7 Best Cable Modem Router Combos (October 2026)
The best cable modem router combos include the ARRIS Surfboard G34 for balanced home use, the NETGEAR Nighthawk CAX30 for app-based controls, and the ARRIS Surfboard G36 for a multi-gig wired device.
On this page (4 sections)
The ARRIS Surfboard G34 is the best cable modem router combo for most homes because it combines DOCSIS 3.1, Wi-Fi 6 AX3000, four Gigabit Ethernet ports and stated support for cable plans up to 2.5 Gbps. The NETGEAR CAX30 is a close alternative if app controls matter, while the Orbi CBK752 includes a mesh satellite for larger spaces.
A combo, also called a gateway, puts your cable modem and Wi-Fi router in one device. If you want a fuller explanation of how that differs from separate boxes, read what a modem router combo is.
Our picks at a glance
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How we chose the best cable modem router combos
We compared each combo's DOCSIS standard, Wi-Fi features, wired ports and provider limits to find options for different homes and cable plans. Check your provider and plan first, since compatibility varies by model.
The NETGEAR models list specific limits for Xfinity, Spectrum and Cox. ARRIS says the G34 is tested and qualified for those three providers, but you should still confirm your exact plan and model with your ISP.
We also considered features for specific setups. A 2.5 Gig port helps only if your plan and wired device support it, while a mesh system can cover more rooms and takes more space than a single unit.
Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for. Scores are editorial comparisons, not lab results.
| Product | Best for | Cable plan support | Wi-Fi coverage | Ethernet ports | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ARRIS Surfboard G34 | balanced home use | Up to 2.5 Gbps | Up to 2,500 sq ft | Four 1 Gigabit ports | 8.6 |
| NETGEAR Nighthawk CAX30 | app-based controls | Up to 2,000 sq ft | Four Gigabit ports | 8.5 | |
| ARRIS Surfboard G36 | a multi-gig wired device | Up to 2.5 Gbps | One 2.5 GbE and four 1 GbE | 8.0 | |
| NETGEAR Nighthawk CAX30S | a longer Armor trial | Up to 2,000 sq ft | 7.8 | ||
| NETGEAR Nighthawk CAX80 | a multi-gig wired setup | Up to 2,500 sq ft | One 2.5 Gig and four Gigabit ports | 7.5 | |
| NETGEAR Orbi CBK752 | mesh coverage | Up to 5,000 sq ft | 7.3 | ||
| Motorola MG8702 | app tools and support | Four Gigabit LAN ports | 7.1 |
The best cable modem router combos by use
The G34 is the highest-scoring option, with the CAX30, G36 and other combos suited to different needs. Pick based on provider compatibility, wired connections, app features or mesh coverage.
ARRIS Surfboard G34: Best for balanced home use
- DOCSIS 3.1
- Dual-band Wi-Fi 6 AX3000
- Four Gigabit Ethernet ports
- Provider qualification for Cox, Xfinity and Spectrum
The G34 combines DOCSIS 3.1 with dual-band Wi-Fi 6 and four wired ports. It supports cable plans up to 2.5 Gbps and is qualified for major cable providers.
Pros
- Wi-Fi 6 AX3000
- Four Gigabit ports
- Qualified for Cox, Xfinity and Spectrum
Cons
- Not for fiber, DSL or satellite service
- No multi-gig Ethernet port
The ARRIS Surfboard G34 is the best cable modem router combo for buyers who want a mix of newer wireless and wired connections. It pairs a DOCSIS 3.1 modem with dual-band Wi-Fi 6 AX3000 and four 1 Gigabit Ethernet ports.
ARRIS says the G34 supports cable plans up to 2.5 Gbps and is tested and qualified for Cox, Xfinity and Spectrum. Confirm the model against your plan before you buy, since provider approval can vary by tier.
The stated wireless coverage reaches up to 2,500 sq ft, though walls and home layout affect actual coverage. Its compact design has LED indicators for power, upstream and downstream activity, and online status.
This model is not compatible with fiber, DSL or satellite service. Choose it if four wired ports and Wi-Fi 6 fit your home, and compare the G36 if you need a 2.5 GbE port.
NETGEAR Nighthawk CAX30: Best for app-based controls
- DOCSIS 3.1
- Dual-band Wi-Fi 6 AX2700
- Nighthawk app setup and controls
- Four Gigabit Ethernet ports
The CAX30 pairs Wi-Fi 6 with guided setup and network controls through the Nighthawk app. Check its stated plan limits against your provider tier.
Pros
- App supports setup and network controls
- Four wired Gigabit ports
- WPA3 encryption and firewall protection
Cons
- Xfinity plan support up to 800 Mbps
- Not compatible with bundled voice plans
The NETGEAR Nighthawk CAX30 suits people who want to set up and manage their home network through an app. The free Nighthawk app supports guided setup, Wi-Fi management, speed tests, device pausing and guest network setup.
Its DOCSIS 3.1 modem works with Xfinity plans up to 800 Mbps, Spectrum up to 1 Gbps and Cox up to 1 Gbps. NETGEAR says it isn't compatible with bundled voice plans, and ISP activation is required after setup.
Dual-band AX2700 Wi-Fi 6 is stated to cover up to 2,000 sq ft, and four Gigabit Ethernet ports provide wired connections for consoles, computers and TVs. Actual wireless coverage depends on home size, layout and building materials.
NETGEAR Armor includes an optional 30-day trial, and continued use requires a separate subscription. See our NETGEAR Nighthawk CAX30 review for more on the model.
ARRIS Surfboard G36: Best for a multi-gig wired device
- DOCSIS 3.1
- Dual-band Wi-Fi 6 AX3000
- One 2.5 GbE port and four 1 GbE ports
- Coverage up to 2,500 sq ft
The G36 has a 2.5 GbE port alongside four 1 GbE ports for a compatible wired device. It also combines DOCSIS 3.1 with Wi-Fi 6.
Pros
- Dedicated 2.5 GbE port
- Wi-Fi 6 AX3000
- ARRIS says it works with Xfinity, Spectrum and Cox
Cons
- Confirm provider and plan compatibility
- App control is specified, but app features aren't
The ARRIS Surfboard G36 fits a home with a compatible multi-gig wired device. It has one 2.5 GbE port alongside four 1 GbE ports for a faster wired connection than combos with only Gigabit ports.
The G36 also combines DOCSIS 3.1 with dual-band Wi-Fi 6 AX3000 and stated coverage up to 2,500 sq ft. ARRIS says it works with Xfinity, Spectrum and Cox, but check whether your exact tier supports the model.
A 2.5 GbE port won't make every device faster by itself. Your plan, provider, Ethernet adapter and connected device all need to support the speed you want.
Consider the G36 if you need a faster wired connection. If your devices use only Gigabit Ethernet, the G34 may be a better fit.
NETGEAR Nighthawk CAX30S: Best for a longer Armor trial
- DOCSIS 3.1
- Dual-band Wi-Fi 6 AX2700
- 90-day NETGEAR Armor trial
- Four Gigabit Ethernet ports
The CAX30S offers AX2700 Wi-Fi 6, up to 2,000 sq ft of stated coverage and a 90-day Armor trial. Continuing Armor requires a separate subscription.
Pros
- 90-day Armor trial
- Guided Nighthawk app setup
- Four Gigabit Ethernet ports
Cons
- Not compatible with bundled voice plans
- Provider activation is required
The NETGEAR Nighthawk CAX30S is a close match to the CAX30, with a longer included NETGEAR Armor trial. It has dual-band AX2700 Wi-Fi 6, four Gigabit Ethernet ports and stated coverage up to 2,000 sq ft.
Its plan limits match the CAX30: Xfinity up to 800 Mbps, Spectrum up to 1 Gbps and Cox up to 1 Gbps. The CAX30S requires ISP activation and doesn't support bundled voice plans.
The CAX30S includes a 90-day Armor trial, while the CAX30 trial lasts 30 days. A separate subscription is required to continue after the trial.
NETGEAR Nighthawk CAX80: Best for a multi-gig wired setup
- DOCSIS 3.1
- Dual-band Wi-Fi 6 AX6000
- One 2.5 Gig port and four Gigabit ports
- Coverage up to 2,500 sq ft
The CAX80 has a 2.5 Gig port for a compatible wired device, plus four Gigabit ports. Compare its provider limits with your plan before choosing it.
Pros
- AX6000 Wi-Fi 6
- One 2.5 Gig port
- Xfinity support up to 2.37 Gbps
Cons
- Spectrum and Cox support up to 1 Gbps
- NETGEAR Armor trial lasts 30 days
The NETGEAR Nighthawk CAX80 fits homes that need Wi-Fi 6 and a 2.5 Gig wired port. It pairs one multi-gig port with four Gigabit Ethernet ports for a compatible high-speed device.
Its dual-band AX6000 Wi-Fi 6 is stated to cover up to 2,500 sq ft and support 30 or more connected devices. NETGEAR lists support up to 2.37 Gbps on Xfinity, and up to 1 Gbps on Spectrum and Cox.
The provider limits matter when choosing this combo for a fast cable plan. Match the limit to your plan, then compare the CAX80 with multi-gig cable modem options if you may want a separate router.
NETGEAR Orbi CBK752: Best for mesh coverage
- DOCSIS 3.1 modem, Wi-Fi 6 router and mesh satellite
- Tri-band AX4200
- Coverage up to 5,000 sq ft
- Four router ports and two satellite ports
The CBK752 combines a cable modem, Wi-Fi 6 router and mesh satellite, with stated coverage up to 5,000 sq ft. It fits larger homes where a single router may not reach every room.
Pros
- Router and satellite included
- Tri-band Wi-Fi 6
- Wired ports on both units
Cons
- Xfinity support up to 900 Mbps
- Two-unit setup takes more space
The NETGEAR Orbi CBK752 suits homes where a single router may not cover every room. It includes a DOCSIS 3.1 modem, Wi-Fi 6 router and mesh satellite, with stated coverage up to 5,000 sq ft.
The system uses tri-band AX4200 Wi-Fi 6 and a dedicated backhaul band. It has four Gigabit Ethernet ports on the router and two on the satellite, so wired devices can connect at either location.
NETGEAR lists support up to 900 Mbps for Xfinity and up to 1 Gbps for Spectrum and Cox. Check your plan before buying, since actual coverage varies with layout and building materials.
Motorola MG8702: Best for app tools and support
- DOCSIS 3.1
- AC3200 Wi-Fi router
- Smart Wi-Fi app for setup and network tools
- Two years of free expert support
The MG8702 combines a DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem with an AC3200 router. Its app includes setup, speed testing and parental controls, and Motorola says it includes two years of free expert support.
Pros
- App includes setup and network tools
- Four Gigabit Ethernet ports
- Two years of free expert support
Cons
- Wi-Fi is AC3200 rather than Wi-Fi 6
- Confirm plan compatibility with your provider
The Motorola MG8702 suits buyers who value app tools and expert support. Its smart Wi-Fi app offers setup, guest network management, usage monitoring, speed tests, parental controls and security alerts.
It combines a DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem with an AC3200 Wi-Fi router and four Gigabit Ethernet ports. Motorola says it includes two years of free expert support.
The MG8702 is identified as compatible with Xfinity, Cox and Charter Spectrum, but product information gives no plan-specific speed limits. Confirm the exact model and your service tier with your provider before you order.
What should you check before buying a cable modem router combo?
Check your provider's approved model list and the plan speeds supported by the combo before you buy. Then compare wireless coverage, Ethernet ports and whether you need mesh or bundled voice service.
Does your provider approve the exact combo and plan?
A modem can support high speeds and still be unsuitable for your plan if the provider doesn't approve it. NETGEAR lists different plan limits for each of the three cable providers across these models.
Use our Xfinity compatible modem guide or Spectrum approved modem guide to narrow your check. Cox customers can also review the Cox approved modem list.
Is a combo right for your home network?
A combo puts the modem and router in one device, which can simplify setup. Separate devices let you replace or upgrade either part alone.
Read our modem vs gateway comparison if you're weighing those setups. For a combo-focused Cox shortlist, see the best modem router combos for Cox.
Will the Wi-Fi reach your rooms?
Coverage figures are estimates, and walls, floors, device placement and building materials affect signal. Consider a mesh combo if the router needs to reach distant rooms.
The Orbi CBK752 includes a router and satellite with stated coverage up to 5,000 sq ft. For a smaller home or simpler layout, a single-unit combo may be easier to place.
Do you need multi-gig Ethernet?
A 2.5 GbE or 2.5 Gig port is useful only when your plan and wired device can use it. The G36 and CAX80 each include a multi-gig port, while the G34, CAX30 and MG8702 have Gigabit Ethernet ports.
If your computers and consoles connect over Wi-Fi or Gigabit Ethernet, the extra port may not change your setup. Check your plan and network adapter speeds before choosing this feature.
Which cable modem router combo should you choose?
Choose the ARRIS Surfboard G34 for Wi-Fi 6, four Gigabit ports and stated support for cable plans up to 2.5 Gbps. Pick the NETGEAR CAX30 for app controls, the G36 or CAX80 for a multi-gig wired device, or the Orbi CBK752 when mesh coverage is the priority.
Before buying, confirm your provider, exact plan tier and voice service needs. For more on combo features, start with our modem router combo guide.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
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Frequently asked questions
Are cable modem router combos worth buying?
A combo puts the cable modem and Wi-Fi router in one unit, which can simplify your setup. Owning your modem may also help avoid rental fees, depending on your provider.
Check plan compatibility and Wi-Fi coverage first.
Separate devices may be easier to replace or upgrade one at a time.
Do cable modem router combos work with any internet provider?
No. These combos are for cable internet, and each model has specific provider and plan limits.
For example, NETGEAR gives separate speed limits for Xfinity, Spectrum and Cox on its CAX30.
Confirm the exact model and plan with your provider before buying, especially if you have bundled voice service.
Is DOCSIS 3.1 enough for gigabit cable internet?
DOCSIS 3.1 supports gigabit-class cable plans, but the combo's stated plan limits and Ethernet ports also matter. Your provider must approve the model for your tier.
Check our guide to DOCSIS 3.1 cable modems for more on choosing modem technology.
Should I choose a combo with Wi-Fi 6?
Wi-Fi 6 is useful if your phones, computers or other devices support it and you want a newer wireless standard. Coverage still depends on your home's layout and building materials.
For a larger home, a mesh system such as Orbi CBK752 includes a router and satellite to extend coverage.
