all questions
Ewout

Ewout Aug. 1, 2024, 10:02 p.m.

Best modem router combo for reliable home internet?

Just signed a lease for a new apartment (900 sq ft, 2 bedrooms) and need to sort out my internet situation. I'm eyeing modem router combos to keep things simple. My plan is 300 Mbps cable internet from LocalCable Co.

I game a bit, stream 4K content, and work from home, so stable connection is crucial. Budget is around $200.

Main questions:

Any solid modem and router combo recommendations?
Will a combo unit handle my needs or should I go separate?
Any features I should prioritize?

Cheers for any input!

xaus

xaus Aug. 6, 2024, 6:21 p.m.

OP said cable in the post. Pay attention lol. @OP, check if Motorola MB8611 works with your ISP. Pair it with a decent router and you're golden.

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US5MTQ

US5MTQ Aug. 2, 2024, 2:12 p.m.

First time setting up internet? Been there, done that. For your needs, look into the motorola mg8702. Solid modem router combo, handles 300 Mbps no sweat.

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artur123

artur123 Aug. 3, 2024, 4:41 p.m.

Bro, forget combos. Get a separate modem and router. More hassle upfront but way better in the long run. Trust.

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zil131

zil131 Aug. 5, 2024, 12:24 p.m.

not everyone wants to deal with that. OP, if you want simple, NETGEAR Nighthawk CAX30 is pretty good. Bit pricey tho.

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saveheitell

saveheitell Aug. 5, 2024, 1:38 p.m.

Guys, we're forgetting the most important thing - is your place cable or fiber? Changes everything.

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xaus

xaus Aug. 6, 2024, 6:21 p.m.

OP said cable in the post. Pay attention lol. @OP, check if Motorola MB8611 works with your ISP. Pair it with a decent router and you're golden.

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UU5JLW

UU5JLW Aug. 5, 2024, 10:36 p.m.

Don't sleep on refurbished gear. Can save you a bunch if you're on a tight budget. Just saying.

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hero

hero Aug. 6, 2024, 4:48 p.m.

Yall are overthinking this. OP, just get whatever's on sale at Best Buy and call it a day. It'll probably work fine.

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unCovered

unCovered Aug. 7, 2024, 3:19 p.m.

worst advice ever. Ewout, ignore that. Do your research. Howtogeek has a decent writeup on modem-router combos. Worth a read.

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harlemmy

harlemmy Aug. 7, 2024, 10:29 p.m.

Am I the only one who thinks 300 Mbps is overkill for most people? What are you planning to do, download the entire internet?

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Unicorn

Unicorn Aug. 9, 2024, 7:52 p.m.

Ok, boomer. Some of us need that speed for work. Ewout, if you WFH, that speed is fine. Just make sure your combo can handle it.

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Rudy

Rudy Aug. 8, 2024, 7:21 p.m.

Honestly? Call your ISP and see what they recommend. They usually have a list of supported devices. Saves headaches down the line.

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Pseullygets

Pseullygets Jan. 28, 2025, 4:36 p.m.

Bought my first router and the setup manual really said "plug and play" like they never met my apartment's wiring from 1975

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asmforce

asmforce Feb. 21, 2025, 9 p.m.

parents be like "the internet's slow" and then have 47 security cameras streaming their front door 24/7

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Ethiday

Ethiday March 5, 2025, 4:55 p.m.

spent 3 hours cable managing just to have my cat redecorate in 30 seconds

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Ub3rG0D

Ub3rG0D March 13, 2025, 6:20 p.m.

rgb cables only made her more powerful fr

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saswas

saswas March 30, 2025, 9:23 p.m.

Called tech support and they asked if i tried turning it off and on again... Plot twist: it actually worked

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93419

93419 April 17, 2025, 11:39 p.m.

Switched to the Netgear CM2000 and my google searches now complete before i finish typing them. time traveler type beat

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