A modem-router combo can be a convenient way to replace your ISP's gateway while simplifying your own setup. These two-in-one units combine a cable modem and Wi-Fi router in one box, helping you cut down on clutter while saving on potential monthly rental fees for provider-issued equipment. That convenience comes with trade-offs, though: combos are less flexible than buying a separate modem and router, and you'll need to make sure the model you choose is compatible with your ISP and speed tier.
Our recommendations focus on the router-side performance of these units, including their Wi-Fi speed, range, and latency. We don't evaluate their performance as cable modems, so you should confirm compatibility with your provider before buying. We've tested over 70 routers, and below are our recommendations for the best modem-router combos you can buy. If you don't need an all-in-one device, have a look at our picks for the best Wi-Fi routers, the best routers for large homes, and the best mesh Wi-Fi systems.
Since we started reviewing them in 2024, we've tested over 60 routers. We maintain complete editorial independence and impartiality by purchasing each router ourselves, which ensures we aren't testing specially selected review units. Rather than casually assessing performance by throwing on Netflix and seeing if it works, we rigorously evaluate each router on a standardized testing platform, providing you with all the data you need to compare different models.
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Best Cable Modem-Router Combo
Apartment/CondoMulti-Level HouseGamingSpeedRangeLatencyTest Configuration:StandaloneMulti Band:Quad-Band (2.4 / 5 / 5 / 6)See all our test resultsWi-Fi Version:Wi-Fi 7 (be)The ARRIS SURFboard G54 is our top recommendation for the best modem-router combo. It's a high-performance two-in-one DOCSIS 3.1 modem and Wi-Fi 7 router, making it a great fit for homes with multi-gigabit internet and no shortage of devices vying for airtime. Its router-side hardware is the most advanced in this lineup; a quad-band model with two 5GHz bands ensures compatible devices can stretch their legs on faster 6GHz frequencies with plenty of bandwidth to spare. With a 10Gbps Ethernet port and four 1Gbps LAN ports, the G54 packs in more wired flexibility and faster theoretical speeds than other modem-router combos on our list. Its wireless peak speeds are also excellent, so it's well-equipped for large downloads, 4k media streaming, and other bandwidth-intensive tasks.
That said, it's an expensive piece of kit, and its range results aren't quite as impressive as its speed. It also lacks mesh expandability and MLO support (although current implementations of Multi-Link Operation are largely ineffective anyway), so it's not the most well-rounded choice if you're after wider coverage or the latest bells & whistles. If you don't have many 6GHz-compatible devices or a fast enough plan to make the most of it, the options below are likely to offer better value.
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Best Upper Mid-Range Modem-Router Combo
Apartment/CondoMulti-Level HouseGamingSpeedRangeLatencyTest Configuration:StandaloneMulti Band:Dual Band (2.4 / 5)See all our test resultsWi-Fi Version:Wi-Fi 6 (ax)If you don't have a 10Gbps Internet connection, you can save yourself some money by opting for the ARRIS SURFboard G36. While not quite as fast or feature-packed as our top pick, this one offers a practical mix of modem-router convenience, dual-band Wi-Fi 6 technology, and impressive wired connectivity in a similarly sleek package. It's worth considering if you don't need Wi-Fi 7 but could do with a little more wired flexibility than our recommendations below. With one 2.5Gbps and four 1Gbps Ethernet ports, the G36 packs plenty of bandwidth for high-speed wired connections. That headroom can make a difference if you're planning to connect a desktop PC, gaming console, NAS, or network switch over Ethernet.
Its 2.5Gbps WAN speed, while a step down from the G54's 10Gbps limit, is more than sufficient for the majority of cable internet users. It's ideal for streaming, calling, and handling large downloads, but its range is notably worse than our mid-range pick, the ARRIS SURFboard G20. If you mostly care about Wi-Fi and don't need the extra Ethernet ports, we recommend the pick below for its speed, latency, and long-range performance.
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Best Mid-Range Modem-Router Combo
Apartment/CondoMulti-Level HouseGamingSpeedRangeLatencyTest Configuration:StandaloneMulti Band:Dual Band (2.4 / 5)See all our test resultsWi-Fi Version:Wi-Fi 6 (ax)The ARRIS SURFboard G20 is the best cable modem-router combo we've tested at a mid-range price. It's a simple all-in-one gateway with a DOCSIS 3.1 modem and Wi-Fi 6 router, offering appreciable performance at a more palatable price. While its theoretical bandwidth is capped at 1Gbps, this unit actually edges out our upper mid-range pick in speed, latency, and gaming scores. However, range is where it really distances itself from the pack, positioning this SURFboard as a compelling choice if your home network is mostly wireless.
Its biggest limitation is its selection of just two 1Gbps LAN ports, which can feel limiting if you plan to hardwire several devices. It's an easy con to overlook if most of them connect over Wi-Fi, anyway. For home networks where gigabit speeds are enough, this combo unit punches well above its weight, delivering better results than its mid-range classification might suggest.
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Best Budget Modem-Router Combo
Apartment/CondoMulti-Level HouseGamingSpeedRangeLatencyTest Configuration:StandaloneMulti Band:Dual Band (2.4 / 5)See all our test resultsWi-Fi Version:Wi-Fi 6 (ax)If the ARRIS SURFboard G20 is too expensive, we recommend the ARRIS SURFboard G18 as the best modem-router combo for covering the basics on a budget. It's a lower-bandwidth DOCSIS 3.1 and Wi-Fi 6 combo model than the other one, but it still excels at the essentials; its wireless performance is more than sufficient for web browsing, streaming, and lighter downloads, and its latency levels mean casual wireless gaming still isn't off the table (though wired is still the best way to play, as we explain in our guide to gaming over Wi-Fi).
Much like the G20, this unit touts a more limited selection: two LAN ports and a WAN port rated for just 1Gbps. While its range and speed results aren't quite as strong, it's still a sensible buy if you're after a no-frills combo device for a single-story home or apartment. The two units are similarly specced and priced, so we recommend the G20 for its extra nudge in performance across the board. If you already own the G18 or catch it on a steep sale, though, the difference between the two isn't meaningful enough to warrant an upgrade.
Notable Mentions
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ARRIS SURFboard G34:
The ARRIS SURFboard G34 sits incredibly close to the ARRIS SURFboard G36 in the SURFboard lineup, with more LAN ports than the ARRIS SURFboard G20 or ARRIS SURFboard G18. It lacks the 2.5Gbps port found on the G36, however, and its wireless performance isn't as strong as the G20's. It's worth considering if you can find it for less than the G36, but for most people, our picks above offer stronger value overall.
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The models above make up our current recommendations for the best modem-router combos across a range of needs and price points. While we ground every recommendation in objective testing, market pricing, availability, and user feedback, remember not to sweat the small stuff! While no single device gets everything right, nearly every modern option is more than capable of handling high-bandwidth tasks like streaming HDR video, downloading large files, and video conferencing throughout the home.
Since we only test the wireless routing abilities of these devices, you'll need to confirm whether your choice is compatible with your ISP's network and data plan. From there, finding the right model is all about balancing considerations like cost with your home size, plan speed, and number of connected devices. If you'd like to choose for yourself, have a look at our complete list of reviews for routers and modem-router combos below. And for more ISP-specific recommendations, you can also check out our articles on the best routers for Xfinity and Spectrum.