The Best Modem Router Combos
We compared eight modem router combos using owner ratings, expert reviews, and specs to find the best options for your home internet.
Updated
The bottom line
The NETGEAR Nighthawk CAX30 is our top pick for a modem router combo, offering DOCSIS 3.1 support and WiFi 6 capabilities for up to 2.7 Gbps. It's priced at $162 and has a strong owner sentiment with 8.2/10 from 2414 ratings. The ARRIS Surfboard G34 is a close runner-up at $107.85, providing similar performance at a lower price. For budget-conscious buyers, the NETGEAR Nighthawk Cable Modem and WiFi 5 Router Combo (B00ZUPOF7Y) at $59 offers solid performance for cable plans up to 800Mbps.
NETGEAR Nighthawk CAX30 $162.00
Best overall modem router combo
The NETGEAR Nighthawk CAX30 offers DOCSIS 3.1 and WiFi 6 for up to 2.7 Gbps, priced at $162. It has strong owner sentiment with 8.2/10 from 2414 ratings. The tradeoff is its incompatibility with certain ISPs and potential setup issues.
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ARRIS Surfboard G34 DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem & Wi-Fi 6 Router | AX3000 $107.85
Best budget modem router combo
The ARRIS Surfboard G34 provides DOCSIS 3.1 and WiFi 6 for up to 3 Gbps at $107.85. It has 7.4/10 from 3168 ratings. The tradeoff is its incompatibility with fiber, DSL, or satellite services.
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NETGEAR Nighthawk Cable Modem and WiFi 5 Router Combo $59.00
Best budget option for cable plans
The NETGEAR Nighthawk Cable Modem and WiFi 5 Router Combo offers AC1900 WiFi for $59. It has 8.4/10 from 5896 ratings. The tradeoff is its limited compatibility with US cable internet only.
Check price on AmazonThe field, ranked
- NETGEAR Nighthawk CAX30 Best for high-speed cable internet with WiFi 6. 9.0/10 $162.00 Amazon
- ARRIS Surfboard G34 DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem & Wi-Fi 6 Router | AX3000 Best budget option with DOCSIS 3.1 and WiFi 6. 8.0/10 $107.85 Amazon
- NETGEAR Nighthawk Cable Modem and WiFi 5 Router Combo Best budget pick for cable plans up to 800Mbps. 8.0/10 $59.00 Amazon
- NETGEAR Nighthawk Cable Modem and WiFi 6 Router Combo High-end option with WiFi 6 but at a premium price. 7.0/10 $449.99 Amazon
- ARRIS Surfboard G54 DOCSIS 3.1 Multi-Gig Modem & Wi-Fi 7 Router Next-gen Wi-Fi 7 but expensive and less tested. 7.0/10 $447.11 Amazon
- ARRIS Surfboard G20 DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem & Wi-Fi 6 Router | AX3000 Good performance but lower owner sentiment. 6.0/10 $159.49 Amazon
- NETGEAR Nighthawk Cable Modem and WiFi 5 Router Combo Similar to B00ZUPOF7Y but slightly higher price. 6.0/10 $69.99 Amazon
- Arris Cable Modem Router Combo Good performance but fewer owner ratings. 6.0/10 $103.47 Amazon
Who should buy which?
Users with high-speed cable internet plans should consider the NETGEAR Nighthawk CAX30 or ARRIS Surfboard G34 for their DOCSIS 3.1 and WiFi 6 capabilities. Budget-conscious buyers should look at the NETGEAR Nighthawk Cable Modem and WiFi 5 Router Combo (B00ZUPOF7Y) for reliable performance at a lower price.
What owners complain about
Common complaints include setup issues, especially with ISP activation, and incompatibility with certain ISPs. Some owners also report sensitivity to static or noise in the lines.
Also-rans
The ARRIS Surfboard G20 and NETGEAR Nighthawk Cable Modem and WiFi 5 Router Combo (B07DCZ7C65) did not make the cut due to lower owner sentiment and higher prices relative to their performance.
Timing
The NETGEAR Nighthawk CAX30 and ARRIS Surfboard G34 have shown stable prices, while the ARRIS Surfboard G54, with Wi-Fi 7, is a newer model with less owner feedback but promising next-gen performance.