need for additional equipment from the ISP.

Pros

• The stylish angular design looks aesthetically pleasing.
• Can be set up in minutes using the Nighthawk app.
• Comes with WiFi 6.
• Designed to manage several connected devices without compromising functionality.

Cons

• Doesn’t support Verizon and AT&T or any other bundled voice service.
• Price is on the expensive side.

Final verdict

If you have a high budget and want something from the premium line with premium performance, then the Netgear Nighthawk CAX80 is for you. It is ideal for homes or small workplaces with several connected devices and bandwidth-intensive tasks since it integrates a cable modem compatible with major providers, WiFi 6 technology, and compatibility for high-speed internet plans.

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2. ARRIS Surfboard SB8200 DOCSIS 3.1 Modem

This is the second best Wifi router modem combo on our list. The ARRIS SB8200 modem bundle ensures a dependable and blazingly fast internet connection by fulfilling its claim to handle up to 1 Gbps speeds.

With the mesh system and WiFi 6 characteristics of the W121 router, you will have strong wireless coverage that covers up to 5,500 square feet across your house.

The tri-band system establishes three express lanes for gigabit speeds across your house. Eight Wi-Fi 6 streams, speeds for HD/4K video streaming, audio/video conferencing, and more are available on every router.

In addition, the SB8200 has two 1-Gigabit Ethernet ports and is compatible with most major cable internet providers in the United States, such as Cox, Spectrum, Xfinity, and others.

Key Features

• Has a huge coverage of 5,500 square feet.
• Works with most of the major US internet providers.
• Up to 1 Gbps cable internet speed options are compatible with it.
• Has DOCSIS 3.1, which provides the fastest internet speeds with minimal lags.

Pros

• Simple plug-and-play design, which makes it easy to set up.
• Without sacrificing reliability or speed, the mesh capability guarantees uninterrupted communication across several rooms.
• The tri-band technology can handle multiple devices without any performance drop.
• Every router has 8 WiFi 6 streams.

Cons

• The 1 Gbps speed might seem slower for some users.

Final Verdict

When combined with the W121 AX6600 WiFi 6 Mesh Tri-Band Router System package, the ARRIS Surfboard SB8200 modem is a very attractive choice for consumers looking for superior performance, wide coverage, and cutting-edge technology.

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3. Motorola MG7315 Modem WiFi Router Combo

Motorola is one of the best Wifi router modem combo companies out there when it comes to Wifi router and modem combo and their MG7315 is no exception. Accepted by Comcast Xfinity, Cox, and Charter Spectrum, the Motorola MG7315 is a dependable cable modem together with an N450 single-band Wi-Fi gigabit router. 

It offers four wired Gigabit Ethernet ports. Furthermore, for high-quality gaming, streaming, and video conferencing, the Power Boost technology strengthens the WiFi signal.

For minimal internet requirements, the modem-router combo works well. It is ideal for homes with moderate internet consumption because of its maximum speed of 343 Mbps.

To further improve wireless efficiency, AnyBeam WiFi beamforming at 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz concentrates the wireless signal on the devices you are using.

Key features

• It has a maximum speed of 343 Mbps.
• Includes a power boost feature that improves the Wireless signal.
• Compatible with major providers like Cox and Spectrum.
• It offers 2.4GHz Wi-Fi connection.

Pros

• Comes at a cheap price.
• Very easy to set and use.
• Its small size and space-saving design allow it to store in any corner easily.
• It has nice coverage for a small home.

Cons

• The speed is somehow limited.

Final verdict

If you are looking for the best wifi modem router combo at a cheap price for your small home, then the Motorola MG731+N450 single-band router is an excellent choice. It has a decent speed, is sufficient for general home usage, and has a compact overall design.

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4. NETGEAR Nighthawk Modem WiFi Router Combo

The Netgear c7000 is the right device for you if you’re a gamer or just want something with a subtle look. It is a powerful WiFi router combination that covers an area of 1,800 square feet and has plenty of bandwidth, with 24 downstream and 8 upstream channels.

Moreover, you can simply plug in your landline phone if you have Xfinity phone service, which is an additional benefit. The device is perfect for small to medium-sized houses and flats since it combines DOCSIS 3.0 modem technology with a Wi-Fi 5 router.

It manages more than thirty devices at once with no discernible latency. It also offers beamforming for improved coverage, dual-band wireless capability, and the ability to operate the network remotely via a dedicated mobile app.

Key Features

• Comes with 24 downstream and 8 upstream channels.
• It has a coverage of 1800 square feet.
• Includes DOCSIS 3.0 Modem technology.
• Offers a beamforming technology to increase efficiency.

Pros

• Has a slim and compact design.
• Fast processing speed.
• Integrated DLNA media server for sharing images, videos, and audio.
• Designed for gamers.

Cons

• Sometimes, it becomes a little unstable during uploads and downloads.

Final Verdict

If you are looking for a best wifi modem router combo for a medium-sized area and you focus mostly on gaming, the Netgear Nighthawk C7000 can be a good choice. It comes with pretty decent features compared to the price point and has a somewhat consistent performance with respectable bandwidth.

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5. ARRIS SURFboard SBG7600AC2 DOCSIS 3.0 Router

Another best modem router combo in our list from Arris, and likely so; they make a huge array of products, and most of them are well-packed with features. For basic internet requirements, the ARRIS Surfboard SBG7600AC2 DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem & AC2350 Wi-Fi Router combo works well.

With a maximum speed of 800 Mbps, it can manage large volumes of data and quicker internet speeds than most ISPs currently provide.

Additionally, it has 32 downstream channels and 8 upstream channels, allowing you to connect many devices to the internet simultaneously. There are four 1Gbps LAN ports for wired connections.

Depending on your provider, you might have extremely fast speeds since different cable internet providers authorize this modem router for different speed tiers.

Key Features

• Includes an AC2350 router in the combo.
• Has four 1Gbps ethernet ports.
• Offers a maximum of 800 Mbps of internet speed.
• It provides 2.3 Gbps Wi-Fi 5 speeds.

Pros

• Comes at an affordable price.
• It has four 1 Gbps Ethernet connections, making it simple to plug up four devices for connectivity.
• Approved with all major ISPs like Xfinity and Cox
• Contains plenty of channels.

Cons

• WiFi 5 is an older technology.

Final verdict

The ARRIS SURFboard SBG7600AC2 & AC2350 Wi-Fi Router combo is an excellent choice for people on a budget and looking for a decent WiFi modem router combo for their home. Despite its low price, it provides excellent internet speed and enough Gigabit ports for external connections.

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6. Motorola MG7700 Modem WiFi Router Combo

Thanks to its support for internet download rates of up to 1000 Mbps, the Motorola MG7700 is a formidable device. In addition, it has a 24×8 channel bonding setup, which will be useful if several devices are connecting to the internet simultaneously.

This router modem combo also contains enough ports. You will have four Gigabit (GigE) Ethernet ports and power boost Wi-Fi amplifiers to increase the speed and range of the wireless transmissions to the permitted maximum, providing a notable boost.

This makes it the best wifi modem router for home or any place where you need a powerful signal no matter where you are because of its extended range.

Moreover, you don’t need to think about the security of your device as it comes with a firewall already. It can also deliver supporting service speeds of up to 650 Mbps.

Dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz and 5GHz) is another advantage of this router that allows you more freedom and control when choosing between signal speed and range.

Key Features

• Provides speed up to 1000 Mbps.
• Has dual-band WiFi options.
• Fitted with a gigabit Ethernet router to provide fast wired device connections.
• The intelligent WiFi app can be used to control all settings.

Pros

• Comes with strong security protocols.
• Very easy to set up.
• Includes Beamforming for enhanced WiFi dependability.
• The power boost ensures stronger strength and greater range for WiFi.

Cons

• Considering the price, DOCSIS 3.1 should be included instead of 3.0.

Final Verdict

If you have a high budget and want a reliable device with excellent performance, then the Motorola MG7700 is for you. This device is suitable for use in large areas due to its power boost technology, and it is extremely easy to control using the smart app directly from your phone.

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7. ARRIS Surfboard Multi-Gigabit Modem Router

The last best WiFi modem router combo on your list today is the ARRIS Surfboard G36 and AX3000. This device has the latest DOCSIS 3.1 system, which is much more efficient than DOCSIS 3.0.

With speeds ten times faster than DOCSIS 3.0, it optimizes high-speed operation over ordinary copper lines from your internet service provider and offers improved security, less latency in games, and multi-gig networking capabilities.

Along with offering up to 32 downstream channels and eight upstream, it also has Wi-Fi 6. Its four-gigabit connections, one of which is a 2.5-gigabit Ethernet connector with Wi-Fi 6 rates up to 3 Gbps to guarantee lag-free gameplay, will also be appreciated by gamers.

It is also certified for cable internet speed plans with up to 2.5 Gbps of bandwidth.

Key Features

• Uses DOCSIS 3.1, which is 10 times faster than DOCSIS 3.0
• Integrated with WiFI-6 technology.
• It has a WiFI convergence of up to 2500 square feet.
• Can be used for wired internet plans up to 2.5 Gbps.

Pros

• It has a simple yet elegant design that is perfect for workspaces.
• The AX3000 Wi-Fi Router offers Wi-Fi 6 technology for enhanced wireless performance and speeds.
• Improves network efficiency and data transfer using four orthogonal frequency division multiplexing channels.
• Price is comparatively cheaper.

Cons

• Doesn’t have any telephone port.

Final Verdict

With outstanding speeds, multiple gigabit ports, and other features, the ARRIS Surfboard G36 DOCSIS 3.1 Multi-Gigabit Cable Modem & AX3000 Wi-Fi Router is a powerful device.

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Best Modem WiFi Router Combo: Buying Guide

It isn’t easy to choose the best modem WiFi router combo product out of the huge lot available. That’s why we have focused on the key points of combo routers you must consider while finding your desired products. So, our buying guide below will be helpful for you to select the best one.

Speed

The first and one of the most important considerations is speed. For instance, if you are a gamer, you will likely need higher speeds that don’t have high latency.

However, if you are a regular user who just uses the internet for browsing, then any modem router combo with a moderate speed will be good enough for you. The device’s maximum speed support is another important factor to consider.

It’s critical to understand the speed of your internet to get a device that can match it. Choose a modem-router combination that either equals or surpasses the speed of your internet package.

Compatibility

Not all modem router combo is compatible with all ISP providers. It’s important to choose a router-modem pair that works with your internet service provider (ISP). It’s less of an issue with larger ISPs like Comcast or Cox because they usually accept various router-modem pairings.

It’s important to verify compatibility before making a purchase by consulting your provider’s list of pre-approved devices, as smaller ISPs may have restricted compatibility.

To prevent incompatibilities, make sure your ISP authorizes the router-modem combination you’re thinking about.

Range

Range is the key point of a best WiFi modem router combo. Not all router/modem combo will work in all ranges which means all of these devices have a limitation in terms of ranges they cover. So, for instance, if you have an area of 1500 square feet, then buying a device that covers only 1000 square feet will never be enough.

Hence, you will need a device that covers at least 1500 square feet or more but less won’t work. Therefore, for larger homes, pay particular attention to the range that the model you are thinking about offers. To further increase this range, look for beamforming technology.

Number of ports and devices

A router-modem combination with several Gigabit Ethernet ports has many benefits, especially for devices that need reliable, fast-wired connections.  In addition to offering dependable connections for certain devices, such as game consoles or smart TVs, it also affects the total quantity of devices that may be linked to the network.

The router-modem combination increases the capacity for wired connections by providing several Gigabit Ethernet ports, enabling more devices to access the network directly over a reliable Ethernet link.

So, if you are thinking of using many wired devices, then it is important that your WiFI router combo has enough ports on it.

Security Protocols

As these devices entirely control the distribution of internet services in all of your devices, cyber attackers often target them. Therefore, it’s important to choose combos that ensure cybersecurity, include strong security features like firewalls, encryption, and guest network choices

In addition to offering users security features like parental control and online use limitations, it can guard against malware.

Budget

Budget is always crucial when you buy something, and the modem and router combo price varies anywhere from $150 to $1000 and even more in some cases.

Choose devices that provide the greatest value for the features you’re looking for within your price range. On our list, we didn’t go for the cheapest one out there or the most expensive, as expensive always doesn’t mean the best. We looked for devices worth the money you will be paying for them. 

FAQs

By now, you have already seen the best WiFi modem router combo, so if you still have some questions related to them, keep reading our FAQs below.

Is DOCSIS 3.0 and 3.1 the same?

No, DOCSIS 3.0 and 3.1 are not the same; 3.1 is the upgraded version of 3.0, and there are huge differences between them. In terms of speed and effectiveness, they differ considerably. Maximum download rates for DOCSIS 3.0 are around 1 Gbps downstream and 100 Mbps upstream; for DOCSIS 3.1, the figures are 10 Gbps downstream and 1 Gbps upstream.

Should I go for a separate router and modem or the combo?

Well, combo devices work very efficiently, but they will have a somewhat streamlined performance compared to separate devices. So, it depends completely on your usage and requirements; with a combo device, you can easily handle heavy internet usage and gaming, but if you are not satisfied, then you should go for separate devices.

Are security protocols important for Wifi router and modem combo?

Yes, having strong security protocols is a must for a WiFi router and modem combo. Since these devices serve as the entrance to your home network, cybercriminals mostly target them.

Thus, security protocols guarantee a more secure and protected network attacks, shielding your information, gadgets, and privacy from different online dangers.

Final Words

Your internet experience can be greatly improved by choosing the right WiFi modem-router combination, which guarantees lag-free surfing, streaming, and connection. However, picking the wrong device can result in annoying issues that affect not only performance but your overall internet satisfaction.

So, today our experts have discovered and reviewed the 7 best WiFi modem router combo in the market. Now, you can select the one that best matches your preferences.