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Not always. You need equipment that connects your home network to your internet service and a router that shares the connection; the router provides Wi-Fi when it has wireless capability. Those functions may be in separate devices, combined in one provider gateway, or partly supplied by your building. Check what is already installed and what your internet provider requires before buying anything.
What each device does
- Modem or ONT: Connects the provider’s service line to customer networking equipment. A modem typically converts an incoming coaxial, telephone, or fiber connection to Ethernet; a fiber installation may instead use an optical network terminal (ONT). The FCC’s network diagram describes a modem or ONT as customer-premises equipment at the connection to the provider-managed network: FCC 11-161.
- Router: Shares the internet connection across devices on a local network. A wireless router also broadcasts Wi-Fi.
- Gateway: Often an all-in-one provider device combining modem and router functions, sometimes with Wi-Fi built in. Labels vary, so check the device’s functions and provider setup instructions rather than relying on its name. Google’s modem guide describes combination devices as gateways.
A common home connection is provider line → modem or ONT → router or Wi-Fi gateway → phones, computers, TVs, and other devices. With a gateway, the modem and router functions share one enclosure.
Do you need both devices?
You need the functions, not necessarily two separate boxes. If your provider supplied a gateway with working Wi-Fi, it may already provide everything needed. If you have a standalone modem or ONT without Wi-Fi, you generally need a router for wireless networking. The provider’s equipment and service determine what connects to what.
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Cable or DSL service
These services use equipment compatible with the provider’s network. You may have a standalone modem connected to a separate router, or a gateway doing both jobs. Before replacing provider equipment or buying a modem, verify that customer-owned equipment is supported for your specific service.
#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.
Fiber service
Do not assume you need to buy a conventional cable or DSL modem. A fiber installation may use an ONT connected to a separate router, or provider equipment that combines functions. The ISP specifies the arrangement. For example, Brightspeed’s fiber equipment FAQ describes options and requirements for its own service; those details are not universal fiber rules.
Apartment or dorm Ethernet
Some buildings provide internet through an Ethernet wall jack, so a resident may be able to connect a router directly without supplying a modem. Google notes this possibility for some apartments and college dorms in its modem guide. Ask building management whether the jack is active and whether Wi-Fi is already provided; a wall Ethernet connection does not by itself mean wireless service is available.
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.
Check what is already installed before buying
- Identify your service: Check whether it is cable, DSL, fiber, or building-provided Ethernet. If you are unsure, ask the ISP or property manager.
- Inspect the equipment: Look for a modem, ONT, or gateway and check whether it has Wi-Fi enabled. Provider setup instructions can help identify the device’s role.
- Confirm provider requirements: Ask whether you may use customer-owned equipment and which models or specifications are supported, especially before replacing a modem or gateway.
- Decide what function is missing: If the existing equipment connects you to the internet but does not provide Wi-Fi, a compatible wireless router may be all you need. Avoid buying a duplicate modem.
- Match a router to the service and home: Check wired WAN speed capability against your subscribed plan, compatibility with your devices, and whether its coverage suits your home layout.
Using your own router with a provider gateway
A personal router can often be connected behind an ISP gateway, but the network settings may need adjustment so the new router functions as intended. Otherwise, both devices may be routing the network. In Google’s Google Wifi and Nest Wifi guidance, for example, the provider gateway may need to be set to bridge mode or have its Wi-Fi turned off; using different Wi-Fi names is another product-specific arrangement. Follow instructions for your exact gateway and router rather than treating one setting as universal. See Google’s setup guidance.
When mesh or an extender makes sense
A mesh system or Wi-Fi extender is optional equipment for addressing weak coverage in parts of a home; neither is required just to get Wi-Fi. Check compatibility with your existing router or provider equipment before choosing one. Brightspeed discusses compatible coverage options in its fiber equipment FAQ, but compatibility depends on the equipment and service in your home.
Rank #3
- 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.
Secure the Wi-Fi you set up
- Change the router’s default administrative username and password.
- Choose a unique Wi-Fi network name and password.
- Keep router software updated. If the provider supplied the router, ask whether updates happen automatically.
- Consider enabling a guest network for visitors.
These steps follow the Federal Trade Commission’s home Wi-Fi security guidance.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 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)
Rank #4
- 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.
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.
