Last updated: March 2026
If you're an Xfinity customer, there's a good chance you're paying $15 a month just to rent your modem and router. That's $180 a year — money that could be going toward literally anything else. The good news? You can buy your own Xfinity-compatible modem-router combo, pay for it once, and start saving from month two onward.
I've researched the best all-in-one modem-router combos that are approved for use on Xfinity's network. Whether you're on a basic plan or pushing multi-gigabit speeds, there's a device on this list that fits your situation.
Disclosure: ModemGuides.com is a participant in several affiliate programs. We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site at no additional cost to you.
Why Buy Your Own Modem-Router Combo?
- Save $180+/year. Xfinity charges $15/month for their xFi Gateway. Most combos on this list pay for themselves within 6–14 months.
- Better performance. ISP-provided gateways are built to be "good enough," not high-performance. A quality third-party device often delivers faster Wi-Fi and better range.
- You own it. No surprise fee increases. No returning equipment when you cancel. It's yours.
- Future-proofing. Devices with DOCSIS 3.1 and Wi-Fi 6 (or Wi-Fi 7) are ready for the speed upgrades Xfinity is rolling out.
The one trade-off: you lose access to Xfinity's app-based controls and their Wi-Fi hotspot network. For most people, that's a perfectly fine deal.
What to Look For in an Xfinity-Compatible Combo
- DOCSIS 3.1 — The current cable modem standard. Supports multi-gigabit speeds and is backward-compatible with older DOCSIS 3.0 networks.
- Wi-Fi 6 (or newer) — Handles more devices simultaneously with less congestion. Wi-Fi 7 is now available for cutting-edge performance.
- Xfinity-approved — Always verify your device is on Xfinity's official approved list before purchasing.
- Speed rating that matches your plan — A device rated for 1 Gbps won't bottleneck a 600 Mbps plan, but if you're on a 2 Gbps plan, make sure your combo can handle it.
The 5 Best Modem-Router Combos for Xfinity in 2026
1. NETGEAR Nighthawk CAX80
The CAX80 is the device most reviewers keep coming back to, and for good reason. It combines a DOCSIS 3.1 modem with a Wi-Fi 6 (AX6000) router, delivering dual-band speeds across up to 2,500 square feet. It supports 30+ devices at once, has a 2.5 Gbps Ethernet port for wired connections, and four additional Gigabit Ethernet ports. Setup is straightforward through the Nighthawk app, and you get a 30-day trial of NETGEAR Armor for added network security.
- DOCSIS
- 3.1 (32×8)
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi 6 (AX6000)
- Coverage
- 2,500 sq ft / 30+ devices
- Ports
- 1× 2.5G + 4× 1G + USB 3.0
- Max Plan
- Up to 2 Gbps
- Extras
- Link aggregation
2. NETGEAR Nighthawk CAX30
If you don't need the raw horsepower of the CAX80, the CAX30 is the sweet spot for most Xfinity households. It pairs DOCSIS 3.1 with Wi-Fi 6 (AX2700) and handles plans up to 2 Gbps. You still get the Nighthawk app, VPN support, and built-in firewall protection — features that some pricier competitors charge a subscription for.
- DOCSIS
- 3.1
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi 6 (AX2700)
- Ports
- 2× 1 Gbps Ethernet
- Security
- VPN + Firewall built-in
- Max Plan
- Up to 2 Gbps
- App
- Nighthawk
3. ARRIS SURFboard G34
The G34 has become a favorite among budget-conscious buyers who still want modern specs. It delivers DOCSIS 3.1 and Wi-Fi 6 (AX3000) in a clean, compact design. Four Gigabit Ethernet ports give you plenty of wired options, and the SURFboard Central app provides real-time network monitoring and parental controls. ARRIS backs the G34 with a two-year warranty.
- DOCSIS
- 3.1
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi 6 (AX3000)
- Ports
- 4× 1 Gbps Ethernet
- Max Plan
- Up to 1 Gbps
- App
- SURFboard Central
- Warranty
- 2 years
4. Motorola MG8725
The MG8725 goes toe-to-toe with the NETGEAR CAX80 on raw specs — DOCSIS 3.1, Wi-Fi 6 (AX6000), and a 2.5 Gbps Ethernet port — but adds one feature gamers will care about: it was the first device to receive CableLabs' Low Latency DOCSIS (LLD) certification. Once your ISP supports LLD, this device will deliver latency that rivals fiber optic connections.
- DOCSIS
- 3.1 + LLD certified
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi 6 (AX6000)
- Ports
- 1× 2.5G + 3× 1G Ethernet
- Security
- WPA2/WPA3 + VPN
- Max Plan
- Up to 2.5 Gbps
- App
- motosync
5. ARRIS SURFboard G54
If you want the absolute latest technology, the G54 is the first Wi-Fi 7 modem-router combo from ARRIS. It pairs DOCSIS 3.1 with Wi-Fi 7, which delivers improved speeds even to older Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 5 devices. The standout feature is a 10 Gbps Ethernet port alongside four additional Gigabit ports — overkill for today, but ready for whatever Xfinity rolls out next.
- DOCSIS
- 3.1
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi 7
- Ports
- 1× 10G + 4× 1G Ethernet
- Max Plan
- Multi-gigabit
- Compat
- Wi-Fi 6/5 devices too
- App
- SURFboard Central
Quick Comparison
| Device | Wi-Fi | DOCSIS | Max Speed | Multi-Gig Port | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NETGEAR CAX80 | Wi-Fi 6 (AX6000) | 3.1 | Up to 2 Gbps | 2.5 Gbps | ~$350–400 |
| NETGEAR CAX30 | Wi-Fi 6 (AX2700) | 3.1 | Up to 2 Gbps | — | ~$200–250 |
| ARRIS G34 | Wi-Fi 6 (AX3000) | 3.1 | Up to 1 Gbps | — | ~$190–200 |
| Motorola MG8725 | Wi-Fi 6 (AX6000) | 3.1 | Up to 2.5 Gbps | 2.5 Gbps | ~$380–400 |
| ARRIS G54 | Wi-Fi 7 | 3.1 | Multi-gig | 10 Gbps | ~$450–550+ |
How to Set Up Your Own Modem on Xfinity
Switching is easier than you might think:
- Buy your device from one of the links above.
- Connect it — plug in the coaxial cable from the wall, then the power adapter.
- Activate it — open the Xfinity app or visit xfinity.com/activate. The self-service process walks you through it in a few minutes.
- Return the rental — bring Xfinity's gateway back to your nearest Xfinity store (or ship it) to stop the $15/month charge. Keep your receipt.
- Connect your devices to your new Wi-Fi network using the app that came with your new combo.
That's it. You should see the rental fee disappear from your next bill.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I lose any Xfinity features by using my own equipment?
You'll lose access to the Xfinity app's Wi-Fi management tools, Xfinity Wi-Fi hotspot access, and xFi Advanced Security. You can replicate most of these features through your device's own app (Nighthawk, SURFboard Central, or motosync).
How do I know if a device is compatible with my plan?
Visit Xfinity's approved modem page, enter your account details, and filter for "Built-in WiFi" to see compatible combos for your specific plan.
What if I have Xfinity Voice (phone service)?
Make sure you select a modem with voice/telephone capability. The Motorola MT8733 (the voice-enabled version of the MG8725) is a good option. Not all combos on this list support Xfinity Voice — check before you buy.
How long until the device pays for itself?
At $15/month in rental savings, a $200 device pays for itself in about 13 months. A $400 device breaks even in just over two years. After that, it's pure savings.
Should I get a combo or separate modem and router?
Combos save space and simplify setup. Separate devices give you more flexibility and often better peak performance. For most people, a combo is the convenient choice. If you're a networking enthusiast who likes to fine-tune settings, go separate.
The Bottom Line
Stop paying $180 a year to rent equipment you could own outright. For most Xfinity customers, the NETGEAR CAX30 offers the best balance of performance, features, and price. If you have a larger home or a faster plan, step up to the CAX80 or Motorola MG8725. And if you want the latest tech that'll last for years, the ARRIS G54 is worth the investment.
Whatever you pick, you'll start saving from the moment you return that rental gateway.
Prices referenced are approximate and may vary. Always check current pricing and Xfinity's approved device list before purchasing.
