The 10 Best Ac Modem Router Of 2024, Researched By Us

Tim Powers By, Tim Powers
Updated
Best Ac Modem Router
Best Ac Modem Router

The Rundown

1. Best Overall: ARRIS SURFboard SBG10 Modem Router

The ARRIS SURFboard SBG10 Modem Router is a powerful, reliable, and affordable way to take advantage of high-speed internet access. It is the perfect solution for homes and offices with its DOCSIS 3.0 technology. Read Review

2. Runner Up: NETGEAR Nighthawk Cable Modem Router

The NETGEAR Nighthawk Cable Modem Router provides your home or office with fast and reliable Wi-Fi performance. It offers up to 1800 square feet of wireless coverage and can handle up to 30 devices connected with AC1900 speed, providing up to 1900 Mbps. Read Review

3. Best Efficient: Motorola DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem Router

The Motorola DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem Router is an all-in-one networking solution for your home or business. It features a built-in high-speed router with AC1900 wireless and Power boost to provide internet access for Wi-Fi devices including smartphones, notebooks, tablets, and more. Read Review

4. Best Design: ARRIS SURFboard SBG7400AC2 Modem Router

The ARRIS SURFboard SBG7400AC2 Modem Router is a powerful modem router that provides reliable, high-speed internet to your home. It features an advanced DOCSIS 3.0 technology that allows for fast speeds and wide availability. Read Review

5. Best Technology: MOTOROLA MG7540 Modem Router

The MOTOROLA MG7540 Modem Router is the perfect combination of fast internet speed, reliability and ease of use. With compatibility with most cable providers, you'll be able to connect all your devices with ease. Read Review

Do you need a powerful and reliable network to stream videos, access the Internet, and connect your gaming console or printer? If yes, get an excellent AC modem router to support your home network. You will get all the required features and functions in a single device. What is an AC modem router? An AC modem router is a combined modem and Wi-Fi router.

It provides Internet access and file sharing to computers, laptops, smartphones, tablets, games consoles, smart TVs, digital video recorders, and other electronic devices within your home. So if you have one of these devices in your home that connects to the Internet with limited functionality or bandwidth limitations, what are you waiting for? Consider reading the following article for useful tips on the best ac modem router for your home.

After nearly hours of research, we think the best ac modem router is ARRIS SURFboard SBG10 Modem Router. With two 1-Gigabit Ethernet ports, it provides Wi-Fi 5 speeds of up to 1.6 Gbps, ensuring smooth streaming and downloading throughout your home. Or you can check the NETGEAR Nighthawk Cable Modem Router as the other great option, even if the first option didn't meet your requirements.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 ARRIS SURFboard SBG10 Modem Router
Our Score:
9.7
ARRIS

Improve your home network with the ARRIS Wi-Fi Cable Modem, a versatile two-in-one device that combines modem and router functionalities. This sleek and stylish device offers lightning-fast internet speeds and wide coverage. With two 1-Gigabit Ethernet ports, it provides Wi-Fi 5 speeds of up to 1.6 Gbps, ensuring smooth streaming and downloading throughout your home. Its modern design seamlessly complements any home decor, making it a perfect choice for contemporary households.

Utilizing DOCSIS 3.0 technology, this modem router delivers reliable and high-speed internet at a cost-effective price. It is compatible with major U.S. cable internet service providers like Cox, Spectrum, and Xfinity. Additionally, it includes real-time monitoring of connected devices and enhanced parental controls, enabling you to set time limits and pause internet access for added peace of mind. However, please note that this modem router may have limited ports for connectivity.

TOP Choice #2 NETGEAR Nighthawk Cable Modem Router
Our Score:
9.5
NETGEAR

This device offers unparalleled wireless coverage and incredibly fast Wi-Fi speeds of up to 1900 Mbps. It ensures seamless connectivity across an extensive area of up to 1800 square feet, making it ideal for households with multiple devices and users. Whether you're streaming, gaming, or handling large downloads, this device provides an excellent solution. With 4 Gigabit Ethernet and 2 USB ports, it also delivers lightning-fast wired connections.

Featuring advanced modem technology with 32x8 channel bonding and DOCSIS 3.1, it delivers an exceptional internet experience with unmatched speed and reliability. Setting up and configuring the device is effortless, thanks to its user-friendly interface and detailed troubleshooting steps in the user guide. Moreover, its sleek and modern design seamlessly fits with your home decor. However, this device may become hot and may occasionally stop working, requiring a restart to resolve the issue.

TOP Choice #3 Motorola DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem Router
Our Score:
9.4
Motorola

This advanced cable modem router instantly improves the stability and speed of your wireless network. With DOCSIS 3.1 technology, it ensures consistent performance and maximizes internet speeds, both now and in the future. It offers compatibility with various DOCSIS versions, including 32x8 DOCSIS 3.0, 2.0, and 1.1, providing improved speeds and wider availability.

Furthermore, the MU-MIMO technology enables simultaneous streaming to multiple devices within your home. The modem router includes 4 Gigabit Ethernet (GigE) LAN ports, ensuring reliable connections for devices like computers, smart TVs, and game consoles. The device is enhanced by a user-friendly WiFi app that simplifies configuration, monitors data usage, tests transfer rates, safeguards young users, and alerts you to potential security threats on your network. Nonetheless, it may occasionally produce some noise.

The SURFboard SBG7400AC2 is powered by the reliable and widely available DOCSIS 3.0 modem technology, delivering high-speed internet to your home devices. Setting up this modem is a breeze with its simple and secure process. Just plug it in, download the SURFboard Central App, and follow the step-by-step instructions to activate the modem, customize your Wi-Fi network, and add devices to your home network. 

Once the setup is complete, the app offers real-time monitoring of the devices on your network, enhanced parental controls like setting time limits and pausing internet access, and many more features. Compatibility is not an issue with this device as it works seamlessly with major U.S. cable internet providers, including Cox, Spectrum, and others. It is approved for cable internet speed plans up to 800 Mbps, making it a reliable choice for faster internet speeds. To ensure compatibility with your Internet Service Provider (ISP), you can check their website for confirmation. Unfortunately, it may not work well with Xfinity. 

5 MOTOROLA MG7540 Modem Router
Our Score:
9.1
Motorola

You can stop searching for a reliable and high-speed internet solution as this device combines a 16x4 DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem with an AC1600 Dual Band WiFi Gigabit Router. With dual-band support for both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies, it ensures seamless wireless connectivity for various devices like smartphones, tablets, HDTVs, game stations, and popular streaming devices such as Amazon Echo, Google Home, Chromecast, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and AppleTV.

Furthermore, it includes four Gigabit Ethernet ports, offering stable and dependable wired connections for Windows and Mac computers, ensuring consistent performance. Approved by major cable service providers like Comcast Xfinity, Cox, Spectrum, and others, it meets the high standards of modern cable internet services. Its unique compatibility with WiFi DFS frequencies distinguishes it, making it highly resistant to interference from nearby networks. Nonetheless, it does not include a phone jack.

6 Motorola MG7550 Modem WiFi Router
Our Score:
8.9
Motorola

This product combines a 16x4 DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem with a built-in AC1900 Dual Band WiFi Gigabit Router, featuring four Gigabit Ethernet ports, firewall DFS, Power Boost, and other advanced features. It is recommended for cable Internet service speeds up to 375 Mbps, ensuring a reliable and efficient online experience. The AnyBeam beamforming optimizes the signal at both 2.4 and 5 GHz frequencies, enhancing overall performance and range for wireless clients.

Equipped with a Broadcom cable modem chipset, it provides security against Denial of Service attacks, ensuring the user's network remains protected. Its WiFi performance excels even in crowded environments like multi-dwelling units with significant WiFi interference from neighbors, thanks to the inclusion of DFS and Power Boost, key features that enhance the overall performance and range of wireless signals. For wired connections, four 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports cater to Windows and Mac computers, HDTVs, game stations, streaming TV devices, and other Ethernet-capable devices. Unfortunately, its manual instructions could be improved.

7 NETGEAR Cable Modem WiFi Router
Our Score:
8.7
NETGEAR

You'll experience seamless coverage of up to 1,600 sq. ft. and connect up to 25 devices with the AC1750 speed (up to 1750Mbps) of this remarkable product. Offering unparalleled versatility, it comes with 4 x 1G Ethernet ports, allowing easy connection of computers, game consoles, streaming players, and more. Additionally, the 2.0 USB port enables sharing a storage drive with any connected device.

Perfectly designed for Xfinity Internet Blast and Extreme Customers, and Time Warner MAXX Customers (up to Ultimate 300 plans), this device is the first AC1750 16x4 DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem Router from the #1 best selling home WiFi router company. With an impressive download speed of up to 680 Mbps, it ensures smooth streaming of 4K and HD videos, blazing fast downloads, and high-speed online gaming. Efficiency is guaranteed with support for 16 download channels and 4 upload channels, ensuring reliable Internet access even during peak hours. However, its ethernet cable may be a bit short. 

8 ARRIS SURFboard Modem Router
Our Score:
8.5
ARRIS

A Trusted Name in Home Connectivity: Get high speeds, better coverage, and a two-in-one product! With the ARRIS SURFboard SVG2482AC Wi-Fi Cable Modem, you will increase your network capability and get faster streaming and downloading throughout your home. From a trusted brand with over 260 million modems sold and growing..MoCA Technology : No. Wireless Guest Access : No. Preset Wi-Fi Security : Yes.

Simple and Secure Set-up: Just plug-in, download the SURFboard Central App, and follow the step-by-step intrstuctions to activate the modem, set-up and customize your Wi-Fi network, and add devices to your home network! Once setup is complete, the app provides real-time monitoring of the devices on your network, enhanced parental controls like setting time limits and pausing internet and much more.

Router Technology: Features four 1-Gigabit ethernet ports and delivers Wi-Fi 5 speeds up to 1.7 Gbps (1,750 Mbps).

Save Money: Own your modem and save. Reduce your cable bill up to $168 dollars per year in cable modem rental fees. For use with Xfinity Internet & Voice Service.

Modem Technology: DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem with AC2350 Wi-Fi Router that delivers high speed internet to your home devices.

Compatibility: The SURFboard SVG2482AC is compatible with Xfinity Internet & Voice service and is approved for cable internet speed plans up to 800 Mbps.

Dedicated Customer Support: Live Chat and Phone Support available 8am -1am EST.

Warranty Provided by ARRIS: Product ships with 2-Year Limited Warranty.

What's in the Box: When you purchase you will get an ARRIS SURFboard SVG2482AC Cable Modem, Power Supply, Quick-Start guide, and 2-year warranty card.

9 Motorola MT7711 Modem/Router
Our Score:
8.3
Motorola

REQUIRES COMCAST XFINITY INTERNET SERVICE. Approved by and for use with Comcast Xfinity and Xfinity X1. This product will not work with any other Internet service provider.

WIRELESS POWER BOOST FOR BETTER SPEED AND RANGE - adds high-performance WiFi power amplifiers to boost the wireless signals to the legal limit, giving a significant boost in speed and range. In addition, AnyBeam beamforming at both 2. 4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies focuses the signal on wireless clients to further enhance performance and range. NOT included is a backup battery option (Model 98250) that allows your phone to make calls for 8 hours on standby after power loss.

BUILT-IN HIGH-SPEED ROUTER WITH AC1900 WIRELESS AND POWER BOOST - provides Internet access for WiFi devices including smartphones, notebooks, tablets, and more. Four 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports provide wired connections to Windows and Mac computers and other Ethernet-capable devices. A Broadcom cable modem chipset provides security from Denial of Service attacks.

ELIMINATE UP TO 156 Dollars IN CABLE MODEM RENTAL FEES PER YEAR – Say goodbye to monthly rental fees and landline phone costs.

THREE-IN-ONE CABLE MODEM, AC1900 ROUTER, AND XFINITY COMPATIBLE VOICE PORTS - Includes 24X8 DOCSIS 3. 0 cable modem, AC1900 Dual Band (2. 4GHz and 5GHz) Gigabit Router, four Gigabit (GigE) Ethernet ports, and two XFINITY Voice compatible phone ports. This product is approved by Comcast for Xfinity Internet and Voice, and recommended by Comcast for XFINITY Internet service speeds up to 400 Mbps.

Dedicated Customer Support: Live Chat and Phone Support available 8am -1am EST.

What's in the Box: When you purchase you will get an ARRIS SURFboard SBG8300 Cable Modem, Power Supply, Quick-Start guide, and 2-year warranty card.

Save Money: Own your modem and save. Reduce your cable bill up to $168 dollars per year in cable modem rental fees (Savings vary by cable service provider). Certified for use with most U.S. cable internet service providers. For a complete list see additional details below.

Simple and Secure Set-up: Just plug-in, download the SURFboard Central App, and follow the step-by-step intrstuctions to activate the modem, set-up and customize your Wi-Fi network, and add devices to your home network! Once setup is complete, the app provides real-time monitoring of the devices on your network, enhanced parental controls like setting time limits and pausing internet and much more.

Compatibility: The SURFboard SBG8300 is compatible with major U.S. cable internet providers including Cox (Gigablast), Spectrum (Internet Gig), Xfinity (Gigabit/Gigabit x2) and others. It's approved for cable internet speed plans up to 1 Gbps. Check your Internet Service Provider (ISP) website to confirm compatibility.

A Trusted Name in Home Connectivity: Get high speeds, low latency, and a two-in-one product! With the ARRIS SURFboard SBG8300 Wi-Fi Cable Modem, you will increase your network capability and get ultra-fast streaming and downloading throughout your home. From a trusted brand with over 260 million modems sold and growing.

Warranty Provided by ARRIS: Product ships with 2-Year Limited Warranty.

Router Technology: Features four 1-Gigabit ethernet ports and delivers Wi-Fi 5 speeds up to 2.3 Gbps (2,350 Mbps).

Modem Technology: DOCSIS 3.1 is the newest technology available from cable internet providers. Its 10x faster than DOCSIS 3.0, provides better security, reduces lag while gaming & enables multi-gig networking (ability to run fast speeds on your copper cable from your internet provider).

Product Images, Product Titles, Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

What to Look For in a best ac modem router?

Security

To secure your router, you should use the latest available encryption standard. This is likely WPA2 or WPA3, depending on the age of your router. You’ll need to enter the password just once into each wireless device you use; afterward, the device will remember it.

App-Based Management

Every new router comes with apps meant to simplify the task of setting up and making adjustments to your WiFi network. The apps make it easier than ever before to monitor which devices are connected to your network and adjust which devices get priority. These apps can also alert you when an update is available for your router.

Booster Club

When it comes to wireless routers, most ISPs offer several tiers of service. If you’re ever in a situation where you need more speed for streaming or gaming, you can always upgrade your service. A connection speed of around 200 megabits per second should be able to handle a family’s worth of activities like this.

WiFi Standards

As of early 2021, the tech world is starting to transition away from the WiFi standard known as WiFi 5 and towards WiFi 6, which is faster and boasts better support for more devices connected at the same time. Older, WiFi 5-certified devices like smartphones and laptops can still be used with WiFi 6 routers, but you won’t receive the full benefits of WiFi 6 unless the device you are using is certified for the new standard. For more information on WiFi 6, be sure to read this article.

USB Ports

USB ports on a router are used for connecting to a flash drive, an external hard drive, or a USB printer if the router has a built-in print server.

LAN Ports

Many internet-connected smart home devices, such as Philips Hue and Samsung SmartThings products, require a LAN port-connected hub to function. If you need more LAN ports than the router has, you can expand the number available by adding an Ethernet switch. This is sort of like a power strip that adds open Ethernet ports.

Quality Of Service

Wireless Routers offer a great way to optimize the performance of your computer. You can change the router's settings to work best for streaming videos, making Skype calls, playing games, or streaming music. This will give those applications more of the bandwidth—so, for example, your Netflix movie doesn't pause and rebuffer because someone in your house is downloading a large file.

FAQs

How do I change the Wi-Fi password on my AC modem router?

To change the Wi-Fi password on your AC modem router, first, access the router’s settings page by entering its IP address into a web browser. Navigate to the Wi-Fi settings page and enter your new password. Finally, save your changes and restart your router.

How do I check the firmware version of my AC modem router?

To check the firmware version of your AC modem router, access the router’s settings page by entering its IP address into a web browser. Navigate to the “Status” page to see the current firmware version listed there.

How do I set up an AC modem router?

Setting up an AC modem router is generally the same as any other. You will first need to connect your modem to the router. Then, you must configure the router by logging into the web-based configuration page. Finally, you must connect your devices to the router using Wi-Fi or an Ethernet cable.

What are the benefits of using an AC modem router?

An AC modem router offers faster speeds than traditional routers and improved range and reliability. This can be especially beneficial if you have multiple devices connected to your network or stream or download large files.


2 ratings

About Tim Powers

Tim Powers

Tim Powers is an audio equipment & home theater gadget reviewer and the editor of TheAudioInsights.com. He has been involved in the home theater hobby since the late 1990s when he purchased his first AV receiver. Tim is also a writer, with articles appearing in various online and print publications.