If you’re serious about gaming, having a reliable internet connection is essential. The best modem router combo for gaming combines high-speed internet with strong Wi-Fi performance, reducing lag and buffering during intense gameplay. This guide reviews the top 10 options on Amazon, highlighting their features, pros, and cons, to help you find the perfect match for your gaming setup.
| # | Image | Product | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Best Overall |
|
NETGEAR Nighthawk Modem Router Combo (CAX30) DOCSIS 3.1...
|
Check Price |
| 2 Best Value |
|
NETGEAR Nighthawk Cable Modem and WiFi 6 Router...
|
Check Price |
| 3 |
|
NETGEAR Nighthawk Cable Modem and WiFi 5 Router...
|
Check Price |
| 4 |
|
ARRIS (G54) - Cable Modem Router Combo -...
|
Check Price |
| 5 |
|
Arris (G18) - Cable Modem Router Combo -...
|
Check Price |
| 6 |
|
NETGEAR Nighthawk WiFi 6Cable Modem Router CAX30-100NAR Compatible...
|
Check Price |
| 7 |
|
Motorola MG8702 | DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem +...
|
Check Price |
| 8 |
|
Arris (G20) - Cable Modem Router Combo -...
|
Check Price |
| 9 |
|
NETGEAR Nighthawk Cable Modem and WiFi 5 Router...
|
Check Price |
| 10 |
|
NETGEAR Nighthawk Modem Router Combo (CAX30S) DOCSIS 3.1...
|
Check Price |
Top 10 Best Modem Router Combo for Gaming Reviews
1. NETGEAR Nighthawk C7800
- Compatible with major cable internet providers including Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox and more. NOT compatible with Verizon, AT and T, CenturyLink, DSL providers, DirecTV, DISH and any bundled voice service.
- Coverage up to 2,000 sq. ft. and 25 concurrent devices with dual-band WiFi 6 (AX2700) speed
- 4 X 1 Gig Ethernet ports (supports port aggregation) and 1 USB 3.0 port for computers, game consoles, streaming players, storage drive, and other wired devices
- Replaces your cable modem and WiFi router. Save up to dollar 168/yr in equipment rental fees
- DOCSIS 3.1 and 32x8 channel bonding
- DOCSIS 3.1 modem & AC3200 Wi-Fi router
- 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports
- Supports up to 30 devices
- Compatible with most cable ISPs
Pros: Fast speeds, reliable connection, easy setup, supports multiple devices.
Cons: Bulky design, higher price point, occasional firmware issues.
Price Range: $300-$350
Best For: Gamers with multiple devices seeking high speeds and stability.
2. ARRIS SURFboard SBG8300
- Approved for Cox, Spectrum and Xfinity internet along with other US cable internet providers. Is NOT compatible with ATT, CenturyLink, Verizon, Frontier or other Fiber Optic, DSL or Satellite internet service providers.
- Does NOT support cable digital voice service.
- A Trusted Name in Home Connectivity: Get high speeds, low latency, and a two-in-one product! With the ARRIS SURFboard SBG8300-RB 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- DOCSIS 3.1 modem & AC2350 Wi-Fi router
- 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports
- Supports gigabit speeds
- Compatible with major ISPs
Pros: Fast and stable connection, easy setup, good coverage.
Cons: Slightly expensive, app interface could improve.
Price Range: $250-$300
Best For: Gamers needing high-speed internet with excellent coverage.
3. Motorola MG8702
- Instantly upgraded you WiFi performance with advanced tech all while saving up to $168 per year in rental fees by owning your cable modem.
- Access the fastest cable internet plans available, with the future-proof performance of the DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem.
- Includes a built-in high speed AC3200 WiFi router with Power Boost, Range Boost, and AnyBeam WiFi Beamforming for ultra fast, reliable WiFi.
- Intelligent mobile app - Comes with a smart WiFi app for easy setup, guest network management, usage monitoring, speed testing, parental controls, network security alerts, and more.
- Reliability you can count on - A worldwide leader in technology people depend on. Comes with 2-years of free expert support from our team
- DOCSIS 3.1 modem & AX6000 Wi-Fi 6 router
- 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports
- Supports gigabit speeds
- Built-in security features
Pros: Future-proof Wi-Fi 6, fast speeds, robust security.
Cons: Slightly complex setup, higher price.
Price Range: $350-$400
Best For: Hardcore gamers wanting the latest Wi-Fi tech.
4. ASUS CM-AX6000
- Next-Gen WiFi 6 Standard - 802.11ax WiFi standard for better efficiency and throughput..Power Supply : AC Input : 110V~240V(50~60Hz). DC Output : 19V 3.42A.
- Ultrafast WiFi Speed - 12-stream 6000Mbps WiFi speed to handle even the busiest network with ease.
- Dual 10G ports - Enjoy up to 10X-faster data-transfer speeds for bandwidth-demanding tasks with 10GBase-T and 10G SFP plus networking technology port.
- Wider Usage and More Convenience - 8 antennas plus 8 LAN ports to support more clients at the same time.
- Commercial-grade Security - AiProtection Pro, powered by Trend Micro, blocks internet security threats for all your connected smart devices.
- DOCSIS 3.1 modem & AX6000 Wi-Fi 6 router
- 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports
- Supports multi-gig speeds
- Advanced QoS for gaming
Pros: Excellent speed, great for multiple devices, gaming optimization.
Cons: Expensive, complex features for beginners.
Price Range: $400-$450
Best For: Gamers with heavy network demands and multiple devices.
5. NETGEAR Nighthawk CM2000
- Mid/high-split DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem delivers up to 2Gbps of download speeds and 1Gbps of upload speeds
- Unlock faster cable internet speeds, such as Xfinity’s 900Mbps download speeds and 100Mbps upload speeds. Works with all major US internet providers. Not compatible with Xfinity Voice plans
- Faster download speeds powers your digital lifestyle with enhanced speed, capacity, efficiency, and response times
- 10x faster upload speeds for seamless multi-family gaming, video conferencing and uploading even the largest files—simultaneously. Plus provides easy remote access to your home security cameras and files on your NAS
- For the ultimate in performance, link a NETGEAR WiFi 6E or WiFi 7 router or Orbi system to the CM2500 cable modem
- DOCSIS 3.1 modem
- Compatible with most high-speed plans
- Supports multi-gig speeds
Pros: High compatibility, future-proof, reliable speed.
Cons: No Wi-Fi built-in, needs separate router.
Price Range: $150-$200
Best For: Users who already have a Wi-Fi router but need a fast modem.
6. TP-Link Archer AX6000
- Go Further and Faster: Level up your Wi-Fi game with Wi-Fi 6 technology providing up to 4804 Mbps on 5.0 Ghz and 1148 Mbps on 2.4 Ghz band. Reach even further with eight high-gain antennas equipped with Beamforming to ensure vast coverage. ¹
- 2.5G Multi-Gigabit Port: Breakthrough gigabit speeds and enter the multi-gig era of wired connection. With more internet service providers offering multi-gig wired connection, don’t let your router be a bottleneck.⁷
- Connect More Devices with Lower Latency: MU-MIMO and OFMDA technology works hand in hand to boost throughput and efficiency of your Wi-Fi network. MU-MIMO communicates with your router to provide multiple data streams simultaneously, greatly increasing the number of connected devices and OFDMA enables sharing a single data stream between multiple devices to further enhance the efficiency of each data stream.¹
- VPN Client Supported: Allow devices in your home network to access remote VPN servers without needing to install VPN software on every device.
- TP-Link HomeShield - TP-Link's premium security service keeps your home network safe with cutting-edge network and IoT protection. Free features: 1. Basic Network Security including Security Scan and IoT Device Identification 2. Basic Parental Controls 3. Quality of Service 4. Basic Weekly/Monthly Reports. Visit TP-Link website for more information.
- AX6000 Wi-Fi 6 router
- Supports gigabit plans
- 8 Gigabit Ethernet ports
Pros: High-speed Wi-Fi 6, extensive port options, easy to set up.
Cons: No modem built-in, needs separate modem.
Price Range: $300-$350
Best For: Gamers seeking top Wi-Fi 6 performance with a separate modem.
7. Linksys MR9600
- Wi-Fi 6 router
- Supports high-speed internet
- Mesh capability for coverage expansion
Pros: Fast Wi-Fi 6, expandable coverage, user-friendly app.
Cons: No built-in modem, requires separate device.
Price Range: $250-$300
Best For: Gamers wanting flexible, expandable Wi-Fi coverage.
8. Motorola MG7540
- 16x4 DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem plus a built-in AC1900 Dual Band (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) WiFi Gigabit Router with four Gigabit (GigE) Ethernet ports, a firewall DFS, Power Boost, and more. This product is recommended for actual cable Internet service speeds up to 375 Mbps. A Broadcom cable modem chipset provides security from Denial of Service attacks. WiFi performance is exceptionally good, even in multi-dwelling units with lots of WiFi noise from neighbors. DFS and Power Boost are key
- Requires cable Internet service. Approved by and for use with Comcast Xfinity and Xfinity X1, Cox, Charter, Time Warner Cable, Suddenlink, WOW., CableOne and other cable service providers. Eliminate cable modem rental fees up to 156 dollars per year. (Savings are shown for Xfinity and vary by cable service provider. No cable modem is compatible with fiber optic, DSL, or satellite services from Verizon, AT&T, CenturyLink, Frontier, and others. Model MG7550 has no phone jack.)
- Built-in high-speed Wi-Fi router with AC1900 Wi-Fi, and Power Boost, and DFS provides Internet access for Wi-Fi devices including smartphones, notebooks, tablets, game stations, HDTVs, Amazon Echo, Google Home, Chromecast, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and AppleTV. Four 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports provide wired connections to Windows and Mac computers, HDTVs, game stations, streaming TV devices, and other Ethernet-capable devices.
- Wireless Power Boost adds high-performance WiFi power amplifiers to boost the wireless signals to the legal limit, giving a significant boost in speed and range. The router can work on WiFi DFS frequencies, unlike most routers, so it is much less vulnerable to WiFi interference from neighbors. 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.
- Integrating the cable modem and router creates a reliable connection that reduces unwieldy wiring and power adapter clutter while conserving desk space. The vertical design minimizes shelf space and improves cooling while looking great in any home or office. A two-year warranty plus rugged lightning and power surge circuits protect your investment.
- AC1600 Wi-Fi router & DOCSIS 3.0 modem
- 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports
Pros: Affordable, reliable for moderate gaming, easy setup.
Cons: Not future-proof, slower than DOCSIS 3.1.
Price Range: $100-$150
Best For: Casual gamers on a budget.
9. ASUS RT-AX86U
- Wi-Fi 6 router with gaming features
- Supports gigabit internet
- Adaptive QoS prioritizes gaming traffic
Pros: Excellent gaming optimization, fast Wi-Fi 6, easy to configure.
Cons: No built-in modem, slightly expensive.
Price Range: $250-$300
Best For: Gamers seeking top-tier Wi-Fi 6 performance with a separate modem.
10. Netgear Orbi Wi-Fi 6 (RBK852)
- Coverage up to 5,000 sq. ft. and for up to 100 devices. Extend coverage up to 2,500 sq. ft. with each additional satellite (sold separately)
- Ultrafast AX6000 gigabit speed with WiFi 6 technology for uninterrupted streaming, HD video gaming, and web conferencing
- NETGEAR devices come with security measures built in as well as enhanced safety features and updates designed to help protect you and your family
- Compatible with any internet service provider up to 2.5Gbps including cable, satellite, fiber and DSL
- Plug in computers, game consoles, streaming players, and more with 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports on the router and each satellite
- Wi-Fi 6 mesh system
- Supports gigabit plans
- Expansive coverage
Pros: Massive coverage, fast speeds, seamless mesh networking.
Cons: High price, needs separate modem.
Price Range: $700-$800
Best For: Gamers with large homes needing robust coverage and speed.
Comparison Table
| Product Name | Price | Key Feature | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| NETGEAR Nighthawk C7800 | $300 | DOCSIS 3.1 & AC3200 Wi-Fi | 4.5/5 |
| ARRIS SURFboard SBG8300 | $275 | DOCSIS 3.1 & AC2350 Wi-Fi | 4.4/5 |
| Motorola MG8702 | $380 | DOCSIS 3.1 & Wi-Fi 6 | 4.6/5 |
| ASUS CM-AX6000 | $420 | Wi-Fi 6 & Multi-Gig | 4.7/5 |
| NETGEAR Nighthawk CM2000 | $180 | High-speed DOCSIS 3.1 | 4.4/5 |
| TP-Link Archer AX6000 | $330 | Wi-Fi 6 & 8 Ports | 4.5/5 |
| Linksys MR9600 | $280 | Wi-Fi 6 Mesh | 4.3/5 |
| Motorola MG7540 | $120 | DOCSIS 3.0 & AC1600 | 4.0/5 |
| ASUS RT-AX86U | $280 | Wi-Fi 6 Gaming Router | 4.6/5 |
| Netgear Orbi Wi-Fi 6 (RBK852) | $750 | Mesh Wi-Fi 6 | 4.7/5 |
Buying Guide
What to Look For
Prioritize DOCSIS 3.1 modems for future-proofing, Wi-Fi 6 for high speeds, and multiple Ethernet ports for wired connections. Consider your internet plan speed and home size to choose the right device.
Common Mistakes
Avoid choosing devices with outdated standards like DOCSIS 3.0, underestimating coverage needs, or opting for a router without a built-in modem if you need an all-in-one solution.
Compatibility & Future-Proofing
Ensure your modem router combo supports your ISP and plan speeds. Investing in Wi-Fi 6 gear helps future-proof your setup for upcoming internet standards and devices.
FAQ
Can I use a modem router combo for gaming?
Yes, a good modem router combo can deliver fast, stable internet essential for gaming, especially models supporting DOCSIS 3.1 and Wi-Fi 6.
What’s more important for gaming: speed or latency?
Both matter, but low latency is crucial for gaming; high speeds help download updates quickly and stream content smoothly.
Conclusion
The best modem router combo for gaming depends on your specific needs and budget. Prioritize models with DOCSIS 3.1, Wi-Fi 6, and multiple Ethernet ports for optimal gaming performance and future-proofing. Carefully compare features and choose based on coverage, speed, and device compatibility for the best gaming experience.