5 Best Compatible Modems for Frontier in 2024

This is our review of the best modems for Frontier DSL Internet in 2024.

We’re networking pros, and we routinely test modems. As such, we know exactly what to look for in a top-performing modem. 

Through our extensive testing, we determined that the Verizon FiOS G3100 is the best modem for Frontier Fios DSL Internet. It is fast, easy to set up, and fairly priced. 

However, it might not be the best modem for you. Everyone has different Internet plans, budgets, home sizes, and Internet usage. 

As such, we put together the top 5 modems for Frontier Fios so you can pick the best one that works for you. 

Note: Frontier DSL Internet requires a compatible DSL modem; a standard cable modem won’t work. 

And if you have Frontier Fios Internet (Fiber Internet), you don’t need a modem. You only need a router. See our guide on the best routers for Frontier Fios for our recommendations. 

Top 5 Frontier-Approved Modems

Here are the top 5 modems for Frontier Fios.

1. Best Overall – Verizon FiOS G3100 – Modem/Router Combo
2. Best Performer – Netgear DM200 – Modem/Router Combo
3. Best Value – Arris NVG468MQ – Modem/Router Combo
4. Runner Up – Netgear D6400-100NAS – Modem/Router Combo
5. Lowest Cost Option – Arris NVG443B – Modem/Router Combo

5 Best Frontier Compatible Modems

Here are reviews of the best-approved modems for Frontier DSL Internet. 

#1 Best Overall – Verizon FiOS G3100

The Verizon FiOS G3100 is modem/router combo compatible with Frontier FiOS Fiber Internet plans. So you can’t use it as a modem for Frontier’s DSL plans.

Using a Verizon FiOS modem with Frontier may seem confusing, but Frontier bought Verizon fiber Internet infrastructure in three states– California, Florida, and Texas. [1]

This means that Verizon hardware is compatible with Frontier FiOS, even in other parts of the county. However, we still recommend verifying compatibility with Frontier before you buy your modem. 

The G3100 has Wi-Fi 6 (802.11 ax) technology, which means it is faster and more future-proof than routers using Wi-Fi 5. Plus, it is a tri-band unit, which means it can handle more bandwidth and devices– perfect for homes with many smart devices. 

The router has several great features, including IPV6, a virtual server, WPS, parental controls, and guest Wi-Fi networks. [2]

The G3100 includes a coaxial cable for special ONTs to connect to your fiber Internet plan.  

This supports both MoCA 1.1 WAN and MoCA 2.5 LAN, which means it can handle a throughput of up to 2.5 Gbps (2500 Mbps)– which is the fastest home Internet speed you can get. 

Another nice feature of the G3100 is that it includes four Ethernet ports and one USB 3.0 port. So, you can hardwire many devices, such as computers, printers, extenders, etc., and connect network storage. 

One downside of the Verizon FiOS G3100 is its high cost. However, keep in mind that you are paying for a top-tier router with a built-in ONT connection. 

But it supports the high speeds that Frontier’s Fiber plans provide, which will help future-proof your home network.

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#2 Best Performer – Netgear DM200

If you’re looking for a great performing modem for Frontier’s DSL Internet, the Netgear DM200 is a great option. 

It is compatible with all of Frontier’s DSL plans or 100 Mbps or slower (VDSL, VDSL2, ADSL, ADSL2, & ADSL2+). It does not work with Bonded VDSL2 (plans with speeds greater than 100 Mbps). 

If you’re not sure what type of DSL you have with Frontier, log in to your account or give them a call. 

The DM200 is a modem/router combo, but it only has a single Ethernet port and does not make a Wi-Fi network. So, you’d only be able to hardwire a single device like a laptop. 

With that said, I recommend getting a separate router. See our router recommendations for Frontier here. 

Another downside of the DM200 is its high price. However, it is easy to set up and comes with everything you need to hook it up, including a DSL phone filter, RJ-11 cable, and Ethernet cable.

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#3 Best Value – Arris NVG468MQ

The Arris NVG468MQ is a modem/router combo that can handle Frontier fiber and DSL plans with speeds up to 1000 Mbps. 

It includes an ONT port for fiber Internet and a phone port (RJ-11) for use with DSL Internet. 

This makes this modem a great choice if you have a slower Frontier DSL plan now and plan to upgrade to a fiber plan in the future. 

One downside of the NVG468MQ is that it’s a Wi-Fi 5 router, which is slower and not as future-proof as Wi-Fi 6. Still, it is fast enough for all the speeds that Frontier currently offers. 

Compared to other Frontier modems on this list, it is surprisingly affordable. Especially given that it works with DSL and fiber. 

Plus, it has four Ethernet ports and one USB port, so you can hardwire more devices and attach network storage. 

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#4 Runner Up – Netgear D6400-100NAS

The Netgear D6400 will work with any type of ADSL and VDSL that are not bonded. So, it won’t work with most of the faster DSL plans.

The router supports 802.11 ac (Wi-Fi 5) which means that the router can give a max speed of 1300 Mbps on the 5GHz channel and 300 on the 2.4GHz. [3]

Even if the real-world speed will be slower, the device is still compatible with Frontier FiOS if you want to upgrade. 

The router is also more than enough for any DSL plan. 

The biggest con with this device is that it doesn’t support bonded ADSL or VDSL. So if you get it, make sure you don’t have either. You can call Frontier to determine which version you have. 

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#5 Best Value – Arris NVG443B

The Arris NVG443B is a modem that Frontier provides as a rental. Thus, it works with basically any DSL Internet plan they offer and its Fiber plans too.

The router only supports Wi-Fi 5 (802.11 ac). This makes it dual-banded, which gives it a 2.4GHz and a 5GHz network. 

But, it is not as good as the newer Wi-Fi 6 and won’t future-proof your network as well. Still, it is a good choice if you have a slower Internet plan and won’t be upgrading soon. 

With that said, this modem is the best option if you plan to bridge it and use a separate modem and router. 

Just note that this modem doesn’t have voice support, even though the Amazon page claims it does.

It’s the NV448B that has voice support, a modem that otherwise is the same as this one. [4]

Overall, the Arris NVG443B is a great choice if you’re on a budget and have a Frontier DSL plan that you might upgrade to Fiber in the near future.

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What to Consider Before Buying A Frontier Approved Modem

Here are the top considerations before buying a Frontier-approved modem for your internet. For a more general guide, check out our modem buying guide. 

Compatible with Frontier

Buying a modem for your Frontier internet is not as easy as for cable providers. This is because DSL comes in many flavors with different technologies and speeds. 

And different modems are compatible with varying types of DSL. [5]

Therefore, you should contact Frontier before buying a modem and ask them what type of DSL you have. That is, if you don’t already know. 

You can consequently pick a modem from the list above that supports your type of DSL. 

If you don’t want to ask them, you can also guess based on your internet speed or get a modem that supports most DSL technologies. 

I should reiterate you don’t need a modem if you have Frontier FiOS Fiber Internet, only a router. 

Type	Max Speed
ADSL	8 Mbps
ADSL+	20 Mbps
ADSL2+	25 Mbps
Bonded ADSL2+	40 Mbps
VDSL	50 Mbps
VDSL2	100 Mbps
Bonded VDSL2	150 Mbps
Fiber	940 Mbps

Modem/Router Combo or Separate

When buying a Frontier-approved modem, you can either buy a modem/router combo (gateway) or separate devices. 

Modem/router combo has a modem and a router in a single device, while separate has them as two devices. 

The reason for this is that since DSL is slower, you don’t need that good of a router. 

This, however, doesn’t make it impossible to use a separate modem and router. 

Because you can put a modem/router combo into bridge mode, which turns off the device’s router function, allowing you to connect a separate router to it.

Although with Frontier DSL, I think a combo device will be enough for most homes. Even though I usually think that separate is better.

This is as long as you don’t have a large home that needs good coverage or needs a specific feature on your router.

If you can’t decide, check out our gateway vs. separate guide to learn more. 

Frontier Fiber

If you have Frontier FiOS, you don’t need a modem. Instead, Frontier provides you with an ONT for free that translates the fiber optic signals into digital signals. [6]

You will still need a router with Frontier FiOS. You can rent one from Frontier for $10 a month or buy your own. 

Check out our best routers for Frontier Fios guide for our top recommendations. 

Rent Vs. Buy Frontier Modems

Frontier charges $10 a month for you to rent their equipment. After one year, that  equates to $120, which is more than enough to buy a new modem or router. Even more so after two years.

As such, I always recommend a third-party device. Not only is it cheaper in the long run, but it allows you to get the best performance. 

For a more in-depth overview of the pros and cons of each option, click here. 

FAQ

Here are some common questions regarding Frontier and its internet equipment.

Our Verdict

After many tests and thorough consideration, we found the Verizon FiOS G3100 is the best modem for Frontier Fios. 

It is fast, easy to set up, and works with most Frontier DSL plans. Plus, it is fairly affordable.