Best Xfinity Routers & Modems | Xfinity Equipment

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If you’re considering 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	Best for:
NETGEAR CM400	Xfinity Internet Performance Pro and lower
NETGEAR Nighthawk X4S C7800	Xfinity Internet Extreme Pro and lower
ARRIS SURFboard SBG8300	Xfinity Internet Gigabit and lower
ASUS CM-32_AC2600	Xfinity Internet Gigabit Pro and lower

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Best Xfinity compatible modems and routers

Here are our top Xfinity routers and modems by maximum speed if you’re considering purchasing your equipment from a third party.

Best for Xfinity Internet Performance Pro (200 Mbps): NETGEAR CM400

The NETGEAR CM400 is an affordable way to ditch rental fees for good. The CM400 can successfully deliver speeds wirelessly to a moderate amount of internet-connected devices, with the help of your favorite Wi-Fi router. The CM400 is engineered with 8×4 channel bonding and DOCSIS 3.0 technology.

Best for Xfinity Internet Extreme Pro (600 Mbps): NETGEAR Nighthawk X4S C7800

The Nighthawk is built with the fastest DOCSIS technology (3.1) supports speeds that rival fiber although compatible with cable providers. The 2-in-1 device is best suited for high-speed Xfinity plans, multiple users and internet activities like virtual reality gaming.

Best for Xfinity Internet Gigabit (1,000 Mbps): ARRIS SURFboard SBG8300

This dual-band Wi-Fi router/modem combo is the perfect 2-in-1 gateway device to jump into internet equipment rental. Built-in Alexa compatibility lets users control their home network through voice management and sync other Alexa-enabled devices. It’s also capable of supporting speeds up to 1,000 Mbps if you’re looking to browse and connect without limits.

Best for Xfinity Internet Gigabit Pro (2,000 Mbps): ASUS CM-32_AC2600

This gateway 2-in-1 device is certified by Xfinity, as well as a host of other popular cable providers. The ASUS is built on DOCSIS 3.0 technology and features a 32×8 modem and dual bands for traffic prioritization. Personalize your home network with “at-a-glance” views of who’s connected, smart QoS controls, traffic monitoring and parental controls.

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.
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 Allconnectto speak to an internet expert today or stay connected to our Resource Center for the latest news.

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 Gadsden

Writer, Broadband & Wireless Content

Taylor is a veteran member of the Allconnect content team and has spearheaded a number of projects, including a data piece on the top fiber cities in the U.S. and a troubleshooting guide on how to connect your p… Read more