Those of use with high-speed broadband packages no longer have to pay a pricey monthly rental fee to your provider to use their equipment, instead, people are opting to buy their own modem/router combo to save money and in many cases have a much better product and internet speeds. Read on to find out the best modem router combo to boost performance and save money on the long therm.
Today, the Internet is not a place that merely caters to our thirst for information, but it is also a place that can better our lives. With the help of the Internet, we end up shopping conveniently, while remaining within the confines of our own house. New technologies, websites, applications and streaming services enable us to extract the maximum entertainment that can keep us in a jolly mood for the entire day.
In the cusp of an Internet revolution, one does realize that this is a wonderful thing that people can look forward to. However, when it comes to Internet connections, we basically depend upon broadband connections that enable us to get constant data at all possible times. A broadband connection is necessary so as to reduce the latency as well as provide a constant 99.9% uptime for the home user.
As our needs for the Internet have increased, so has the requirement for bandwidth. There are various ISPs that offer enormous speeds that cannot only transform our lives but enable us to get buffering free entertainment. However, with a whole string of gadgets that depend upon Wi-Fi, it is also important for the procurement of a modem router that comes with Wi-Fi facilities.
This way, data streaming can happen without having to travel through a lot of hoops just so that you can access it from your computer. The cable modem ensures that you can get a streamless connection from your ISP to all the other devices that require active Wi-Fi connection to keep themselves connected to the outside world.
Let's compare some of the best modem router combos on market
Image | Model&Rating | Speed | LAN Ports | Prices | Reviews |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
ARRIS SURFboard AC1750 | 1750 Mbps |
2x Ethernet ports | |||
NETGEAR Nighthawk AC1900 | 1900 Mbps | 5x Ethernet ports | |||
TP-Link AC1750 | 300 Mbps | 4x Ethernet ports | |||
NETGEAR N300 | 300 Mbps | 2x Ethernet ports | |||
NETGEAR N600 | 600 Mbps | 2x Ethernet ports | |||
Actiontec 300 | 300 Mbps | 4x Ethernet ports | |||
TP-LINK Archer CR700 | 1750 Mbps | 4x Ethernet ports | |||
ARRIS SURFboard SBG6580-2 | 300 Mbps | 4x Ethernet ports | |||
TP-Link N300 | 300 Mbps | 4x Ethernet ports | |||
NETGEAR Nighthawk AC1900 | 1900 Mbps | 4x Ethernet ports | |||
Netgear N300 (DGN2200) | 300 Mbps | 4x Ethernet ports | |||
TP-Link N300 (TL-WR841N TP-LINK) | 300 Mbps | 4x Ethernet ports |
The advantages of going for a cable modem router are that you get the flexibility of placing the router at any location and getting easy access to the Internet. Moreover, tweaking the performance of the router with the help of a third party firmware also makes it a reliable product to be used in this given timeframe.
Most of the cable modem routers come with enhanced security features like the DOCSIS 3.0, and hence can be the perfect product to your Internet accessing needs.
Additionally, the cable modem router is necessary for people making use of a cable or a wired broadband Internet connection. In order to get blazing fast speeds at cheap rates, one needs a wired connection.
The cable modem is necessary in order to make the data flowing through the cable to be accessed by the computers and other electronic devices.
Instead of purchasing a cable modem that would otherwise provide a wired connection to various desktop and laptop devices, the use of the cable modem Wi-Fi combo enables people to access the Internet through wireless means as well.
The combination can be particularly affordable, as it helps people to save on the Internet packages normally used in mobile phones while remaining within the confines of their homes or in their offices.
Moreover, the combination also saves you a lot of money on the hardware which would otherwise need to be purchased separately, one for accessing the Internet that is the cable modem, and the other is the Wi-Fi modem to provide Wi-Fi services.
It would only be a worthy decision for you to divert your attention to the combination rather than going for single product purchased that only ends up eating away at your budget.
When you purchase a modem router combo, what you get is a modem, in combination with a router. The job of the modem is to convert the data flowing through the cable into a reliable gateway to access the Internet.
The job of the router is to provide a bridge network that can enable a lot of other computers to connect to that particular Internet platform with the help of multiple cables. Sometimes, the router also comes with Wi-Fi capabilities, thereby providing greater access to the people making use of the wireless connection.
When we talk about separate devices, then we have to purchase a modem that is specifically used to access the Internet. A router would need to be purchased just so that there could be a LAN platform for other people to access the Internet.
If Wi-Fi services are necessary, then a separate Wi-Fi router would need to be purchased for the same task.
If you need to save some space as well as money, then the combination of a modem and router is the best device for the task. The modems that come with the wireless combination also contains a lot of security features which would otherwise be absent from the separate modems. So, migrating to the use of the combo should be a sound decision.
There are certain parameters/features that need to be ticked off from the list before you select a particular modem router.
When you need the right speed while not sacrificing on the performance, this is the product for you. You cannot probably do much better than going for the ARRIS SURFboard SBG6782-AC DOCSIS 3.0 AC1750 Wi-Fi Router.
As a Wi-Fi router, it can offer blazing fast speeds and can deliver data without any problems. It has the necessary hardware that can enable you to access faster Internet, without any possible problems with uptime.
The Surfboard carries a delivery speed of 1.8 Gbps at a dual band concurrent with 2 point 4 GHz and 5 GHz connections. It can allow for delivery speeds of 343 Mbps for downloading any file from the Internet.
This product is compatible with almost all major ISPs in the United States, and across the world. It also comes with 4 Ethernet ports to enable proper router capabilities as well.
In terms of networking, it has the latest 802.11ac capability that allows for 8 downstream channels to work simultaneously.
The installation is no longer a problem with an accompanying booklet that helps you with a step-by-step guide in the installation of this gadget.
For people concerned with security, it has the latest DOCSIS 3.0 security feature that makes it one of the most secure Wi-Fi routers in the market.
We liked
We didn't like
Functionality
9/10
Security
8/10
Speed
10/10
Overall Rating
9/10
When you are planning to optimize your Internet browsing experience, then NETGEAR Nighthawk AC1900 (24×8) Wi-Fi (C7000) should be the product of your choice.
It has some of the highest possible speeds for connection, and can provide excellent downstream channels, which according to the latest count comes to 24. Also equipped with awe-inspiring hardware, this is one of the best route combos that you can find in the market.
It offers maximum speeds of up to 960 Mbps for downloading, and also comes with 1.9 Gbps speeds mainly due to the downstream channels.
This modem/router combination is compatible to almost all the major cable as well as mainstream ISPs in various parts of the world.
It comes with the standard 802.11n networking capability that provides for solid wireless connectivity within its range.
The installation of this combo is a breeze and it is definitely amongst the easiest installation is that you can encounter in this section.
With the inclusion of the latest DOCSIS 3.0 security feature, there are no apparent problems with this product.
We liked
We didn't like
Functionality
10/10
Security
9/10
Speed
9/10
Overall Rating
9.5/10
When you require fast speeds, there are no other alternatives to the TP-Link AC1750 DOCSIS 3.0 (16×4) Wireless Wi-Fi Router.
This is amongst one of the most important Wireless Wi-Fi routers in the market, and is compatible with almost any kind of cable broadband that you have. With excellent technical specifications and proper hardware, this is the product for you to purchase when you need a solid performer by your side.
The speeds of up to 1750 Mbps can be easily achieved with the help of 2.4 GHz bandwidth. If you go to 5 GHz, then you can get a network connectivity of about 1300 Mbps. In terms of speed, it can give you a maximum download speed of up to 450 Mbps.
This wifi modem/router has been known to work pretty well with almost all ISPs and any kinds of problems in compatibility can be easily taken care of by visiting their online forum.
Excellent network capability with the 802.11 g makes it a versatile Wi-Fi router while at the same time providing excellent connectivity even with a weak signal.
The installation process is pretty easy, and there are no particular problems that shall be faced during the installation of this product.
with the DOCSIS 3.0 package as well as other security measures, this is a secure modem/router that you can look to purchase.
We liked
We didn't like
Functionality
8/10
Security
9/10
Speed
9/10
Overall Rating
8.5/10
If you are in the market for a cable modem combo, then have a look at the ones from Netgear. The latest variant, which is the N300 (also known as the C3000) is an absolute beast and can provide you with reliable high-speed performance without having to cost a ton of money.
Similar products with feasible specifications cost you a lot more. The delivery system enables at least 8 downstream channels to work at the same time, giving you excellent Internet coverage over a longer range.
At a download speed of 340 Mbps, this is truly a product for the ingenious home user and small start-ups.
It has been found to be optimized according to the needs of some of the major ISP in the United States.
This router has been equipped with some of the best Wi-Fi technology, which makes it extremely fast for almost all Internets browsing needs.
The installation process in this router is not a problem and can be easily tackled by even novices.
With DOCSIS 3.0, this is a product that provides you with seamless security coverage at all possible points, particularly during Wi-Fi connectivity. It also has the standard WPA and the WEP security features to prevent any unwanted Wi-Fi connection.
We liked
We didn't like
Functionality
9/10
Security
8/10
Speed
9/10
Overall Rating
8.5/10
When you prefer a product that is extremely high in the speed and efficiency and contains a dual band, you need to go for the Netgear N600.
Although it can offer the same kind of technical specifications, but the plus point is that it contains dual band capabilities that is not found in most of the other modem/routers.
It offers decent downloading speeds at 340 Mbps, and with a dual band, it can offer up to 300 Mbps at each band.
This router is known to be compatible with almost all the cable and major United States ISPs.
With a USB port to wirelessly share the hard drive of your device as well as gigabit Ethernet ports, you can experience fast networking and connectivity without entirely relying upon the Wi-Fi routers.
The installation is pretty easy, and does not take up a lot of time. It is ideal for the people that have little to no knowledge about modems or routers.
The DOCSIS 3.0 happens to be one of the most important security features that has been integrated into this platform, and is definitely the primary firewall against any kind of hacking attempts.
We liked
We didn't like
Functionality
10/10
Security
9/10
Speed
9/10
Overall Rating
9.5/10
When you are looking for a wireless modem router combo, then it cannot be anything better than the Actiontec 300 Mbps Wireless-N ADSL (GT784WN).
It has a glorious history, and although everything is basic, it is fitted with almost all the modem specifications necessary for Internet connection to be passed on seamlessly. It is perhaps one of the best used amongst the people that do not find a constant need to be connected to the Internet.
It can deliver speeds up to 300 Mbps on a single band through the wireless network.
It is not to be compatible with almost all the major ISPs that you can encounter.
With this router being a basic ADSL modem, it has a very basic integration of wireless N capability that comes with a single band. It provides seamless networking for people that are using this model on a single user basis.
The installation does take a bit of time since this is outdated technology, but it does have own share of advantages.
It contains all the standard security features, but it does not have the latest DOCSIS 3.0 security that is one of the most coveted amongst the modem & router combos on the market.
We liked
We didn't like
Functionality
7/10
Security
9/10
Speed
8/10
Overall Rating
8/10
When you need a versatile modem-router that not only looks good but also has a robust design, then you should be thinking about using TP-Link Archer CR700.
It is one of the most exciting combos that has wonderful certifications and come with speeds in excess of 400 Mbps. It also contains DOCSIS 2.0 which is a version older of the latest 3.0 but does the work of providing ample security pretty well to this router.
It can reach speeds of up to 1750 Mbps for Wi-Fi with simultaneous browsing using the 2.4 Ghz and the 5 Ghz.
It has been known to be compatible with almost all the major ISPs in the United States like Time Warner, Comcast, as well as Cablevision.
It is a cable modem router, and comprises of Ethernet ports for proper LAN connectivity.
The installation of this product is pretty spot-on, and does not take up a lot of time.
It comes with the DOCSIS 2.0 which is 16 times faster than any known wireless security currently in the market apart from the 3.0 variant.
We liked
We didn't like
Functionality
7/10
Security
9/10
Speed
8/10
Overall Rating
8/10
Among the largest internet service providers is the Time Warner Cable. This provider has a list of compatible modems, but you got have the right one to reap its juice. TP-Link (TC-W7960) was built for this task. It is a 2-in-1 device that works as both a cable modem and a router.
TP-Link N300 has a download speed of up to 343Mbps and an upload speed of 143Mbps; sometimes it can vary with the provider and your speed tier. When using Wi-Fi, the download speed is up to 300Mbps.
It’s compatible with a Cable Internet plan of up to 150Mbps.The TC-W7960 is compatible with almost all major cable Internet service providers. Some of them include; Xfinity from Comcast, spectrum, Suddenlink, Mediacom, Cox and WOW.
It uses N300 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi to connect to your devices and has a channel bonding of up to 4 upstream and eight downstream channels for its upload and download capabilities. It also employs DOCSIS 3.0 technology to increase its throughput. Hence your devices will experience no lags.
It sports a USB port 2.0 that makes it versatile. You can connect anything to it such as an external drive for file sharing across the network. You also get fast and reliable connections using four Gigabit Ethernet ports.
Using guidelines provided, the setup is as simple as plug n play with no hassle. You can also call the ISP if something is amiss.
It has an SSID and password to help you protect your bandwidth from other unwanted users. To enhance this, TP-LINK has a Guest Network and Parental Controls feature. The guest network feature ensures your visitors access WIFI separately from your network while the parental control feature manages how your devices connect and access the internet. You can prioritize your devices as well as assign bandwidth accordingly.
We liked
We didn't like
Functionality
7/10
Security
9/10
Speed
8/10
Overall Rating
8/10
Powerful gaming machines carry out tasks with high-speed. Any lag and the experience won’t be satisfying. Most games support multiplayer mode, and most of them require internet to be played. Throughput is essential in gaming, and only powerful routers such as the Nighthawk R7000 can deliver such power.
NETGEAR Nighthawk R7000 offers the fastest Wi-Fi speeds a gamer can work with. It currently has a data transfer rate of up to 1900 Mbps. It is powered by a Dual Core processor with speeds clocking at 1GHz for extreme performance. It sports features like Dynamic QoS that prioritize on streaming and gaming devices such as Xbox and PS consoles hence creating a blazing-fast and lag-free Wi-Fi experience. It is overall design also enables service prioritization for data. Its design delivers high availability, flexibility and scalability, and for maximum performance.
It is compatible with hardware platforms such as Mac, PC, and Unix. It also supports almost all operating systems such as Microsoft Windows 7, 8, 8.1, Mac OS, UNIX, and Linux.
It has a wider coverage due to High-powered amplifiers and external antennas. Beamforming+ focuses the signals to both 2.4 and 5GHz band devices hence improving the range and ensures reliability. It has both USB 2.0 and 3.0 ports for connection to external devices. There are also 4 LAN ports in place. This router supports VPN services, Ready Share Vault, and PC Backup Software.
NETGEAR Nighthawk router is Easy and has an automatic installation. Remote access is also enabled via the NETGEAR genie.
You can monitor the network using the NETGEAR genie app. all other WIFI security measures are in place. The VPN service also provides extra security.
We liked
We didn't like
Functionality
9/10
Security
9/10
Speed
10/10
Overall Rating
9.5/10
Few routers have superb wireless capabilities. If you entirely rely on Wi-Fi connectivity in your home/ premises, what you need is a beast. The Netgear N300 (DGN2200) is the apex in this domain with its 802.11ac standard; 5G Wi-Fi. On top of that standard, is the beamforming+. With this feature in place, what you get is a warp speed Wi-Fi.
With a Dual Core Processor of 800Mhz, 256MB RAM and a dual-band Wi-Fi, the Netgear N300 (DGN2200) has more than enough horsepower to handle more than 12 wireless devices seamlessly. With it’s Wi-Fi speed standard 802.11ac, the network performance is 3x as compared to the 11n standard.
It is compatible with Windows 7, 8, Vista, XP, 2000, Mac OS, UNIX, or Linux.
This wireless router has a better coverage as compared to other wireless routers. With the 11ac and a dual band, that’s ultimate coverage for larger homes. The beamforming + feature, its connections are reliable. This is possible because the feature is designed to extend Wi-Fi coverage, focuses Wi-Fi signals to Wi-Fi devices, reduces dead spots, and boosts signal strength. It also manages the signal automatically and performs checks with a connected device, and this ensures the Wi-Fi signal is at its optimal strength. You can also connect external devices via the USB 2.0 and 3.0 ports.
Setting this router is an easy task with the NETGEAR Genie application. It has detailed instructions and offers deeper access to the router’s settings. You can also use the web interface to perform settings.
There are parental controls that filter what is accessed. With remote access via NETGEAR genie app, you can also manage your network, view network map, set up guest network and manage Parental Controls and also block Wi-Fi devices. It’s also equipped with WPS button.
We liked
We didn't like
Functionality
7/10
Security
9/10
Speed
8/10
Overall Rating
8/10
The TL-WR841N TP-LINK wireless router. Its cheap price does not, however, comprise its capabilities. It’s a balance between performance and price. It’s ideal for applications such as video streaming, web surfing, online gaming, multi-tasking, and VoIP.
With a 2.4 GHz band and two 5dBi antennas, this router significantly increases the wireless robustness, stability and is capable of delivering speeds of up to 300Mbps.
Being a router, it can be connected to almost all ISPs. It supports devices as Wi-Fi is cross platform.
This device give you control over your network. It has an IP based QoS that controls and sets bandwidth limit for various connected devices. It also has backward compatibility for devices with the 802.11b/g standard. It sports four fast Ethernet ports for fast wired connections.
Being a low budget router, even novice users find it easy to use this device. It has a setup assistant that provides easy, quick and a hassle free installation.
You can secure your Wi-Fi connection using the WPS button. This ensures your bandwidth is not used by foreign entities. Using parental controls, you can filter what content is accessed and set limits on how and when devices connect to the internet. With its advanced security feature, your network connections are encrypted.
We liked
We didn't like
Functionality
7/10
Security
9/10
Speed
8/10
Overall Rating
8/10
In regards to electronic devices, it is always a good idea to purchase a new product. The same holds good for modems as well. So, when you’re looking to purchase a modem, make sure that you purchase a new device.
Of course, when financial concerns are valid, you could make use of a refurbished or even a used modem. However, you need to check whether the product is working or else you would be fleeced out of your money.
The router modem combo should possess the standard security settings and have WPA as well as the WEP password protection for the Wi-Fi modules. Moreover, if it comes with DOCSIS 3.0, then you have a winner in your hands.
All electronic gadgets are susceptible to voltage fluctuations, which otherwise lead to unintended damage. In order to prevent your money getting wasted after you purchase a product, it is always vital for you to get a warranty.
However, when purchasing the product, make sure that you only succumb to a product that has a factory mention warranty, and not the extended warranty that ends up costing you a lot more than the cost of a new modem.
In terms of the number of people accessing the Internet at a given moment, yes, there is going to be certain fluctuations to the Internet speed that you experience on your portal. However, the signal strength is not going to get affected at all.
The Internet speed which is flowing into the main modem is not going to be affected by people accessing the Internet. However, you, as a separate user would witness fluctuation in speeds, particularly if another person on the same network is downloading a large file.
Any price between $ 100-$ 200 should be ideal for you to purchase a modem according to your requirements.
Most modem and router products that you can purchase from the market will remain without a doubt, compatible with your ISP.
However, there have been certain instances in with cheap Chinese manufactured modems & routers did not work well with some ISPs. So, you need to check with your ISP before you commit to purchasing a Modem router.
a.Channels
Choosing the right channel will obviously help you to enhance the speed of the Internet that you can access from your router. If you want to minimize the interference even when a lot of people are accessing the Internet through your modem, you should go for using the channels 1, 6 and 11.
b.Bands
Bands can have an adverse impact on the speed of Internet access. You need to start with 5 GHz which is in the range of 802.11n and 802.11ac and find more free space with various bands across 23 non-overlapping channels in any given cable modem combo.
Other Factors…
The number of devices connected to the router is also going to affect the speed of accessing the Internet. If a lot of people seem to be accessing the Internet at the same moment, there is going to be a heavy load of data transfer happening at the same time. This results in a lot of people not getting access to certain websites.
Distance from the cable modem combo is also going to affect the speed of the Internet that you can access on your device. If you are working on your handheld device through the Wi-Fi, and you happen to be located far away, then the signal strength is going to drop.
This can lead to Internet speeds crawling at a snail’s pace. In order to increase the speed, one would need to get closer to the cable modem router.
The quality of the product that you purchase also has a pretty big impact when extracting the maximum speed out of your broadband connection.
If the components used in the product are cheap, then you would not be able to enjoy the blazing Internet speeds that your ISP offers. The product in itself would create a bottleneck thereby deceiving you of your real speeds.