Most people simply stick with the router provided to them by Xfinity. That said, the company actually allows you to use your own, if you prefer.
This is great, because even though the stock device that comes with your service is, well, serviceable, you’ll find that there are many routers that allow you to get even more out of your Xfinity internet.
Overview of Best Routers for Xfinity in 2019
For those in a hurry, here are four of the best routers to use with your Xfinity service:
| Model | Speed | Bands | Number of Ports | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Netgear Nighthawk R6700 AC1750 | Up to ~1.7 Gbps | 2 (Dual-band) | 4 | Check price |
| Netgear Nighthawk X10 AD7200 | Up to 4.6 Gbps | 3 (Tri-band) | 10 | Check price |
| TP-Link N450 | Up to 450 Mbps | 1 (Single-band) | 4 | Check price |
| Xfinity Wireless Gateway 3 | Up to 640 Mbps | 2 (Dual-band) | 4 | Included with service |
What To Look For When Choosing a Router for Xfinity
For the most part, there are only a few key things to pay attention to when deciding on a router for your Xfinity service. It’s easy to get lost in a sea of specifications, but here’s what you need to focus on:
- The maximum speeds supported
- Whether or not the router is dual-band (or tri-band)
- How many ethernet ports it includes
- What the range of transmission is
Keep in mind that if you are paying for Gigabit speeds from Xfinity, you’ll need a router that supports that level of speed, such as the Netgear Nighthawk R6700 or the X10. For everyone else, however, any of the above routers will be fine, speed-wise. If you live in an apartment or smaller home, transmission range isn’t likely to be a huge issue, but for larger (or oddly-shaped) homes, you may need to purchase one of the higher-end models to ensure a consistent connection.
By default, Xfinity will include the company’s Xfinity Wireless Gateway 3, which is a modem/router combo. In general, we recommend trying to keep these two seperate for most users, as having a dedicated modem and router will allow you much more flexibility down the road. For example, if you experience issues with your connection, you won’t have to replace your entire setup to get online again. It will also save you money on rental fees over the long run.Does Xfinity Include a Router With Their Internet Service?
The Top 4 Routers for Xfinity
A Solid Upgrade: Netgear R6700 AC1750
The Netgear Nighthawk R6700 should provide more than enough power and speed for the vast majority of Xfinity internet users. The 802.11ac wireless protocol allows for greater transmission ranges suitable for medium to large-sized homes, and according to the manufacturer, it is designed for users with 13 or more connected devices.
If you’re looking for a measurable bump in your performance without breaking the bank, the Netgear R6700 Nighthawk is our go-to pick for Xfinity. It won’t provide you with the ultimate gigabit experience (see below for that), but it’s still ideal for most consumers looking to stream HD media and browse the web on multiple devices at once.
The Ultimate Setup: Netgear Nighthawk X10 AD7200
If you are paying for one of Xfinity’s gigabit service options and want the best wireless performance on the market, the Netgear Nighthawk X10 AD7200 sets itself apart from most other routers on the market today.
This device is ideal for those who live in a large home, or are simply looking for uncompromising wireless performance for gaming, 4K streaming, and heavy downloads. For many users, it will be complete overkill, so don’t feel like you need to go all out if you’re just looking for a stable, solid connection.
Despite its comparatively high price, the Netgear Nighthawk X10 AD7200 is a fantastic choice for Xfinity users looking to get the most out of their high-speed service. Since it supports the latest 802.11ad wireless protocol, you’ll also be fairly future-proofed for the next several years with the X10.
The Budget Option: TP-Link N450
The TP-Link N450 is a basic single-band router that is fully compatible with Xfinity internet service. It doesn’t include many bells and whistles, and probably won’t provide enough power to cover a medium or large-sized home, but it will work nicely for smaller homes and apartments without the need for heavy 4K streaming and gaming performance.
If you are looking to save money by using your own equipment, but don’t have the need (or desire) to invest $100+ in a router, this is an ideal solution for you. Just know that you’ll be limited if you start to bring more than a few dedicated connected devices online, or grow into a larger home down the road.
The Default Xfinity Option: Xfinity Gateway 3
The stock router included with your Xfinity service is the Xfinity Gateway 3. With support for most of Xfinity’s non-gigabit internet plans, this modem/router combo will work for the average user looking to get online and stream HD content in a small to medium sized home or apartment.
The trick with this option is that Comcast will charge you a monthly fee to use their equipment in your home. This isn’t usually a very large amount per month, but over time, it can really add up. Users are often able to save money over the long haul by opting to use their own router and modem instead of going with the Gateway 3.
Of course, if you aren’t planning on sticking around for a while, it may not be worth your while to upgrade, especially if you don’t have any pressing complaints about your wireless speeds as it stands.
Modems That Work With Xfinity
If you opt to use your own equipment instead of the Xfinity Gateway 3, keep in mind that you’ll need both a dedicated modem and a router. Below, you’ll find a brief explanation of the difference between these two networking devices, as well as our recommendations for modems designed to be used with Xfinity internet.
Modem vs Router: What’s the Difference?
This is a very common question, and for good reason; at first glance, a modem and a router both look incredibly similar to one another. Despite their outward similarities, they serve two very different purposes. In simple terms, a router is a networking device that generates a wireless network that you can connect to using your phone, laptop, gaming console, or any other Wi-Fi enabled item. A modem, on the other hand, acts as a “gateway” of sorts, receiving a wired internet signal and dispatching it to your router for broadcast as Wi-Fi.
What is DOCSIS, and Why Should I Care?
Without going into unnecessary detail, Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification (or DOCSIS for short) is an international standard used around the world in networking equipment of many kinds. So, why does it matter for you? Take a look at the numbers below:
| DOCSIS release | Max download | Max upload |
|---|---|---|
| DOCSIS 1 | 40 Mbps | 10 Mbps |
| DOCSIS 1.1 | 40 Mbps | 10 Mbps |
| DOCSIS 2 | 40 Mbps | 30 Mbps |
| DOCSIS 3 | 1.2 Gbps | 200 Mbps |
| DOCSIS 3.1 | 10 Gbps | 1 Gbps |
| DOCSIS 3.1 Full Duplex | 10 Gbps | 10 Gbps |
As you can see, the different iterations of DOCSIS over the years have made tangible improvements to the upload and download speeds they support. As a quick example, if you pay for gigabit service from Xfinity and you have a DOCSIS 3.0 modem, you’ll be able to enjoy the full speed potential in terms of downloads, but your upload speeds will be capped at 200 Mbps.
In order to get the most out of what you’re paying for, you’d need to upgrade to a model that supports DOCSIS 3.1.
Do I Need Channel Bonding?
Your internet connection is only half of the equation when it comes to getting the fastest speed possible out of your service. Your modem has a set amount of “channels,” and you can imagine these as lanes on a highway. The more you have, the less congested each lane will be in times of peak traffic.
This all boils down to increased upload and download speeds, and as a result, most modern modems take advantage of a technique called channel bonding to combine these lanes intelligently. The more bonded channels your modem supports, the less risk of congestion building up on your network.
The Top 3 Modems for Xfinity
Cover The Basics: Netgear CM500
The Netgear CM500 is a workhorse modem that is fully compatible with Xfinity and many other cable providers. This makes it fairly future-proof, because if you end up jumping ship down the road, there’s a fair chance that your equipment will survive the transition. Obviously, the main limitation here is centered on users currently paying for speeds higher than 200 Mbps. If this is your situation, you may be better served with one of the options below.
For users looking to simply get out from underneath their current rental fees, however, this is a great option at an affordable price point.
More flexibility: Netgear CM700
Like its sister model above, the Netgear CM700 works with Xfinity and many other cable internet providers. For the additional asking price, you’ll get a hefty speed boost and more channel bonding capabilities, but if you aren’t paying for anything above 200 Mbps, this might not be necessary.
Despite the 500 Mbps speed rating, keep in mind that the DOCSIS 3.0 standard only supports up to 200 Mbps upload speeds, so you’ll be limited a bit further on this one over time, especially if you plan to upgrade to a gigabit connection from Xfinity or another provider in the near future.
Gigabit future-proofing: Motorola MB8600
The Motorola MB8600 is a modem designed for powerhouse Xfinity users looking to take full advantage of their gigabit connections. Featuring the latest DOCSIS 3.1 support and advanced performance features, this is the modem to beat when it comes to performance.
If you currently pay for download and upload speeds greater than 200 Mbps, or plan to upgrade in the next few years, this represents a solid option to consider. You’ll pay more upfront for the Motorola MB8600, but if you’re investing in a gigabit Xfinity connection as it is, we’d say this is a worthy investment to maximize your performance over the long run.
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