9 Best Modem/Router Combos in 2024 [Xfinty, Spectrum, & More]

This is our review of the best modem/router combos in 2022.

As a Network Engineer, I have personally tested several modem/router combos to determine which one is the best. 

And I have concluded that the best one is the Motorola MG8702. Because it’s fast, future-proof, and pretty affordable. 

But it won’t work for every ISP, nor any internet plan. 

Thus, I have reviewed the 9 best modem/router combos, so you can pick the one you like the most. 

Keep reading to learn them.

Top 9 Cable Modem/Router Combos

1. Motorola MG8702 – Editor’s Choice
2. Netgear CAX80 – Premium Option 
3. Motorola MG8725 – Best for Gaming
4. Motorola MG7700 – Best Value
5. Motorola MG7540 – Budget-Friendly
6. Netgear CM7800 – Good Performer
7. Netgear C7000 – Good Value
8. Arris Surfboard G36 – Runner Up
9. Motorola MT8733 – Best for Voice

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9 Best Cable Modem/Router Combos

These are overviews of the best gateways for your ISP in 2022. 

#1 Motorola MG8702 – Editor’s Choice

Approved For

• Comcast Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox, WOW, Suddenlink, Astound Broadband (Grande, RCN, Wave)

The Motorola MG8702 is a fast DOCSIS 3.1 modem/router for you with an internet plan of 500 Mbps and less

It reached 518.51 Mbps from 5 feet and 272.03 Mbps from 25 feet during testing using the 5GHz band. 

Very impressive results considering it’s a Wi-Fi 5 router. Fast enough for a family of around 5 people to use the internet simultaneously without any issues. 

Furthermore, the range of the MG8702 is also decent, reaching upwards of 80 feet. Enough for a slightly larger home if you place the device in the center. 

I will, however, say that you should avoid this device if you have a plan faster than 500 Mbps. Because even though the cable modem can handle it, the router is too slow to take advantage of such speeds. 

Moreover, the MG8702 also has very underwhelming features. 

Even though it has things like Parental Controls and QoS. Which allows you to restrict your kid’s activities on the internet and prioritize applications on your network; I found them very hard to use.

Altogether, the Motorola MG8702 is a high-value option, providing you a DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem and a fast router, all for a reasonable price. 

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#2 Netgear CAX80 – Premium Option 

Approved For

• Comcast Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox, Sparklight, WOW, Suddenlink, Mediacom, Breezeline (Atlantic Broadband), Astound Broadband (Grande, RCN, Wave), (Sometimes Optimum)

The Netgear CAX80 is for you that want a fast device. 

Equipped with Wi-Fi 6, the newest Wi-Fi standard, and DOCSIS 3.1, the cable modem will work for internet plans up to at least 1200 Mbps. 

I say “at least” because I only had access to an 800 Mbps internet plan during testing, so I have no way of knowing exactly how fast the router is. 

But from 5 feet, it did reach 800+ Mbps. And additional tests counted 583.15 Mbps from 25 feet and 298.47 Mbps from 50 feet. All operating on the 5GHz network.

Further research revealed that people have clocked in over 1200 Mbps with the router. So that’s why I recommend it for speeds up to that. 

These are insanely good results, enough for 7+ people to use the internet with plenty of smart devices.

Moreover, the CAX80 also has a good range, reaching around 90-100 feet. This is enough for any but the largest homes.

The largest drawback with the CAX80 is that it lacks both Parental Controls and QoS. This makes it hard to restrict kids’ activities on the network and prioritize bandwidth.

The CAX80 might also be excessive for you with a slower internet plan, as a device can only give you the internet speed you pay for. 

Altogether, the Netgear CAX80 is a fast, future-proof device perfect for you looking for something powerful that isn’t concerned about features. 

Read our full review here.

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#3 Motorola MG8725 – Best for Gaming

Approved For

• Comcast Xfinity, Spectrum, Suddenlink, Cox, Astound Broadband (Grande, RCN, Wave)

The Motorola MG8725 is for you gamers out there. It’s very similar to the CAX80 but also sports a feature called Low Latency DOCSIS. 

This is a new technology meant to lower the latency in cable internet [1, 2]. Still, as your ISP needs to support it, it’s nothing to hype yourself up too much about.

Nevertheless, once your ISP supports it (likely around 2023), it will reduce your latency to something that rivals fiber optic internet.

In testing, the MG8725 performed very similarly to the CAX80, reaching the 800 Mbps of my internet plan from 5 feet.

Additionally, it got 529.86 Mbps from 25 feet and 289.32 Mbps from 50 feet. All using the 5GHz band.

These excellent results are enough for a busy home network with tons of smart devices. 

The router’s range also proved itself very good, covering a distance of around 90-100 feet. 

Even though I should note that it’s very hard to know the exact range, as I don’t have the right equipment to get a precise number.

Nevertheless, it should be enough for any but the largest homes. 

The drawback with the MG8725 is that it lacks features, just like most other modem/router combos. 

Because it’s missing both adaptive QoS and advanced Parental Controls. Making it hard to prioritize bandwidth and restrict your kid’s activities online.

Moreover, the MG8725 is excessive unless you have a faster internet plan. Because you can only get as fast internet as you pay for. 

Overall, the Motorola MG8725 is one of the most powerful combos in the market. Just note that it might be excessive for you. 

Read the full review here.

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#4 Motorola MG7700 – Best Value

Approved For

• Comcast Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox, Sparklight, Suddenlink, WOW, Astound Broadband (Grande, RCN, Wave)

The Motorola MG7700 is what I recommend you with a plan up to around 400 Mbps. A 500 Mbps plan would also work, but anything more than that, I would avoid. 

During testing, the router’s Wi-Fi got 441.28 Mbps from 5 feet and 132.82 Mbps from 25 feet. Both with the 5 GHz band. 

These are some pretty good results that will be enough for a family of 4-5 people to use the internet without any issues. 

Range-wise, the router reached 80 feet, which was surprisingly good. This will be enough for most homes, especially if it’s placed somewhere closer to the center of it.

It is DOCSIS 3.0 with 24×8 channels. This technically makes the cable modem enough for internet speeds up to around 600 Mbps. But as the router only got 441.28 Mbps, I would not use it with such plans. 

The drawback with the MG7700 is that it has subpar features, with poor QoS and Parental Controls and a very slow control panel. 

Overall, the Motorola MG7700 is a value-packed device for you with around 400 Mbps internet rate. It’s not as future-proof as the options above, but it’s more affordable due to having DOCSIS 3.0. 

For more info, read our review of the MG7700.

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#5 Motorola MG7540 – Budget-Friendly

Approved For

• Comcast Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox, Sparklight, Suddenlink, Astound Broadband (Grande, RCN, Wave)

The Motorola MG7540 is the cheaper option for you with an internet plan of 300 Mbps or less.

The testing measured 301.85 Mbps from 5 feet, 102.38 Mbps from 25 feet, and 49.06 Mbps from 50 feet. All using the 5GHz band. 

These are nothing extraordinary, but it’s good enough considering its price. It should be sufficient for a family of 3-4 people to use the internet. 

The range of the MG7540 is where it really is lacking a bit because it only reached around 60-70 feet.

This will function decently for an average-sized home if the device is placed in its center. But honestly, it fits best for a smaller apartment. 

The cable modem is DOCSIS 3.0 with 16×4 channels. This means that the cable modem is not future-proof but will still work with internet plans up to around 300-400 Mbps. 

Altogether, the Motorola MG7540 is one of the best budget-friendly modem/router combos on the market. Just don’t get it if you have too fast an internet plan. 

Read our full review here.

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#6 Netgear CM7800 – Good Performer

Approved For

• Comcast Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox, Sparklight, WOW, Suddenlink, Breezeline (Atlantic Broadband), Mediacom, Astound Broadband (Grande, RCN, Wave), (Sometimes Optimum)

The Netgear C7800 is a suitable option for you with an internet plan at around 500 Mbps or below. 

From the testing of the device, we measured 513.64 Mbps from 5 feet, 309.15 Mbps from 25 feet, and 155.21 Mbps from 50 feet.

A respectable speed for a Wi-Fi 5 router, enough for a family of around 5 people to use the internet simultaneously. 

And as the cable modem is DOCSIS 3.1, it’s somewhat future-proof for any updated requirements from your ISP. Even though the Wi-Fi 5 router makes it unfit to use with any gigabit plans.

The router coverage is likewise pretty good, reaching about 80-90 feet. This is enough for any but the largest homes.

The C7800 does, however, lack both QoS and Parental Controls completely. Making it a bad option if you want to prioritize data or restrict your children’s activities online. 

Overall, the Netgear C7800 is a good all-around option, bringing you a strong performance for a reasonable price. 

Read our full review here.

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#7 Netgear C7000 – Good Value

Approved For

• Comcast Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox, Sparklight, WOW, Suddenlink, Astound Broadband (Grande, RCN, Wave)

The Netgear C7000 is a medium-tier option for you with an internet plan of 400 Mbps or less. 

Its Wi-Fi achieved 370.47 Mbps from 5 feet, 132.82 Mbps from 25 feet, and 70.11 Mbps from 50 feet.

Results that are enough to watch around three to four 4k streams at the same time.

The modem is like the MG7700 DOCSIS 3.0 with 24×8 channels. This means that the cable modem is technically enough for 600 Mbps. 

Nevertheless, because the router gives you about 370.47 Mbps from 5 feet, I would not use this device with plans faster than 400 Mbps. 

Because there is no reason to pay for an internet plan you don’t take advantage of due to a lagging device. 

The C7000 unsurprisingly also lacks both Parental Controls and QoS. So if you want to be able to prioritize applications and limit your children on the internet, consider using separate devices. 

Altogether, the Netgear C7000 is a solid option for you with medium internet needs and an internet plan at or below 400 Mbps. 

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#8 Arris Surfboard G36 – Runner Up

Approved For

• Comcast Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox, Suddenlink, WOW, Astound Broadband (Grande, RCN, Wave)

The Arris Surfboard G36 is a newer gateway perfect for you looking for something slightly cheaper and very fast. 

During testing, it managed 800+ Mbps from 5 feet, 366.72 from 25 feet, and 178.24 from 50 feet. All on a Wi-Fi 6 compatible device using the 5GHz channel. 

Like I explained before, the reason I say 800+ is because the internet plan I had access to only reached 800 Mbps. 

But from further research, other people have clearly got upwards of 1000 Mbps with the router. 

The thing is that once you move away from the router, the speed falls a lot. This is why I would not recommend using the device with an internet plan exceeding 800 Mbps.

The range of the G36 was also disappointedly bad, only reaching about 80 feet. Enough for the average home, but you will have dead spots if you have something bigger.

Moreover, it is likely the worst modem/router I have tested for features. In the admin interface, you can barely do anything. Not even changing the name of your network. 

This makes the Arris Surfboard G36 a good option for you who want a fast device for a more affordable price. But terrible for anyone that wants network control.

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#9 Motorola MT8733 – Best for Voice Service

Approved For

• Comcast Xfinity

If you have Xfinity’s voice service and want a modem/router combo, then the best option is the Motorola MT8733. 

I haven’t tested this device, but I have used its sister device – the Motorola MG8725. And as the two devices share the same modem and router, their performance will be the same. 

Thus this is enough for any of Xfinity’s internet plans, even the 1200 Mpbs one. This makes it sufficient for more than 7+ people to use the internet simultaneously. 

Moreover, just like the Motorola MG8725, it has a good range. This makes it enough for any but the largest homes. 

The largest drawback with the MT8733 is the same thing that makes people want to buy it – it’s a three-in-one device. 

What I mean is that it has a cable modem, router, and telephone function all in a single device. This is convenient, but also, if any of the parts break or need an upgrade, you will have to change everything. 

Altogether, the Motorola MT8733 is the best modem/router for Xfinity’s voice service. Just keep in mind that its convenience also poses a risk. 

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Modem/Router Combos Buying Guide

I will premise this buying guide by saying that we at Networks Hardware recommend getting a separate modem and router. 

This is because you seldom have to change the router and the cable modem at the same time, and having them separate allows you to change one instead of both.

Furthermore, separate devices allow you better performance and more customization. 

That said, a modem/router combo is very convenient, and I understand why some people might want one. So, if you choose to get one, here is what you should consider.

(Check out our article on gateways vs. separate devices for more information on the subject)

Approved & Compatible With Your ISP

The most important thing you need to consider before buying a modem/router combo is that it works with your Internet Service Provider. 

This usually means that the cable modem is “approved” or “certified” by that ISP. Indicating that the ISP guarantees that the modem works on their infrastructure. 

Every modem in the list above has what ISP’s have approved, which I hope will help you. 

And if you want even more info regarding your ISP, check out our approved modems hub. There you will find every ISP and information regarding what modems will work for them.

Moreover, you should know that sometimes a modem will work for an ISP without being approved or certified for them. 

It’s, however, always a bit risky to get such a modem. 

DOCSIS 3.1 vs. 3.0

DOCSIS is the telecommunications protocol cable internet uses to deliver data. 

Today, there are two viable DOCSIS options, either DOCSIS 3.1 or 3.0.

The difference is that DOCSIS 3.1 is faster and newer, while DOCSIS 3.0 is slower but cheaper. [3]

There is no straight answer to which one is best because it depends. 

For some Internet Service Providers, like Midco and Mediacom – you must get a DOCSIS 3.1 modem. While for others, the slowest DOCSIS 3.0 modem will be fine. 

That said, the biggest factor that decides what you should get is not your ISP but rather your internet plan. 

Most gigabit plans require a DOCSIS 3.1 modem, while most others can do with a fast enough DOCSIS 3.0 modem. 

You can find more info on this in the table under “Speed.”

Below you can see the pros and cons of each DOCSIS version.

DOCSIS 3.1 Pros

• Faster
• Future-proof
• Lower latency

DOCSIS 3.0 Pros

• Cheaper
• Often enough for now

The fact that you are getting a combo doesn’t really change much regarding DOCSIS. 

If you are looking for a faster router, you will need a DOCSIS 3.1 modem. Because no DOCSIS 3.0 modem has a Wi-Fi 6 router. 

And don’t worry about DOCSIS 3.1 not working for you. Because DOCSIS 3.1 is backward compatible and will work on nearly all DOCSIS 3.0 infrastructure. 

For more information, check out DOCSIS 3.1 vs. 3.0. 

Channels (Only for DOCSIS 3.0)

If you decide to get DOCSIS 3.0 modem, then you also need to consider how many channels you need. 

Channels go from 4×4 to 32×8, with the first number standing for the number of downstream channels and the second for upstream channels. [4]

The more channels, the faster the modem is. 

The most important thing with channels is to choose a gateway with enough channels to support your current internet plan. 

This you can learn more about in the table under “Speed.”

Wi-Fi 5 vs. Wi-Fi 6

When you get a modem/router combo, you have two Wi-Fi standards to choose from. These are Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax).

The router’s performance is based not only on the Wi-Fi standard but also on things like the CPU and the RAM. 

But generally, Wi-Fi 6 is faster, better at handling more devices, and more secure than Wi-Fi 5. While Wi-Fi 5 will typically be cheaper. 

Moreover, you need a Wi-Fi 6 compatible device to take advantage of Wi-Fi 6.

Wi-Fi 6 Benefits

• Faster than Wi-Fi 5
• Can handle more devices
• Increased security

Wi-Fi 5 Benefits

• Cheaper than Wi-Fi 6
• The default for most devices

Our usual recommendation is to get Wi-Fi 6 if you have around 600 Mbps or more internet plan. Because otherwise, you will not take full advantage of your internet plan. 

That said, it is not set in stone. You can get Wi-Fi 6 with a slower internet plan as a way of future-proofing.

As well as get Wi-Fi 6 with a faster internet plan if you have few Wi-Fi 6 compatible devices. 

For more information, check out Wi-Fi 6 vs. Wi-Fi 5. 

Speed

I understand that there is a lot to think about when it comes to the performance of a modem/router combo.

Everything from the Wireless standard to the DOCSIS version plays a part in the performance. 

That’s why I have put together this table to help you decide what you need for your current circumstances. 

Just note that the DOCSIS and channel requirements might be different for your ISP. But this is a general guideline. 

Internet Speed	Wi-Fi Standard	DOCSIS	Channels
100 Mbps	Wi-Fi 5 or 6	DOCSIS 3.0 or 3.1	8×4 or more
200 Mbps	Wi-Fi 5 or 6	DOCSIS 3.0 or 3.1	16×4 or more
400 Mbps	Wi-Fi 5 or 6	DOCSIS 3.0 or 3.1	16×4 or more
600 Mbps	Wi-Fi 6	DOCSIS 3.0 or 3.1	24×8 or more
800 Mbps	Wi-Fi 6	DOCSIS 3.0 or 3.1	32×8 or more
1000 Mbps	Wi-Fi 6	DOCSIS 3.1	N/A

There is no gateway with Wi-Fi 6 that doesn’t use DOCSIS 3.1. So, in practice, you will need a DOCSIS 3.1 gateway for anything above 600 Mbps. 

Design/Ports

The design might not be the most important thing in a combo device, but remember, you don’t want to hide it in a closet since it’s also a router. 

Because you want the router placed as close to the center of your home as possible. This is to increase the coverage. [5]

So you will most likely have to be pretty visible. And thus, you should get a design that you also like. 

When it comes to ethernet ports with a gateway, it’s not as important as a modem-only device. Since the router is unbuilt, it doesn’t need to connect to a modem. 

That said, consider how many normal 1-gigabit ethernet ports you might need. 

Voice Support (VoIP)

If you have a Voice service, you will have to rent a modem/router combo from your ISP. That is unless you have Comcast Xfinity. 

Because Comcast Xfinity is the only Internet Service Provider that allows customers to get their own voice device. 

I will, however, note that you should be careful with getting a voice-compatible modem/router combo. 

Because if any of the modem, router, or voice support breaks or needs an upgrade, you will have to get all three. 

Nevertheless, a three-in-one device does offer a very convenient option. 

Here are all gateways with voice support available for Comcast Xfinity. 

Brand	Model #	DOCSIS	Channels	Wi-Fi
Motorola	MG8733	3.1	N/A	AX6000
Motorola	MT7711	3.0	24×8	AC1900
Netgear	C7100V	3.0	24×8	AC1900
Arris	SVG2482AC	3.0	24×8	AC1750

Check out our article on the best voice modems for more info on the topic. 

Warranty & Support

It’s also worth considering the warranty and support of a gateways. Because unfortunately, it’s sometimes necessary. 

Motorola and Arris nearly always have a 2-year warranty, while Netgear usually has a 1-year warranty. [6]

For support, you can normally call the manufacturer and ask for help. In my experience, Motorola support is the best. But it mostly depends on who picks up on the other side. 

If you find yourself worried, you can also buy a protection plan on Amazon. This way, you will get free support and replacement if you get any problems.

This is especially useful for modem/routers, which have a bigger chance of having issues since they are two devices in one. 

Security

For modems, security is nothing to think much about. For routers, however, it’s a bit more complex. 

There is a lot to say regarding router security. Things like WPA2 and WPA3 all play a part. 

But the main thing you should know is the newer models will generally be more secure than older models. 

So, if your home security is important, get something more recent. 

Rent Vs. Buy a Modem/Router Combo

For network equipment, you generally have two options. Either rent them from your ISP or buy them yourself. 

My recommendation is to buy your own devices. Because it’s simply cheaper in the long run. 

Nevertheless, it’s not always that straightforward. So, here are the pros and cons of each option. 

 Benefits of Buying a Modem

• Cheaper in the long run
• Enhanced performance
• More network control

Benefits of Renting a Modem

• Free replacement if it breaks or gets outdated
• More support if problems occur
• Guaranteed to work for your ISP

Who Should Do What?

So, who should rent and who should buy?

As previously said, I advise most to buy their own combo device because it’s cheaper. 

Furthermore, the modem/router you buy will often perform better than the rented option. As well as giving you more control over your own network. 

Even though it does not give you as much control as a separate option. Due to your ISP’s innate control over your modem, like the fact that they can reset it from afar. 

Still, for some, renting will be the better option. For example, if you are moving or swapping ISP soon. Then it might be cheaper to rent a couple of months instead of buying. 

Because if you buy, you might find yourself with a device that doesn’t work for your new internet. 

I should also note that I’m somewhat biased in favor of your buying since I make a small commission if you use any of my links. 

For a deeper dive into the subject, check out our article on buying vs. renting your modem/router. 

Approved Modems Lists

If you find that no modem in this article is approved for your ISP, I recommend you check out our approved modems lists hub. 

You will find a list of all ISP’s and what modems are supported and compatible with them.  Because some ISP’s have a very short list that might not have made it in this article. 

This doesn’t make the modem bad. Often it’s simply that I haven’t had a chance to test it. 

Setup and Activation

Modern combo devices are, from my experience, very simple to set up. 

You should only connect the power cord and the coax cable to be up and running. 

Then, you have to activate the modem. For this, you first need to connect a device to the modem/router’s internet. Either with Wi-Fi or Ethernet. 

After that, you can most often just open any browser, and you will get redirected to your ISP’s self-activation page.

From there, you put in the device’s MAC-ID (found at the bottom of the device). And voila, your good to go. 

Sometimes, however, you will not get redirected. Then you need to go to the activation page manually. Below you can some of them.

• Comcast Xfinity
• Spectrum
• Suddenlink
• Cox
• Sparklight (Formely Cable One)

For a select few ISP’s you have to activate the modem by calling their support. One of them is WOW, which you can call from here. 

Why You Can Trust Us

As a Cisco Certified Network Engineer, I have a lot of experience running and setting up networks. 

And with that, I have a lot of experience working with networking hardware. 

And through that experience, I can efficiently test and research every modem and router I get my hands on. 

This is to make sure I only recommend devices that perform according to their price point.

If you want to learn more about us and our testing, click here. 

FAQ

Here are some common questions regarding modems and routers. 

Our Verdict

After much consideration and testing, we have concluded that the best modem/router combo is the Motorola MG8702. 

Because it’s fast, future-proof, and affordable. Just make sure it’s compatible with your ISP before getting it.