The Best Cable Modem and Router Combinations You Can Buy Right Now
Wireless Internet has come a long way since the days of constant trial and error integrating a modem and router. You can now combine both devices into one, making it much easier and easier to set up a wireless network with fewer wires and devices. If you’re planning to upgrade your Internet or just want to save a little money each month by purchasing your own modem and router, you can’t miss a compatible cable modem and router combo box.
Don’t lose sight of the word “compatible” – you’ll need to buy a combo device that works with your ISP. Luckily, most product listings will tell you what services the device works with, but you can also contact your provider directly to find out what options they support. Regardless, three of the devices on this list will work with Comcast Xfinity, Cox, and Spectrum.
ARRIS SURFboard SBG7600AC2
If you are looking for a reliable and reliable cable modem and router combination, then the ARRIS SURFboard SBG7600AC2 is a great choice. It can often be found on sale for under $200, which also makes it a good buy.
If you have one of the above services, the ARRIS SURFboard SBG7600AC2 offers four 1Gbps ports that can deliver speeds of up to 800Mbps. It’s a durable little unit that will fit nicely anywhere you need it. It can handle a large volume of traffic and also offers 32 downlinks and eight uplinks, providing support for multiple devices simultaneously.
It’s also competitively priced ($230 when not on sale) and will quickly pay for itself if you pay monthly rent.
- Buy the ARRIS SURFboard SBG7600AC2 on Amazon (on sale $199).
Motorola MG7700
The Motorola MG7700 isn’t a high-speed router, but it will get the job done, especially if you’re not on one of the super-fast plans offered by most ISPs. Setup is simple and easy to follow, and the overall design of the device is unobtrusive.
The MG7700 has four Ethernet ports, giving you plenty of room to connect devices using a physical wire . You can also take advantage of consistent speeds thanks to the wireless components built into this cable modem/router box, and the status lights on the modem are easy to read and understand. It’s also competitively priced, costing under $200 even though it’s not on sale.
- Buy the Motorola MG7700 from Buy ($175).
Netgear Nighthawk C7800
My personal favorite on this list, and a device I’ve recommended to family and friends in the past, is the Netgear Nighthawk C7800. This is the ideal cable modem and router combination for those who need an expanded range of services without having to invest in Wi-Fi extenders. It has four Ethernet ports for physical connections, as well as a DOCSIS 3.1 port and two USB ports for additional connections.
Four built-in antennas extend the device’s range to 3,000 square feet, making it more than large enough to provide a reliable signal in most homes. It also offers up to 32 downlinks and eight uplinks, providing a wide backbone for Internet traffic to come and go. You can expect speeds of up to 3200 Mbps.
Unfortunately, all these goodies come at a price—you’ll likely spend over $400 on this combo device. However, if you need the extra speed and range, it’s worth it.
These aren’t the only three options available if you need a new cable modem/router. If you’re considering other options, be sure to check with your cable provider to see what brands they support, and ask for maximum internet speeds while you’re at it. All this information is important so that you don’t create connection problems by choosing a device with insufficient power.