Spectrum is one of the largest internet service providers (ISPs) in the United States, with availability in over 40 states. As a cable internet provider, Spectrum uses coaxial cables to deliver high-speed internet to homes and businesses.
If you‘re a Spectrum customer, you may be renting a combo modem/router from them for $5-10 per month. While the convenience of renting equipment is nice, purchasing your own router allows you to save money in the long run and gives you more control over your home network.
When shopping for a new router to use with Spectrum, you‘ll want one that is compatible with DOCSIS 3.0 technology and supports the internet speeds offered in your area. Additionally, features like dual-band Wi-Fi, multiple antennae for extended range, WPA3 encryption, and aiMesh support for mesh networking can provide a better overall experience.
We‘ve researched and reviewed the top routers on the market to bring you our picks for the 5 best routers to use with Spectrum internet service.
1. Netgear Nighthawk C7000 – Best Overall
Wi-Fi Speed: AC1900 (600 Mbps + 1300 Mbps)\
Supported Internet Speeds: Up to 800 Mbps down\
Features: DOCSIS 3.0, 32 downstream x 8 upstream channels, 4 gigabit Ethernet ports, 2 USB ports
For the best overall performance with Spectrum, we recommend the Netgear Nighthawk C7000 cable modem and Wi-Fi router combo. With DOCSIS 3.0 support and 32×8 channel bonding, this router can deliver speeds up to 800 Mbps when connected to Spectrum‘s fastest internet plans.
The Nighthawk C7000 also features dual-band AC1900 Wi-Fi for a total wireless throughput of 1.9 Gbps when combining both bands. Four adjustable external antennas provide great Wi-Fi range to eliminate dead spots. On the back of the modem you‘ll find four gigabit LAN ports for wired devices, plus two USB ports for shared storage or printers.
With built-in support for Amazon Alexa and IFTTT, you can control your home network with voice commands when paired with compatible smart home devices. Netgear‘s genie app lets you monitor traffic and connected devices as well. Overall an exceptional modem and router in one device.
Note: Actual speeds will depend on the Spectrum internet plan you subscribe to. Plans offering 200 Mbps may only connect at ~180 Mbps with this router. Still, it has plenty of headroom to maximize the speeds available in your area.
2. TP-Link Archer AX21 – Best Budget
Wi-Fi Speed: AX1800 (574 Mbps + 1201 Mbps)\
Supported Internet Speeds: Up to 400 Mbps down\
Features: Wi-Fi 6, OFDMA, MU-MIMO, 2 external antennas
Those looking for Wi-Fi 6 speeds on a budget should check out the TP-Link Archer AX21 router. Priced under $100, this affordable router still packs in next-gen features like OFDMA and MU-MIMO for efficient usage across multiple devices.
The AX21 delivers AX1800 class speeds up to 1.8 Gbps using dual-band Wi-Fi. Two external antennas ensure signals reach across medium to large homes without issue. TP-Link‘s HomeShield software built into the router provides multi-layered security, robust parental controls, and quality of service settings.
With two gigabit WAN/LAN ports and USB 2.0 port onboard, you have room to connect wired devices and shared storage as well. Easy setup directly from smartphones makes the Archer AX21 a great plug-and-play router for Spectrum subscribers looking to save money over renting equipment.
3. Netgear Nighthawk CAX80 – Fastest Overall
Wi-Fi Speed: AX6000 (480 Mbps + 4804 Mbps)\
Supported Internet Speeds: Up to 6 Gbps down \
Features: Built-in DOCSIS 3.1 modem, Wi-Fi 6, 8 high-performance antennas
Need the absolute fastest speeds Spectrum can provide? Step up to the CAX80, Netgear‘s top-of-the-line cable modem and router combo. This future-proofed gateway supports multi-gigabit internet plans up to 6 Gbps over Wi-Fi 6.
A high-gain antenna array produces an ultra fast and reliable wireless signal across very large homes of up to 3,000 square feet. Eight LAN ports are ready to connect wired devices at blazing fast speeds. There’s also link aggregation enabled, allowing you team ports together for even more bandwidth to networked storage arrays when needed.
With a powerful 1.8GHz quad-core processor and three coprocessors inside, the CAX80 can handle huge amounts of traffic without slowing down. This makes it an ideal choice for smart homes saturated with devices relying on the network. Setup is simple with Netgear’s Nighthawk app walking you through the process.
If money is no object and you want the absolute best performance Spectrum can deliver over their fiber-coax network, look no further than the Netgear Nighthawk AX6000 cable modem router combo.
4. Motorola MG7700 – Most Reliable
Wi-Fi Speed: AC1600 (400 Mbps + 1200 Mbps)
Supported Internet Speeds: Up to 600 Mbps down\
Features: DOCSIS 3.0, 2 phone ports, Broadcom cable modem chipset
The Motorola MG7700 features a proven cable modem and built-in router trusted by tech enthusiasts across all the major cable internet providers. It’s equipped with a Broadcom cable modem chip known for excellent performance and reliability.
Wireless coverage reaches up to 1500 square feet over dual-band Wi-Fi radios. Four gigabit Ethernet ports allow wired connections to gaming consoles, streaming boxes, NAS enclosures, and other devices around your home.
This modem and router combo is certified to work with Comcast Xfinity, Cox, Spectrum, and more. It’s a great set-it-and-forget-it option if you want better Wi-Fi coverage without having to tinker with settings down the road.
5. Linksys Max Stream EA8300 – Honorable Mention
Wi-Fi Speed: AC2200 (400 Mbps + 1733 Mbps)\
Supported Internet Speeds: Up to 300 Mbps down\
Features: DOCSIS 3.0, MU-MIMO, 3 external antennas
The Linksys Max Stream EA8300 is still one of the best cable modem router combos available since releasing over 5 years ago. It sports a fast processor able to handle over 100 devices connected at once.
Tri-band Wi-Fi radios push dual 5GHz signals plus standard 2.4GHz for whole home coverage and eliminating congestion when many clients are connected. Three adjustable antennas amplify the wireless signal in all directions as needed.
While cheaper than renting, the EA8300 still costs more than other options with similar specs. But if you prefer Linksys products and need to cover many devices in a larger home, it performs admirably well with all major cable ISPs.
What To Look For In A Spectrum Router
There are a few key things to evaluate when selecting a new router to use with Spectrum cable internet service:
- DOCSIS 3.0 – This is the standard all modern cable modems use. Avoid anything older.
- Dual or Tri-band Wi-Fi – Multiple wireless bands prevent congestion and bottlenecks
- Channel Bonding – More downstream channels means faster potential speeds
- Gigabit LAN ports – For connecting high bandwidth wired devices
- Strong signal strength – Good wireless range to cover larger homes
- Wi-Fi 6 support – Enables new efficiency tech like OFDMA/MU-MIMO
Focus on these aspects during your search to ensure compatibility, speed, and reliability. Avoid renting Spectrum’s equipment long term since you‘ll save money buying your own compatible router.
And be sure to compare the internet speeds offered in your area to make sure your new router can actually achieve those maximum rates. There’s no sense overspending if Spectrum only offers 400 Mbps downloads in your neighborhood.
Matching your home requirements to router specs results in the best overall experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy or rent a Spectrum router?
Buying your own router that‘s compatible with Spectrum internet allows you to save up to $200 over 2-3 years compared to renting. You also can select better features and reliability when choosing your own router model.
What routers are best for Spectrum 400 Mbps plan?
If signed up for Spectrum‘s 400 Mbps plan, the Netgear C7000, Motorola MG7700, or Linksys Max Stream EA8300 are all excellent options guaranteed to maximize those internet speeds.
Why does my Spectrum router keep disconnecting?
If you rent a Spectrum router that‘s frequently dropping connection, it could be overloaded trying to cover a large home, experiencing interference from neighboring Wi-Fi signals, or may be defective. Upgrading to your own router typically solves most disconnection problems.
What is the strongest Spectrum compatible router?
The NETGEAR Nighthawk CAX80 is the highest performance cable modem + router combo currently compatible with Spectrum‘s Gigabit internet service. It‘s an expensive investment but provides multi-gig wireless speeds up to 4.8 Gbps!
