If you are one of the 32 million Spectrum customers in the US, finding a high-quality third-party router to connect to your Spectrum internet plan is a priority to ensure you maximize performance.
The best router for Spectrum is equipped with WiFi 6 (801.11ax), covers at least 2,500 sq.ft, includes multiple ports and can connect to a minimum of 30 devices.
A third-party router is preferable to the Spectrum rental router because it allows for improved security and customizations, plus advanced features such as MU-MIMO, OFMDA and Beamforming which enable more reliable connections for many simultaneous network users.
We have tested 24 Spectrum compatible routers and have narrowed down the choice to the top 8 products, which we have reviewed below.
The ASUS RT-AX3000 router is our editor’s choice for the best router for Spectrum because it provides faster internet speeds than the previous generations due to its use of the latest WiFi technology. Additionally, it features AiMesh technology that provides stable and seamless home coverage.
Netgear Nighthawk RAX70 is the best option if you are looking for a high-performing router. It comes with tri-band WiFi that minimizes congestion which enables you to have a faster WiFi speed and performance for applications that need high bandwidth like UHD video streaming.
For a budget-friendly option, the TP-Link Archer AX21 is the best option. It provides support to both VPN clients and VPN servers and it is easy to set up using Alexa. This router allows you to connect several devices at the same time using OFDMA and MU-MIMO while still maintaining the internet speed.
The perfect Spectrum router should give you a stable connection, faster internet speeds, full home coverage, and protection from cyber-attacks. In our reviews below, we cover the design, performance, pros, and cons.
Best Router For Spectrum (2024)
- Best Overall: Asus RT-AX3000
- High Performance: Netgear Nighthawk RAX70
- Budget Friendly: TP-Link Archer AX21
- Best Modem Router Combo: Netgear Nighthawk CAX80
- Mesh WiFi: Eero Mesh WiFi
- For Gaming: Asus ROG GT-AX11000
- Best Security Features: Synology RT2600ac
- DOCSIS 3.1 Modem Router Combo: ARRIS Surfboard G34
Top 8 Spectrum Compatible Routers
Finding the perfect Spectrum compatible router can be tricky as there are many options available.
Thankfully, we have narrowed down the 8 best WiFi routers that are compatible with Spectrum for you to choose from.
1. ASUS RT-AX3000 (Editor’s Choice)
Our Editor’s Choice for the best router for Spectrum internet is the ASUS RT-AX3000 WiFi router.
Design
The ASUS RT-AX3000 offers you the next generation of WiFi capability, providing you with 3000 Mbps internet speed, which is up to 2.5x faster than the generation before.
The features of this router include MU-MIMO, OFDMA, and Adaptive QoS for maximum speeds and wider coverage to all your devices.
The RT-AX3000 is designed with the latest WiFi protocol 802.11ax, which delivers higher network efficiency, future-proof technologies, greater coverage, faster WiFi speeds, and improved battery life for all the devices connected to the network.
Performance
The stable WiFi performance of the RT-AX3000 can support the demands of several devices operating at the same time in your home. RT-AX3000 is designed with premium hardware that is backed by bandwidth prioritization and advanced technology.
This router connects to every device and provides exceptional WiFi coverage throughout your home from the backyard to the living room.
The dual-band WiFi ensures that there are fewer disruptions even when connected to more devices. It also ensures that you have a smooth 4K streaming and gaming experience.
The AiMesh technology enables you to create a stronger mesh WiFi system with other routers that are compatible with ASUS AiMesh.
This ensures that you have seamless and stable coverage throughout your home and eliminate WiFi dead zones.
The Alexa voice control allows you to easily manage your WiFi settings.
The ASUS Router App makes setting up the router easy and it enables you to check in remotely through the cloud and manage your home’s WiFi connectivity. The App can be used on both Android and iOS devices.
AiProtection Pro protects all the devices connected to your home network while the advanced parental controls enable you to manage the internet usage of your family.
The Adaptive QoS allows you to select devices on your network that need to be prioritized and gives them a boost of performance by throttling the bandwidth of the other devices that are connected.
Who It’s For
ASUS RT-AX3000 provides enough speed for a small business or a large family.
Specs
- Speed: 3000 Mbps
- Range: Up to 3000 Sq. Ft.
- Bands: Dual-Band
- Wireless Protocol: 11n, 802.11b, 802.11ax, 802.11a, 802.11ac
Pros
- Slick design.
- Rapid internet speed for the price.
- Easy to control and set up.
Cons
- No multi-gig ports.
2. NETGEAR Nighthawk RAX70 (High Performance)
Design
With fast Gigabit speed, Netgear RAX70 comes with WiFi 6 technology for uninterrupted web conferencing, HD video gaming, and streaming.
The RAX70 is compatible with all internet service providers with speeds of up to 2 Gbps including satellite, cable, and fiber.
With the Netgear RAX70, you can enjoy uninterrupted gaming, movies, video calls, and many more simultaneously. The 8 WiFi streams provide reliability and high performance for up to 40 devices.
Performance
The high-performance capability of the Netgear RAX70 is enabled through the tri-band WiFi system which adds an extra band of 4.8 Gbps, making a total speed of 6.6 Gbps.
The advantage of tri-band is that it minimizes congestion for your devices, which improves the quality of the internet connection.
Additionally, tri-band WiFi ensures that you get the best wireless performance for applications that require high bandwidth such as large file transfers, UHD video streaming, or torrent downloads.
RAX70 supports internet & fiber plans of up to 2 Gbps. It comes with essential smart parental controls and internet security to protect your family’s devices and network from internet threats and attacks. It also provides a safe online experience for your children.
You can use the USB port to create personal cloud storage that you can access from anywhere and share a storage drive with any device that is connected.
The Nighthawk App can be set up in minutes. It allows you to easily test internet speed, manage WiFi settings, and monitor data usage.
Who It’s For
The Netgear RAX70 is perfect for gaming as it offers ultra-fast wireless speeds.
Specs
- Speed: 6 Gbps
- Range: Up to 2500 sq. ft and 40 devices.
- Bands: Tri-Band.
- Wireless Protocol: 11ax
- Ports: 4 Ethernet ports and 1 USB 3.0 port
Pros
- Allows for simultaneous streaming at a fast speed.
- Connects up to 40 devices.
- Less congestion.
- Provides security against cyber-attacks.
- Easy to set up.
Cons
- Issues with technical support.
3. TP-Link Archer AX21 (Budget Friendly)
Design
Experience the future of performance and speed with the TP-Link AX1800.
The router delivers faster speeds of up to 1.8 Gbps and a strong CPU meaning that you get the ultimate gaming and streaming experience that is free from buffering even when all your electronic devices are connected to the network.
The Archer AX21 supports both VPN clients and VPN servers. It is also easy to set up for non-experts thanks to the device being Alexa enabled. This will make it much easier to set up your smart home.
Performance
The Archer AX21 communicates data simultaneously to several devices with revolutionary MU-MIMO and OFDMA. This allows all the family members to connect to the network without experiencing slow internet.
You can easily set up your Archer AX21 router in a few minutes, whether you choose to use the powerful web interface or intuitive Tether App.
The four antennas and beamforming work together to enhance your WiFi and concentrate the signal strength toward your devices for more reliable and stronger coverage.
The advanced WPA3 security keeps your network and devices safe. The Archer AX21 is compatible with all internet service providers, devices, and WiFi standards.
Who It’s For
Archer AX21 is recommended for setting up a home network and gaming.
Specs
- Speed: 8 Gbps
- Range: Extensive coverage
- Bands: Dual-Band
- Wireless Protocol: 11b, 802.11ac, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ax.
- Ports: 5 Ethernet ports
Pros
- Maximum coverage with 4 antennas.
- Refined password security.
- Connects to more devices.
- Better coverage.
- Easy to set up.
Cons
- Issues with the signal.
4. Netgear Nighthawk CAX80 (Best Modem Router Combo)
Design
The Netgear Nighthawk CAX80 is equipped with WiFi 6 technology on the router side and DOCSIS 3.1 with 32*8 channel bonding on the modem side.
Both the WiFi 6 technology and DOCSIS 3.1 ensure that you enjoy uninterrupted streaming, downloading, and gaming throughout your home.
The CAX80 provides dual-band WiFi 6 on the 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz bands with top speeds of up to 6 Gbps which is faster than a WiFi 5 range extender or router.
It provides coverage of up to 2500 sq. ft. and connects to 30 devices at the same time.
Performance
The Netgear Nighthawk CAX80 features one USB 3.0 port, one 2.5 Multi-gig LAN or internet port that supports port aggregation, and four 1 Gig Ethernet ports for connecting your game consoles, computers, storage drive, streaming players, and other wired devices.
The 2-port aggregation maximizes your speed to up to 2 Gbps for ultra-fast gaming and streaming.
The NETGEAR Armor provides an automatic shield of security on all your devices and the entire network so that they are protected from online threats and attacks.
Additionally, the CAX80 supports WPA/WPA3/WPA2 wireless security protocols.
Setting up and activating the CAX80 is easy. The first step is to connect your coax cable to the modem router combo.
Secondly, activate the device by either calling your cable provider or connecting your computer to the device using an ethernet cable and following the steps. Finally, download the Nighthawk app and set up your network.
Who It’s For
If you are looking for a modem router combo that delivers top performance, enhanced security, and the best throughput, the Netgear Nighthawk CAX80 is the option for you.
Specs
- Speed: Up to 6 Gbps
- Range: Up to 2500 sq. ft.
- Channel Bonding: 32*8
- DOCSIS: DOCSIS 3.1
- Ports: 4 Ethernet, 1 USB 3.0
Pros
- Good options for configuration.
- Includes malware apps.
- High performance.
- Better throughput.
- Simple setup.
Cons
- Does not support mesh systems.
5. Eero Mesh WiFi System (Best Mesh WiFi)
Design
The Amazon Eero mesh WiFi system provides world-class connectivity for your whole home as it covers up to 4500 sq ft, from the backyard to the basement.
With this system, you can say goodbye to buffering and dead spots, allowing you to reliably surf, stream, and game from any part of your home.
The cross-compatible hardware allows you to add Eero products if your needs change.
Performance
The Amazon Eero Mesh WiFi system can be easily set up in not more than 10 minutes. The first step is to download the Eero app for Android or iOS.
Then you should disconnect your modem and other devices connected to it. Finally, open the app and follow the instructions indicated on the screen.
With the Eero app, you can check device usage, see what is happening in your network, pause the internet, or even share your network with family and friends. This enables you to manage your network from anywhere.
Eero Mesh WiFi system provides support for Apple Homekit-enables routers. This WiFi system also works with an Alexa device which enables you to easily manage access to WiFi for individuals and devices.
Eero is compatible with most internet service providers. This device receives updates automatically which helps to keep your network secure and safe. With a separate subscription, you can get additional network management features and online security.
Who It’s For
The Amazon Eero Mesh WiFi system is suitable for large homes with a square foot of up to 4,500.
Specs
- Speed: Up to 350 Mbps.
- Range: Up to 4500 sq. ft
- Bands: Dual-Band.
- Wireless Protocol: IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac
- Ports: 6 Ethernet ports
Pros
- Removes buffering and dead spots.
- It is easy to set up the Eero app.
- Works with Alexa.
- Can manage the network using the app.
Cons
- Having issues connecting with some internet service providers.
6. ASUS ROG Rapture (For Gaming)
Design
The ASUS GT-AX11000 features the innovative AiMesh that fixes most internet issues by creating a whole-home WiFi network using several ASUS routers.
Aimesh technology is flexible and powerful, and it provides you with seamless roaming capability and time-saving central control.
To improve game traffic at every step, this router offers triple-level game acceleration which reduces game latency and lowers ping rate for a better gaming experience.
Performance
GT-AX11000 allows you to dedicate one 5GHz band for gaming only, which prevents bandwidth competition with other devices in the network.
It also uses dynamic frequency selection to unlock 15 channels in the 5GHz bands that are congested the least.
With GT-AX11000, you can do port forwarding in three steps. Port forwarding is essential for gamers as it prevents awkward situations where one is not able to join a team with friends.
The steps include selecting the game to play, then choosing the gaming device, and finally activating it.
The gaming center interface offers easy control for point-and-click over each feature. Game Radar allows you to check ping times on various servers before playing.
With this router, you can avoid slow game performance as it allows you to run an ordinary internet connection and VPN simultaneously.
Who It’s For
The GT-AX11000 is designed for monitoring, gaming, and security as they require high speeds.
If you have an extensive range of devices that need consistent and fast uploading, gaming, and streaming simultaneously.
Specs
- Speed: 11000Mbps
- Range: Very large homes.
- Bands: Tri-band
- Wireless Protocol: 11ax, 802.11ac
- Ports: 4 Ethernet ports
Pros
- The gaming port offers ultimate performance.
- AiMesh provides coverage to your entire home.
- Advanced control and monitoring.
- AiProtection security protects your network against threats.
Cons
- Slow throughput.
7. Synology RT2600ac (Best Security Features)
Design
The RT2600ac features a 1.7GHz dual-core processor to ensure that you have uncompromising and fast performance.
The bandwidth in this router is enough for your whole family and you can supercharge your wireless network.
The SRM operating system allows you to discover a refreshingly simple management and set-up experience. You can also shape the flow of data in your network using advanced traffic monitoring tools.
This device comes with dual-band 2.53 Gbps WiFi speeds, Beamforming, MU-MIO as well as Layer 4 and 7 hardware acceleration engine.
Performance
The RT2600ac comes with a comprehensive VPN server that provides you with secure access, easy setup, and smooth connections.
You can easily set up a virtual office for your company’s remote workforce as it can adapt to flexible work styles and schedules.
You can set up bandwidth prioritization using the powerful traffic monitoring tool so that your smart TV or gaming console never lags or shutters and always gets enough speed.
It is simple to protect your kids from watching inappropriate web content as well as block harmful sites. You can easily set up customizable profiles for members of your family.
The Synology RT2600ac is updated regularly so that your network and system are protected from the latest attacks and threats.
Additionally, you get strong tools such as denial-of-service protection, intrusion prevention, and firewall management.
With this router, you get a centralized multimedia hub and share files across several devices easily.
Who It’s For
With intelligent management tools and blazing-fast WiFi, the RT2600ac is a great wireless router recommended for small offices and homes looking to work smarter and have extra security.
Specs
- Speed: Up to 2.53 Gbps
- Range: Up to 3000 Sq. ft
- Bands: Dual-Band
- Wireless Protocol: 11ac
- Ports: 4 Ethernet Ports
Pros
- Powerful WiFi range and performance.
- User-friendly connectivity, management, and setup.
- Professional-level controls available at home.
- Easy to configure.
- Strong security settings.
Cons
- Repeated radio failures.
8. ARRIS Surfboard G34 (DOCSIS 3.1 Modem Router)
Design
If you want a modem router combo that provides faster wireless performance with a high-speed internet plan, the ARRIS Surfboard G34 is the best option for you.
This dual-band WiFi 6 router comes with DOCSIS 3.1 modern technology, low latency, and a better chipset.
This device can deliver speeds up to 457 Mbps and 94 Mbps on the 2.4GHz band while speeds can reach up to 175 Mbps and 750 Mbps on the 5GHz band.
Performance
With the Surfboard G34, you will get ultra-fast downloading and streaming throughout your home as well as improve your network capability.
DOCSIS 3.1 is the newest technology that minimizes lag while gaming, offers better security, and enables multi-gig networking where your copper cable can run fast speeds from your ISP.
The Surfboard G34 is a simple and secure setup where you just follow the simple instructions on the Surfboard Central App to activate the modem and customize the network as well as add your devices.
The Surfboard Central App gives you enhanced parental control such as pausing the internet and setting time limits, as well as real-time monitoring of devices connected to your network.
This modem router combo is compatible with most internet providers in the US.
The advantage of this combo device is that you can save on fees as you no longer require a cable modem. The device comes with four Ethernet ports to enable wired networking.
Who It’s For
The ARRIS Surfboard G34 is recommended for individuals with homes of up to 2500 square feet and for those that need to connect more than 30 devices to the internet at the same time.
This is the router for you if you have high-bandwidth devices such as Smart TVs and gaming consoles.
Specs
- Speed: 3000 Mbps
- Range: Up to 2500 Sq Ft and 30 plus devices.
- Bands: Dual-Band
- Wireless Protocol: 11ax
- Ports: 4 Ethernet ports.
Pros
- It has fast proximity speeds.
- Supports WiFi 6.
- Great WiFi Coverage
- Supports more than 30 devices.
Cons
- Does not have a USB port.
Factors To Consider When Looking For The Best Router For Spectrum
When you are looking for the best Spectrum compatible router, you need to consider various factors. We explore these factors in the section below.
WiFi Speed & Wireless Protocol
To ensure you maximize the speed of your Spectrum internet plan, you need to align the speed available with the wireless protocol of the third-party router.
The different wireless protocols include WiFi 5, WiFi 6, WiFi 6E, and the latest WiFi 7. If your internet plan is around 500 Mbps or less, getting a router with WiFi 5 is a good choice. For Gigabit internet plans, a router with WiFi 6 technology is the perfect option.
WiFi 6E routers can handle internet speeds that are over 1000 Mbps but are not backward compatible with previous standards.
WiFi 7 is the latest wireless protocol and is four times faster than WiFi 6E and WiFi 6, and therefore operates best high-speed gigabit internet plans.
A WiFi 7 router will however be very expensive and there are not many WiFi 7 compatible client devices available, given the protocol’s recent release.
To make your search easier, find out the wireless standard you will require before buying a router.
Range & Signal Strength
The total area where the internet signal can be accessed from a given point refers to the WiFi range. Most routers that are designed for small workplaces or households cover a range of between 2500 to 3000 square feet.
Your home setup and location will determine the range of your router. For instance, if the space between the user and the router is covered by stairs, doors, and walls, you will likely experience weaker coverage compared to a setup that is single-level and open.
You can boost your router if the range is weaker using an extender. This is a common strategy for many individuals who want to remove WiFi dead spots.
However, the technological enhancements in the latest routers that use WiFi 6 protocol remove the need for extenders which improves the WiFi range.
For example, the latest routers feature beamforming technology and high-gain antennas to improve the range.
Additionally, routers with mesh WiFi are specifically designed to remove any dead zones by improving the internet range.
Number of Bands
Considering the band you are planning to use is important when purchasing a router. Most households either use the 5 GHz or the 2.4 GHz band.
The 2.4 GHz band travels better through doors and walls and has a better range. However, it is prone to interference from other devices and has a maximum speed of around 150 Mbps.
The 5 GHz band can achieve faster speeds but is not too good with obstacles or walls and can’t travel as far.
The 6 GHz band is the latest and is available with WiFi 6E and WiFi 7 routers only.
The 6 GHz band contains a wider channel width of 160 MHz (WiFi 6E) or ultra-wide 320 MHz channels with WiFi 7. This band is capable of reducing congestion and achieving faster speeds than the 5 GHz band.
Mesh Networks vs Traditional Routers
Mesh routers use a decentralized system while traditional routers use a centralized system. You should buy a router type that is suitable according to your office or home setup.
With a traditional router, all the devices connect to one unit located in one room of your home.
Since the network from a single unit may have difficulties penetrating through all the rooms, there is a higher chance that this system will have weaker internet coverage.
Therefore, the mesh system is designed to solve this problem. It works using WiFi nodes to achieve a strong internet connection throughout the house.
This system operates by assigning one device which works as the primary router and the other units are located across the entire space strategically to act as satellites that as a single, seamless network for the user.
Router Features
Below are some of the additional features of routers that you need to consider when reviewing the different options.
QoS or Quality of Services enables your router to prioritize data on your network. For the QoS to work, you need to press the button on the control panel and choose the activities you want to prioritize such as gaming, streaming, or working from home.
Parental control enables parents to control and monitor their kid’s activities on the internet. This is essential for parents with younger children as they can block URLs and topics when the internet is accessible.
A guest network allows you to create an additional network with limited access. This increases security as guests cannot share the same network as your devices.
Beamforming is suitable if your home is large as it improves the range and quality of the router signal.
MU-MIMO improves the ability of the router to talk to several devices at the same time. If your home has many devices that constantly communicate with the router, a router with MU-MIMO technology is a good option.
Separate Units vs Modem Router Combo For Spectrum Internet
1. Form-Factor
Modem router combos have a more compact design since they remove the need for two separate devices and cables to connect them. As a result, a modem router combo occupies less space compared to individual devices.
2. Set-Up
It is easy to set up a modern router combo. Instead of dealing with two separate devices to power, connect, and run cables between them, you only need to connect and set up a single device.
Modem router combo devices are particularly beginner-friendly during the initial set-up process, which involves adjusting settings, configuring passwords, and connecting multiple devices.
3. Router Placement
Using a separate router enables you to position it farther from the modem. Individual devices give you greater flexibility to position the router for optimal Wi-Fi signal strength in the areas you need it most.
The placement of a modem router combo is limited due to the constraints of the coax cable used to connect it.
This cable is often thicker and difficult to route across a room, which can restrict the positioning of the modem router combo away from the coax cable outlet.
4. Price Comparison
An individual router can be similarly priced compared to a modem router combo. Although the initial cost of purchasing separate modem and router devices is higher than a combined unit, it can ultimately be a more cost-effective option in the long term.
Using a separate modem and router devices gives you the freedom to upgrade them individually, which can save you money in the long run.
With a modem router combo, you would need to replace the entire unit to make upgrades or address any unfixable issues.
However, if you purchase the devices separately, you can upgrade them separately and enjoy new features as they become available.
Moreover, modems often last longer than routers, so combining them can restrict your ability to upgrade and optimize your network over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are any routers compatible with Spectrum?
Technically the answer is yes. The modem is the key device as this is what connects directly to the Spectrum network.
Assuming that your router has a WAN port to connect to the modem, then pretty much all routers are compatible with Spectrum.
Can I use any router with Spectrum?
Yes, it’s possible and advisable to use your third-party router instead of the router provided by your ISP. ISP-provided routers may have outdated features and limitations that can result in lower speeds and coverage.
However, before connecting your router to the ISP gateway, it is important to disable the wireless feature on the ISP router to avoid any conflicts or interference with your own router’s signal.
Should you get a router or a modem & router combination?
While modem router combos offer simplicity and affordability, purchasing a separate modem and router can provide superior performance and a wider selection of devices to choose from.
Generally, a separate modem and router are recommended for Spectrum. However, if you have a smaller home and are using Spectrum’s 300 Mbps Internet plan, a combined modem router device may be sufficient.
Keeping your modem and router separate provides an additional level of control that can be beneficial. Using separate devices allows for greater flexibility in terms of upgrading and optimizing your network.
The benefits of using an individual router include faster speeds and a wider range of options to choose from.
On the other hand, modem router combinations offer ease of setup and are typically more affordable. There is less equipment to purchase, and less setup required for modem router combo.
Final Words
Hopefully, this article has provided you with enough information to help you decide the best Spectrum-compatible router for your work, home, and gaming needs.
The reviews will enable you to understand the different features that each router has to give.
Our Editor’s Choice for the best WiFi router for Spectrum is the ASUS RT-AX3000 router because it provides faster internet speeds than previous generations, and it features AiMesh technology that provides stable and seamless home coverage.
Finally, consult our buying guide for extra tips and factors to consider when choosing a Spectrum-compatible router.
