If you subscribe to Comcast Xfinity, you will naturally want the best possible performance. To do this, you will want the best modem router combo for Xfinity that you can get. But, which device is the best one?
When it comes to finding the right device, you will need to think about many different factors, including the speeds, compatibility, and even coverage.
What you need for your network will determine which modem router combo that you should get.
Ultimately, you need a device that is compatible with Comcast Xfinity. Here’s how you can decide which the right one is for your network.
Factors To Consider When Getting A Modem Router For Xfinity
WiFi Speed
The first consideration when looking for the best modem router for Xfinity is the WiFi speed. You will need to consider the speed package that you have with Comcast, but you also need to think about what you are doing with your internet at home.
Are you more of a browser than a streamer? Gamers need faster speeds than people who usually stick with social media. All of those factor into the speed.
Wireless Range & Coverage
Another factor to consider when getting a modem router for Xfinity is the range and the amount of coverage that you need. Every device should list what its wireless range is, so you need to compare that to the size of your home.
Think about the amount of walls, rooms, and even floors that the signal will have to travel to. More coverage is always better than less coverage.
Channel Bonding
Channel bonding should also be considered when looking at a modem router combo for Xfinity. Channel bonding is how your modem breaks up your web traffic at a packet level between several internet connections.
The more channels that you have, the more efficient your device will be. Modern cable modems will either have 16 x4 or 32 x 8 channel bonding, with the 32 x 8 being faster. At minimum, you need 16 x 4.
Compatibility
Compatibility also matters greatly when it comes to a modem router combo for Xfinity. Since Comcast is a cable company, you need to make sure that you have a cable modem. With Xfinity Voice, you need a modem that has voice capability.
All of the devices that we reviewed for you are compatible with Xfinity, so if you are looking for a device not listed here, make sure that Comcast says it is compatible.
10 Best Modem Router Combos For Xfinity (2022)
Device | Speed | Ports | Rating | Check Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1. Motorola MG7550 Editor's Choice | 1900 Mbps | 4 Ports | 100% | |
2. Netgear C7800 High Performance | 3200 Mbps | 4 Ports | 99% | |
3. Motorola MG7540 Budget Friendly | 1600 Mbps | 4 Ports | 95% | |
4. Asus AC2600 For Gaming | 2600 Mbps | 4 Ports | 96% | |
5. Netgear Orbi Extended Coverage | 2200 Mbps | 4 Ports | 97% | |
6. Motorola MT7711 For Xfinity Voice | 1900 Mbps | 6 Ports | 98% | |
7. Arris SBG10 | 1600 Mbps | 2 Ports | 94% | |
8. Netgear CAX80 DOCSIS 3.1 | 6000 Mbps | 4 Ports | 99% | |
9. Linksys CG7500 | 1900 Mbps | 4 Ports | 93% | |
10. Netgear C7000 | 1900 Mbps | 4 Ports | 95% |
1. Motorola MG7550 Modem Router Combo
Best Modem Router Combo For Xfinity (Editor's Choice)
Our choice for the best modem router combo for Comcast Xfinity is the Motorola MG7550.
This is a reliable device that comes with a built-in high-speed router and has a lot of great performance features to help your network be as efficient as possible.
Design
The MG7550 has a tower design, which means that there is a lot of venting so that the device will stay cool without any trouble. Tower designs will not breakdown like horizontal devices do, giving you a better lifespan.
Furthermore, the MG7550 also has four 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports to provide you with wired connections to your computers, HDTVs, gaming consoles, or any other Ethernet compatible device that you would like to have hard-wired to your modem.
Being able to plug in devices will give you the best connectivity possible, ensuring you won’t have interruptions or be kicked off the network.
Performance
Looking at the MG7550’s performance, you’ll find that the device has a built-in dual-band router, so you will get both the 2.4 GHz and the 5 GHz bands to work with, so you can put your streaming devices on the 5 GHz band and your browsing devices on the 2.4 GHz band.
The maximum download speed is 686 Mbps and Xfinity recommends this device for speed plans that are 300 Mbps or lower to get the most out of it.
The MG7550 comes with Motorola’s Power Boost which is designed to increase the strength and range of the wireless signal. It also has Beamforming technology which can really help you hone in on specific devices by extending the reach of the router to where you need it the most.
Motorola MG7550 Pros
- Tower design
- 4 x Gigabit Ethernet ports
- Built-in router
- Wireless Power Boost
- DOCSIS 3.0 modem
Motorola MG7550 Cons
- Hard to upgrade the firmware
2.Netgear Nighthawk C7800 Modem Router
High Performance
If you are looking more for a high performance modem router combo for Comcast Xfinity, we recommend the Netgear Nighthawk C7800. This device comes with a lot of features and security options.
Design
The design of the C7800 is a little bit bulky, with an appearance like a brick. It is flat and will not be easy to conceal if you wanted to try to. It has four high-gain antennas that can help boost your wireless signal throughout your network.
You will want to keep your modem in a well-ventilated location to ensure that it does not overheat, which it is at risk of doing.
The C7800 has with four 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet ports as well as two high-speed USB 3.0 ports. This will give you incredible and reliable connected speeds, whether you want to plug in an HDTV, gaming console, or simply get a fast speed to your computer.
It also has parental controls and it supports WEP and WPA/WPA2 wireless security protocols for improved safety.
Performance
The speeds for the C7800 are excellent, reaching up to 2 Gbps. Even if you are only paying for 1 Gbps, having this modem that is capable of more will allow you to get the most out of the speeds that you do pay for. The best thing about getting a DOCSIS 3.1 modem is that it is future-safe and will not need to be replaced.
Taking a look at the built-in router, the C7800 can cover up to 3,000 square feet with wireless coverage as well as up to 45 connected devices. The wireless speeds can reach up to 3200 Mbps as well.
Netgear C7800 Pros
- Up to 3,000 sq.ft. in coverage
- Allows up to 45 connected devices
- Speeds up to 2 Gbps
- Four x Gigabit Ethernet ports
- Two x USB 3.0 ports
Netgear C7800 Cons
- Overheats easily
3. Motorola MG7540 Modem Router Combo
Budget Friendly
Our choice for the perfect budget friendly modem router combo device for Comcast Xfinity is the Motorola MG7540. This is a reliable device that comes with all of the features that you need.
Design
To begin with, the design of the MG7540 is a tower design, which is nice since tower devices stay cooler, giving them a longer lifespan. It has excellent vents built-into the sides of the as well, so it will not overheat like a horizontal device will. The design is also a space-saver, so it will be easy to find a spot for.
The MG7540 has four 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports, so you will be able to plug in any device that needs a stable connection, including a gaming system, HDTV, or even an external firewall. The Broadcom cable modem chipset provides security from Denial of Service attacks as well.
Performance
Looking at the MG7540’s performance, you will see that it has AnyBeam Beamforming, which can help boost the signal of the router, increasing its overall range. This works on both of the frequencies for better overall performance and it can also work on WiFi DFS frequencies, making it less prone to neighbour interference.
The modem is a DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem that can reach up to 375 Mbps, which should be what you expect from a standard combo unit. What you get will depend greatly on your speed package with Comcast.
The router comes with both the 2.4 GHz band and a 5 GHz band, allowing you to focus your signal on the devices that work better on each band. The maximum total speeds that the router allows are 686 Mbps.
Motorola MG7540 Pros
- Four 10/100/1000 Gigabit LAN ports
- Dual-band frequencies
- DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem
- AnyBeam Beamforming
- Tower design
Motorola MG7540 Cons
- Difficult to update firmware
4.ASUS All-in-One AC2600 Modem Router Combo
For Gaming
If you are into gaming and streaming then the best modem router for Xfinity is the ASUS All-in-One AC2600. This device comes with a lot of great features to work with.
Design
The ASUS All-in-One AC2600 cable modem has a horizontal design with four external antennas that can be moved to point in the direction that really needs the speed. It does sit at an angle with vents coming out of the sides, but you should still make sure that the device is in a well-ventilated space. The design itself is bulky and will take up a lot of room.
The All-in-One AC2600 comes with four Gigabit LAN Ethernet ports to plug your gaming console right into as well as two USB 2.0 ports for external storage or a printer that you might have. It also has an Ethernet WAN port.
Performance
The AC2600 device has an Intel 1.6 GHz combined processor, which should be able to keep up with whatever you need it to. The modem is a DOCSIS 3.0 with 32 x 8 channel bonding in place with supported speeds up to 1.3 Gbps, which is exactly what you would need for gaming. The data transfer rate goes up to 1734 Mbps as well, depending on your speed package.
The device also has MU-MIMO technology, making it easy for more than one user to game on the network at the same time without running into any kind of lags or other trouble. This device comes preconfigured with a unique SSID and password on the bottom of the router, increasing your overall security while making the setup simple.
Asus AC2600 Pros
- 4 x Gigabit Ethernet ports
- 2 x USB 2.0 ports
- Dual-band router
- 1.3 Gbps download speeds
- 4 external antennas
Asus AC2600 Cons
- Bulky design
5. Netgear Orbi CBK40 Mesh WiFi System
Extended Coverage
If you are looking for extended coverage to work with Comcast Xfinity, we suggest the Netgear Orbi CBK40 system. This is a built-in modem whole mesh system.
Design
The Orbi CBK40 has a sleek design. It has a white casing with a blue lighting system. It is very slim and is easy to conceal, which is nice since it is a mesh system and you are likely to have more than one point to work with.
The device comes with 4 Ethernet ports on the primary device and there are 2 additional ports on each satellite point. That way, you can directly have a wired connection to a smart TV, gaming console, or anything else that needs that reliable connection. The setup for the system is quick and easy, so it should be up and running in no time at all.
Performance
The performance for the Orbi CBK40 is excellent. The system can reach speeds up to 2.2 Gbps, but it is limited by the speed package that you have with Comcast. Regardless, you should be able to get the most out of the system.
This has a tri-band router as well, which will increase your overall bandwidth, making the entire system more efficient. The Orbi has 32 x 8 channel bonding with a DOCSIS 3.0 modem as well.
The best thing about Orbi is the extended coverage. With the primary modem and satellite point that comes with this set, you will get over 4,000 square feet in coverage. With each added on point, your coverage will further extend, eliminating any dead spots or interruptions that you might otherwise experience.
Netgear Orbi Pros
- Mesh system
- Speeds up to 2.2 Gbps
- Over 4,000 square feet in coverage
- Satellite extender
- 4 x Ethernet ports
Netgear Orbi Cons
- We didn’t any!
6. Motorola MT7711 Modem Router Combo
For Xfinity Voice
Our pick for the best cable modem router combo that works with Xfinity Voice is the Motorola MT7711. The MT7711 is an extremely powerful router that should have everything you need to have good coverage and still be able to use VoIP.
This device has been approved by Comcast to work with Xfinity Voice especially, so you know that it will work.
Design
To begin with, the MT7711 is a tower design, which means that it will always keep cooler than modems that rest horizontally. The airflow is generally better with this type of design and it is an appealing grey and black colour as well. The design of the MT7711 is more appealing than a lot of other modems on the market.
Additionally, the MT7711 also comes with four 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports, which will allow for a wired connection for the devices that need one. It has two Xfinity Voice compatible phone ports to let you wire the voice function in directly, which should be what you’re looking for.
Performance
The MT7711 modem is a DOCSIS 3.0, which is a great standard to be working with. The MT7711 has speeds up to 400 Mbps, which still should be enough for most VoIP service packages. Check with your speed package to know whether that will work with this device.
In addition to the modem, the MT7711 has a dual-band router with AnyBeam Beamforming, so both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands will extend even further than they would have otherwise. The router has 24x8 channel bonding and the Wireless Power Boost is there for amplify the wireless signal.
Motorola MT7711 Pros
- 4 x 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports
- Three-in-one cable modem, router, voice
- Speeds up to 400 Mbps
- Specifically approved to work with Xfinity Voice
- AnyBeam Beamforming
Motorola MT7711 Cons
- No modem log tracking
7. ARRIS SURFboard SBG10 Modem Router Combo
The last modem router combo unit that we will suggest for Comcast Xfinity is the ARRIS SURFboard SBG10. This device comes with a lot of great features and performs well.
Design
Looking at its design, the SURFboard SBG10 is compact and is lightweight. It weighs only 1.96 pounds as well. This modem will not overheat on you and comes with a lot of great vents down the side of it to ensure that the unit will stay as cool as possible.
There are internal antennas that will boost the router’s signal as well, though you can’t see them from the outside. It really is a space saver.
The SBG10 comes with two Gigabit Ethernet ports, so you can plug in a gaming console, computer, or even a HDTV directly into the SBG10. Anything that you want to hardwire in can be plugged in to get more reliable connectivity.
Performance
Moving onto its performance, the SBG10 has 686 Mbps data transfer rate. The modem itself is designed to work with plans up to 300 Mbps as well, so if your speed package is higher that than with Comcast, this might not be the right modem for you.
Otherwise, this is an excellent router. It is a DOCSIS 3.0 modem with 16 downstream and 4 upstream channels. It is a WiFi 5 standard with a dual-band router.
There is only one concern with this device and that is that it is not simple to setup, so if you are not tech savvy, you might need some extra help. Once it is up and going, however, you should have no issues with its operation.
Arris SURFboard SBG10 Pros
- 2-port Gigabit Ethernet router
- DOCSIS 3.0 modem
- Works with plans up to 300 Mbps
- Compact design
- 686 Mbps data transfer rate
Arris SURFboard SBG10 Cons
- Tricky to setup
8. Netgear Nighthawk CAX80 Modem Router Combo
DOCSIS 3.1 Modem Router Combo
If you are looking for the best DOCSIS 3.1 modem router combo for Xfinity, look no further than the Netgear Nighthawk CAX80.
The CAX80 is a high performance DOCSIS 3.1 modem router combo with excellent range and speeds that might just about seem impossible. This really is the cream of the crop.
Design
Looking the design of the CAX80, you will first see that the device is vertical, rather than horizontal, which means that the device will not only save you on shelf space, but it will also last a lot longer. The appearance is nice and looks futuristic with its angular shape.
The CAX80 has four Gigabit Ethernet ports as well as a 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port. A 2.5 Gigabit port is much less common to see, but you can use the port with devices that really should have a strong connection and reliable speeds.
That might be an HDTV television, your home computer, or even gaming console. You have the option to sign up for Netgear Armor for additional protection, but it does come at a cost. IT does support WPA/WPA2 wireless security protocols as well.
Performance
Let’s look at the performance for the CAX80. This modem router combo comes with 8 Wi-Fi speeds, reaching speeds up to 6.0 Gbps, which is likely more than what you can get with Xfinity, but it still might be possible as speeds improve through the years.
Furthermore, you will see that the CAX80 can reach up to 3,000 square feet in coverage. Generally, that will cover most home networks without any trouble. The router is dual-band as well, so you will be able to divide your devices between the two bands for the most overall efficiency.
The CAX80 is simple to setup as well, especially with Xfinity. There is a Nighthawk app that will help you setup the device and your entire network without any stress. It should work with any cable network as well.
Netgear CAX80 Pros
- 1 x 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port
- 4 x Gigabit Ethernet ports
- USB 3.0 port
- Covers up to 3,000 square feet
- Sleek design
Netgear CAX80 Cons
- We didn’t find anything to report
9. Linksys CG7500 Modem Router Combo
Another great choice for Xfinity is the Linksys CG7500. This is a high speed DOCSIS 3.0 modem router combo that should have just about everything that you need.
Design
The design for the CG7500 is a tower design. That means that the device stands vertically with venting down the sides. This will save you on some space, but it will also increase the longevity of the device since you won’t have to worry about the device overheating.
The setup for the device is also incredibly fast and easy, acting like a “plug and play” system where you will not have to do anything special to get up and going.
The CG7500 also comes with four Gigabit Ethernet ports, supporting connections that are ten times faster than the regular Ethernet ports. This will allow you to directly connect devices like smart TVs, gaming consoles, computers, and really anything else that might need to have a reliable connection.
Performance
When we look at the performance for the CG7500, you will see that it can get speeds up to 1.9 Gbps wireless speed. This is really incredible for a DOCSIS 3.0 modem and you should still be able get the most out of your Xfinity speed package. The device has speeds up to 4.3 faster speeds than the Wireless N as well, since this is a Wireless AC.
The built-in router in here is dual-band as well, so you will be able to put different devices on different bands. That means that devices that need a faster band can be put on the 5GHz band and devices that do not need a faster speed can be put on the 2.4GHz band.
It is a great way to ensure the devices that really need good wireless speed will be able to get it without interruption. This means that you will have ample bandwidth to stream movies or games without worrying about slowdown.
Linksys CG7500 Pros
- 300 Mbps data transfer rate
- 120 Mbps upstream transmission rate
- 24x8 modem
- Simple set up
- Space saving
Linksys CG7500 Cons
- There are reports of needing repeated reboots
10. Netgear Nighthawk C7000 Modem Router
The Netgear Nighthawk C7000 is another choice that works well if you are looking for a modem router combo for Comcast.
This device has a nice design and good performance. Really, you shouldn’t be disappointed with this one.
Design
Starting with its design, the Netgear Nighthawk C7000 is a tower modem, so it will stay cool, especially with the nice venting down the sides of it. Towers also do not take up much space, so you will not have to worry about making space for it.
The only real design flaw that it has is that the base of the combo unit is not as sturdy as other units, so you will want to keep it away from places that have a lot of traffic so that you do not accidentally bump into it.
The C7000 comes with 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports as well as 2 USB ports that will help give you the best wired connections possible. If you are looking for security features, the C7000 has built-in parental controls as well as other security features, including both WEP support and WPA/WPA2 wireless security protocols.
Performance
The C7000 can reach speeds up to 400 Mbps, which is enough to handle HD streaming devices or gaming devices, especially if you are using a wired connection. As a DOCSIS 3.0 modem, it does not have the newest technology, but it should still work well with most speed packages with Xfinity.
The C7000 supports up to 30 devices at the same time, which is ideal for the average modern home if you think about smartphones and smart TVs. The wireless speeds can reach up to 1900 Mbps, which is exactly what you want for HD streaming. It provides up to 1,800 square feet in wireless coverage, which should be able to handle most home networks without any trouble.
Netgear C7000 Pros
- Allows up to 30 connected devices
- Up to 1,800 square feet coverage
- 24x8 channel bonding
- WPA/WPA2 security
- Can reach speeds up to 400 Mbps
Netgear C7000 Cons
- The base is unstable and it might tip over if knocked
Features That The Best Modem Router Combo For Comcast Should Have
Security Features
The first features that you should look at for Comcast Xfinity is the security features. This can include anything from a firewall to a VPN network.
You will need to think about what kind of protections that your network needs in order to work effectively. Some networks might just need simple parental controls while other networks might need to be HIPAA compliant.
Every modem has different levels of security, so pay close attention to what a modem lists before you go ahead and commit to one. Your needs are different than someone else’s might be, so consider what you really need.
Voice Services
Another feature that you should look for with your cable modem router combo is whether it has voice services. This only matters if you have Comcast Xfinity Voice, which is a telephone service that works through your modem.
Only a few modems come equipped to handle this, so you will need to pay close attention to be sure that you are getting one that will actually work for your needs. If you have a modem that supports voice services, but you do not have Xfinity Voice, you should be fine compatibility-wise. Having a modem with it, means you always have the option to get it.
DOCSIS 3.0 or DOCSIS 3.1 Standard
DOCSIS 3.0 and DOCSIS 3.1 are the cable modem standards right now. The DOCSIS 3.0 was the old standard and is most commonly supported by cable companies.
DOCSIS 3.1 is the update and is much faster, but not all companies can support it yet. DOCSIS 3.1 modems are usually backward compatible, however, so you should still be able to use one even if Comcast is only supporting DOCSIS 3.0.
Either standard will work for the average household, but if you stream heavily, you should check out what DOCSIS 3.1 modem options are out there.
Dual-Band or Tri-Band
Do you need a dual-band or a tri-band router? A dual-band router has a 2.4 GHz band and a 5 GHz band while a tri-band has an additional 5 GHz band. As a result, tri-band routers have better speeds and are capable of a lot more than a dual-band router.
If you are gaming heavily on your router or there is a lot of streaming, you should try to get a tri-band router over a dual-band. If not, you should still aim for a dual-band over a single-band, because there is a huge speed difference between the two.
Firmware Updates
The final consideration that you should make as far as features go is whether the device has firmware updates. Some devices will update themselves automatically, while some other devices require a manual update to go forward.
These can usually be configured in the settings, but not all devices will even have the option to update. Some firmware updates are hard to do manually and will require a level of tech understanding in order to achieve.
Firmware updates will help keep your network safe against new threats and can help do any fixes for errors that might have been discovered after you bought it.
Beamforming
Beamforming is a great feature that you should look for when you are shopping for your modem router combo. Beamforming is a router feature that will allow you to really direct the signal in the areas of your network that need the strongest signals that they can get.
This will increase the overall strength of your signal as it travels through your home, ensuring that you will get the signal strength that you are looking for.
Modem Router Combo For Xfinity vs. Separate Units
When you really start looking for a new modem, you will see that you have the choice of buying a modem router combo or buying separate devices.
The choice for you is a matter of personal preference since both options have benefits.
Pros For Combo Units:
- Less expensive since it is just one device
- Takes up less room
- Simple to update
- Easy to setup
Pros For Separate Units:
- More choice in router selection
- You can update as needed
- You can always upgrade your router
- You don’t want a router
For the average network, a combo unit is the best choice, but it does come down to personal preference.
How To Install Your Own Modem Router Combo For Xfinity
- Buy a modem router combo that is compatible with Comcast Xfinity.
- Start by plugging the coaxial cable from the modem to the cable jack in your wall.
- Then, plug the modem into the power outlet.
- Next you will need to connect the Ethernet cable from your modem to your computer. The lights should all be on now.
- Call Comcast and let them know you are changing gateways so that they can activate the new modem for you. Do not let them tell you that you need to use one of their modems, because that is not true.
- After activation, open a browser on your computer and type in the location indicated on your modem’s packaging.
- Follow the setup wizard.
Final Words
While there are a lot of great modem router combos that work with Xfinity, we still have a favourite.
Our choice for the best modem router combo for Xfinity is the Motorola MG7550. This device really has everything that a modern network would need in order to run as efficiently as it wants to. Motorola makes reliable devices as well.
Still, if you are after something more high performance, you can look at the Netgear Nighthawk C7800, which is built to handle a lot more activity.
There are a lot of great options out there to work with Comcast Xfinity, so think about what your network needs and then you can decide which is best for you.
