Best Modem and Routers for Xfinity

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If you’ve researched a new Xfinity internet service, you may have noticed an unexpected equipment rental charge added to the cost of service. At first glance, an extra $13/mo.* may not seem like much of an expense, but internet service fees can quickly add up if you’re not careful. One of the best ways to eliminate some of those fees and save on your monthly bill is to invest in your own modem, router or 2-in-1 gateway device.

Device	Price	Speed	Features	Best for
Motorola MG7315	$	Up to 200 Mbps	• 2-in-1 modem and router • 4 Ethernet ports • 2-year warranty	Performance plan
Motorola MB7621	$	Up to 600 Mbps	• 1 Ethernet port • 2-year warranty	Blast plan
NETGEAR C6300	$$	Up to 680 Mbps	• 2-in-1 modem and router • Access to NETGEAR app for easy management Beamforming feature improves connectivity	Extreme plan
Motorola MB8600	$$	Up to 1,000 Mbps	• 1 Ethernet port • 2-year warranty	Extreme Pro plan
ARRIS Surfboard SBG8300	$$$	Up to 4Gbps	2-in-1 modem and router 4 Ethernet ports 2-year warranty	Gigabit Pro plan

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How we choose the best modem/router for Xfinity

If you’ve ever shopped around for a new modem or router, you know that there are an overwhelming number of options. So how did we narrow it down to five of the best Xfinity compatible modems? In short, we looked at a few key criteria: supported speeds, price, value, features and customer reviews. Keep reading for more information about these top-rated Xfinity modems and routers.

Best 2-in-1 modem and router for the Performance plan: Motorola MG7315

At $109.98, the Motorola M G7315 is an affordably priced modem and router that’s recommended for Xfinity plan tiers beneath 200 Mbps. We think it’s a great match for Xfinity’s Performance plan, which includes maximum download speeds of 100 Mbps. On the plus side, it’s easy to set up and comes with Motorola’s two-year warranty. However, the Xfinity Performance plan is one of the company’s more inexpensive internet plans, so we realize that some people on this plan might find the Motorola MG7315 a bit too pricey. If that’s the case, then the standalone modem version of this product might be a better option.

On Amazon, this modem/router combination has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 9,300+ reviews. Customers liked the sleek and compact design, which is a bonus for people who want to save space or have fewer wires visible in their homes.

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Best modem for the Blast plan: Motorola MB7621

If you already own a router or don’t want to purchase a combination modem/router, then you might like the Motorola MB7621. It’s best suited for plans under 600 Mbps download speeds, which is why we selected it as the best cable modem for Xfinity Blast plan (it comes with 200 Mbps maximum download speeds). Like the other Motorola modems on our list, the MB7621 features a two-year warranty. It’s also under $80, so it won’t break the bank. On the downside, it doesn’t include a router, so you would need to purchase one separately if you don’t have one.

With all of those great perks, it’s no surprise that the Motorola MB7621 consistently receives excellent reviews from customers. It has 13,000+ reviews on Amazon, with an average rating of 4.6 stars. Some buyers have even crowned it the best modem for Xfinity, based on their experience.

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Best 2-in-1 modem and router for the Extreme plan: NETGEAR C6300

Under Xfinity’s Extreme plan, you’re getting download speeds of up to 400 Mbps, which can be supported nicely with the NETGEAR C6300 two-in-one modem and router. We’ve included it on our best modem router for Xfinity list for several reasons, but most importantly, we like it because it conveniently bundles your modem and router in one sleek device at an affordable price. Overall, we think the NETGEAR C6300 offers incredible value for Xfinity customers. It costs just under $140, so it should pay for itself in less than a year (as opposed to renting from Xfinity). Plus, it comes with an integrated mobile app so you can manage your internet connection from your phone.

Based on Amazon reviews, NETGEAR customers seem to be quite happy with their 2-in-1 modem and router purchase. The product has a 4.3-star rating from 3,600+ reviews. While much of the feedback is positive, some buyers said that they’ve had issues staying connected to the internet with the NETGEAR C6300.

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Best modem for the Extreme Pro plan: Motorola MB8600

The Motorola MB8600 is a reliable modem that’s designed to handle high download speeds with ease — which is why we picked it as the best modem for Comcast Xfinity’s Extreme Pro plan. It’s easy to install, fast and flexible, which is why it is a contender for the best cable modem for Comcast Xfinity. As a standalone modem, the MB8600 doesn’t come with a router, which could be positive or negative, depending on your situation. If you have a router or you’re looking to build a customized set-up, you’ll be fine with just this device. But if you’re planning to replace your entire Xfinity rental, you’ll need to purchase a router as well.

At $150, the MB8600 is on the more expensive end of our list of modems that work with Xfinity. However, based on its durability and strong customer reviews (an average 4.6-star rating on Amazon), we think it’s the top Xfinity internet modem for this plan type.

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Best 2-in-1 modem and router for the Gigabit Pro plan: ARRIS Surfboard SBG8300

If you have Xfinity’s Gigabit Pro Plan, you’ll need a heavy-duty modem that can handle the plan’s 2,000 Mbps download speeds. Fortunately, the ARRIS Surfboard SBG8300 is up to the task, rounding out Allconnect’s best router for Xfinity 2021 list. While $250 might seem expensive for this Comcast modem, keep in mind that it also includes a router and the ability to support cable internet plans up to 4,000 Mbps. It’s one of the few Comcast compatible modem options that is approved for the provider’s Gigabit plans.

Despite the steep cost, Amazon customers have typically liked the ARRIS Surfboard SBG8300, giving it an average of 4.2 stars from 2,100+ reviews. But there are also several complaints about the product, with some people claiming that they had problems with dropped signals and general connectivity.

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Should you rent or purchase your Xfinity equipment?

Buying a modem and router or a combination gateway device from a third-party can be a beneficial option for Xfinity customers looking to cut back on their annual internet bill. Check out some pros and cons of renting Xfinity equipment compared to buying your own.

Rental vs. purchase of Xfinity equipment

Xfinity equipment rental

✓ Xfinity customer support

✓ Guaranteed software updates

✓ Easy to return equipment

✓ Guaranteed speed and plan compatibility

✓ Xfinity repair service included

X Monthly rental payments

X Payments are thrown away on usage

Xfinity equipment purchase

✓ One-time charge

✓ Long-term investment in equipment

✓ Lower annual internet bill

✓ Choose the equipment you want

X Repair and equipment upgrades are your responsibility

X Limited customer support after warranty expires or device ages

Thinking equipment rental may be more beneficial for you? Learn more about whether or not you should buy or rent router and modem equipment from your internet service provider.

What to look for in an Xfinity modem and router

If you’ve decided on purchasing your own equipment, there are a few features you’ll want to look out for to ensure that once you buy, you’re happy with your Xfinity internet performance.

DOCSIS Technology – “Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification” or DOCSIS is used to transfer data quickly over the coaxial cable used for a cable TV and internet connection. This technology has evolved from the initial 1.0 version to today’s fastest DOCSIS 3.1 version.
Maximum speed capability – If you purchase Xfinity’s Gigabit Pro plan, which comes with speeds up to 2,000 Mbps, you’re going to also want to purchase equipment that’s capable of handling speeds that fast. Your modem can hinder your internet speeds no matter what plan you’re paying for.
Channel bonding – If you’re familiar with internet traffic, modem channels are like lanes on that highway. The more channels your modem has, the more internet traffic it can handle without issue. The NETGEAR C7000 – 1AZNAS, for example, has 32×8 channel bonding. That means it dedicates 32 channels to downloading data and 8 channels to uploading, which is perfect for Xfinity’s fastest speeds.
Security – Make sure your router uses a password with nothing less than WPA2 or WPA3 encryption. Your home internet network can be the first virtual door to your entire home security system.
App-based management – Many routers on today’s market come with apps that can simplify setup and network management. From these apps, you can monitor the users on your home Wi-Fi and be updated when your router needs software updates.

Need a faster internet plan?

Xfinity’s fastest plan can support download speeds of up to 2,000 Mbps. If you’re looking for something faster, then you should start evaluating other providers. Check out our internet provider reviews to find out which companies serve your area and compare their plan options.

The bottom line

Although you aren’t required to buy your own router or cable modem with Xfinity, there are several benefits of doing so. First, investing in new equipment can help speed up your internet. It can also increase the security of your home network. And while purchasing your own modem or router might cost more upfront, you’ll typically break even within a year or two when compared to renting.

But keep in mind that your equipment is only part of the equation. If you don’t have a fast and reliable ISP plan, then it won’t matter how good your modem or router is — even if you have the top modem or best router for Xfinity.

Thinking about upgrading your internet plan? Take a look at our top provider picks and find the right one for you.

For a full list of equipment with Xfinity services, visit Comcast Xfinity’s compatibility list of modems and routers to search equipment by speed, brand and DOCSIS version. Looking for more information about other internet providers available near you? Call Allconnect to speak to an internet expert today or stay connected to our Resource Center for the latest news.

Written by:

Taylor Freitas

Allconnect contributor

Taylor Freitas is a contributing writer for the Allconnect.com team, focusing on broadband and wireless topics. Over the past 10 years, she has written for publications such as LA Weekly, CNET, Safety.com and Ba… Read more