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For a cable modem and wireless router in one device, the current reviewed roundup supports four picks—not five: the ARRIS SURFboard G54, G36, G20, and G18. The right choice depends first on whether your cable provider approves that exact model for your location and speed plan, then on your wired-port, Wi-Fi, and coverage needs.
Four reviewed cable modem-router combos at a glance
RTINGS’ roundup, updated October 1, 2026, names these four models. Its reviewers say they buy products themselves and use a standardized testing platform; the performance characterizations below are theirs, not independent testing by this publication. Product specifications are from the linked manufacturer pages accessed October 7, 2026.
| Model | Best fit | Key specifications | Review trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| ARRIS SURFboard G54 | Premium performance and more wired-port capacity | DOCSIS 3.1, Wi-Fi 7; one 10 Gb Ethernet port and four 1 Gb ports; no digital voice capability. ARRIS gives differing plan-speed statements: its feature text says plans up to 2.5 Gbps, while its specifications table says up to 10 Gbps. ARRIS specifications | RTINGS highlights strong speed results, but says range is less impressive relative to speed and the device is expensive. |
| ARRIS SURFboard G36 | Households wanting extra wired flexibility without a 10 Gb connection | DOCSIS 3.1, AX3000 Wi-Fi 6; one 2.5 Gb Ethernet port and four 1 Gb ports; no digital voice capability. ARRIS specifications | RTINGS reports weaker range than the G20. |
| ARRIS SURFboard G20 | Mid-range option for households relying mostly on Wi-Fi | DOCSIS 3.1, AX3000 Wi-Fi 6; two 1 Gb Ethernet ports; no digital voice capability. ARRIS lists cable plans up to 1 Gbps. ARRIS specifications | RTINGS says it edges the G36 in speed, latency, and gaming scores and distinguishes it for range; it has fewer and slower wired ports. |
| ARRIS SURFboard G18 | Basic use such as browsing, streaming, lighter downloads, and casual wireless gaming | RTINGS reports two LAN ports and a 1 Gb WAN rating. | RTINGS says its speed and range fall below the G20. |
RTINGS describes a combo as a convenient way to replace an ISP gateway and simplify setup. The trade-off is reduced flexibility compared with a separate modem and router. This roundup’s four recommendations are the supported picks here; it does not establish a fifth independently reviewed top pick.
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Will a combo work with your ISP and internet plan?
Check the provider’s approved-device list for the exact model and your service tier before buying. Compatibility can vary by location and plan; a manufacturer’s broad statement about major providers does not mean every model is approved for every account. Verify whether the device supports your subscribed speed tier, and ask the ISP about any installation or activation steps.
#1 Best Overall
- MAXIMIZE YOUR CABLE INTERNET AND WHOLE-HOME WIFI: A cable modem and WiFi router in one device unlocks the full potential of your home internet with faster downloads, smoother WiFi for gaming and video calls, and reliable coverage in every room.
- APPROVED FOR YOUR PROVIDER AND PLAN: Works with Xfinity internet plans up to 800Mbps, Spectrum up to 1Gbps, and Cox up to 1Gbps. Not compatible with Verizon, AT&T, CenturyLink, DirecTV, DISH, or bundled voice plans. ISP activation required after setup.
- MULTI-GIG DOCSIS 3.1 SPEEDS: Get Gigabit+ cable download speeds on today's fastest plans, with headroom for the upgrades ahead. Real-world speeds depend on your plan and ISP network.
- WIFI 6 COVERAGE FOR THE WHOLE HOME: Stay connected in every room with dual-band AX2700 WiFi 6 covering up to 2,000 sq ft and capacity for 25+ connected devices. Real-world coverage depends on home size, layout, and building materials.
- WIRED CONNECTIONS FOR YOUR FASTEST DEVICES: Four Gigabit Ethernet ports keep gaming consoles, desktops, and streaming devices hardwired for the lowest latency and the most stable connection in your home.
DOCSIS capability and advertised plan limits are not guarantees of the speed you will receive at home. In particular, ARRIS gives different plan-speed figures for the G54 in its feature text and technical table. Confirm the applicable service tier with both the provider and manufacturer rather than treating either G54 figure as a guaranteed household throughput.
How to choose among the four picks
Choose by wired devices and Ethernet speed
Count the devices you expect to connect by cable—such as a desktop, game console, or network storage—and check whether any require faster-than-gigabit Ethernet. The G20 and G18 offer fewer wired connections than the G36 or G54, while the G36 adds a 2.5 Gb port and the G54 lists a 10 Gb port. If you need more ports than the unit provides, a separate network switch may be an option, but it does not increase the modem’s ISP-approved speed tier.
Rank #2
- CABLE INTERNET AND WIFI MADE FOR YOUR HOME: This two-in-one cable modem and WiFi router puts every setting in your hands, from your WiFi names and passwords to how your network runs, so it works the way your household needs.
- APPROVED FOR YOUR PROVIDER AND PLAN: Works with Xfinity internet plans up to 800Mbps and Cox plans up to 500Mbps. Not compatible with Verizon, AT&T, CenturyLink, DirecTV, DISH, or bundled voice plans. ISP activation required after setup.
- GET THE FULL SPEED OF PLANS UP TO 800 MBPS: DOCSIS 3.0 delivers plenty of speed for HD and 4K streaming, online gaming, and video calls across your home. Actual speeds vary by plan and provider.
- AC1900 WIFI COVERAGE FOR THE WHOLE HOME: Stay connected in every room with dual-band AC1900 WiFi covering up to 1,800 sq ft and Beamforming+ for stronger signal to mobile devices. Real-world coverage depends on home size, layout, and building materials.
- WIRED CONNECTIONS FOR YOUR FASTEST DEVICES: Four Gigabit Ethernet ports keep gaming consoles, desktops, and streaming devices hardwired for the lowest latency and the most stable connection in your home.
Match Wi-Fi features to your household
The G54 is the Wi-Fi 7 option; the G20 and G36 are AX3000 Wi-Fi 6 models. A newer Wi-Fi generation or larger theoretical rate alone does not establish better coverage in your home. Consider the devices you use, where the router will sit, walls and floors, and the review’s reported range trade-offs. RTINGS characterizes the G20 as having an advantage in range over the G36, while the G54’s range is less impressive relative to its speed.
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Check voice service before replacing an ISP gateway
If you subscribe to cable telephone service, confirm that the replacement supports it before disconnecting your existing gateway. ARRIS lists no digital voice capability for the G54, G36, and G20. The G18’s voice capability is not established in the cited review details, so check its manufacturer and provider documentation rather than assuming support.
Rank #3
- Fast, Reliable Connection: Enjoy high-speed streaming, gaming, and browsing with a trusted brand used in over 260 million homes.
- Advanced Modem Tech: Uses DOCSIS 3.1 for faster speeds, better security, and smoother gaming.
- Strong Wi-Fi 6 Coverage: Dual-band Wi-Fi 6 delivers faster, wider wireless performance for your whole home.
- Service Compatibility: Works with major ISPs like Xfinity, Spectrum, and Cox
- Save on Fees: Own your modem and avoid up to $168/year in rental charges (varies by provider)
Decide whether an all-in-one design is the right trade-off
A combo reduces the number of devices and can simplify setup, but separates modem and router hardware offer more flexibility if you later want to replace or upgrade one part independently. Consider separate devices if that flexibility matters more than a single-box arrangement.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What about the NETGEAR Nighthawk CAX30S?
The NETGEAR Nighthawk CAX30S is a possible comparison model, but it is not one of the four picks in RTINGS’ current roundup. NETGEAR describes it as a DOCSIS 3.1, Wi-Fi 6 combo and lists compatibility with Xfinity, Spectrum, and Cox at specified tiers. The manufacturer says it is not compatible with bundled cable voice service or fiber. Check the exact provider, location, and plan before considering it. NETGEAR CAX30S specifications
Quick Recap
Best Value
- MAXIMIZE YOUR CABLE INTERNET AND WHOLE-HOME WIFI: A cable modem and WiFi router in one device unlocks the full potential of your home internet with faster downloads, smoother WiFi for gaming and video calls, and reliable coverage in every room.
- APPROVED FOR YOUR PROVIDER AND PLAN: Works with Xfinity internet plans up to 800Mbps, Spectrum up to 1Gbps, and Cox up to 1Gbps. Not compatible with Verizon, AT&T, CenturyLink, DirecTV, DISH, or bundled voice plans. ISP activation required after setup.
- MULTI-GIG DOCSIS 3.1 SPEEDS: Get Gigabit+ cable download speeds on today's fastest plans, with headroom for the upgrades ahead. Real-world speeds depend on your plan and ISP network.
- WIFI 6 COVERAGE FOR THE WHOLE HOME: Stay connected in every room with dual-band AX6000 WiFi 6 covering up to 2,500 sq ft and capacity for 30+ connected devices across your home. Real-world coverage depends on home size, layout, and building materials.
- MULTI-GIG WIRED CONNECTIONS FOR YOUR FASTEST DEVICES: One 2.5 Gig Multi-Gig port and four Gigabit Ethernet ports keep gaming consoles, desktops, and streaming devices hardwired for the lowest latency and the most stable connection in your home.
Rank #4
- input voltage：100 -240V
- SAVE MONTHLY RENTAL FEES: Model C7000 replaces your cable modem and WiFi router saving you up to $150/yr in equipment rental fees. System Requirements Cable broadband Internet service, Check your cable Internet service provider web site for data speed tier compatibility, Not compatible with Cable bundled voice services.
- BUILT FOR FAST SPEED: Best for cable provider plans up to 800 Mbps speed
- FAST Wi Fi PERFORMANCE: Get up to 1800 sq ft wireless coverage and 30 devices connected
- VERSATILE CONNECTIONS: 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports give you fast wired connections to your computer,, game box, and other devices. One USB port for storage devices.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
