The internet has become a vital aspect of our daily lives. Internet service providers offer several packages to clients that can be somewhat expensive, even without the rental fee for their equipment. Most of the time, the ISP's routers are not also that impressive, to begin with so shifting to a new unit is understandable and smart.
A smart and practical way of cutting monthly bills with your internet provider is to get a modem and router combo of your own.
There are several advantages to getting a quality modem/router combo. While these devices might cost a bit, remember that this will be a one-time payment. Compare that to paying a monthly fee for your ISPs router, and you'll see this is the more cost-effective route.
In this article, we will be listing some of the best modem and router combos. We will be taking the best modem/router combos from different price ranges to give you the best selection depending on your budget. So, let's begin.
Advantage of Using a Modem Router Combo
The cost-effective nature of a modem router combo is not the only advantage of using this device. One of the most significant benefits of this device is flexibility. You can easily install a modem router combo anywhere in your residence.
The modem router will also optimize the internet experience of those who use wired broadband services. This is because such types of internet connection work best with a wired connection. Additionally, you can fully customize the settings of modem router combo devices with relative ease.
Most of the modem routers sold today also feature advanced security compared to what ISPs have with their routers. Modem routers today utilize DOCSIS 3.0 and 3.1 security encryption which significantly improves online security from malware and hackers. This also enhances the overall internet bandwidth capability.
The Best Wireless Modem Router Combo in the Market Today
Below are the best modem router combo units at the moment. This list was compiled based on first-hand experience and overall positive feedback from customers.
Best Overall Pick: Motorola (News - Alert) MG7540
For the general household, the Motorola MG7540 will be able to deliver everything the casual internet user will need. It features reliable and stable speed (max of 686Mbps) and an excellent range that guarantees internet access anywhere in your home.
The Motorola MG7540 utilizes dual-band wireless connection and a Wi-Fi Boost feature that will further enhance its already stellar capabilities. This modem router combo is designed to be compatible with most major ISPs. The unit features four Gigabit Ethernet ports total.
Pros:
686Mbps download speeds.
DOCSIS 3.0
Dual-band Wi-Fi
Cons:
Quite large.
Not compatible with every ISP.
Best Alternative Pick: ARRIS Surfboard AC DOCSIS 3.0 AC1600
https://www.amazon.com/ARRIS-Surfboard-Certified-Spectrum (News - Alert)-SBG10/dp/B07H42QXF1
An alternative pick to the Motorola MG7540 is the ARRIS Surfboard.
This is another well-rounded modem router combo. It comes with to all the necessary features to make sure your internet surfing experience goes as smoothly as possible.
The ARRIS Surfboard delivers up to 686Mbps download speeds as well and can easily support multiple devices at once without any noticeable drop with its performance. The device utilizes DOCSIS 3.0 and dual-band (802.11ac) protocol standards. It also provides four Gigabit Ethernet router ports. This is a solid all-around modem router combo that comes at a reasonable price tag (News - Alert).
Pros:
DOCSIS 3.0
Easy installation and setup.
Up-to-date security features.
Cons:
It is not compatible with AT&T, Centurylink, and Verizon (News - Alert) ISPs.
Firmware used do not have TWC support.
Best for Gamers: NETGEAR Nighthawk R7000
NETGEAR is a well-known brand in online gaming circles, so it is no surprise they cracked this list on this particular category. The Nighthawk R7000 is not only an excellent gaming router but also one of the best modem router combos in the industry.
Not only is it an excellent modem router combo unit, but it is also surprisingly affordable all things considered. Rarely did I encounter any lag issues when playing online games such as Street Fighter V and Tekken 7 with this on my side.
The Nighthawk R7000 has Beamforming+ technology, which considerably improves speed and Wi-Fi range. Add the high-grade amplifiers and antennas into the mix, and you have a modem router range that covers the entirety of your residence, and then some.
Additionally, you will also get access to the user-friendly NETGEAR Genie app, which allows you to configure your router settings with your smartphone. Overall, this is one of the most reliable in terms of online gaming.
Pros:
600 to 1,300 Mbps speed.
NETGEAR Genie app.
Fantastic wireless coverage with its Beamforming+ feature.
Supports USB 2.0 and 3.0.
Cons:
It can be quite complicated to install into existing networks.
Its auto-update feature means it will reboot on its own from time to time without warning.
Best Budget-Friendly Pick: NETGEAR N600 Wi-Fi DOCSIS 3.0 C3700
The NETGEAR N600 is a dual-band modem router combo that comes with some top-notch features at an affordable price tag.
This modem router also comes with DOCSIS 3.0 and Internet speeds of up to 340 Mbps which is a pretty decent number for regular daily internet use.
This modem router also supports most major ISPs and features Gigabit Ethernet ports as well if you prefer wired internet connection. An additional feature included in this budget-friendly unit is a USB port for file sharing within your network. It can also handle several devices connected at once without any dip in performance.
Pros:
Solid construction and basic design.
Decent performance, especially with a wired connection.
Quite affordable.
Cons:
While it can support a handful of devices without an issue, any more than six will cause a noticeable drop in speed.
Barebone features.
Conclusion
Buying a wireless modem router combo is a practical route to take. Not only will it help you save on monthly internet bill, but it will also improve internet performance. Hopefully, the compilation of modem router combos above helped you narrow down your options based on your personal preferences. Also, you should always make sure that the modem router that you are planning to buy is compatible with your ISP. You can inquire about this detail directly from your internet provider or the router manufacturer online.
