You probably heard that Comcast will only charge you $10 a month to rent their router. While it seems like a bargain, it is completely a mistake.
You will be better off buying your own Comcast compatible router than using their mediocre one.
In order to have the best working home network that you can get, you will need to have the best router for Xfinity.
This might mean a router that is high performance, one that is budget friendly, or even one that simply browses the web. Regardless, the perfect router is out there for you.
Reasons To Get Your Own Best Router For Xfinity
Better Wi-Fi Performance
Generally, when you get your own router for Xfinity, you will get a better wireless performance. This is because the generic router from Xfinity is not made for your network or your needs.
You will never get the level of performance that you need from a generic router. Instead, you can buy your own best router for Comcast Xfinity and look for the types of features that you need for better performance. This will be especially noticeable for streaming.
Eliminate Monthly Rental Fee
Xfinity will tell you that for a mere $10 a month, they will give you the honour of using their router. Except, $10 a month quickly turns into $120 a year, and even $240 for 2 years.
Even then, you will still not own the router outright. Instead, for the same price, or even a lower price, you will get to keep a router while getting one that works for your network’s needs.
Extended Wireless Coverage
Every router has a different range of coverage. Some really only work with smaller apartments, while other routers can tackle a larger house. The rental router from Xfinity does not offer extended coverage.
You will be stuck with the inadequate range that they provide. When you the best WiFi router for Comcast you will have more choice and control over the level of coverage that you get. A rental router never gives you a choice.
Improved Network Security & Advanced Features
The level of security that your network needs is probably different than your neighbours. Think about what you do online and the types of features and protections that you need. This could mean a VPN or parental controls.
Regardless, a router from Xfinity does not have the level of security that you would be looking for. When you buy your own router, you get to decide the features you are looking for and can choose the perfect one.
10 Best Routers For Xfinity (2022)
Device | Speed | Ports | Rating | Check Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1. Asus RT-AX3000 Editor's Choice | 3000 Mbps | 4 Ports | 100% | |
2. Netgear AX6000 High Performance | 6000 Mbps | 5 Ports | 99% | |
3. TP-Link Archer A7 Budget Friendly | 1750 Mbps | 4 Ports | 95% | |
4. Motorola MG7550 Editor's Choice (Modem Router) | 1900 Mbps | 4 Ports | 100% | |
5. Motorola MT7711 For Xfinity Voice | 1900 Mbps | 6 Ports | 98% | |
6. Google WiFi System Extended Coverage | 1900 Mbps | 1 Port | 96% | |
7. Netgear XR500 For Xfinity Voice | 2600 Mbps | 4 Ports | 97% | |
8. TP-Link Archer AX20 | 1800 Mbps | 4 Ports | 96% | |
9. Linksys MR7350 | 1800 Mbps | 4 Ports | 95% | |
10. Gryphon AC3000 | 3000 Mbps | 4 Ports | 98% |
1. ASUS RT-AX3000 WiFi Router
Best Router For Xfinity (Editor's Choice)
While you might be tempted to rent a router for Xfinity, the truth is that you will not be getting the best router for Xfinity if you got that direction.
Instead, you should look at the ASUS RT-AX3000. The RT-AX3000 is our choice for the best router if you are an Xfinity subscriber, because it is powerful, future-proof, and has all of the features that you would want from your router.
Design
The design of the RT-AX3000 is mostly what you would expect from a router. IT does have a black casing and does rest horizontally.
It also has four high-gain antennas that can be moved around so that they can point in the directions that you would like the most powerful signal to travel. The shape of the router is more unusual and futuristic, with triangular vents coming out of the sides.
Also included in the design is that there are four 1-Gigabit LAN ports that will allow you to plug in devices directly to the router.
This is nice if you work from home and have a computer that needs to be connected at all times, but they also are great for HDTVs as well as gaming consoles. There is also a USB 3.0 port for high-speed storage for the entire network.
Performance
The performance of the RT-AX3000 is really what makes it the best choice for Xfinity. Speed-wise, the router can reach speeds up to 3,000 Mbps. As long as your speed package through Comcast can reach that level of speeds, you will be able to get them. If not, you can at least make the most out of the speeds that you are paying for.
The RT-AX3000 also uses AiMesh technology. This will allow you to buy more than one router to extend the reach of your network to the size that you would need it. You will also see that there is AiProtection Pro available with this router. This can help keep your network as locked down and secure as you need it to be.
Finally, the RT-AX3000 will also work with the ASUS mobile app. This lets you control and view what is going on in your network, even if you are not at home at the time.
2. Netgear Nighthawk RAX80 WiFi Router
High Performance Router For Comcast Xfinity
For the Xfinity subscribers who are looking more for a higher performance router, we recommend the Netgear Nighthawk RAX80. This is a powerful router that will do exactly what you need it to.
Design
The RAX80 comes with 5 1-Gigabit Ethernet ports so you can hardwire any wired devices. This is a great way to protect the devices that really can’t lose signal. It also comes with personal cloud storage, which can be accessed anywhere using the 2 x 3.0 USB ports. It’s a rare router that has 1 USB 3.0 port, but this one has 2.
Appearance-wise, this is a little bit of a different design as far as routers go. You might be a little surprised that it is a router since it looks different than many other routers and is pretty unique.
Instead of antennas, the router comes with fins that are designed to extend your range and the power of your signal. It also has the Beamforming+, helping to improve the overall range of this router.
Performance
The RAX80 comes with MU-MIMO technology, allowing multiple users at the same time to be doing whatever online activities that they prefer. That means multiple users can be streaming or gaming, even together, at the same time, all without losing any of the power behind it. The RAX80 has 8 simultaneous streams.
This means 8 different streams are working at once. That means that many people on different devices can stream at the same time without losing any speed or experiencing unnecessary buffering. It also comes with dynamic QoS, Smart Connect, OFDMA, and even Alexa Voice Control.
Power-wise, it is designed with a 64-bit, 1.8GHz quad-core processor, ensuring you get all of the power that you could ever want from your router. If you really need the best performance that you can get with Xfinity, the RAX80 router is not going to disappoint you.
3. TP-Link Archer A7 Smart WiFi Router
Budget Friendly
For a more budget-friendly router, the TP-Link Archer A7 is a great choice. This is a nice router that comes with all of the basic features that you would need for Comcast Xfinity.
Design
The Archer A7 comes 4 1-Gigabit ports. These ports allow whatever is plugged into them to be accessed wirelessly within your network, which is especially nice when you are working with a printer.
Looking at the design, the Archer A7 is pretty standard. It is a horizontal router with three high performance antennas to give your signal an added boost. The power lights are easy to see since they are right on the front of the router.
Performance
The Archer A7 can reach up to 1750 Mbps, providing 3X faster Wi-Fi than other traditional routers do, which is especially impressive at such a nice price point. It is dual band as well. The 2.4 GHz band boasts 450 Mbps while the 5 GHZ has 1,300 Mbps. This will ensure that your buffering time is reduced so that you will not rip your hair out at inadequate coverage.
Speaking of coverage, the Archer A7 can reach up to 2500 square feet, which is larger than the average network, generally speaking. It might even work if you are out in your yard or if you have more than one level in your home.
With the QoS technology, you get bandwidth prioritization, ensuring the devices that you want connected with all of the bandwidth they need. This is incredibly important if you have any gamers or anyone who really streams heavily in your network.
Because, really, not one person should be hogging all of the bandwidth or interrupting you when you are in the middle of something. On the topic of streaming, you will get 4K HD streaming capabilities from this router, which you should expect from any modern router on the market.
4. Motorola MG7550 Modem Router Combo
Best Modem Router Combo For Comcast Xfinity (Editor's Choice)
For those who are looking for the best modem router combo for your Xfinity internet, instead of a stand-alone router, we recommend the Motorola MG7550.
This is a great standard modem/router combo and it should be able to handle all of the most common preferences for home internet devices.
Design
The MG7550 comes with 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports so that you can plug in any device that cannot risk being kicked off your Wi-Fi as well as any device that you would like to be accessed from any device within the network, including printers.
The MG7550 has a stable signal, but interruptions can still easily wreck a game or movie you might be streaming. Plugged in devices don’t have the same danger.
The MG7550 is an upright tower design, which can be a big space saver as well as helping keep your modem nice and cool.
The tower designs are also easier to conceal and blend in with your décor, making it seem like it was meant to be wherever you placed it. This router also does offer good securities, including a reliable firewall.
Performance:
Looking at the performance of the MG7550, the router within it is a dual-band router so it runs both the 2.4 GHz and the 5 GHz bands, allowing you to choose which band you would like to use for which device.
Since the 5 GHz band is not as commonly used as the 2.4 GHz, you are more likely to have better luck streaming on the 5 GHz without interference. Of course the 2.4 GHz travels farther, so you will need to choose bands wisely.
Additionally, you get the Motorola Power Boost feature with the MG7550, which increases the overall coverage of the network and with speeds up to 650 Mbps, you should have enough power to effortlessly maintain signal throughout your network. The only downside that we found for this modem/router comb is that the setup is not entirely straightforward.
5. Motorola MT7711 Modem Router Combo
Best Router For Xfinity Voice
If you are looking for a router that works with Xfinity Voice, we suggest that you take a look at the Motorola MT7711. This is another great and powerful router from Motorola and will have all of the features that you should be looking for.
Design
The design of the MT7711 is actually pretty nice. It is a tower router, which means that it will always keep cooler than routers that are stuck being horizontal. It is an appealing grey and black as well, so overall it is a great design.
You do get some level of security from this router as well. It has an advanced firewall, a browser-based configuration, and a guest network capability.
The MT7711 also comes with four 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports, which will allow for a wired connection for the devices that need one.
It also has two Xfinity Voice compatible phone ports to let you wire the voice function in directly. Additionally, it has an optional battery backup to allow you to make phone calls if you lose power.
Performance
Looking at this router’s performance, it is a dual band router with AnyBeam Beamforming. This means that the reach of both the h2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands will extend even further than they would have otherwise.
The Wireless Power Boost is there for amplifying the wireless signal. It also has full-band Capture Digital Tuning, which allows for higher speeds while saving you on energy.
The MT7711 offers speeds up to 400 Mbps, which might not be the fastest speeds that are out there, but still should be enough for most Xfinity service packages. It is also a 24x8 router, so it has up to 24 channels carrying data from the internet with up to 8 channels carrying data to the internet.
6. Google Wi-Fi System 3 Pack
Extended Coverage
Some networks require a router that can provide extended range. This happens in larger spaces or some networks that have blocked or unusual shapes that have trouble transmitting the signal.
If this is your situation, then you need the Google Wi-Fi System for your Xfinity internet.
Design
The Google Wi-Fi system comes with three individual Wi-Fi points. The purpose of these points is to eliminate dead spots throughout your network, but you can purchase additional points if you need to extend your coverage even further, making this ideal for large spaces.
Looking at the system’s appearance, you will notice that the design of the Google System is white and has no external antennas, making it easier to conceal than other routers.
Because of the nice size and shape of the access points, you can easily add onto it without worrying that each point will become more obvious.
Performance
The Google system gives you prioritized coverage. By this, we mean that of the three points has its own LAN port as well as being a Wi-Fi point, so you gain two Gigabit Ethernet ports in each point, giving you endless options to directly wire in a device at any point, ensuring that your devices can be as connected as you need them to be.
If you make use of the three points that come with this system, the Google Wi-Fi system can cover up to 4,500 square feet without dead spots, cutting around corners or going through walls.
The Google router system also has network assist technology to ensure a strong signal from point to point. The biggest advantage to a mesh system like this is that if you need more coverage, you can always get more points to extend it further. The network can be as large as you really need it to be.
7. Netgear Nighthawk XR500 Pro Gaming
For Gaming
Serious gamers need a router that is made for more than just browsing. If this sounds like you, we recommend the Netgear Nighthawk XR500 for Comcast Xfinity.
Design
The XR500 is a horizontal router, so it will not stand up even if you want it to, so keep that in mind if it is a factor for you. The design is sleek, modern black with four high performance antennas that can help you direct the Wi-Fi signal specifically where you want it to go.
You will also get four 1-Gigabit Ethernet ports, giving you lag-free, wired connectivity where you need it the most throughout the network.
The XR500 also comes with some advanced security features. This includes a secure gaming VPN server, which can be good to help keep you anonymous. Through the XR500, you can also monitor your network and game ping in real-time, showing you which devices are hogging the bandwidth or causing you to buffer when you don’t want to.
Performance
It has been optimized to give you the lowest ping possible for any online game that you might be playing, including Call of Duty, Overwatch, Fortnite, and many others.
The XR500 is there to help you even down to the last millisecond by using geo-filtering to connect to the closest servers. This will give you a great edge over anyone that you might be playing online.
Taking a look at the speeds of the XR500, you will see that it is fast, delivering fast speeds up to 2.6 Gbps.
It also comes with a QoS feature will let you bypass network congestion and reduce any potential for interruptions by other devices on your network. This is a dual-band router, so you will get to work with both the 2.4GHz and the 5GHz bands.
8. TP-Link Archer AX20 WiFi 6 Router
This router has faster speeds, greater capacity, and reduced network congestion than many of the other routers that you will find on the market.
In fact, it has received one of the highest customer satisfaction awards that you can get. It is a Wi-Fi 6 router as well.
Design
Starting with its design, the AX20 router is a horizontal router. It has four high gain antennas that come out the back.
The antennas can be positioned to point in the direction that needs the fastest signal possible. Unfortunately, the router also is large in size and will need to be kept in a well ventilated area so that it does not wind up overheating.
Another design feature that you will get with this router is that it comes with 5 Gigabit Ethernet ports. That means that you will be able connect whatever devices that need a stable connection, like a gaming console or HDTV.
Performance
Moving on to the performance of this router, you will find that you will get next generation speeds. In fact, it can reach speeds up to 1.8 Gbps. That means that you will be able to stream, game, download, and even do video conferencing without lags or buffering.
The router also provides 4K streaming to further ensure that you will not have any unfortunate lags to deal with while streaming.
Additionally, with the AX20 you will be able to connect more devices than with previous generations. The router does use Wi-Fi 6 technology to communicate more data to more devices simultaneously. It does this through revolutionary OFDMA technology.
9. Linksys MR7350 Mesh WiFi Router
Another great choice for a router for Comcast is the Linksys MR7350. This router uses the latest wireless technology out on the market, which is Wi-Fi 6, so it really will give you the best speeds possible.
Design
Looking at its design, the MR7350 is square, but it is large in both height and width, so you can expect it to take up quite a bit of room wherever you have it placed.
Even though it is large, the vents for the router are located at the top, bringing in cool air and keeping your router from overheating. It would still be good to keep it in a ventilated location.
The MR7350 comes with four 1-Gigabit Ethernet ports. These ports are ideal for HDTVs, gaming consoles, and home computers. There is also a USB port that will allow you to share either a printer or use a storage device that can be accessed throughout the network.
Performance
Taking a look its performance, the MR7350 is a Wi-Fi 6 standard router, which is the latest standard out on the market. Using the Wi-Fi 6, the MR7350 can reach speeds up to 1.5 Gbps, allowing you to have 4K streaming, gaming, video conferencing, or anything else that you would like to do online.
The router supports over 20 connected devices at a time. This means that most, if not all, of your home devices can be online simultaneously without any kind of slowdown or lag.
It will work with the Linksys Mesh system as well, so you can expand the range of the router to meet your networks needs if it comes to that.
10. Gryphon AC3000 WiFi Router
One of our favourite routers that we have found for Comcast is the Gryphon AC3000. You really won’t see another router like it out on the market in both its design and its performance.
Design
Let’s start with its design. The Gryphon has a white casing and is an upright tower design, which means it will stay cooler and have better longevity. The antennas are all hidden internally, so while you cannot move them around, they are high-gain and still have a great range to work with.
The Gryphon offers 24/7 security and protection, daily security updates to prevent any recent threats from new malware, and even ad blocking software for all connected devices within the network.
This means that if you have any IoT devices, it will actively prevent breeches from them as well, which is nice since they are often forgot about with malware. The router is also easy to setup so you will not need to worry about a learning curve.
Performance
You should be very happy with the performance of the Gryphon AC3000. It is is a tri-band router. The router can also act like a mesh system and can extend as far as you need it to if you add on more points.
With just one Gryphon router, you can get up to 3,000 square feet in coverage, but you can always take advantage of the mesh capabilities for more.
The router also has good traffic control as well as 4x4 MU-MIMO technology, making it easier for more than one user to stream simultaneously on different devices. It does have antenna Beamforming as well to help your signal extend as far as it can.
How To Set Up Your Own Xfinity Wi-Fi Router
- Make sure that your Comcast modem is plugged in and ready.
- Plug the coaxial cable from the modem to the cable jack in your wall, if you do not have your modem setup already.
- Next, you will need to connect the Ethernet cable from your modem to your computer.
- Plug the router into the modem using an Ethernet cable and to the power outlet. The LED lights should all be on now.
- Open a browser on your computer and type in the IP address indicated on your router’s packaging.
- Follow the setup wizard if one is provided.
Separate Units vs. Modem Router Combo For Comcast Xfinity
When shopping for a router, you will come across the decision whether to you want to buy a modem and router as two separate units, or if you would rather have a combo unit, where the two devices are contained in one unit. There are advantages to either choice.
Why You Should Get A Separate Router For Xfinity
- Better Performance: When you have two units, you can get more personalized choice for performance, getting the best from both.
- Easier to Upgrade: When you have two units, you don’t have to upgrade both when something newer comes out. That means if you love your modem, but want to upgrade your router, you can keep the modem and only change the router.
- More Control: A dedicated router will provide you with more features and options than you will get from a router that is in a combo unit.
Why You Should Get A Modem Router Combo For Xfinity
- Less Expensive: Buying one unit, instead of two, is going to cost less and will save you money.
- Easier Setup: Instead of having to set up a modem, and then set up a router, a combo unit will allow you to set up the devices at the same time.
- Easier Updates: When you have a combo unit, you will only be updating one device at a time. They do not have to be updated separately.
What To Consider When Getting A Router For Xfinity
Number Of Connected Devices
The amount of devices that you have connected to your router should be a factor to take into consideration when shopping for a router for Xfinity. Some routers can only accommodate a couple of devices at a time and others can handle 30 or even 50 connected at once.
This is especially important if you have several streaming devices or are moving to a smart home that requires many Wi-Fi devices connected at once.
What You Do Online (Browse, Stream, Game, Download)
The way that you use the internet as well as how others in your network use the internet is a big factor to think about when you are shopping for your router.
If you really only are browsing, you will not need the same performance as someone who is streaming all of the time. Likewise, gamers will require better performance and if you are downloading a lot, you need a router than is made to handle that.
Your Internet Speed Package
While it is a great idea to get a router that offers speeds up to 1 Gbps, if your service package does not offer that level of speeds, you cannot reach it.
You will need to pay close attention to the speeds that you are paying for and if you get a router that is faster than them, your speeds are still limited to your service package and what the ISP is capable of giving you.
Router Features
Every router comes with its own set of features. This might include extra USB ports, Ethernet ports, antennas, and even security options.
When you are looking at a router for your Comcast Xfinity internet service, you can look at all of the available features that come with each router so you will know any add-ons or bonuses that are there for you to use. Not every network needs added features, so you might be happy with a more basic router as well.
Final Words
The best router for Comcast Xfinity is the Asus RT-AX3000. This router is made for performance. It can offer you coverage up to 1,500 square feet, which is more than the average network needs.
It also comes with MU-MIMO technology. MU-MIMO is incredibly important when it comes to modern home networks. Because of its reliable performance and compatibility with most home networks, the Asus RT-AX3000 is the clear winner.
That said, some networks need more individualized routers. Whether you are doing heavy gaming, need a router that is budget friendly, or even need a router with incredible range, there are other great routers out there for you.
If you need a larger network, the Google WiFi System is the way to go. For a router that is easier on the wallet, the Archer A7 is perfect. And if you are a heavy gamer, you will be happy with the XR500. Otherwise, stick with the Asus RT-AX3000.
If you want the best modem router combo for Comcast Xfinity, Motorola MG7750 is the way to go.
Hey, it’s James here. I’m the founder and editor here at RiverstoneNet.com. I’m a network engineer during the day and a blogger at night. Let me know if I can help you with choosing a new modem/router or troubleshooting your Internet connection.