Best Modem Router Combos (2023 Complete Review)

Austin
| Last Updated: January 14, 2023

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Every year, we say goodbye to the old and welcome the new. Old worries are in the past, everything you've done is now memories, and we look forward to new experiences.

Much like people, technology changes with each passing year. For example, it used to be that to access the internet, you needed a phone line, and the internet connection would move at a slogging pace.

Today, however, we have internet that is available in high speeds both through an Ethernet connection and wireless Wi-Fi.

Comparison of the Best Modem Router Combos

IMAGEPRODUCT
  • 1900Mb/s data transfer rate
  • Dual bandwith performance
  • Capable of 4K streaming
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  • Internet speeds up to 375Mbps
  • Built-in high speed Wifi
  • Wireless power boost
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  • 680Mbps 3.0 download speeds
  • 6 internal antennas/amplifiers
  • Beamforming technology built-in
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  • 8x faster downloads
  • Dual band wifi speeds
  • 3 GB ethernet ports
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  • 340Mbps modem speed
  • 8x faster download speeds
  • 8x4 channel bonding
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  • 8x4 DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem
  • Up to 343 Mbps download speeds
  • 2 year warranty
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  • NETGEAR Genie App Content Filter
  • Double firewall protection
  • 2GB wired switch
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However, even as convenient as internet connections have become, most people still use multiple routers and modems to connect, and it doesn't have to be that way. That is where Router/Modem combinations come from. These products allow users to connect both through a wired and wireless connection, all in one convenient package.

NETGEAR N600

These items have become a hot commodity, as the need for both kinds of connections becomes even more relevant. To help you stay ahead of the curve, we are presenting you with nine of the best modem and router combos to keep you connected for years to come.

Review of the Best Modem Router Combos

1. NETGEAR Nighthawk AC1900

PROS

  • Easy, secure mobile connection
  • Wireless speeds of almost 2 Gbps
  • Compatible with all high-tier internet services
  • 24×8 Channel bonding which allows 960 Mbps download speeds

CONS

  • Price May Be Steep For Some

First off, the ultra-fast Wi-Fi connection speed allows users to obtain unprecedented speeds of up to 2 Gbps. This will allow for near-instant loading of any website, and provides lag-free online gaming. Should you be using your mobile phone, connecting to your wireless network should also be lightning fast, with the ability to simply scan a QR code to connect quickly and securely.

Here it is, the cream of the crop, the tip of the iceberg, the absolute best in modem/router combinations. Coming in courtesy of NETGEAR, the Nighthawk is like a dream come true for internet users.

No matter which internet package you currently have from your cable company, you will be certain that the Nighthawk will work for you, as it is compatible with nearly all high-end internet connections. For the wired users among us, you will be glad to know that the Nighthawk has you covered as, with the help of 24x8 channel bonding, you will be able to obtain download speed of nearly 1 Gbps.

With all your dreams, however, you eventually wake up, and the wake up call for the Nighthawk is the price. At nearly $200 dollars, this is easily one of the most expensive products on our list, but is also pennies in comparison to what you will save on modem rentals.

In nearly every way, the Nighthawk outclasses the competition, giving you internet speed unlike any other. If you are willing to spend the price to buy the product, then the NETGEAR Nighthawk will be your dream internet device.

2. Motorola MG7550

PROS

  • Fast dual-band Wi-Fi
  • Amplifiers that increase wireless stregnth
  • 16×4 modem makes for fast downloads/uploads

CONS

  • Some internet providers not compatible with device

Thanks to the dual-band setup similar to our other items, the Motorola is able to provide wireless users with some of the fastest Wi-Fi options available. Not only that, but the Motorola also provides users with superb wireless power, thanks to the device's "Power Boost" amplifiers, which allow for Wi-Fi with superior range that never drops.

This offering comes courtesy of Motorola, which is a well-respected name within the wireless connection industry. With the kind of reputation they have, it's not a surprise that our next combo, the MG7550, is one of the best options for wireless internet users.

Adding to the value of the Motorola is the devices 16x4 modem. This allows for 16 separate channels for downloads, and four for uploads, which give users quick data transfers when using an Ethernet cable.

Strangely enough, the only real flaw with the MG7550 doesn't have as much to do with the device itself as it does cable providers. While most major names in cable are compatible with the Motorola, not all are, especially if the provider in question needs the use of a phone line for the internet.

This one small issue aside, the Motorola is one of the best modem/router hybrids you can buy.

3. TP-Link AC1750

PROS

  • 680 Mbps Download speeds
  • Dual-band Wi-Fi capable of speeds up to 1750 Mbps
  • Multiple antennas and amplifiers increase wireless strength

CONS

  • Connection issues with some older devices

The AC1750's dual-band Wi-Fi is capable of wireless speeds of up to 1750 Mbps (with 1300 and 450 Mbps bands). If this isn't enough to convince you, then maybe the fast 680 Mbps download speeds are, which is capable of downloading even the largest files in a matter of seconds. Another recurring brand name for this list today, we present you with the TP-Link AC1750.  With this modem/router combo, the AC1750 takes us into the top tier of our list with what is our fastest modem so far.

You never have to worry about losing your wireless connection with the AC1750 either. This is due to the six internal antennas, as well as multiple connection amplifiers, which ensure you will always get the most strength and best possible signal from your Wi-Fi.

The only small drawback is that the AC1750 does not seem to be compatible with some older devices you may have. Items such as older laptops or wireless printers have trouble connecting to the AC1750, forcing users to either upgrade these products or find another means to use them.

With as much power as you get from the AC1750, this small oversight can be forgiven. Easily one of the best combination devices available, both wireless and wired internet users will be able to get the most out of the TP-Link 1750.

4. NETGEAR N600

PROS

  • USB and DLNA data sharing
  • Dual Wi-Fi Bands, both 300 Mbps
  • Push-button WPS Wi-Fi connection

CONS

  • Only two Ethernet ports

For example, the dual-Wi-Fi bands that the N600 transmits, both in 300 Mbps, allowing for super-fast wireless internet connections. This makes the N600 easily one of the best NETGEAR options so far for wireless users, as they can connect multiple wireless devices to the N600 without the worry of dropped connection or lag.

While this product does have a lot of the features of the N450, such as the convenient power switches and 8x4 channels, the N600 offers even more than that.

Unfortunately, where NETGEAR stepped it up this time in wireless options, it eliminated in wired options. Offering only two Gigabit Ethernet ports, wired internet users have less options with the N600 than their wireless brethren.

That said, connecting to the Wi-Fi of the N600 is quite simple, as the device has a built-in WPS switch. This allows you to connect to your network with the press of a button, eliminating the need to put in your password every time you try to connect a new device. Speaking of your devices, transferring data between multiple devices on your network is easy as well, thanks to the N600's DLNA and USB data-sharing options.

Easily the best option for NETGEAR combinations on the list so far, the N450 is sure to satisfy nearly every internet user out there.

5. NETGEAR N450

PROS

  • Capable of 340-450 Mbps speeds
  • Convenient power options on device
  • Simple install with some cable providers

CONS

  • Weak wireless capabilities

Featuring 8x4 bonding channels, the N450 is capable of obtaining internet speeds between 340 and 450 Mbps, depending on the connection type. This makes big downloads and gaming fast and free of the frustration you may get when your connection starts to lag.

As you can tell, the NETGEAR name is a major one in the world of internet gear. So it should come as no surprise that a NETGEAR product again makes an appearance, this time with the N450.

Installation of the N450 is simple. So simple in fact, that with a few internet providers, it is as easy as plugging the cable into the back of the device. Should you want to power off or reset your modem/router, the N450 actually features power switches on the device, making it easy to power cycle at will.

Unfortunately, much like the N300, the wireless signal is a little weak with this device, with some people reporting frequent drops in wireless connectivity. This may make the N450 a hard choice for people who rely mostly on wireless internet for their devices.

All in all, this is another great modem/router combo courtesy of the folks at NETGEAR. And with so many quality products under their belt, this may not be the last we see of NETGEAR on this list.

6. ARRIS SURFboard SBG6400

PROS

  • Backwards compatible with older internet connections
  • “Beamforming” technology for better Wi-Fi speeds and coverage

CONS

  • Only two Ethernet ports
  • Issues with Comcast internet

It is likely most of the devices connected to your home network use a Wi-Fi connection, so you would naturally want your wireless internet to be super-fast. Enter the ARRIS SURFboard SBG6400, which has the fastest Wi-Fi speeds of any of our router/modem combo so far.

How fast you ask? How does 343 Mbps sound to you? For the price range around $80 dollars, the ARRIS provides one of, if not the fastest, wireless connections of these hybrids so far. Increasing the wireless capabilities of the ARRIS is their patented Beamforming technology, which provides the most amount of coverage possible for your Wi-Fi, assuring you never lose connection.

That isn't to say that the wired connection for the ARRIS isn't good, providing download speeds of up to 343 Mbps. However, unlike other entries on the list, there are only two Ethernet ports on this device, which provides fewer options to wired internet users.

One cool thing that the ARRIS does is be backwards compatible with older DOCSIS 2.0, 1.0, and 1.1 internet connections, providing that your cable internet provider is compatible with the device. Unfortunately for Comcast users, you may have issue using the ARRIS, as there seems to be some compatibility issues with this cable provider (although this is completely on Comcast and NOT on ARRIS).

If you have greater need for a wireless connection, but still want a wired connection or to get rid of a rental modem, then the ARRIS is sure to give you exactly what you need.

7. Netgear N300 Modem Router

PROS

  • Easy install and control of home network
  • Parental control and guest network features
  • Compatible with most major cable companies

CONS

  • Mediocre wireless signal

The Netgear N300 broadband/wireless modem is not only compatible with most major internet providers, but promises 8x the speed through wired connection than you would get with a rental modem. This will allow you to not only get more from your internet connection, but allows you to get rid of a rental modem, which saves you money in the long run.

Tired of using the same, slow internet modem that your cable company makes you rent? Well, for the same price as the monthly rental fee your cable company charges you, you can own the much faster Netgear N300!

Installation of the N300 is as simple as hooking your co-ax cable to the back of the unit (and sometimes making a quick call to your cable company). After setup, you are given easy access to control all aspects of your internet connection, including setting up passwords and static IP addresses for the various devices in your household. You can even set up parental controls and guest networks, which helps to control what content can be accessed with your internet.

Unfortunately, the Wi-Fi connection of the Netgear leaves a lot to be desired. Signal strength is relativity weak, with some users claiming to lose connection several times a day.

Again, while not the best for wireless options, what the Netgear N300 does, it does well. Of course, this is to be expected from a major name like Netgear.

8. TP-Link N300 Modem Router

PROS

  • Easy setup
  • Affordable combo modem
  • Great speed through wired connection
  • Can support multiple devices with no latency

CONS

  • Weak wireless range

Setup for the N300 is really simple, with the product being able to be set up and installed in a matter of minutes. Once set up, you can connect any number of devices to the N300, from gaming consoles to computer, through wired Ethernet or wireless Wi-Fi within a certain range. This combination we are looking at is the TP Link N300. While this may not be the best on the market right now, that does not in the least make it a bad product.

Yes, while the Wi-Fi connection is reliably strong with the N300, it only is within a certain range from the device, and that range is not very great. Unfortunately, the effective range of this modem is fairly low, making it very easy to move out of range and lose connection.

That said, the wired connection of the N300 is actually fairly strong, with speeds of up to 343 MBPS for downloads and 143 MBPS for uploads. And you get this speed at a relatively affordable cost, which is much cheaper then buying both a wireless router and modem separate.

Again, while not the best, especially in terms of wireless internet, the TP Link N300 gives you tons of value for the price you pay, and is a great way to kick off our list.

9. Zoom 8x4 Modem Router

PROS

  • USB ports allow storage and streaming across network
  • Two internal antennas to increase wireless performance
  • Digital tuner allows you to get the most from your internet

CONS

  • Confusing setup and software

Using two built-in internal antennas, the Zoom 8x4 provides a superior wireless connection, as well as a 340 MBPS wired connection. If there is still not enough speed for you, the Zoom comes equipped with a digital tuner feature, which allows you to tweak your internet settings to provide you with the most speed possible. So far, the dual router/modems we've been talking about have not been as good with the wireless connection as they are with wired. That all changes with the Zoom 8x4.

While having this much speed in one convenient package is good, getting to use any of the Zoom's features may take some time. This is because it takes a bit of time to install the Zoom, with the instructions being confusing and of little help. After it is set up, your troubles are not over, as the software required to use the Zoom is equally frustrating to get used to.

Once you get everything set up and ready for use, the Zoom becomes a dream, even including an interesting feature not seen in some of the cheaper combo options. Using the USB ports in the back (as well as a built-in DLNA media server), users on the same network are able to easily save, stream, and transfer data over the network.

For being on the cheaper end of the spectrum for a modem/router, the Zoom 8x4 gives you more than many other options in the same price range. Providing good wireless and wired speeds and so much more, you can't go wrong with a Zoom.

What is The Top Pick?

These lists come with multiple products and can be confusing. So to make your life easier, below are our top recommendations.

On a Budget? Get the Netgear N300

If you're gaming and using a wired connection this is an excellent option that also happens to be rather affordable. If using Wi-Fi, we recommend getting something a little better.

In the Middle? Get the NETGEAR N600

While the NETGEAR N600 only has two Ethernet ports, the Wi-Fi signal is strong and the dual Wi-Fi bands make for an awesome shared internet experience.

Want the Best? Get the NETGEAR Nighthawk

This modem/router is easily in a league of its own. Not only does it offer insane wireless speeds, but it also has crazy wired connection speeds as well. Gaming, TV, it doesn't really matter, as the Nighthawk will handle it.

Conclusion

With everyone looking towards the future, you will want to be ready. Thankfully, with these modems, you will be ready for what's next in our increasingly connected lives.  Thanks for reading, and we'll see you next time!

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Modem Combo Reviews

To help you quickly find what you need, we have organized all of our modem combo reviews into one place. Feel free to browse around. Thanks for reading!



Austin

When the tech company I worked for restructured and I ended up jobless, I decided to put the wealth of knowledge and management skills to use somewhere new. I’d checked out a few buyer’s guides on the site in the past and reached out to the previous owner. A few months later, here we are. Now, I get to be behind the scenes, helping people find the best tech.