Are you looking for the best router for Xfinity? If you are like most internet users, you may have a few things you like and dislike about your current coverage. Many times, upgrading your router can be the secret to enjoying better functionality. In this roundup review, you can learn about the top five options for a new high-performance router if you are on the Xfinity internet service.
Can I Use My Own Router for Xfinity?
When you sign up for Xfinity from Comcast, you have the option to use the router that the company provides. There are a few benefits to using this option. For one, you know that the option that Comcast gives you is compatible with their service. Not all routers can be used with every internet provider, so you must read the fine print and look at the list of compatible modems and routers no matter what internet service you choose to use.
Another benefit of using the Xfinity modem and router is that these are going to be easy to set up and get started with. Very often, most of the reconfiguration steps are already done for you. To use this option, you can expect to pay a monthly rental fee.
The final advantage is that this method is the most convenient. You don’t have to spend any time reading up on what routers do and what you should be looking for in the best router. The xFi Wireless Gateway is one option provided by Xfinity, and while it has some great features, you should understand how the rental fees work.
All this being said, there are also many benefits of finding your own router to use with Comcast internet.
Why You Should Use Your Own Router
The specifications and features of a router affect how well it works. You might have a great internet service provider, but if your router does not allow you to make use of all that is provided, you might continue to have a limited experience. The best way to solve this mismatch is to upgrade your router.
Using your own router is a great way to optimize your internet service and can the most out of your internet plan. The routers provided by Xfinity may not necessarily be the best-performing ones. Router technology changes and often improves, so you can easily adapt when you find your own device. You can also say goodbye to the monthly rental fees, which can start to add up in the long-run.
Many people prefer to use a combo modem router device. This saves the space, setup time, and cost of using multiple devices to establish your home internet connection.
Optimizing Your Cable Internet
Some people use the internet for HD streaming, while others are into online gaming. Depending on how you use it, your Comcast Xfinity router requirements may be different from the next person. Having the ability to choose your own router for Comcast allows you to find the one with the right features.
Besides the most important aspect of being compatible with Xfinity, some of the key features you should look at include:
- Actual Xfinity internet speeds (in Mbps)
- Range or coverage area
- Security features
- Ability to connect to multiple devices
There may also be some advanced features that are particularly important for your specific situation. These are not limited to things like parental controls, guest wi-fi access, a mobile app for remote management, and VPN capability. It also goes without saying that the price point of the cable modems and routers that you use is also a determining factor.
Best Comcast Xfinity Compatible Routers
We have put together the list of the best router devices for you if you are an Xfinity subscriber. If you like the cable modem router combo option, you can also use this list to find the best modem router combo to use with Xfinity by Comcast.
Comcast offers the Xfinity Voice service for subscribers interested in making voice calls. For a router to support this service, it must have telephone ports. If you’re looking for a great router, check out these five options.
Motorola MG7550
The Motorola MG7550 is one of the best modem router combo options for Comcast Xfinity subscribers. It has an AC1900 dual-band wi-fi gigabit router and a 16 x3 cable modem. This Motorola device has a stand-up tower design, which enhances cooling and also saves space. It weighs only 2.65 pounds and comes in color black.
You can use this cable modem and router with a maximum wifi speed of up to 1900 Mbp. It is also recommended for download speeds of up to 375 Mbps. This modem and router combo is approved for use with Comcast Xfinity and many other cable internet service providers like Spectrum, Cox, Time Warner Cable, CableOne, Suddenlink, and WOW! Here are some of its key highlights.
Pros:
- Dual-band (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz)
- Has 4-gigabit ethernet ports
- Compact design
- Power Boost to extend wi-fi speed (in Mbps) and range (in sq. ft.)
- DFS firewall protection for •advanced security for your wi-fi
Cons:
- Firmware is not easy to update
- Does nor support Xfinity Voice
Netgear Nighthawk C7800
The Netgear Nighthawk C7800 is another cable modem wi-fi router combo that is compatible with Xfinity and many other internet providers. It is a dual-band router, supporting radio frequencies of 2.4 and5 GHz. The data transfer rate is at a speed of 3200 Mbps. This device supports fast speeds and can work with internet plans of up to a speed of 2 gigabits. The modem has 32×8 channel bonding and DOCSIS 3.1. This device has high security and includes parental control options and WEP and WPA/WPA2 wireless security protocols. There are four external antennas to power boost your speeds and range.
Pros:
- Range of up to 3000 square feet wireless coverage to connect far apart devices
- Can support 45 connected devices connected with a speed of up to 3200 Mbps
- Most advanced combo suitable for smart homes, online gamers, and high 4K HD streaming
- Ports include four Gigabit Ethernet ports and two hi-speed USB 3.0 ports to connect many devices simultaneously
- Easy to set up
Cons:
- Higher price point
Netgear Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12
The Netgear Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 is a dual-band wifi router with 12 streams. It is a very powerful wireless router and, with its tri-band feature, can accommodate frequencies of 2.4 GHz and two 5 GHz. It takes speeds of up to 10.8 Gbps. The coverage area for this device is 2,500 square feet. This device has a unique design and almost futuristic look for people who prefer a non-conventional style. It has five-gigabit ethernet ports.
Pros:
- MU-MIMO technology support
- Support high speeds (in Mbps)
Cons:
- Higher price point
NETGEAR C7100V DOCSIS 3.0
The NETGEAR C7100V is a 2.8-pound modem router combo that can take speeds of up to 400 Mbps. It is an AC1900 WiFi speed (in Mbps) device with an Xfinity compatible DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem. The data transfer rate is 1.9 Gigabits per second. It takes one LAN Gigabit Ethernet port and two USB 2.0 ports. This router is dual-band and supports frequencies of 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. If an all-in-one combo suits you, then this Netgear router is one to consider. The security protocol is WPA, WPA2-PSK. You can connect up to 30 devices. Here are some of the standout aspects of this router.
Pros:
- Support two Comcast Xfinity Voice phone lines with advanced calling options
- Very compact
Cons:
- No notable ones
Google Wifi System
The Google Wi-Fi System is a dual-band mesh wifi router. It makes an easy to use router replacement and is very easy to set up to improve your wifi. The coverage area ranges from 500 to 1,500 sq. ft. This can be extended and scaled up to link to more devices that are further apart thanks to the mesh network system. Parental controls are available to help you manage what your children have access to.
Pros:
- Easy to set up
- Coverage can be expanded to 4,500 sq. ft.
- Easy to customize settings on Google Wifi app
- Reliable high-speed (in Mbps) router with no buffering
Cons:
- No notable ones
Conclusion
Picking the best Xfinity router is no easy feat. Once you know that your router is compatible with cable service plans you use, you need to look at the fiber detail s of the specifications. There is a lot to consider in each wireless router that you see in this list.
Some features such as power boost, antennae for extending signal, and a mobile app for remote management and monitoring may be the key ones that can turn your decision. If you are into streaming, you need a powerful router, while if you have a large home with many devices, you need to make sure that your modem and router best choices have a wide range.
For this roundup review, our winner is the Netgear C7100V. It has great performance overall and good speed, an affordable price, and the voice call option. The Motorola is a great budget option, while the NETGEAR Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 is a powerful router option.
