A typical home network requires both a modem and a router, which can be expensive when buying them separately. However, if you're looking for a simpler setup without overspending, finding the best budget modem router combo for your home is the way to go.
A modem router combo combines both devices into one. The modem connects you to the internet, while the router distributes that connection to multiple devices via Wi-Fi or Ethernet. This setup ensures convenient, smooth, and reliable network access throughout your entire home.
Selecting an affordable, high-performing modem router combo for your specific needs requires careful consideration. To help, I’ve teamed up with the Cybernews research team to create this list of the best budget modem router combos in 2025. In this post, you will find the best option for your home network setup.
Best budget modem router combo – shortlist
- NETGEAR Nighthawk Modem Router Combo (CAX30) – the best value modem router combo
- ARRIS (SBG8300) Cable Modem Router Combo – the best for lightweight everyday use
- NETGEAR Nighthawk Cable Modem with Built-in Wi-Fi 6 Router (CAX80) – best overall modem router combo
- Motorola MG7700 Modem Wi-Fi Router Combo – best budget security modem router combo
- ARRIS (SBG7400AC2) – best user-friendly modem router combo
- Motorola MG8725 Wi-Fi 6 Router – best gaming modem router combo
- NETGEAR Nighthawk Modem Wi-Fi Router Combo C7000 – best range modem router combo
The best budget modem router combos compared
Each one of these budget modem and router combos I’ve included in this compilation has its unique qualities. This comparison table will show you how they compare with each other with respect to features, pricing, use case, and ease of use.
| Modem router combo | Best for | Pricing | Key features | Ease of use |
| NETGEAR Nighthawk Modem Router Combo (CAX30) | Streaming, gaming, medium-sized homes | Mid-range | Wi-Fi 6, up to 2.7Gbps speed, DOCSIS 3.1, up to 2,000sq. ft coverage, NETGEAR Armor, 1.5GHz dual-core processor, 25 concurrent devices, WPA/WPA2/WPA3 support, VPN support | Plug and play, advanced customization with app support |
| ARRIS (SBG8300) | Streaming, gaming, small to medium-sized homes | Affordable | Wi-Fi 5, 1Gbps speed, DOCSIS 3.1, up to 2,800sq. ft. coverage, Gigabit Ethernet ports, enhanced parental controls | Plug and play with app support |
| NETGEAR Nighthawk Cable Modem with Built-in Wi-Fi 6 Router (CAX80) | High-performance streaming and gaming | Premium | Wi-Fi 6, up to 6Gbps speed, DOCSIS 3.1, 2,500sq. ft. coverage, four Gigabit Ethernet ports, one 2.5 Multi-gig LAN or internet port, and one USB 3.0 port, 30 concurrent devices, VPN support, NETGEAR Armor, smart parental control | Plug and play, advanced customization with app support |
| Motorola MG7700 Modem Wi-Fi Router Combo | Large area coverage and secure browsing | Mid-range | Wi-Fi 5, up to 1Gbps speed, DOCSIS 3.0, Parental control, VPN support, support for WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK, WPA/WPA2, TKIP/AES, 802.1x Authentication, Password protected system management, Power boost wireless amplifiers | Plug and play setup |
| ARRIS (SBG7400AC2) | Non-intensive use cases and everyday connectivity demands | Affordable | Wi-Fi 5, up to 800Mbps, 2,200sq.ft. Coverage range, DOCSIS 3.0 | Simple and secure setup. |
| Motorola MG8725 Wi-Fi 6 Router | Gaming and streaming | Premium | Wi-Fi 6, DOCSIS 3.1, up to 6Gbps, power and range boost, motosync mobile app support, automatic Wi-Fi optimization | Plug and play, advanced customization with app support |
| NETGEAR Nighthawk Modem Wi-Fi Router Combo C7000 | Gaming and streaming | Mid-range | Wi-Fi 5, Up to 1.9Gbps, DOCSIS 3.0, 1.6GHz combined processor, Nighthawk app support, Beamforming+, | Simple setup with app support |
7 best budget modem router combos – our detailed list
In this section, I dive deep into each budget modem router combo to clearly detail its specifications, pros and cons, and best use cases. This in-depth review will guide you toward making the right choice for your internet connectivity needs.
1. NETGEAR Nighthawk Pro Wi-Fi 6 (CAX30) – best value modem router combo
| Wi-Fi standard: | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) |
| Frequency bands: | 2.4GHz, 5GHz |
| Max speed: | 2.7Gbps |
| Best for: | Streaming, gaming, medium-sized houses |
Of all the best modem router combos I reviewed for this article, the NETGEAR Nighthawk Modem Router Combo (CAX30) offers the best value for money. This internet modem and router combo offers the perfect balance between cost and performance.
In addition, this device also comes with some premium features. Here’s a breakdown of its key features:
- Speed: The NETGEAR Nighthawk Modem Router Combo (CAX30) runs on Wi-Fi 6 and is powered by a 1.5GHz dual-core processor. This allows it to reach speeds of up to 2.7Gbps, with a 40% increase in data throughput. Its DOCSIS 3.1 modem will give you up to 10Gbps and 1Gbps internet download and upload speeds, respectively.
- Security: This NETGEAR modem router combo (CAX30) comes fitted with NETGEAR Armor protection to defend against all cyber threats.
- Compatibility: NETGEAR Nighthawk Modem Router Combo (CAX30) is compatible with all internet speed tiers from all major internet service providers (ISPs).
- Coverage: The device provides coverage of up to 2,500sq.ft. so you should face no interruptions while gaming or streaming.
2. ARRIS (SBG8300) cable modem router combo – best for lightweight everyday use
| Wi-Fi standard: | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) |
| Frequency bands: | 2.4GHz, 5GHz |
| Max speed: | 1Gbps |
| Best for: | Small to medium-sized houses |
The ARRIS (SBG8300) cable modem router combo offers pretty decent performance for its price. The modem and router combo is capable of handling all your day-to-day connectivity needs.
However, it may not be the best choice for high-performance requirements. Here’s an overview of its key features:
- Speed: The ARRIS (SBG8300) runs on Wi-Fi 5 and DOCSIS 3.1 technology. This combination allows it to reach internet speeds of up to 1Gbps with minimal latency and lag.
- Security: The ARRIS (SBG8300) doesn’t really offer much in terms of security. However, it does have advanced parental controls you can use to set internet limits, pause the internet, and more.
- Compatibility: The modem router combo is compatible with major US cable ISPs. Additionally, it also has app support for easy setup and management.
- Coverage: Coverage is limited to 2,800sq. ft. This makes it unsuitable for use in larger homes or business spaces.
3. NETGEAR Nighthawk cable modem with built-in Wi-Fi 6 router (CAX80) – best overall modem router combo
| Wi-Fi standard: | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) |
| Frequency bands: | 2.4GHz, 5GHz |
| Max speed: | 6Gbps |
| Best for: | High-performance gaming and streaming |
If speed is what you’re after, then the NETGEAR Nighthawk CAX80 is the best budget modem router combo for you. Although it is pricier than other recommendations on this list, I discovered that its performance more than makes up for it. Here’s an overview of its standout features:
- Speed: The NETGEAR Nighthawk CAX80 runs on Wi-Fi 6 and is powered by a 1.5GHz dual-core processor. In addition, it also comes with built-in high-speed DOCSIS 3.1. This allows it to reach up to 6Gbps speeds easily, making it perfect for high-demand tasks like gaming and streaming.
- Security: This NETGEAR modem router combo comes fitted with NETGEAR Armor software as a security layer. It also has VPN support and Firewall protection.
- Compatibility: The modem and router combo is compatible with major cable ISPs.It is also compatible with the Nighthawk app, so you’ll be able to easily monitor and manage it.
- Coverage: This high-speed modem router offers a coverage of up to 2,500sq. ft. Additionally, it can easily handle high-speed internet demands of up to 30 different devices simultaneously.
4. Motorola MG7700 modem Wi-Fi router combo – best budget security modem router combo
| Wi-Fi standard: | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac/n/g/b/a) |
| Frequency bands: | 2.4GHz, 5GHz |
| Max speed: | 1Gbps |
| Best for: | Secure browsing and large area coverage |
The Motorola MG7700 may not be the fastest budget modem router combo on the market, but it does impress in other ways. Two key things that stood out to me concerning this device are its highly secure build and coverage range. Here’s a closer look at its features:
- Speed: The Motorola MG7700 offers a pretty decent performance by reaching speeds of up to 1000Mbps. This is thanks to its DOCSIS 3.0 build.
- Security: The Motorola MG7700 also has a very good security setup. It supports VPN protocols like PPTP and IPsec tunneling, IP/MAC/Port filtering, and baseline encryption management (BPI). Additionally, it has parental control features.
- Compatibility: The modem router combo is compatible with all leading cable service providers, like Comcast Xfinity and Cox.
- Coverage: This budget modem router combo offers good coverage by leveraging its power-boost Wi-Fi amplifiers. This makes it perfect for providing stable connections over larger areas.
5. ARRIS (SBG7400AC2) – best user-friendly modem router combo
| Wi-Fi standard: | Wi-Fi 5 |
| Frequency bands: | 2.4GHz, 5GHz |
| Max speed: | 800Mbps |
| Best for: | In-home, non-intensive browsing |
I’ll be straight with you. If you’re looking for something that offers amazing performance or large coverage, this isn’t it. That said, for its price, the ARRIS (SBG7400AC2) does offer decent performance. As long as your connectivity needs aren’t intensive, it will do just fine. Let’s take a closer look at its features:
- Speed: At 800Mbps, the ARRIS (SBG7400AC2) offers enough speed to handle all your everyday browsing needs and then some. Just don’t expect powerful gaming or streaming results.
- Security: It comes with a parental control feature you can use to set time limits and pause internet connections.
- Compatibility: The ARRIS (SBG7400AC2) is compatible with almost all major US cable internet providers. So it should fit right into your current setup.
- Coverage: It offers good internet connectivity within a coverage range of 2,200sq.ft.
6. Motorola MG8725 Wi-Fi 6 router – best gaming modem router combo
| Wi-Fi standard: | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) |
| Frequency bands: | 2.4GHz, 5GHz |
| Max speed: | 6Gbps |
| Best for: | High-intensive tasks like gaming and streaming, suitable for large homes |
When it comes to performance, the Motorola MG8725 gives the NETGEAR Nighthawk CAX80 a run for its money. If you do or plan to do a lot of gaming or streaming and you can’t afford the NETGEAR Nighthawk CAX80, this is the next best option for you. Here’s a closer look at the features that make it so impressive:
- Speed: The Motorola MG8725 impressed me with the quality of performance it offers. It runs on Wi-Fi 6 and DOCSIS 3.1, allowing it to reach up to 6Gbps speeds. But one thing that makes it particularly good for gaming and streaming is its Low Latency DOCSIS (LLD) certification. This basically means the latency you’ll get while gaming, streaming, and conferencing are at ultra-low levels.
- Security: This modem router combo comes fitted with various security features like malware blocking and guest network setup.
- Compatibility: This router is compatible with most US cable internet providers, including Xfinity, Cox, and Spectrum.
- Coverage: The Motorola MG8725 also offers you a decent coverage range. This is thanks to its power and range boosts that guarantee high-speed connection and whole-home coverage.
7. NETGEAR Nighthawk modem Wi-Fi router combo C7000 – best range modem router combo
| Wi-Fi standard: | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) |
| Frequency bands: | 2.4GHz, 5GHz |
| Max speed: | 1.9Gbps |
| Best for: | Very large-range coverage and multiple devices |
You can’t do better than the NETGEAR Nighthawk C7000 when it comes to connection range. This budget modem router combo can easily provide high-speed connection throughout very large homes.
But that’s not the only standout feature this budget modem router has. Let’s take a look at the rest:
- Speed: The NETGEAR Nighthawk C7000 runs on Wi-Fi 5 and DOCSIS 3.0. As such, it can easily reach speeds of up to 1.9Gbps. It also benefits from a 1.6GHz processor that boosts overall gaming and streaming performance.
- Security: The NETGEAR Nighthawk C7000 comes with okay security features like guest network access and support for WPA/WPA2 wireless security.
- Compatibility: The router combo works seamlessly with major US cable internet providers, making it a hassle-free addition to your current setup.
- Coverage: It comes fitted with high-powered amplifiers, three dual-band internal antennas, and a BEAMFORMING+ feature. All these three components combine seamlessly to guarantee very impressive Wi-Fi reliability and range. The dual-band feature helps to reduce interference when multiple devices are connected simultaneously.
How did we select the best budget modem router combos?
To identify the best budget modem router combos, I worked with other Cybernews experts to carry out thorough market research. The options you see above are the result of in-depth analysis by experts across various brands and price points.
- Market survey (30%): I started by conducting a detailed market analysis to identify the most promising budget modem router combo options. Then, I went through each one to identify the best of the best and narrow down my list of recommendations.
- Performance testing (40%): The presence of quality features like Wi-Fi 5 or 6, DOCSIS, and multi-gig ports played a huge role in my decision-making process. I also checked for the presence of security features and the coverage range of each modem router option. Since this is about finding the best budget modem router combo, I prioritized devices that offer the best value for money.
- User and expert feedback (30%): I also paid close attention to feedback from current device users and the opinions of tech experts to ensure reliable recommendations.
What to consider when choosing a budget modem router combo
There is no one-size-fits-all recommendation when it comes to choosing the best budget modem router combo. This is because connectivity needs or requirements tend to vary from person to person. As such, what works for you may not necessarily be the ideal solution for another person.
That said, there are some key factors you should always consider when choosing a budget modem router combo. They include:
- Compatibility: Always check to see if the budget modem router combo you’re considering is compatible with your internet service provider. This is because while some combos are compatible with a wide range of ISPs, others only support a few.
- Speed support: The next thing you’ll want to consider is if the device supports your internet plan’s speed. For example, if you’re using a DOCSIS 3.0 router, you’ll discover that it likely won’t provide support for plans offering 5Gbp+ speed.
- Coverage range: One question you should always ask when purchasing modem router combos is “How big is the area I want to cover?” Some budget modem and router combos don’t provide coverage beyond 2,200sq.ft. Others have signal boosters that allow them to provide high-speed connectivity to every corner of very large homes.
- Number of ports: Make sure your modem router combo of choice has enough Ethernet ports for wired connections.
- Security features: Security is a huge consideration when choosing a budget modem router combo. Check to see if features like WPA3 encryption or built-in firewalls are present. They will help you maintain optimal data security.
- Ease of setup: I always recommend that people go for budget modem and router combos that are easy to set up and maintain.
Modem vs. router: what's the difference?
Many people use the words “router” and “modem” interchangeably. The misconception is that these terms are the same, whereas they are actually very different.
So, here is the difference between a modem and a router:
- Modem: It is a device that is primarily responsible for connecting your home or office to the internet. It receives digital data from your internet service provider and then converts it into wireless connectivity you can use to browse the internet. However, a modem typically provides internet access to only one device.
- Router: This device comes into play when you need to connect more than one device to the internet. A router takes the internet connection your modem provides and distributes it to multiple devices via Wi-Fi or Ethernet. In other words, all it does is act as an internet distribution layer.
Ideally, if you want to build a complete and functional internet setup, you’ll need a modem and a router. This, of course, means you’ll have to purchase and install each device separately. Modem router combo devices help you avoid all that complexity since they combine both functions in one streamlined unit.
Also, buying a modem router combo is more cost-effective than buying both devices separately. Then, there is the added advantage that modem router combos come with in-built security features you won’t get on standalone modem devices.
That said, there are scenarios when purchasing modems and routers as standalone units might be better. These include if you want more customization over your internet connectivity or need to provide internet coverage for a large area. Also, purchasing standalone units might be best if you have a high-speed internet plan (since most modem router combos don’t fully support gigabit or fiber speeds).
Modem router combo vs. separate: what's the difference?
The internet connectivity experience you’ll get from using a modem router combo is somewhat different from using standalone units. Ultimately, both options give you access to high-speed browsing and great data security. However, they each have their pros and cons.
Some of the pros of using a modem router combo include:
- Easy to set up and use
- Buying a modem router combo is usually cheaper than buying standalone units
- Saves space since fewer devices mean you’ll have less clutter to deal with
- Simpler to troubleshoot
However, there are some drawbacks to this setup, such as:
- Performance is generally good, but with coverage and customization limitations, it can be better
- ISP restrictions can affect performance
Taking a closer look into the separate modem and router unit configuration, you can get the following advantages:
- Dedicated modems and routers usually have stronger coverage and faster speeds. This means better overall performance.
- You’ll have access to a lot more customization options if you’re using standalone devices
- Better ISP flexibility
Nonetheless, this setup has a couple of disadvantages, too. For example, it:
- Tends to be more expensive and complex to set up
- Takes up a lot more space
- Troubleshooting can be a nightmare
Modem router combo vs. separate: comparison table
I have created the table below to give you a better idea of what to expect with a modern router combo and a separate modern router setup regarding price, performance, and other factors.
| Aspect | Modem Router Combo | Separate Modem and Router Setup |
| Performance | Good, but may have range and speed limitations | Generally better performance with stronger Wi-Fi and faster speeds |
| Cost | Cheaper | More expensive |
| Setup and configuration | Easier to set up but has limited customization. | More difficult to set up but allows for way more configuration flexibility. |
| Space needed | Doesn’t take up much space with minimal clutter | Takes up more space and produces more clutter |
| Troubleshooting | A lot easier to troubleshoot | More challenging since individual devices have to be assessed separately |
| Coverage | Coverage is not the best | Offers significantly better coverage (depending on the separate modem and router used) |
| ISP Compatibility | Many modem router combos have ISP restrictions | No ISP compatibility issues |
How to choose the right budget modem router combo for my needs
Choosing a budget modem router combo based on your needs is the best way to ensure you make the right choice. Here’s a breakdown of how to assess your modem router needs and choose the option that perfectly fits it.
- Internet usage: Start by considering what you want to use the budget modem router combo for. If you plan to do a lot of streaming and gaming, you’ll need an option that offers performance-boosting features like Wi-Fi 6 and DOCSIS 3.1. However, note that modem router combos with these advanced capabilities are more expensive. Conversely, if all you want to do is just browse, you can opt for lower-cost options.
- Household size: Modem router combos usually have a maximum number of simultaneously connecting devices they can support. So always check to see if the one you’re considering can handle the number of concurrent connections you think you’ll need.
- Future-proofing: I recommend looking out for budget modem router combos with up-to-date features like DOCSIS 3.1. This is because these combos will give you the best connectivity experience.
- Provider compatibility: Another thing you want to check is if the modem router combo you’re considering supports your ISP. If it does, check to see what data plan speeds it provides coverage for.
- Additional features: If security is a major goal for you, consider budget modem router combos with advanced protection features. Look out for features like parental controls, VPN support, and guest network setup.
Final word on best budget modem router combo
Budget modem router combos are excellent choices for internet connectivity setups. They are cheaper, easier to install, cause less clutter, and still deliver very good performance. This extensive research has shown that the NETGEAR Nighthawk (CAX30) is the best budget modem router combo. It is easy to set up, offers fast upload and download speeds, and provides online protection in real time.
On the other hand, if you are an avid gamer, the Motorola MG8725 provides the best gaming experience. Moreover, if you are on a very tight budget and looking for good performance the ARRIS (SBG7400AC2) is your best choice.
I and the Cybernews team thoroughly examined all the budget modem router combos recommended above. I only included the ones that offered the best value for money, ease of use, and overall performance in this review.
When you’re trying to choose a budget modem router combo, always make sure to consider factors like your personal needs, budget, and internet usage habits. This will help you identify which one is best for your unique connectivity situation.
FAQ
Can I use a modem router combo with any internet provider?
No, you can’t. Modem router combos usually have limited compatibility with internet service providers. So I recommend you check to see if the one you’re considering is compatible with your current ISP.
Is DOCSIS 3.1 necessary for a budget modem router combo?
This depends on your specific needs. If you require high performance for gaming or streaming, then DOCSIS 3.1 is the better choice. On the other hand, if your needs are less intensive, DOCSIS 3.0 will do just fine.
How many devices can a budget modem router combo support?
The figure varies depending on the specific budget modem router combo. However, some can support up to 30 active devices simultaneously with zero lag or latency issues.
Are budget modem router combos good for gaming and streaming?
Yes, they are. However, the quality of experience you’ll get depends on which one you choose. Higher-end budget options like the NETGEAR Nighthawk (CAX80) and the Motorola MG8725 offer users a very smooth gaming experience with minimal latency.
How often should I upgrade my modem router combo?
The exact timing depends on factors like your internet speed needs, connection weight, and so on. However, a general rule of thumb to follow is to swap out your modem router combo for a better one every three to five years.
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