Whether you’re currently (or always) working from home or just playing your way through a Game Pass subscription, high-speed internet is crucial. If you notice your connection becoming less reliable and download times lagging, it usually means you need to update either your modem or router. For a new, powerful router, look here. Should it be the modem that’s failing, consider one of these great models with high speeds and other features to ensure nothing slows you down.
Router vs. Modem: Do You Need Both?
The simple answer is yes. Modems function as your connection to the internet, harnessing it and bringing it into your house, and routers are the means by which you are able to connect your devices to the internet. However, the notion that you need two separate devices isn’t entirely true. Many companies are now making router and modem combos that both connect to and disperse the internet.
While a dual modem-router certainly has the advantage of taking up less space, you may run into some issues in the future that you wouldn’t with separate devices. A common problem with combined devices is that they’re unable to pack as many features in as you would get on separate devices. And with a separate modem (which in general will outlast a router), you won’t have to buy a new one as frequently—it’s often easier and less expensive to update each device separately when needed.
How Many Mbps Do You Need?
Mbps, or megabits per second, are just about the most important factor in deciding what modem to get, as the number can make or break great internet service. The higher it is, the better and faster your internet will be. Modems can have anywhere from 10-1,000 Mbps, and the more megabits you have, the more traffic (or greater bandwidth) your modem can handle. The number of people in your home, and what you use the internet for, will help determine how many Mbps your modem needs.
Video games and streaming videos take anywhere from 5-10 Mbps, while downloading large files can take up to 50 Mbps. In general, you’ll want to stick with at least a 50 Mbps modem. Still, most will be able to handle much more than this to power a heavy-duty router and multiple simultaneous users.
Most modems will also have Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification or DOCSIS technology. The preferred standard of cable providers, it’s speedy, reliable, and saves more energy than fiber cable. The most recent is DOCSIS 3.1, but DOCSIS 3.0 also works well for speeds up to 100 mbps. While there are other means of getting internet from your ISP, DOCSIS is by far the best, and sticking with a 3.0 should be sufficient for most internet users.
How We Selected and Rated Them
We researched 10 expert sources such as Digital Trends, PC Gamer, and Tech Radar, as well as 10,000 consumer reviews to select the top five modems of the year. Our Consumer Score represents the percentage of customers who rated the product at least four out of five stars on retail and review sites like Amazon, Walmart, and manufacturers’ webpages.
Motorola MB7621
Consumer Score: 97% gave it 4 stars or more
Compatible with most service providers, this modem features top speeds and an off button.
Netgear Nighthawk C7100V
Consumer Score: 82% gave it 4 stars or more
This two-in-one has included phone lines, voice control, and more advanced features.
Arris Surfboard SB6183
Consumer Score: 84% gave it 4 stars or more
A compact, user-friendly modem at an affordable price.
Motorola MB8600
Consumer Score: 82% gave it 4 stars or more
Pair it with any router and service provider for high-speed internet.
Netgear CM500
Consumer Score: 98% gave it 4 stars or more
Score speeds way above its price point and a simple, elegant look.