If you are looking for the best router for spectrum, it means you already have a modem setup in your home, right? However, you have two options, which most people don’t know, a separate router and modem/router combo. Whether you buy a router or combo, the main thing is to eliminate the rental fee we pay to our ISPs for an outdated modem.
In my opinion, it is always a wise decision to buy a router than renting one. I don’t think that I should let you know about the benefits of buying your own router that is approved by the charter spectrum.
Without any further ado, let me give you an answer to your question. The following paragraph will let you know my all time favorite charter spectrum compatible router.
So, what is the best router for spectrum? The Netgear Nighthawk X4s is my recommendation for all. I’ve been using this for long, and you won’t believe the performance of this router is top of the line. However, I had to buy a separate modem too. Unlike me, If you want to save money, then consider The Netgear Nighthawk CM1000.
Now Some basic and common Questions that people keep asking. At the bottom of the article, you also find a complete guide for how to choose the best Charter Spectrum Approved Router.
Charter Spectrum Router: Own Vs. Rental
Own Charter Spectrum::
- It is self-explanatory, you don’t have to pay an extra rental fee every month.
- You can have full control over your charter spectrum router.
- You can easily buy modern or the latest charter spectrum approved router that can offer advanced technology.
- You can purchase one as per your requirements and purpose.
Rental Charter Spectrum:
- You have to pay an extra fee every month with your internet bill.
- There are some restrictions if you rent spectrum router.
- You’re likely to have an outdated router or probably you would not get cable/modem router combo.
- You can’t request a router according to your needs.
Charter Spectrum: A Separate Router Vs Modem/Router Combo
Separate Router:
- It can give us more control and customization over the Internet.
- Since it is a separate router, meaning we don’t have to replace both devices if anyone of two stops working.
- It is a cheaper option when it comes to upgrading.
- It requires more space compared to a combo.
Modem/Router Combo:
- With Modem/Router Combo, you won’t have much control compared to a separate router.
- Since it is a combo, meaning it is cheaper than a separate one.
- Setting up the device is quite easy as you don’t have to set up both modem and router separately.
- It can save some space on your desk.
Verdict:
Both devices have their advantages and disadvantages. That is why I’ve included one combo and two charter spectrum approved routers so that you can choose as per your needs.
My three top picks for charter spectrum compatible routers.
- NETGEAR Nighthawk X4S – Best Overall Charter approved
- NETGEAR Nighthawk Modem/Router Combo CM1000 – Spectrum Approved
- Netgear Nighthawk Smart WiFi R6700 – Best Budget charter approved
1. Netgear Nighthawk X4s – Overall Best Router For Charter Spectrum
My Views:
If you want a future-proof router, then this Netgear Nighthawk is for you. I used this router in my office, home, and even my department. The router did pretty much of a great job. That is why it is my first choice for charter spectrum.
Overview:
The Netgear Nighthawk x4s R7800 is a dual-band router and equipped with a robust 1.7Ghz dual-core processor, which can easily handle multiple devices with ease. It also offers beamforming+ and MU-MIMO technology, meaning stronger, more reliable, and faster internet connection on all devices. On the back panel, it houses four amplified external antennas along with two USB 3.0 and one USB 2.0 port.
Pros & Cons:
I like:
- Great WiFi speeds up to 2600Mbps from both bands 5Ghz and 2.4Ghz.
- It can provide coverage of up to 2500 sq.ft, even if there are odd areas in your home.
- It includes Guest WiFi access, DoS, VPN, and a firewall.
- An extra feature the eSATA port is a great plus; it comes in handy.
- Voice control is possible; it is compatible with Amazon Alexa.
- Set up is very straightforward and simple enough.
I don’t like:
- A little bit pricey.
Summary:
The Netgear Nighthawk X4s is a perfect choice for every household. It is charter spectrum approved and supports other popular USA ISPs too, which means it is a future-proof router too. I used it with Verizon fios and Comcast, believe me, router performed very well.
2. NETGEAR Nighthawk Modem/Router Combo CM1000 – Spectrum Approved
My Views:
The second router on my list is Netgear Nighthawk CM1000. It is not a router but a combo device. You can save some money if you buy this combo device as you won’t have to spend on a separate modem. However, if you already have a modem setup, then consider my first choice Netgear X4s.
Overview:
The Netgear Nighthawk CM1000 is a modem/router combo device. It offers both modem and router’s functionalities; in other words, you can say it is a two-in-one device for charter spectrum. It can provide speeds up to 6Gbps. It supports 3.1 DOCSIS cable and backward compatible with 3.0 devices too. As the company advertised, we can save up to $120 every year.
Pros & Cons:
I like:
- Compatible with almost all popular ISPs including Xfinity, Cox, and Charter Spectrum.
- We can connect it to any WiFi router too using its Ethernet port.
- It offers 32×8 channel bonding with OFDM 2×2 and DOCSIS 3.1 compatible.
- The setup is quite simple; it hardly takes 5 minutes.
- It is Amazon Alexa ready, we can manage the network from PCs to Alexa
I don’t like:
- It is not compatible with AT&T, DSL, DISH, Direct TV, and Verizon fios.
Summary:
I recommend this modem/router combo devices for those who don’t want to buy separate devices. If you have a fast internet connection, then there is good news for you that it supports cable plans up to 1Ghz. However, It requires atleast 300Mbps or above internet service plan. So, It is my favorite cable modem/router combo device for charter spectrum.
3. Netgear Nighthawk Smart WiFi R6700 – Best Budget charter approved
My Views:
The second router on my list is Netgear Nighthawk CM1000. It is not a router but a combo device. You can save some money if you buy this combo device as you won’t have to spend on a separate modem. However, if you already have a modem setup, then consider my first choice Netgear X4s.
Overview:
The Netgear Nighthawk CM1000 is a modem/router combo device. It offers both modem and router’s functionalities; in other words, you can say it is a two-in-one device for charter spectrum. It can provide speeds up to 6Gbps. It supports 3.1 DOCSIS cable and backward compatible with 3.0 devices too. As the company advertised, we can save up to $120 every year.
Pros & Cons:
I like:
- Compatible with almost all popular ISPs including Xfinity, Cox, and Charter Spectrum.
- We can connect it to any WiFi router too using its Ethernet port.
- It offers 32×8 channel bonding with OFDM 2×2 and DOCSIS 3.1 compatible.
- The setup is quite simple; it hardly takes 5 minutes.
- It is Amazon Alexa ready, we can manage the network from PCs to Alexa
I don’t like:
- It is not compatible with AT&T, DSL, DISH, Direct TV, and Verizon fios.
Summary:
I recommend this modem/router combo devices for those who don’t want to buy separate devices. If you have a fast internet connection, then there is good news for you that it supports cable plans up to 1Ghz. However, It requires atleast 300Mbps or above internet service plan. So, It is my favorite cable modem/router combo device for charter spectrum.
Buying Guide: Charter Spectrum Approved Router
How Will You Choose The Best Router For Spectrum?
When it comes to buying charter spectrum compatible router, there are some essential things you have to keep in your mind. However, it all depends on the money you are going to spend on a router. The more expensive the router, the better the features you get. But I want you to think about five the most important following features in your charter spectrum router.
1. WiFi Standards:
WiFi standards let us know about routers’ maximum fastest theoretical speeds. These WiFi standards are a,b,g,n,ac, and ad. However, a,b,g are the thing of the past. On the other hand, Ad WiFi standard is a future-proof standard, which is expensive and requires ‘ad’ compatible gadgets too. So In my opinion, we should go for the popular one ‘ac’ WiFi standard.
In my list of best charter spectrum routers, you will find only ‘AC’ WiFi standard routers.
2. Bands:
When it comes to bands, There are three options: Single band, Dual-band, and Tri-band.
I don’t want to talk about single-band, as you already know why. So, let’s discuss dual-band and tri-band routers.
1. Dual-band:
A dual-band router uses two bands 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz, which mean faster speed and flexibility without any frequent connections interferences.
2. Tri-band:
A Tri-band router uses one 2.4Ghz and two 5GHz bands, meaning optimal performance.
Verdict:
Tri-band routers are expensive compared to dual-band routers. You can go for tri-band routers if you are a heavy user who loves playing HD gaming or streaming online. Other than that, you don’t need a tri-band router; otherwise, it will be a waste of money.
3. Different Ports:
Modern routers come with various ports: USB ports, LAN PORTs, eSATA port, and many more. However, USB ports and LAN ports are essential and vital to think of. Starts with LAN ports, there are two types of ports available – the fast Ethernet and the Gigabit Ethernet ports.
1. Fast Ethernet Ports:
These ports can provide maximum speed up to 100mbps. The round-trip delay of these ports is 100 to 500-bit times. The fast Ethernet Ports are cheaper than Gigabit Ethernet Ports.
2. Gigabit Ethernet Ports:
These ports can provide maximum speed up to 1 Gbps. The round-trip delay of these ports is 4000-bit times. The Gigabit Ethernet Ports are expensive than Fast Ethernet Ports.
USB ports:
It is always good to have a router that comes with USB ports. Most routers come with one USB 3.0 port and one USB 2.0 port.
Verdict:
Make sure your charter spectrum approved router has Gigabit ports and USB ports. If eSATA ports are included, then it will be a great plus.
MU-MIMO & Beamforming:
Make sure your charter spectrum router is packed with these two technologies. MU-MIMO allows multiple devices at once, where Beamforming focuses a WiFi signal to a specific location.
Conclusion:
I’ve recommended three best routers for spectrum. However, it is all up to you which one will be perfect for you as each router has its specific purpose.
The Nighthawk R7800 is an ideal option for those who want everything in a single router. It compatible and certified with almost all major ISPs. Plus, it can be connected with any existing spectrum approved modem. In my opinion, this is the overall best router and future-proof too.
The Netgear Nighthawk CM1000 is another complete solution for the Charter Spectrum Cable. As I said earlier, I would love to recommend this modem/router combo for those who want to replace their existing modem. However, if you’re happy with your modem, then you should consider the Netgear Nighthawk X4s router or budget-friendly one Netgear R6700. So, my second recommended combo for charter internet service is CM1000.
The third recommendation for charter spectrum router is Netgear Nighthawk AC1750 R6700. The only reason to pick this router is its price. In other words, you can say it is the best $100 charter spectrum approved router.
All three devices are fantastic, I’ve tested and used them own my on. Now, it is your turn which one you chose as per your needs. If this article has been helpful, let me know in the comment section. Or you want to give me some advice or suggestion in order to improve it; I would love to hear from you. Thank you.