9 Best Routers for Spectrum in 2021 [Expert Picks]

Are you currently a Spectrum subscriber or planning to become one? If yes, then you must be looking for a reliable router that works best with Spectrum internet.

The ISP must’ve asked you to pay the monthly rental fee of $8-12. And, you’d likely want to say yes to such a tempting offer, but based on my research, owning a router provides a better return on investment than renting.

But, let’s stop for a second and think about what other options you have. How about buying your own router? How will that benefit you, you ask? Let me walk you through the benefits of buying a Spectrum compatible router.

• Better Performance and Speeds: You have to consider the fact that Spectrum is not going to provide you the best router in the market. That’s why you need to make sure that you buy a suitable router for all the daily tasks you perform to enjoy the better wireless performance. This way, you’ll get to pick the speed of the router yourself, which will be far better than a rental router.
• No Rental Fees: $5-$10 a month might sound like a very meager amount, but if you rent a Spectrum router, you’ll end up spending nearly $60-$120 a year as rental fees. Think about how much money you’ll be spending a couple of years later. It sounds like a lot, doesn’t it? That’s why it’s best to splurge now than to regret it later.
• Better Coverage: Spectrum doesn’t know the wireless coverage you need. Only you can decide upon how much area your wireless network should cover. If you rent a router, you can end up getting stuck with one that doesn’t reach every nook and cranny of your home. Therefore, it’s best to buy a Spectrum compatible router with the wireless range you require.
• Better Security: As you know, cyber attackers are getting more advanced these days. That’s why you need advanced security features to protect the personal information on your devices. Spectrum rental routers don’t offer the best security features, and that’s why it’s best if you buy a router with features like parental controls, stronger firewalls, etc.

9 Best Routers for Spectrum in 2021

Spectrum is one of the largest wireless network providers in the United States. And that’s why it’s likely that you’ll be inclined towards renting a Spectrum router. But it comes with its own set of problems. To combat those problems, I recommend that you purchase your own router than renting one from Spectrum.

In order to pick the best wireless router for Spectrum, you’ll need to take note of your network requirements. Now that you are clear with your home network requirements, look at the below-reviewed Spectrum compatible routers that give you more bang for your buck.

1. Best Overall: Netgear Nighthawk RAX78

The strong wireless transmissions of the Netgear Nighthawk RAX70 make it a highly suitable router for old homes with thick walls. It has got a solid performance, and you will experience no skips, freezes, or slow-downs while gaming, Twitch streaming, and more.

Speeds & Performance

The tri-band router provides a speed of up to 460mbps in 2.4GHz while providing up to 960mbps and 4800mbps in dual 5GHz frequencies. It supports the MU-MIMO and OFDMA technologies. With these technologies, you can experience faster streaming using 32 downstream and 8 upstream QAM channels.

CPU, RAM, Storage

With the quad-core processor that clocks in at a frequency of 1.5GHz, this router becomes the ultimate powerful device to give your home stable internet from Spectrum. It has a mind-blowing 512MB RAM and flash memory of 256MB to install extra applications.

Antennas & Coverage

The Netgear RAX78 comes with 6 internal antennas, which are powerful enough to get stable coverage in a 2500 Sq Ft house with a seamless wireless connection.

Design & Connectivity

The router has a black plastic body that measures 11.85 x 8.19 x 3.23 inches (when unfolded). It has two main LED indicators on its front face. At 2.58 pounds, it’s quite a bulky router. On the back of this beast of a router, you’ll notice 4 LAN and 1 WAN port along with a power button and a USB 3.0 port.

Is this router for you?

The router is compatible with the Spectrum Gig plan and is the best choice for gaming and streaming enthusiasts. Overall, the Nighthawk RAX78 has the latest security features, higher speeds, great coverage, and DFS and 160MHz channels support.

2. Best Runner Up: TP-Link Archer AX6000

The TP-Link AX6000 gets the best ecosystem to deliver high-speed internet to your home with powerful hardware at the behest of the latest 802.11ax standards, with ample avenues for wired connectivity. Seamless high-speed internet connectivity to your Smart TV, gaming consoles, and desktop are within its purview.

Speeds & Performance

The aggregate speed of 6Gbps and the advantage of 160MHz channels make your internet achieve top speeds of 1148mbps on 2.4GHz and 4804mbps on 5GHz. 

CPU, RAM, Storage

A quad-core processor clocking at a speed of 1.8GHz powers Archer AX-6000. The 1GB operating memory remains crucial for data-intensive gaming and supporting multiple connections. The 128MB storage gives sufficient room for firmware and settings.

Antennas & Coverage

The 8 external antennas ensure a stable signal to multiple devices, credit to technologies like OFDMA and Beamforming. The high-speed can be crucial in a VR/AR setup and stream 4K/8K quality media with devices spread across 3000 sq ft house.

Design & Connectivity 

The 3.50lbs justify its heavy-weight performance. The black octagonal striped base with a beveled cross at its top gives an aesthetic look to the device, despite its hefty appearance. 

Archer has a 2.5Gbps WAN port and eight Gigabit Ethernet ports that support link aggregation. The two USB ports are a welcome addition to share network storage devices and printers within the network.

Is this router for you?

If you are looking for a router that complements the Gigabit internet plan from Spectrum, the Archer AX6000 brings the best out of it with the support of powerful hardware and a plethora of advanced features.

3. Best for Home Use: Linksys E8450

The Linksys E8450 is an affordable router with WiFi 6 support that will leave you absolutely stunned with its performance. The router provides a combined speed of up to 3200 Mbps.

Speeds & Performance

The 2.4GHz band can be used for regular daily operations while the 5GHz band for gaming, 4K streaming, and similar data-intensive activities. It supports the MU-MIMO technology for 4×4 streaming. It may not be a top-tier router, but its affordability and classy features make it worth an investment.

CPU, RAM, Storage

The router is powered by the Qualcomm chipset that clocks at 1.4GHz. It has a 512MB RAM space, supporting business operations, OTT streaming on Firestick, WiFi calling, and more. It also has a 256MB flash memory to install other applications.

Antennas & Coverage

The router has 4 internal antennas with beamforming abilities. This feature ensures that the wireless radio signals travel directly to your client devices. The router can extend its range up to 2500 Sq Ft when it comes to coverage.

Design & Connectivity

The router has a black plastic body, and it flaunts LED indicator lights in the front. It measures 6.14 x 3.03 x 8.66 inches and weighs just 1.41 pounds. The router has 4 LAN ports and 1 WAN port that provide a faster-wired connection than standard Ethernet ports. It also has one USB 2.0 port that can connect to a printer and other devices.

Is this router for you?

This router works best with Spectrum Internet ultra plan. WiFi 6, parental controls, 2500 Sq Ft range, and more than adequate RAM and storage are a great value considering the sub $150 price range.

4. Best Value for Money: TP-Link Archer AX50

If you want a budget-friendly router that performs just like an expensive one, then the TP-Link Archer AX50 should be your ideal pick. This is a solid easy to use router that you won’t need to break the bank for.

Speeds & Performance

Delivering a combined maximum speed of 3000mbps, this router justifies its cost. If you consider individual speeds, the maximum speed provided by the 2.4GHz frequency band is 574mbps, and that by the 5GHz band is 2402mbps.

CPU, RAM, Storage

This TP-LINK router is powered by a dual-core Intel AnyWAN GRX350 CPU that clocks at a frequency of 800MHz. It has 256MB of RAM and 128MB of flash memory to install additional applications.

Antennas & Coverage

At the rear end of the router, you’ll notice 4 external non-removable antennas. All of these antennas have a built-in power amplifier and beamforming abilities that direct a stronger radio signal to your wireless device. The router can provide a stable Wi-Fi connection over a range of 2000 Sq Ft, and the device can easily support 40+ devices.

Design & Connectivity

This router has a typical back box appearance. It measures 12.99 x 2.95 x 9.65 inches and weighs just 1.23 pounds. Joining all the ports is a power button, a WPS button, and an LED indicator. The router’s front panel has LED indicators for power, wireless radio bands, and more.

It has a 1 WAN port that clocks in at a speed of 1Gbps. It also has 4 LAN ports that provide a speed of 1Gbps for wired connections. Furthermore, it has a USB 3.0 port to support connections with other devices such as printers and smartphones.

Is this router for you?

The router works great with Spectrum Ultra internet with WiFi 6, Parental Controls, QoS, MU-MIMO, and OFDMA. You’ll definitely appreciate the router for its advanced security features, excellent speed, coverage, app support, and affordability.

5. Best for Gaming: ASUS RT-AC86U

The AiMesh compatibility, lifetime security, adaptive QoS, and well-organized wired connectivity makes ASUS RT-AC86U one of the best gaming routers for Spectrum Internet. However, what makes this router more interesting is the collaboration of ASUS with WTFast. WTFast provides game acceleration with GPN (Gamer’s Private Network) for optimized gaming.

Speeds & Performance

The RT-AC86U comes with an aggregated speed of 2.9Gbps. As far as the individual band speeds are concerned, the router provides up to 750mbps on 2.4GHz and 2167mbps on its 5GHz band. With the support for 4×4 MU-MIMO, the router can provide seamless connectivity on multiple devices.

CPU, RAM, Storage

The router houses a dual-core processor from Broadcom operating at 1.8GHz. The 512MB RAM and storage of 256MB remain crucial to maintaining seamless connectivity to multiple devices concurrently.

Antennas & Coverage

The routing device has 3 external antennas towering from its corners. With coverage of 1800 sq ft, the router is suitable for smaller to medium homes with up to 15 devices operating simultaneously.

Design & Connectivity

With one of the unique designs from Asus, the black-colored square base comes in a compact design with two red streaks giving it a gaming router vibe. The router weighs 1.9 lbs and measures ‎6.2 x 3.3 x 8.66 inches in dimension.

The device doesn’t disappoint in terms of connectivity. It comes with 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports, one Gigabit WAN port to keep your devices wired to the router. With 2 USB ports (1 x USB 3.0 & 1 x USB 2.0), the router can accommodate network storage drives and printers.

Is this router for you?

If you live in a household with multiple gaming rigs and smart devices, the ASUS RT-AC86U perfectly complements your internet requirements. However, in my tests, this Spectrum compatible router worked best with the Ultra internet plan.

6. Best for Office Use: Netgear Nighthawk R7350

The Netgear Nighthawk R7350 is a reliable wireless router that costs less than $100. It lets your family spread its wings and sink its claws into the internet.

Speeds & Performance

It provides a combined speed of up to 2400mbps. With this router, you can enjoy seamless 4K media streaming and other home/business operations without any lags. Due to the support of MU-MIMO and Airtime Fairness, the router can deliver a strong wireless connection to multiple devices simultaneously.

CPU, RAM, Storage

The router is fueled by the Broadcom BCM4709A0, a dual-core processor that clocks in at the frequency of 1GHz. There’s a 256MB RAM space, which is enough to perform all high-end operations. It also has a 128MB flash memory to install extra applications.

Antennas & Coverage

The router has 3 high-gain external antennas with Beamforming+ abilities for better coverage and speed. The router provides incredible coverage of 2500 Sq Ft., clocking over 2400mbps of aggregated speed.

Design & Connectivity

The router has a simple black body with LED indicators in the front that will complement any room. It measures 11.22 x 7.26 x 1.97 inches and weighs just 1.65 lbs. It is equipped with 1 WAN and four 1-Gig LAN ports for supporting wired connections. It is also listed with a single USB 3.0 port placed in the front of the router.

Is this router for you?

This sub $100 wireless router is Spectrum compatible and provides you with reliable speeds, coverage, Dynamic QoS, Beamforming+, and excellent user experience with the NETGEAR app support.

7. Best WiFi Mesh System: TP-Link Deco X20

Mesh routers are best for the seamless range and ease of installation. They’re aesthetically pleasing, and you’d love to sport them in your home rather than tucking them away in your closet. The TP-Link Deco X20 is all about excellent wireless speed, coverage, and security.

Speeds & Performance

The dual-band Wi-Fi 6 mesh router offers a combined speed of 1800mbps. It has a reliable performance that’ll make you fall in love with it. As for the individual band speeds, the 2.4GHz supports 574mbps, and the 5GHz band maxes out at 1201mbps.

CPU, RAM, Storage

A quad-core processor clocking fuels the router at 1GHz. It has 512MB RAM that can support all high-end operations and 128MB flash memory to install any extra applications such as alternate versions of the OS you’re using.

Antennas & Coverage

Each unit of this mesh system has 4 internal antennas fitted with power amplifiers that catch a weak radio signal and amplify it before transmitting better coverage, beamforming, and stronger targeted signals. It provides you with an excellent range of over 4000 Sq Ft in crowded apartments and multi-story houses.

The Design

The router is easy on the eyes due to its ergonomic tower twist and turns design and gorgeous white body. In fact, it looks so unique that it will become a part of the decor of your home. It measures 4.3 x 4.3 x 9 inches and is super light weighing just 1.8 pounds.

Connectivity

At the base of every router unit, you’ll notice a single WAN port for connecting your modem and a single LAN port that delivers a maximum speed of 1000mbps. However, if you’re fond of USB ports, the Deco X20 shouldn’t be your ideal choice as it lacks USB connectivity.

Is this router for you?

The Deco X20 not only fills your home with fast internet but also envelopes it in a security blanket with its robust parental controls and TP-Link’s in-house HomeCare security service. If you need a long-range wireless router that packs the latest wireless standards, advanced QoS management, and powerful security, this is one of its kind mesh systems to invest in.

8. Best Modem Router Combo: Motorola MG7550

If you’re in search of the best modem router combo for Spectrum internet plans, then the Motorola MG7550 is what you should look at. The Combo unit should be your priority if your primary purpose is seamless installation and ease of usage.

Speeds & Performance

The Motorola MG7550 provides you the features of a dual-band router and a modem all in one. The router provides you a combined speed of 1900mbps on both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. It features 16 downstream with a download speed of 683Mbps and 4 upstream channels with an upload speed of 123Mbps.

Furthermore, it supports 3×3 MU-MIMO technology, which means it can simultaneously send and receive signals from three channels. This unit includes a full-band digital tuner that identifies the channels with the least amount of traffic. Therefore, it ensures that you experience minimum co-channel and adjacent channel interference while using your Wi-Fi connection.

CPU, RAM, DOCSIS Technology

The Broadcom BCM33843G CPU chipset powers the router. It has a RAM space of 256MB, which is perfect for carrying out daily operations and high-end ones.  This is a router and modem combination that is compatible with DOCSIS 3.0 16 x 4. Furthermore, this router is back-compatible with older DOCSIS versions such as DOCSIS 2.0 and 1.1.

Antennas & Coverage

The router has 4 internal antennas with beamforming abilities. It’s a dual-band router that works using 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency bands. The router can cover over 1500 Sq Ft area. As your need for connecting multiple devices to the Wi-Fi connection grows, so do the routers. This particular device can connect up to 253 wireless devices simultaneously.

Design & Connectivity

The router has a black body, measures 10.9 x 10.2 x 2.8 inches, and weighs 2.65 lbs. The front panel of the device has seven LED indicators. The top panel and sides of the router are heavily perforated for maintaining good airflow and protecting the device from heat damage. Below the Ethernet ports, you’ll see a red section with a reset button, WPS, and WLAN button.

It is equipped with 4 Ethernet ports on its back panel for hard-wiring your router to gaming consoles like Xbox One, PlayStation 4, computers, and other Ethernet-compatible devices. Also, it has one USB 3.0 port for other additional connections. The blue section at the rear sends data directly to the modem via a coaxial connection. Beneath the coaxial connection, you’ll notice a power button and power supply input.

Is this modem/router for you?

This modem router combo for Spectrum has a USB 3.0 port, provides excellent speed, MU-MIMO technology, DOCSIS 3.0, and ease of setup. Thus, it is one of the best WiFi routers for Spectrum internet.

9. Cheapest Option: TP-Link Archer A7

The TP-Link Archer A7 has great performance and advanced features at a lower price. This dual-band router is designed to please users with a tight budget.

Speeds & Performance

Even at such a low price, the router offers some advanced features such as Parental Control, QoS, and support for Amazon Alexa. It provides a combined speed of 1750mbps. If I talk about the individual speeds, the 2.4GHz band provides 450mbps, and the 5GHz band provides 1300mbps.

CPU, RAM, Storage

The router is powered by the Qualcomm QCA9563 processor that clocks in at a frequency of 750MHz. It has a 128MB RAM that can support mild gaming and daily operations without lags. It also has an additional flash memory for 16MB to download extra applications. This router uses the 802.11ac Wave 2 technology to establish a wireless connection in your home.

Antennas & Coverage

With 3 adjustable yet non-removable external antennas, the Archer A7 can cover a range of over 2500 Sq Ft house. It’s great considering the price.

Design & Connectivity

It has a good plastic black body and measures 9.59 x 6.32 x 1.29 inches. This router weighs just 0.93 lbs. On the router’s front panel, you’ll notice LED indicators for wireless bands, Ethernet, Internet, etc. On the rear of the router, there is an array of ports. The router sports 4 LAN and 1 WAN port. It is also equipped with one USB port for media & file sharing.

Is this router for you?

If the budget for your next router is less than $100, then TP-Link Archer A7 is definitely worth a look. Even though it won’t deliver blazing throughput speeds on the 2.4GHz band, its stellar performance on the 5GHz band will surely leave you impressed.

Spectrum Plans – Is it worth it in 2021?

Plan	Rates	Download Speed	Data Cap
Spectrum Internet	$49.99*	Up to 100 Mbps	Unlimited
Spectrum Internet Ultra	$69.99*	Up to 400 Mbps	Unlimited
Spectrum Internet Gig	$109.99*	Up to 940 Mbps	Unlimited

I know that the question of whether Spectrum is worth your money in 2021 is plaguing your mind. According to the latest FCC report, Spectrum has one of the most consistent internet speeds compared to other ISPs like Xfinity, Verizon Fios, Optimum, etc.

The answer to this question only depends on your network requirements. Spectrum routers come with no data caps, no contracts, and no modem rental fees. However, the downside to Spectrum is its rental fee, low speeds and coverage, and poor customer service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Verdict

The reason behind opting for your own router is that you know your network requirements better than anyone else. That’s why you’ll be able to choose the best speed and coverage for your home or working space. However, if you’re still confused about choosing one, here are my quick picks for you:

• If you need the no-nonsense wireless router for higher internet speeds and better range, the Netgear Nighthawk RAX78 is my go-to recommendation. It has everything you would want in a router!
• If you need WiFi 6 and decent specifications for under $150, then the Linksys E8450 is a great choice.
• If you like the mesh router for its seamless connectivity and ease of use, I’d suggest opting for the TP-Link Deco X20.
• Lastly, if you are low on budget, then the Netgear Nighthawk R7350 is my go-to recommendation.