7 Best Routers with Coax Input in 2023 [Top-Rated Combo Devices]

Are you worried about escalating monthly charges from a separate cable and internet provider? Bundling them to a single ISP can save you money. Why not save more by investing in a router with coax input? Unlike standard wireless routers, a coaxial cable router will take lesser space, and it would also add to the aesthetics, courtesy of minimalist vertical design.

Are you bothered about compatibility with various ISPs? You will have the apprehensions addressed here. A coax router is an ideal choice to future-proof your home with the latest standards and higher speeds. The increase in streaming devices emphasizes having adequate wired connectivity.

Also, nobody likes to be stuck in the Wi-Fi dead zones. Security becomes paramount with loads of sensitive, confidential work information.

Factoring all the critical requirements & preferences of various consumers, I’ve narrowed it down to the 7 cable modem router combos that are highly relevant in 2023. These devices have features imperative to deliver superior performance. It includes a solid hardware unit in tandem with features like MU-MIMO, QoS, and Parental controls.

Best Routers with Coax Input in 2023

In this article, you’ll find my top 7 recommendations for cable modem and Wi-Fi router combos. It results from a detailed comparative analysis of over 40 router-modem combos in the market.

The list starts with the premium offerings supporting the latest wireless standards, aka Wi-Fi 6, and provides high-speed modem compatibility. Look out for the value-for-money choices and affordable alternatives as you go further down the list.

1. Best Overall: Netgear CAX80

The upgrades in RAM and Storage to ramp up its speed limits give a massive boost to the Netgear CAX80. The latest wireless standards aided by 160MHz channels come with a multi-gigabit Ethernet port. These powerful features make it the best cable modem router combo, cementing itself at the top of the list.

Why is it a suitable cable router?

Netgear CAX80 supports DOCSIS 3.1 technology that allows up to 10Gbps of speeds owing to 32 downstream channels and 8 upstream channels. The wireless router supports Wi-Fi 6 and has aggregated speeds of 6000 Mbps, operating in simultaneous dual-band.

With MU-MIMO & OFDMA, it is capable of handling multiple devices and enjoys the top speeds of 1150 Mbps on 2.4GHz and 4804 Mbps on 5GHz frequency. It is ideal for Gigabit plans from Spectrum, Cox & Xfinity. The combo device will support higher speeds in case of any future speeds of ISP. It can cover up to 3000 sq ft and supports over 30 devices.

Hardware & Performance

Netgear puts together a 1.5GHz dual-core processing unit, which makes it capable of handling multi-gig connections. A memory duo of 1GB RAM and 512MB storage make it efficient and powerful. The 8-stream modem-router combo will cruise through heavy 4K/8K streaming and online gaming activities.

Design & Ports

The shiny black vertical device sports a hexagonal design that weighs 2.5 pounds and measures 10.4 x 8.5 x 4.3 inches. It comes with high gain internal antennas with beamforming.

The device accommodates a 2.5Gbps Ethernet port, 4 Gigabit LAN ports, and 1 USB 3.0. It also supports link aggregation, allowing you to combine two Ethernet ports.

App & Security Features

Nighthawk application makes the installation part easier. Inbuilt VPN support, SPI & NAT firewall protection, DDoS prevention is a part of its security setup. You can opt for Netgear Armor to offer real-time protection for the devices connected to the home network.

Conclusion

If you plan to future-proof your home with the latest wireless standards and high-speed capabilities, Netgear CAX80 has all the features to cover your requirements. Higher speed throughput and the multi-gig Ethernet ports put this at the top of the list above Arris G34.

2. Best Runner Up: Arris Surfboard G34

The latest wireless standards and high-speed modem compatibility make Arris Surfboard G34 a better choice than its preceding model. Supported by advanced features, easy management, and adequate coverage makes this device a worthy inclusion at the 2nd top of the list.

Why is it a suitable cable router?

Arris G34 supports Docsis 3.1, which gets the advantage of 32 downstream and 8 upstream channels. A high potential speed owing to the latest wireless standards ensures the cable modem and Wi-Fi router can achieve merged speeds of 3000 Mbps.

With MU-MIMO & WMM functionality, you’ll be able to optimize and prioritize devices to use the individual limits of 600 Mbps on 2.4GHz, and 2400 Mbps on 5GHz frequency. The combo works well with the most prominent cable service providers. The networking beast is ready to be paired with Gigabit plans from Spectrum, Cox, and Comcast Xfinity.

The combo can deliver quality coverage to large homes measuring up to 3000 sq ft. Connect up to 25 devices to the home network and enjoy high-speed internet.

Hardware & Performance

Arris puts together a multi-core Intel Chipset with a total clocking ability of up to 3GHz. Combine that with a capable memory duo of 1GB RAM and 512MB storage, and you have a quality multi-tasking unit to process the demands of a large household. It eases through data-laden activities, including 4K streaming, online gaming, video conferences, large file transfers, and more.

Design & Ports

The glossy black chassis has a rounded rectangular chassis with ventilation on its top. The unit weighs close to 3.1 pounds and measures 10.0 x 8.0 x 3.0 inches. You’ll have 4 beamforming internal antennas that deliver quality signals across the household.

Arris device ensures you have sufficient wired connectivity with 4 Gigabit LAN ports.

App & Security Features

Surfaceboard Manager App makes the setup & management as simple as possible. Set up firewalls, parental controls to ensure your home network remains protected from any external cyber threats.

Conclusion

Do you want a device with the latest standards in both your cable modem and Wi-Fi router? Pair your gigabit internet with Arris Surfboard G34 and enjoy seamless internet with no hassles. The price advantage and coverage keep the G34 above its Motorola counterpart.

3. Best for Gigabit Plans: Motorola MG8702

The latest modem technology and higher routing speeds, with an upgraded hardware unit, makes Motorola MG8702 a quality choice over its predecessor. The selection of features and the easy management make it the right cable modem router.

Why is it a suitable cable router?

Having the 32 x 8 channel in tandem with Docsis 3.1 opens up access to 10Gbps. The cable modem n router combo supports Wi-Fi 5 standards, and it can achieve aggregated speeds of 3200 Mbps while operating on simultaneous dual-bands.

With MU-MIMO, multiple devices will rake up speeds of 1000 Mbps on 2.4GHz, and 2167 Mbps on 5GHz frequency. The built-in Wi-Fi router works well with Gigabit plans from providers like Spectrum, Cox, and Xfinity. This is one of the few cable modem and Wi-Fi router combos covering up to 2500 sq ft homes and hosts over 25 devices simultaneously.

Hardware & Performance

Motorola runs on the back of a multi-processor technology powered by an ARM-based engine. It can handle the demands of data-intense streaming, online gaming, and a multitude of activities, including video conferences and mobile devices.

Design & Ports

The shiny grey perforated rectangular device weighs 1.9 pounds and measures 9.5 x 8.8 x 2.8 inches. It has 4 internal antennas with beamforming support. If you are in a small household, you’ll have sufficient avenues for connecting your priority devices with 4 Gigabit LAN ports.

With a USB 3.0 port, you can ‌share media/files within the home network at a faster rate.

App & Security Features

MotoManage app is a handy tool to complete the setup and customize your settings. Motorola offers a selection of security features, including SPI firewalls, support for VPN protocols, IP/MAC filtering, DoS notification, and WPA 2. (Learn how to configure WPA 2). Parental controls help you protect the kids from unwanted exposure.

Conclusion

If you need a faster USB port for sharing data within your home, along with support to fast internet speeds? The two-year warranty of Motorola for its MG8702 should be a reason strong enough to tip you over. The higher speed limits and the additional USB 3.0 port keep it above Arris SBG8300, despite its price advantage.

4. Best Modem-Router for Xfinity: Arris SBG8300

Arris SBG8300 gets a tremendous boost in its performance over its predecessor with improvements in its hardware unit. The higher bandwidth potential of the device with OFDM channels puts Arris Surfboard SBG8300 at an advantage and justifies its inclusion in this list.

Why is it a suitable cable router?

The SBG8300 supports Docsis 3.1, which puts the potential speeds up to 10Gbps, credit to its 32 x 8 channel bonding capacity. The built-in wireless router supports Wi-Fi 5 standards and comes with aggregated speeds of 2350 Mbps while operating in dual-band simultaneously.

With MU-MIMO & QoS, the devices can enjoy the top speeds of 600 Mbps on 2.4GHz, and 1733 Mbps on 5GHz frequency. It is compatible with the 1.2 Gbps plans of Xfinity and the 1Gpbs plans of Cox & Spectrum. This router with a coax connector can extend its coverage up to 2500 sq ft. The cable modem and router combined let you connect 25 devices.

Hardware & Performance

Arris has a multi-core processing unit with a total clocking capacity of 4GHz. That puts it capable of handling data-heavy activities. A robust memory unit complements the processor. The duo of 1GB RAM and 512MB storage memory adds multi-tasking to its forte. It can cruise through 4K/UHD streaming devices and high-graphic gaming activities.

Design & Ports

SG8300 sports a black trapezoidal chassis with highly porous, heat-regulated sides. Its aesthetic design packs everything within 1.94 pounds and measures 9.33 x 8.0 x 2.87 inches.

It has four high-performing antennas that handle stable signal delivery. You’ll have adequate wired connectivity with 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports.

App & Security Features

The Surfboard Manager board is easy to use and makes the setup easier. WPA2 encryption and guest network access become paramount for protecting your network from unauthorized usage. With parental controls, get more power over your internet and limit access to a device with schedules.

Conclusion

If you need a powerful cable modem router for Xfinity that works with voice assistants and has easy app-based management, Arris SBG8300 is the right device for you.

Note: If the current price has increased above $220, Arris G34 would be more value for purchase with higher speed limits and features.

5. Best from Netgear: Netgear C7000

Were you looking for a Netgear Wi-Fi cable modem router? If yes, let me present to you the Netgear C7000. It’s a mid-range combo offering that caters to the needs of a small to a medium household. Read on to know if it’s worth it.

The C7000 is a modified version of its predecessor with additional features while giving up on voice-based services. Ease of comfort and remote management with the Wi-Fi 5 standards and safer ecosystem of Netgear puts the Netgear C7000 on this list.

Why is it a suitable cable router?

At the helm of Docsis 3.0 and its speed limit of 1 Gbps, it readily qualifies as one of the best routing devices for 1000 Mbps. It comes with a 24 x 8 channel bonding. While not the latest, the Wi-Fi-5 can support fast speeds. The device has a combined output of 1900 Mbps while operating in a simultaneous dual-band.

The devices can use individual speeds of 600 Mbps & 1300 Mbps on 2.4GHz, and 5GHz frequencies. The hardware capability allows it to operate with 600 Mbps of Xfinity, 400 Mbps plan of Spectrum, and 500 Mbps of Cox internet. The device can cover small to medium houses measuring 1800 sq ft and handles up to 30 devices.

Hardware & Performance

Netgear packs a dual-core processing unit that clocks at 1GHz and 600MHz. The duo of 256MB RAM and 128MB storage equips it for handling data-intensive activities, albeit in a balanced manner. Connect your smart TV, laptops, and mobile gadgets to your device and enjoy seamless internet connectivity.

Design & Ports

The black hexagonal design on a highly ventilated chassis comes in a lightweight form that weighs 1.6 pounds and measures 9.66 x 8.31 x 1.7 inches. The internal antennas, ren-inforced with beamforming+, can maintain stable signals.

It has 4 Gig LAN ports that offer stable connectivity and a USB 2.0 port to share the printer within the network.

App & Security Features

Nighthawk application comes in handy for setup and network management. Create guest networks, monitor & control the internet on the go. The network also gets the protection of WPA2 encryption, SPI & NAT firewall protection, DoS attack prevention with Netgear.

Conclusion

If you are looking for an affordable wireless router with coaxial input and mobile support for remote management, Netgear C7000 is the perfect fit for you. Wired connectivity, remote monitoring capacity, and the security of the Netgear ecosystem put it above the Motorola counterpart despite its cost advantage.

6. Best Budget Coaxial Router: Motorola MG7700

The upgrades in the processing unit make Motorola MG7700 more suitable than its predecessor. A combination of advanced wireless features and affordability warrants an inclusion to the list of the best cable routers.

Why is it a suitable cable router?

Motorola MG7700 comes with a Docsis 3.0 that allows up to 1Gbps speeds. The 24 downstream channels and 8 upstream channels make it possible. The built-in router part of the device supports Wi-Fi 5 standards and has a combined speed output of 1900 Mbps.

At the helm of features like MU-MIMO, devices can reach top speeds of 600 Mbps on 2.4GHz, and 1300 Mbps on 5GHz frequency. While it can support up to 1Gbps plans, it’s recommended for internet connections up to 600 Mbps. That makes it an ideal device for the 400 Mbps plan of Spectrum, 500 Mbps of Cox & 600 Mbps of Xfinity.

The wireless router with coax and ethernet can offer coverage for 2000 sq ft homes and accommodate up to 20 devices within the household.

Hardware & Performance

MG7700 comes with a 1.5GHz dual-core processor, which supports high-speed internet connections. The operating memory and the flash storage are limiting factors to its multitasking ability. This is one of the few budget routers with coax connection that breeze through video conferencing, online gaming, Twitch streaming, TV streaming, and more.

Design & Ports

The grey color simplistic chassis comes in a striped rounded rectangular design that weighs 1.54 pounds and measures 9.0 x 8.5 x 2.5 inches. It comes with 3 internal dual antennas equipped with any beam implicit beamforming.

It comes with 4 Gigabit LAN ports on the rear side of the device.

App & Security Features

Motorola doesn’t have a dedicated app for this modem with a coax connector. Motorola allows device management via the web interface. The device offers VPN support, SPI firewalls protection, DoS notification, IP/MAC filtering to protect the devices. WPA2 encryption keeps the network safe from unauthorized usage. Parental controls come in handy.

Conclusion

Do you need an affordable coaxial cable router for your medium-sized household? The Motorola MG7700 checks most of the boxes with its speed, connectivity, and price. The absence of a mobile app leaves it below the Netgear counterpart.

7. Best Value for Money: Arris SBG7600AC2

The improvement in the speed limits makes Arris SBG7600AC2 a better choice than its predecessor. Easy management, parental controls, and a USB port combined with the price point give a compelling reason to add this device to my list of recommended cable modem and router combos.

Why is it a suitable cable router?

The 32 x 8 channel bonding with Docsis 3.0 technology will allow speeds up to 1Gbps. At the helm of Wi-Fi 5 standards and Wave 2 MU-MIMO, devices will be able to use aggregate speeds of 2350 Mbps. As far as individual band speeds are concerned, you get 600Mbps on 2.4GHz, and 1733 Mbps on 5GHz frequency.

Arris claims the device works well up to 800 Mbps. This allows users to go after the 400 Mbps plan of Spectrum, 500 Mbps of Cox, or 600Mbps plan of Xfinity. This router with coaxial connection can share the internet with 20 devices spread across a 2000 sq ft house.

Hardware & Performance

Arris puts a multi-processor technology on Intel chipset clocking at 600 MHz. A memory duo of 512MB RAM & 128MB storage gives it the capacity to handle the data demands in a medium household. Although Intel Puma chipsets are bad in terms of performance, this model finds sufficient processing capacity to support online activities and smart gadgets in the household.

Design & Ports

The matte black rectangular chassis comes with highly ventilated sides. It weighs 1.9 pounds and measures 9.5 x 7.69 x 2.25 inches. The internal antennas transmit signals to every corner of the house. Use the USB 2.0 port in the front to share printer or storage within the network.

You can use the bandwidth efficiently with wireless devices by utilizing the 4 Ethernet ports for connecting important devices.

App & Security Features

Surfaceboard Manager App plays a crucial role in making installations quick. You’ll be able to protect your network from security with WPA2 encryption, IP/Mac Filters, and Firewalls. With kids at home, parents could put the parental controls to good use in restricting internet exposure.

Conclusion

If you need parental controls to control kids’ internet exposure and screen time at home with easy App management, Arris SBGAC7600 gives you an easy way out of it. The Intel Puma chipset has been reported for bad performance, which is why this device has got the last position on my list.

Buying Guide

Finding the right wireless router with coaxial input can get tedious, as it involves both a router and a modem. The guide will enlist the essential features of both the router and modem functionality to focus on and help you choose the suitable device for your home.

Requirements & Preferences

When you are looking to buy a coaxial modem router, your requirements play the most crucial role in finding the right product. Having a clear idea about the list of service providers and the speeds on offer in your neighborhood is imperative. Choose a router that matches your ISP speeds or supports even higher speeds.

Consider the future plans of upgrading or adding new appliances/devices to be connected to your modem router combo. Switching to smart home gadgets in an automated home can pile up the stress of the overall performance. Account for the number of streaming, gaming, and work devices at your home.

Wired & Wireless Connectivity

The number of ethernet ports in the combo device is imperative to offer stable wired connectivity for priority devices, and as essential is the modem technology. A Docsis 3.0 modem allows speeds up to 1Gbps. Docsis 3.1 supports speeds up to 10Gbps, which is ideal for multigigabit internet plans.

Higher the number of channels for downstream & upstream, better your internet performance. A router-modem combo with 32 x 8 channel bonding delivers better performance than a 24 x 8 or 16 x 4 modem.

Wireless standards in the router denoted by Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 6 are imperative for its wireless performance. A high-speed modem without adequate wireless support cannot transmit data to the wireless devices efficiently. If you have a bunch of Apple devices, Wi-Fi 6 based routers will be ideal for you.

Speeds & Coverage

The routing speeds act in tandem with wireless standards to get the best out of your internet. Higher the number of devices in your home, your router-modem-combo should have higher speed limits. Features like MU-MIMO, OFDMA will allow your router to communicate to multiple devices without throttling the bandwidth.

The number of antennas plays a critical role in the router’s coverage. Antennas equipped with Beamforming are imperative to delivering quality signals to the farther end of your house.

Design & Hardware

Any router-cum-modem with support for the latest standards & high-speed modem compatibility should be backed up by a robust hardware unit. A solid multi-core processing unit & large operating memory are imperative for processing data-intense streaming & gaming activities.

Flash storage is essential for storing the firmware updates for the device & security settings for the devices connected to the router-modem combo. A huge amount of data processing makes design a critical part of the equation. The device should allow adequate room for heat regulation, which is essential to avoid overheating and hardware failure.

Installation & Management

Having a Wi-Fi router with coax input at home reduces the amount of wiring, making the setup bit easier. Most devices come with options of installation & setup through mobile application or web interface. If you prefer a quick and easy setup, go for a router offering dedicated mobile applications.

If you’d like to explore setting customization or prefer the old-school way of installation, by default, you’ll be able to do it via the web portal. The web interface will allow you to configure your router-modem and customize the settings according to your preferences.

Security & Other Features 

Internet security plays a critical role in protecting the devices connected to your coaxial router. The encryption standards and firewalls form an essential part of the security setup.

Look for OEM providers that offer advanced real-time protection if you have plenty of devices and smart home gadgets connected to the network. QoS is essential to assign priority to devices if you’re to get the best out of your coax router.

Do you want to share media within the household? Wi-Fi Routers with USB ports can do it for you. Check for a USB port in the coax cable router. If you want your router to optimize the bandwidth usage & improve the overall performance, look for smart connect or airtime fairness features.

Frequently Asked Questions

Verdict

Locating the best cable modem Wi-Fi router is no simple process, considering the number of factors involved in the decision. A thorough investigation of the features and requirements has led to the top recommendations on the list. Find out some ‌suggestions of some of the common and likely scenarios.

• Netgear CAX80 gives a secure internet ecosystem with the latest wireless standards and higher speed support to accommodate multi-gigabit connections.
• Motorola MG8702 offers a great selection of features, high internet speeds at a very affordable price.
• Arris SBG7600AC2 is one of the best budget alternatives for a smaller-medium household looking for a router-modem combo.