Best Modem Router Combos for Superfast Connections 2024 (2024)

Amazon.com prices (as of 9/8/23 07:23 MST). See full disclaimer.

• Best overall: Motorola MG7700
• Best for speed: ARRIS SURFboard SBG7600AC2
• Best for gaming: NETGEAR Nighthawk C7000
• Best for budgets: ARRIS SURFboard SBG10
• Best for DSL: GreenWave C4000 BG

Amazon.com prices (as of 9/11/23 07:23 MST). See full disclaimer.

First, make sure the modem router combo you want is compatible with your internet provider. Most cable modem router combos work with specific internet providers like Xfinity, Cox, and Spectrum—and very few work with DSL providers like CenturyLink or Frontier.

Every internet provider should have a list of compatible modems and modem router combos listed on its website. Here’s how to find a compatible device for your internet plan from a few ISPs:

• Approved Third-Party Equipment for Xfinity
• Cox Certified Cable Modems
• Authorized Modems to Use on the Spectrum Network

For more recommendations on what to look for in a modem router combo, check out the specs and features section below.

Internet plan compatibility

If you have unusually fast internet, like a Gigabit plan, make sure the modem router you choose can support it. Most modern routers and modems can handle these speeds, but inexpensive models or older stock may not have the necessary protocols.

What happens if your modem router can’t handle your internet speed? It’ll still work, so you can use it. But modems and routers are rated for a certain maximum speed, and if your plan gives more than your devices can handle, the extra speed is wasted.

Modems vs. routers

A modem translates your provider’s internet signal into data your devices can understand. This data moves on to a wireless router which broadcasts the data through wired connections and over the air. Without a wireless router, you wouldn’t have home network security, network traffic management, or Wi-Fi.

A modem router combo (or wireless gateway) merges the two devices into one standalone unit. It saves space and makes the purchase and configuration easier, although that comes at the expense of flexibility and upgradeability.

Combo vs. individual equipment

The main reason to go for a modem router combo is convenience—both devices are packaged in one enclosure, saving space and making device management that much easier.

The downside of a combined device is the lack of flexibility. You can’t adjust the antennas, so you’re stuck if you can’t get a connection on the second floor or in a basem*nt. You can always buy a standalone router and disable Wi-Fi in the gateway, but that’s an added expense. Gateway range is generally shorter than the best standalone routers on the market.

Now, for most people, the convenience of the combined device will very likely outweigh any potential cons. On the other hand, power users may want separate devices to allow for future upgradeability and more powerful wireless routers that cater to a specific need, like streaming or large homes.

Pro tip:

If you’re interested in separate equipment, check out these detailed guides for more insight:

• The 5 Best Wi-Fi Routers for Streaming
• The Best Long-Range Routers
• The Best Modems for Gigabit Internet

• Best Modems for Gigabit Internet
• Best Cable Modems
• Best Wi-Fi Routers
• Best Modems and Routers for Xfinity
• What Cables Do I Need to Connect My Router to My Computer?

Do modems affect your internet speed?

A modem can affect your internet speed if it’s failing or slower than your plan’s advertised maximum speed. You also can’t magically increase your connection’s speed by purchasing a modem that’s faster than what your plan allows.

For example, you won’t see speeds above 200Mbps using a 600Mbps cable modem if your plan’s maximum is only 200Mbps. If you have a gigabit plan, but your modem doesn’t go beyond 600Mbps, then your plan is too fast for your modem.

What is the best router for gaming?

The ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 is our current top pick for gaming. It packs a quad-core processor and up to 11,000Mbps in total throughput. For a more detailed answer, take a look at our roundup of the best routers for gaming.

What is dual-band Wi-Fi?

Dual-band Wi-Fi is a feature where wireless routers broadcast internet connectivity over the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz radio frequencies simultaneously—single-band routers use only the 2.4 GHz frequency. Dual-band Wi-Fi helps provide faster speeds by distributing traffic on two frequencies instead of one.

What is beamforming?

Beamforming is a technology that focuses two or more wireless signals in a single, specific direction. It doesn’t create an actual beam but instead times each broadcast just right so they intersect to provide the best wireless speeds at your present location.

What does Mbps mean?

Mbps stands for megabits per second. It’s the unit used to measure internet speed, which is essentially how much data passes through the connection in a second. For some context, eight megabits are equal to one Megabyte (MB), the unit for file sizes. So, to download a 10MB file in one second, you need an 80Mbps connection.

Pro tip

If you have questions about internet speed, check out our complete guide.

Disclaimer

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