Arris Surfboard G54
Bands: 2.4GHz, 5GHz, 6GHz | Speed: 10Gbps | LAN ports: 1 x 10Gbps, 4 x 1Gbps | Standard: Wi-Fi 7
Pros:
- Wi-Fi 7
- Good port selection
- Supports major ISPs
Cons:
- Expensive
Best for: Modern Wi-Fi performance in an all-in-one device.
If you’re looking for a great do-it-all modem-router combo, then the Arris Surfboard G54 is the best option. It offers excellent download speeds, supporting internet plans of up to 10Gbps, plus it has a relatively sleek design that makes it an excellent choice for anyone who wants to remain up-to-date on Wi-Fi standards.
Under the hood, the Surfboard G54 offers almost everything you could need in 2024. Notably, it supports the relatively new Wi-Fi 7 standard—which means that it supports the fastest Wi-Fi speeds you can get right now, with full support for 2.4GHz, 5GHz and 6GHz bands.
On the back of the device, there’s a good port selection too. You get one port that supports a massive 10Gbps, with four 1Gbps ports. This device is also compatible with the majority of major ISPs, including Spectrum, Comcast and Cox. It’s still not as expensive as others on this list, and still probably cheaper than buying a modem and an equivalent router.
What the reviews say: One reviewer on Amazon noted that this router helped them get their money’s worth from their internet service provider. “I replaced my old modem and router and was having some bottlenecking issues with the old modem on upload speeds (getting around 10Mbps up with a 20-and-up plan with Spectrum). My download and upload speeds are now what I’m paying for. Videos, gaming and downloading are so much faster now.”
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Best Mesh Modem-Router Combo
Expandable Range In Larger Homes
Netgear Orbi CBR750
Range: 2,500 square feet per node | Band: 2.4GHz, 5GHz | Speed: 4Gbps | LAN ports: 4 x 1Gbps | Standard: Wi-Fi 6
Pros:
- Wi-Fi 6 capabilities
- Modern design
- Can double as a mesh system
Cons:
- Expensive
Best for: Getting top internet speeds for gaming or streaming.
If you’re looking for a great mesh modem-router combo, then the Netgear Orbi CBR750 is definitely worth considering. This device offers many of the same specs as our top pick, plus it adds in mesh capabilities so that you can expand on your network’s range by simply adding more nodes. With two nodes, you can cover 5,000 square feet.
This router supports Wi-Fi 6, but doesn’t offer Wi-Fi 6E. But even without the extra speed, you still get more than enough bandwidth for your needs. The main downside of the Netgear Orbi CBR750 is that it’s pretty expensive—even more so than the Arris when you add more nodes (just one runs less than the top pick, but then there’s little point in getting a mesh router). But if money isn’t an issue, and you want to cover a large space, then this is definitely a great upgrade pick for those looking to expand their network range.
What the reviews say: One Amazon review loves the reliability of the Orbi, saying, “Since my install, my upload and download speeds are insane. The app is great. I consider myself a techy and I just love the ease of use. I couldn’t be happier with my continued relationship with Netgear. Nothing is more important than security of my home network and I have trusted Netgear from the beginning, and true to form they have rewarded me with a system that is easy to use and reliable.”
Best Budget Modem-Router Combo
A Combo At An Affordable Price
Arris Surfboard SBG7600AC2
Band: 2.4GHz | Speed: 800Mbps | LAN ports: 4 x 1Gbps | Standard: Wi-Fi 5
Pros:
- Affordable compared to competition
- Four LAN ports
Cons:
- Limited to Wi-Fi 5
- No dual-band support
Best for: Casual connectivity that doesn’t break the bank.
The Arris Surfboard SBG7600AC2 is an excellent pick for those who want to get a modem-router combo device, but don’t want to spend too much. It only supports Wi-Fi 5—an aging standard at this point in time. So if you’re looking for Wi-Fi 6 or 6E support, then you should probably go with one of the other options on this list.
That being said, it still offers decent download speeds of up to 800Mbps, making it perfectly suitable for the casual internet user or Netflix streamer. If you’re a dedicated gamer and streamer, take a look elsewhere for faster connectivity. There are four 1Gbps LAN ports for wired connections. This device is also compatible with the majority of major ISPs, including Spectrum, Comcast and Cox.
What the reviews say: One Amazon customer raved about the Surfboard SBG7600AC2, saying, “This works for us in our three-person household. I was tired of paying Comcast $15 a month to rent a modem… We had just “cut the cord” and needed something a bit beefier than the old modem-router combo that couldn’t handle the speed of our Xfinity 600Mbps internet package. We chose this one because it seemed pretty solid for the price. It didn’t take me long to get it set up. I needed to go through a little process through the Xfinity app first and then I was able to connect all our devices. We seem to be getting decent speeds. My Zoom fitness classes were constantly stuttering on the old 2.4Ghz band and they aren’t going that anymore. I put the TVs on the 5GHz because when I tested them, they were getting the fastest speeds. We are easily able to stream shows to our 4K Fire TV and use other devices at the same time without lag.”
Best Mid-Range Modem-Router Combo
Fast Speed, Reasonable Price
Arris Surfboard G36
Band: 2.4GHz, 5GHz | Speed: 3Gbps | LAN ports: 1 x 2.5Gbps, 4 x 1Gbps | Standard: Wi-Fi 6
Pros:
- Wi-Fi 6
- 3Gbps data speeds
- Reasonable price
Cons:
- Not the latest Wi-Fi technology
Best for: Those who don’t mind spending a little for faster speeds, but within reason.
This modem-router combo may not have the latest and greatest Wi-Fi 7 technology, but it does have Wi-Fi 6, which helps make it faster and more capable than the Wi-Fi 5–equipped budget model on our list. It’s a little more expensive than the budget pick, but is worth the cash for households who want reasonably fast speeds.
The Surfboard G36 offers five LAN ports, including one that supports speeds of up to 2.5Gbps. It supports the Surfboard app, like the other Surfboard models. That means that it’s relatively easy to manage straight from your phone, where you can see what devices are connected to your network, set passwords and more.
What the reviews say: One Amazon reviewer noted the Surfboard G36’s easy setup. “The Arris Surfboard G36 is a fantastic modem-router combo that delivers on its promises. It’s easy setup, very impressive speed and reliable performance make it an excellent choice for anyone seeking a seamless internet experience and some monthly cash savings from not having to rent their unit from the cable company.”
Best Modem-Router Combo For Gamers
Fast Speeds And A Slick Design
Netgear Nighthawk CAX30S
Band: 2.4GHz, 5GHz | Speed: 4Gbps | LAN ports: 4 x 1Gbps | Standard: Wi-Fi 6
Pros:
- Wi-Fi 6
- 4Gbps data speeds
- Large coverage range for one node
Cons:
- Expensive
Best for: Gamers and streamers who want the absolute best speed in an all-in-one device.
The Netgear Nighthawk CAX30S is an excellent pick for gamers who are looking for a modem-router combo that can handle their gaming needs. It offers similar specs to the Orbi, and it covers up to 2,700 square feet of range with only one node. It also has Wi-Fi 6 and support for up to 2Gbps of bandwidth from your provider. Compatible with Charter, Spectrum and Cox, it’s important to note that not all providers offer the same speeds or features.
On the back, you get four 1Gbps LAN ports for wired connections—a handy option for connecting your console or PC to the network with a little more stability. The main downside of the Netgear Nighthawk CAX30S is that it’s pretty expensive at $380 when not on sale. But if you’re willing to pay a little more for good performance, it’s a great option.
What the reviews say: One happy customer says, “The Netgear Nighthawk CAX30S is fast and handles all the traffic in the house. I am so happy I made this move. We have two full-time work-from-home systems going at all times, as well as a teenager watching TV and playing video games. We also have an outdoor TV for football, golf and ESPN which is on constantly. This modem handles all traffic perfectly all at one time. So happy I purchased it!”
Best Modem-Router Combo For Landlines
A Three-In-One Powerhouse
Motorola MT8733
Band: 2.4GHz, 5GHz | Speed: 2.5Gbps | LAN ports: 1 x 2.5Gbps, 3 x 1Gbps | Standard: Wi-Fi 6
Pros:
- A 2.5Gbps port
- Wi-Fi 6
- Three-in-one
Cons:
- Expensive
- Only for Comcast Xfinity subscribers
Best for: Connecting into your home’s landline.
For those that want to hook everything up to one system, you can. The Motorola MT8733 is an excellent pick for those who want not only a modem and a router, but also a home phone line. In fact, this device has two phone ports, which could come in handy for those that still use landline phones.
It’s built to specifically support Comcast Xfinity, so subscribers of other plans should look elsewhere. It does offer Wi-Fi 6 connectivity though, and there are three 1Gbps LAN connections on the back for all of your hardwired gear. It’s a relatively high-tech device, but it does come with a bit of a high price tag at close to $400 when not on sale.
What the reviews say: One customer says, “I put off installing the Motorola MT8733 because I’m not hugely techie and figured I’d run into trouble. I finally got the nerve today, and I had no problems. I did watch a YouTube video which helped (and gave me courage), followed the directions carefully, went to Xfinity app and activated it (they even have a link there for “installing new equipment,” so it was very easy). Then went to Motorola website on my cell and changed their default username and password to what I previously had with Xfinity so I didn’t have to change it on my devices. All went smoothly without a hiccup. I definitely recommend this at least for Xfinity internet.”
- The Forbes Vetted tech team is well-versed in all things digital. We’ve researched and tested hundreds of tech products, in addition to covering the latest tech news.
- Christian de Looper, the writer of this story, is a smart home and networking expert and has written extensively about modem-router combos as well as gaming routers and other smart home tech. In addition to being a networking expert, he’s an audio expert, having fully tested our top choices for the best gaming headsets. With years of experience in the tech space, de Looper’s other bylines include CNN, Wall Street Journal, Tom’s Guide and many more.
- The tech vertical is overseen by Rebecca Isaacs, the consumer tech and electronics editor at Forbes Vetted. She is a smart home expert and has also contributed to ZDNET, PCMag, Decider and Lifewire.
- The tech world moves fast, and we do our best to keep up with it. This article is regularly fact-checked and reviewed for accuracy. It was last updated in June 2024.
How We Chose The Best Modem-Router Combos
To recommend the best modem-router combos, we relied heavily on the expertise of de Looper. We made sure to include options for all sort of preferences and households, and backed up our choices by poring over reviews from real consumers.
- We researched the offerings from the most popular brands, and compared the specifications for each model in consideration. We looked important attributes like maximum supported download speeds and the number of ports.
- We looked at models for every budget, and evaluated the value that they offer in their price bracket.
- We read online reviews from real consumers for each product to make sure the user experience aligned with our impressions. No matter what price, each included product needed to have overwhelmingly positive user reviews, with no less than a 4 out of 5-star rating.
What To Look For In The Best Modem-Router Combos
Here are some of the most important considerations to make when buying a modem-router combo.
Not all modem-router combos support all internet service providers. Double-check that the model you’re interested in does before you buy it. This information should be pretty clearly listed on the product page, but if not, your provider may have a list of supported models. If you’re having trouble finding out if your model is supported, contact your provider. Yes, even if it means listening to hold music.
DOCSIS stands for “data over cable service interface specifications,” and it’s a standard specific to cable modems. Basically, this feature is core to your modem translating the signal from your ISP into a kind of signal that a router can understand.
Right now, there are two DOCSIS versions to be aware of: DOCSIS 3.0 and DOCSIS 3.1. DOCSIS 3.0 is a little older, but it still supports download speeds of up to 1Gbps and upload speeds of up to 200Mbps. This sounds like a lot, and for many, it’s plenty. But for a household with multiple streaming devices and smart home devices, you may need more. DOCSIS 3.1 is up to ten times faster, so if you can find a DOCSIS 3.1 device that fits in your budget, it’s worth it.
Download and upload speeds relate to more than just the version of DOCSIS your device supports. If you’re paying for low-speed internet and are really only using it for browsing and light streaming, then you probably don’t need to spend the cash on a high-performance modem-router. Instead, go for a budget option like the Arris Surfboard SBG7600AC2.
If you use the internet for streaming multiple devices at once, gaming and connecting many smart home devices, then it may be worth spending a little more on a modem-router combo that can meet those needs. Buying a faster device also helps to future-proof your connection if you need a faster connection down the road.
Range relates to how far away from a modem-router you can achieve a decent connection. If you live in a small home or apartment, then range may not matter all that much—most devices will cover your whole home. But if you live in a larger home, you probably need better coverage. In that case, buying a mesh system like the Netgear Orbi CBR750 may be worth the extra money. Mesh systems come with multiple nodes that can be placed around your home, ensuring good coverage throughout.
Recent wireless standards have introduced new radio frequency bands into the network. When it comes to bands, it’s important to keep in mind that lower frequencies are slower, but can travel farther and through obstacles. Higher frequencies are faster, but are more helpful for short-distance connections.
The majority of devices today come with dual-band support for both 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks, but there are some with three bands too. New Wi-Fi standards, like Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7, have added a faster 6GHz band, too.
You don’t want an ugly device in your home. Design may not be as important as something like download speeds, but it still may be worth considering, especially if you plan on putting it somewhere visible. Most of the options have a boring but subtle design, which should look fine in most homes.
Most people rely on a wireless connection for most of their devices, but there could be times you want to physically connect a device to your modem-router for a more reliable connection. If you want to connect more than one or two devices, make sure that your modem-router combo has enough ports, or be willing to buy adapters to expand on those ports.
Some modem-router combos come with extra features like parental controls and VPN support, which could be helpful for those who need it. Extras like these are welcome if they’re available, but don’t let them be a deciding factor unless they’re very important to you.
What Is A Modem-Router Combo And Why Should I Consider Getting One?
A modem-router combo is essentially what it sounds like—a single device that combines a modem and a router. Typically, modems and routers are separate, with the modem connecting to your ISP and translating the signal that comes from it into something your router can understand, and the router then connecting to all the devices in your home, both wired and wireless. With a modem-router, you only have one device, cutting down on the space taken up by the devices and on clutter.
Combo devices are often easier to set up and can reduce the hassle of dealing with multiple pieces of hardware. While they’re more expensive than routers or modems on their own, they’re often cheaper than the cost of both put together. That said, it’s important to note that combo units may not be as advanced as separate units, and they don’t all work with all ISPs, so check with your ISP to confirm compatibility.
Can I Change The Modem-Router Combo Provided By My ISP With My Own?
Usually, yes, you can. In fact, many experts recommend doing so. ISPs usually rent you the modem-router at a monthly fee, which is added to your bill. Over time, that monthly fee adds up and eventually costs much more than the cost of simply buying your own modem-router.
Before you do, however, it’s worth double-checking with your ISP to make sure they allow users to provide their own modem-router. And, when you get your new device, you’ll have to contact your ISP to get it set up and configured correctly.
How Often Should I Upgrade My Modem-Router Combo?
It depends. Networking technology is improving rapidly, but by building both into one unit, you’re forced to upgrade your modem, even if router technology is the only thing that has improved. Most users can get at least a few years out of a modem-router combo. Unless you start to notice slowdowns and know that the bottleneck comes from your network and not your ISP, then you probably don’t need to upgrade.
It’s also good practice to check for firmware upgrades regularly, ensuring that your modem-router combo is always up-to-date.
Are Modem-Router Combos Better?
Modem-router combos aren’t necessarily better, but that doesn’t mean that they’re worse. There simply aren’t as many modem-router combos as there are separate modems and routers, and that means that new Wi-Fi technology often doesn’t come to modem-router devices until a little down the line. If you want the latest-and-greatest tech and don’t mind regularly upgrading, then you may prefer a separate modem and router that you can upgrade individually.
What Should I Look For In A Modem-Router Combo?
There are quite a few things to keep in mind when buying a modem-router combo. But at the very least, look at the version of Wi-Fi that the device supports, with the newer standards being Wi-Fi 7, Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 6. Even Wi-Fi 6 is aging a little, so if you can afford a device with Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7, it’s probably worth buying one.
Also make sure it provides enough ports for any wired connections. Some other factors, like the design and price of the device, are based on your personal situation and preferences.
