Best Spectrum Approved Routers + Compatible Modem 2018

Spectrum offers high-speed cable internet in several regions throughout the US. In return, they have a large customer base of subscribers who rent equipment and are looking for a replacement modem or approved Spectrum router to save money on rental fees. Modem router renters can save $10 a month by directly buying their own approved modem and router and replacing the one that Spectrum rents to them. This is the best option, but there is one catch, it must be approved for Spectrum, such as these compatible modems and routers recommended for Spectrum.

Spectrum requires you to have at least a DOCSIS 3.0 modem for compatibility and their maximum download speeds, a minimum of 16 bonded download channels. These modems are all at least DOCSIS 3.0 with a minimum of 16 bonded download channels for maximum performance with the Ultimate Plan provided by Spectrum Time Warner internet.

Spectrum Router

1. The Cheap Spectrum Compatible Router: [NETGEAR R6080]
   AC1000: Small apartment or small 2 bedroom one story home.
   Cheapest and lowest you should go with today’s available devices.
2. The Average Approved Router: [Netgear R6700]
   AC1750: Normal apartment or normal 3 bedroom one story home. One of the most common routers due to its versatility in most living situations.
3. The Strong WiFi Router: [ASUS AC3100]
   AC3100: Normal multi floor 2 or 3 bedroom home. Now we’re starting to talk power for your average American cookie cutter home.
4. The Strongest Spectrum Router: [AC5300]
   AC5300: Large 2 to 3 story American dream home. This is as strong as it gets for routers, perfect for most American homes.
5. The Ultimate Router: [Wireless Mesh]
   OVER 9000: If you have a large home or mansion. This is not just a router, this is “wireless mesh”, the newest in wireless. Business strength solutions brought to the home consumer level. Works with Spectrum.

Here’s the thing about routers though, they are all compatible. You need to get a good one, and there are many bad routers and bad modems out there. Your router should dual-band, be at least in the AC standard category with a Gig Ethernet port. That’s why we have given you the option between some of the top compatible routers available for all living situations and price ranges. However, you are free to buy a cheap low power Wireless N router. But expect lower speeds, random disconnects, less range and so on.

The following image is an excerpt from Spectrum regarding choosing a compatible router for fast wireless.

Spectrum Compatible Modems

1

Fastest Spectrum Modem

The Netgear CM600 is the best standalone modem for the Spectrum Cable DOCSIS 3.0 network. Fully approved for up to 400Mbps download speed package with Spectrum Ultra and 400Mbps. It has 24 bonded download channels and 8 bonded upload channels. If you do not have Spectrum 400Mbps, you should get the Surfboard SB6183 mentioned next.

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Brand:	Netgear	Pros:
Model:	CM600	Best future proofed modem Ready Spectrum Ultra and 400Mbps Use your own router Plug & Play Time Warner Compatible Spectrum Approved
Down/Up Channels:	24×8
Download Speed:	400Mbps
Upload Speed:	262Mbps
Wireless Modem:	Router Required
Spectrum Approved:	Yes	Cons:
Unit Weight:	1.1 pounds	Highest cost
Color:	White
Source:	Data Sheet

2

Cheaper Spectrum Compatible Modem

With speeds up to 300Mbps, the Arris SB6183 is the best current standalone modem for Time Warner Cable or Spectrum. It is Spectrum approved up to Ultra and 300Mbps download speed package. It has 16 bonded download channels and 4 bonded upload channels for a max download speed capable of 300Mbps.

Note: You can not get a modem below this one because Spectrum plans on upgrading all of their customers to 200Mbps speeds by the end of 2018 and if you get a lower bonded channel modem, it will cease to work.

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Brand:	Arris	Pros:
Model:	SB6183	Best current modem Most common issued Use your own router Plug & Play Spectrum Compatible
Down/Up Channels:	16×4
Download Speed:	686Mbps
Upload Speed:	131Mbps
Wireless Modem:	Router Required
Approved Modem:	Yes	Cons
Unit Weight:	1.4 pounds	No current cons
Color:	White
Source:	Link

3

Spectrum Router Combo Modem

With speeds up to Spectrums 400MB Ultra, this combo modem router is a full on gateway for the Time Warner Spectrum Cable DOCSIS 3.0 network. It has a built in wireless router, also known as a combo modem or a gateway modem. It is fully compatible with Spectrum as a router and modem. Extremely fast 24 bonded download channels for a max download speed of 400Mbps and 8 bonded upload channels.
This is the modem for most cable users because it has a built-in wireless router. It is wireless AC1900 and will serve a small apartment or 3 bedrooms without a problem.
I would still get the modem and router separate myself as explained below but for your purposes, this set up should be perfect.

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Brand:	Netgear	Pros:
Model:	C7000	Best combo modem router Ready for 400Mbps WiFi router built in Plug & Play Time Warner Approved Spectrum Approved
Max Speed:	400Mbps
Down/Up Channels:	3224×8
Wireless Router:	YES
Spectrum Approved Modem:	Yes	Cons:
Unit Weight:	2.7 pounds	Can’t use separate router
Color:	Black
Source:	Specs

Modem & Router Vs. Gateway Combo

You’ll note that the modem and router separate cost a bit more. But why?
The combination gateway modem & router is an all in one device that will handle the highest speeds over a gigabit internet. It is great for almost all users in normal living situations. It has wireless AC1900 which is good enough for a three bedroom in most normal sized apartment or home floor plans. If you have a larger house, you may need to get the modem and router separate or even a wireless mesh network, the strongest option when it comes to networking equipment.

USB Ports.
The single device combo modem is great unless you want added extras such as the ability to plug an external hard drive into your router and create a network share for backing up your computers. That alone is reason enough for me to get the modem and router separately. This could be unnecessary for you and well beyond your needs, get the combo modem. You can also plug a printer into the USB and have it in the room with the wireless router.

Easier To Manage or More Flexibility.
The combo unit is also a lot fewer wires, and many want this. I do not mind the extra wires and it even gives me the ability to put my cable modem in one area of the house where the coaxial cable comes into the home, and then use a long cat5 ethernet cable to place my wireless router in a more central location with a better range to cover my whole apartment. So the extra wire is a savior in some situations like when you do not want your wifi router next to your cable modem. The two separate units are helpful if you ever have any issues, you only replace one unit. If you ever switch to DSL and need a different modem, you already have a router, etc.

The choice is yours. Again, if you want simple and do not need advanced options and live in an average sized apartment or house, get the combo gateway modem.

Sources:
Spectrum Modems