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These days, the Internet has become a staple in most households. Almost three-quarters of adults in the U.S. are home broadband users.
For fast, reliable Internet access, it’s important that you have the right hardware at your fingertips.
Here, we’ve brought you our top picks for the best modem router for Time Warner available on the market today.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Best Modem Routers For Time Warner
- OUR TOP PICK: Asus CM-32
- RUNNER-UP: Arris SBG7580AC
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: NETGEAR C6250 100NAS
Comparison of the Best Modem Routers For Time Warner
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What Makes a Modem Router Great For Use With Time Warner?
Time Warner Cable, now known as Spectrum, is one of the top Internet Service Providers (ISPs) for American households. As with many ISPs, users often rent out a modem router for a monthly fee.
Instead of renting a unit out, buying your own is a great way to save some money on your yearly utility bills. However, not all models are created equal. Here are some features to look out for when it comes to modem routers.
Available Ports
Your modem router needs to be able to connect with your household with the Internet. LAN ports allow you to connect Ethernet cables to connect the unit to your computer along with other smart devices.
USB ports can also be a handy fixture on a modem router. They allow you to connect external devices such as printers or hard drives to your home network.
Asus CM-32
Customizable Settings
With rental modem routers, you’re often limited in what you can tweak and customize. With your own unit, you may have the option to adjust settings to meet your unique needs. Many top modem routers allow users to enable and disable certain features as needed.
Apps and Management Software
Nowadays, many people rely on a smart home setup to keep their household running smoothly. You can find modem routers that are compatible with app-based management software so that you can monitor your Internet usage from anywhere.
How Does a Modem Router Work?
You need a modem router to connect your household to the Internet. A modem hooks up to your cable or phone line, using this to transmit data to connected devices. A router then decodes this digital information and uses wireless signals to send it to nearby computers, tablets, smartphones, and more. Speed is measured in megabits per second or Mbps.
You can buy separate modems and routers or opt for a combo model. These are typically cheaper and more convenient than purchasing individual units, and they take up less space in your entertainment center. Keep in mind, however, that you may not have as much control over custom settings.
Review of the Best Modem Routers For Time Warner
With so many modem routers available on the market, it can be tough to choose the right one for your household. Here are our top choices for the best modem routers for Time Warner customers.
Best Overall:
ASUS CM-32
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Though it can be a challenge to set up, Time Warner customers have found that ASUS CM-32 offers lightning-fast speeds for home users. The model holds up well after months or even years of wear and tear, though it’s a good idea to remember that firmware updates aren’t automatic.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This all-in-one solution from Asus offers impressive download speeds of up to 1.3 Gbps. It combines a DOCSIS 3.0 32x8 cable modem with an AC2600 4X4 Wi-Fi router to provide full bandwidth access, making it easy to stream, play games, work from home, and more.
A powerful Puma 6 processor powers the unit. In addition to fast speeds, the modem also boasts 512MB RAM and 256MB of flash storage space.
The CM-32 has four removable antennas along with two USB 2.0 ports and four LAN ports. MU-MIMO compatibility (multi-user, multi-input, multi-output) makes this combo model ideal for households with multiple in-network users and devices.
Bottom Line
The ASUS CM-32 modem-router combo is ideal for Time Warner customers looking to boost their speeds. It makes an especially good choice for multi-device households and heavy bandwidth users. As long as you keep firmware up to date, this modem router is safe, speedy, and will last for years.
Runner-up:
ARRIS SBG7580AC
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Time Warner subscribers like this modem router because it’s easy to set up and user-friendly. What’s more, it delivers fast speeds across the boards. More advanced users say that they would like to see access to more network control settings such as parental restrictions and security options.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This modem-router combo has been on the market since 1997, making it one of the oldest models still available today. Over that time, Arris has improved upon the router to meet the evolving needs of the market.
The Arris SBG7580AC is the most powerful modem-router combo in their SURFboard product line, with 32 downstream x 8 upstream channels. It delivers download speeds of up to 1.4 Gbps, upload speeds up to 343 Mbps, and Wi-Fi speeds up to 1750 Mbps.
This model has four Ethernet ports and one USB port to allow users to connect to external devices. The display is attractive and easy to read.
Bottom Line
This modem router is fast enough for most household applications, from video conferencing to streaming on Netflix. It has an attractive, user-friendly design that’s ideal for tech novices. However, this unit may not be as customizable as more advanced users would prefer.
Best for the Money:
NETGEAR C6250 100NAS
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
For the price, users are pleased with the speeds that this modem router has to offer. It has plenty of advanced control and management features, though the layout can be a bit awkward. Some Time Warner customers have found this modem to be more sensitive to long-term damage than other options.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This affordable model from NETGEAR offers all of the same features as many high-end models, but for a fraction of the price. Its three-in-one design combines a modem router with a two-gigabit wired switch.
Thanks to 16x4 channel bonding, this unit is approved for speeds up to 300 Mbps. It’s ideal for most Time Warner plans and compatible with most home network systems.
Using the NETGEAR Genie App, you can manage your modem from anywhere with a smartphone or other device. Advanced parental controls and guest network options allow you to keep tabs on who can use your Internet and what they’re able to access.
Bottom Line
This modem router is a cost-effective choice for anyone that’s looking for high speeds and customizability. It offers most of the same features as more expensive options. However, the NETGEAR C6250 is not as durable as other models and may break down more quickly.
Editor's Pick:
TP-Link TC-W7960
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
This router is easy to use and simple to set up, making it a favorite amongst household users.
Most users find this modem-router to be more than fast enough for most purposes. Some users report issues with keeping a steady signal. Interference from neighboring networks can cause issues, as can high-bandwidth applications.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This small, lightweight modem router is easy to set up and fits well in snug spaces. Despite its compact size, it has four LAN ports, one USB 2.0 port, and two internal antennas.
Though speeds aren’t as fast as some other models on our list, the TP-Link TC-W7960 delivers up to 343 Mbps download speed, 143 Mbps upload speeds, and Wi-fi speeds of up to 300 Mbps.
The unit uses N300 Wi-Fi, which allows you to seamlessly connect to multiple devices at once. Parental settings and guest network features give you complete control over when and how users access your network.
Bottom Line
The TP-Link TC-W7960 is a good choice for the average home user in terms of speed and customizability. Even tech novices can figure out how to set the device up and adjust control settings. However, this modem router may not offer the strength of connectivity that some Internet users need for high-bandwidth applications.
Honorable Mention:
TP-Link AC1750
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
The TP-Link AC1750 gets an honorable mention as a crowd favorite thanks to its impressive range and high speeds. It’s also easy to set up and use for Time Warner customers of any technical skill level. However, it may not be the best choice for households with multiple users or devices, as you can only set up limited subnets, and the connection is prone to freezing with heavy use.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This TP-Link modem-router combo is capable of download speeds up to 680 Mbps and Wi-Fi speeds of up to 1750 Mbps. It has 16x4 channel bonding, which increases throughput for an even faster connection.
Thanks to six internal antennas along with built-in amplifiers, the unit boasts an impressive range. There are also four Ethernet ports and two USB ports available.
You can access control settings online to customize safety and accessibility features. The TP-Link AC1750 has plenty of parental and guest settings to give you complete control over your home network.
Bottom Line
This modem router is a good, cost-effective choice for most basic users. It has an impressive range and can offer high speeds for applications such as gaming and streaming. However, it is prone to freezing up with heavy use and may not be ideal for multi-user households.
How Do I Choose a Modem Router For Time Warner?
When it comes to modem routers, not all models are created equal. There are certain things to look out for when shopping for the best modem router for Time Warner Cable.
Fast Speeds
No matter what speeds an ISP promises, with the wrong modem, you’re bound to get a connection that lags. You should look for models that offer high speeds, especially if you use high-bandwidth services such as Netflix or YouTube. However, you shouldn’t spend more on something faster than your Time Warner plan can offer.
ASUS CM-32
DOCSIS 3.1 Compatibility
Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification, more commonly known as DOCSIS, is a set of International standards that measure data transfer within a cable system. Old units are often DOCSIS 3, which is just a little bit slower than the 10 gigabytes per second speeds offered by DOCSIS 3.1 modems. However, it still offers superior performance for the average user.
Security Options
Security should always be a consideration when adding new hardware to your home network. Any modem router that you choose should have strong security settings that you can use to keep unwanted guests locked out of your system. It’s a good idea to look for something with a built-in firewall and wireless security protocols.
Pros and Cons of Buying Your Own Modem to Use With Time Warner
Whether you’re buying a new model or replacing your old Time Warner rental unit, it’s important to know the pros and cons of owning your own modem router.
Pros
Below are the main pros:
Save on Monthly Rental Fees
While Time Warner provides all customers with a rental modem router, it can get expensive over time. You can end up paying hundreds of dollars per year for a unit that you'll never get to own. However, if you buy your own modem router, you'll only have to pay once to use it.
Get Faster Speeds
With rental units, you don’t often get a choice when it comes to Mbps. If you want the latest technology and the fastest speeds, it’s best to shop for your own modem router.
Customize Your Experience
Your contract with your ISP may not allow you to make modifications to a rental modem router. However, with your own unit, you can change settings and make adjustments as needed without worrying about voiding your subscription agreement.
Cons
Below are the main cons:
High Upfront Cost
While you may have to pay a rental fee for a Time Warner modem router, it’s often just a small amount each month. Buying your own router means making a significant initial investment, sometimes to the tune of several hundred dollars.
Conclusion
Buying a modem router instead of renting can help you to save on your monthly Internet bills. Time Warner customers can find a wide variety of quality options available. No matter which model you choose, as long as you do your research, your bound to find a compatible modem that meets your households’ needs.
People Also Ask
Buying your own modem router can help to improve your online experience, but you must do your due diligence before choosing a model.
Here, we’re going to go over the most common questions that people have when looking for the best modem router for Time Warner.
Can I Use My Own Modem With Time Warner?
If you ask a Time Warner customer service representative, they’ll most likely advise you to stick to the rental modem that the company offers upon signing a contract. However, it’s perfectly fine if you want to purchase and use your own modem instead. Just know that you’ll be responsible for any upkeep costs.
How Much is Time Warner Wi-Fi?
Time Warner, now known as Spectrum, offers plans starting at $49.99 per month when you sign up for a 12-month contract.
If you want to add additional services such as TV and voice recognition, you may pay as much as $99.97 per month. Buying your own router can help you to lower these monthly costs.
How to Connect to Time Warner Wi-Fi
All Time Warner devices come with detailed instructions on setting up hardware to work with your home network. You should find a unique Spectrum Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and password on the back of each router. Log onto your computer or mobile device, open the connectivity settings, and use these sequences to connect.
Is Time Warner Internet Good?
Time Warner, or Spectrum, consistently ranks among the top ISPs for American users. According to the FCC, over 90% of subscribers experienced median download speeds of at least 95% of what was promised. Time Warner is consistently fast, reliable, and is available in most major metropolitan areas.
Do I Need a Modem and Router For Time Warner?
You need to have a modem and a router to connect to any ISP, including Time Warner Cable. You can buy the two separately or opt for a more convenient two-in-one option. As long as you set everything up correctly, you should have quick and reliable access to the web at any time of day.
Is it Better to Buy a Modem and Router Separately?
Buying a modem and a router separately can give advanced tech users more control over customizable settings and security features. However, this route is often more expensive, and it can be a challenge to set up. Many Time Warner subscribers find it easier to opt for a two-in-one modem router combo.
For Time Warner Cable, Do I Need a Modem For Wi-Fi to Connect to My Router?
A router alone won’t be able to connect you to the Internet with any service provider. You need both a modem and a router if you want to convert cable signals into something your home network can read. The modem acts as a direct link between your cable connection and your computer setup, while your router wirelessly transmits data to devices.
