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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reus

reus June 4, 2025, 1:02 a.m.

my ISP actually mailed me a letter saying they're "upgrading infrastructure in my area" which in ISP language apparently means four days of random outages and a customer service rep who kept calling me Derek

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asel

asel Oct. 21, 2025, 7:05 p.m.

bought the ARRIS SURFboard G34 after my roommate and i flipped a coin between that and renting from the ISP. coin said ARRIS. two years later i have zero complaints, setup took maybe 25 minutes including the call to get it activated, we've never had to touch it since ...works

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040654

040654 Feb. 12, 2026, 5:21 p.m.

The DOCSIS version matters way more than the WiFi spec on a combo unit at 300 Mbps. 3.0 will technically work but you're leaving headroom on the table and if your ISP quietly upgrades speeds in your area you'll be the last to benefit. 3.1 is the floor worth buying right now

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