RouterFreak Reviews, Tips and Tools for Network Engineers
As new internet technologies emerge and internet speed increases, having a high-quality router has become essential.
Finding the best router for Xfinity ensures that you have a smooth and stable internet connection for streaming, or video conferencing especially if you are working from home.
However, if you are not into tech, you may find it challenging to get the right device for your needs.
Thankfully, we have tested and reviewed some of the best Xfinity compatible routers for you to select from.
The routers fit the needs of each individual and whether you are looking for just a router, modem-router combo, or a mesh system, you will find one for your needs.
Our top pick for the best router for Xfinity is the TP-Link Archer AX73 as it features 4T4R, high-gain antennas, and beamforming which are the improved technologies that ensure your home has full internet coverage by concentrating signal strength on all your connected devices. Additionally, it comes with OFDMA and MU-MIMO technologies which increases the average throughput.
For a high-performance option, the Nighthawk RAXE500 is a good choice as it comes with WiFi 6 technology that enables you to connect more devices to your home network and experience smooth video streaming, gaming as well as video conferencing. This technology is also a lot faster than the WiFi 5 technology.
The Linksys MR7350 provides you with an affordable option of upgrading your home network to WiFi 6 technology. You can use this device to create a mesh network which is easy to install, and it eliminates dead zones. It gives you better throughput performance and comes with 4 LAN ports, 1 WAN port, 1 USB port, 1 LED strip, and two adjustable antennas.
To get the best out of your router, it should come with the latest and advanced features such as WiFi 6 technologies, DOCSIS 3.1, OFDMA, and MU-MIMO.
This ensures that you get faster internet speeds, and you are not experiencing dead zones in your home.
Best Router For Xfinity (2023)
- Best Overall: TP-Link Archer AX73
- High Performance: Netgear Nighthawk RAXE500
- Budget Friendly: Linksys MR7350
- Mesh WiFi: Eero 6+ Mesh WiFi System
- Modem Router Combo: Motorola MT8733
- For Gaming: Asus ROG Rapture GT-AX11000
- Best Security Features: Asus RT-AX3000
Top 7 Xfinity Compatible Routers
The perfect router for Xfinity is one that offers you full-home coverage, the best parental controls, great security features to protect your network from online attacks, and fast and stable internet speeds.
To help you decide on which router to purchase, we have tested and reviewed the 7 best WiFi routers that are compatible with Xfinity internet services.
The reviews give more information about the design, performance, specifications, pros, and cons of the routers.
1. TP-Link Archer AX73 (Editor’s Choice)
Our Editor’s Choice for the best router for Xfinity is the TP-Link Archer AX73 router.
Design
With an internet speed of up to 5400 Mbps, the TP-Link Archer AX73 enables you to have excellent internet performance by allowing you and other users to stream and game at the same time.
With this router, you will connect all your devices without experiencing any buffering.
The Archer AX73 features 4T4R, high-gain antennas, and beamforming which are improved technologies that ensure your home has full internet coverage by concentrating signal strength on all your connected devices.
Performance
The OFDMA and MU-MIMO technologies enable you to connect several devices to the Archer AX73 which increases the average throughput.
With these technologies, all your devices can connect to the network at the same time without any congestion.
The MU-MIMO uses multiple streams to transfer data to your devices at the same time while OFDMA uses one stream for data transfer to multiple devices which maximizes efficiency.
The network scanner in this router protects your home network from potential internet attacks and threats.
The Quality of Service concentrates enough bandwidth on some devices so that they can have fast connections and top performance.
With parental controls, you can control what your children are downloading or watching as well as manage their online time and prevent them from accessing inappropriate content.
You can easily have media sharing and private cloud storage using the USB port.
The router produces less heat through the improved vented areas. Other extra features include IoT Device Identification, HomeSHield Pro Paid services, and data usage reports.
Who It’s For
If you need high internet speed for simultaneous downloading, gaming, and streaming services and live in a large home with several devices, the Archer AX73 is for you.
Specs
- Speed: Up to 5400 Mbps
- Range: Extensive coverage
- Bands: Dual-Band
- Wireless Protocol: 11g, 802.11ac, 802.11b, 802.11ax, 802.11n
- Ports: 5 Ethernet ports
Pros
- Fast and smart roaming services.
- Great parental controls.
- Has an extensive range and coverage.
- Can connect multiple devices at the same time.
- Easy to set up.
Cons
- You need to update the firmware to achieve faster speeds.
2. Netgear Nighthawk RAXE500 (High Performance)
Design
The Nighthawk RAXE500 comes with WiFi 6 technology that enables you to connect more devices to your home network and experience smooth video streaming, gaming as well as video conferencing. This technology is faster than WiFi 5 technology.
The RAXE500 comes with an internet speed of up to 10.8 Gbps, connects up to 60 devices, and offers a coverage of up to 3500 sq. ft.
Performance
The NETGEAR RAXE500 comes with the Nighthawk app that allows you to set up your router faster and easily.
The app also allows you to monitor the data usage of your entire family, test the internet speeds, and manage the network settings on your phone.
The five Ethernet ports enable you to create wired connections for your devices. Your family network is protected from internet attacks as this router features Netgear Armor.
Smart parental controls enable your children to have healthy internet habits and become responsible when using the internet.
The MU-MIMO and OFDMA technologies enable you to connect several devices to the home network at the same time and have a smooth connection.
If you want some of your devices to have fast internet connections, you can concentrate on the WiFi signal using beamforming technology and QoS.
The Nighthawk AXE11000 works well with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. It also comes with DoS, guest WiFi access, VPN, and Firewall.
Who It’s For
If you have up to 60 devices and your home has a square footage of up to 3500, the RAXE500 is the router for you as it allows you to connect several devices at the same time and still have a smooth connection.
Specs
- Speed: 8 Gbps
- Range: Up to 60 devices and 3500 Sq. Ft.
- Bands: Tri-Band
- Wireless Protocol: 11ax
- Ports: 5 Ethernet ports and 2 USB ports
Pros
- Minimal congestion.
- Faster speeds.
- Reliable internet connection to all your devices.
- There is more bandwidth for your devices.
- Reliable coverage and maximized range.
Cons
- Port forwarding in some units does not work.
3. Linksys MR7350 (Budget Friendly)
Design
The Linksys MR7350 provides you with an affordable option of upgrading your home network to WiFi 6 technology. You can use this device to create a mesh network which is easy to install, and it eliminates dead zones.
The MR7350 gives you better throughput performance. It also comes with 4 LAN ports, 1 WAN port, 1 USB port, 1 LED strip, and two adjustable antennas.
Performance
The Linksys MR7350 is powered by a 1.2 quad-core processor, 512MB RAM, and 256MB of flash memory. The 2.4GHz bands support a maximum speed of 512 Mbps while the 5GHz bands support a maximum speed of 1201 Mbps.
The MR7350 uses the latest technologies such as direct-to-client signal beamforming, WPA3 encryption, MU-MIMO, OFDMA, and TWT.
For more efficient bandwidth usage, the OFDMA technology enables multiple devices to use the same channel while connecting to the network.
The TWT (Target Wake Time) helps in reducing the power consumption by clients while the MU-MIMO enables you to stream data using multiple devices at the same time without buffering and lags.
The Linksys App enables you to manage this router using your phone. However, for more settings and management options such as media prioritization, external storage, device list, parental controls, network status, and guest access, you can use the web console.
You can easily add other Linksys products to the MR7350 as it is future-proof and easily expandable. This allows you to increase the WiFi coverage in your home.
You can manage the WiFi access for devices and individuals using Alexa.
Who It’s For
The Linksys MMR7350 is for those looking for a mesh network that can provide a strong internet connection for 4K streaming, video calls, gaming, and for users that need to connect more than 25 devices.
Specs
- Speed; Up to 1.8 Gbps
- Range: Over 25 devices and up to 1700 sq. ft.
- Bands: Dual-Band
- Wireless Protocol: 11ax
- Ports: 5 Ethernet ports and 1 USB port
Pros
- Easy to set up and manage.
- Comes with WiFi 6 technologies.
- Mesh ready.
Cons
- Does not have malware protection.
4. Eero 6+ Mesh System (Mesh WiFi)
Design
The Eero Mesh system provides you with full-home WiFi coverage as it comes with an internet speed of up to 1000 Mbps and a range of up to 4500 sq. ft. The mesh WiFi technology enhances the internet connection in your home and removes any buffering and dead spots.
This allows you to stream 4K videos and do video conferencing across all your devices without any internet issues.
Performance
The Amazon Eero Mesh system delivers an internet connection to your devices that is faster compared to the previous standards, and it allows you to connect up to 75 devices at the same time.
The Eero app enables you to set up this mesh system within a few minutes by following the steps provided.
You can use the Eero app to manage your WiFi network anytime as well as share your network with friends, pause the internet, and check the data usage.
The Eero Mesh system can be used as a smart home hub as it can connect to Alexa which enables you to easily control and connect devices on your home network.
The automatic updates on this mesh system ensure that you get the greatest and latest Eero WiFi which keeps your network secured and safe all the time.
You can easily expand your system whenever you want by adding other Eero products as it comes with cross-compatible hardware.
You can replace your router with the Eero Mesh system as it can connect directly to an Xfinity compatible modem.
Additionally, if you have a router-modem combo, you can set the Eero mesh system to the router-only mode or allow it to work as a subnet to your current network.
Who It’s For
The Amazon Eero is for those looking for a Mesh system that can provide an internet connection to large homes with several devices and has wider coverage.
Specs
- Speed: 1000 Mbps
- Range: 4500 sq. ft.
- Bands: Dual-Band
- Wireless Protocol: 11ax
- Ports: 2 Ethernet ports
Pros
- You can use the app to easily manage it.
- Compact design.
- Can direct WiFi signal to where you want.
- Can connect to Alexa.
Cons
- Fewer administration options.
- Has only 2 Ethernet ports.
5. Motorola MT8733 (Modem Router Combo)
Design
The Motorola MT8733 works flawlessly with Comcast Xfinity Triple Play as it is compatible with Xfinity Voice and Internet service.
It provides ultra-fast internet speeds of up to 2.5 Gbps and it features DOCSIS 3.1, which is the latest technology.
The Motorola MT8733 comes with three 1 Gig Ethernet ports, 1 2.5 Gig Ethernet port, and 2 telephone ports.
Performance
The Motorola MT8733 comes with two integrated phone lines that support advanced features such as call forwarding, caller ID, and conference calling.
With this modem router combo, you get better streaming and gaming as your whole family can video conference, game, and stream on more than 100 devices at the same time without experiencing any delay.
Download the Motosync app and easily manage your WiFi network from your phone as well as share guest WiFi, run speed tests, set parental controls, and more.
The parental controls ensure that you are monitoring your kid’s online activity and prevent them from viewing inappropriate content.
Who It’s For
The Motorola MT8733 is for individuals looking for a modem router combo that provides enough coverage and internet speeds for more than 100 devices that stream and game at the same time.
Specs
- Speed: Up to 2500 Mbps
- Range: 100 plus devices.
- Bands: Dual-Band
- Wireless Protocol: DOCSIS 3.1, Bluetooth
- Ports: 2 telephone ports and 4 Ethernet ports
Pros
- Fastest multi-gig speeds.
- Better gaming and streaming.
- Advanced security.
- Better connections.
- Great parental controls.
Cons
- Issues with updating firmware.
6. ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 (For Gaming)
Design
The ASUS GT-AX11000 features the AiMesh that uses several ASUS routers to provide you with the whole-home network coverage.
The AiMesh technology is flexible and powerful and provides you with a central control system that is time-saving as well as seamless roaming capabilities.
For improved game traffic at each stage, the GT-AX11000 comes with a three-level acceleration that reduces game latency and the ping rate to provide you with a better gaming experience.
Performance
The GT-AX11000 allows you to dedicate one 5 GHz band for gaming which helps to prevent competition of bandwidth among the connected devices. It also unlocks the 15 less congested channels.
This router allows you to perform port forwarding which is essential for gamers who want to join their friends in a team.
The steps are selecting a game that you want to play, finding the device for playing the game, and then activating your game.
The gaming center interface gives you easy control by pointing and clicking over every feature. The Game Radar allows you to check the ping times of several servers before playing.
You can use both an ordinary internet connection and VPN which prevents slow game performance.
Who It’s For
The GT-AX11000 provides consistent and fast uploading speeds which makes it suitable for individuals looking for routers that meet their gaming, security, and monitoring requirements.
Specs
- Speed: 11000 Mbps
- Range: Very large homes
- Bands: Tri-Band
- Wireless Protocol: 11ac, 802.11ax
- Ports: 4 Ethernet ports
Pros
- The gaming port offers you the ultimate performance.
- Full-home coverage.
- Improved control and monitoring.
- Protection from security threats.
Cons
- None found.
7. Asus RT-AX3000 (Best Security Features)
Design
The ASUS RT-AX3000 comes with the latest networking and WiFi technologies that provide faster internet speeds and wider coverage compared to the previous generation.
The latest technologies include OFDMA, MU-MIMO, and Adaptive QoS.
The RT-AX3000 features the latest wireless protocol, the 802.11ax, which provides enhanced battery life, faster WiFi speeds, greater coverage, future-proof technologies, and higher network efficiency for all your connected devices.
Performance
The ASUS RT-AX3000 is premium hardware that comes with advanced technologies and bandwidth prioritization.
It enables you to connect several devices to the WiFi network and use them at the same time and provides full-home coverage so that you can stream and download smoothly without any disruptions.
You can use Alexa voice control to manage and control the network settings as it works well with Amazon Alexa.
You can easily protect your devices from threats and attacks from the internet as this router features advanced WPA/WPA2 wireless encryption, parental controls, and guest access.
The ASUS Router App enables you to set up your router in a few minutes by following the simple instructions provided. You can also use the app to manage the connectivity of your WiFi and check in to your network remotely.
Who It’s For
The ASUS RT-AX3000 is for individuals with large homes who need to install a router that offers faster speeds, wider ranges, and comes with great security features.
Specs
- Speed: 3000 Mbps
- Range: Up to 3000 sq. ft
- Bands: Dual-Band
- Wireless Protocol: 11n, 802.11b, 802.11ax, 802.11a, 802.11ac
- Ports: 1 USB port
Pros
- Very fast speeds for a good price.
- Comes with Adaptive QoS and AiProtection Pro
- Reboots faster.
- Great management interface.
Cons
- Narrow range.
- Inconsistent birates.
Factors To Consider When Looking for The Best Xfinity Compatible Router
WiFi Speed & Wireless Protocol
When you are choosing a third-party router that is compatible with Xfinity, you should consider the WiFi speed that it offers.
The speed should be enough for your whole home to ensure that you have a stable and smooth internet connection even when multiple devices are connected to the network.
Getting a higher speed plan will enable you to enhance the performance and efficiency of your internet. Therefore, you can contact Comcast Xfinity to give you information about the top speeds that you can purchase.
Another factor that you need to consider is the router’s wireless protocols. These are the set rules and guidelines that ensure your router has smooth communication and interacts well with the connected devices.
There are different protocols but the latest one is the 802.11. The 802.11ax has a better performance as it improves the capability and speed of your router, and it allows your router to connect to several devices.
Wireless Coverage
The effectiveness and consistency of a Wi-Fi signal from a router are influenced by two key factors: the physical layout of the environment (such as a home or office) and the range of the Wi-Fi coverage.
Obstacles like thick walls and considerable distances between the router and devices can weaken the signal, leading to a disrupted user experience.
Standard routers typically provide coverage up to a range of 150 feet, but certain models can extend their reach, effectively covering larger areas.
This can be achieved by extenders, which are small devices strategically placed to boost the Wi-Fi signal and eliminate dead zones within a broader space.
When selecting a router, it is advisable to consider the size and layout of your environment. However, it’s important to note that the placement of the router may be restricted by phone sockets.
For optimal coverage, we recommend positioning the router centrally within your home to ensure 360-degree coverage, particularly in larger residences.
Investing in a router with a generous Wi-Fi range is highly recommended to minimize the risk of unexpected connectivity issues.
Although such routers may come with a higher price tag, the investment is worthwhile as it mitigates many potential problems that could require additional spending on extenders over time.
By opting for a robust router upfront, you can effectively address and prevent numerous hiccups, ultimately saving you money that might have been spent on extenders in the long term.
Number Of Bands
When selecting a router, it is important to consider the available bands it supports as not all routers utilize all types of bands.
The number of bands in a router can impact the quality of your internet connection. The two most used bands are 5GHz and 2.4GHz.
Higher bands, such as 5GHz, offer faster internet speeds and greater data-carrying capacity. They can provide a more robust connection, especially in environments with multiple devices or high bandwidth requirements.
However, higher bands tend to have a shorter range and can struggle to penetrate through obstacles like walls or large objects.
Dual-band routers typically offer 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, while 6GHz bands are supported by WiFi 6. Consider a tri-band router with 6GHz if you have compatible devices to maximize speed.
More bands provide greater performance options in your home or office setup.
Mesh WiFi Systems vs Traditional Routers
With the decreasing cost of mesh routers, homeowners with larger residences should consider investing in this technology for reliable Wi-Fi coverage.
Even in compact spaces, the layout and construction materials of the home can lead to signal drops, dead zones, and slower speeds.
Mesh networks effectively address these issues by allowing the extension of WiFi coverage using additional nodes strategically placed throughout the house. They can even expand coverage to areas like garages or work sheds.
In contrast, traditional routers are typically confined to a single room, and all devices connect to it. This setup often results in weaker coverage as the signal struggles to penetrate walls and reach all rooms.
By utilizing a mesh network, the coverage is extended and strengthened by distributing nodes throughout the home, ensuring a more consistent and reliable connection.
Whether you have a larger home or face connectivity challenges due to your home’s layout, investing in a mesh WiFi network for Xfinity can greatly improve Wi-Fi coverage, eliminate dead zones, and mitigate issues like slower speeds and latency.
Modem Router Combo vs Separate Units
Modem router combos offer a more compact design as they eliminate the need for separate devices and cables, resulting in a space-saving solution. Setting up a modem router combo is straightforward, as you only need to deal with a single device instead of managing two separate ones and connecting cables between them.
For beginners, modem router combos are easy to set up as it only needs you to adjust the settings, configure the passwords, and connect to multiple devices.
On the other hand, using a separate router allows for greater flexibility in positioning.
You can place the router farther from the modem to achieve optimal Wi-Fi signal strength in specific areas of your home.
In contrast, the placement of a modem router combo is limited by the constraints of the coax cable used to connect it, which can be thicker and more challenging to route across a room, restricting its positioning away from the coax cable outlet.
While the initial cost of purchasing separate modem and router devices may be higher than a combined unit, over the long term, buying individual components can prove to be a more cost-effective option.
How To Setup Your Router with Comcast Xfinity
If you have recently signed up with Xfinity, you may want to consider getting a new WiFi router or even continue using your old router which is a bit cheaper and easy to use. Follow the steps below to set up your router with Xfinity:
1. Your router should be approved for Xfinity.
Before using your router, you need to ensure that it is compatible with Xfinity and that it can keep up with the high internet speeds.
2. Set up your modem in the best location.
The next thing that you need to do is find the perfect location for your modem, which is normally the central room in your house. This will ensure that the signal reaches every corner of your house, and you can avoid slower connections and glitches.
Also, avoid placing the modem next to metal or in tight spaces as this will interfere with connections.
Next, plug in your modem and turn it on, then give it a few minutes to warm up before establishing a connection with your router.
3. Start an internet connection.
If you are using a wireless modem, connect to your router using the network password and names which are either at the bottom or back of the modem.
To connect via WiFi, navigate to settings on one of the devices you wish to connect and choose the network name which is on the modem. Then enter the password and connect to the network.
Sometimes you may be asked to enter the security key and not the password. All you need to do is click on the link for connecting using a security key and enter it.
However, if your modem is not wireless, you can use the ethernet cable for the connection.
Once you have set up your connection, you should activate it through the Xfinity website by following the instructions given.
4. Connect your devices.
The final thing to do is connect your devices to your home network and this includes the security system, smart home, phones, tablets, and computers. Ensure that you use the new password if you change it while setting up the network.
Router For Comcast Xfinity FAQs
What Routers Are Compatible with Xfinity?
Ensure that the routers you consider for Xfinity can provide good speeds and coverage, avoiding those with mediocre features.
If unsure, a simple online search using the router’s name and ‘Xfinity compatibility’ should provide the necessary information.
Should I Get A Modem Router Combo Or Separate Devices For Xfinity?
The choice between a modem router combo and separate modem and router devices depends on your needs and budget.
A modem router combo simplifies the setup process and ensures compatibility with your ISP.
However, if you prefer the freedom to customize settings, impose restrictions, and enhance security, opting for separate modem and router devices allows for more control and flexibility.
What Is the Difference Between Xfinity Cable vs Fiber Internet?
Fiber-optic technology utilizes flexible glass strands to transmit data as light, allowing for faster, clearer, and long-distance transmission. These strands are bundled and protected with layers of plastic.
In comparison, traditional cable technology transmits data through electrical signals using coaxial cables. Coax cables consist of a copper core insulated with a copper shield, aluminum, and plastic on the outer layer.
Cable is more vulnerable to weather events and electromagnetic interference compared to fiber-optic, which is immune to such electrical signal-related issues.
Can You Put xFi Gateway in A Bridge Mode?
To enable bridge mode, follow these steps:
- Open a web browser and enter http. //10.0.0.1 to access the Admin tool.
- Enter “admin” as the default username and “password” as the password.
- Navigate to the Gateway tab and select “At a glance.”
- Enable bridge mode by clicking on the corresponding option.
Final Words
Hopefully, you now have the information that you need to decide which router to purchase.
If it is challenging to decide on which router to purchase, our editor’s choice for the best router for Xfinity is the the Archer AX73 as it features 4T4R, high-gain antennas, and beamforming which are the improved technologies that ensure your home has full internet coverage by concentrating signal strength on all your connected devices.
Additionally, it comes with OFDMA and MU-MIMO technologies which increases the average throughput.
The buying guide explains in detail the different factors that you need to consider when choosing a router that is compatible with Xfinity.
The ideal router is one that offers you faster internet speeds, a wider range, and coverage throughout your home.
