If you use any of the Xfinity advanced internet plans, consider getting the best Wi-Fi router for Xfinity to maximize your high-speed connection. You can get networking equipment from Xfinity, but it will cost more monthly.
Thankfully, Comcast allows customers to get third-party routers instead of renting equipment. This one-time investment can significantly improve internet speed, connectivity, the range of your home network, and overall user experience.
Xfinity offers three plans with speeds that exceed 1Gbps, so you should consider devices supporting up to 2.1Gbps in a Gigabit x2 Internet plan. Cybernews expert team and I reviewed several options to help you find the best router for Xfinity. I considered Wi-Fi standards, how many devices the router can support, budget, and other aspects that make a quality networking solution.
Best Wi-Fi router for Xfinity - shortlist
- Nighthawk Wi-Fi 7 Router RS700S – best Xfinity router overall
- Netgear RAXE500 – best router for Wi-Fi 6E performance
- ASUS RT-AXE7800 – best router for gaming
- TP-Link Archer AXE75 – best budget option
- TP-Link Deco XE75 – best for extended range on budget
- Netgear Orbi RBKE963B Wi-Fi 6E Mesh – best for range and performance
- TP-Link Wi-Fi 6 Internet Gaming Router – best for gaming and security
The best Wi-Fi routers for Xfinity compared
Here is a quick rundown of the most essential features side by side. Explore our comparison table to get an overview of the best routers for Xfinity capabilities. You can see the difference in price, features, purpose, and suitability for your needs.
| Model name | Pricing | Best for | Speed and Wi-Fi standard | Key features |
| Netgear Nighthawk Wi-Fi 7 Router RS700S, 19Gbps | Premium | Best overall | Wi-Fi 7,19Gbps | 10Gbps WAN and LAN ports, Tri-band, Netgear Armor security trial (requires subscription), can connect up to 200 devices |
| Netgear RAXE500 | Mid-range | Wi-Fi 6E performance | Wi-Fi 6E,10.8Gbps | Tri-band, Parental control, 10.8Gbps speed, 2.5 Gigabit LAN port |
| ASUS RT-AXE7800 | Mid-range | Gaming | Wi-Fi 6E,7.8Gbps | Advanced parental control, AiMesh compatible, QoS, tri-band |
| TP-Link Archer AXE75 | Affordable | Budget option | Wi-Fi 6E,5.4Gbps | Tri-band, MU-MIMO, OFDMA, HomeShield Basic |
| TP-Link Deco XE75 | Affordable | Extended range on budget | Wi-Fi 65.4Gbps | Mesh system covers 7200 sq.ft., 2.5 Gigabit LAN (for NAS), HomeShield Basic, QoS |
| Netgear Orbi RBKE963B Wi-Fi 6E Mesh | Premium | Range and performance | Wi-Fi 6E,10.8Gbps | Mesh system, 10 Gigabit WAN, 2x 2.5 Gigabit LAN, covers up to 9000 sq.ft. |
| TP-Link Wi-Fi 6 Internet Gaming Router | Mid-range | Gaming and security | Wi-Fi 5,10Gbps | Tri-band, Game Accelerator, OFDMA, MU-MIMO, Parental controls |
7 Best Wi-Fi routers for Xfinity – our detailed list
I tried to include routers for different use cases and needs, considering speed, features, home size, and budget as reference points. All devices the Cybernews expert team selected meticulously are routers that work with Xfinity.
1. Nighthawk Wi-Fi 7 Router RS700S, 19Gbps – the best overall router based on performance
| Wi-Fi standard: | Wi-Fi 7 (IEEE 802.11be) |
| Frequency bands: | 2.4GHz, 5GHz, 6GHz |
| Max speed: | 19Gbps |
| Best for: | Multiple users, wide coverage, and performance |
If you’re not worried about budget and want a future-proof device, the Nighthawk RS700S is a speedy router with top-notch performance that might be overkill for most users. This versatile router has 10Gbps WAN and LAN ports, above anything Xfinity can deliver in its top-tier plan. You will also get four 1Gbps Ethernet LAN ports and USB 3.0.
One of its core strengths is its range, which covers up to 3500 square feet and extends up to 160 feet. It is a future-proof router that supports the Wi-Fi 7 standard and has tri-bands: 2.4, 5, and 6GHz.
Netgear Nighthawk allows a data transfer rate of 19Gbps, making your home network connections exceptional. You can connect up to 200 devices and exploit three available bands to avoid congestion.
Aside from the steep price and Netgear Armor subscription for advanced security options, this Wi-Fi 7 router offers premium performance and features like added privacy with VPN. If you don’t subscribe to Armor software, Cybernews has a resource to help you find the best VPNs for Netgear. While Wi-Fi 7 devices are not broadly available, newer laptops and smartphones already support the new standard.
2. Netgear RAXE500 – the best router for large space coverage
| Wi-Fi standard: | Wi-Fi 6E (IEEE 802.11ax) |
| Frequency bands: | 2.4GHz, 5GHz, 6GHz |
| Max speed: | 10.8Gbps |
| Best for: | Users that need advanced features and coverage |
Similarly to Wi-Fi 7, the Wi-Fi 6E standard available with Netgear RAXE500 is still not commonly used. While client devices are slowly catching up, this router provides a solid investment that could reap benefits in the long run. Similarly to the more expensive Netgear Nightwish, RAXE500 dazzles with performance, and the price is significantly lower, but still not affordable.
The router offers three bands. Uncongested 6GHz has a maximum of 4.8Gbps, and the 5GHz band has the same 4.8Gbps. If you use 2.4GHz, you can max out at 1.2Gbps. If you connect multiple devices, they can take advantage of a tri-band setup with high bandwidth to avoid congestion. Much like its pricier “brother,” Netgear RAXE500 covers up to 3500 square feet and has more than a decent range.
The benefits of the high-speed 6GHz band are emphasized at a short distance, and you can get excellent results more than 25 feet from the router. With more than 1.8Gbps, Netgear RAXE500 is one of the best routers for Xfinity high-end plans. You can connect up to 60 devices.
Much like Netgear Nightwish, you will get a three-month Netgear Armor subscription that includes malware and DDoS protection, among other features. However, you will get WPA3 and a guest network without the subscription.
3. ASUS RT-AXE7800 – the best router for gamers and streamers
| Wi-Fi standard: | Wi-Fi 6E (IEEE 802.11ax) |
| Frequency bands: | 2.4GHz, 5GHz, 6GHz |
| Max speed: | 7.8Gbps |
| Best for: | Gaming, streaming and browsing |
If you’re into looks, the ASUS RT-AXE7800 Wi-Fi 6E router has an aggressive design with its six antennas on top of the hexagonal case. This mid-range router is affordable if we look at what it offers. It has 2.5 Gigabit WAN and LAN ports and an additional three 1 Gigabit LAN ports.
The design suggests the router is aimed at gamers with QoS, several multi-gigabit ports, and features that include triple acceleration and game boost contribute to that goal. The Asus RT-AXE7800 delivers 7.8Gbps in three bands, with 5GHz having the highest bandwidth of 4.8Gbps.
ASUS delivers robust security for its Wi-Fi 6E router with the AiProtection Pro suite without a subscription. The features include site blocking, a two-way intrusion prevention system, spam, and infected-device blocking. In addition, ASUS has advanced parental control that allows you to block messaging and adult content, among other features.
If you’re looking for a router with a QoS feature, the ASUS RT-AXE7800 is one of the best gaming routers for Xfinity. Its mid-range price comes with some above-average options.
4. TP-Link Archer AXE75 – the best affordable router with solid performance
| Wi-Fi standard: | Wi-Fi 6E (IEEE 802.11ax) |
| Frequency bands: | 2.4GHz, 5GHz, 6GHz |
| Max speed: | 5.4Gbps |
| Best for: | Budget option with decent speed and performance |
If you’re looking for an affordable router with Wi-Fi 6E standard, TP-Link Archer AXE75 stands out with its tri-band solution and 5.4Gbps wireless max speed. While it doesn’t have Gigabit ports, Archer AXE75 supports mesh technology, extending the range if you have a TP-Link OneMesh extender.
The router can connect up to 100 devices and has MU-MIMO and OFDMA for a better network experience. It also has a decent range covering 2270 square feet. TP-Link Archer AXE75 has HomeShield Basic security equipped with WPA4, SPI firewall, access control, and guest network features for free. You will also get the Pro version for a month with a more robust set of options.
As a Comecast-compatible router, AXE75 offers a bandwidth of 2.4Gbps for its 6GHz and 5GHz bands and a decent 574Mbps for 2.4GHz. You can take advantage of Xfinity Extra, or Gigabit x2 plans with this capable Archer AXE75 router.
5. TP-Link Deco XE75 – the best budget mesh system
| Wi-Fi standard: | Wi-Fi 6E (IEEE 802.11ax) |
| Frequency bands: | 2.4GHz, 5GHz, 6GHz |
| Max speed: | 5.4Gbps |
| Best for: | Extensive, affordable coverage |
With its two added nodes, the TP-Link Deco XE75 mesh system extends the range of its 6GHz network up to 7200 square feet. If you have to cover a bigger house, XE75 is among the most affordable solutions supporting Wi-Fi 6E.
Performance-wise, the TP-Link mesh system is similar to the Archer AXE75 standard router. It also has tri-bands and a maximum speed of 5.4Gbps. With a broad range and capacity for up to 200 devices, you can even cover office spaces. Its 6GHz and 5GHz bands have 2.4Gbps capacity, meaning you can reliably take advantage of high-end Xfinity plans.
Deco XE75 boasts a 2.5Gbps LAN port aimed at NAS drives. TP-Link’s mesh system also includes HomeShield Basic security software with a real-time network scanner. In addition to advanced and free security options, you will get QoS and Parental Controls.
One of the key features is an AI-driven mesh that follows your device, ensuring uninterrupted and constant performance within the network range.
6. Netgear Orbi RBKE963B Wi-Fi 6E Mesh – the best router for extended range and high-end performance
| Wi-Fi standard: | Wi-Fi 6E (IEEE 802.11ax) |
| Frequency bands: | 2.4GHz, 5GHz, 6GHz |
| Max speed: | 10.8Gbps |
| Best for: | Users with large spaces and high-performance demands |
Netgear Orbi combines an extensive range of up to 9000 square feet with top-tier performance and a maximum speed of 10.8Gbps. It is a Wi-Fi 6E mesh system with two satellite extenders. The system can connect up to 200 devices.
The router has many ports, including a 10 Gigabit WAN and two 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet ports. The 10G WAN can support internet plans up to 10Gbps, which is above what high-end Xfinity plans offer. Netgear Orbi has tri bands, and the setup is straightforward with the Orbi app.
Like other Netgear routers that work with Xfinity, Orbi offers free basic security options, including 128-bit AES encryption with PSK. However, to get the complete set of options some routers provide for free, you must pay a subscription to Netgear Armor. You will get a one-month trial version, but beyond that, you’ll have to pay for Parental Controls and other advanced options.
The system has 12 antennas, and its range, which covers larger houses or apartments, is the main benefit, while the steep price could deter some users.
7. TP-Link Wi-Fi Internet gaming router – the best free security features and gaming
| Wi-Fi standard: | Wi-Fi 6 (IEEE 802.11ax) |
| Frequency bands: | 2.4GHz, 5GHz |
| Max speed: | 10Gbps |
| Best for: | Gaming, streaming and robust security without subscription |
The first look at TP-Link confirms its name as a gaming router, with its black-red combo and eight antennas. The router has a max speed of 10Gbps, and the tri-band setup carries 4.8Gbps capacity for 5GHz gaming and regular 5GHz bands with an additional 918Mbps for 2.4GHz.
Game Accelerator is an essential feature that gives an advantage to game streams. With OFDMA and MU-MIMO technologies, you can connect more devices and experience less lag.
TP-Link offers extensive connectivity options, with 2.5Gbps WAN and eight Gigabit LAN ports. It also has two USB 3.0 ports (one USB Type A and one Type C). Like other TP-Link routers on our best router for Xfinity list, it has HomeCare software with antivirus and parental controls. You will get WPA4, WPA2-Enterprise, and WPA2-PSK security protocols.
How did we select the best Wi-Fi routers for Xfinity
The Cybernews team and I researched extensively to find routers compatible with Xfinity. With so many devices out there, finding the best match for all types of users was challenging. The goal was to find routers that could use Comcast's high-speed internet plans.
- Speed and Wi-Fi standards (35%). Delivered speed contributes the most to the user experience, and I look at performance as the key asset in any device. New Wi-Fi standards like Wi-Fi 7 or 6E have better connectivity and speed. These also add value as future-proof technology.
- Range and device support (25%). An essential trait is how much space a router can cover with an effective network. Also, the number of supported devices that can seamlessly connect makes a huge difference and contributes to the higher score.
- Number of bands and ports (25%). Tri-bands have several advantages for users, and the number of gigabit ports can also increase a router's value proposition.
- Advanced features and security (15%). I evaluated high-end routers with QoS, MU-MIMO, and other helpful features and available enhanced security software.
Compatibility with Xfinity services was a prerequisite. The Cybernews team also considered user reviews, as customer feedback provides insightful details about real-world performance on a larger scale. Chosen drivers had to satisfy high marks on reviews posted on Amazon.
What is Xfinity internet
Comcast is among the largest internet providers in the US and is available across 40 states. Xfinity is their brand for home internet services. Like many competitors, Xfinity has different offers for its customers. Basic Xfinity Internet has six tiers, starting from the Connect plan, which supports 150Mbps and up to four devices simultaneously. Connect More plan has 400Mbps, and Fast comes with 600Mbps.
In my search for the best router for Xfinity, I focused more on the Gigabit plan, which offers 1100Mbps, Gigabit Extra, which offers 1300Mbps, and Gigabit x2, which allows 2100Mbps speeds. The price and speed differ from region to region, and customers in the northeast division can get the best speeds.
Xfinity offers cable internet connections, fiber optics, and mobile broadband solutions. You can also combine the internet with the Xfinity Mobile line, choose from complimentary TV services, and get cheaper streaming services with Xfinity post-paid Internet or Xfinity TV. A compatible quality router is essential to maximize the benefits of Comcast's top-tier internet plans.
What should you look for in the router for Xfinity?
Hopefully, you will find your best router for Comcast on our list. If you want to explore more devices, here are some factors you must consider.
- Compatibility. Router compatible with Xfinity must support DOCSIS 3.1 standard providers use for its services
- Speed. The Xfinity top-tier plan offers speeds of 2.1Gbps, so your router should handle the maximum speed of your plan. Ideally, you will need a device with a 2.5Gbps WAN port. Support for link aggregation is also a viable option.
- Coverage range. Top performance will not be enough if your router covers the entire house or office space. Make sure to check the device coverage. Our expert list includes some very capable routers with plenty of range.
- Wi-Fi standards. The newest standard on the market is Wi-Fi 7, followed by Wi-Fi 6E. Despite the lack of support among client devices, your new smartphone could benefit from an uncongested 6GHz band. Check how many bands your router supports and if you can choose a device with support for Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 5 as the minimum requirement.
- Security features. The router must support basic WPA3 encryption, a firewall, and VPN support. Parental Control and advanced security features are added bonuses.
- Number of devices supported. Households with multiple connected devices, such as cameras, Smart TVs, phones, tablets, and computers, must have routers capable of handling numerous connections. Luckily, most new routers can handle multiple connections.
- Advanced features. More is usually better regarding features that can elevate your user experience. Some options to look for include MU-MIMO, QoS (Quality of Service), and parental controls.
How to choose the best Wi-Fi router for Xfinity
Considering all the features, you make the ultimate decision on which router to choose. The best Wi-Fi router for Xfinity must satisfy several factors.
- Compatibility. This is an essential factor when getting a new Xfinity router. DOCSIS 3.1 is the latest version of the technology for handling data transfers with the internet provider, and it is a must-have option.
- Internet speed. Your Xfinity plan is the reference point here. If your plan has 1.3Gbps, choose a router with at least 2 Gigabit ports and 5 GHz or 6 GHz bands with 2Gbps capacity.
- Home size. The range of an Xfinity-compatible router should correspond to the size of your house, which is self-explanatory.
- Frequency bands and Wi-Fi standards. Multi-band capabilities can help avoid interference and support more connections. Choose the device with tri-band options, ideally one 2.4GHz and two 5GHz or one 6GHz. Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 are the newest standards, with better range, more capacity, and faster speeds. While these are not widely supported, choosing Wi-Fi 7 is excellent for future-proofing.
How do I replace and activate my Xfinity cable modem
With 26.5 million internet customers, Comcast is the largest provider of cable internet access. If you want to opt out of renting Xfinity network equipment or replace it, here is how to do it.
- The first step is purchasing a compatible modem: Ensure the device supports DOCSIS 3.1; you can check its compatibility here.
- Disconnect old equipment: Unplug your current router from the cable and power outlets.
- Unpack and connect the new router: Plug it into your cable outlet and power it on.
- Device activation: You can visit the Xfinity activation page or use the Xfinity app. The support pages have a QR code with detailed instructions for activation.
- Verify connection: Make sure your device works properly. You can run a speed test to check whether the performance matches the advertised speed.
- Return Xfinity’s modem: If you rented Xfinity equipment, make sure you return it to avoid extra fees.
How do you know if the Wi-Fi router is compatible with Xfinity?
Buying and connecting a new, improved router is relatively straightforward. However, checking if your new Wi-Fi router is compatible with Xfinity service is essential.
- You should check Xfinity’s official compatibility list to see if your device is supported.
- Comcast uses DOCSIS 3.1 standard, and you should check the router for that certificate.
- Even if your router is supported and has DOCSIS 3.1, you should ensure the device supports your internet speed tier.
- If you’re unsure about the router's compatibility and maximum speed, check the manufacturer's specifications or website.
Our detailed list of routers compatible with Xfinity can save you time and trouble when choosing a device.
How can I improve my Xfinity Wi-Fi signals?
There is no universally best router, and each household can benefit from a different type of device. For example, you will need more range in larger houses, or you can disregard that aspect in favor of top speed in smaller spaces. Here are some things you can do to improve Xfinity Wi-Fi signals.
- Upgrade your router. To maximize Xfinity internet Gigabit plans, get a high-quality router with better range. Our expert team provided a broad set of top routers for different use cases.
- Optimize placement. Place your new router in a central location in your home. Walls and other obstacles can impact the strength of your signal, so place the router away from them.
- Use Wi-Fi extender. Whether your router doesn’t have enough range or needs a better-quality signal due to walls interfering, you can use Wi-Fi Extenders to boost coverage in hard-to-reach areas. Mesh systems are also viable solutions for bigger and more complicated houses.
- Keep router updated. Regularly check for firmware updates, and keep your router’s software up to date.
- Limit interference. Ensure the router is not interfered with by other electronic devices in your home. Avoid placing the router near microwaves, cordless phones, and other devices that may interfere with it.
Final word on best Wi-Fi router for Xfinity
Finding the best router for Xfinity is all about the right fit. Consider what you need to get the best out of your high-end Xfinity plans. Optimal Xfinity performance is possible if your new router supports the speeds of your internet plans. I really think Netgear Nighthawk RS700S can deliver what you need from the router for Xfinity and then some.
Before choosing a device from our list of Xfinity routers, consider your home size and check the router's coverage. Think about internet usage habits and the number of devices in your household. If you’re a gamer, look for gaming-specific features. For larger houses, consider mesh systems. Finally, consider your budget before purchasing and find the best performance for your money.
FAQ
Can I use my own router with Xfinity?
There is a good chance you can. However, to be sure, check your router's compatibility on the Xfinity website. Your router should also support the DOCSIS 3.1 standard. You will get performance and compatibility with Netgear RAXE500.
What is the best router speed for Xfinity Gigabit?
The best router speed is the one exceeding the Xfinity plan speed. So if you have a Gigabit plan, anything beyond 1Gbps will do. For future-proof reasons, you can choose routers that support bigger speeds and have 2.5Gbps WAN and LAN ports.
Does Xfinity support Wi-Fi 6 routers?
Yes. Xfinity is an internet service provider, and if your router is on the compatibility list and supports DOCSIS 3.1, you can use Wi-Fi 6 standard in your home network.
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