Or you can buy your own. And using your own router, modem, or modem-router combo might give you a better online experience thanks to cutting-edge tech and features, like our top pick, the ARRIS SURFboard SB8200 cable modem. So what are the best Spectrum modems and routers? Let’s dig in and find out. But what should you look for when shopping for a Spectrum modem or router? Do you want a cable modem or wireless router? Here are a few features and specs you should consider. Also, you’ll want to upgrade your coax cable to one that’s DOCSIS 3.1 compatible. Sure, it seems like a lot of steps to get your internet connection set up for this new tech. But the right cable modem is so worth it for gig speeds. The A20’s tri-band technology can prove incredibly useful for gamers, home offices, and YouTubers alike. This router has four Ethernet ports. Plus, it supports speeds up to 1,625 on the 5 GHz bands, meaning your Wi-Fi is maxed out and ready for the Spectrum Internet® GIG plan if you’ve got it. Not to mention that device-heavy households will also benefit from the Archer A20’s beamforming, QoS, and MU-MIMO technology. All of these features let you optimize your cable internet connection so that all your devices get a strong signal—and important devices get that strong signal first. Besides, if you prefer a more reliable wired connection, the Orbi CBR750 comes with four LAN Ethernet ports. That puts the Google Nest Wi-Fi router to shame. For wireless router connections, the Orbi boasts three bands, similar to the Archer A20. But unlike the Archer A20, the Orbi CBR750 also has the latest Wi-Fi 6 technology, allowing this wifi router modem combo to support even faster wireless speeds. And similar to the Archer A20 and NETGEAR Orbi CBR750, the ROG Rapture GT-AC5300 sports tri-band technology. So all your gaming devices can hog one of the 5 GHz bands, while all your other smart devices still get support on the remaining 2.4 and 5 GHz bands. And the ROG Rapture has eight Ethernet ports. There are plenty more features that come with the ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AC5300 that we think both gamers and other internet power users will enjoy, including OpenVPN, link aggregation, Wi-Fi RangeBoost, MU-MIMO, and AiMesh Wi-Fi. Yup, this router is kitted out in tech. And it will be compatible with any Spectrum cable internet plan. For anyone who’d rather skip the Spectrum router rental fee, the TP-Link Archer A20 comes in at a reasonable price and is still loaded with features. If you’re okay to spend a little more, the NETGEAR Orbi CBR750 is a modem-router combo powerhouse that also blankets your home with mesh Wi-Fi technology. And for gamers, well, we think the ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AC5300 has a feature or two that’ll get you hyped.
Price Compatibility with Spectrum Supported wireless speeds Additional features like MU-MIMO and beamforming Customer ratings
First up, we made sure that all of our product recommendations are compatible with Spectrum. This was a larger concern for the modems, and so we cross-referenced each modem with Spectrum’s list of approved equipment. We know not everyone has a boatload of money to spend on equipment, so we aimed to include modems and routers at various price points. But even our most budget-friendly pick, the NETGEAR CM500, offers great value in terms of features and performance. Lastly, we took a look at features that can optimize everyday online experiences. We think mesh Wi-Fi, MU-MIMO, and beamforming are excellent features to consider for anyone who owns a lot of online devices (who doesn’t nowadays). And for those power users out there, we looked for gaming-specific tech and tri-band routers. Before, your router would send data to one device at a time. Granted, it was still quick enough that you probably wouldn’t notice. But as we gather more and more online devices in our homes, MU-MIMO becomes more important.
