In a world where fast and reliable Wi-Fi is of huge importance, it can be a great idea to do everything you can to get the most from your internet connection.
One way to do this is to buy a cable modem/router combo.
Top Picks: Best Combo Modem/Router
A more detailed list of the best combo modems is further below. You can also click the links above to take you straight to each product's page on Amazon
What Is The Best Cable Modem/Router Combo?
By choosing to buy a device that combines both a cable modem and a router, a significant part of your network will be integrated. This can increase simplicity in your network and give you a great wireless connection.
In this article, we will explain the benefits of buying a product that combines both your router and your modem and round up some of the best products out there. This way you will be able to buy one that will best suit your individual needs.
What is the Best Wireless Router?
What Are The Advantages Of A Cable Modem/Router Combo Device?
If you are thinking of buying a cable modem/router combo you probably want to know what the advantages and disadvantages of this product are. Luckily there are many advantages to combining your modem and your router into one product, although there are also some things you should check before you buy.
Some of the advantages to having a cable modem/router combo are things such as:
- Streamlining your set up
- Automatic configuration
- Solving network problems
- Possibility of saving money
10 Ways To Boost Your Wi-Fi Signal
Streamlining your setup
By combining both your modem and your router in a single device, your overall network setup will be streamlined. As well as reducing the amount of space taken up by devices, you will also reduce the number of cables that trail around your house.
Automatic system configuration
As well as reducing the number of physical products in your wireless network, combining your modem and router into one product will also see your system become more streamlined. The fact you only need one device means you will only need to setup one product and you won’t be required to get the two separate products to work together.
This can also speed up your connection as your modem and router will no longer need to communicate with each other. Instead, the connection will occur instantly.
Solving network problems
Combining your router and your modem also means that it can be much easier to find what is causing problems in your network.
For example, if you are having a connection problem, instead of having to check out your modem and then check out your router you will simply have to check the one device.
This, in turn, means that any problems that arise can be solved faster which means you can quickly get back to browsing the internet.
Possibility of saving money
Of course, this will depend on the exact products you buy, and you should do the maths yourself relating to the exact products you are looking at, but it is possible to save money by buying a cable modem/router.
There are two ways that this can be the case. Firstly some ISPs allow you to rent a modem. While this can save money initially in the long run you will likely save money by buying a modem straight out.
The second way that this can save you money is quite simply that buying product that combines a modem and a router only requires you to buy one device. This means that depending on the products you buy it is usually possible to get a slight saving by buying a combined product.
Combo Routers: Things To Look Out For
There are of course some things you should look out for if you are planning to buy one of these products.
Gaming performance
If you are big gamer and are looking for the best possible gaming experience you may be better off buying a top quality cable modem and one of the best 802.11ac routers or simply using an Ethernet connection.
However, for most people and most uses, it will provide a network that is more than reliable enough.
Compatibility
Another thing to watch out for is that if your home phone service comes with your internet, you will need to check that the product you buy is compatible with this service.
Upgrade limitations
As both products are rolled into one when you use a modem/router combination, if you decide you want to upgrade or change one part of your setup, or you have problems with your device, it can mean that you have to change the whole product.
If you have a separate modem and router it is easier to change the individual parts of the product.
What about the best DSL combo modem/routers?
Best Wi-Fi Cable Modem Combo Reviews
1. Netgear Nighthawk AC1900 C7000
The Netgear Nighthawk AC1900 uses 802.11ac wireless technology to deliver a great wireless network experience. It has theoretical speeds of up to 1.9Gbps Wi-Fi and 690Mbps modem speeds.
Its dual core 1.6GHz processor is great for those people that like to game or stream high definition video without any lag problems.
It has great wifi range and is equipped with Netgear’s beamforming technology, Beamfoming+. This can provide you with greater range on your Wi-Fi network and allow you to connect to your network from further away. This can be great for people with large homes who need connections over a big area.
As well as these features the Netgear Nighthawk AC1900 also comes with a range of extras including a built in OpenVPN server, support for Broadcom TurboQAM and support for official third party firmware. As well as this if you add an external storage device to the router it is Time Machine backup-ready.
While not the smallest router out there, Netgear have managed to pack all these features into a stylish looking case that almost gives the product the look of a stealth bomber.
Read the full Nighthawk C7000 review here
2. Arris Surfboard SBG6782-AC DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem and Wireless Router
This all in one router from is actually made by Motorola. It has built in DOCSIS 3.0 which allows download speeds of up to 343 Mbps. As well as this it provides Wi-Fi speeds of up to 1800 Mbps through both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands.
It has four Gigabit Ethernet ports which allow you to use high speed wired connections as well as wireless connections.
The Arris surfboard is easy to set up using the packaged software, while it also offers a solid range of features.
As with the Netgear product it offers beamforming for good coverage at longer ranges which can improve your connection when far away from your router.
The product suffers from the same problems as some of the others on this list, ie: it is a pretty big and bulky product, however for people looking for a feature packed device this could be the way to go.
Arris Surfboard SB6141 vs SB6183 vs SB6121 Comparision Guide
3. TP-Link N300 DOCSIS 3.0 TC-W7960 Router
The TP-Link N300 DOCSIS 3.0 is a solid yet good value product.
It has an easy setup, which is crucial for a cable modem and wireless router combination product as it simply requires you to plug the device in and open up a browser window on your computer. Then you can just follow the onscreen instructions.
The router offers theoretical Wi-Fi speeds of up to 300 Mbps as well as four Gigabit Ethernet ports for quick wired connections.
One interesting feature of this product is that it has a USB port in the router that allows you to easily share files and media across your network.
Finally, it has a 2 year warranty so you know that should any problems arise this shouldn’t be too much of an issue.
4. Netgear N600 DOCSIS 3.0 C3700 Cable Modem
The Netgear N600 DOCSIS 3.0 C3700 cable modem offers 802.11n wireless capability along with gigabit wired Ethernet ports. The wireless network can offer theoretical speeds of up to 300Mbps while anything that requires faster speeds or solid reliable connections, such as gaming or transferring files, can be taken care of using the Gigabit Ethernet ports.
It also offers dual-band Wi-Fi that allows you to use your wireless devices on different wireless networks at the same time.
This router comes with a range of extra features such as guest wireless access, Netgear Genie to help you monitor and control your network as well as parental controls.
While this router isn’t as fast as some of the more expensive routers on this list it is a solid product with a load of features that could be great for those on a budget.
- Read more on the Netgear N600 DOCSIS 3.0 C3700 Cable Modem router here
- Netgear C3000 vs C3700 Comparison
5. TP-Link AC1750 DOCSIS 3.0 Archer CR700
The second TP-Link product on our list is a DOCSIS 3.0 compatible modem that uses the 802.11ac wireless standard to give a faster wireless connection that should work for gaming, streaming HD video and web browsing.
As with the other products on the list, this modem/router has Ethernet cable connectivity for those moments when you need faster network speeds. This can combine with the USB ports which can make transferring files over your network quick and easy.
It has beamforming connectivity which combines with high-powered amplifiers to allow a better, more stable, connection over a longer distance.
Combo Router Wrap-Up
In conclusion, combining your modem and router can be a great product for those who want to simplify their overall network. By combining two products into one you are able to take out some of the hassles of having to two separate products. This can also potentially save you some money.
While people after the best possible connection for things such as gaming or transferring large amounts of files may want a separate modem and router, for most people the speeds available on a cable modem/router combo will prove to be more than enough.
This is especially true if you choose one of the higher range 802.11ac routers such as the Netgear Nighthawk C7000.
Meanwhile, a product like the TP-Link N300 can offer the 802.11n wireless standard for a more budget price.
Hopefully, you have found this roundup useful. If you have any questions please comment below, or alternatively, if you know someone who may benefit from the information in this roundup please feel free to share the article.