Finding the best modem router combo for gaming is important if you are looking to game with low latency and no interruptions.
Getting a modem router combo to connect to your gaming consoles over buying separate devices is beneficial because it is easy to set up and cheaper, hence saving you time and money.
Generally, gamers look for certain features when choosing a modem router combo.
To ensure that you have a smooth and stable gaming experience, the modem part of your combo should have features such as DOCSIS 3.1 technology, 32×8 channel bonding, and four or more ports to allow you to have a wired connection to your gaming consoles.
On the other hand, the routing part of the combo should feature the latest WiFi 6 technology as it is faster compared to the previous WiFi 5 technology.
The Motorola MG8702 is our top choice for the best modem router combo for gaming as it comes with the DOCSIS 3.1 modem technology as well as exceptional wireless capabilities to ensure that you have a quality gaming experience. Additionally, the QoS and MU-MIMO technologies enable you to connect 40 devices simultaneously including game consoles, laptops, mobile devices, and more.
The Netgear CAX30S is a high-performing modem router combo that supports cable internet plans of up to 2 Gbps and speeds of up to 2.7 Gbps. It has a coverage of about 2500 sq. ft. and you can connect 25 devices at the same time. The CAX30S is supported by DOCSIS 3.1 and 32*8 channel bonding as well as WiFi 6 to ensure you have ultra-fast internet speeds and connections.
If you are searching for a gaming modem router combo that has the best value, the ARRIS G34 is the perfect option as it will not cost you a fortune but still features the latest modem and WiFi technologies. It is great when it comes to coverage as it has four powerful antennas that enable it to have a range of about 3000 sq. ft. and can connect around 30 devices without any hiccups or lags.
Additionally, look for features like QoS as this helps you to direct more bandwidth to your consoles during gaming which minimizes lagging.
Below are the 6 best modem router combos for gaming that scored best when we tested 17 products over a three-week period.
Best Gaming Modem Router Combo
- Best Overall: Motorola MG8702
- High Performance: Netgear Nighthawk CAX30S
- Budget Friendly: Arris SurfBoard G34
- Mesh System: Netgear Nighthawk CBK752
- Fastest Modem Router Combo: ASUS CM-AX6000
- DOCSIS 3.0 + WiFi 5: Motorola MG7700
Gaming modem router combos provide prioritization for specific gaming systems and applications which allows you to decide the amount of bandwidth you can assign to your consoles.
This is important if your household has several online gamers that are competing for data.
Therefore, you need to find the right modem/router that can handle the gaming traffic in your home so that everyone can enjoy their gaming experience.
Below are the 6 best gaming modem router combos that we have reviewed in detail including their design, performance, and specifications features.
1. Motorola MG8702 (Editor’s Choice)
Design
The Motorola MG8702 comes with the DOCSIS 3.1 modem technology as well as exceptional wireless capabilities to ensure that you have an uninterrupted, high-quality gaming experience.
Additionally, the QoS and MU-MIMO technologies enable you to connect 40 devices simultaneously including game consoles, laptops, mobile devices, and more.
The MG8702 can achieve speeds up to 3200 Mbps, where 2167 Mbps is on the 5 GHz band while 1000 Mbps is on the 2.4 GHz band.
This device can easily eliminate dead zones because it comes with a range of around 2500 sq. ft.
Performance
To ensure that you achieve a throughput of about 900 Mbps during gaming, the Motorola MG8702 has four ethernet ports located at the back that you can use to connect your consoles.
Apart from the speed, this combo also comes with Active Queue Management to eliminate any lags or latency during gaming, which makes it a reliable device.
The Motosync application makes the installation of the MG9702 easy as it is interactive and user-friendly.
The steps for setting up your device include downloading the app, plugging in your device, and connecting all your devices to the network.
This app allows you to optimize the network for your children and your guests as well as customize the Quality of Standard settings according to your internet requirements.
The MG8702 ensures that your network is always protected as the security alert feature lets you know when there are potential attacks and threats from the internet.
You can monitor and control the internet usage of your kids using Parental Controls so that they cannot watch or download harmful online content.
The MG8702 enables your devices to simultaneously connect to the network thanks to the MU-MIMO technology.
The DNLA in your USB allows it to store and share files allowing you to enjoy playback of videos and music.
Who It’s For
The Motorola MG8702 is an advanced modem router combo that is suitable for users looking to upgrade their WiFi performance so that they can have a smooth gaming experience while saving on rental fees.
Specs
- Speed: 3200 Mbps
- Range: Up to 2500 sq. ft, 60+ devices
- Chanel Bonding; 32*8
- DOCSIS: DOCSIS 3.1
- Ports: 4 Ethernet and 1 USB
Pros
- Allows for simultaneous streaming and gaming.
- Has smart Quality of Standard support.
- The hardware is strong.
- Wider coverage.
Cons
- Does not have WiFi 6 support.
2. Netgear Nighthawk CAX30S (High Performance)
Design
The Netgear CAX30S is a high-performing modem router combo that supports cable internet plans of up to 2 Gbps.
The dual-band WiFi router delivers internet speeds of up to 2.7 Gbps, has a coverage of about 2500 sq. ft. and you can connect 25 devices at the same time.
The CAX30S comes in black, weighs 2.1 pounds, and measures 10*8.3*2 inches. It has a data transfer rate of 800 Mbps which is very fast for gaming.
Performance
The Netgear CAX30S is supported by DOCSIS 3.1 and 32*8 channel bonding which is the latest modem technology as well as WiFi 6 to ensure you have ultra-fast internet speeds and connections.
The 4-gigabit Ethernet ports allow you to connect your gaming consoles, printers, computers, and streaming players so that you can have a super-fast wired connection and you can connect your storage drives using the USB port.
The ethernet ports also support link aggregation so that you can achieve higher internet speeds.
The NETGEAR Armor provides security to your devices and network by acting as an automatic shield of security.
This ensures that you can download, stream, and play safely without worrying about threats and attacks from the internet. Additionally, the CAX30S supports WPA/WPA2/WPA3 wireless security protocols.
The Nighthawk app makes setting up this modem router combo easy through three simple steps: plugging it into the coax cable, activating it, and connecting your devices to the network.
Also, you can use the app to monitor your network and protect your household.
Who It’s For
If you are subscribed to a cable internet plan of up to 2 Gbps and looking for a high-performing modem router combo that can give you the ultimate lag-free gaming experience, the Netgear CAX30S is the device for you.
Specs
- Speed: 7 Gbps
- Range: Up to 2500 sq. ft, 25 devices
- Channel Bonding: 32*8
- DOCSIS: DOCSIS 3.1
- Ports: 4 Ethernet and 1 USB
Pros
- Has enhanced security features.
- Has wider coverage.
- Easy to set up and monitor.
- Supports link aggregation.
Cons
- Issues during activation.
3. ARRIS Surfboard G34 (Budget Friendly)
Design
If you are searching for a modem router combo that has the best value, the ARRIS G34 is the best option as it will not cost you a fortune but still features the latest modem and WiFi technologies.
The ARRIS G34 is great when it comes to coverage as it has four powerful antennas that enable it to have a range of about 3000 sq. ft. and can connect around 30 devices without any hiccups or lags.
Apart from the wide coverage, this combo features a high internet speed of 3000 Mbps.
Performance
Because of its compatibility, the ARRIS G34 is a worthy modem router combo as you can pair it with most gig-speed internet plans.
The routing part of this combo has WiFi 6 technology and supports internet speeds of 3000 Mbps (2400 on the 5GHz band and 600 on the 2.4 GHz band) while the modem part comes with DOCSIS 3.1 technology.
The G34 comes with MU-MIMO and OFDMA technologies that enhance the connection and consistency of the wireless speed making data transfers faster by eliminating any potential congestion.
This combo comes with four LAN ports which allows you to achieve maximum speeds when your devices are connected to it.
During our tests, we noticed that the gaming experience was fast and easy when we connected the console to the G34 using one of the ports.
It is easy to set up the ARRIS G34 is simple. You just need to connect it to the power outlet and the coaxial cable and give it a few minutes for the LED lights to turn on.
Once the G34 is activated, connect your devices including the gaming console, mobile phone, and laptop, and start experiencing gigabit speeds.
Who It’s For
The ARRIS G34 is a budget-friendly modem router combo that is suitable for a workspace or residential space and it comes with features like prioritized throughput, WiFi 6, and guest access.
Specs
- Speed: 3000 Mbps
- Range: Up to 3000 sq. ft, 30 plus devices
- Chanel Bonding: 32*8
- DOCSIS: DOCSIS 3.1
- Ports: 4 Ethernet
Pros
- It can achieve gigabit speeds.
- The hardware setup is reliable.
- The WiFi range is excellent.
- Easy to set up and control.
Cons
- Does not support link aggregation.
4. Netgear Nighthawk CBK752 (Mesh System)
Design
The NETGEAR Orbi CBK752 is a mesh router that comes with a modem as well as state-of-the-art features and three bands.
This device is designed to achieve higher speeds of up to 4200 Mbps as it is supported by DOCSIS 3.1 and WiFi 6 technologies.
The speed is distributed to the three bands as 2400 Mbps on one 5 GHz band, 1400 Mbps on the second 5 GHz, and 600 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band.
This device is very effective in prioritizing traffic, managing congestion, and overall throughput so that you can experience no visible lags or inconsistencies when you are gaming or streaming.
Performance
The Orbi CBK752 is excellent when it comes to coverage as it creates a mesh network by combining the functions of the router and modem using the internal antennas to cover a range of up to 4000 sq. ft.
Besides, the WiFi 6 support allows you to achieve faster speeds even when 40 devices are connected to the CBK752 as it provides more wireless capabilities than WiFi 5, the previous generation.
The Orbi app makes setting up the CBK752 easy. To increase range and coverage, you need to put the second unit in another room.
Once the device is set up and activated, you can use the app to manage the various WiFi settings, perform internet speed tests, and control data usage.
You can monitor and check what your kids are watching and downloading online using the Smart Parental Controls.
The NETGEAR Armor ensures that you can download, game, and stream securely and safely by providing security to all your devices and the entire network.
The 6 ethernet ports allow you to create wired connections to your streaming players, game consoles, computers, and more by connecting them to the CBK752 using the ethernet cable.
Who It’s For
The Orbi CBK752 is recommended for individuals who are looking for a mesh router that has a modem and can dissipate internet signals through thick walls.
Specs
- Speed: 4200 Mbps
- Range: Up to 5000 sq. ft, up to 40 devices
- Chanel Bonding: 32*8
- DOCSIS: DOCSIS 3.1
- Ports 6 Ethernet ports
Pros
- Has extensive coverage.
- Comes with three bands.
- Features the latest modem and WiFi technology.
- Has QoS prioritization.
- Easy to set up and manage.
Cons
- Has a limited warranty.
5. ASUS CM-AX6000 (Fastest Modem/Router)
Design
The ASUS AX-6000 has an elegant, stylish design and is very lightweight making it easily portable.
Additionally, it has the most compact, heat-efficient design to offer high-speed data transmission in your household without any interruptions.
The ASUS AX-6000 is supported by DOCSIS 3.1 and WiFi 6 technology. It weighs 1.96 pounds and measures 8.07*5.31*4.72 inches.
Performance
With a total of about 6000 Mbps networking speed, the ASUS AX-6000 is 2.3 times faster compared to the 802.11ac cable modem routers.
It offers 1024-QAM modulation and 160MHz bandwidth to ensure that you achieve faster wireless connections.
The DOCSIS 3.1 modem technology delivers a huge progress in upload and download speeds which enables you to ensure that you are prepared for the fastest speeds available in your area and you are enjoying your current internet plans.
The 802.11ax protocol supports the MU-MIMO and OFDMA technologies which allow you to have faster, more stable, and more efficient data transmission even when several devices are using the internet simultaneously.
The ASUS AX-6000 has a fan-less design which gives it 100% passive cooling, meaning no more reliability and acoustic concern.
This modem router combo has four ethernet ports which you can use to create a digital home hub by dedicating each port to your devices such as NAS devices, game consoles, smart TVs, and more.
Who It’s For
If you are looking for the fastest modem-router combo for gaming that combines the latest modem and router technologies for a seamless gaming experience, the ASUS-AX6000 is the choice for you.
Specs
- Speed: 6000 Mbps
- Range: Whole-home coverage
- Channel Bonding
- DOCSIS: DOCSIS 3.1
- Ports: 4 Ethernet
Pros
- Lightweight, small, and elegant design.
- High-speed and stable data transmission.
- Fan-less design.
- Allows for simultaneous streaming.
- Good performance.
Cons
- Does not have the coaxial cable.
6. Motorola MG7700 (DOCSIS 3.0 + WiFi 5 Modem/Router)
Design
The Motorola MG7700 comes in black or grey and weighs 1.5 pounds. It measures 8.6*2.6*9 inches and features four Ethernet ports, firewall security, a WiFi amplifier for boosting power, WiFi 5 support, and DOCSIS 3.0 modem technology.
The MG7700 is an affordable option for combining the functions of a modem and router in one device. When you purchase this device, you save on rental fees.
Performance
The routing part of the Motorola MG7700 can achieve up to 1000 Mbps of internet speed and supports up to 650 Mbps cable plans.
To ensure that you have a stable and smooth internet connection, especially when gaming, the MG7700 combines a DOCSIS 3.0 modem with backward compatibility and a built-in WiFi 5 router.
You can connect your Mac and Windows computers, game consoles, and more devices using the four ethernet ports on the router and establish a wired connection.
The wireless router has a power boost to ensure that devices like notebooks, smartphones, and tablets have access to the internet.
The Broadcom chipset offers security to your network and protects devices from cyberattacks to ensure that you can download, game, and stream safely.
The Anybeam beamforming technology in the 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz band improves the range and performance of the MG7700 by concentrating the strength of the internet signals on devices that require more bandwidth such as data-intensive gaming consoles.
Who It’s For
If you are looking for a high-performing modem router combo with WiFi 5 technology and DOCSIS 3.0 modem technology and subscribed to a cable internet plan of 800 Mbps the Motorola MG7700 is a good option.
Specs
- Speed: 1000 Mbps
- Range: 80 to 90 ft.
- Channel Bonding: 24*8
- DOCSIS: DOCSIS 3.0
- Ports: 4 Ethernet ports
Pros
- Improved wireless speed because of the power boost technology.
- Reduces the use of wires and power cubes, hence saving space.
- Has a single-user interface.
- Minimal and compact design.
- Reasonable speed.
- Easy to set up.
Cons
- Installation is a bit tricky.
- Outdated wireless protocols.
Factors To Consider When Looking For The Best Modem Router Combo
WiFi 5 vs WiFi 6(e)
The wireless standard is the most critical factor that impacts the capabilities of your router.
WiFi 5 routers, which are still widely available, have a maximum speed of around 600 Mbps. If your internet plan offers speeds of approximately 500 Mbps or less, a WiFi 5 router is a suitable choice.
However, you need to consider the brand, quality, and features of the device so that you can make an informed decision.
WiFi 6e introduces a new 6 GHz band, reducing congestion and enabling faster speeds compared to the 5 GHz band. However, it does have a major drawback: the range is shorter than that of the 5 GHz band.
Over time, this limitation may improve through enhanced hardware and newer WiFi standards.
Our testing revealed no noticeable speed gains for WiFi 6E at close range and significant drops in performance at greater distances.
Coverage & Range
The location and setup of your home dictates the coverage and range of your router. If there are obstacles like walls, stairs, or doors blocking the path between the user and the router, signal strength can be weakened, leading to reduced coverage.
To address this issue, extenders can be utilized to extend the range and enhance the WiFi signal if the router’s coverage is inadequate.
However, the introduction of WiFi 6 protocol in recent models eliminates the necessity for extenders, as it improves range and coverage.
Modern modem router combos offer advancements like beamforming technology and high-gain antennas, which enhance overall internet performance.
Alternatively, mesh WiFi routers utilize multiple units which are placed strategically throughout your home to eliminate dead zones and enhance internet coverage.
DOCSIS 3.1 vs DOCSIS 3.0
There are various iterations of DOCSIS, with DOCSIS 3.1 being the latest standard, DOCSIS 3.0 being the previous standard, and DOCSIS 4.0 expected in the future.
The different DOCSIS versions primarily determine the speed of your internet connection through the coaxial cable.
While DOCSIS 3.0 suffices for slower connections, DOCSIS 3.1 ensures future-proof performance. For internet plans below 1 Gbps, a DOCSIS 3.0 modem delivers optimal speeds.
However, opting for a DOCSIS 3.1 modem proves advantageous if you plan to upgrade your plan later.
It is worth noting that most internet service providers (ISPs) no longer fully support DOCSIS 3.0, despite its continued functionality.
Therefore, we recommend acquiring a DOCSIS 3.1 modem to access faster connections, particularly for gaming purposes.
Channel Bonding
Channel bonding combines multiple channels to ensure that the data handling capacity of your modem is maximized, hence improving its ability to manage data without getting into technical details.
Specifications like 32×8 or 16×4 channel bonding indicate the number of downstream or download channels (larger number) and upstream or upload channels (smaller number).
A higher channel count leads to a faster internet connection. While it’s tempting to choose an expensive modem with high channel bonding, the speed improvement depends on the internet plan you are subscribed to.
Opting for 32×8 channel bonding for a 200 Mbps plan would be excessive, whereas a 16×4 modem is a more suitable and cost-effective choice.
Ports
Dedicated online gaming enthusiasts highly recommend a wired Ethernet connection when engaging in their favorite games.
While WiFi serves its purpose for web browsing, content consumption, smartphones, and home appliances, it falls short for those seeking a lag-free, low-ping experience, especially for frequent gaming sessions.
Despite recent improvements, WiFi still encounters occasional issues, making a wired connection the preferred choice if available.
Considering this, it is crucial to check the number and type of ports included in a modem router combo before making a purchase.
Most models offer at least two Ethernet LAN ports, which work well for a simple setup with a single desktop gaming rig and perhaps a gaming console.
However, for more complex setups, modems with additional ports are available, but at a slightly higher price point, offering enhanced connectivity options.
ISP Compatibility
Before buying a modem router combo, ensure it is compatible with your Internet Service Provider and specific Internet plan.
Providers typically have a list of approved third-party combos, which you can use as the main reference for finding the best device.
Although non-approved combos may function, they might not fully utilize your plan’s speed capabilities.
Furthermore, reading customer reviews can offer insights into compatibility with the service provider.
Gaming Modem Router Combo FAQs
Should I Get A WiFi 6 Gaming Modem Router Combo?
WiFi 6, also referred to as 802.11ax, offers enhanced wireless communication between devices and to reap its benefits, both the console and router must support WiFi 6.
Opting for a modem router combo equipped with the WiFi 6 standard has its advantages especially when gaming.
These advantages include faster throughput, ensuring a stable and efficient connection, reduced interference, and improved MU-MIMO capabilities which allow you to connect various consoles at the same time.
What Are The Benefits Of DOCSIS 3.1 In Gaming Modems?
DOCSIS 3.1 cable modems deliver faster speeds compared to DOCSIS 3.0 modems, making them more suitable for high-speed plans, particularly those offering gig speeds or higher.
While both modems possess built-in security features, DOCSIS 3.1 modems generally offer superior online security, especially if you opt for a modem-router combo device.
Although DOCSIS 3.0 modems are not yet outdated, it is advisable to choose DOCSIS 3.1 modems for long-term use as they provide the best option moving forward.
How Many Wired Ports Do I Need?
When selecting a modem router combo, prioritize those with a minimum of four gigabit LAN ports to provide wired connectivity to nearby gaming consoles, printers, and PCs.
Having at least one USB port, preferably USB 3.0, is useful for connecting peripherals like portable hard drives, flash drives, and printers to share across the network.
Routers with two USB ports offer even greater flexibility in this regard.
How Better Is Wired Connection Over WiFi When Gaming?
Given the potential for WiFi connections to have hiccups, we would always suggest, where possible, to have your gaming PC wired into your router directly.
If that is not possible, we recommend that you buy a Powerline connection. The best gaming routers have multiple LAN ports for wired connections—which are preferred.
Final Words
Modem router combos are reliable and versatile devices that deliver powerful performance, and you get the power of two devices for the price of one.
Hopefully, this guide has given you all the information that you need to find the best modem router combo for your gaming needs.
If you cannot decide which combo to buy, we recommend the Motorola MG8702 as it comes with the futuristic DOCSIS 3.1 modem technology as well as exceptional wireless capabilities to ensure that you have an exceptional gaming experience.
Additionally, the QoS and MU-MIMO technologies enable you to connect 40 devices simultaneously including game consoles, laptops, mobile devices, and more.
Otherwise, refer to the buying guide to understand the factors that you need to consider so that you can get the right product for your needs including DOCSIS support, coverage, WiFi protocol, ports, and compatibility.
