This is a good option if you want to save money compared to a mesh router solution or already have a few old routers in the cupboard. You also have the option of connecting additional access points (or an old router set to access point mode) to extend your network’s reach without speed compromises. If you use a single router, you have the option of using Wi-Fi repeaters, but these come with severe speed and latency penalties, and we can’t recommend them these days. These are the preferred solution, but you can use powerline ethernet and Wi-Fi extenders as well. If you have a large home and want to spread the Wi-Fi around, you can use a mesh Wi-Fi router. As long as the modem runs at the speed your connection offers, there’s really not much to look for in these devices. Whether you’ve already got a modem and still need a router or you need to purchase both items, there are distinct advantages to separating the two.įor one thing, you can focus your budget on your router solution and simply buy a basic modem. In general, it’s better to choose the rent-to-own option if it’s available. If it’s an off-the-shelf router, you can read reviews about it, but sometimes these devices are modified and rebranded, making it hard to know if they’re any good.Īlso, be aware that some ISPs let you keep the router once it’s paid off, while others only offer a pure rental, which means you have to give the device back when you end your subscription. However, ISPs tend to bundle the cheapest devices they can with their services. If you can’t afford to buy your own solution and it doesn’t represent a significant extra cost to your monthly rental, there’s no harm in using these devices for a while. ![]() Many ISPs offer an all-in-one device that contains both a router and a modem for your specific type of connection. Renting an All-In-One Device From Your ISP These days most users want Wi-Fi to cover their entire home, and unless you live in a small apartment, a single router probably isn’t going to cut it, which is one reason you might want to have a separate modem and router. The router portion of the device may not be very good, stable, or support advanced functions such as network storage or VPNs.Īnother major issue with using a combination device has to do with Wi-Fi footprint.With a separate modem, you could still hook up at least one device in a pinch. If the device fails, you have no internet.On the not-so-positive side of the equation: Troubleshooting is easier since there are fewer separate devices involved.You only have to deal with one unified setup process.It’s usually cheaper than two separate devices. ![]() You only need an all-in-one unit like this if you don’t already have a modem, but if you do need a modem, there are a few advantages (and disadvantages) to going for a single device that does everything. If you need a modem for your connection type, since one isn’t included in the ISP plan or wasn’t already installed, you could buy a combo device containing both a modem for your broadband type and an Ethernet and Wi-Fi router. If there’s a device with just one or two Ethernet ports and no Wi-Fi, you’re probably looking at a modem to which you can connect a router to expand its functionality. After all, if you have gigabit fiber but connect a router that only supports 100Mbps ethernet, you’d lose 90% of your internet connection’s full speed! NETGEAR Nighthawk CM2050V : Best modem with phone jack for Xfinity Voice, $299.99*, wired speeds up to 2,500 Mbps.Fiber routers are therefore just regular routers, but they usually have support for faster Ethernet standards.NETGEAR Nighthawk C7000 : Best modem and router combo device, $192.00*, wired speeds up to 960 Mbps.ARRIS SURFboard SB8200 : Best for gig internet plans, $144.49*, wired speeds up to 2,000 Mbps.NETGEAR CM500 : Best cheap cable modem, $73.00*, wired speeds up to 680 Mbps.Motorola MB7621 : Best for most Xfinity internet plans, $89.99*, wired speeds up to 1,000 Mbps.And those looking to replace the Xfinity xFi Gateway without having to buy a router as well should consider the NETGEAR Nighthawk C7000 modem and router combo. But if you don’t need gig speeds, the NETGEAR CM500 can save you a bit of cash with its budget-friendly price.įor anyone looking for the latest DOCSIS 3.1 technology and the ludicrous speeds it brings, the ARRIS SURFboard SB8200 and NETGEAR Nighthawk CM2050V are top-rated contenders. ![]() ![]() Our pick for the best Xfinity-compatible cable modem is the Motorola MB7621, thanks to its low price and support for wired speeds up to 1,000 Mbps.
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