Xfinity Gateway vs Modem: All You Need to Know

Whenever it comes to my internet connection, I’ve always relied on the Gateway supplied by Xfinity, my internet service provider, and haven’t given it much consideration.

It’s generally painless, except for the time my xFi Gateway went down. However, if there are any problems with the connection, I can contact Xfinity Technical Support, and they will take care of the problem for me.

I did the arithmetic one day and concluded that, in the long run, it would be more cost-effective to use my modem than the one provided by the service provider. I was able to save a significant amount of money as a result of this.

Finally, I had a gadget that could use the full internet speed I’d paid for, and I could take the modem with me when I switched Internet service providers. Nevertheless, before I decided, I had to invest a significant amount of time studying to make certain that I fully understood what I was entering into.

To help you select between an Xfinity Gateway and your modem, I wrote this in-depth comparison post. Investing in your modem provides benefits such as quicker internet, greater power, and economic viability. Customer service suffers as a result.

A Closer Look at Modems and Gateways

A modem serves as a link between your computer and your Internet service provider. If you need additional power and have many devices to connect to, it is usually recommended that you pair it with a router.

Routers transmit the internet signal as radio waves over the air, allowing other devices to connect to the internet without connecting directly to the modem/router.

A gateway, often known as a “modem router combo,” combines the two more convenient technologies. You can connect up to four wired devices while also providing Wi-Fi. Your Internet service provider often provides this Gateway.

Here are a few things to keep an eye out for when purchasing a modem router before we go out and get one for ourselves.

  • Compatibility: Xfinity should operate with the majority of modems (and most other ISPs). Xfinity provides a list of compatible modems on their website.
  • Speed: It is possible to find routers on the market capable of handling higher speeds than the Xfinity gateway.
    Your Xfinity Wi-Fi connection isn’t always up to par when it comes to speed. In other words, you can make use of your high-speed internet service now that you have your modem.
  • Range: Making sure your modem router has a broad enough range to reach all of the gadgets in your home is essential to your comfort.
    If one device isn’t enough, you may add extenders to make it work.
  • Wireless Standard: When shopping for a modem router, look for one that supports the Wi-Fi 5 wireless standard. Wi-Fi 6 is the most recent technology available on the market, and it is much quicker.

Rent vs Buy: An In-Depth Look

Purchasing your modem is preferable from a financial standpoint if you want to remain in your present home for at least a year after moving in.

This is because you will get a better product while spending the same amount of money if you pay rent for about the same length of time.

If you are a gamer or conduct online streaming, it may be more cost-effective to get your modem since you will need a device that can manage the increased strain on your internet connection.

xfi gateway modem

Customer Support

One of the few things you’d regret is the absence of customer assistance. If you use a gateway or modem router, you must be familiar with setting it up and fixing it. However, you can acquire all of this information if you devote an hour of your time to it.

Cost

Typically, Xfinity supplies you with a gateway, and you are responsible for a monthly charge as well as your internet service payment. This monthly charge would come to about $14 per month for you. If you were to compound this sum over two years, it would cost you a staggering 336 dollars!

If, on the other hand, you were to purchase your Xfinity Voice Modem, you would save a significant amount of money. While the first payment may seem excessive, keep in mind that this is a one-time payment.

In most cases, you’ll be able to use your modem for at least two years before you’ll need to change, which will save you a significant amount of money.

Internet Provider Choice

Having your modem gives you the flexibility to change service providers if you feel you are not getting value for your money.

Think about moving from an area where Xfinity provided you with fast internet to an area where Verizon offers the best connection.

You have to move your equipment and configure it to operate with Verizon’s network after you’ve set it up in your new location.

To avoid the cancellation charge, use the Xfinity Early Termination process if you’re canceling your Xfinity subscription.

What About my Wireless Router?

In its most basic form, a router is a device that connects wireless devices such as computers, phones, tablets, and other similar devices to the internet.

It may be used in conjunction with a modem or purchased with a modem already built-in; such “two-in-one” devices are referred to as gateways.

Internet service providers often provide gateways. If you are thinking about getting your modem, you will need to purchase a router separately or search for a gateway to make a move.

If you already have a modem, you can now look for an Xfinity Compatibility Wi-Fi Router that will work with your service.

Verdict

With this information in mind, I decided to purchase a modem, which has greatly improved my overall internet user experience. The fact that I own my modem beats using Xfinity’s, even if you don’t receive customer support. Take Advantage of Your High-Speed Internet

Please bear in mind that it is critical to balance the internet speed provided by your Internet plan against the maximum speed that your modem is capable of supporting.

You must be certain that your modem can process it at maximum speed; otherwise, you will be unhappy with your service and terminate it.

While you may contact Xfinity Customer Service, they would likely point the finger at your modem and suggest that you buy their Gateway.

Best Seller List of Xfinity Modem:

SaleBestseller No. 1
12,476 Reviews
NETGEAR Nighthawk Multi-Gig Cable Modem (CM1100) - Compatible With All Cable Providers Incl....
  • Compatible with major cable internet providers including Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox and more. NOT compatible with Verizon, ATandT, CenturyLink, DSL providers, DirecTV, DISH and any bundled voice service
  • Best for cable provider plans up to 2Gbps. Supports link aggregation to deliver true Multi-Gig Internet speeds
  • Works with any WiFi router. Connect any WiFi router to this modem’s Ethernet port to support all your wireless devices
  • 2 x 1 Gig Ethernet ports for computers, game consoles, streaming players and other wired devices
  • Engineered with DOCSIS 3.1, 32X8 channel bonding and OFDM(A) 2x2
SaleBestseller No. 2
ARRIS SURFboard SB8200 DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem , Approved for Comcast Xfinity, Cox, Charter Spectrum,...
  • A Trusted Name in Home Connectivity: Better connectivity, better speed. The ARRIS SURFboard SB8200 DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem is designed to bring you superior connectivity, increase your network capability and provide faster streaming and downloading throughout your home. From a trusted brand with over 260 million modems sold and growing. .Telephone Port : None. HD Multi-Media Streaming : Yes.
  • Save Money: Own your modem and save. Reduce your cable bill up to $168 dollars per year in cable modem rental fees (Savings vary by cable service provider). Certified for use with most U.S. cable internet service providers. For a complete list see additional details below.
  • Modem Technology: DOCSIS 3.1 is the newest technology available from cable internet providers. Its 10x faster than DOCSIS 3.0, provides better security, reduces lag while gaming & enables multi-gig networking (ability to run fast speeds on your copper cable from your internet provider).
  • System requirements 1. High-speed Internet access account 2.Web browser access – Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Firefox, or Safari 3. Compatible operating systems: 4. Windows 10 5. Windows 8 6. Windows 7 Service Pack 1 (SP1) Note: Although older versions of Microsoft Windows operating systems are no longer specifically supported, they should still function with your SB8200. a.Macintosh 10.4 or higher b. UNIX c. Linux
  • Simple and Secure Set-up: Plug-in the device, download the SURFboard Central App, and follow the instructions to activate the modem. Connect to a Wi-Fi router for networking.
SaleBestseller No. 3
ARRIS Surfboard S33 DOCSIS 3.1 Multi-Gigabit Cable Modem | Approved for Comcast Xfinity, Cox,...
  • Save Money: Own your modem and save. Reduce your cable bill up to $168 dollars per year in cable modem rental fees (Savings vary by cable service provider). Certified for use with most U.S. cable internet service providers. For a complete list see additional details below.
  • Modem Technology: DOCSIS 3.1 is the newest technology available from cable internet providers. Its 10x faster than DOCSIS 3.0, provides better security, reduces lag while gaming & enables multi-gig networking (ability to run fast speeds on your copper cable from your internet provider).
  • Simple and Secure Set-up: Plug-in the device, download the SURFboard Central App, and follow the instructions to activate the modem. Connect to a Wi-Fi router for networking.
  • Compatibility: The SURFboard S33 is compatible with major U.S. cable internet providers including Cox (Gigablast), Spectrum (Internet Gig), Xfinity (Blast!/Extreme Pro) and others. It's approved for cable internet speed plans up to 2.5-Gbps. Check your Internet Service Provider (ISP) website to confirm compatibility.
Bestseller No. 4
NETGEAR Cable Modem CM500 - Compatible with All Cable Providers Including Xfinity by Comcast,...
  • Save monthly rental fees: Model CM500 replaces your cable modem, saving you up to $168/yr in equipment rental fees.
  • Speeds by carrier: Spectrum (up to 400Mbps), Xfinity (up to 200Mbps), Cox (up to 150Mbps).
  • Works with any wifi router: Connect any WiFi router to this modem's Ethernet port to support all your wireless devices.
  • Ethernet connections: 1 Gigabit Ethernet port connects to your computer or separate WiFi router.
  • Modem technology: Engineered with 16x4 channel bonding and DOCSIS 3.0.
SaleBestseller No. 5
Motorola MB8600 DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem - Approved for Comcast Xfinity, Cox, and Charter Spectrum,...
  • Top Internet Speeds for all Multi-gigabit Speed Tiers - Wirecutter recommends this model as the best cable modem for people using Gigabit Internet plans. Built-in DOCSIS 3.1 and DOCSIS 3.0 32x8 capabilities give top Internet speeds for all cable Internet services.
  • Save Money - Eliminate up to 168 dollars per year in cable modem rental fees (Savings are shown for Comcast Xfinity and vary by cable service provider.) Approved by Comcast Xfinity and Xfinity X1, Cox, and CableOne for all speeds including Comcast Gigabit services and Cox Gigablast. Not compatible with RCN. No cable modem is compatible with fiber optic, DSL, or satellite services, available from Verizon, AT&T, CenturyLink, Frontier, and others.)
  • Flexible Compatibility - Pair with any Wi-Fi router you’d like, including Whole Home Wi-Fi or Mesh routers like eero, Google Wi-Fi, and Orbi. A 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet port allows connection of any SINGLE device with an Ethernet port including a router, Windows or Mac computer, HDTV, or game station. This cable modem does not have a built-in wireless router or telephone call capability.
  • Proactive Network Security - A broadcom chipset provides advanced security from denial-of service attacks.
  • Active Queue Management (AQM) - AQM significantly reduces Internet latency on both DOCSIS 3.1 and 3.0 services, resulting in faster page loads for all Web traffic and enhanced interactive applications like online gaming and video conferencing. The MB8600 also includes a full-band capture digital tuner to enhance speed and save energy.
Bestseller No. 6
Netgear Gigabit Cable Modem (32x8) DOCSIS 3.1 | for XFINITY by Comcast, Cox. Compatible with...
  • Support all cable internet speed tiers, up to Gigabit (1000 Mbps) service. Separate router required for Wi-Fi
  • Docsis 3. 1 up to 10x faster download speeds than DOCSIS 3. 0. Docsis 3. 1 is OFDM 2x2+ DOCSIS 3. 0 32x8 channel bonding
  • Eliminate monthly cable Modem rental fees - up to $156 per year. Meets DOCSIS 3. 1 specifications and is backward compatible with DOCSIS 3. 0 networks
  • System Requirements- Cable broadband Internet service, Please check your cable Internet service provider web site for data speed tier compatibility and to ensure it provides DOCSIS 3.1 service, otherwise this modem will only work as a DOCSIS 3.0 modem,Microsoft Windows 7, 8, 10, Vista, XP, 2000, Mac OS, or other operating systems running a TCP/IP network, Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0, Firefox 2.0, Safari 1.4, or Google Chrome 11.0 browsers or higher
  • CM1000-1AZNAS is not compatible with: Verizon, AT&T, or CenturyLink. Not compatible with cable bundled voice services
SaleBestseller No. 7
ARRIS Surfboard S33-RB DOCSIS 3.1 Multi-Gigabit Cable Modem, Approved for Comcast Xfinity, Cox,...
  • Save Money: Own your modem and save. Reduce your cable bill up to $168 dollars per year in cable modem rental fees (Savings vary by cable service provider). Certified for use with most U.S. cable internet service providers. For a complete list see additional details below.
  • Modem Technology: DOCSIS 3.1 is the newest technology available from cable internet providers. Its 10x faster than DOCSIS 3.0, provides better security, reduces lag while gaming & enables multi-gig networking (ability to run fast speeds on your copper cable from your internet provider).
  • Simple and Secure Set-up: Plug-in the device, download the SURFboard Central App, and follow the instructions to activate the modem. Connect to a Wi-Fi router for networking.
  • Compatibility: The SURFboard S33 is compatible with major U.S. cable internet providers including Cox (Gigablast), Spectrum (Internet Gig), Xfinity (Blast!/Extreme Pro) and others. It's approved for cable internet speed plans up to 2.5-Gbps. Check your Internet Service Provider (ISP) website to confirm compatibility.
Bestseller No. 8
238 Reviews
ARRIS Surfboard SB6190 32x8 DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem with 1.4 Gbps Download and 262 Upload Speeds,...
  • DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem best for cable internet speed plans up to 600 Mbps.
  • Compatible with Cox, Spectrum, Xfinity and other major U.S. cable internet providers.
  • 32 downstream x 8 upstream DOCSIS 3.0 bonded channels.
  • One 1-Gigabit Ethernet Port
  • Easily setup your modem with the SURFboard Central app
SaleBestseller No. 9
ARRIS SURFboard SB6190 DOCSIS 3.0 32 x 8 Gigabit Cable Modem , Comcast Xfinity, Cox, Spectrum , 1...
  • Modem Technology: DOCSIS 3.0 is a reliable, broadly available, and affordable technology that delivers high speed internet to your home devices.
  • Simple and Secure Set-up: Plug-in the device, download the SURFboard Central App, and follow the instructions to activate the modem. Connect to a Wi-Fi router for networking.
  • Compatibility: The SURFboard SB6190 is compatible with major U.S. cable internet providers including Cox, Spectrum, Xfinity and others. It's approved for cable internet speed plans up to 800 Mbps. Check your Internet Service Provider (ISP) website to confirm compatibility.
  • cable modem 3.0 compatible internet computer networking modems approved docsis docis3.0 1 gig best for high speed with fiber optic gaming gigabit wifi 6 voice 800 mbps speeds sb 6190 32 x 8 1gbps port
  • DOCSIS 3.0 Modem Only
Bestseller No. 10
ARRIS Surfboard SBG10-RB DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem & AC1600 Dual Band Wi-Fi Router, Approved for Cox,...
  • 3 products in 1: DOCSIS 3 0 Cable Modem, AC1600 dual-band Wi-Fi Router, 2 Port Gigabit Ethernet Router (cable digital voice service not supported)
  • Wi-Fi 5 AC1600 dual-band concurrent Wi-Fi Router with 2 Gigabit Ethernet ports
  • Setup and manage your network with the SURFboard Manager app
  • Compatible with major U S Cable Internet Providers including Cox, Spectrum, Xfinity & others. Cable internet service required. Not compatible with ATT, Verizon, CenturyLink or other DSL or Fiber internet providers
  • 16 downstream & 4 upstream channels. Best for cable internet service plans up to 400 Mbps.

FAQs:

Question

Do I need a router with Xfinity Gateway?

You don’t have to. The Xfinity Gateway has a built-in router.

Can I stop renting an Xfinity modem?

Yes, if you buy your modem gateway from Xfinity, you will no longer need to rent a modem from them. 

How much does Comcast charge for a lost modem?

If you lose your modem or do not return it to Comcast, you will be charged the full amount for your borrowed equipment.

Do I need to return the Comcast modem?

The modem must be returned, yes. If you don’t, you’ll have to pay.

-our editorial board has reviewed this article and has been approved for publication according to our editorial policy.

Last update on 2024-03-21

Lance Ulanoff is a renowned tech journalist, commentator, and on-air expert with over 36 years of experience. He has held esteemed positions including Editor in Chief of Lifewire and Mashable, where he delved into the impact of technology on daily life. Lance's expertise has been featured on major news programs globally, and he has made appearances on Fox News, CNBC, and the BBC.