8 Best Routers for Spectrum in 2023 [Top Picks For April]

Whether you need a wireless router that can handle Spectrum’s fastest internet plan or the slowest one or are just looking for a device that can help you get rid of the monthly equipment rental, the options I’ve listed below are among the best ones in 2023.

Unlike Xfinity, Cox, and other popular internet providers, Spectrum actually provides a cable modem for no equipment rental. However, to make the connection wireless, they charge $5/month. Although, might not seem like a lot, but many people I know say that the performance & control on Spectrum’s equipment isn’t up to mark.

In some cases, the provided router actually isn’t able to provide extended connectivity to the disconnected garage, corners of a large house, multi-storey houses/offices. That’s why almost 75% people prefer using a wireless router of their own. Fret not, if you’re one of them who wants a aftermarket router replacement for your Spectrum connection, then you’ve come to the right place.

8 Best Routers for Spectrum in 2023 [After Testing 18 Different Routers]

To ensure the suggested models are the best options, I purchased 18 different routers that work with Spectrum Internet and tested them with appropriate plans. I observed their performance across areas like actual speeds, coverage, connectivity, security, and more. And finally, I ended up qualifying the below reviewed 8 models.

1. Best Overall: ASUS RT-AX88U
2. Best Runner-Up: Netgear RAX50
3. Best Value for Money: TP-Link AX55
4. Best Mesh WiFi System: Eero 6 Plus
5. Best Modem Router Combo: ARRIS G34
6. Best for Work from Home: Linksys EA8100
7. Best Budget Wi-Fi 6: Netgear R6700AX
8. Cheapest Option: ASUS RT-AC67P

Keeping in mind the diversified users, I tried to keep the models with varying features and prices such that it caters needs of each. Also, this Spectrum router list begins with the premium offerings, moving onto mid-tier ones and ending up with budget-friendly yet reliable devices.

1. Best Overall: ASUS RT-AX88U

Looking to pair the best possible router with your Internet Gig connection? I’d highly recommend the ASUS RT-AX88U!

The RT-AX88U has got the looks of a premium ASUS router and has got almost all the features you would expect from a high-end Spectrum-compatible router. The big news is the Wi-Fi 6 support that delivers faster and stronger connections to compatible devices. Besides, with a faster chipset and RAM, the device performs exceedingly well than its predecessor, RT-AX82U.

Why is it suited for Spectrum?

The suitability of a router with Spectrum is defined by how well it performs to its internet plans. So considering the feature it offers, I tested the device against the Internet Gig plan, and unsurprisingly enough, it performed exceedingly well.

At the 5GHz band, download and upload speeds scored a maximum value of 967 Mbps and 243 Mbps, respectively. Whereas on its other band, respective values were recorded at 535 Mbps and 113 Mbps. The speeds resonate with the premium price of the device and allow you to play most bandwidth-intensive games at high frame rates.

WiFi Coverage & Connections Capacity

I installed the device in my grandma’s 2,700 Sq Ft house with concrete walls, and thanks to its 4 high-performing external antennas, there were no WiFi dead zones and I was getting stable signals throughout the large house.

Besides, ASUS claims the device fares well with 200 devices at a time. I played around with 125 devices that included gaming consoles, mobile phones, smart TVs, security cameras, and smart home gadgets. Thanks to MU-MIMO and Adaptive QoS functionality, the performance wasn’t dull in any of them.

Ports & Connectivity

RT-AX88U has been benevolent in terms of the ports it includes. There are 9 overall, with 1 WAN and 8 LAN ports, along with 2 USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports. Besides, it supports Link Aggregation, which allows you to boost the WiFi speeds by combining two ISP plans. Furthermore, the latest USB ports foster faster data transfers to your peripheral devices.

Security Features

RT-AX88U incorporates Ai Protection, powered by Tenda Micro, which delivers state-of-the-art protection to your home network without charging anything extra. It performs an in-depth scan of your inbound and outbound data to block potential threats, and access to malicious websites and prevent any external encroachment.

Besides, its parental control comes with many features, including monitoring the online activities of your family members, blocking any malicious or age-inappropriate devices, and scheduling block time.

Conclusion

To sum up, ASUS RT-AX88U is undoubtedly the best router for Spectrum if you seek high performance. While its hefty price tag might push it beyond the budget category, it’s my top pick for those who demand a top-tier Wi-Fi 6 routing device. The number of ports it offers and lifetime free advanced security makes it Editor’s choice win.

For more details, read my in-depth Asus RT-AX88U review.

2. Best Runner Up: Netgear Nighthawk RAX50

Here’s a future-ready router that is a bit premium compared to its predecessor, RAX40. Thanks to the upgraded features it brings to the table. With Wi-Fi 6, more antennas, and an upgraded chipset, it delivers next-level connectivity, WiFi range and overall performance, making it the first choice for gamers and media consumers.

Why is it suited for Spectrum?

The RAX50 is one of the highest-performing routers I have tested so far. Over the week of daily use, it was reliable for light activities like online shopping and email and big activities like online gaming and streaming 4K videos.

Over my iPhone 13, speeds over 5GHz and 2.4GHz bands were recorded at a maximum of 813 Mbps and 157 Mbps, respectively, with the Internet Gig plan. Whereas connected to my Dell laptop, the maximum speeds for respective bands stayed at 924 Mbps and 235 Mbps, which was enough for me to play Valorant at 120fps for six hours straight.

WiFi Coverage & Connections Capacity

The device delivered equal packets of data over 2,200 Sq Ft, and all of my 15 devices ran at almost similar speeds. So, thanks to its 4 high-performance antennas, I could stream 4K videos and play online games, along with browsing social media on multiple devices without any lags or drops.

Ports & Connectivity

Unlike RT-AX88U, there are 4 GigE LAN ports and 1 WAN port that provides you with enough connectivity options in hand. Although it doesn’t support Link aggregation, you can access Gigabit speeds connecting with Ethernet ports. Besides, not many can afford to have two separate ISP plans.

Security Features

Netgear RAX50 matches the capability of most routers with the use of WPA2 or WPA3 encryption, Apple’s touch ID, and two-factor authentication. But with the integration of second-generation Netgear Armor, it leaps ahead in terms of malware detection and preventing any unauthorized attacks. This additional security comes with a one-month trial and costs $100 post that.

Aside from that, its parental controls are a few steps beyond its competitors. The router lets you prevent your kids from accessing potentially dangerous websites and conducts weekly malware scans.

Conclusion

Combining performance with commercial-grade security, Netgear RAX50 is one of the most reliable and effective routers that work with Spectrum. It can not only satisfy a family’s thirst for data but keep them safe. Besides, you can customize it in any way according to your convenience. However, lesser ports and paid security features pushed the device to second.

3. Best Value for Money: TP-Link Archer AX55

In search of the best Spectrum router replacement at a cost-effective price? If yes, I bring the TP-Link Archer AX55 to this list!

TP-Link Archer AX55 is a reliable, efficient mid-range router that doesn’t dig a hole in your wallet. I’ve tested this device for two weeks straight paired with the Internet Gig plan, and its performance is far ahead of its older model, Archer AX50. It is possible only because of the new Qualcomm chip and improved HomeShield security.

Why is it suited for Spectrum?

The router can deliver replicable and consistent performance even after stressing it with several bandwidth-stressing activities. Over a short distance at the 5GHz band, I easily got speeds around 800 Mbps on my iPhone 13, while speeds at 40 feet on the same band were around 610 Mbps.

While testing on the inferior 2.4GHz band, speeds clocked at around 550 Mbps for downloads, so downloading 4K videos took only a few seconds, irrespective of which band I’m online on.

WiFi Coverage & Connections Capacity

In my 2,500 Sq Ft test center with almost no big objects, the 4 fixed high-performance Beamforming antennas sent strong signals for devices to receive stable connections anywhere. So, my team and I played Fortnite on gaming consoles simultaneously without any network drops.

Ports & Connectivity

Similar to my previous recommendation, Archer AX55 has 1 Gigabit WAN and 4 Gigabit LAN ports, providing you with an option for Ethernet backhaul. In simple words, you can connect your mobile devices, Smart TVs or gaming consoles to have access to faster speeds than wireless connections.

Besides, there’s a USB 3.0 port with which you can connect your peripheral devices to enable faster data transfer.

Security Features

Like most TP-Link routers, it boasts a few basic security features that can keep your residential network setup safe. But in commercial settings, you can upgrade to a $6 monthly subscription with advanced security features like malware detection, weekly scans report and safety against external attackers.

The Pro security feature comes with Pro Parental control with options like blocking websites based on category, internet usage scheduling function, bedtime limit, and hourly network usage history. It enables you to monitor the network usage time of your kids and take control over what they are watching.

Conclusion

In short, Archer AX55 is a great compatible router for Spectrum that delivers refined and stable internet. Besides, its premium security feature powered by Avira is one the best in the market. However, when compared to my previous recommendations, speeds are much lesser, thereby less pricey and at the #3 position.

4. Best Mesh WiFi System: Amazon Eero 6 Plus

Do you have a large 2-3 story apartment with too many WiFi dead spots? Then bring your home a mesh WiFi system!

Now the days are gone with no-network zones in the extremity of your big house with an upgraded mesh router by Amazon. Integrating wider channels and better radios, it delivers much faster and more reliable performance than its preceding model, Eero 6.

Why is it suited for Spectrum?

To get a sense of how much “Plus” we can get, I tested this mesh system with the Gig plan. And it managed to deliver speeds of around 704 Mbps for downloads and 24 Mbps for uploads. With such speeds in place, I installed it at my client’s house, which had multiple bandwidth-hogging devices only to receive faster internet connections.

WiFi Coverage & Connections Capacity

As the description dictates, coverage is the forte of this mesh system. With each node operating as a satellite for this 2-pack mesh, you can extend its coverage by 3,000 Sq Ft. So, testing it, the entire 2,500 Sq Ft house and every device were sheathed with stable internet connectivity, as expected.

Ports & Connectivity

Each unit features a pair of Gigabit Ethernet ports in its rear panel, along with a USB-C power jack. Although it doesn’t support multi-gig internet or Link Aggregation, a total of 4 Ethernet ports give you enough options to connect your wired devices. Besides, a USB-C power jack allows you to transfer data faster to your flash drive.

Security Features

Although Amazon doesn’t offer much for free, its two-fold premium security comes at a mere $99 a month. With Eero Secure and Secure+, you can keep all your devices safe from any external threats and virus attacks. Plus, its parental controls come with some basic features like pausing your Wi-Fi and monitoring your kids’ online time.

Conclusion

Overall, Amazon Eero 6 Plus is one of the best mesh routers for Spectrum that combines performance with looks. Forget the days of getting network dead zones or network gaps in your home, and enjoy stable internet on your devices. However, speeds are lower than my previous recommendations, hence the ranking.

And if you want to learn more, check my separate review.

5. Best Modem Router Combo: ARRIS Surfboard G34

Do you want a router modem combo that delivers faster wireless performance with your high-speed internet plan? Arris Surfboard G34 should be your go-to device. With DOCSIS 3.1 modem technology, a Wi-Fi 6 router, and a better chipset, it’s a great upgrade over its preceding model, Surfboard G33, and doesn’t cost much.

Why is it suited for Spectrum?

Arris Surfboard G34 covers most of the basis by offering a DOCSIS 3.1 modem combined with a dual-band Wi-Fi 6 router. The device can deliver speeds up to 750 Mbps and 175 Mbps on its 5GHz band while speeds clocked up to 457 Mbps and 94 Mbps on its 2.4GHz band.

Bandwidth-hungry devices like gaming consoles and Smart TVs ran smoothly at this speed, and there were no significant lags or inconsistencies.

WiFi Coverage & Connections Capacity

With 4 high-performing internal antennas, my friend’s entire 2,000 Sq Ft was covered with strong WiFi signals. I paired 21 devices with the device and ran different types of tasks only to get consistency in each. So, considering the features, G34 can be tagged as the best modem router combo for Spectrum.

Ports & Connectivity

Arris has been on par with most Spectrum-supported routers by boasting 4 GigE ports on its rear panel. You can connect most bandwidth-hogging devices directly to receive speeds up to 950 Mbps for downloads. However, the lack of link aggregation support inhibits you from accessing multi-gig speeds.

Security Features

Considering it is a modem-router combo, its security features aren’t as advanced as in my other recommendations. So, you need to purchase a separate antivirus to safeguard your device from unwanted attacks.

However, there is support for a built-in wireless manager, which includes integrated parental controls for keeping track of your children’s activities and pausing the internet at any time.

Conclusion

Arris G34 is a unique device that costs less than many single-use devices and offers reliable and faster performance. You can connect most of your bandwidth-demanding devices to complete your tasks in a breeze. But, lacking security features and inferior performance than the aforementioned routers, this device is ranked in the 5th position.

6. Best for Work from Home: Linksys EA8100

The affordable dual-band router by Linksys is capable of breaking through congested networks. Certified with Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS), the router seamlessly switches to less congested channels to deliver stable connections throughout the day, making it a suitable choice for work-from-home professionals!

Why is it suited for Spectrum?

With Wi-Fi 5, it might not be the fastest router to use with Spectrum, but it is enough to play online games, stream 4K videos and browse social media and write email alongside. Based on specs alone, the advertised speeds of this router stand at 1733 Mbps for 5GHz and 800 Mbps on the 2.4GHz band.

Considering it to be an ideal situation, I tested this device with Spectrum Ultra on my iPhone 13 to receive speed output at 455 Mbps and 75 Mbps for 5GHz and 2.4GHz bands. And on my Dell laptop, speeds panned out at 219 Mbps and 35 Mbps, respectively. Despite the slower speeds, its DNS ensures your internet is stable throughout the day.

WiFi Coverage & Connections Capacity

Boasting a 4 external antenna setup, this router is capable of covering an area up to 1000-1110 Sq Ft, and you can connect up to 15 devices without dropping speeds a bit. So, any average-sized apartment is a perfect fit for this budget-friendly router.

Ports & Connectivity

Linksys EA8100 boasts a decent arrangement of ports on its rear panel. There are 4 GigE LAN ports and 1 WAN port for you to create a high-speed Ethernet backhaul. Besides, there’s a USB 3.0 to connect your peripheral devices and ensure faster data transfer.

Security Features

This Linksys router has little to offer in terms of security and parental controls. So, if you are in an unsafe environment or work with confidential data, you need to install a separate security system on your devices. However, in residential settings, basic features like WPA2 and VPN-passthrough keep your datasets in encrypted form.

Conclusion

To conclude, EA8100 is a good router for Spectrum at an affordable price that offers reliable and stable connections to your decent-sized workspace or home. But inferior speed output and lack of adequate security features take it down the list.

7. Best Budget Wi-Fi 6 Router: Netgear R6700AX

This budget router by Netgear with Wi-Fi 6 support can deliver faster speeds on your compatible devices and doesn’t cost you an arm and a leg to purchase. With maximum speeds of 1800 Mbps and an upgraded processor, it’s an upgrade over Netgear RAX20 and your ISP-rented Spectrum router.

Why is it suited for Spectrum?

I paired this router with Spectrum Ultra and tested it on my Dell laptop. At close range, with speeds at 370 Mbps and 75 Mbps, respectively, for 5GHz and 2.4GHz bands, this device is a worthwhile upgrade over any ISP-rented routers.

While at 40 feet apart, speeds dipped down by almost 50%, clocking at around 190 Mbps for 5GHz and 40 Mbps for the 2.4GHz band. Despite the speeds, I could stream 4K videos and play games like Valorant and Destiny 2 at 60fps with minimal lags and latencies.

WiFi Coverage & Connections Capacity

I tested this in my home office, and it did cover that well. However, network dead zones were evident outside the office. So, the router isn’t as powerful as advertised. Nevertheless, according to my tests, I can undoubtedly claim its coverage to fare up to 1,100 Sq Ft, thanks to its 3 external antennas.

Ports & Connectivity

Despite being a budget router, it comes with 4 GigE LAN ports that enable wired backhaul. I plugged in my gaming console, mobile device and smart TV to these ports, and each received speeds up to 490 Mbps, much higher than wireless speeds.

Aside from that, there is a USB 3.0 port on its rear panel to which you can connect your peripheral devices like printers, scanners, flash drives and others.

Security Features

Like all Netgear routers, an all-advanced Armor security feature also comes with this router. You need to pay a monthly subscription fee to access this feature, but there isn’t any price for security, right? With this security in place, your home network and connected devices are free from unwanted threats like viruses, malware and others.

Moreover, the pro parental controls let you take control over what your kids are watching, how much time they spend online and whether they are safe or not.

Conclusion

Netgear R6700AX is a budget-friendly device whose features, performance and speeds are on par with most Spectrum-supported routers on the market. It is compatible with the mid-tier plans, and the speed output is decent enough for you to fulfil the needs of 10-12 bandwidth-hogging devices at once.

8. Cheapest Option: ASUS RT-AC67P

Now coming to the last option on my list, ASUS RT-AC67P is an entry-level upgrade to your ISP gateway and its preceding model, RT-AX56U, concerning the speeds, coverage and reliability it offers. Despite being the cheapest on the list, it’s compatible with WiFi + Mobile plan.

Why is it suited for Spectrum?

RT-AC67P offers consistent and dependable internet access on your home devices. When used in conjunction with a Spectrum WiFi + Mobile plan with speeds of 300 Mbps, its 5GHz bands offered maximum speeds of up to 257 Mbps. On the other hand, the maximum clocked speed of the other band, i.e., 2.4GHz, stayed at 75 Mbps.

Furthermore, the router ingrains the latest MU-MIMO technology along with its patented AiRadar beamforming technology to deliver fine-tuned wireless signals on all your connected devices.

WiFi Coverage & Connections Capacity

Coverage is where this device shines, thanks to the integration of 3 high-performance beamforming antennas. My 2,500 Sq Ft test center was well sheathed by the device with a high-speed internet connection, taking it on par with many high-end routers on my list. Besides, I connected 15 devices with this router simultaneously, only to receive stable connections on each.

Ports & Connectivity

High-speed wired connectivity is available on smart TVs, PCs, gaming consoles and other devices via 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports on the motherboard. You can also connect non-networking devices to a USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A connector to share data faster.

Security Features

Security isn’t the area where this router shines. You only get some basic features like WPA2/WPA3 encryption and VPN-passthrough to keep your user credentials and transferred data secure in an encrypted form. Such features are supposedly viable in residential settings but not a valid choice commercially.

Conclusion

Asus RT-AC67P is a budget-friendly router that brings in several upgrades over its preceding models and ISP-rented equipment. Thanks to its 3 amplified antennas and other technologies, coverage is levels ahead of the routers in a similar price bracket and stable connection throughout the day.

Nevertheless, its lower speed output and lack of adequate security measures bring it to the bottom of the list.

Frequently Asked Questions

Verdict

That’s it from my side about the best wireless routers for Spectrum internet. I hope you’ve found the guide informative enough to get yourself a quality and ideal router. Nevertheless, if you’re still confused, here are some of my personal favorites:

• My top recommendation would be ASUS RT-AX88U, a tri-band router that boasts some cool features like compatibility with top-tier plans, high-performing chipset, RAM and others. However, it’s one of the most expensive options on my list.
• If you don’t have much budget to spend yet and need a reliable and high-performing router, then TP-Link Archer AX55 is the best option to get.
• Finally, if you’re after a cheaper yet better routing unit than the ISP gateway, then go for ASUS RT-AC67P. It comes with greater coverage, decent speeds and other additional features.

With that, I’d wrap it up. Tell me in the comments which one you’ve gone for!