Best Router For Cox 2022: Reviews & Buying Guide

It seems easy to buy the best router for cox, but it is not. There are so many factors we have to keep in mind before buying one, such as channel bonding, WiFi standards, WiFi bands, DOCSIS type, Cox compatibility ETC. However, my experience of purchasing cox compatible router was not good because of lack of knowledge.

After testing and using Cox routers, now I am able to write a complete book on it as I’ve spent so much time and money in order to know every single aspect that directly relates to Cox. That is why today I am going to share my recommended router and my five best picks when it comes to buying Cox approved router.

So, what is the best router for Cox Internet for 2022? the NETGEAR Nighthawk Smart WiFi Router (R7000) is overall best in terms of performance, features, and compatibility with Cox internet. It is a budget-friendly option and an ideal option for home users.

5 Best Routers for Cox of 2022

1. NETGEAR Nighthawk Smart WiFi Router (R7000) – Best Overall Cox Router

My Views:

The Netgear Nighthawk R7000 is my first and favorite router when it comes to cox compatibility. It is a budget-friendly yet powerful router that offers excellent features. Plus, the connectivity with your existing cox approved modem is quite simple and hardly takes 2 minutes. So, The R7000 is my cox approved router on my list.

Overview:

The Netgear Nighthawk R7000 is a dual-band router and equipped with a powerful 1Ghz dual-core processor, meaning multiple devices up to 30 at once can be connected without any network interference. Netgear also claims that it can provide coverage up to 1800 sq.ft using both bands ( the 2.4GHz band can deliver maximum WiFi speed up to 600Mbps, while the 5Ghz band can deliver maximum WiFi speed up to 1300Mbps). In total, both bands ensure faster WiFi speed up to 1900Mbps. It has 4x Gigabit Ethernet ports with 1xUSB 2.0 and 1XUSB 3.0 port.

Pros & Cons:

I like:

1. A dual-core processor with Dynamic QoS allows multiple devices and ensures lag-free gaming and streaming.
2. It has four external antennas with high-powered amplifiers which provide excellent coverage throughout your home.
3. It is packed with beamforming+ technology that ensures faster WiFi speeds on connected devices by focusing WiFi signals to the specific direction.
4. It comes with Netgear Nighthawk mobile app that lets you set up the router in no time.
5. The Armor Cyber-Threat Protection antivirus for 30 days.

I don’t like:

1. Slow Reboot and startup.

Summary:

Overall performance of the router is impressive. Setup is also simple with the Nighthawk app. However, R7000 has so many lights on the front, but you can turn them off or control them quickly.

I consider this the best router for cox. It also ensures network safety and supports high-end WPA2 security protocol. It also includes firewall and VPN service.

2. NETGEAR Nighthawk C7000 24X8 Cable – Modem/Router Combo For Cox

My Views:

The second router on my list is Netgear Nighthawk C7000; It is not a router but a cable/modem router combo. As I said earlier, this is going to be the best combo router for cox. However, If you’ve cox modem in your home, then don’t buy this combo device. Rather, go for Netgear Nighthawk R7000.

Overview:

As Netgear advertised, The Nighthawk C7000 is certified by all major USA cable service providers such as Cox, Comcast, and Spectrum. It has a modem of 24×8 channel bonding with DOCSIS 3.0 compatibility. A dual-band AC1900 router and delivers a combined WiFi speeds of up to 1.9Gbps. The design of the router is also good, on the back panel, you get four Gigabit Ethernet Port along with one one USB port. It has in-built amplified antennas for better WiFi coverage.

Pros & Cons:

I like:

1. It is compatible with Cox and other Major Cable Internet Service Provers, meaning it is a future -proof combo router.
2. A fantastic WiFi coverage up to 1800 sq.ft. Even if you connect 30 devices at once.
3. Four Gigabit Ethernet Ports for fast wired connections. One USB port for the printer, computer, storage drive, and many others.
4. It offers high-end security and features like parental control and WPA/WPA2 wireless protocols.
5. Setup is easy and takes only 5 minutes.

I don’t like:

1. It doesn’t work with AT&T, CenturyLink, DISH, Direct TV, and DSL providers.

Summary:

If you’re in need of a router/modem combo cox compatible device, then you should consider this Netgear Nighthawk C7000. I’ve been using this router for the last one year, believe me, I didn’t find issues or network interference. The Setup with Cox or configuration takes hardly five minutes. If you have a high-speed internet plan, C7000 can support plans up to 400Mbps.

As I said earlier, if you already have a modem, then don’t buy this unit. Instead, go for the Netgear Nighthawk R7000 router.

3. Tp-Link AC1900 Archer A9 – Best Cox Budget Router

My Views:

If you’ve read my other articles, then you might have known that I always recommend one budget-friendly product too on my list so people who are on a budget can buy a product. That is why the best budget-friendly router for cox is TP-LINK Archer A9 for you.

Overview:

Tp-Link Archer A9 is an AC1900 dual-band router and comes under $100. It can deliver maximum combined WiFi speeds up to 1.9Gbps. The 2.4Ghz delivers 600Mbps, and the 5Ghz band delivers 1300Mbps. It boasts MU-MIMO and Beamforming technology which ensure faster and highly efficient wireless connection. The A9 also offers high-end security such as firewall, VPN, and WPA2 type protocol.

The overall design of the router is amazing, on the back of it has four Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports along with one USB 3.0 port. For coverage and range, it has three high-powered external antennas that work flawlessly with MU-MIMO and beamforming technology.

Pros & Cons:

I like:

1. It is packed the three simultaneous Data streams that work with MU-MIMO technology and ensures optimal performance.
2. The Parental control, Guest network, Network access, and setup of a vpn server is possible and quite simple.
3. Beamforming with three external antennas provides faster and stronger WiFi Coverage and range.
4. It automatically switches between bands (2.4Ghz to 5GHz or 5Ghz to 2.4Ghz), no need to change it manually.
5. It comes with a 2-year of warranty with free 24/7 TP-LINK technical support.

I don’t like:

1. I didn’t find any way to set time controls.

Summary:

When it comes to budget and compatibility with Cox, the Archer A9 is a perfect choice for you. The setup and configuration of the router are straightforward and easy. Being ‘Ac’ standard router, It levels up your streaming and gaming experience. It also supports Amazon Alexa and IFTTT, meaning you can control it using voice command.

4. NETGEAR Nighthawk (RAX40) – Best Wi-Fi 6-Router For Cox

RAX40 is performance-oriented and allows you to connect all your devices to Wi-Fi. With its high levels of parental controls, you don’t have to worry about your kids’ internet use. I love this device since it guarantees every household a safe and fun environment.

You will love the blazing internet speeds that reach up to 3 Gbps, and this means that you can easily stream, download, and transfer content. In fact, the router is 2.5X faster than ever. With its advanced technology, you can utilize a firewall, Guest Wi-Fi access, VPN, and DOS options.

Pros & Cons:

What I like:

• The device is versatile, and you can use it to connect dozens of devices
• You can mount it on the wall
• AX4 Wi-Fi comes with a user-friendly interface

What I don’t:

• It’s bulky and expensive
• It’s quite slow compared to its closest competitors

Summary: 

while most 802.11 ax routers are expensive, AX4 is an affordable option that I would definitely consider for an upgrade. This is a future-proof and versatile router that gives you value for money. However, its bulky nature means that you can’t comfortably fit in compact spaces.

5. Linksys AC2200 MU-MIMO WIFI Router – Best Multiple Devices Router For Cox

You will not only love Linksys’ Tri-Band parental controls but also its broad range of customization options. This Wi-Fi router allows you to upgrade your home internet connection with its exceptional wireless speeds.

I love the fact that it can cover up to 1,500 square feet and connect to more than 15 wireless devices. As a result, it perfectly suits my large household.

The Tri-band technology means that every corner of my house gets faster and even internet connection without buffering. Well, this is because the router can reach speeds of up to 2.2. Gbps.

If you unwrap this router, you will find that it’s simple to set it up with the Linksys App. additionally, it works with existing modems

Pros & Cons:

What I like:

• Offers lots of customization options
• Excellent performance speeds
• Affordable router with minimalist design

What I don’t:

• Its range is quite short
• Generally unstable performance

Summary: 

Linksys AC2200 is a powerful performer that’s designed with effective parental controls. It provides users with versatility since the router covers a significant distance. Additionally, you can use it to connect more than 15 devices. However, its poor ratings mean that it can’t be a high-end device.

Buying Guide: Best Routers For Cox Internet 2022

What Are Important Factors We Should Keep In Our Mind Before Getting One Cox Certified Router?

Actually, it doesn’t matter what type of a router you are looking for, whether it is Charter Spectrum router, Centurylink router, Verizon Fios Router, or even Comcast router. The buying guide, which I’m sharing with you, will be the same.

There are various factors we should consider before buying. However, in this guide, I am going to include only the four most essential critical features in order to make a smart choice.

1. WiFi Standards
2. WiFi Bands:
3. Ports
4. MU-MIMO & Beamforming

WiFi Standards:

The WiFi standards of the wireless router play a major role and help in determining the overall speeds of your router. These Wireless protocols standardized by IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers). There are many different types of standards exist, such as ‘a’, ‘b’, ‘g’, ‘n’, ‘ac’, and the latest one ‘ad’.

However, ‘a,’ ‘b,’ ‘g,’ and ‘n’ standards are old, we don’t buy these standards router in 2022. And, the ‘ad’ standards’ routers are expensive and will break your bank. So, it is better to stick to the most popular one ‘ac’ standard. It is a highly recommended standard for a wireless router. That is why all the routers for cox in our list are from ‘ac’ standard.

WiFi Bands:

The second most important thing we should consider is the bands of a router. It can be a single-band, dual-band, and tri-band. The single-band routers are considered a thing of the past. On the other hand, The dual-band and Tri-band bands’ routers are most popular in 2022. However, tri-band routers are comparatively expensive. That is why I don’t think we should spend money on tri-band routers until our main concern is 4k gaming and streaming.

Ports:

The ports, which we see on the back of the router, also very important. These ports can be LAN, WAN, USB, and eSATA. However, it depends on the router who many ports it offers. The most of the routers include four Ethernet Gigabit Ports, one WAN port, and one or two USB ports.

As I said, if you buy an expensive router, then you might see up to 10 LAN Gigabit Ethernet Ports, 2 WAN port, and 2 USB 3.0 ports, and many others.

But, I don’t advice you to buy any expensive routers until you really need them. So, our criteria for Ports should be Four Gigabit Ethernet ports, not fast Ethernet ports and one or two USB ports ( better to have one USB 3.0 port).

MU-MIMO and Beamforming:

These technologies in a router considered necessary too. If your router is packed with these, meaning Multiple devices at once and excellent coverage or range will be possible for your router. So, make sure your router for cox has these technologies.

Benefits Of Buying Your Own Cox Router than Rental Cox Router

There are so many benefits if you’re getting your own. Let’s discuss them one by one.

Rental Fee:

If you buy your own wireless router or router/modem combo, you can easily eliminate the rental fee, which is $9.99 per month, meaning you can save some money every month.

Speeds:

Most of the time the speeds of the provided Cox router are not good as they provide outdated or old devices that come with limited features, meaning these routers can’t provide you good coverage. On the other hand, you can buy a powerful Cox router when it comes to buying your own.

Coverage & Range:

If you buy any recommended Cox routers from my list, you’re about to get excellent coverage and range because of being modern and advanced in technology. Whereas rental router can’t eliminate dead spots of your home.

Control on your own Cox router:

Rental one can’t give you full control to manage it. However, Own router can give you complete control over your network and manage as per your needs. You don’t need someone else permission in order to access the security settings of your router.

Are You Sure Your Router is Compatible With Cox?

You might not have known but there few routers which can support or approved by all cable Internet Service Providers. However, it would be great if it is possible. By 2022, I’ve seen any router that is compatible with all types of ISPs.

So, It becomes very important for us to know whether our router supports COX or not.

There are some requirements when it comes to COX compatibility, such as your router should be 3.0 and 3.1 DOCSIS supported:

What are other the requirements if you have DOCSIS 3.0 Cox Compatible Router:

1. Current Cox customers are required to have a minimum of 8×4 channel bonding.
2. Ultimate customers need a minimum of 16×4 channel bonding device.

What are other the requirements if you have DOCSIS 3.1 Cox Compatible Router:

1. Make sure your device is backward-compatible with DOCSIS 3.0.
2. You have to check whether Cox is providing High-Speed Internet Service in your area. If not then don’t buy DOCSIS 3.1 compatible Cox modem or router.

Here you can check all Cox certified routers list.

After Buying A Cox Router Or Modem, How will You Install Them?

Buying Cox router is not a difficult task; the difficult task is how to install them correctly. For that, there are a few steps you need to follow in order to get going. First off, make sure you have your primary device whether it is a modem or router/modem combo with an Ethernet cable, coax cable, and of course, power cord.

Note: If you already had a modem setup, then make sure you disconnect it before proceeding.

Step 1: First step is to connect your modem and cable outlet via coax cable.

Step 2: Now, Turn the modem on using the power cord and confirm lights are on.

Step 3: You need to connect your modem and computer via the Ethernet Cable. One end of the cable will be connected to the LAN port of the modem and the other one to a computer.

Step 4: This step depends on the router/modem combo you purchase as it may vary by the specific device. So you have to follow the step guide for it which you get with your purchase.

Conclusion

All five routers for cox are highly tested and recommended routers on the market. I’ve used all of them and shared with you pros, cons, and verdict through this article. However, I had to choose them according to specific users and their needs.

If you are looking for a standalone wireless router for cox, then the Netgear Nighthawk R7000 is the perfect option for you. In order to use this router, you need a cox modem installed.

The second option is for those who are looking for a modem/router combo for cox. The Netgear Nighthawk C7000 is the best cox certified cable modem combo on the market. It can handle high-speed internet plans up to 400Mbps.

The third router for cox is Tp-Link Archer A9, a budget-friendly, stylish, and easy to use a router for you. Just like Nighthawk R7000, it also requires already cox compatible modem so that you can connect it to the router.

All five picks of mine can suit all types of households. Still, if you are not satisfied with these routers, then you can choose on your own using my Buying Guide, which includes all the essential vital factors, tips, and installation process.