Motorola MG8725 Review: Powerful Modem Router Combo!

The Motorola MG8725 is not among the best modem-router combos available, but it is a powerful device since it comes with DOCSIS 3.1 + built-in WiFi 6 router. In this review, I’ve tried to cover everything aspect of the gateway including performance, compatibility, port management, coverage, etc. to help you find if the device is suitable for powering internet at your place.

It feels like a toned-down version of Motorola MT8733, as it offers the same speed capacity and features without integrating phone lines. But what separates it from the MT8733 is that this Motorola modem and router work with multiple cable operators. To be specific, it is approved to use with Xfinity, Cox, and Spectrum.

All this sounds very good to the ears, but how does it feel in real-life use? Does it justify the price tag of $400 (as of publish time)? Let’s find out through this detailed review of the Motorola MG8725.

Motorola MG8725 Specs

Not interested in technical jargon? Skip right to the MG8725 review.

Modem Technology	DOCSIS 3.1
Backward Compatibility	Yes
Channel Bonding	32 x 8
Ethernet Ports	1 x 2.5 G + 3 x Gig Ethernet
Phone Jack	No
Modem-Router Combo	Yes
Wireless Standard	Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
Maximum Routing Speed	AX6000 (6000 Mbps)
2.4GHz Speed	1200 Mbps
5GHz Speed	4800 Mbps
Suitable Internet Plan	Up to 2500 Mbps
WiFi Range	Up to 2,000 Sq Ft
No. of Devices Supported	100+
Compatible ISPs	Comcast Xfinity, Cox, and Spectrum.
Processor	Unknown
RAM	Unknown
NAND Storage	Unknown
Dimensions	8 x 6 x 6 inches

Motorola MG8725 Review: After 2 Weeks

I tested this router for two weeks straight paired with the Xfinity Gigabit Pro, the highest speed plan, i.e., 2000 Mbps. Over time, I evaluated its performance across diverse parameters and finally here with my honest opinions.

1. Speeds & Suitability

Good performance and fast speeds at long ranges are a strong suit of Motorola MG8725. I tested both the wired and wireless capabilities of this WiFi 6 modem router combo, and here are the results.

Ingraining DOCSIS 3.1 technology along with 32 x 8 channel bonding to make it a reliable and faster cable modem. Connecting my Dell laptop with a 2.5G WAN port got me a download speed of over 1900 Mbps while the upload speed raked at 200 Mbps.

Such massive speeds let you run heavy games like Valorant and Destiny 2 at 115 FPS, with minimal latencies and lags.

As far as Motorola MG8725 speed is concerned, it easily achieved a download speed higher than 1.7 Gbps at 5 feet distance. While a few feet away, 25 feet, the 2.5 GB router still delivered an impressive performance achieving around 1.1 Gbps.

Similarly, upload speeds for respective distances were 654 Mbps and 425 Mbps. All the speeds are measured for the 5 GHz band.

Speed test results on the other 2.4 GHz band weren’t exceptional but decent, as this is not usually known for fast speeds. Learn more in my 2.4 GHz vs 5 GHz comparison.

Download and upload speeds on respective bands raked at around 787 Mbps and 117 Mbps, which is an ample amount for playing bandwidth-demanding games and streaming 4K videos and movies at the same time.

2. WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity

There isn’t much data about Motorola MG8725 WiFi range, but as far as my tests go, the maximum I could cover is an area of 2,000 Sq Ft.

I placed this multi-gig router under a stress test in my 2,500 Sq Ft test centre, and it performed fine. Since the test lab doesn’t have thick walls or physical objects, I could get adequate signals in most corners of the place. But this may not cover your entire space and may also leave some WiFi dead zones.

The device even performed well in my connections capacity tests. Courtesy of technologies like MU-MIMO and OFDMA, connecting 20 devices didn’t throttle my internet connection.

3. ISP Compatibility & Service Plan Suitability

Despite being one of the highly efficient modem router combos, ISP compatibility is the area where Motorola MG8725 takes a hit. It only works with 3 major service providers in the US.

So, here is a list of compatible ISPs and internet plans you should opt to pair it with:

• Xfinity by Comcast: Gigabit Pro
• Cox: 2000 Mbps
• Charter Spectrum: 2 Gig

4. Ports & Wired Connectivity

MG8725 from Motorola ingrains a decent arrangement of ports. There are four Ethernet ports (one 2.5G WAN port + three 1 Gig LAN ports) to handle most bandwidth-intensive tasks like heavy gaming, streaming, etc. Connecting my laptop separately to the ports allowed me to download large files at 2000 Mbps.

Other than that, DOCSIS 3.1 modem and router support Link Aggregation. So, you can combine two separate plans from the network provider and experience multi-gigs of speeds. It is an added aspect of this feature-laden device.

5. Design & Build

With a dimension of 9.8 x 6.7 x 6.1 inches, this DOCSIS 3.1 modem with WiFi boasts a compact and sleek design. Upon installation, it’s kept vertically oriented, which means it doesn’t take much of your desk space compared to other options.

Besides, it boasts a large footprint so that you can place it on any flat surface and doesn’t topple easily. But the heat dissipation vents on the top don’t work very well. After using it for a few hours, the device gets a bit warm, though it doesn’t affect the internet speeds.

6. Setup & Security Features

Like every modem-router combo, the Motorola MG8725 setup and installation process is straightforward. Here’s a brief of what you need to do.

Start by plugging the device into a power outlet using a coaxial cable and turning it on. As soon as the Motorola modem status lights turn on, it’s time to register your multi-gig router with your subscribed internet connection. Use the imprinted user credentials to log in and start browsing the internet.

Now talking about its security features, the device has enough to keep your home network. Basic WPA2/WPA3 security standards and VPN keeps the data transferred between servers encrypted and safe. Aside from that, the basic parental controls include monitoring the total online time of connected devices and pausing WiFi anytime.

But advanced features like virus/malware blocking and firewalls are missing. You must install a third-party antivirus on your client devices to access these features.

7. Hardware Configuration

There’s no information about the processor, RAM, or NAND memory on the Motorola MG8725 modem and router. But, it performed exceedingly well under stress, meaning the device packs something powerful inside. There were no performance lags even after using it for hours.

Motorola MG8725: Pros & Cons

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

On a leaving note, it’s important to bear in mind that if you need top performance and flexibility, it’s better to have a separate router and modem. But if you’re fixated on a gateway and there’s no budget constraint, MG8725 is a good option.

Remember, this thing is fast, so if your internet connection is below 500 Mbps, you might want to skip this. Otherwise, plug in your gaming consoles, buckle your seat belt, and get ready to experience next-level performance.