Who wouldn’t get tired of the exorbitant fees cable companies charge for the modems they have their customers rent? Thanks to the invention of today’s modem/router combo, you can save a whole lot of money by buying one yourself.
Acquiring one of the best modem/router combos for Spectrum customers can grant you advantages in terms of speed, compatibility, and security when browsing, uploading, or downloading data. We’ve compiled a list of some of the best modem/router combos for Spectrum customers.
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1. Netgear C6300-100NAS AC1750 Router Combo
The Netgear AC1750 series are typical examples of the newly improved modem technology, and they guarantee users a smooth and uninterrupted internet connection with wide coverage and ISPs.
Choosing the C6300-100NAS model from Netgear can cater to your internet needs, heavy or light, across every corner of your home or office because of its broad coverage and compatibility with a handful of internet service providers such as Cox, Spectrum, Xfinity Comcast, Cable One, Charter, and more. Its 3-in-1 modem chipset of DOCSIS 3.0 plus AC1750 Wi-Fi broadband places this router combo on a high pedestal of performance for a diverse clientele.
Netgear C6300 operates on a 12V battery and boasts speeds up to 680Mbps on a Dual-Band AC1750 processor using either 2.4GHz or 5GHz of Wi-Fi speed. Similarly, its user interface is based on the Linux OS with 16 by 4 channel bonding ideal for internet packages up to 300Mbps, allowing multiple users to log on with zero hassle and stress.
You are sure to get an uninterrupted internet connection thanks to its 802.11ac dual-band gigabit. And don’t forget the spectacular beamforming+ technology this router presents, making it efficient in offering high download speeds up to 343 Mbps, with a maximum upload speed of 131 Mbps. With this speed, you can seamlessly stream, download, or play games through the internet. However, this router combo may lose connectivity in ranges above 30 square feet or while in transit. Hence, it is best suited for medium-size homes and offices.
SpecificationsÂ
- Channel Bond – 16X4 DOCSIS 3.0
- Maximum Speed – Up to 680Mbps
- Wi-Fi Coverage – Up to 30 square-feet
- Ports – USB and Ethernet LAN Ports
- Additional Technology – Beamforming+, Dual-band processor, Guest network, Netgear genie application
Pros
- It is a highly durable device
- Budget-friendly router combo with a great performance and value
- The installation is quite easy and doesn’t require a technician
- Netgear Genie application enables users to manage the router via their mobile devices
- Parental control feature helps guardians or parents supervise contents their kids browse
- Beamforming technology enables it to connect with multiple devices at high speeds
- It possesses several air vents that ensure it stays cool at all times
ConsÂ
- Poor Wi-Fi coverage
- Might require frequent restarting due to overheating
- Connectivity fluctuates at longer ranges
2. Netgear Nighthawk C7000 AC1900 RouterÂ
The Nighthawk C7000 router is another series of the AC1900 combo from Netgear. It possesses a wireless coverage area of up to 1800 square feet, allows a maximum of 30 devices, and has a maximum speed of 1900Mbps. It operates on a Wi-Fi Dual-Band processor of 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. For amateurs that aren’t conversant with the term “dual-bandâ€, it is simply referring to the two signal options you see when you’re trying to connect to the router’s wireless network. Some models come with a password option for each band that uses a mobile app such as the Netgear Genie app to allow input.
The 2.4 GHz band is slower than the 5.0 GHz, although this is in no way a limitation, as it is the most popular signal any router combo generates. The 5 GHz band, on the other hand, presents a competitively faster speed because of the minimal load it carries in terms of the user’s needs. However, the Wi-Fi coverage of the 5.0 GHz band is shorter, which is why it’s not used as much. There’s also an option for content filtering and parental control on this modem/router.
Netgear C7000 as well as other models in the AC1900 series are compatible with the majority of internet service providers such as Xfinity Comcast, Cox, Spectrum, Cable ONE, etc., but the downside is its inability to pair with Verizon FiOS and voice services cable bundle. This incredible router combo has four Ethernet ports, 2 USB ports, modern technology like the Beamforming+, and a 24X8 channel bonding chipset offering sufficient space for multiple connections. It is ideal for internet plans with speeds up to 2000 Mbps.
With its fast upload and download speeds, you’re sure to enjoy a smooth experience surfing through the internet, playing games online, streaming, uploading and downloading videos without any lag or buffering. Its AC1900 Wi-Fi router plus 3-in-1 DOCSIS 3.0 Modem cable and 4GB wired switch means you can unleash 24 times faster internet speed that is better than any model with a DOCSIS 2.O modem cable can deliver. However, one pitfall in this router is its inability to connect with VPNs.
SpecificationsÂ
- Channel Bond – 24X8 DOCSIS 3.0
- Maximum Speed – Up to 1900Mbps
- Wi-Fi Coverage – Up to 1800 square-feet
- Ports – USB and Ethernet LAN Ports
- Additional Technology – Dual-band processor, Guest network, Netgear genie application
ProsÂ
- Highly durable
- Broad Wi-Fi coverage
- High Wi-Fi speed
- Easy to set up without the assistance of a technician
- A great choice for Comcast subscribers
- Parental supervision and content filtering
- Can connect to the Netgear Genie application
ConsÂ
- It has only two USB ports
- Not compatible with Verizon FiOS
- Cannot connect with VPNs
3. Netgear C6250 AC1600 Router ComboÂ
The Netgear AC1600 C6250 router combo is a modern day combination of a Wi-Fi router and cable modem. They are compatible with the majority of cable internet providers such as Cox, Spectrum, and Xfinity Comcast. However, they aren’t compatible with AT&T, Verizon FiOS, DSL providers, Century Link, DISH, DirecTV, and all other voice service bundles.
With this model of Netgear router combo, you’re sure to get the best cable plans at speeds of up to 300Mbps via Ethernet LAN, and a beamformed wireless connection via Wi-Fi within a coverage area of 1500 square feet at speeds up to 1600Mbps. Furthermore, it is a 3-in-1 AC1600 combo of cable modem and Wi-Fi router, meaning a maximum of 25 devices or accessories can be in connection with this magnificent combo within a given period.
Everyone, even a novice, can easily connect to the router without the assistance of a technician. It is compatible with all internet-enabled gaming consoles, smartphones, or computers via Ethernet or Wi-Fi, guaranteeing blazing fast speeds. It is a great choice for medium or large homes because of its coverage range.
The Netgear C6250 also features the unique Netgear App that grants its users the ability to supervise and operate the router seamlessly from their mobile devices. The build quality of this router combo is quite durable and sturdy plastic material. It can serve you quite a few years if proper maintenance is done.
You are sure to get an uninterrupted internet connection thanks to its 802.11ac dual-band gigabit and 16X4 DOCSIS 3.0 channel bonding chipset.
SpecificationsÂ
- Channel Bond – 16X4 DOCSIS 3.0
- Maximum Speed – Up to 300Mbps
- Wi-Fi Coverage – Up to 1500 square-feet
- Ports – USB and Ethernet LAN Ports
- Additional Technology – Beamforming+, Dual-band processor, Guest network, Netgear genie application
ProsÂ
- It is relatively easy to set up without the assistance of a technician
- Broad Wi-Fi range excellent for large homes or offices
- Netgear has proven to be a reliable brand
- A great choice for Comcast subscribers
ConsÂ
- Wi-Fi signal fluctuates especially when in transit
- The router can become unresponsive after extensive use
4. Netgear CM500 Router ComboÂ
Another top pick for the best modem/router combo in this guide is the Netgear CM500. It presents the best cable provider speeds of up to 300Mbps and is a good decision for individuals looking for budget-friendly gadgets. Interestingly, the CM500 is compatible with the majority of cable internet service providers like Xfinity Comcast (250 Mbps max), Cox(unlimited), Spectrum (300Mbps max), Charter(300Mbps max), etc. although it is not compatible with the likes of Verizon FiOS, AT&T, Century Link, and all other voice service bundles.
Sharing internet services with this router is astonishing, as it provides users with local area network services, Wi-Fi, as well as WAN with approval from a wide range of ISP providers. Its ability to support wired internet packages at 300Mbps ensures you enjoy a reliable and smooth experience on the internet while streaming, browsing, playing games, and uploading or downloading high definition videos.
One drawback to the CM500 is its channel bonding technology, running on a 16X4 DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem. It has s slow speed in comparison with other products generating up to 600 Mbps. Another limitation is its single Ethernet port. Because it has just one port for LAN connection, the maximum number of users is limited. On the positive side, the DOCSIS 3.0 is compatible with DOCSIS 3.1 modems. Thus, it is a fair choice if you aren’t needing a very fast cable internet package.
SpecificationsÂ
- Channel Bond – 16X4 DOCSIS 3.0
- Maximum Speed – Up to 300Mbps
- Wi-Fi Coverage – Up to 1500 square-feet
- Ports – USB and Ethernet LAN Ports
- Additional Technology – Dual-band processor, Netgear genie application
ProsÂ
- Budget-friendly router combo
- The installation is quite easy and doesn’t require a technician
- Parental control feature helps guardians or parents supervise contents their kids browsing
- Compatible with DOCSIS3.1 modems
Cons
- It has only one Ethernet port
- Poor Wi-Fi coverage
- Might require frequent restarting due to overheating
5. Linksys EA7500 Max-Stream AC1900 MU-MIMO Gigabit RouterÂ
The Linksys EA7500 is not a conventional router that you would need for simple wireless connectivity at home. It is feature rich and can be configured to maximize its performance, while still being very easy to set up and operate. The EA7500 is a smart and powerful wireless router, and a gateway controller for power users.
The device is designed to look good with grilles on the sides and bottom to prevent your device from overheating while in use during gaming or browsing. Keeping the router switched on is no problem for this device.
The router is designed with three removable antennas and also includes four gigabit Ethernet ports, a WAN port, a WPS switch, and two USB ports. These USB ports are multipurpose; they can be used for media streaming and data sharing. One port is a basic 2.0 access port, while the other is a high speed 3.0 port for faster data access and processing.
Key Features
The EA7500 is a dual-band, 802.11ac, AC1900 router with a maximum potential bandwidth of 600Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and 1,300Mbps on the 5GHz band. It’s powered by a 1.4GHz dual-core Qualcomm processor and uses three detachable antennas for 3×3 data streaming. It can operate in router, bridge, and access point (AP) modes.
Pros
- Speedy throughput in testing
- Multi-User Multiple-Input, Multiple-Output (MU-MIMO) enabled
- Good port selection
- Lots of management options
Cons
- Very expensive
- Mixed file-transfer performance in testing
Buying Guide
Some important considerations before buying are:
Internet Speed
The speed a router has is usually written on its box. Although many router brands boast high speeds, some are overstated. One reliable way to determine the real speed of a router is by verifying its speed after numerous users connect to it with the same internet service provider. If the speed drops, the fault is most likely because of the state of the router itself, or the internet package with the ISP.
Compatibility
The compatibility of a modem/router combo with a network of internet service providers in your region is one of the major factors that determine the brand you choose. The bottom line is a router/modem combo can either support your ISP’s network or not, so you must verify the network a router supports before purchasing. Some of the approved and popular internet service providers are Cox, Xfinity Comcast, Spectrum, Cable One, Spark light, etc. Unfortunately, modem/router combos don’t support Verizon FiOS or any other voice service bundles. But, some can switch between the approved and popular ISPs today.
Number of Ports
The number and type of ports a modem/router combo possesses also play a vital role in its functionality. These ports can either be USB, WAN, Ethernet LAN, or eSATA. However, this feature differs in routers, some might have a few ports while others might have them all. The majority of routers have a 2.0 and 3.0 USB, Ethernet LAN ports, and one WAN port.
Channels Bonding
The nature of channel bonding modem routers present determines the number of upstream and downstream channels it can access. These channels are usually written on its box with 16X4 being the lowest, 24X8, or as high as even 32X8 with DOCSIS 2.0 or DOCSIS 3.0 written alongside them such as 16X4 DOCSIS 3.0 channel bonding.
The higher the channel bonding, the faster your internet speed, as long as your internet service provider recognizes the channel. If your ISP recommends only 16X4 channel bonding, getting a router with a 24X8 channel bonding won’t in any way increase your internet speed. Depending on the weight of what you’ll be doing, modem routers with a 24X8 channel should be enough for an average user. Avoid brands with 4X4 or 8X4 channels because they are too sluggish even on slow packages.
Beamforming Technology
This unique technology plays a crucial role in modern routers because they are one of the many parts that determine its speed. Be sure to check if the brand you’re choosing has this technology installed in them. Also, they are a key factor in multiple device connectivity and coverage, meaning they allow several devices to connect to the router simultaneously.
Conclusion
A good modem/router combo should be able to provide users with a consistent internet connection. Buffering, lagging and poor speed can be eliminated with a simple modem/router investment. Be sure to follow our guides when making your choice.
