Best Modem Router Combos in 2022

Last update: December 7, 2022

Can a modem router combo work as just a router?

Can having 2 routers cause problems?

Can I use a modem router combo as just a modem?

Yes, you can use a modem router combo as just a modem. If you have a separate router, you can connect the modem to the router and use it as just a modem.

Can I use both 2.4 and 5GHz at the same time?


Arris Surfboard (16x4) Docsis 3.0 Cable Modem Plus AC1600 Dual Band Wi-Fi Router, Certified for Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox & More (SBG10) Review:


Okay, folks. Since the first one was a DUD (see original post below), I had to reorder this item. To be fair, I'm giving a revised rating because, once I got it working, it was fantastic! A gateway is much simpler to set up than a modem and router. It was also a GREAT feeling to return to Cox Cable with an armload of equipment and save close to $100 monthly on television. Through the gateway, we stream our TV content from Hulu or YouTube TV (we're currently choosing which to keep). This gateway runs 4 streams in unbroken fashion. Two high-definition TVs and two smartphones. No delays, blackouts, or buffering. The "fast start" instructions are worded in a confusing manner on what order to join up and what order to contact your cable provider, which is the only reason I didn't give it a perfect 5 stars at this moment. That took some time on the phone with Arris and Cox, but once they were connected, there were no problems.Original Assessment Mine wouldn't even turn on! Because Arris customer support thought I meant it wouldn't "connect" rather than turn on, he spent an hour making me jump through hoops. I finally re-asked the (Spanish/Indian) representative if they recognized that they had no power. Response?...."oh". Very dissatisfied Would not advise.



NETGEAR Nighthawk AC1900 (24x8) DOCSIS 3.0 WiFi Cable Modem Router Combo (C7000) for Xfinity from Comcast, Spectrum, Cox, more (Renewed) Review:


So I purchased this refurbished item from Amazon. Along with that, I purchased the three-year protection plan. because the whole cost was less than buying the item new.Pros - Effective Imon Communications, my internet service provider, was able to install it without any problems as soon as I took it to them. I brought it home and connected it without any problems. If you've previously configured a Netgear router, this one is simple to set up and functions similarly. I currently have up to 15 wireless devices (Rokus, laptops, smart TVs, cell phones, and game consoles) linked at once, and the signal has been consistent so far.Cons: Because it's locked to the modem side of the modem/router combo, updating the firmware requires assistance from your cable provider. Even if the signal's range isn't as good as that of some other routers, it's still respectable. However, my old Netgear (R6700) Nighthawk had a slightly (but noticeably) superior range.Overall, the purchase allowed me to free up some space and cables, and I am still quite happy with it. I usually steer clear of router/modem combinations, but this one seems to be well manufactured.



MOTOROLA MG7540 16x4 Cable Modem Plus AC1600 Dual Band Wi-Fi Gigabit Router with DFS, 686 Mbps Maximum DOCSIS 3.0 - Approved by Comcast Xfinity, Cox, Charter Spectrum, More Review:


OMG! what a distinction! The tech arrived to the house and discovered no issues with the line before telling me that my 7-month-old router was useless. I didn't believe him, but I had no other options, so I looked online for a Dual Band router and found this one to be Amazon's Choice. BAM! Same-day delivery! After going through the setup process with my ISP, it took me only 10 minutes to go from 15-20 Mbps with frequent dips and crashes to 200 Mbps of 5G wifi across the entire house with no problems for the previous 72 hours. I'm really happy with this router/modem mix's availability and range.In all honesty, I was looking for something cheaper and with antennae sticking out of it. However, after it was connected, I had amazing range and reception, which was even better on the side of the house where I had connected a wired repeater. It also broadcasts a 2G signal, which gives older and non-compliant devices decent connectivity at a lower Mbps, as some devices cannot use the 5G hookup.BTW, this is my first review ever, and I'm so impressed that I logged on to Amazon in the middle of streaming a movie to write it. Previously, I couldn't stream from my bed. Super purchase and same-day delivery? I like it



NETGEAR Cable Modem WiFi Router Combo C6250 - Compatible with all Cable Providers including Xfinity by Comcast, Spectrum, Cox | For Cable Plans Up to 300 Mbps | AC1600 WiFi speed | DOCSIS 3.0 Review:


We have been renting a modem/WiFi for $20 a month using Suddenlink for a very long time. I ordered the modem/WiFi satellite after hearing about Orbi from a buddy.Quite simple to set up. Once my ISP (Suddenlink) obtained the MAC address, they enabled my Orbi, and it is fantastic. Never experienced internet speed like this.Once the modem is operating, satellite is simple to set up. Connect it, then wait three minutes. greatly increases network expansion.A HUGE TIP: Exact your former WiFi name and password when renaming. Passwords on any mobile device, tablet, laptop, or other device that had previously connected to WiFi won't need to be "updated." Saves a lot of time.Go to the modem settings and select Advanced Mode after you are up and running. Rename.



NETGEAR Nighthawk Cable Modem WiFi Router Combo C7000-Compatible with all Cable Providers including Xfinity by Comcast, Spectrum, Cox | For Cable Plans Up to 400 Mbps | AC1900 WiFi speed | DOCSIS 3.0 Review:


This NETGEAR Nighthawk WiFi Cable Modem Router is not only the most user-friendly we've had in our 20 years of home Internet use, but it's also the most low-maintenance. After three weeks of lightning-fast Internet speeds, I hesitate to write this review out of concern that I might jinx myself, but suffice it to say that it's the best. The speeds we're seeing today at the beginning of week four are comparable to those from installation day (See Photos).I'll admit that part of my enthusiasm stems from the fact that we've been using AT



NETGEAR Cable Modem CM500 - Compatible with all Cable Providers including Xfinity by Comcast, Spectrum, Cox | For Cable Plans Up to 300 Mbps | DOCSIS 3.0 Review:


For service rates of at least 300 Mb/sec, the Netgear CM600 cable modem is a supremely dependable DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem. It lacks the problematic Intel Puma 6 chipset seen in many higher-end cable demos, making it a more dependable option than the company's CM700 variant.There might be a drawback for certain people, but it has nothing to do with the CM600. It should be remembered that ONLY the ISP can give ALL firmware updates when using the CM600 interface (in my case, Spectrum). Spectrum would benefit if the firmware were updated, however it is unclear if they will do so (when and if necessary).Furthermore, it has been clarified that Spectrum is unable to remotely troubleshoot problems with "non-standard" cable modems and routers. These are any devices that are not the normal complimentary cable modems and routers that Spectrum installs as part of their service. However, they can perform a reboot to make sure the CM600 is operating properly.Funny how I see this as more of a benefit! I enjoy that Spectrum is unable to change the settings on my modem or router because I am a certified network support specialist and am more than capable of doing so on my own.It's as simple to set up the Netgear CM600 cable modem as plugging it in and turning it on. Within seconds of connecting the Internet wire to the back, the CM600 was ready for use.The CM600 is a one-trick pony; it only functions as a cable modem. Internet data is transformed from cable data. Given the requirements and the high-quality parts, it performs its unique task exceptionally effectively. The CM600 is designed to extract a signal from a dubious or unreliable line. When other, less reliable modems fail, it will still be able to connect you to the Internet. I haven't experienced any sporadic cable dropouts since getting this modem. Keep in mind that it lacks an integrated wifi or wired network. A router of this kind must be purchased separately.A quick aside: Your home's WiFi universe's Grand Central Station is the router. Sending and receiving many data streams efficiently and effectively between a home full of WiFi-enabled devices, such as smartphones, smart HDTVs, PCs, tablets, cameras, and other devices, requires a significant amount of computing power. A radio transceiver is a router. The more information it can transmit across greater distances, the more powerful it is. More sensitive devices can detect data being transferred 500 feet or more away. I suggest the Netgear Nighthawk® R7000P to get the most out of your Netgear CM600. It is a fantastic dual-processor performer at an unbelievable price and was created to manage the requirements of the tech-enabled home.No. I'm not employed by Netgear.



NETGEAR Cable Modem CM1000 - Works with XFINITY from Comcast (not compatible with Cable bundled voice services) Review:


For service rates of at least 300 Mb/sec, the Netgear CM600 cable modem is a supremely dependable DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem. It lacks the problematic Intel Puma 6 chipset seen in many higher-end cable demos, making it a more dependable option than the company's CM700 variant.There might be a drawback for certain people, but it has nothing to do with the CM600. It should be remembered that ONLY the ISP can give ALL firmware updates when using the CM600 interface (in my case, Spectrum). Spectrum would benefit if the firmware were updated, however it is unclear if they will do so (when and if necessary).Furthermore, it has been clarified that Spectrum is unable to remotely troubleshoot problems with "non-standard" cable modems and routers. These are any devices that are not the normal complimentary cable modems and routers that Spectrum installs as part of their service. However, they can perform a reboot to make sure the CM600 is operating properly.Funny how I see this as more of a benefit! I enjoy that Spectrum is unable to change the settings on my modem or router because I am a certified network support specialist and am more than capable of doing so on my own.It's as simple to set up the Netgear CM600 cable modem as plugging it in and turning it on. Within seconds of connecting the Internet wire to the back, the CM600 was ready for use.The CM600 is a one-trick pony; it only functions as a cable modem. Internet data is transformed from cable data. Given the requirements and the high-quality parts, it performs its unique task exceptionally effectively. The CM600 is designed to extract a signal from a dubious or unreliable line. When other, less reliable modems fail, it will still be able to connect you to the Internet. I haven't experienced any sporadic cable dropouts since getting this modem. Keep in mind that it lacks an integrated wifi or wired network. A router of this kind must be purchased separately.A quick aside: Your home's WiFi universe's Grand Central Station is the router. Sending and receiving many data streams efficiently and effectively between a home full of WiFi-enabled devices, such as smartphones, smart HDTVs, PCs, tablets, cameras, and other devices, requires a significant amount of computing power. A radio transceiver is a router. The more information it can transmit across greater distances, the more powerful it is. More sensitive devices can detect data being transferred 500 feet or more away. I suggest the Netgear Nighthawk® R7000P to get the most out of your Netgear CM600. It is a fantastic dual-processor performer at an unbelievable price and was created to manage the requirements of the tech-enabled home.No. I'm not employed by Netgear.



NETGEAR Cable Modem CM700 - Compatible with all Cable Providers including Xfinity by Comcast, Spectrum, Cox | For Cable Plans Up to 500 Mbps | DOCSIS 3.0 Review:


For service rates of at least 300 Mb/sec, the Netgear CM600 cable modem is a supremely dependable DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem. It lacks the problematic Intel Puma 6 chipset seen in many higher-end cable demos, making it a more dependable option than the company's CM700 variant.There might be a drawback for certain people, but it has nothing to do with the CM600. It should be remembered that ONLY the ISP can give ALL firmware updates when using the CM600 interface (in my case, Spectrum). Spectrum would benefit if the firmware were updated, however it is unclear if they will do so (when and if necessary).Furthermore, it has been clarified that Spectrum is unable to remotely troubleshoot problems with "non-standard" cable modems and routers. These are any devices that are not the normal complimentary cable modems and routers that Spectrum installs as part of their service. However, they can perform a reboot to make sure the CM600 is operating properly.Funny how I see this as more of a benefit! I enjoy that Spectrum is unable to change the settings on my modem or router because I am a certified network support specialist and am more than capable of doing so on my own.It's as simple to set up the Netgear CM600 cable modem as plugging it in and turning it on. Within seconds of connecting the Internet wire to the back, the CM600 was ready for use.The CM600 is a one-trick pony; it only functions as a cable modem. Internet data is transformed from cable data. Given the requirements and the high-quality parts, it performs its unique task exceptionally effectively. The CM600 is designed to extract a signal from a dubious or unreliable line. When other, less reliable modems fail, it will still be able to connect you to the Internet. I haven't experienced any sporadic cable dropouts since getting this modem. Keep in mind that it lacks an integrated wifi or wired network. A router of this kind must be purchased separately.A quick aside: Your home's WiFi universe's Grand Central Station is the router. Sending and receiving many data streams efficiently and effectively between a home full of WiFi-enabled devices, such as smartphones, smart HDTVs, PCs, tablets, cameras, and other devices, requires a significant amount of computing power. A radio transceiver is a router. The more information it can transmit across greater distances, the more powerful it is. More sensitive devices can detect data being transferred 500 feet or more away. I suggest the Netgear Nighthawk® R7000P to get the most out of your Netgear CM600. It is a fantastic dual-processor performer at an unbelievable price and was created to manage the requirements of the tech-enabled home.No. I'm not employed by Netgear.



MOTOROLA MG7315 8x4 Cable Modem Plus N450 Single Band Wi-Fi Gigabit Router with Power Boost, 343 Mbps Maximum DOCSIS 3.0 - Approved by Comcast Xfinity, Cox, Charter Spectrum Review:


I've bought two MG7315s so far, and both of them are excellent. This model features four LAN ports on the back for connecting devices, and it is compatible with all the main cable providers. You need those so you can hook in your wireless TV, which will instantaneously and buffer-free receive the signal while freeing up your wifi. Additionally, connect your Roku device to one of the LAN ports. If you plug in a TV, it won't matter that this modem only supports a single 2.4 GHz wireless network rather than two 5 GHz networks. Buy the TP Link wifi router and connect it to the modem's back if you want 2.4 and 5.0 WiFi. Change the modem's username and password lastly and most importantly. If you look at the label on the bottom of the modem, you may notice an IP address that begins with 168. The full address must be entered into Google along with the current login and password, which are often admin and Motorola. Once you enter IP, the modem brain comes on your screen and checks for a login and password. If either of those are present, change them, then be sure to click on both of the save buttons. As you can see, hackers use programs to search the internet for modems and people who haven't changed them before breaking into your computer. Do this to save $10–$11 a month and take advantage of the internet.



NETGEAR Cable Modem CM600 - Compatible with all Cable Providers including Xfinity by Comcast, Spectrum, Cox | For Cable Plans Up to 400 Mbps | DOCSIS 3.0 Review:


For service rates of at least 300 Mb/sec, the Netgear CM600 cable modem is a supremely dependable DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem. It lacks the problematic Intel Puma 6 chipset seen in many higher-end cable demos, making it a more dependable option than the company's CM700 variant.There might be a drawback for certain people, but it has nothing to do with the CM600. It should be remembered that ONLY the ISP can give ALL firmware updates when using the CM600 interface (in my case, Spectrum). Spectrum would benefit if the firmware were updated, however it is unclear if they will do so (when and if necessary).Furthermore, it has been clarified that Spectrum is unable to remotely troubleshoot problems with "non-standard" cable modems and routers. These are any devices that are not the normal complimentary cable modems and routers that Spectrum installs as part of their service. However, they can perform a reboot to make sure the CM600 is operating properly.Funny how I see this as more of a benefit! I enjoy that Spectrum is unable to change the settings on my modem or router because I am a certified network support specialist and am more than capable of doing so on my own.It's as simple to set up the Netgear CM600 cable modem as plugging it in and turning it on. Within seconds of connecting the Internet wire to the back, the CM600 was ready for use.The CM600 is a one-trick pony; it only functions as a cable modem. Internet data is transformed from cable data. Given the requirements and the high-quality parts, it performs its unique task exceptionally effectively. The CM600 is designed to extract a signal from a dubious or unreliable line. When other, less reliable modems fail, it will still be able to connect you to the Internet. I haven't experienced any sporadic cable dropouts since getting this modem. Keep in mind that it lacks an integrated wifi or wired network. A router of this kind must be purchased separately.A quick aside: Your home's WiFi universe's Grand Central Station is the router. Sending and receiving many data streams efficiently and effectively between a home full of WiFi-enabled devices, such as smartphones, smart HDTVs, PCs, tablets, cameras, and other devices, requires a significant amount of computing power. A radio transceiver is a router. The more information it can transmit across greater distances, the more powerful it is. More sensitive devices can detect data being transferred 500 feet or more away. I suggest the Netgear Nighthawk® R7000P to get the most out of your Netgear CM600. It is a fantastic dual-processor performer at an unbelievable price and was created to manage the requirements of the tech-enabled home.No. I'm not employed by Netgear.


Can I use just the router on a modem router combo?

Yes, you can use just the router on a modem router combo, but you will need to connect it to a separate modem. This can be done by connecting the router to the modem with an Ethernet cable, or by connecting the two devices wirelessly.

Can WiFi penetrate walls?

WiFi signals are radio waves, and radio waves can penetrate walls. However, the amount of penetration will depend on the type of construction material. For example, a brick wall will absorb more of the signal than a drywall.

Can you get Internet with just a router?

You can get Internet with just a router. A router is a device that connects your computer to the Internet. It is a small box that usually has four Ethernet ports on the back. You can connect your computer to the Internet using a router.

Do I need better internet or a better router?

If you're experiencing frequent internet outages or slow speeds, it's possible that you need a better router. A good router can make a big difference in your internet speeds, especially if you have a lot of devices connected to your network. If you have a limited budget, you may want to try upgrading your internet first to see if that solves the problem.

Do I need both a modem and a router?

Most people need both a modem and a router to get their home internet up and running. The modem is the device that brings internet service into your home. The router is the device that distributes the internet service throughout your home. Most internet service providers will give you a modem and a router when you sign up for service. You can also buy your own modem and router, but you'll need to make sure they're compatible with your internet service provider.

Do I need to call my internet provider to set up a new router?

If you're switching to a new router, you will need to contact your internet provider to ensure that the new router is properly set up. Your internet provider can help you configure the new router and test to make sure that it is working properly.