9 Best Xfinity Compatible Routers in 2021 [For All Comcast Packages]

Are you looking for the best-rated router for Comcast? Whether you are on high-speed gigabit plans like Xfinity Gigabit, Gigabit Pro, or medium speed plans like Xfinity Extreme Pro+, Blast Pro+, Performance Pro+, or even the slowest Performance starter plan, the routers in this list will work without any trouble.

Not just Xfinity, but almost all the cable internet providers, including Cox, Spectrum, Optimum, Midco, etc., would insist on using the equipment on rental as that helps them earn money. However, it’s not worth renting the equipment because, in less than 2 years, the equipment would’ve paid for itself.

Besides, the routers or modem/router combos offered in the rental won’t be suitable for specific purposes or use-cases. For instance, if you’re living in a 2 story house, you shall experience coverage issues. That’s why many people end up purchasing a router of their own after facing issues with the rented router for 3-4 months.

Also, if you think that your wireless connection is not giving you the speeds you pay for, this is possible because of a dated router. No matter how fast a connection your ISP gives you, the speed will ultimately be determined by the router and the modem. So, ensure you stay away from bad equipment and invest in a good router that is compatible with Xfinity.

Now, the next question would be – won’t it too much of a hassle switching from my rented equipment to this new one? The answer is no. It will literally take you minutes, or half an hour tops, to change your router. Each of these devices comes with detailed instructions on setting them up, and some even have a CD detailing the process step by step.

9 Best Routers for Xfinity in 2021

I have tested about 31 routing devices from different brands, including Netgear, Asus, TP-Link, Linksys, etc. I’ve tested them on different Xfinity internet packages for consistency, speed, and ease of installation. Out of 31 wireless routers, I took only 9 and reviewed them below. So, what are you waiting for? Find out the routers compatible with Xfinity and place your order today.

1. Best Overall: Netgear Nighthawk RAX70

The Netgear Nighthawk RAX70 is a great Wi-Fi 6 router that is approved to use with Comcast and a variety of other internet service providers, including Fiber, Satellite, Cable, and DSL. It comes with 8 streams, so, there will be little congestion and more bandwidth available for you.

WiFi Speeds

It comes with a combined speed of up to 6.6Gbps with its tri-band Wi-Fi, and it claims to allow you to upload, download, and stream quite faster than its predecessors. Speaking of individual speeds, the 2.4GHz band provides up to 600mbps while dual 5GHz bands provide 1200mbps + 4800mbps, respectively.

Performance

This router has been consistent in terms of speeds and coverage. Everything from Ultra HD streaming on Netflix to gaming and even Twitch streaming was super smooth. Not just that, Apple TV+ which usually makes me grind my teeth with its constant buffering, also worked very smoothly altogether.

Hardware

Since it is equipped with a 1.5GHz quad-core processor and 512MB of RAM, it can also power your Smart Home applications seamlessly, while ensuring low latency gaming on Xbox One, 4K and 8K streaming, and more Wi-Fi 6 features.

Antennas, Coverage, Ports

The device has 6 concealed antennas and can provide coverage for large homes up to 2500 Sq Ft. It has tri-band Wi-Fi technology that supports one 2.4GHz and two 5GHz bands. There are 4 Gigabit LAN ports and one USB 3.0 port that you can use to connect wired devices like computers and gaming consoles for getting faster file transfer.

Configuration & Other Features

The device comes with NETGEAR Nighthawk app support which is a breeze to set up. You can use the app to control everything and manage your home network even when you are away. It also has additional features like Netgear Armor to protect your home and devices against cyber-attacks, parental controls, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant support.

Should you buy it?

This is a powerful Wi-Fi 6 supported router that delivers a reliable and fast connection, no matter how many devices you connect with it. It is a cool-looking device that sometimes reminds me of the Death Star, although it does take a bit of space. If you are not afraid of the slightly heavy price tag, go for it – it is worth every penny.

2. Best for Gaming: Netgear Nighthawk RAX45

Here’s another router from Netgear, which is specially designed for gamers. The Netgear Nighthawk AX4300 promises lag-free gaming.

WiFi Speeds

The router delivers lightning-fast speeds on both of its frequency bands – the 2.4GHz band can handle 480mbps speeds, and the 5GHz band can handle speeds up to 3840mbps for continuous gaming and live streaming sessions.

Hardware

This amazing gamer-friendly router is powered by a 1.5GHz tri-core processor. This is a pretty fast processor and it is designed to handle traffic in medium to large homes, so you won’t be left wanting for faster processing speeds. The device is configured with 512MB of RAM and 256MB of flash memory.

Antennas & Coverage

There are four non-removable antennas and it can cover 2500 square feet of house without any hitch, so it is very well-suited for medium to large homes. It also comes with Beamforming technology which improves the wireless range of the router and also enhances its signal focus. This is particularly helpful because it results in faster internet speeds for mobile devices.

Ports & Configuration

There are 4 LAN, 1 WAN, and a USB 3.0 port to choose from. The Nighthawk app is quite easy to use. Not only can you use the app for parental control of the internet, but you can also set up separate Wi-Fi access for your guests, monitor and manage your home network remotely, and check the broadband speed from your ISP.

Should you buy it?

All in all, the Nighthawk AX4300 is undoubtedly the best router for gamers who uses high-speed internet plans from Comcast Xfinity. You can choose it without worrying too much. It does not cost a lot, and it is certainly a huge leap over its predecessors.

3. Best Value for Money: ASUS RT-AX3000

The ASUS RT-AX3000 offers a total speed of 3000mbps, which lets you do everything from streaming 4K videos to gaming. This is a great value-for-money router that costs less than $200. On top of all this, it also supports the latest 802.11ax standard so that you can enjoy WiFi 6 benefits on supported devices at your home.

WiFi Speeds

Speaking of individual speeds, the router provides up to 575mbps in the 2.4GHz band and 2402mbps in the 5GHz band. The 2.4GHz channel is meant for low-intensity tasks like web browsing, video conferencing, etc. The much faster 5GHz channel is meant for online gaming and streaming on multiple devices and switching between applications smoothly.

While testing this router on the Comcast Xfinity Blast Pro+ plan, I found that the 5GHz band scores 339mbps at a distance of 15 feet, and when the distance is increased 200 feet, the speed is lowered to 179mbps. The lower frequency band scores 66mbps at close range and 50 amps at long-range tests. It also remained extremely stable during the 48 hours of testing, where I switched data on and off between multiple clients, both wired and wireless.

Hardware

The device is powered by a Tri-Core processor that clocks at 1.5GHz frequency, eliminating any performance drop and enjoying smooth streaming with low latency, even on the busiest of home networks. Multiple files downloading, WiFi calling, and 4K streaming on Firestick showed me that this processor could handle it all.

Antennas & Coverage

The router comes equipped with 4 high-performance (non-removable) antennas that provide beamforming and strong signals in every corner of the 3000 Sq Fr house. So, whether you’re planning to buy a good WiFi 6 router at an affordable price, this is a great option to go for.

Ports & Configuration

There are four LAN ports for wired connections and one WAN port for connecting it to your modem. These are Gigabit Ethernet ports, which means that you will get a fast wired and wireless network. There is a USB 3.0 port as well. You can use the web interface for setting up the whole thing, and installation should be a breeze even for home users.

Should you buy it?

When it comes to designing, it does not look much different from its predecessor. It is encased in a very sleek box, and you can either mount it on a wall or place it flat on a surface. All in all, this is a pretty great-priced and dependable router for Xfinity customers.

4. Best For Gigabit Plan: Linksys E8450

The Linksys E8450 is a great WiFi 6 mesh compatible router that features MU-MIMO and OFDMA technologies. The MU-MIMO technology is actually quite powerful with this device, and it allows it to serve at least 12 wireless devices at the same time with absolutely no lagging.

WiFi Speeds

The router also has dual bands for managing traffic. You can get a maximum of 2400mbps speed when you are on the 5GHz band and 800mbps on the 2.4GHz band. In my testings, I was able to do online gaming and 4K streaming on multiple devices.

Hardware

The router is powered by a 1.4GHz MediaTek MT7622BV – a dual-core processor which is quite powerful. Furthermore, the device has 512MB of RAM and 128MB of flash storage in case you’re interested in installing external apps or firmware.

Antennas, Coverage, Ports

There are four internal antennas considering it’s meant to be used in medium to large households. It supports over 25 devices and covers areas of up to 2500 Sq Ft. It comes with a standard quartet of 4 Gigabit LAN ports, 1 WAN, and 1 USB 2.0 port that will help you establish wired connections.

Configuration

The Linksys app is quite easy to use, and its device setup is also quite user-friendly. The connection is the same as conventional routers. The app connected with the router can help you control every feature. You can easily monitor and manage the device even remotely.

The top of the router has a textured finish that provides good ventilation. It has stylish look, is aesthetically appealing, and is quite easy to store. The ports are easily accessible and visible too.

Should you buy it?

All in all, it’s a pretty handy device for medium to large households that have higher than average data usage. It’s Amazon Alexa compatible, so you can manage it using voice commands as well. Overall, if you’re looking for a WiFi 6 router with parental control for the Xfinity gigabit plan, this is the best option to go for.

5. Best Under Budget: TP-Link Archer AX50

The TP-Link Archer AX50 promises to deliver speeds up to 3000mbps, provided you have an efficient internet connection. It comes with ultra-fast 802.11ax Wi-Fi technology.

WiFi Speeds

I did a speed test with the router connected to my Macbook pro, and I tested at two distances from the device, the furthest of which was over 7 meters with a wall between the client and the router.

The device claims to achieve up to 2402mbps on the 5GHz band, while I noticed that it could reach close to 940mbps on the Gigabit plan from Comcast Xfinity. I also noticed decent speeds of up to 350mbps, of which they claim 574mbps on the 2.4GHz band. Overall, I found it best suited for the Blast! Pro Xfinity plan.

Hardware

The Archer AX50 is powered by a dual-core chipset that provides quality connections without lagging or dropouts. This processor outperforms most AC1900 routers in the market. It has a RAM of 256MB and 128MB of flash storage. In other words, the hardware of the Archer AX50 outperforms most of the budget routers.

Antennas & Coverage

It has 4 external antennas that are non-removable. These send the Wi-Fi signals in every corner of your 2000 Sq Ft house, eliminating any dead spots. Furthermore, the beamforming technology also helps in detecting any devices that are low-powered or far away. It focuses the signal strength towards these devices and boosts performance.

Other Features

Since the device also has MU-MIMO technology and smart connect technology, along with beamforming, you can expect consistent and reliable speeds throughout. This technology allows you to send simultaneous data streams to all connected devices. On the other hand, smart connect technology eliminates the need to change the Wi-Fi connection manually.

Ports & Configuration

The device has a quartet of LAN words and one WAN port. You can connect your gaming consoles, PCs, or smart TVs for a faster and more reliable connection Using the Ethernet cable. Setting up the Archer is intuitive with the help of its web interface or the Tether app. You can also use the app to manage network settings, parental controls, and media sharing.

Should you buy it?

You can also use this router as an access point. Besides all this, the design quotient is simply spectacular, and it is a good-looking device with a smart design that looks sophisticated and sleek. For Comcast customers, it is probably the best option in this particular price range.

6. Best Modem Router Combo: Motorola MG8702

If you’re looking for a reliable modem router combo for Xfinity internet, the Motorola MG8702 is the best option to choose from. It promises up to 3200mbps of maximum internet speed and is bundled with great features.

WiFi Speeds

As mentioned earlier, it claims to achieve a combined speed of up to 3200mbps. The built-in dual-band router offers 1000mbps in the 2.4GHz band and 2160mbps in the 5GHz band. Do note that it’s an 802.11ac router means you’ll miss out on WiFi 6 support. Still, the router retains Internet speed even during peak hours.

What usually happens during peak hours is that your Internet service provider limits each channel’s speed to decrease data traffic. But channel bonding combines all the available speeds from each channel and retains a high-speed connection for you.

Hardware

This modem-router combo has 32 downstream and 8 upstream channels, ensuring that you get a fast and consistent connection throughout. It also comes with DOCSIS 3.1 technology, which means that you do not need a separate modem with this device you can use it directly with your Comcast subscription to access the Internet.

It is a dual-band Gigabit router and supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz channels. It also comes with beamforming technology that will extend your Wi-Fi coverage, remove unnecessary radio frequency interference, and reduce dead spots to provide you with a stable Wi-Fi connection.

Antennas & Coverage

The modem-router combo integrated 4 internal dual antennas with power boost technology which amplifies the wireless signal and extends the range and speed of your connection. You can expect coverage of nearly 2500 Sq Ft with this device and maintain 30+ devices simultaneously, without any issues.

Ports & Configuration

The modem router has four Ethernet boards when you want a direct cable connection to your TV, gaming console, or computer. It also has a USB 3.0 port for faster-wired connectivity. It is quite easy to set up, and it will take you just 15 minutes to get it up and running once you get it out of the box.

Should you buy it?

Overall, it’s a high speeds capable modem router combo that works with Comcast Xfinity internet plans. It packs in great features, and I also like its clean and sleek vertical design, which is not cumbersome and does not take too much space.

7. Best Mesh Setup: TP-Link Deco X20

Taking cues from the success of its predecessor, TP-link built Deco X20 by improving its RAM and flash storage. It signifies a substantial improvement in the router to tackle high-speed internet plans and handle plenty of devices simultaneously. 

WiFi Speeds

Working in tandem with Gigabit plans from Xfinity, the router delivers an aggregated speed of 1.8Gbps, however, I found it most suitable for 200mbps plan viz. Performance Pro Plus. The individual speeds of 574 Mbps on 2.4GHz and 1201 Mbps on 5GHz frequency can accommodate over 150 devices in a household with automated home appliances.

Performance

Backed by a potent hardware trio, the high speeds delivered translate to adequate bandwidth for data-intensive activities like online gaming and twitch streaming. The high-speed Wi-Fi 6 mesh router could pull through seamless 4K streaming with no hassles.

Hardware 

Deco X20 has four cores clocking at a high speed of 1GHz. Complemented by the synergy of 512MB RAM, and 128MB storage, the router delivers seamless wireless connectivity with the latest wireless standards. 

Antennas, Coverage, Ports

The short white cylindrical towers of the X20 come with 4 internal omnidirectional antennas that help them cover large ranch-style homes measuring 4000 sq ft. The units stand 4.49-inches tall and 4.3-inches in diameter accommodates one Ethernet and WAN port. 

Configuration & Other Features

The Deco app makes it easier for the users with an automatic test to find the right placement for satellite units. The router comes with the security of a robust intrusion detection and prevention system, antivirus software to detect and isolate infected devices in the network.

The addition of extensive parental controls, effective bandwidth management with QoS, the latest WPA 3 encryption standards, and firewalls eases the concerns of access controls and bandwidth amongst its users.

Should you buy it?

If you are looking to bring the speeds of the latest wireless standards to your large household, Deco X20 has lots to offer. Features like OFDMA, MU-MIMO, and Beamforming ensure stable signal delivery. Its capacity to support Ethernet backhauling and minimize loss of capacity makes it a worthy investment.

8. Best For Office Use: Netgear Nighthawk R6700

The Netgear R6700 retained its core hardware used in its forerunner model R7000 but compromised on the speeds of 2.4GHz and a USB port. Its price advantage and plethora of kid-friendly features it brings to the table make it ideal for smaller-medium-sized homes.

WiFi Speeds

Nighthawk R6700 can bring the best out of a Gigabit plan from Xfinity by using its capacity to achieve speeds of 450 Mbps on 2.4GHz and 1300 Mbps on 5GHz frequency. It gives sufficient bandwidth to handle up to 25 devices comfortably.

Performance

The hardware combination brings the ability to handle multiple TVs’ in a household. Adding a gaming console and a couple of workstations wouldn’t dent its performance in delivering the high speeds it promises. 

Hardware 

A powerful dual-core processor clocking at 1GHz remains the engine of the R6700. The combination of an operating memory of 256MB and a storage of 128MB gives the ability to handle loads of HD media streaming and gaming rigs.

Antennas, Coverage, Ports

Beamforming gives the 3 external antennas to cover up to 1500 sq ft. Wire your priority devices to the router and ensure stable internet, credit to WAN port, and 4 Ethernet ports. Despite its awkward placement, the USB 3.0 offers a commendable network storage performance.

Configuration & Other Features

Netgear genie mobile sorts out the trouble of initial setup for novice users with its pre-designed guided installation process. Get the comfort of remote access to the network even when you are away from home. 

A separate guest network access, DoS prevention, SPI and NAT firewall protection, support to VPN, and protection of Netgear Armor on subscription offers the requisite protection to the network. The Circle Smart parental controls gives the ability to monitor and control your kid’s internet exposure.

Should you buy it?

The affordability tilts the balance in favor of the Netgear R6700 if you are looking for a value for money purchase for your medium-sized home. It brings advanced technology like Beamforming and doesn’t compromise on security and access control with its robust internet protection and parental controls.

9. Cheapest Option: ASUS RT-ACRH12

The ASUS ACRH12 AC1200 is a budget wireless router from Asus. As you can probably guess from the price, it does not offer the latest WiFi standards, however, this doesn’t mean that its performance is sluggish in any way.

WiFi Speeds

The router can achieve a combined speed of up to 1200mbps. When it comes to individual band speeds, the 2.4GHz band can provide up to 300mbps, and the 5GHz band can provide a speed of up to 867mbps. These speeds may not sound mind-blowing, especially considering the other routers on this list, but they will definitely meet your expectations.

Ports & Configuration

There are four LAN and one WAN port along with a USB 2.0 port. You can use the ASUS router app to configure and manage your home network. Alternatively, you can also use the ASUSWRT web-based interface to set up the device. You can use this interface to access and control various features of the device.

Hardware

The ASUS RT-ACRH12 is powered by the MediaTek MT7628AN. It packs in 128MB of RAM and 16MB of flash memory.

Antennas & Coverage

There are 4 external antennas located on the rear side of the device. The router lets you connect to 20-25 smart devices. It covers large homes or areas of up to 3000 Sq Ft.

Should you buy it?

Overall, it is a pretty affordable and nifty device with a neat-looking design. It uses 802.11ac technology and has multiple antennas that boost the speed. If you do not mind the lack of WiFi 6 standard and want a good router with an extensive range, then this is the one for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Verdict

The only way to get the most out of your internet connection is to get the best router that is compatible with your ISP, i.e., Comcast Xfinity. The routers mentioned above are truly top of the line and each of them works seamlessly with Comcast.

Whether you are getting a new subscription from Xfinity or are an old customer, you will not regret buying any of these devices. If you’re still not sure which one should you be buying, let me quickly help you make a perfect buying decision.

• If budget allows you should opt for the Netgear Nighthawk RAX70. It is the best WiFi router for Xfinity Gigabit plans.
• If you are a gamer, the Netgear Nighthawk AX4300 is a better option as it comes with a gamer-friendly operating system called DumaOS 3.0. It’s very well optimized and helps you experience lag-free gaming.
• If you prefer a modem router combo over a standalone router, the Motorola MG8702 is a great option for you.
• Lastly, if you are low on money and need a reliable option that lasts long and provides essential features at an affordable price, I’d recommend buying the ASUS RT-ACRH12.