The best Spectrum-compatible routers for 2023

When you sign up for your next internet plan, you’ll have the option to either buy or rent your equipment. While the small monthly fee might not seem like much, it can add up quickly, and over the long run, it’s more cost-effective to buy your own router. We’ve rounded up a list of the best routers and gateways to buy for your Spectrum internet plan.

Our favorite Spectrum-compatible routers and gateways

How we chose the best modem/router for Spectrum

When searching for the best Spectrum routers, our goal was to find those with excellent value. We compared devices by using the criteria of supported speeds, price, features, customer reviews and what plan it’s best for.

When searching for the best Spectrum routers, our goal was to find those with excellent value. We compared eight devices by using the criteria of supported speeds, price, features, customer reviews and what plan it’s best for.

Each of the devices we chose is a router or modem/router combo that is best-suited for a particular one of Spectrum’s internet plans. The modem/routers we chose come at varying price points, so there’s one for every budget.

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Best for gaming: ASUS RT-AX88U gaming router

If you’re a gamer or just looking for unmatched internet speeds, then the ASUS RT-AX88U is a great choice. Not only is it built to support many simultaneously connected devices, it has the efficiency and network capacity that makes it one of the most popular routers on the market. It supports Wi-Fi 6 and would be well-suited for Spectrum’s gig plan. 

With 4.5 / 5 stars on Amazon, customers agree that this router is one of the best. They love its speed, coverage and network capacity.

Best for larger homes: Motorola MG8702 Cable Modem + Wi-Fi Router

The Motorola MG8702 Cable Modem offers fast speeds up to 10 Gbps with DOCSIS 3.1. This will give you speeds like fiber even if you don’t have a fiber connection.

The Wi-Fi app included gives users an easy setup experience, guest network management ability, parental controls, network security alerts and more. It is approved for Spectrum’s 1 Gig internet plan.

The device scored 4.3 out of 5 stars on Amazon reviews. One 5-star reviewer said, “I live in a 2400 square foot house and I have multiple RING security cameras around the perimeter of the house. The connection between the MG7700 and all of the RING devices is fast with no dropped connections ever.”

Best mesh system: Amazon eero 6+

The Amazon eero 6+ mesh system can provide fast Wi-Fi to a 4,500 sq. ft. space and works with Alexa. Its TrueMesh technology can route traffic to “avoid congestion, buffering and dropoffs” according to the product description. This mesh router is a great choice for the Spectrum Internet Ultra 500 Mbps plan.

Users seem pleased with the performance of the device, awarding it 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon. One reviewer called it an “excellent upgrade from a single router system.” While this mesh system is expensive, you can opt to get one or two units instead of the three-pack whole-home system. Keep in mind this will reduce your coverage area.

Best budget router: TP-Link Archer A7

The TP-Link Archer A7 is a constant contender on our best budget router lists because it has reliable speeds for an affordable price. This router is perfect for Spectrum’s 300 Mbps plan and is a top performer amongst other low-budget routers. It can handle 50+ devices with a stable connection and also works with Alexa. 

The Archer A7 has 4.4 out of 5 stars on Amazon with customers praising its affordable price and fast speeds. 

Best value gateway: NETGEAR Nighthawk C7000

The NETGEAR Nighthawk C7000 modem router combo offers great value, reliable speeds and coverage. It’s a great choice if you’re looking to save some space in your home since it eliminates extra equipment. We’ve chosen it as our best value gateway because it offers everything you need without the hefty price tag. While it is more expensive than our best budget router, keep in mind your getting a modem and router all in one. The C7000 best suits Spectrum’s lower speed tiers, like Spectrum Internet 300. 

It has 4.3 out of 5 stars on Amazon. Customers mainly praise its value, noting the impressive speed and range for the price. 

Renting vs. buying Spectrum equipment

When you sign up for your Spectrum internet plan, you’ll have the option to either buy or rent equipment. Many customers choose to rent equipment because of the lower upfront cost. Before deciding whether to buy or rent, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each option:

What to look for in a Spectrum-compatible modem and router

When you rent your equipment from Spectrum, you’re guaranteed to get an internet modem and router that’s compatible with the company’s internet plans. But when you purchase your own equipment, you have to do a bit more research to ensure the modem and router you choose has the best features and is compatible with Spectrum internet plans. Here are a few things to look for when choosing your internet modem and router:

• Speed compatibility: Each internet device is designed to be compatible with certain internet speeds. For example, the Amazon eero router on our list specifically states that it’s best for internet plans up to 500 Mbps. Ultimately, it’s important to make sure the modem/router you choose enables you to use the maximum internet speed available with your Spectrum internet plan.
• Channel bonding: Channel bonding is a way to maximize your internet speed by combining two adjacent internet channels. The more channel bonding your device has, the more traffic it can handle without interruption or slowdown.
• DOCSIS technology: DOCSIS stands for “Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification.” DOCSIS is the industry standard for cable modems that allows for high-bandwidth data transfer over existing coaxial cable systems. The modem/routers on our list have either DOCSIS 3.0 or 3.1
• Security: It’s critical that you make sure your internet connection is fully secure. The best way to do that is to find a device with a password with at least WPA2 or WPA3 encryption.

Need a faster internet plan?

One of the best ways to improve your internet speed is to shop around for a faster internet plan. In some cases, that might mean upgrading to a better plan with your existing internet service provider. On the other hand, you might decide to choose a different internet service provider (ISP) altogether. You can use Allconnect’s search tool to find the best internet plans in your area.

The bottom line

Having the right modem and router can make a significant difference in improving your internet speeds. While many people choose to rent devices from their ISPs, there are actually many benefits to buying. Not only is there a long-term financial benefit, but you also have the ability to shop around and find the best device for your needs.

Check out more info in our ultimate internet router guide and find answers to all your broadband questions at the Resource Center.

Written by:

Camryn Smith

Associate Writer

Camryn Smith is an Associate Writer with Allconnect.com. She specializes in writing about the broadband industry and helping consumers navigate complex internet service purchasing decisions…. Read more

Edited by:

Robin Layton

Editor, Broadband Content

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