Before you compare Wi-Fi speeds, check one thing: whether your cable provider approves the model. A combo that your provider will not activate is just an expensive paperweight. With that caveat, the NETGEAR Nighthawk CAX30 and the ARRIS Surfboard G34 are the strongest current-generation DOCSIS 3.1 listings here, the Surfboard G20 is the simpler cousin, and the SBG10 and Nighthawk C7000 are older DOCSIS 3.0 options. One listing, the Nighthawk R6700AX, is a router only and appears at the end as a runner-up.
Our Top Picks
NETGEAR Nighthawk DOCSIS 3.1 Modem Router Combo CAX30Pack of 111.93 x 5.39 x 9.92 inchesCheck on Amazon
NETGEAR Nighthawk DOCSIS 3.0 Modem Router Combo C7000AC1900 Wifi - 960 Mbps (24x8)9.66 x 8.31 x 1.7 inches3.44 PoundsCheck on Amazon
ARRIS Surfboard G20 DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem &Cable Modem Router (Single Unit)9.53 x 7.68 x 4.41 inches2.23 poundsCheck on Amazon
Top 3 picks at a glance
At a glance
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
![ARRIS (SBG10) - Cable Modem Router Combo - DOCSIS 3.0 16 x 4 Gigabit & AC1600 WiFi, [Check with your provider for compatibility]400 Mbps Max Internet Speeds](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31wJF1IieNL._SL500_.jpg)
![ARRIS (SBG10-RB) - Modem Router Combo - DOCSIS 3.0 16 x 4 Gigabit & AC1600 WiFi, [Check with your provider for compatibility]400 Mbps Max Internet Speeds - Renewed](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/316QDCw6lkL._SL500_.jpg)
- NETGEAR Nighthawk CAX30 – best for gigabit-class cable plans with WiFi 6, sold as both new and renewed listings
- ARRIS Surfboard G34 – best for a DOCSIS 3.1 combo with four 1 GbE ports and a stated 2,500 sq. ft. figure
- ARRIS Surfboard G20 – best for apartments that need only two Ethernet ports
- ARRIS G36 (renewed) – best for a refurbished DOCSIS 3.1 combo at a mid tier
- NETGEAR Nighthawk CAX80 (renewed) – best for buyers on very fast plans who accept a refurbished unit
- ARRIS SBG10 (new and renewed) – best for a slower plan on a tight budget
- NETGEAR Nighthawk C7000 – best only if you find a good price and your provider still supports it, since the title says discontinued
Spec table
| Model | Type | Key specs as stated in the title | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| NETGEAR Nighthawk CAX30 (new) | DOCSIS 3.1 combo | WiFi 6, 2.7 Gbps, Multi-Gig, 4x Gig ports, dual-band | Fast cable plans |
| NETGEAR Nighthawk CAX30 (Renewed) | DOCSIS 3.1 combo | AX2700, 2.7 Gbps, Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox | Same, at a lower tier |
| ARRIS Surfboard G34 | DOCSIS 3.1 combo | AX3000, up to 1 Gbps plans, 2,500 sq. ft., four 1 GbE ports | Mid to large home |
| ARRIS Surfboard G20 | DOCSIS 3.1 combo | AX3000, up to 1 Gbps plans, 2,500 sq. ft., two 1 GbE ports | Apartment |
| ARRIS G36-RB (Renewed) | DOCSIS 3.1 combo | AX3000, 1.2 Gbps max speeds, Multi-Gigabit (as worded) | Refurbished 3.1 |
| NETGEAR Nighthawk CAX80 (Renewed) | DOCSIS 3.1 combo | AX6000, plans up to 6 Gbps | Very fast plans |
| ARRIS SBG10 | DOCSIS 3.0 combo | 16 x 4, AC1600, 400 Mbps max speeds | Slow plans |
| ARRIS SBG10-RB (Renewed) | DOCSIS 3.0 combo | Same specs, renewed | Lowest cost |
| NETGEAR Nighthawk C7000 | DOCSIS 3.0 combo | AC1900, 4x Gig ports, labeled discontinued | Older plans |
| NETGEAR Nighthawk R6700AX (runner-up) | Router only | AX1800, 4x Gig, no modem | Not a combo |
The seven combos
NETGEAR Nighthawk CAX30 (new and renewed listings)
Two listings, one product. The new listing calls it a DOCSIS 3.1 modem router combo with WiFi 6, a 2.7 Gbps rating, “Multi-Gig”, four gigabit Ethernet ports, dual-band radios, compatibility with Xfinity, Spectrum and Cox, and free expert help. The renewed listing says AX2700 and gigabit wireless internet. The “Multi-Gig” wording and “4x Gig” port list are ambiguous together, so check the listing to see which port is faster than gigabit. The 2.7 Gbps figure is a combined wireless label, not a speed a single device will receive. The free expert help wording is a service claim from the seller, so read the terms before counting on it. The practical difference between the two listings is condition and warranty: the new one is the simpler path, while the renewed one may save money if the seller offers a clear return window.
Pros
- DOCSIS 3.1 and WiFi 6 together
- Provider names listed in both titles
- A renewed option exists for lower cost
Cons
- Port wording is ambiguous
- Renewed units carry condition and warranty uncertainty
Who it’s for: households on gigabit-class cable plans. Who should skip it: buyers on slower plans who do not need a 3.1 combo.
ARRIS Surfboard G34
A DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem and WiFi 6 router, AX3000, aimed at plans up to 1 Gbps, with a stated 2,500 sq. ft. coverage, four 1 GbE ports and compatibility with Xfinity, Cox and Spectrum. The title is the clearest in this group about what plan speed it targets, which makes matching it to a plan easy. Four gigabit ports suit a desk with a console, a PC and a NAS. The 2,500 sq. ft. figure is a best-case coverage claim, so a house with several floors may still want a mesh node later. Because the modem and router are one device, any future Wi-Fi upgrade means replacing the whole unit, which is the standard tradeoff with combos in this class.
Pros
- Clear plan-speed target in the title
- Four 1 GbE ports and a stated coverage figure
Cons
- Capped at gigabit-class plans per the title
- No multi-gig port is mentioned
Who it’s for: homes with plans up to 1 Gbps and several wired devices. Who should skip it: buyers on faster plans.
ARRIS Surfboard G20
The same family as the G34 with fewer Ethernet ports: DOCSIS 3.1, AX3000 WiFi 6, plans up to 1 Gbps, 2,500 sq. ft. and two 1 GbE ports. Everything else in the title matches its sibling. Choose it when two wired connections are enough, such as a PC and a console. If you will add a switch later, the port count stops mattering. The rest of the title mirrors the G34, including the provider names and the stated coverage, so the decision comes down to wired port needs and price. A smaller household that connects mostly by Wi-Fi will rarely miss the extra two ports, but a home office with a desktop, printer and console may.
Pros
- Same DOCSIS 3.1 and AX3000 features as the G34
- Lower price tier
Cons
- Only two Ethernet ports
- Same gigabit-class limit
Who it’s for: small households with few wired devices. Who should skip it: anyone planning several wired devices without a switch.
ARRIS G36 (renewed, G36-RB)
A refurbished DOCSIS 3.1 combo, AX3000 WiFi 6, “approved for Comcast Xfinity, Cox, Spectrum and more”, with “1.2 Gbps max speeds”. The title mixes “Multi-Gigabit” with a 1.2 Gbps maximum, so treat the exact port arrangement as unclear and check the listing. Renewed means the unit has been used and refurbished, so it is wise to confirm the seller, return period and warranty. Ask the seller whether the unit comes with a power adapter and Ethernet cable, and check the provider approval list for the exact G36 model number before purchase. Because the title does not state coverage or the number of Ethernet ports, treat both as unknown until you open the listing details.
Pros
- DOCSIS 3.1 with WiFi 6
- Provider approval wording in the title
Cons
- Renewed condition
- Mixed speed wording
Who it’s for: buyers wanting 3.1 at a lower tier who accept a refurbished unit. Who should skip it: anyone who wants a full new-product warranty.
NETGEAR Nighthawk CAX80 (renewed)
The most capable combo here on paper: DOCSIS 3.1, AX6000 WiFi 6, cable plans up to 6 Gbps, and compatibility “with all major cable providers”, sold renewed. Treat the provider claim with care, because only your provider can confirm approval. A plan that fast is uncommon, and a single wired device needs a multi-gig port to see it; the title does not list ports. Being renewed, it deserves the same cautions as any refurbished network device: reset it, update the firmware, and set your own Wi-Fi name and password before connecting the family. A plan at the top of its range often needs a provider technician or an account change to activate, so ask your provider before ordering.
Pros
- Highest stated plan ceiling in the group
- AX6000 gives room for many devices
Cons
- Renewed condition
- Port details and provider approval need checking
Who it’s for: buyers with very fast cable plans. Who should skip it: most households, whose plan is far below 6 Gbps.
ARRIS SBG10 (new and renewed listings)
Two listings, one older model. It is a DOCSIS 3.0 combo, 16 x 4 channel bonding, gigabit Ethernet and AC1600 WiFi, with “400 Mbps max internet speeds” and an explicit note to check provider compatibility. The renewed version (SBG10-RB) is the lowest-cost entry here. WiFi 5 and DOCSIS 3.0 mean it suits slower plans, and you should confirm your provider still supports the model. Because 400 Mbps is a modest ceiling by current standards, a plan upgrade later would make the unit a bottleneck. For a household that mostly streams video and browses, however, 400 Mbps is a stated figure that may be enough. The SBG10-RB listing is the cheapest in the group and a reasonable experiment if the return policy is clear.
Pros
- Lowest entry cost, especially renewed
- Title is upfront about the 400 Mbps ceiling
Cons
- Older DOCSIS 3.0 and WiFi 5
- Renewed unit carries uncertainty
Who it’s for: small households on plans under 400 Mbps. Who should skip it: anyone on a faster plan or wanting future headroom.
NETGEAR Nighthawk C7000
A DOCSIS 3.0 combo labeled DISCONTINUED in the title, with AC1900 WiFi, four gigabit ports, and Xfinity and Cox compatibility. Spectrum is not named. A discontinued product may not receive updates, and provider approval can lapse, so check the current approved list before relying on it. The AC1900 label combines bands and is a WiFi 5 rating. It remains a recognizable NETGEAR model, which can make support articles and setup guides easy to find, but the label on the listing suggests it will not be restocked, so consider the unit a short-term answer.
Pros
- Four gigabit ports
- Lower price tier than 3.1 models
Cons
- Discontinued
- Older standards, and Spectrum is not named
Who it’s for: a stopgap on a slower plan. Who should skip it: anyone planning to keep it for years.
Runner-up: not a modem
NETGEAR Nighthawk R6700AX (router only, not a combo)
Listed because it appeared with the group, but it is a WiFi 6 router (AX1800, up to 1,500 sq. ft., 20 devices, four gigabit ports, dual band) with no modem. It needs a separate cable modem. It is useful if you already own an approved modem and want a better router, which is the opposite of a combo’s simplicity. Pairing it with a cheap modem is possible, but then you manage two boxes and two sets of cables. Do not buy it expecting to get online without a modem.
How we picked these
We began with the supplied listings and kept those that call themselves cable modem router combos, grouping new and renewed versions of the same model. The R6700AX is router-only and is labeled as such. Specifications come from titles, and we flag ambiguous wording and renewed units. Nobody on the team used or measured these units. Our basis is published specifications, manufacturer documentation and buyer feedback, and provider approval must be confirmed with your provider. We left prices out of the text because they shift quickly.
What to look for in a cable modem router combo
Start with your provider’s approved list
Every cable provider keeps a list of approved modems. A combo can be a perfectly good device and still be refused. Look up the exact model number, not just the brand, and check whether the list mentions the plan speed you pay for. If you are on fiber, DSL or satellite, cable modems do not apply. Also check whether you subscribe to home phone service through the cable line: the titles here do not mention voice ports, so treat telephone support as unknown unless the listing says otherwise.
DOCSIS version and channels
DOCSIS 3.0 and 3.1 are the standards in the titles here. Version 3.1 is newer and supports faster plans more efficiently. “16 x 4” describes how many channels the modem can bond for downloads and uploads. If your plan is slower than a few hundred megabits, DOCSIS 3.0 can still work, but providers may retire support for old equipment, so lean toward 3.1 for longevity.
Match the combo to your plan speed
Titles state ceilings such as 400 Mbps, 1 Gbps, 1.2 Gbps and 6 Gbps. Pick a combo whose ceiling is comfortably above your plan, not exactly at it. Wired ports also matter: a gigabit Ethernet port caps a single wired device at about 1 Gbps. Plans advertised above that need a multi-gig port to be used by one computer, although several devices together can share the higher total. Wireless speeds are lower than the combined labels suggest, so do not expect the headline figure on a phone.
Wi-Fi standard and coverage
WiFi 5 (AC) and WiFi 6 (AX) appear here. WiFi 6 handles crowded networks better. Coverage figures are best-case, so a large house may need a mesh add-on. A combo’s built-in Wi-Fi is not upgradable, which is its main drawback. If your home needs strong coverage in several rooms, the usual path is to use the combo for the modem and add a mesh system, or to buy a separate modem and router from the start. Check whether the combo offers a bridge or access point mode in the manufacturer documentation.
New versus renewed
Renewed units are previously used and refurbished. Look for a return window and warranty, and plan to reset and update the firmware. A modest discount is not worth a unit your provider cannot activate. Ask the seller who refurbished it, whether the stated provider approvals still hold, and whether the box includes the power adapter.
Install-day checklist
Write down the modem’s model number and its MAC address from the label before the box is closed up again; your provider will ask for both when you activate it. Connect the coax cable first, then power, then wait for the status lights to settle before calling. After activation, log into the admin page, change the default admin password, rename the Wi-Fi network and update the firmware. Keep the box until the return window ends.
The rental break-even formula
Months to break even equals the combo’s price divided by the monthly rental fee your provider charges. If you plan to keep the combo longer than that number of months, owning wins. Worked method: find the fee on your bill, find the listing price, divide, and compare with how long you expect to stay at the address.
| Your plan | What to check | Likely fit |
|---|---|---|
| Under 400 Mbps | Provider still supports DOCSIS 3.0 | SBG10, C7000 |
| Around 1 Gbps | DOCSIS 3.1, 1 GbE ports | G34, G20, CAX30 |
| Above 1 Gbps | Multi-gig port, provider approval | CAX80, check CAX30 ports |
Mistakes buyers make with combos
Skipping the provider list. Approval decides everything. Buying DOCSIS 3.0 for a growing plan. You may replace it sooner. Trusting combined Wi-Fi numbers. AX3000 or AX6000 are totals across bands. Ignoring port counts. Two ports may not suit your desk. Overlooking returns on renewed units. Always check the window. Expecting a combo to fix weak coverage in a big house. You may need a mesh system. Forgetting to return the rented equipment. If you swap to your own combo, return the provider’s unit promptly, or the fee may keep coming. Placing the combo by the cable outlet only. The modem must sit near the coax jack, but the router half would prefer a central spot, which is a built-in compromise of the combo design.
Verdict
For most cable customers on gigabit-class plans, the ARRIS Surfboard G34 and the NETGEAR Nighthawk CAX30 are the sensible new-unit picks, with the G20 for small homes. Renewed units from ARRIS and NETGEAR lower the cost but add risk. The SBG10 and C7000 suit slower plans only, and the R6700AX is not a combo. Before ordering, spend a few minutes on your provider’s approved-modem page, and keep the receipt in case you need to return the unit.
Related guides
- Windows Macos Linux Gaming Performance Comparison Strengths Weaknesses
- Desktop Operating Systems Gaming Performance Strengths Weaknesses
- 5G Home Internet Wifi Modem Settings Low Latency Gaming
Frequently asked questions
What is DOCSIS 3.1 and do I need it?
DOCSIS is the standard cable modems use to talk to your provider. Version 3.1 is newer and handles faster plans more efficiently than 3.0. If your plan is well above a few hundred megabits, or you want room to grow, a 3.1 combo is the safer buy. On a slower plan, a 3.0 combo can work, provided your provider still supports it.
Will these combos work with my internet provider?
Only if your provider approves the exact model. Titles name providers such as Xfinity, Spectrum and Cox, but that is the seller’s wording and approval lists change. Before you buy, open your provider’s list of supported modems and look for the model number. Fiber, DSL and satellite customers cannot use cable modems at all.
Is a modem router combo better than separate devices?
A combo saves space, a power outlet and a cable, and it is easy to set up. The tradeoff is flexibility: if the Wi-Fi becomes outdated or fails, you may replace the whole unit. Separate devices let you upgrade the router without changing the modem. Choose a combo for simplicity, separates for control.
Does a renewed combo carry risks?
It can. A renewed unit has been used before and refurbished, so condition and warranty vary by seller. Check the return window and warranty terms, and confirm the model is still on your provider’s approved list. Reset it to factory settings and update the firmware before use. A new unit costs more but removes most of those unknowns.
Will owning a combo save money on rental fees?
It can, if your provider charges a monthly fee for its own equipment. Divide the listing price by that monthly fee to get the number of months to break even. Remember to include the cost of any activation or support, and whether you will keep the combo long enough for the savings to appear.
