Best Modem-Router Combos of 2025 (Save Money, Boost Speed)
Tired of paying monthly equipment rental fees to your ISP? A quality modem-router combo can pay for itself within months while potentially delivering better performance and features. We've tested dozens of models to bring you the best options for every budget and need in 2025.
Why Buy Your Own Modem-Router Combo?
Before diving into our recommendations, let's consider the benefits of owning your equipment:
- Save money - ISP rental fees typically range from $10-15/month ($120-180/year)
- Better performance - Many ISP-provided units are basic models with limited features
- Enhanced control - Access advanced settings and customization options
- Future-proofing - Higher speed capabilities for future plan upgrades
- Improved security - More frequent firmware updates and security features
Cost Savings Calculator
Typical modem-router combo cost: $150-300
Average monthly rental fee: $13
Break-even point: 12-23 months
5-year savings: $480-630
Best Overall Modem-Router Combo of 2025
NETGEAR Nighthawk CAX80
Price range: $425-450
Compatible with: Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox, most cable providers
Best for: Power users, large homes, multiple devices
The NETGEAR Nighthawk CAX80 is our top pick for 2025, offering future-proof specs and exceptional performance. This premium device combines a DOCSIS 3.1 modem supporting multi-gigabit speeds with a powerful WiFi 6E router.
Key features:
- DOCSIS 3.1 modem supporting up to 2.5Gbps
- WiFi 6E with tri-band connectivity (2.4GHz, 5GHz, 6GHz)
- Coverage up to 3,500 sq ft
- 8 simultaneous streams
- 2.5Gbps Ethernet port for ultra-fast wired connections
- Advanced security features with NETGEAR Armor
- Robust parental controls
Why we love it: The CAX80 delivers exceptional range and throughput even in challenging environments with many competing networks. Its WiFi 6E support provides access to the new 6GHz band, which offers more bandwidth and less interference than the increasingly crowded 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. The future-proof specs ensure this device will remain relevant for years.
Best Mid-Range Option
Motorola MG8825
Price range: $279-299
Compatible with: Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox, most major cable providers
Best for: Average households, reliable performance, value-conscious buyers
The Motorola MG8825 hits the sweet spot between performance and price, making it our top mid-range recommendation for 2025.
Key features:
- DOCSIS 3.1 modem supporting up to 1.5Gbps
- WiFi 6 dual-band connectivity
- Coverage up to 2,500 sq ft
- 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports
- Beamforming technology for enhanced range
- Easy setup with Motorola's intuitive interface
- Two-year warranty (longer than most competitors)
Why we love it: Motorola has delivered a reliable, no-nonsense device that performs consistently well in our tests. While it lacks some of the premium features of our top pick, it provides all the essentials most households need at a more accessible price point. Motorola's excellent customer support and longer warranty period are also significant advantages.
Best Budget-Friendly Combo
ARRIS SURFboard G34
Price range: $169-189
Compatible with: Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox, WOW!, most cable providers
Best for: Small to medium homes, budget-conscious buyers, plans up to 600Mbps
The ARRIS SURFboard G34 proves you don't need to spend a fortune for a quality modem-router combo. It's perfect for users with internet plans up to 600Mbps.
Key features:
- DOCSIS 3.0 32x8 channel bonding
- WiFi 5 (802.11ac) dual-band
- Coverage up to 1,500 sq ft
- 2 Gigabit Ethernet ports
- Easy setup with SURFboard Manager App
- Two-year warranty
Why we love it: The G34 offers reliable performance for typical internet users at an affordable price point. While it doesn't support multi-gig speeds or WiFi 6, most households with plans under 600Mbps won't notice these limitations. It pays for itself much faster than premium models (typically within one year of ISP rental fees).
Best for Fiber Internet
TP-Link Deco XE75 Pro
Price range: $349-379
Compatible with: AT&T Fiber, Google Fiber, Verizon FiOS, any fiber optic service
Best for: Fiber internet subscribers, mesh WiFi needs, whole-home coverage
Unlike cable internet, fiber connections don't use traditional modems. Instead, you need a router that connects to an Optical Network Terminal (ONT). The TP-Link Deco XE75 Pro is our top pick for fiber users in 2025.
Key features:
- Mesh WiFi 6E system with 2-pack coverage up to 5,500 sq ft
- Tri-band connectivity with 6GHz band support
- 2.5Gbps WAN port for direct fiber connection
- AI-driven network optimization
- Support for up to 200 connected devices
- HomeShield security features
- Easy setup and management through app
Why we love it: The Deco XE75 Pro delivers exceptional whole-home coverage with its mesh system design. The dedicated backhaul helps maintain high speeds throughout your home, and the 2.5Gbps WAN port ensures you can take full advantage of multi-gigabit fiber plans. The easy setup and management make this a great choice even for less tech-savvy users.
Best for Gaming
ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AXE16000
Price range: $599-649
Compatible with: Any internet service (requires separate modem for cable)
Best for: Serious gamers, ultra-fast connectivity, enthusiast setups
While not a combo device (you'll need a separate modem for cable internet), the ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AXE16000 deserves mention as the ultimate gaming router of 2025.
Key features:
- Quad-band WiFi 6E with combined speeds up to 16,000Mbps
- 2.5Gbps WAN port + 2.5Gbps LAN port
- Triple-level game acceleration
- VPN Fusion to run VPN and standard connections simultaneously
- ASUS AiMesh compatible for whole-home coverage
- Gaming Port that automatically prioritizes the connected device
- WTFast GPN integration for optimized gaming connections
Why we love it: For serious gamers, this router's specialized gaming features make a noticeable difference in responsiveness and stability. The quad-band design with dedicated gaming features ensures low latency and ping times even when multiple devices are using the network. When paired with a quality DOCSIS 3.1 modem like the Motorola MB8611, this creates the ultimate gaming setup.
Compatibility Considerations
Before purchasing any modem-router combo, confirm it's compatible with your internet service provider. Here are compatibility notes for major ISPs:
| ISP | Compatible With | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Xfinity | Most retail modems | Check their approved device list |
| Spectrum | Most retail modems | Very compatible with retail equipment |
| Cox | Most retail modems | Check their approved device list |
| AT&T Fiber | Router only (no modem needed) | Must use AT&T's gateway + your router |
| Verizon FiOS | Router only (no modem needed) | Connect router to ONT |
| T-Mobile Home Internet | Not compatible | Must use their gateway |
Important: Always check your ISP's approved device list or contact their customer service before purchasing. Some ISPs have specific requirements or restrictions.
Key Features to Consider When Shopping
For the Modem Portion:
- DOCSIS Standard - DOCSIS 3.1 is now recommended for future-proofing, though DOCSIS 3.0 is sufficient for plans under 600Mbps
- Channel Bonding - More channels allow higher speeds (16x4 minimum, 32x8 recommended)
- Maximum Speed Rating - Should exceed your internet plan speed by at least 20%
- ISP Compatibility - Verify the modem works with your specific provider
For the Router Portion:
- WiFi Standard - WiFi 6 (802.11ax) offers better performance and device handling than WiFi 5
- WiFi 6E Support - Adds access to the 6GHz band for less interference
- Coverage Area - Match to your home size; larger homes may need mesh systems
- Bands - Dual-band minimum, tri-band recommended for many devices
- Security Features - Look for WPA3, device quarantine, and regular security updates
- QoS (Quality of Service) - Allows prioritizing important traffic
- Ethernet Ports - Consider how many wired devices you'll connect
Setting Up Your New Modem-Router Combo
Once you've purchased your new equipment, follow these steps for smooth setup:
- Contact your ISP before installation - Some providers require you to register the MAC address of your new device
- Document your current settings - Note any specific network names, passwords, or configurations from your old equipment
- Disconnect the old equipment - Power off and unplug all cables
- Connect the new modem-router:
- Connect the coaxial cable from the wall to the modem port
- Power on the device and wait 3-5 minutes for initial startup
- Follow the manufacturer's setup procedure - Usually involves:
- Connecting to a default WiFi network or via Ethernet
- Opening a web browser and navigating to the setup page
- Following the guided setup process
- Activate with your ISP - This may happen automatically or require a phone call
- Customize your settings - Set up your preferred network name, password, and security features
- Return your rented equipment - Get a receipt and confirm the rental fee is removed from your bill
Pro Tip: Optimize Placement
For best WiFi performance, place your router:
- In a central location
- Away from large metal objects
- Elevated if possible (on a shelf rather than floor)
- Away from other electronic devices
- Not enclosed in cabinets or behind furniture
Conclusion: Invest in Better Internet
A quality modem-router combo is an investment that typically pays for itself within 1-2 years while providing better performance, more features, and greater control over your home network. Our top picks for 2025 offer options for every budget and need, from basic connectivity to high-end gaming and smart home setups.
Remember to verify compatibility with your ISP before purchasing, and consider future-proofing your setup by choosing a device that supports faster speeds than your current plan. Your internet experience is only as good as your equipment, so choose wisely!
After setting up your new equipment, use our speed test tool to verify your connection is performing as expected and compare your before and after results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is buying a modem-router combo better than separate devices?
Modem-router combos offer convenience, space savings, and simplified setup with one fewer device and fewer cables. However, separate devices provide more flexibility for upgrades (you can replace just the router without changing the modem) and often offer more advanced features in each component. For average users, combos provide excellent value. For power users or those who upgrade frequently, separate devices may be preferable.
How long do modem-router combos typically last?
A quality modem-router combo typically has a useful lifespan of 3-5 years. While the device may continue functioning beyond this period, technology standards evolve relatively quickly. As internet speeds increase and new WiFi standards emerge, older equipment may become limiting factors in your network performance. Additionally, security updates for older devices eventually stop, which can create vulnerabilities.
Do I need WiFi 6E or will WiFi 6 be enough?
For most households in 2025, WiFi 6 provides excellent performance. WiFi 6E's main advantage is access to the 6GHz band, which offers more bandwidth and less interference than the crowded 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. WiFi 6E is worth the investment if: you live in a dense area with many competing networks, you have numerous devices connecting simultaneously, you need ultra-low latency for applications like virtual reality, or you want to future-proof your setup. Otherwise, a good WiFi 6 router will be sufficient and more affordable.
Can I use any modem with any internet service provider?
No, modem compatibility depends on your internet service type and provider. Cable internet providers (like Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox) use DOCSIS-compatible modems. Fiber internet (like Verizon FiOS, Google Fiber, AT&T Fiber) doesn't use traditional modems; instead, the provider installs an Optical Network Terminal (ONT) that you connect your router to. DSL services require specific DSL modems. Additionally, some providers like AT&T Fiber or T-Mobile Home Internet require you to use their equipment. Always check your provider's compatibility list before purchasing.