No doubt that modems and routers have different purposes!
But nowadays, the modern 2-in-1 device AKA modem router combo combine the functionality of both of those devices into one convenient device, making it the best.
Although providers like CenturyLink Español do provide the customers with their device when they subscribe to their internet plans. But if you are someone who wants to buy their preferred device, then this article is the one for you.
Before you go out looking for the best cheap modem router combo, you must look out for the following while making a purchase.
Things To Consider In The Combo
Since all the routers are not at all built the same, so there are some features you will have to evaluate your purchases on the following:
Compatibility: Because not every modem and router combo is compatible with every Internet service provider, hence ensuring compatibility must be a major consideration when deciding to get your gear on your own. Of course, you can confirm it once with your provider, although it is mentioned in the combo’s description as well about all the major ISPs that their devices work the best.
Speeds: We recommend that when you purchase the device, you must make sure that it works the best with your internet plan. The recommended internet plan speed for the modem router combo is listed on the devices. For instance, if your internet speed is 200 Mbps, getting a device that supports no more than 100 Mbps would not make any sense.
Connectivity: The coverage range of modem routers is sometimes displayed; for large households, seek a device that will cover all of the locations where you require WiFi. Live streamers, gamers, and others with comparable high-bandwidth internet requirements may prefer to plug their devices directly into the modem router combo. Therefore the number of ports needs to be considered.
Now that we have the most critical guidelines taken care of, let’s move on to the best budget modem router combos in 2024.
List of Best Cheap Modem Router Combo
- ARRIS SURFboard SBG10 – Best Affordable
- Motorola MG7700 – Editor’s Choice
- ARRIS SURFboard G36 – Best Overall
- Motorola MT7711
- ARRIS SURFboard SBG7600AC2
- Netgear C6250
- Netgear C3700
- Motorola MG7550
- Netgear Nighthawk C7000
- ARRIS SURFboard SBG8300
1. ARRIS Surfboard SBG10
If you don’t want to spend a lot of money on a modem/router, this is the one to choose. Whether you’re on a budget, the SBG10 from ARRIS is the best on the list for the finest budget router and modem combo. It works with all the major internet service providers in America. Its Wi-Fi rates on the 5 GHz band can be excessive, reaching 1,300 Mbps compared to the modem’s maximum speed of 686 Mbps. ARRIS recommends pairing this combo unit with plans that offer up to 400 Mbps speeds.
Specifications
- Wireless Spec: Wi-Fi 5
- Standard/Speed: DOCSIS 3.0/AC1600
- Bands: Dual-band
- Ethernet Ports: 2
2. Motorola MG7700
With internet rates of up to 600 Mbps, the Motorola MG7700 is a formidable device. Four gigabit Ethernet ports allow you to easily connect your devices for quicker speeds, while dual-band Wi-Fi compatibility and beamforming provide a fast and dependable wireless connection. Most significantly, this technology amplifies and increases the wireless signal’s range, allowing you to cover a bigger area with a single box. This increased range makes it ideal for larger homes or pretty much any situation where a strong signal is required, regardless of location.
Specifications
- Wireless Spec: Wi-Fi 5
- Standard/Speed: DOCSIS 3.0/AC1900
- Bands: Dual-band
- Ethernet Ports: 4
3. ARRIS Surfboard G36
Arris Surfboard G36 is one of the most future-proof modem router combination purchases you can make today, with some of the fastest speeds available. You get multi-gig networking connectivity with the Arris Surfboard G36, with wireless speeds of up to 10Gbps. This package is appropriate for houses with broadband speeds of at least 1.2 Gigabits per second.
Specifications
- Wireless Spec: Wi-Fi 6
- Standard/Speed: DOCSIS 3.1/AC3000
- Bands: Dual-band
- Ethernet Ports: 5
4. Motorola MT7711
Though Motorola’s MT7711 is designed to function with only one Internet service provider, it has a particular trick for Comcast consumers. Customers with Xfinity Internet and Comcast voice services will be able to use the Motorola MT7711’s built-in dual phone connectors to connect up to two landline phones. In addition, the device can transmit Internet rates of up to 400Mbps into your home.
Specifications
- Wireless Spec: Wi-Fi 5
- Standard/Speed: DOCSIS 3.0/AC1900
- Bands: Dual-band
- Ethernet Ports: 4
5. ARRIS Surfboard SBG7600AC2
If speed is essential to you, this ARRIS modem/router combo is ideal. This little fellow can manage a lot of internet traffic with a maximum throughput of up to 600 Mbps. In addition, you may plug your gadgets directly into four gigabit Ethernet ports for maximum speed. While this device can handle internet rates of up to 600 Mbps, this modem/router has been approved for different speed tiers by different cable internet providers. As a result, double-check that this gadget is compatible with your internet provider’s speeds.
Specifications
- Wireless Spec: Wi-Fi 5
- Standard/Speed: DOCSIS 3.0/AC2350
- Bands: Dual-band
- Ethernet Ports: 4
6. NETGEAR C6250
The NETGEAR C6250 saves you money while providing dependable Wi-Fi coverage. With up to 300Mbps wireless connection, you can meet the demands of games and HD streaming. With a maximum of 16 downstream and four upstream channels, the DOCSIS 3.0 modem technology can handle nearly any online activity. It also boasts range-boosting amplified antennae for robust Wi-Fi coverage in all regions and a distance of up to 1500 square feet.
Specifications
- Wireless Spec: Wi-Fi 5
- Standard/Speed: DOCSIS 3.0/AC1600
- Bands: Dual-band
- Ethernet Ports: 2
7. NETGEAR C3700
The NETGEAR C3700-100NAR is approved for usage with major cable networks such as XFINITY, Cox, Time Warner Cable, and Cablevision. With dual firewall protection, security is top-notch. The NAT and SPI firewalls keep track of network connections, ensuring that threats and Denial of Service attacks don’t degrade performance. The gateway is simple to use, with six tiles for changing settings, associated devices, and anything else linked to the USB port. The Netgear Genie app, which has a more appealing UI, is also available for download.
Specifications
- Wireless Spec: Wi-Fi 5
- Standard/Speed: DOCSIS 3.0/N600
- Bands: Dual-band
- Ethernet Ports: 2
8. Motorola MG7550
For anyone with one of the various cable internet service providers, the Motorola MG7550 is a cost-effective and high-speed alternative. In addition, the Motorola MG7550 features three sending and receiving signals, thanks to its 3×3-gigabit router, making it more capable of distributing material in a medium-sized house or workplace.
Specifications
- Wireless Spec: Wi-Fi 5
- Standard/Speed: DOCSIS 3.0/AC1900
- Bands: Dual-band
- Ethernet Ports: 4
9. NETGEAR NIGHTHAWK C7000
The Nighthawk C7000 can deliver speeds of up to 960 Mbps, which is significantly faster than most ISP data plans. In terms of bandwidth, this router does not disappoint. This router should be able to withstand substantial traffic from several devices because of the 248 channel bonding, and uploads should be unaffected. The C7000 also includes a 1.6 GHz processor, which is unusual for routers but could improve performance. This router is a higher-end option with comparable speeds and bandwidth.
Specifications
- Wireless Spec: Wi-Fi 5
- Standard/Speed: DOCSIS 3.0/AC1900
- Bands: Dual-band
- Ethernet Ports: 4
10. ARRIS Surfboard SBG8300
ARRIS SBG8300 is compatible with most providers of the United States, including COX, Xfinity, Spectrum, etc. It has a maximum transfer rate of 4Gbps. Because it is trustworthy and efficient, you may efficiently work from home and submit work within the needed time constraints. Thanks to its eight upstream and 32 downstream ports, it can achieve high gigabit download rates. It also includes two OFDM 3.1 channels, one upstream and one downstream, allowing for multiple downloads.
Specifications
- Wireless Spec: Wi-Fi 5
- Standard/Speed: DOCSIS 3.1/AC2350
- Bands: Dual-band
- Ethernet Ports: 4
Conclusion
So we have listed the best budget modem router modems you can get in 2024.
The ARRIS SURFboard SBG10 is the cheapest 2-in-1 device with excellent specs and performance. However, if you have a slightly higher budget, we would recommend you to go for Motorola MG7700, which offers a comparatively high speed than the SBG10.
Nonetheless, you must always verify with your service provider once as well, just to be sure of the device’s compatibility with your service.
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