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.
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:
- 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.
- Approved on Comcast Xfinity, Spectrum (Charter, Time Warner, Brighthouse Networks), Cox, Mediacom, Suddenlink and most other US Cable Internet Providers. NOT compatible with Verizon, AT&T or Centurylink. REQUIRES Internet Service.
- Wired modem only. Does not include WiFi router or VOIP Telephone adapter. Gigabit Etherent port to connect to PC or Router.
- 8 Download Channels and 4 Upload Channels capable of up to 343 Mbps download and 131 upload speeds. Recommended for Internet Plans up to 100 Mbps.
- Supports both IPv4 and IPv6, the latest standard.
- 90 Day Warranty. ARRIS Certified Refurbished. US Technical support. ARRIS Certified Refurbished products will ALWAYS be branded ARRIS, Never Motorola! If you get Motorola branded product they are illegitimate, need to be returned to Seller and Reported to Amazon
- 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
- Ultra-fast DOCSIS 3.1 performance - Delivers true Gigabit-plus speeds. Supports fast internet plans with Comcast Xfinity, Cox, and Spectrum. Backward compatible with 32x8 DOCSIS 3.0.
- Pairs with any WiFi router - Seamlessly compatible with any WiFi router to connect all your devices. This cable modem does NOT have a built-in wireless router or telephone call capability.
- Multi-gigabit Ethernet speed - A 2.5 GB Ethernet port delivers true high-speed connectivity to even the fastest routers and computers, providing downstream speeds just below 2,500 Mbps and upstream speeds up to 800 Mbps when supported by your internet service plan.
- Fast streaming, conferencing, gaming - Applies Active Queue Management (AQM) for reduced Internet latency and better app performance, including online gaming, conferencing, and streaming.
- Extreme cost savings - Owning your own modem typically saves the home $168 per year in monthly rental charges. (Savings described is for Comcast Xfinity and vary by service provider.)
- 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
- 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.
- A Trusted Name in Home Connectivity: Better connectivity, better speed. The ARRIS SURFboard SB6190 DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem is designed to bring you better 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..Data transfer rate : 400 Megabits Per Second
- 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 3.0 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.
- This Certified Refurbished product is manufacturer refurbished, shows limited or no wear, and includes all original accessories plus a 90-day warranty. IMPORTANT NOTEL: A few units might show the brand as Motorola (and not Arris) as Arris had acquired Motorola for 2 years; hence it will be the same product and the same model
- Requires CABLE Internet Service, if not sure your provider is CABLE call them to confirm. Does NOT work with Charter cable provider.
- Compatible with MOST Major CABLE providers like Comcast/Xfinity, Cox, Time Warner, Mediacom, Bright House.
- Wired modem only, does NOT include WIFI Router or VOIP Telephone adapter. Gigabit Ethernet port to connect to computer or Router for fast downloads.
- Internet download speeds up to 172 Mbps and upload speeds up to 131 Mbps based on your Cable provider service. Good for streaming Video and gaming on multiple devices at a time.
- 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.
- COMPATIBLE WITH ALL MAJOR CABLE INTERNET PROVIDERS: Including certification by Xfinity by Comcast, COX, and Spectrum. NOT compatible with Verizon, AT&T, CenturyLink, DSL providers, DirecTV, DISH and any bundled voice service.
- SAVE MONTHLY RENTAL FEES: Model C6250 replaces your cable modem and WiFi router saving you up to 168 dollars/yr in equipment rental fees.
- SPEEDS BY CARRIER: Spectrum (up to 300Mbps), Xfinity (up to 200Mbps), Cox (up to 150Mbps).
- FAST WiFi PERFORMANCE: Get up to 1500 sq ft wireless coverage and 25 devices connected with AC1600 speed (up to 1600 Mbps).
- VERSATILE CONNECTIONS: 2 Gigabit Ethernet ports and 1 USB port give you fast wired connections to your computer, printer, game box, storage drive, and other devices.
FAQs:
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 2023-11-13
