I explained in the CyberGuy feature How to reduce the bill for Internet services that owning versus renting a modem can get rid of overpayments. In many cases, you have more control over your modem and privacy. Check your bill for the past month and if you see that you’re paying for a rental modem and/or router, it might be time to invest in your own to save money in the long run.
6 top picks for the best modems
See the list below for the best modem. The focus is on cable modems primarily because DSL is an old technology that is being phased out fiber optics is a newer technology which is not available in many places.
LAPTOP SCREEN TOO SMALL? TOP PORTABLE MONITORS DO EVERYTHING MORE
MOTOROLA MB7420
Amazon review (at time of publication): 72% 5-star reviews from 6,667 reviews
Pros:
- Available
- DOCSIS 3.0 (16x faster than DOCSIS 2.0 modem)
- Sits taller than it is wider, so less footprint when it sits on a table
- Real simple color-coded connection ports
- US Customer Support
- Two-year warranty
- Works with leading cable TV providers: Comcast, Spectrum, Cox
Cons:
- Does not have a phone adapter or connector
- Not as small as some other modems
Amazon review (at time of publication): 76% 5-star reviews from 25,496 reviews
Pros:
- DOCSIS 3.1 technology means it is faster than DOCSIS 3.0 and backward compatible
- Multi-gigabit Ethernet speed, so this is the maximum speed for routers
- Sits taller than it is wider, so less footprint when it sits on a table
- US Customer Support
- Two-year warranty
- Works with leading cable TV providers: Comcast, Spectrum, Cox
Cons:
- More expensive than some of the older modems and can pay for itself in about a year depending on how much you pay per month for the modem
Get the Motorola MB8611
The router connects to the modem via Ethernet, and you can connect your WIFI devices, such as mobile phones and tablets, to the Internet without having to connect them to the modem via an Ethernet cable.
(CyberGuy)
NETGEAR CM700 Cable Modem
Amazon review (at time of publication): 72% 5-star reviews from 6,257 reviews
Pros:
- DOCSIS 3.0 technology
- Sits taller than it is wider, so less footprint when it sits on a table
- Works with leading cable TV providers: Comcast, Spectrum, Cox
- Different prices for different maximum download speeds (so you can pay more or less depending on what speed you need)
- Works with any router
- Speed ​​up to 800 Mbps
Cons:
- Technically optimized for compatibility with Nighthawk routers, which are routers of this brand
- No phone jack
- Limited one year warranty
Buy the NETGEAR CM700 Cable ModemI-SPY: CHANGE YOUR COMPUTER SETTINGS TO STOP PROGRAMS THAT SPY ON YOU
NETGEAR Nighthawk CM1200 Cable Modem
Amazon review (at time of publication): 75% 5-star reviews from 7,439 reviews
Pros:
- DOCSIS 3.1 technology means it is faster than DOCSIS 3.0
- Sits taller than it is wider, so less footprint when it sits on a table
- Works with leading cable TV providers: Comcast, Spectrum, Cox
- Works with any router
- Ethernet integration with multiple gigs
- 4 Ethernet ports
Cons:
- expensive
- Not compatible with Verizon, AT&TCenturyLink, DSL providers, DirecTV, DISH and any bundled voice service
Buy the NETGEAR Nighthawk CM1200 Cable Modem
ARRIS SB6190 Surfboard
Amazon review (at time of publication): 71% 5-star reviews out of 5,155 reviews
Pros:
- DOCSIS 3.0 technology
- Works with any router
- Speed ​​up to 800 Mbps
- Compatible with major US cable internet providers including Cox, Spectrum, Xfinity and more
Cons:
- Not DOCSIS 3.1
- Not compatible with ATT, Verizon, CenturyLink or other DSL or Fiber Internet providers.
Buy the ARRIS SURFboard SB6190
ARRIS SB8200 Surfboard
Amazon review (at time of publication): 76% 5-star reviews from 16,392 reviews
Pros:
- DOCSIS 3.1 technology means it is faster than DOCSIS 3.0
- Two 1-gigabit Ethernet ports
- Speed ​​up to 1 Gbps
- Approved for Cox, Xfinity, Spectrum and more
Cons:
- More expensive than some older modems and generally pays for itself in about 2 years depending on how much you pay per month for the modem
- Not compatible with ATT, Verizon, CenturyLink or other DSL or Fiber Internet providers
Buy the ARRIS SURFboard SB8200
How to buy the best router
Displays devices using Wi-Fi from the same Wi-Fi router/modem.
(cybergay)
Modems connect to routers via Ethernet cables. Most routers have an optional Ethernet port for wired connection to your devices. Most routers have Wi-Fi capabilities so when your modem is connected to a Wi-Fi router, it allows your devices to connect to the Internet via Wi-Fi.
Features of the router:
- Network type: Routers allow you to create Wi-Fi networks. There are two common types: 802.11ac: The newest and fastest technology that is backward compatible with older Wi-Fi devices. If you have many devices to connect via Wi-Fi, this is your best choice. 802.11n: This is an older technology with a standard speed of up to 600 Mbps, while newer 802.11ac routers have a bandwidth of up to 1 Gbps. One advantage is that it has a long range.
- 802.11ac: The newest and fastest technology that is backward compatible with older Wi-Fi devices. If you have many devices to connect via Wi-Fi, this is your best choice.
- 802.11n: This is an older technology with a standard speed of up to 600 Mbps, while newer 802.11ac routers have a bandwidth of up to 1 Gbps. One advantage is that it has a long range.
- Wireless range: This is the frequency range that transmits data from your router to your devices. Below are the 3 types: Single: Uses 2.4GHz or 5GHz band Dual: Uses both 2.4GHz and 5GHz Triple: Uses 2.4GHz and 2 separate 5GHz
- Single: Uses the 2.4GHz or 5GHz band
- Dual: Uses both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz
- Three: Uses 2.4GHz and 2 separate 5GHz
The 2.4GHz bands are great for connecting devices like smart bulbs and wireless devices. While devices such as tablets and laptops perform better on the 5GHz band. Having a multi-device router helps distribute network traffic across device types.
- Beamforming: This allows the Wi-Fi router to direct signals to where they are most needed. This is great for larger rooms where devices and routers are further apart or in less accessible locations.
To learn about the best routers, go to CyberGuy.com and search for “best routers”.
Pros and cons of combined devices
A wireless router with three antennas and a connected cable. A man is using a smartphone in the background
(iStock)
Although there are some modem-router combo devices available, they are usually best purchased separately.
Usually, if a provider requires you to use their equipment to connect, they usually require that the modem be leased or purchased from them. They usually allow you to choose a router yourself. Some additional reasons why a separate router and modem is better than a combination device include:
- Easier to troubleshoot. If there is a connection problem, it’s usually obvious if the problem is directly from the ISP rather than an internal hardware (router) problem when the devices are disconnected because you’ll get certain signals on the modem and not the router. Whereas if you have a combo device, it usually doesn’t distinguish between a modem or router problem.
- Sometimes cheaper. If you can’t negotiate on the price of the modem, but if you can buy the router separately, you’ll probably find a better ideal
- The best technologies. While you can be stuck with whatever technology your ISP gives you for your modem, if you can choose your own router, you can buy the latest and greatest router to maximize the speed you’re paying for.
- Pay less tax. You will only be charged tax on the equipment you rent out.
- Easier to replace. If the modem is down, you still have the router working, and vice versa. While when the combined device breaks down, everything is broken.
The only real downside to not buying a combo device is that sometimes you end up paying for two different devices. Again, you can save by getting the best price for these two separate purchases.
When NOT to buy your own equipment
Of course, you are encouraged to do your own research to find out what providers are actually available in your area and what your chosen company will allow.
Below are the top reasons NOT to buy your own equipment:
- Against company policy. There are still some ISPs that make it part of their terms and services that you have to rent or buy their equipment.
- Free equipment. Although not common, some ISPs, such as AT&T, actually provide equipment for free to their customers. If the equipment they provide is not a true “fossil” with the technology of yesteryears, it would be a good idea to use free equipment. This is already included in the cost of the monthly service.
- Setup trouble. If you are not tech savvy and prefer to have someone else come and set up your equipment, you can rent or buy equipment from your ISP and have it set up. In cases like ViaSat, there is the installation of special equipment, such as a satellite, that cannot be purchased or used without the company’s help.
- Repair/replacement. If the rented equipment breaks or malfunctions, the provider will usually replace or repair it. If you purchased your own, it is your responsibility to repair or replace it.
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