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Best Modem-Router Combos for Cable Internet 2025

Ready to free up shelf space and maximize your savings with an easy setup?

Our pick: Which modem-router combo is best?

The NETGEAR Nighthawk CAX30 modem-router combo (or gateway) is our top pick for most households. It works with most major cable internet providers and includes the handy Nighthawk app to make setting up and managing your Wi-Fi simple. Unless you have an internet plan over 2,000Mbps, the CAX30 packs plenty of speed. No matter what pick you go with, you’ll be saving money and shelf space—all while dodging pesky rental fees.

The 5 best modem router combos

Compare modem-router combos specs and prices

Best forModelWi-Fi max
throughput
Price
OverallNETGEAR Nighthawk CAX302,700Mbps$149.00 on Amazon
BudgetsARRIS SURFboard SBG101,600Mbps$77.98 on Amazon
SpeedARRIS SURFboard G5418,000Mbps$528.44 on Amazon
RangeNETGEAR Nighthawk CAX806,000Mbps$499.99 on Amazon
MeshNETGEAR Orbi CBK7524,200Mbps$260.97 on Amazon

What should you look for in a modem-router combo?

The modem’s channel capacity and Wi-Fi version play a role in which modem-router combo is the best fit for your needs. You want something that can handle all your devices and your internet plan with ease.

There are also extra features some modem-router combos offer you may want to consider, like parental controls or extra security. Just remember that some extra features may require a subscription to use, so keep the extra cost in mind when you’re shopping for a new modem-router combo.

Best overall: NETGEAR Nighthawk CAX30

NETGEAR Nighthawk CAX30

Specifications

  • 2×2 OFDM/A channels (DOCSIS 3.1)
  • 32×8 SC-QAM channels (DOCSIS 3.0)
  • Wi-Fi 6 (AX2700)
  • Up to 1,800Mbps (5 GHz)
  • Up to 900Mbps (2.4 GHz)
  • 4x Gigabit Ethernet ports

Pros

One-year warranty

Multi-gig internet support

Cons

Subscription-locked features

NETGEAR’s Nighthawk CAX30 will provide multi-gig speeds and fulfill all of your internet needs—as long as you don’t have any unusual speed requirements. The CAX30 comes with handy VPN support and firewall protection to boost your network’s safety. NETGEAR is a solid and reliable brand, so you won’t have to worry about any abnormal hardware issues.

All the added safety features make the CAX30 stand out above the rest. We all know you can never be too careful when it comes to cybersecurity. The price isn’t too shabby either and won’t break the bank. These features make the CAX30 an overall great value and modem-router combo that will work for most households.

Best for budgets: ARRIS SURFboard SBG10

ARRIS SURFboard SBG10

Specifications

  • 32×8 SC-QAM channels (DOCSIS 3.0)
  • Wi-Fi 5 (AC1600)
  • Up to 1,300Mbps (5 GHz)
  • Up to 300Mbps (2.4 GHz)
  • 4x Gigabit Ethernet ports

Pros

Cheap price

SURFboard Central app

Cons

Doesn’t support Wi-Fi 6

Not compatible with some providers

If you’re on a budget and looking for an affordable modem-router combo, the ARRIS SURFboard SBG10 is a solid choice. It’s a good fit for smaller households or those with relatively low speed needs. You can use the SURFboard Central app to customize and manage your home network and use parental controls to limit internet usage.

The SBG10 provides an overall good value if you don’t have a plan over 400Mbps. You get a good bang for your buck that gets the job done, as long as you’re content with Wi-Fi 5 and don’t have more than 20 devices to connect to the internet. It’s not compatible with all cable internet providers, so be sure to check your provider’s modem compatibility list before you make the purchase.

Best for speed: ARRIS SURFboard G54

ARRIS SURFboard G54

Specifications

  • 2×2 OFDM/A channels (DOCSIS 3.1)
  • 32×8 SC-QAM channels (DOCSIS 3.0)
  • Wi-Fi 7 (BE18000)
  • Up to 11,800Mbps (6 GHz)
  • Up to 2,900Mbps (5 GHz)
  • Up to 600Mbps (2.4 GHz)
  • 4x Gigabit Ethernet ports
  • 1x 10Gbps Ethernet port

Pros

10,000Mbps Ethernet port

Fast Wi-Fi 7 speeds

Cons

More expensive than other options

Reported reliability issues

If you’re looking for the latest technology that provides lightning-fast speeds, the ARRIS SURFboard G54 will be a great addition to your home network. Not only does the G54 come with an impressive 10,000Mbps Ethernet port, but you’ll also get four additional Gigabit ports, giving you flexibility to achieve all your speed needs.

You’ll get to enjoy the most recent Wi-Fi 7 standard with the G54, making it a good long-term investment—you won’t need to worry about an upgrade anytime soon. Even if you don’t have Wi-Fi 7 devices, the new spec delivers improved speeds to older devices based on our tests. The G54 comes with plenty of specs that justify the price if you have a larger household or high-speed needs.

Best for range: NETGEAR Nighthawk CAX80

NETGEAR Nighthawk CAX80 gateway

NETGEAR Nighthawk CAX80

Specifications

  • 2×2 OFDM/A channels (DOCSIS 3.1)
  • 32×8 SC-QAM channels (DOCSIS 3.0)
  • Wi-Fi 6 (AX6000)
  • Up to 4,800Mbps (5 GHz)
  • Up to 1,200Mbps (2.4 GHz)
  • 1x 2.5Gbps Ethernet port
  • 4x Gigabit Ethernet ports

Pros

4x Gigabit Ethernet ports

Link aggregation capabilities

Cons

Expensive pricetag

The NETGEAR Nighthawk CAX80 is a great pick if you’re looking for a solid range from your modem-router combo. The CAX80 supports up to 30 devices, making it a viable option for most households.

The CAX80 offers link aggregation, giving you more flexibility to manage your home network. You’ll get coverage up to 2,500 square feet, giving you plenty of wiggle room. Overall, the CAX80 is a solid choice that gives you plenty of range and speed from one of the most established modem and router brands.

Best for mesh: NETGEAR Orbi CBK752

NETGEAR Orbi CBK752

Specifications

  • 2×2 OFDM/A channels (DOCSIS 3.1)
  • 32×8 SC-QAM channels (DOCSIS 3.0)
  • Wi-Fi 6 (AX4200)
  • Up to 2,400Mbps (5 GHz-2)
  • Up to 1,200Mbps (5 GHz-1)
  • Up to 1,200Mbps (2.4 GHz)
  • 4x Gigabit Ethernet ports

Pros

Sleek design

Multi-gig speeds

Cons

Not compatible with internet plans over 1,000Mbps

No multi-gig ports

A household with a lot of electronic and smart devices is a great match for the tri-band Orbi CBK752. It covers up to 5,000 square feet, but if you really want to max out the range, you can expand coverage by 2,500 square feet with an Orbi Mesh WiFi 6 satellite—now that’s going the extra mile for your home network.

The CBK752 can handle over 40 connected devices, making it a good choice even for larger households. The price is the cherry on top for the CBK752, making it a solid option that won’t break the bank. If your goal is top-tier device connection, the CBK752 is the way to go.

Our verdict

Overall, we recommend the NETGEAR Nighthawk CAX30. It’s compatible with major cable internet companies, easy to use, and isn’t too expensive, making it a solid investment for your home network. It’s a great fit for most households that offers plenty of speed and features from a reliable manufacturer.

FAQ about modem-router combos

Do modems affect your internet speed?

What modem-router combos are compatible with my provider?

What does Mbps mean?

What does AX4200 or similar mean?

What's the fastest plan these modem-router combos support?

Are modem-router combos the same as internet gateways?

Disclaimer

Author -

After graduating from the University of Utah with an honors degree in Linguistics, Andrea Gutierrez Prieto transitioned from being an Analytic Linguist and Research Assistant to the HighSpeedInternet.com team. Andrea has a background in academic and research writing with a passion for helping readers make informed decisions. Off the clock, Andrea spends her time watching anime, reading manga, and baking delicious pastries at home.

Editor - Jessica Brooksby

Jessica loves bringing her passion for the written word and her love of tech into one space at HighSpeedInternet.com. She works with the team’s writers to revise strong, user-focused content so every reader can find the tech that works for them. Jessica has a bachelor’s degree in English from Utah Valley University and seven years of creative and editorial experience. Outside of work, she spends her time gaming, reading, painting, and buying an excessive amount of Legend of Zelda merchandise.

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