Switchful Logo

How to choose a modem and router


Headshot of Dave Schafer
Researched by
Dave SchaferContributing Writer
Headshot of Bri Field
Reviewed by
Bri FieldAssigning Editor
Updated 2/9/23

We’re committed to transparency. We may earn money when you follow our recommendations, but compensation doesn’t affect our ratings. Learn more.

Pretty much every internet service provider (ISP) will give you a modem and router when you sign up for service. They'll even install it if you choose professional installation. However, this equipment is usually pretty basic, and when you add up the monthly rental charges over the course of a year or two, it can make more financial sense to buy your own and is one way you can save on your internet bill.

However, determining what you need can be tough. The technical jargon in this space is thick and difficult to decipher, and not every provider supports every type of modem (or third-party modems at all).

That’s why we’re here. In this article, we’ll walk through what you need to consider when choosing a modem or router to use with your internet service.

undefined video thumbnail
00:00

Do you need a modem, router, or both?

Before we answer this question, it’ll be helpful to explain what the difference is. A modem is responsible for translating the raw signal from your internet service provider into something your devices can understand. The router then takes that signal and broadcasts it in a wireless network that devices can connect to. Most routers also have several ethernet ports so you can plug in devices directly, if you want a wired or "hardline" connection.

The internet provider communicates an internet signal with a modem. The modem sends that signal to a router, which creates a wireless network so devices can connect to the internet without being plugged in

We generally recommend people buy their own router first, and use the modem your your internet company provides. A router is the most universal piece of networking equipment (it’s not tied to the type of service you have), and it’s the one most likely to make a difference in your actual day-to-day use. You can almost always combine your ISP’s modem with your own router without issue.

If you want all your own equipment, and to maybe save a little extra money in the long run, buying a modem is an option. However, it’s less likely to make a difference in network performance compared to a router.

How to choose a router

If you need help choosing a router, these are the criteria we recommend following.

Price

Wireless routers can range in price from less than $100 to over $300. On the lower end, you’ll get a functional device that can cover small homes and handle speeds of a few hundred Mbps. At the higher end, you’ll get powerful devices that can support multi-gig speeds and a houseful of devices at once.

Supported speed

It’s important that you ensure your router can support the speed of your internet service. If you have gigabit speeds and your old router can only handle up to 500 Mbps, you’re wasting money.

When it comes to wireless router speed, the single most important spec is the wireless standard used. This will be listed as “802.11” followed by some letters. These are the most common standards you’ll encounter today:

  • 802.11n, also known as Wi-Fi 4, can handle speeds up to 300 Mbps
  • 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) can handle up to 1.3 Gbps
  • 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) can handle up to 10 Gbps (in theory)
a standard wifi router accompanied by a quote

Wi-Fi 6 is the most recent standard, offering some additional future-proofing. However, Wi-Fi 5 should be plenty for most plans today and will likely be more affordable (1).

Coverage area—do you need a mesh system?

Wireless routers should clearly state the square footage that they cover. However, keep in mind that the effective range of the router will be less than stated because walls, insulation, and other electronic devices interfere with wireless signals. The end result is that certain parts of your home may get poorer signal strength (and thus, lower speeds) than others, even if the router technically covers the whole area.

There are powerful routers with extra coverage, but they can be bulky and expensive. The other alternative is a lot more elegant: mesh networks. They are a group of devices made up of a wireless hub and several satellite nodes to help spread the signal.

Mesh networks help provide a signal over larger areas

Mesh systems have several advantages over traditional routers:

  • Better coverage
  • Enhanced reliability
  • A more aesthetically pleasing design (they often blend into a room’s decor better than most traditional wireless routers' weird, alien-like appearance)
  • Simplified settings and control via a smartphone app

The tradeoff is that mesh networks are sometimes more expensive than a single router, so they may be overkill if your home is smaller. However, if you experience issues with dead spots or weak signals, a mesh network is definitely worth a shot.

Advanced features

There are three other features to watch for when shopping for wireless routers. These aren’t necessarily must-haves, but they can make a big difference in performance if your router happens to have them. Unfortunately, they have horrendously technical names—let’s break them down:

  • Quality of service (QoS): Also known as device prioritization, QoS helps ensure that the most important device on the network doesn’t get interrupted. For example, you can designate your work laptop as the top priority to help ensure that video calls with your boss don't get interrupted by the kids streaming Bluey.
  • MU-MIMO: MU-MIMO stands for Multi-User, Multiple-Input, Multiple-Output. Basically, it enables the router to serve multiple devices at once—without it, they’d have to wait in line, slowing down response time.
  • Beam-forming: Beam-forming is the ability of a router to focus all of its antennas in a single direction to improve connection with a device. This is handy when full, wide coverage isn’t needed. For example, a router with beam-forming can spread the signal between you and your partner’s laptop as needed during the day so you get maximum speed while you work, then focus it on the TV in the evening while you relax with some Netflix. Best of all, it happens automatically in the background.

Again, these features aren’t necessarily as important as overall coverage and speed. However, they do make a positive difference, so keep an eye out for them.

How to choose a modem

If you’ve decided to purchase a modem, there are a few key criteria to keep in mind.

Price

Modems can run anywhere from around $50 to almost $250. More money generally equals better features and more power, although there are diminishing returns. How much you’ll need to spend depends mainly on the speed of your internet connection. For gigabit plans, expect to spend $150–$180.

Internet provider support

The most important consideration for choosing a modem is making sure it’s compatible with your ISP. For cable internet providers like Xfinity, you’ll need a DOCSIS cable modem. For DSL providers like CenturyLink or AT&T, you’ll need a DSL modem. Fiber and satellite service require more specialized equipment that’s generally best gotten from the provider.

Most providers have lists of compatible equipment, so you can review whether the modem you’re eyeing will work. Here are links for approved modems from some of the most popular providers:

Supported speed

Finally, watch for the speed the modem supports. Different types of modems and different protocols support different speeds. You’ll want to make sure that the modem supports at least your current internet speed—ideally, it’ll be able to handle at least a few hundred Mbps more in order to support future upgrades to your internet plan.

Switchful article generic thumbnail
You’ll probably run into abbreviations like Mbps, Gbps, MB, and GB when researching internet plans. Since these terms are used to measure internet speed and amounts of data, understanding them is important for picking an internet plan that meets your needs.

What about modem/router combos or wireless gateways?

It’s possible to buy a modem and router combined in a single device, often called a “wireless gateway.” When you rent equipment from an internet provider, this is what you’re most likely to get.

Gateways are efficient in the sense that they combine two devices into one. They can save space on your shelf or desk. However, becuse they're smaller, they’re often less powerful than separate devices.

A wireless gateway sits on a desk

That said, if you’re buying your own devices, we don’t recommend buying a gateway. There’s less flexibility and power. Plus, since modems aren’t universally usable on all providers, you can end up with half a gateway that you can’t use if you ever change internet providers.

Get more out of your internet

You pay a lot for internet—make sure your equipment is helping you maximize your investment.

Switchful article generic thumbnail
This step-by-step guide will walk you through how to switch your home internet service painlessly. It covers how to research providers, what fees and discounts to look out for, and when to schedule your cancellation and installation. By following our guide, you can feel empowered to make the switch with confidence.
Switchful article generic thumbnail
Fiber is an internet connection type that uses light to transmit data over fiber-optic cables. It’s the fastest type of internet connection and often costs about the same as cable. Here’s what you need to know if you’re considering fiber internet for your family.
Switchful article generic thumbnail
Internet that won’t connect can be very frustrating. The problem could be as big as a widespread internet outage or as small as a loose cable connection.
Switchful article generic thumbnail
The cost of living keeps going up, and your internet bill is full of opportunities to save money. Here are our top tips for lowering your monthly costs, including buying your own router, negotiating with your provider, and getting discounts.
Switchful article generic thumbnail
The internet always seems to slow down and stop working right when you need it most. The good news is there are several things you can do to help encourage your internet to pick up the pace:
Switchful article generic thumbnail
An optical network terminal (ONT) is a device that converts fiber signals into a format your devices can understand. It then turns the signals from your devices back to light to send them out along the fiber cables to the internet. Essentially, it's a modem for fiber optic internet.

The people behind our research
We believe the best information comes from first-hand customer experience and methodical research by subject-matter experts. We never source information from "content farms," and we don’t generate content using artificial intelligence (AI). You can trust that our recommendations are fact-checked meticulously and sourced appropriately by authentic, industry-recognized people.
Contributing researcher
Headshot of Dave Schafer
Researched by
Dave SchaferContributing Writer

Dave Schafer is a freelance writer with a passion for making technical concepts easy for anyone to understand. He’s been covering the world of gadgets, tech, and the internet for over 8 years, with a particular focus on TV and internet service providers. When he’s not writing, Dave can be found playing guitar or camping with his family and golden retriever, Rosie.

Contributing reviewer
Headshot of Bri Field
Reviewed by
Bri FieldAssigning Editor

Bri Field has a background in academia, research writing, and brand marketing. She has edited scientific publications, conference papers, digital content, and technical communications. As Assigning Editor, she enjoys ensuring all content is accurate, clear, and helpful. In her free time, you can find her in the kitchen trying a new recipe, out on a hike, or working through her massive TBR list.


Endnotes and sources

1. "Analyze the differences between Wi-Fi 6 vs. Wi-Fi 5." Tech Target. Accessed 17 January 2023.