Best Modem Router Combos

Review & Comparison, Last Update March 2, 2024
Internet is the information highway and it's definitely a road you want to take. To keep all of the devices in your home online, choose the best modem router combo to guarantee a stable wireless and wired connection at all times. ...Read more ...Read less
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PROS
CONS
OUR VERDICT
Ports
Network Standards
Speed of Modem
Speed of Wi-Fi
Access and Data Protection
Extras
Warranty
 
PROS

The unique beamforming technology detects the position of all connected devices and focuses the WiFi signal to ensure connection stability.

CONS

Gets quite hot when it's on.

OUR VERDICT

This router may be pricier than most but it offers excellent speed, secure data protection, and outstanding connection stability. Using new technology, the Nighthawk combo will keep all the gadgets in your home online at all times. A high-value pick for techies and those that want quality at any cost.

detailed parameters
Ports

1 x Coaxial port for Cable Internet

4 x Lan (RJ45) ports - Up to 1000 Mbps

1 x USB 2.0 port

Network Standards

802.11b/g/n/ac

Speed of Modem

24x8 channels, DOCSIS® 3.0 Technology, Up to 960 Mbps

Speed of Wi-Fi

1900 Mbps (2.4 GHz - 600 Mbps + 5 GHz - 1300 Mbps)

Access and Data Protection

WiFi Protected Access® (WPA/WPA2—PSK), Double firewall protection (SPI and NAT), Denial-of-service (DoS) attack prevention

Extras

Control with NETGEAR genie App, ReadySHARE® USB access, Parental Control

Warranty

1 year

PROS

You can install a battery into the router to use it even when the power is out or when you're away from home.

CONS

The initial setup takes quite a while.

OUR VERDICT

If you've ever lost hours of work due to a power outage leaving you unable to save your data properly, this is a real treasure of a router. Capable of working on a built-in battery, this model can be used to quickly back things up in case of a power outage. Plus, it has enough ports for all of your gadgets and doesn't cost as much as most top of the line models.

detailed parameters
Ports

1 x Coaxial port for Cable Internet

4 x Lan (RJ45) ports - Up to 1000 Mbps

2 x Telephone Line ports

2 x USB 2.0 ports

Network Standards

802.11b/g/n/ac

Speed of Modem

24x8 channels, DOCSIS® 3.0 Technology, Up to 1024 Mbps

Speed of Wi-Fi

1750 Mbps (2.4 GHz - 450 Mbps + 5 GHz - 1300 Mbps)

Access and Data Protection

WiFi Protected Access® (WPA/WPA2—PSK)

Extras

Control with ARRIS Mobile Apps (compatible with iOS and Android), Parental Control

Warranty

2 years

PROS

The configuration manager makes setup easy even for those with little tech knowledge.

CONS

Lacks a mobile app for remote control.

OUR VERDICT

Staying online is vital but not everybody has the know-how to deal with the complications of router setup, which makes the Motorola MG7540-10 a fine alternative. Made to be easy in use, this model is well-rounded though perhaps not as powerful as the more expensive competitors. But it's still a reasonably priced and reliable router modem combo that anyone can use.

detailed parameters
Ports

1 x Coaxial port for Cable Internet

4 x Lan (RJ45) ports - Up to 1000 Mbps

Network Standards

802.11b/g/n/ac

Speed of Modem

16x4 channels, DOCSIS® 3.0 Technology, Up to 686 Mbps

Speed of Wi-Fi

1600 Mbps (2.4 GHz - 300 Mbps + 5 GHz - 1300 Mbps)

Access and Data Protection

WiFi Protected Access® (WPA/WPA2—PSK), Double firewall protection (SPI and NAT)

Extras

Parental Control

Warranty

2 years

PROS

The router comes equipped with a DOCSIS 3.0 technology that is 8 times faster than the 2.0 version (speeds up to 340 Mbps).

CONS

2 LAN ports may not be enough for some users.

OUR VERDICT

This high-speed Netgear model will prove to be a perfect solution for people tired of spending money on monthly modem rental fees. It lets you create a broad WiFi network as well as keep devices connected via LAN, though the number of ports is a bit restricted. A good budget-friendly choice for thrifty shoppers.

detailed parameters
Ports

1 x Coaxial port for Cable Internet

2 x Lan (RJ45) ports - Up to 1000 Mbps

1 x USB 2.0 port

Network Standards

802.11b/g/n

Speed of Modem

8x4 channels, DOCSIS® 3.0 Technology, Up to 340 Mbps

Speed of Wi-Fi

2.4 GHz - 300 Mbps

Access and Data Protection

WiFi Protected Access® (WPA/WPA2—PSK), Double firewall protection (SPI and NAT), Denial-of-service (DoS) attack prevention

Extras

Control with NETGEAR genie App, ReadySHARE® USB access, Parental Control

Warranty

1 year

PROS

The Arris Surfboard Manager App lets you control all functions of the router via your phone, including parental locks, traffic tracking, speed limiting etc.

CONS

Some users complain about the LED indicators being too bright.

OUR VERDICT

A high-tech model made for those that want full control of their router without having to leave the comfy couch or bed. This device has a huge coverage area, enough Lan ports for several gadgets, and offers pretty good speed to boot. An astute purchase for those that love smart technology.

detailed parameters
Ports

1 x Coaxial port for Cable Internet

4 x Lan (RJ45) ports - Up to 1000 Mbps

Network Standards

802.11b/g/n

Speed of Modem

8x4 channels, DOCSIS® 3.0 Technology, Up to 343 Mbps

Speed of Wi-Fi

600 Mbps (2.4 GHz - 300 Mbps + 5 GHz - 300 Mbps)

Access and Data Protection

WiFi Protected Access® (WPA/WPA2—PSK)

Extras

Control with ARRIS Mobile Apps (compatible with iOS and Android), Parental Control

Warranty

2 years

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NETGEAR Nighthawk (C7000-1AZNAS)

All-Reaching Coverage

Tired of signal dropping out and leaving your phone offline the minute you walk more than 2 feet from the router? The NETGEAR Nighthawk C7000 will solve that issue in a jiffy, all thanks to the unique beamforming technology. As most routers are usually connected to multiple devices at once, this one sends out signals to detect their placement and ensure that the connection stays stable no matter how far away they are. That way you always get the fastest internet even if there are several walls between you and the router.

It’s a good find for those with a few LAN-enabled devices as the modem has 4 ports to work with, each of them guaranteeing a max speed of 1000 Mbps. The WiFi capabilities don’t fall behind either with a 1900 Mbps maximum.

We can also testify to the device’s security as the NETGEAR Nighthawk uses SPI and NAT firewall protection to keep the connection safe from intruders and DoS attacks. It does, however, get quite hot when in use so make sure not to put it right up against the wall.

Other than that small flaw, though, there’s very little to fault in this powerful modem router combo as it offers excellent speed and easily allows for streaming movies in 4K while also playing games, potentially even on several devices.

Review of NETGEAR Nighthawk (C7000-1AZNAS) 24x8 WiFi Cable Modem Router Combo

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $189.75
Stock In stock
ASIN B0781Z5PCL

 

ARRIS SURFboard (SVG2482AC)

Connected at All Times

Ever been in a situation where power went out in your home but you needed the internet urgently to do some task for work or backup your files in the cloud? With the ARRIS SURFboard serving as your gateway to the Web even in a power outage, there’s no need to worry.

This small modem router combo can work on a battery, which means that you can stay online even if the neighborhood goes dark, as long as the actual connection is still there. Although this feature may seem niche at first, we find it important as it can be used both in emergencies and when you’re out of the house as a battery and a source of WiFi or internet is enough to turn the ARRIS SURFboard into a portable internet machine.

We do admit that the device takes a while to set up and though it has plenty of ports to plug devices into, you’ll have to leave up to an hour free to make sure everything works properly. Don't’ forget to sync it with your ARRIS mobile app so that you can control your router from your phone, blocking connections or setting parental controls on. Still, lengthy as the process may be, once it’s all in order, you get good speed both on WiFi and wired connections, which is pretty much the main spec you want in a router.

So if you want a reliable router that can stay online in any circumstances - the ARRIS SURFboard is a fine choice. It offers good speeds, 4 LAN ports, and a handy app to control your device from afar, a modern choice for a modern shopper.

Review of ARRIS SURFboard (SVG2482AC) 24x8 Docsis 3.0 Cable Modem/Telephone/AC1750 Wi-Fi Router

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $175.88
Stock In stock
ASIN B06XDGWKSB

 

Motorola MG7540-10

A Simple Solution

Want your whole home to be connected to the web but you aren’t the most tech-savvy person and don’t feel like wasting your time on lengthy setup? Try out the Motorola MG7540-10, designed to be easy in use and provide a stable dual band connection.

When you first launch this modem router combo, just use the configuration manager to do the initial setup. You’ll be able to follow the steps quite easily and the whole thing takes about 5 minutes, after which you’re ready to surf the web at an impressive 1000 Mbps LAN and 1600 Mbps WiFi. And don’t worry about the router having enough ports for all of your devices as this model boasts 4 RJ45 LAN ports. Plus, you don’t have to worry about security as your connection is protected by a double firewall.

That simplicity of use does come with a restriction, though, as there’s no phone app to control the router from afar. On the one hand, it’s easier as you don’t have to navigate that as well but, on the other, it can be so convenient to put parental locks in place or turn off the WiFi without leaving your bed.

Still, if simplicity and fast speed are all you need from your router, the Motorola MG7540-10 is a fine choice at a reasonable price. It’s going to keep all your devices online without requiring any tech knowledge at all.

Review of Motorola MG7540-10 16x4 Cable Modem plus AC1600 Dual Band Wi-Fi Gigabit Router

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $129.98
Stock In stock
ASIN B01MSTB5KW

 

NETGEAR C3000-100NAS

CONVENIENCE IS THE KEY

The C3000-100NAS NETGEAR is a three-in-one device that includes a router, modem and a Gigabit Wired Switch. It offers a NETGEAR Genie App that runs across all of the company’s modern network devices, which you can use to get content filtering Parental Controls and ReadyNAS for USB drives management. Also, since C3000-100NAS performs the functions of a cable modem as well, the Genie UI has additional cable connection settings. All of this allows setting up and configuring the device in mere minutes without you having to call to a local ISP asking for help.

Ever had a dilemma what to buy first: a router or a modem? Maybe both? With this model from NETGEAR, you will get both a modem and a router of remarkable quality at a reasonable price. Moreover, if you invest in this router now it will save you up a significant sum of yearly rental fees from your provider (if you have any) and make your network future-proof because it is IPv6 compatible.

Review of NETGEAR C3000-100NAS N300 WiFi DOCSIS 3.0 Modem Router

SURPRISING SPEED

Let’s check the specs, the C3000 has a 2.0 USB port for an external hard drive, a coaxial cable connector, and two Gigabit Ethernet ports. Albeit its modest specifications, the router reaches the speed of up to 300 Mbps which makes it a fairly speedy single banded (2.4 GHz) router. The cable modem is made according to a DOCSIS 3.0 technology which unleashes 8 times faster download speeds compared to DOCSIS 2.0 devices. The modem is capable of reaching the internet speed of up to 340 Mbps when using a cable. On top of that, the NETGEAR C3000 is compatible with the majority of U.S. cable internet providers such as Charter, Cox, Time Warner Cable, XFINITY and more.

It can become annoying when your neighbors are trying to use your wireless network without your permission. With WiFi Protected Access® that includes multiple levels of security including WPA, WPA2, and PSK you can be assured that even during peak usage hours your network is protected. This will come in handy for gamers and other power users who put serious demands on their network. To add more convenience, the NETGEAR C3000 can serve as a Gigabit Ethernet switch so you do not have to purchase additional hardware if you need to connect a TV, PC or a Mac using a cable. The device’s design is clean and user-friendly and will be a good looking addition to any room or office. Designated for small to medium housings and offices this model provides a robust fidelity of wireless connection. To sum up, the NETGEAR C3000 is a great alternative to any rentable device that Internet Service Providers can offer today.

NETGEAR C3000-100NAS N300 WiFi DOCSIS 3.0 Modem Router in the use

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $144.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B00IF0JAIU

 

ARRIS SURFboard (SBG6580-2)

Gateway to the Future

Love living in the future, where everything is interconnected and even your smartphone is enough to control the appliances in your home? If you said yes, don’t hesitate to add the ARRIS SURFboard SBG6580-2 to your device line-up.

The manager app that comes with the router lets you control all of its functions and track traffic usage, a way to make sure your connections are safe. This combined with the excellent WPA/WPA2 standard protection means your data will be as secure as possible for a standard home router. You can also, of course, use the app to set parental controls and lock some sites out if you’d prefer to guard your child’s web surfing against any inappropriate materials.

Though the ARRIS SBG6580-2 is pretty compact, we’d still recommend tucking it away in a corner somewhere as a few users noted that the LED indicators are a bit too bright. Definitely don’t place anywhere near your bed if you’re a light sleeper. That coupled with the admittedly modest WiFi speed of 600 Mbps are the rare flaws in this model. After all, we definitely can’t fault the four 1000 Mbps LAN ports or the powerful antenna that creates a 2500 sq. ft. WiFi coverage range.

As long as the two minor faults don’t bother you, we can definitely recommend the ARRIS SURFboard SBG6580-2 as it’s an affordable and moderately powerful router modem combination.

Review of ARRIS SURFboard (SBG6580-2) 8x4 DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem/Wi-Fi N600 Dual Band Router

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $49.95
Stock In stock
ASIN B0100KRBA6

 

What Is a Modem Router Combo?

Although most household appliances nowadays are designed to pick up WiFi signals and stay connected without any additional cords, there are still a few older models out there that have to be connected directly to the modem. Instead of getting two different internet-connecting gadgets, we recommend buying a modem router combo - a cable and a wireless provider of the world wide web for your home. These small boxes are capable of keeping many different appliances online at the same time without curtailing the connection speed. Most of the time, the combination routers are compatible with the majority of providers, definitely including the giants such as Comcast and Time Warner.

If you’re looking for a router slated for gaming and high-speed internet connections, these gizmos should more than satisfy your demands. Plus, even if you also need to keep an old PC online (as a file storage or some kind of server), they will do that as well. These small boxes act as a kind of bridge between older and newer device generations, bringing the internet to all.

If you’re tired of not getting the WiFi signal in some faraway corners of your home, consider getting a WiFi repeater. And don’t hesitate to buy some backup Ethernet cables to make sure you’ve got one in case your current cord breaks.

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Publish Date: 2018-09-06 15:38:09