When you are thinking about purchasing a new router for your home, you must have come across routers or modems with router functions built into them. In this basic comparison guide, we will list out a few advantages and disadvantages of owning a Router, a Modem, or a Modem / Router Combination.
Please note that we try to make this guide as simple as possible so that you can get a basic understanding of these devices under the shortest amount time with the least amount of effort. If you would like to learn more about these in detail, you may wish to check other sources.
Router vs Modem vs Modem Router Basic
A router links the computers to the internet from modem or let the computer link to each other within the same router network.
A modem gets information from your ISP or internet service provider such as Comcast or Time Warner.
You need modem to connect to the internet, and then you need router to dispatch the internet information to your devices.
A Modem / Router combination is a device that is two in one. It has router functions as well as modem functions.
Buying vs Renting Modem or Modem/Wifi Combo from ISP
For the ease of installation, your cable or DSL companies such as Comcast, Time Warner, Brighter House, or AT&T will typically offer you modem or modem/router equipment at additional cost per month.
Renting is More Expensive
You should never “rent” modem or worse modem / router combination from your ISP. The reason is that modem by itself is a lasting technology that does not change much, the modem that you buy can well last till its end of life time without having to change. You will be able to save money by buying the modem straight out.
Renting Modem / Router Combos can be problematic
If you are planning to alter the advanced settings on the rented Modem / Router combo, it can cause problems with router configurations. Sometimes your cable companies can push firmware updates to your modem / router and resetting your configurations without you even knowing it. It can be problematic at times when it deletes important information such as DMZ host or static IP information.
Can Return Rented Models
The only benefit that you can get from renting modems from your cable or DSL company is that in the event that the machines break, you can return them for a different one. However, the chance of your modem breaking is actually pretty low. Most of them can last years before you actually need to replace them.
Router + Modem or Use Modem Router 2 in 1
If you are thinking about upgrading your network items, you may run into this dilemma. We will go into some of the most common factors to help you decide the best setup for your home.
In general, you should only get Modem/Router combo unit if you are a home basic user. Since you probably do not need all the features available on the advanced routers. However, once you start getting into heavier and advanced networking stuff such as web hosting, better parental control settings, you should get a separate and advanced router unit.
If you are running a business or public wifi, you should generally get separate modem and router units because a dedicated router unit that typically offer better security functions.
Reasons Why You Should Get Modem Router Combo
Separate Router + Modem is Slightly More Expensive
In most cases, if you want a decent router for your home networking. A separate Router and modem is typically a little more expensive. For example, a common combination model with a few cable companies is Motorola Surfboard SBG6580. It generally costs about $130. However, a comparable modem only model SB6141 costs about $85. A comparable router portion can cost about $55. So you are looking at some minor price differences.
Modem/Router combo can be Easier to Setup
A combination unit has less moving parts, you have 1 less line and 1 less device to worry about. In most cases, combination unit is easy enough for beginners to use if you do not want to go into advanced router settings.
Internet Providers Control Updates
This reasoning can tie into the previous one. You give up control to let your internet provider decide the best software for your combination unit. The cable companies can push firmwares that they believe if the best for your machine based on customer feedback.
Reasons Why You Should Get Separate Modem and Router
Easier To Upgrade (Less Expensive)
In general, modem technology and hardware does not change much. However, the router side of things can advanced quite fast when the timing is right. By having separate modem and router units, you can have much easier time to upgrade your in house networking capability.
Since you only have to upgrade the router portion, it can be cheaper compared to buying an upgraded Modem / Router unit.
More Control
In general, a dedicated router let you have more control over its settings and firmware. You can even update your routers with third-party firmware like DD-WRT.
You are less likely to have to deal with your ISP
If you get a combination unit and still have trouble with the router option, you are out of luck. Most of the customer service from your loved Internet Service Providers will have you jump through hoops to receive real help. By having a separate router, you leave “less” to the ISP and more control to yourself.
Better Performance
Now because you have more control over your modem / router combination units, or you can simply get a stronger and more advanced model. You can end up with better wireless performance for your entire home.
Better Router Placement
The location of your home routers matter in terms of your overall wireless performance. It is much easier to place your router at a desired location with Cat5 cable extenders, compared to extending the standard Coaxial cable the modem / router combination unit that needs.
How much price for combo router and modem and result
I need combo router for streaming which ones r good.
my ISP is Spectrum. They just sent out new modems. They are causing intermittent service now. Renting the router from spectrum as well. Very unhappy. I want to just upgrade the router, but not sure if the modem is bad as well.
I am getting full signal from the modem, so Spectrum tells me.
I have purchased a Netgear Cable Modem Route. I bought it because my Neighbor was in my Service Network Provider Suddenlinknet. Arris Router. How do I keep the whole neighborhood out of My NetGear?
I have AT&T internet and have gone to smart TV’s and Youtub TV. I want to get rid og my rental Modem/router gateway and replace it with a Modem & Google Mesh to help with stronger singles. WHich Modem should I buy?
can I get better internet and movie streaming buy buying a better modem/router than the cable company rents to me?
Same thing I wanna know
Can my internet connect high power and fast speedy
yes idiot
I have internet through TWC.. Spectrum now. I have the lowest internet..If I bought my own modem/router combo would my movies stream better? or do I have to up my internet?
We appreciate this kind of positive participation in our community.
I use Atlantic Broadband and in the mist of deciding if I want to go with a combo or separate router modem. I do all my banking, taxes and movie streaming. We only have cell phones no land line. Biggest thing is I want a vpn service. I purchased the Asus wireless AC-1900 already then realized I need a cable internet connection not Ethernet router. Should I keep my router and purchase a modem? I can connect the modem to the router and still add a VPN service through my router correct? I am not super technical but know enough to want to protect myself from prying eyes. Thank you for your thoughts
Perfect thanks! I really just wanted a bulleted guide since I’m upgrading and currently have a combo. I’ve always felt a separate modem and router would be better but wasn’t sure if I needed it for my needs.
Anyone that isn’t comfortable connecting to their router configuration page, connecting devices to network, or doing basic troubleshooting, should never buy their modem instead of renting. Rented modems may cost more in the long run, but at least the internet company is capable of actually helping you. As someone who worked for a communications company, nothing was worse than having people with personal hardware who did not know how to use it.
This article was very good. I wish I’d have read it prior to my changes with hardware. One question, I went from a Netgear modem router combo unit which was still working when we took Century Link up on increased internet speeds with a reduced monthly rate. We had to go with separate modem and router now. As we are now on the latest and greatest range/band, we seem to be having issues with our iPhones utilizing wifi calling. Is backward compatibility something you have to be worried about when upgrading? We live in the country and cell coverage is spotty at best. We relied heavily on wifi calling. Somehow we lost it in the switch. This so called savings by Century Link cost us a bundle in new equipment and lost time trying to ensure all our gadgets work (or don’t in a few cases) so beware of hidden expenses too. Any advice or things to consider with this situation would be appreciated.
I had separate system and just went to comb Arris 6700-ac. The problem being communication between modem and router declined. Watch Amazon tv, Netflix and listen to Pandora with no issues. Still early….
Thank you this was so helpful. I don’t have clue about this stuff and you broke it down so basic that even a computer illiterate person like myself understood lol… Thank you so much. I will buy it seperate.
Previously I had a separate router/modem and was constantly resetting both. After talking to a tech, I was told the router-modem communication begins to degrade and the only way is to re-sync by powering both off and back on again. The modem/router combo doesn’t have this issue.
I have just bought an Arriss SGB9700ac. I need to retain the TWC modem for my phone service. Do I need TWC service person to come to hookup my new router/modem? Can’t I do it myself? I guess I’ll need a spliter and short coaxial cable. Probably could get from Best Buy.
I have been leaning toward the combo. Planning on getting rid of my cable an getting just internet (through TW) and getting Roku. Would the combo be best for me? I would only be using it for TV, movies, and occasionally my phone. Opinions please!!
Here’s my dilemma,I bought a new router and modem for my girlfriend so she could get get rid of Time Warner’s and pay a little less on her bill every month.The problem is she has a router/modem combo from them and also has their phone service she wants to keep but there’s no way to hook up just the new router and modem I purchased for her without her losing her phone service.We called them and they said she had to keep her old one on and get some kind of splitter.I’m so frustrated because it defeats the purpose of us trying to save her money and upgrading hers a little bit.Please help if u have any ideas or better ways to get around this.Thank you
Jerry Hiner – TWC claims you will no longer be charged the Modem Lease Fee if you purchase your own modem but continue to use the TWC modem for phone service. I am about to try that situation myself.
I also have Time Warner Cable. I sent them back their modem/router combo and I purchased my own. I also have their phone service. They do not charge to have their modem for home phone service because that’s something that’s required in order for the phone to work. You may want to have her call back & speak with a manager.
If you are not using the supplied modem for internet, and inly using it for phone, they will remove the charge for the rental. I went through this situation last week. It does suck to know that im going to have three devices though (phone, modem, router, and also the extra splitter/coax)
I am right in the midst of determining if I will keep land line phone service. I rent my modem and want to dump the rental fee.
If I keep the phone and get a Modem and a seperate router…is it my understanding that the phone can’t be set up with my personal M/R??
If I MUST keep the TWC modem for phone, how do I connect the new equipment to the cable that is already in use by that phone?
Just get Ooma. It’s better than TW and less than $4 a month for service. You’ll only be paying for taxes, ever. I’ve never had any issues with Ooma.
I offer what I’ve done as a possible solution to those who want a better modem/router or wish to get into separate modem router configurations. The simple thing to do costs about $12/month and it’s a little box from BasicTalk. This company unlike most other separate phone device companies like AT&T DOES PERMIT DATA THROUGHPUT aka Use a fax from home. With the AT&T device, its voice only, no data as I found out the hard way when I needed to fax a death certificate. Then after calling and finding out the answer was NO, I then did a simple a google search and found BasicTalk.com They have 12/7 tech support by chat or email. They do not have a phone number which I find annoying, but their box is so simple and the software to customize voicemail box, block calls, etc. are very easy even for a beginner. I hope this might help and give another choice for those who might have already known about these services and which ines have limitations or not.
Would not recommend having a all in one unless you are doing very basic stuff always go with an advanced router for the best speed an strength
Thanks for the very helpful and easy to understand info. I’ve been using a combo for approximately 4 years with no issue thus far. I am a basic home user, 2 PC’s, 2 IPads and 2 I phones used for the simplest of task, e-mail, Internet browsingetc. No gaming, very little video streaming and music streaming. Thanks again for articulating this subject that has always confused me.
My ISP (Rogers) upgraded me to their Advanced Wifi modem which is a combined modem/router. I also have been running on an Apple Airport Extreme router. Both of these devices are installed and working. The modem is connected to my cable internet Coax. The modem is then connected to the Airport extreme router for wifi.
Can this double router situation cause problems? One of the helpline support people suggested getting the router function of the combined modem/router disabled (bridged).
to put it simply yes because the router functions will essentially be talking over each other I just had this problem myself, it’s kind of a bummer that I have to connect them together with an Ethernet cable.
Thank you….
Just as you said … Simple, basic, shortest and least amount of
effort for the ” over technologied” mind to comprehend.
Just bought a Samsung smart tv ( new device) to go along w/
Two new iPhones and a new iPad Air 2 ….
Thinking about changing carriers , att to xfinity I heard better
Connection so that means having to change my modem/router
Combo. Now I have some “basic” info to comprehend
Router/modem combo or separate I think I’m leaning separate???
btw old r/m combo is approx. a 8 yr old gateway
Thank You I have my answer do to your questions I have a dual router very expensive and I own it with my personal Express VPN but now I need a modem and I now no to just get the Modem no combo I don’t want Xfinity pushing changes to my router nor do I want them using my signal as a free Hotspot for there customers I want them having access to nothing but the modem I own they cannot be trusted I found that out the hard way if I need help I will get it from Express VPN I trus them more the Xfinity.