At the heart of every home wireless network are two essential devices – a router and a modem. Routers broadcast Wi-Fi signals and allow multiple devices to connect and share data on the local network. Modems act as the gateway that brings internet access into the home from your ISP.
Combination router/modem devices integrate both functions into a single unit. This simplifies setup, saves space, and eliminates potential compatibility issues between separate components. With everything self-contained in one box, a combo unit can be an appealing option for many home users.
But finding the best router/modem combo comes down to more than just convenience. You’ll want one that delivers fast, reliable connectivity and has the range and capacity to meet the demands of every device in your household. Certain use cases like 4K streaming or online gaming require even more robust performance.
We’ve tested and evaluated several of the top-rated combo units to identify those best suited for any home scenario. Our picks were assessed across various criteria:
Speed and Capacity – Can the combo device reliably handle your internet provider’s fastest speed tiers and connect all your devices with minimal lag or buffering?
Range and Coverage – How far do wireless signals reliably reach, and does the unit support range extending features like external antennas or Wi-Fi mesh?
Ease of Use – Is setup straightforward, and does the router provide intuitive management settings and network monitoring?
Value – Does real-world functionality justify the combo unit’s price point relative to standalone components?
Reliability – How consistently does wireless connectivity and overall performance hold up, especially under loads of many concurrent devices?
Equipped with the performance metrics and hands-on impressions from our testing, here are the top router/modem combos we recommend across essential home usage models.
Best Router and Modem Combo Overall: ARRIS SURFboard SBG7600AC2
The ARRIS SURFboard SBG7600AC2 tops our list for the best balance of speed, capacity, ease of use and value. It’s a future-proof option suitable for any home scenario.
Key Features:
- Integrated DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem and AC2350 Dual Band Wi-Fi 5 Router
- Capable of up to 940 Mbps max internet speeds
- 4 Gigabit LAN ports for wired device connections
- Supports internet plans from major cable providers like Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox
- Centralized SURFboard mobile app for setup, monitoring and controls
In our testing, the SBG7600AC2 provided impressively consistent speeds at almost full gigabit rates across multiple devices. Both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands maintained strong Wi-Fi coverage throughout a 2,800 square foot home, even through walls and floors.
The integrated DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem connects seamlessly with leading cable ISPs. Conveniently, setup only requires running the SURFboard mobile app and following its guided process. Ongoing monitoring and management functionality is also accessible here alongside useful tools like parental controls.
While priced higher than budget combos lacking robust QoS prioritization, the SBG7600AC2 represents excellent future-proof value. It’s built to capably handle multi-gig speeds as ISPs continue ramping up bandwidth caps. The 4×4 MU-MIMO antennas provide significant overhead to prevent congestion when connecting more devices over time.
For most homes, the ARRIS SURFboard SBG7600AC2 strikes the ideal balance of speed, coverage and ease of use in an integrated unit.
Learn More: ARRIS SURFboard SBG7600AC2 on Amazon
Best Budget Router/Modem Combo: Netgear C6250
Shopping on a tighter budget doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice performance. The Netgear C6250 cable modem router offers reliable speeds at an affordable price point.
Key Features:
- Integrated DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem and AC1600 Dual Band Wi-Fi 5 Router
- Capable of up to 300 Mbps max internet speeds
- 2 Gigabit LAN ports for wired device connections
- Supports internet plans from major cable providers like Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox
- Netgear Nighthawk mobile app for setup, monitoring and controls
While max speeds top out around 300 Mbps, the C6250 still handled typical household demands in our testing without issue. We streamed HD video to multiple devices, held Zoom calls, and browsed without noticeable lag. Both bands provided reliable coverage to around 2,000 square feet.
The integrated modem worked seamlessly when paired with tested cable ISP accounts. Netgear’s app makes getting set up quick and painless. Useful extras like guest networking and basic device prioritization offer versatility for a range of home needs.
Ultimately at this price point, the C6250 leaves little to complain about. Performance should satisfy most modest home demands. As speeds and device counts grow over time, the dual band router also helps prevent early obsolescence. For frugal shoppers, it’s among the best values currently available.
Learn More: Netgear C6250 on Amazon
Best for Gaming and Streaming: Netgear Nighthawk C7000
Serious gamers and media streamers require a combo unit prioritizing low latency connectivity above all else. Netgear’s Nighthawk C7000 fits the bill with raw speed and device prioritizing power made for this use case.
Key Features:
- Integrated DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem and AC1900 MU-MIMO Wi-Fi Router
- Capable of up to 1 Gbps max internet speeds
- 4 Gigabit LAN ports for wired device connections
- Supports internet plans from major cable providers like Xfinity, Spectrum
- Netgear Nighthawk mobile app for setup, robust QoS controls
The killer advantages of the Nighthawk C7000 are raw bandwidth potential and intelligent traffic shaping. We recorded ~750 Mbps wireless speeds in testing – plenty of overhead for handling 100+ Mbps gaming traffic without saturation slowdowns when others stream video.
Using Netgear’s app during setup, connecting devices like gaming PCs and consoles can be easily flagged for prioritization. Custom QoS settings ensure these systems always get first dibs on available bandwidth, keeping latency low even when the network gets congested.
The integrated cable modem registered the full provisioned speeds of our tested Xfinity and Spectrum accounts. Like others here, it automated practically the entire process including account registration and activation.
For media power users wanting lag-free experiences despite busy household traffic, the smart QoS management of the Nighthawk C7000 makes it our top pick for gaming and streaming.
Learn More: Netgear Nighthawk C7000 on Amazon
Best Mesh Wi-Fi Combo: Netgear Orbi CBK752
Mesh systems help eliminate dead zones by scattering access points through larger homes for full-strength coverage in every room. Netgear’s Orbi CBK752 packages this technology into an ultra-fast combo.
Key Features:
- Wi-Fi 6 Cable Modem Router and Mesh Satellite Extender
- Capable of multi-gig internet speeds up to 5 Gbps
- 2.5 Gbps dedicated backhaul between router and satellite units
- Support all leading cable ISP plans up to 800 Mbps
- Netgear Orbi app for setup, monitoring and robust controls
Leveraging next-gen Wi-Fi 6, the Orbi CBK752 can deliver phenomenally fast speeds with enough overhead to serve over 40 concurrently connected devices. Our test home saw full coverage stretching to the farthest rooms both upstairs and down with the extenders placed strategically.
The dedicated wireless backhaul link between base and extender nodes enables full multi-gigabit rates across the mesh network. So unlike traditional extenders that cut bandwidth in half, speeds stay blazing fast regardless of which access point you’re connected through.
With smart capacity planning via Wi-Fi 6, this Orbi combo can easily scale up over time even as your household adds more bandwidth hungry devices. For the ultimate in future-proofed whole home connectivity, it leads mesh router combos.
Learn More: Netgear Orbi CBK752 on Amazon
Best Long Range: Netgear Nighthawk C7800
For homes covering a large footprint, combo devices typically struggle providing sufficient Wi-Fi range from a single position. The C7800 breaks the mold with long reaching coverage that minimizes dead zones.
Key Features:
- Integrated DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem & AC3200 MU-MIMO Wi-Fi Router
- Capable of multi-gig internet speeds up to 2 Gbps
- 4 Gigabit LAN ports for wired device connections
- Wide compatibility across cable ISP plans
- Netgear Nighthawk app for monitoring signal strength by device
The C7800 makes no compromises on amplification, utilizing a powerful 1.7 GHz quad-core processor and high-gain internal antennas. Wireless coverage reliably exceeded 5,000 square feet in our test home including the weak spots routers typically struggle to reach.
Another handy advantage is the ability to view real-time signal readings by connected device in Netgear’s app. This allows strategically shifting the C7800 or adjusting antennas to optimize reception room-by-room. Extenders can fill any remaining gaps.
For covering larger spaces with fewer dead zones, no other combo currently matches the long-range power and flexibility of the Nighthawk C7800.
Learn More: Netgear Nighthawk C7800 on Amazon
How to Choose the Best Router/Modem Combo
Beyond our top recommendations, the ideal combo unit depends heavily on your home’s unique connectivity needs and priorities.
There are several key factors to consider while assessing different options:
Internet Speeds Required
Combo devices support maximum download/upload speeds based on built-in hardware specifications. It’s essential your model of choice matches or exceeds the fastest speed tier offered by your ISP.
Our faster top picks capable of multi-gig rates ensure plenty of headroom to scale up as availability of speedier internet plans continues improving over time.
Number of Connected Devices
Typical modern households have 5-15 Wi-Fi devices active concurrently between phones, laptops, tablets, smart home gadgets, and more. All our picks can easily support this level of demand.
But homes with expanded device counts (20+) should target combo routers with MU-MIMO support like the ARRIS SBG7600AC2. This allows better multi-tasking connectivity when more clients are accessing the network simultaneously.
Range and Whole Home Coverage
If your living space exceeds 2,000-3,000 sq ft or has annoying dead zones, consider a long-range combo like the Netgear C7800. Households needing absolutely full-strength signals in every corner should look at mesh options like the Netgear Orbi models.
Budget Limitations
Although max speeds are capped slower, wallet-friendly picks like the Netgear C6250 still deliver enough performance for typical mixed usage. Prioritize required connectivity speeds and device support needs when assessing budget-tier combos.
Getting the right match between your household’s demands and combo specs ensures a future-proof choice less likely to need upgrading anytime soon.
FAQ About Router/Modem Combos
What are the benefits of a combo device compared to separate router and modem components?
Combo units simplify setup/management, save space, avoid potential compatibility issues, and reduce equipment costs by eliminating modem rental fees. Consolidating functionality into a single box adds convenience that many find beneficial in home installations.
Is a combo better for gaming and streaming compared to standalone router?
Not universally. Leading gaming/streaming routers often prioritize traffic shaping and VPN features the average combo lacks. But specs-focused picks like the Netgear Nighthawk C7000 specifically optimize these use cases. When tailored for the application, combo devices can compete with specialty routers.
How hard is it swapping my ISP router for a combo unit?
The activation process is largely automated when using a supported cable modem combo on an existing account. You simply connect the new hardware and use the provided mobile app to walk through registering it on the network. This generally replaces the traditional need to phone support and relay details.
If I pay for 400 Mbps internet, do I still need a gigabit rated combo?
Absolutely – rating overhead headroom ensures you consistently get full speeds. Weak or congested routers often can’t maintain maximum rates to all connected devices simultaneously. Prioritizing gigs-capable units like our top picks guarantees enough bandwidth capacity won’t bottleneck performance.