There’s no doubt that Charter Spectrum is one of the best, high-speed cable ISPs in the United States. Their plans and services are excellent and you’re surely going to love the speeds they offer. However, the company rents out sub-par modem and routers that won’t be able to deliver the speeds you’re paying for. And for this reason, many people are out on the market looking for the best modem and router to use for their Spectrum internet.
If you’re also in this category, consider your Spectrum router problem to be solved as this review and guide contain products and information you’re going to find valuable. We’ve reviewed ten of the best routers for Charter Spectrum below. These products are durable and guaranteed to provide you with high speeds as well as stable connections. The routers listed in our review are also easy to set up and use. Additionally, we’ve added an informative guide below that talks about all the necessary factors you need to consider when buying a router for your Spectrum internet. So without further ado, let’s dive into it:
- The 10 Best Routers for Spectrum
- Linksys EA7500 Dual-Band Wifi Router
- Asus CM-32 Modem Router Combo
- NETGEAR Nighthawk AC1750 Smart WiFi Router
- Arris SURFboard (16×4) Docsis 3.0 Cable Modem Plus AC1900 Dual Band Wi-Fi Router
- MOTOROLA MG7550 16×4 Cable Modem Plus AC1900 Dual Band WiFi Router
- NETGEAR Nighthawk Pro Gaming XR700 WiFi Router
- ARRIS Surfboard SBG10 DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem
- Google 3-Pack Router WiFi system
- Belkin AC750 Wi-Fi Dual-Band Router
- Linksys EA6350 Dual-Band WiFi Router
- Router For Spectrum Buyer’s Guide
- Does Any Router Work With Spectrum?
- Is Spectrum Router Any Good?
- What Modem Can I Use With Spectrum?
- Factors To Consider When Choosing A Good Router For Your Spectrum Internet
The 10 Best Routers for Spectrum
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Linksys EA7500 Dual-Band Wifi Router
The Linksys EA7500 Dual-Band Wifi Router is one of the best routers you can use for your Charter Spectrum internet. Widely known as one of the best routers for gaming, this router is surely going to help improve and effectively distribute your Spectrum network. It is a router that is capable of providing up to 1,500 square feet of Wifi range for up to 15 different devices. Whether your Spectrum modem is an old one or a new and upgraded version, setting it up with this router will be a breeze. With this Linksys router, your Spectrum internet connection will be stronger, more stable, and better. You’ll be able to watch 4K and HD videos, play games, and enjoy more high-quality content with no buffering.
The Linksys EA7500 is a dual-band wifi router. It’s capable of delivering speeds of up to 1.9Gbps. Additionally, its Multi-User Multiple Input Multiple Output (MU-MIMO) feature allows you to connect multiple devices at once. And to make things even more interesting, you’ll be enjoying the same connection rate across each and every connected device. The EA7500 also comes with Gigabit Ethernet ports that make it easy for you to transfer data over wired connections. Its 2. 4 GHz channel offers up to 600Mbps while the 5GHz channel provides up to 1300Mbps. If you’re keen on getting and enjoying the speeds offered by Charter Spectrum, this is one of the most ideal devices to purchase.
| Ethernet Port | 4 |
| Type | Router only |
| Wifi Download Speed | 1.9 Gbps |
| Connectivity | Wifi and Ethernet |
Pros
- Connects to multiple devices
- Up to 1.9Gbps on two channels
- Wired file transfer is incredibly fast
- Provides the same speed to all connected devices
Cons
- Setup isn’t easy and it comes with no URL filtering feature
Asus CM-32 Modem Router Combo
Asus is a top brand in the mobile and computing space. They offer some of the most reliable technologies on the market right now so it’s no wonder that the CM-32 Modem Router Combo is a great device. With this internet modem router, your Spectrum internet will experience a mind-blowing change. Not only will you be able to enjoy a more stable connection, but your Spectrum internet speeds are bound to go off the roof. This modem and router combo is certified by many internet service providers, including Spectrum and Comcast. It features an AC2600 Wifi router and a Docsis 3.0 32×8 cable modem.
Just like the Linksys router above, the ASUS CM-32 also features two bands – 2.4GHz and 5GHz. It is endowed with 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports and two USB 2.0 ports to help you connect multiple devices such as storage devices, printers, or even an Apple time machine. This Charter Spectrum internet modem router is capable of delivering speeds of up to 1.3Gbps, a tad shorter than what you have on the Linksys above. However, given the number of ports and connection options this device comes with, it’s worthy of being considered as one of the best overall modem routers for Spectrum.
| Ethernet Port | 4 |
| Type | Modem and Router |
| Wifi Download Speed | 1.3 Gbps |
| Connectivity | Wifi, Ethernet, RJ45, USB 2.0, Coaxial Port |
Pros
- Easy set up with Spectrum
- Connects to multiple devices
- Cable modem and router combo
- Consistent upload and download speeds
Cons
- Disconnects frequently and requires hourly resets
NETGEAR Nighthawk AC1750 Smart WiFi Router
The Netgear Nighthawk AC1750 Smart Wifi Router is one of the cheapest routers for Spectrum internet. If you’re on a budget but would still like to have one of the topmost routers around, this is one good option to consider. It’s a dual-band router offering 450 plus 1300Mbps. This Netgear device is capable of distributing the same network capacity amongst 25 different devices. Whether you want to stream games, watch videos or movies, stream music, or connect your smart home devices, this Spectrum router makes everything possible.
The Netgear Nighthawk AC1750 runs on a 1GHz dual-core processor. It also features multiple advanced technologies, such as Beamforming plus, 3 amplified antennas, SmartConnect, and QoS. This router for Spectrum Internet also comes with four 1-gigabit ports that allow you to connect your computer to the router. Your online gaming and streaming experience will become better with this Netgear device. Featuring WPA2 protocols and the renowned Netgear Armor, you’ll rest easy knowing that your wireless router for Spectrum is secure.
| Ethernet Port | 4 |
| Type | Router Only |
| Wifi Download Speed | Up to 1750Mbps |
| Connectivity | Ethernet. Wifi, USB |
Pros
- Parental controls
- Great for streaming and gaming
- Fast storage performance
- Connects to up to 25 gadgets simultaneously
Cons
- Large size and firmware isn’t the best
Arris SURFboard (16×4) Docsis 3.0 Cable Modem Plus AC1900 Dual Band Wi-Fi Router
The Arris Surfboard is another cable modem and wireless router combo you’re bound to love. With this product, you get three different services packaged into one, including a Docsis 3.0 cable modem, a dual-band wireless router, and a gigabit Ethernet port. It’s one of the most ideal internet routers for Charter Spectrum, Cox, Xfinity, and many other internet service providers. The modem that comes with the package is also one of the best internet modems for these internet service providers as well.
The Arris Surfboard AC1900 features four upload channels and 16 download channels that allow you to maximize the speeds that Charter Spectrum is offering. It features reliable support for the latest internet standards, including the IPv6 and IPv4. And to make things even better, this modem combo also comes with a McAfee Secure Home Internet plan and a Surfboard Manager app that helps you monitor and configure your internet. Its support for multicast IP services allow you to enjoy the same speed on multiple gadgets and its backward-compatibility with Docsis 2.0 makes everything even better.
| Ethernet Port | 4 |
| Type | Router and Modem |
| Wifi Download Speed | 686Mbps |
| Connectivity | Ethernet, Wifi, and USB |
Pros
- Offers great Wifi speed and performance
- Backward-compatibility with Docsis 2.0
- Offers support for IPv6 and 4
- Easy to set up with Spectrum
Cons
- Doesn’t work with Centurylink, AT&T, and Verizon
MOTOROLA MG7550 16×4 Cable Modem Plus AC1900 Dual Band WiFi Router
The Motorola MG7550 is another modem router combo that’s bound to help you enhance the speed of your Charter Spectrum internet while saving you money. It shares some similarities with the Arris Surfboard above. This modem router combo comes with a 16×4 Docsis 3.0 cable modem that works with Spectrum and a dual-band AC1900 router just like what you get on the Arris Surfboard above. However, there are more interesting technologies on this device that help keep your device safe while ensuring an enjoyable experience.
The Motorola MG7550 comes with a chipset that helps secure your gadgets against denial of service attacks. Additionally, it’s a reliable piece of hardware that delivers incredible speeds even in a neighborhood filled with Wifi noise. Thanks to its Power Boost and DFS, you won’t be experiencing any kind of interference or reduced speed on your Spectrum network. You’re sure to get the best signal and maximum speed allowed by your cable internet provider. Whether you want to connect your game stations, streaming gadgets, Mac and Windows computers, or any other Ethernet device, the LAN ports integrated into this modem combo will ensure that you enjoy nothing but perfect speed
| Ethernet Port | 4 |
| Type | Router and Modem |
| Wifi Download Speed | 686 Mbps |
| Connectivity | Ethernet and Wifi |
Pros
- Comes with a wireless power boost that helps boost your internet signal
- Four LAN ports to connect a variety of devices
- Features a WPS button
- High-quality
Cons
- Have no USB port
NETGEAR Nighthawk Pro Gaming XR700 WiFi Router
Judging from the name, the Netgear XR700 is a router specifically designed to meet the needs of gamers. It’s simply one of the top Charter Spectrum routers when it comes to delivering reliable and consistent speeds. Endowed with a quad-core 1.7GHz processor, this internet router minimizes ping and enhances performance. It’s a reliable piece of hardware that’s capable of delivering up to 7.2Gbps. Its Quality of Service (QoS) allows you to fast-track your network traffic, ensuring that you enjoy nothing but consistent speeds for your gaming, streaming, home devices, and other internet-related activities.
Additionally, the QoS of this Netgear Nighthawk Pro Gaming XR700 router also helps reduce jitters, jumps, and lag spikes significantly. Since it’s a device meant to provide the best gaming experience, it uses geo-filter to connect you to your ISPs closest servers so you can get the best Spectrum network experience possible. You can even monitor your bandwidth and pings in real-time. This means that you can see who’s using up most of your network activity. Get the lowest ping possible for Call of Duty, Fortnight, and many other games. This Netgear wireless router even comes with a VPN client that helps enhance your online security.
| Ethernet Port | 7 |
| Type | Router only |
| Wifi Download Speed | 800 Mbps |
| Connectivity | Ethernet and Wifi |
Pros
- Four active external antennas
- Helps stabilize your ping while eliminating lag spikes
- Runs on a powerful quad-core processor
- Features a VPN client that helps you connect to existing VPN services for more security
Cons
- Large size; can take up a lot of desk space
ARRIS Surfboard SBG10 DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem
The Arris Surfboard SBG10 is another budget modem router combo you’re likely to fall in love with. Sitting in the $90 price range, this router offers more for less. You get a Docsis 3.0 cable modem, two Gigabit Ethernet ports, and a dual-band Wifi access point. Both the 2. 4 GHz and 5 GHz work concurrently and can provide download speeds up to 343 Mbps and Wifi speeds up to 1600 Mbps. The SBG10 uses beamforming technology to provide better Wifi performance and coverage.
It is supported by many cable internet providers, including Charter Spectrum, Cox, Comcast Xfinity, and many other ISPs in the United States. However, just like its sibling above, the Arris Surfboard AC1900, this modem combo doesn’t work with CenturyLink, Verizon, and AT&T. You get 4 download channels and 16 upload channels that ensure that you get the most out of what your Charter Spectrum or any other internet service provider is offering. The SBG10 comes with two years warranty and is mainly approved for plans up to 300Mbps. If you are keen on getting a budget Spectrum router with good performance, this is one of the best you can turn to.
| Ethernet Port | 2 |
| Type | Router and Modem |
| Wifi Download Speed | Up to 1600 Mbps |
| Connectivity | Ethernet and Wifi |
Pros
- Compact size
- Great performance
- Works with most major ISPs in the U.S.
- Provides high internet speeds
Cons
- Rebooting time is up to 2 minutes
Google 3-Pack Router WiFi system
Google is a brand known by everyone. Their products, including home devices, mobile phones, etc. are known to be of high-quality standards. The Google 3-Pack Router Wifi System is no different. It’s a pack of three compact internet routers featuring 2.5 GHz and 5 GHz bands that allow you to run your Charter Spectrum internet throughout your home. With this pack of three small and compact routers, you won’t be experiencing dead zones in your home anymore. And to make things even better, unlike the Arris Surfboard above, this Google Wifi System is compatible with Verizon and many other major ISPs in the U.S.
This set of 3 Spectrum routers provides coverage for up to 4,500 sq ft with one router offering coverage for up to 1,500 sq ft. You get a network assist feature that keeps checking and selecting only the best channels and fastest bands for your gadgets. The accompanying app for the Google 3-Pack Router Wifi System makes setting it up very easy. You get parental controls for setting up and restricting your kids’ devices and websites, and you also get to enjoy a feature that lets you prioritize devices. If you have a large home and would like to enjoy the speeds offered by Spectrum throughout your home, get yourself the Google 3-pack Router Wifi System.
| Ethernet Port | 2 |
| Type | Router Only |
| Wifi Download Speed | Unavailable |
| Connectivity | Wifi and Ethernet |
Pros
- Offers more coverage
- Works with most major networks, including Charter Spectrum and Verizon
- Compact and offers very fast speeds
- Simple and easy setup
Cons
- No web-based interface and this may not be the best option for power users
Belkin AC750 Wi-Fi Dual-Band Router
The Belkin AC750 Router is another Spectrum router that’s in the budget range. For less than $90, you get a dual-band router that’s capable of improving your online gaming and movie streaming experience. You’re going to enjoy Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, and more without worrying about buffering or lags. This Spectrum router is capable of enhancing your internet experience by minimizing dead spots and providing you with a connection you can rely on. It uses its high powered signal and multibeam technology to makes sure that you get nothing but a reliable connection in your home.
Setting it up is super easy and requires no CD. Instead, you get an accompanying app, otherwise known as the Simple App, and it’s available for mobile devices and computers. The Belkin AC750 also features a proprietary QoS that automatically enhances your Spectrum network speed when you’re streaming videos or playing games. This router is also compatible with G and N technology, which means you’ll be able to seamlessly integrate it with older technologies. It features a Media Server powered by myTwonky that allows you to stream media content to multiple DLNA devices. Parental control is powered by Norton and you get 2 USB ports in addition to the four LAN ports.
| Ethernet Port | 4 |
| Type | Router only |
| Wifi Download Speed | 433 Mbps |
| Connectivity | Wifi, Ethernet, USB |
Pros
- Works with Wifi N and Wifi G so you don’t have to worry if you have older technologies
- Offers great speed that’s 2.8 times better than Wifi N
- Reliable connection
- Comes with USB ports
Cons
- Tech support isn’t great as many users complain about firmware updates
Linksys EA6350 Dual-Band WiFi Router
The last router on our list of the best router for Spectrum is the Linksys EA6350 Wifi Router. This device is the younger sibling o the EA7500 on our number one spot. Just like the later model, the EA6350 comes with the capability to provide great network coverage and impeccable stability. It is able to cover about 1000 sq ft while the EA7500 can do up to 1500 sq ft. Also, it’s a dual-band Spectrum internet router, providing speeds up to 1.2Gbps while the newer EA7500 model does up to 1.9Gbps.
The Linksys EA6350 features four LAN ports and beamforming technology just like its older sibling. However, it doesn’t feature the MU-MIMO technology the EA7500 is endowed with. So basically, if you’re looking for a good, budget Linksys router for your Spectrum internet, this is one option you need to consider. With its capability to connect up to 10 devices at once while covering about 1000 sq ft and delivering great speeds with its 2. 4 GHz and 5GHz bands, you’re surely getting a good deal with this Spectrum internet router.
| Ethernet Port | 4 |
| Type | Router only |
| Wifi Download Speed | Up to 1.2GBps |
| Connectivity | Wifi, Ethernet, USB 3.0 |
Pros
- Features an app that can be used to set parental controls and monitor the usage
- Setting it up is easy and it comes with USB 3. 0
- Reliable and fast connection
- Offers parental control
Cons
- Features like custom DNS setting, port blocking, and SSID blocking do not work on this router.
Router For Spectrum Buyer’s Guide
Choosing the best router for your Spectrum internet might seem like a difficult task. This is because there are many routers on the market and some of them may not even work with your Spectrum Internet. Some of the ones that work may not be able to provide you with the maximum speed allowed by your ISP while others may not offer enough coverage.
There are many factors to take into account when choosing the best router for your Charter Spectrum internet. We are going to be looking at these factors while answering some of the questions you may have concerning routers. Our aim is to ensure that you are well-informed so you’ll be able to make a better buying decision. And without further ado, let’s dive into it:
Does Any Router Work With Spectrum?
The answer is yes, however, there’s a catch. You need to ensure that the internet router you buy supports 802.11n and 802.11ac protocols. Also, make sure that it comes with a gigabit switch and for heavy users and those who use multiple wireless devices, ensure that the Spectrum internet router you buy is a dual-band router. This will allow you to get concurrent wireless-AC connections.
Is Spectrum Router Any Good?
Many users find routers offered by Charter Spectrum to be inadequate for them. This is because the company rents out their devices, charging users a monthly fee. Also, many devices offered by Spectrum aren’t up to par with personal routers being sold on the market. With your own internet router, you’ll be able to determine the level of privacy and security you need. You’ll also save costs as you won’t be paying any rental fee. Additionally, you’ll enjoy better overall performance as well as extended coverage while having full control over your home network.
What Modem Can I Use With Spectrum?
There are many modems on the market that are considered to be ideal for Spectrum Internet. However, in order to save costs, we recommend that you get one of the best modem router combo available. Some good examples include the Asus CM-32, Arris Surfboard SBG10, and the Motorola MG7550 modem router combos in our review.
Factors To Consider When Choosing A Good Router For Your Spectrum Internet
Top Speed Offered By Your ISP
Before you decide on the router to buy for your Spectrum Internet, ensure that you know the speed your plan comes with. You can contact Spectrum (or any other your ISP you use), or simply check your service account details to be sure. The internet speeds offered by ISPs are usually measured in Mbps, otherwise known as megabits per second. With this measurement, you’ll be able to determine the speed your Spectrum router is capable of handling or providing. For instance, if your ISP offers 100 Mbps, you need to ensure that the router you purchase is capable of delivering up to 100Mbps.
Making this consideration will help you save costs as you won’t be purchasing what you don’t need. If you stay in a single room apartment and your ISP’s maximum speed is 50Mbps, there’s no need to buy an overly expensive router capable of delivering speeds of up to 1Gbps. Simply because the router has up to 8 antennas does not mean you’re going to get speeds that are beyond your ISP’s limit. This is why it’s important that you understand your internet speed-limit before getting a router.
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Your Living or Working Space
Basically, the area where you want to set up your router is another important factor you need to consider. If you reside in a big house, you may need to get multiple routers or those with really long ranges. However, if your home is small or you live in an apartment, one router is good for you. With a small room or an apartment, you can attach high-quality antennas to a typical router and get the best result. However, this isn’t the case with big homes.
For this reason, ensure that you read reviews as well as product descriptions carefully so as to know how much area the router you’re about to purchase can cover. Another good option is to consider WiFi kits. With a Wifi kit, you get routers that work together to provide huge places with great indoor coverage. Before buying a router for your Spectrum Internet, you can try to find a friend or relative that uses the same type of router. This way you’ll be able to know how good the router is, how to set it up, and more.
Number Of Devices That Will Be Connected
The number of gadgets you want to connect to your Spectrum Internet router is another factor you need to put in mind. You can easily connect a laptop, mobile device, and a streaming gadget to one router. However, it’s important to note that the more gadgets you add to your Spectrum router, the slower the speeds you get. For instance, a router with a 2.4 GHz band can’t provide anything more than 300 Mbps. If you connect ten different gadgets to this router, your devices share 30 Mbps each.
For this reason, you need to ensure that your routers are dual-band. And if you’ll be streaming all day, consider getting a triband router instead. Also, make sure you consider the number of LAN ports available on your device. This will help you get more wired connections instead of relying solely on wireless connections.
MU-MIMO (Multi-User of Multiple Input and Multiple Output)
Many routers on the market these days feature MU-MIMO. This technology allows multiple users the ability to use a router simultaneously without getting any kind of interruption in their data transfer. Many old routers come with the SU-MIMO (Single User Multiple Input and Multiple Output) technology. Instead of delivering equal speed to each user or device simultaneously like the MU-MIMO, the SU-MIMO tech rotates the amount of data each device in a sequence can get.
While the rotation of SU-MIMO doesn’t take time and ends up serving all the gadgets on the network, there’s no denying the fact that MU-MIMO offers a smoother experience. If you’ve got multiple heavy users on a wireless network, and they all want to stream videos, play online games, etc. routers with the MU-MIMO technology are your best options.
AC Category
Routers basically come with two types of connection quality -the AC and the N. The N category is typically found in cheap routers. It provides a low-quality connection, which is why routers with this connection category are quite cheap. They’ll waste the speeds and high-quality connections provided by your internet service.
Routers with the AC category, on the other hand, provide better and high-quality connections. They tend to use your Spectrum internet service speeds to the fullest and they extend the connection quality to each device on the network. This category is commonly found in dual and tri-band routers. It’s worth noting that there are other categories, including A,B, and G. However, these categories are considered to be obsolete.
Conclusion
In order to get the best router for Spectrum simply consider the factors, we’ve talked about above. With the products in our review, you’ll be saving more on rental fees, enjoying better coverage and stronger signals, while having the capability to connect multiple devices and getting the same speed across all devices.
Simply choose the router that matches your budget and specs and be rest assured you’ll be getting nothing but the most ideal signal strength and speeds. Some of our top recommendations include the Linksys EA7500, Netgear Nighthawk 1750, Asus CM-32, and Netgear Nighthawk Pro Gaming XR700 routers.
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