If you want to save $10 a month from your Spectrum Charter internet bill, then you must buy your own replacement wireless router and modem. However, there are several possibilities and options to choose from based on your specific situation.
Lucky for you, I myself was a Tier II Internet Tech Support Agent for many years working for the 2 largest internet providers in the United States. After that, I went on to high-end Tech Support in a large educational institution. So routers are like my favorite toys and I want to make sure you leave here with the right choice for your home wireless, happy enough to recommend us to your friends. We will be very grateful for this.
Spectrum Charter 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 simply put, the best cheap approved Spectrum router to save money on rental fees. But if you want the best, keep reading for the differences.
Spectrum subscribers can save $10 a month by directly buying their own authorized retail modem and router, replacing the one that Spectrum rents to them. This is the best option, but there is one catch, it must be approved for Spectrum. Here’s a list of authorized devices.
Compatible Spectrum Routers
This is a list breaking down the top routers that work with Spectrum Charter wireless internet. Each of these routers are in the best of their class and can deliver top speeds over your home WiFi network. Your replacement router will depend on the size of your home. See below.- The Cheap Spectrum Compatible Router: NETGEAR R6080 Price
AC1000: Small apartment or small 2 bedroom one story home.
Cheapest and lowest you should go with today’s available devices. - The Average Approved Router: ASUS RT-AC66U Price
AC1750: Normal apartment or normal 3 bedroom one story home. One of the most common routers due to its versatility in most living situations. - The Strong WiFi Router: ASUS RT-AC88U Price
AC3100: Normal multi floor 2 or 3 bedroom home. Now we’re starting to talk power for your average American cookie cutter home. - The Strongest Spectrum Router: ASUS RT-AC5300 Price
AC5300: Large 2 to 3 story American dream home. This is as strong as it gets for routers, perfect for most American homes. - The Ultimate Router: [Best Mesh WiFi]
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 be dual-band and be at least in the Wireless AC standard category with Gig Ethernet ports.
That’s why we have given you the option between some of the top compatible routers available for all living situations and price ranges.
The following image is an excerpt direct from Spectrum regarding choosing a compatible router for fast wireless for heavy users or those in apartment buildings with many other nearby wireless networks that may be interfering with the signal.
This image is a quote direct from Spectrum regarding replacing your wireless router. As you can confirm, it is everything we have already explained to you in detail.
But what about Wireless N? It’s so much cheaper.
You are free to buy a cheap low power Wireless N router. But expect lower speeds, random disconnects, less range and so on. Wireless N is no longer a viable option. This is why we, as well as Spectrum, do not recommend it. But if you live alone, in a small living situation with minimal needs, you can still survive on Wireless N. You just have to know its limitations and lower your expectations when it comes to performance.
I myself, over 15 years ago, only had a Wireless N router but my computer and XBOX were plugged directly into it so wireless was not an issue. If you are going to hardwire, none of the wireless factors matter and you can get a regular cheap router to support your phone WiFi.
Spectrum Approved Modems
When it comes to buying your own modem for Spectrum, it’s not as simple and clear cut as it is to buy a router. There are big differences in operation, speed, compatibility and more.
If you want to see exactly what modem Spectrum uses, or router, here is their official list so that you may compare provided devices versus replacement devices listed below.
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 Charter Spectrum Time Warner internet.
As for DOCSIS 3.1 with SPectrum, here is a quute directly from them telling you they have not approved any devices of this class so you must rent from them. 
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.| Brand: | Netgear | Pros: |
|---|---|---|
| Model: | CM600 |
|
| Down/Up Channels: | 24×8 | |
| Download Speed: | 400Mbps | |
| Upload Speed: | 262Mbps | |
| Wireless Modem: | Router Required | |
| Spectrum Approved: | Yes | Cons: |
| Unit Weight: | 1.1 pounds |
|
| Color: | White | |
| Source: | Data Sheet |
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.
| Brand: | Arris | Pros: |
|---|---|---|
| Model: | SB6183 |
|
| Down/Up Channels: | 16×4 | |
| Download Speed: | 686Mbps | |
| Upload Speed: | 131Mbps | |
| Wireless Modem: | Router Required | |
| Approved Modem: | Yes | Cons |
| Unit Weight: | 1.4 pounds |
|
| Color: | White | |
| Source: | Link |
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.
| Brand: | Netgear | Pros: |
|---|---|---|
| Model: | C7000 |
|
| Max Speed: | 400Mbps | |
| Down/Up Channels: | 3224×8 | |
| Wireless Router: | YES | |
| Spectrum Approved Modem: | Yes | Cons: |
| Unit Weight: | 2.7 pounds |
|
| 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.
| Model: | SB6183 | CM600 | C7000 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compare: | All 3 Prices Side By Side | ||
| Bandwidth Channels: | 16×4 | 24×8 | 24×8 |
| Max Download: | 300Mbps | 400Mbps | 400Mbps |
| Max Upload: | 131 Mbps | 262 Mbps | 262 Mbps |
| WiFi Enabled: | Router Required | Wireless AC1900 | |
| DOCSIS 3.0: | YES | YES | YES |
| Weight: | 1.4 pounds | 1.91 pounds | 3.43 pounds |
| Dimensions: | 2.5 x 8.5 x 7.8 in | 7.2 x 10.2 x 4.5 in | 11.61 x 11.02 x 3.94 in |
| Color: | White | Black | Black |
| TWC Approved: | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Charter Spectrum Approved: | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Note* With the stand alone modems you will have to buy a separate router. We do however recommend this over the single modem router combo gateway if you want the best possible wireless and more control over your home network. However, for 90% of users, the single device, combo modem router will be perfect. Please comment if you have any questions. | |||
Spectrum Voice Modem Router
At this time, there are no options or winners when it comes to buying your own voice modem for Spectrum. The retail options are old and outdated combo units that we cannot recommend or may no longer be authorized with Spectrum[1]. They must be listed on the authorized devices. We think they do this so you are stuck with renting their modem.
What we really suggest is canceling the voice package so that you may actually buy the best possible modem and router for Spectrum Time Warner Cable.
Table of Contents
Chris S
I’m trying to decide between the Netgear AC1750 or the Netgear AC1900. Spectrum is coming to my house again tomorrow to probably replace the modem and router. The tech that was here last Wednesday said they are having so much problem with their latest modem and router 2piece units because of poor and dropped signal. Should I still use their modem or get the Arris SB6183? We have devices running on 5G and 2.4G which the 2.4G mainly has a poor signal which are my wireless security cameras, but both bands go in and out.
StickyStatic
You can continue to use their modem but may want to buy your own to avoid renting from them. As for your router, there is not a whole lot of difference between the Netgear AC1750 and AC1900. The only 2 real differences are the AC1900 has 2 USB ports and 150 more Mbps on the 2.4Ghz channel. But I assure you 450Mbps provided by the AC1750 is enough for any normal living situation. There is a huge price difference for that one extra port so you may want to skip it, save money and get the AC1750.
Rod McConnaughey
Hello. I’m glad I found your website because I can’t find a clear answer to what I’m wanting to do. I have spectrum internet 100mb but my router is located on one end of my house so my wifi signal is very weak on the other end of my house. I have tried 2 different wifi extenders but every now and then they will glitch and I have to reconnect my Alexa smart plugs.
What I’m wanting to do is to add another wifi router and connect it to the spectrum router through an ethernet cable and have it near the center of my house. Is this possible to do and if it is then what wifi router would you recommend.
Thank You,
Rod
StickyStatic
Yes! Not only is that what we recommend, but it is also the best option. WiFi extenders work, but they half the signal during the handoff and often have connection issues as you have experienced first hand.
Using a secondary wireless router connected to your main router via an ethernet cable will fully eliminate this problem and provide full strength wireless signal to the new extended range of the secondary hardwired router.
You can use any router you prefer in this case and possibly even one of the extenders you already purchased. Many extenders are routers as well so just hardwire into it and try to recast the signal that way. If not, option 2, a very nice wireless AC1750 router will be perfect.
Nancy Ritter
Is the Net Gear C7000 a good router/modem combo and is it compatible with Spectrum?
StickyStatic
Yes, in fact, if you read the article, you’ll see we recommended it as top choice for a modem router combo.
Jim Nicholson
I plan on getting the ASUS Dual-Band Gigabit WiFi Gaming Router (AC3100) to replace the Spectrum router. Not so much for gaming, more for coverage and streaming. What information do I need from Spectrum to set it up and how do I go about getting it?
Thanks
StickyStatic
The great thing about replacing your Spectrum router, is you don’t need anything from them. You can just unplug your Spectrum provided router and plug the upgraded one into your existing modem.
Suzanne Zabriskie
Spectrum gave us am Arris TM1602 modem and Sagecom Fast 5260 router. This is the third system they’ve installed in 5 months. The modem always has all its lights lite up but the router frequently has blinking lights. We lose the internet signal several times a day. As I want to keep voice phones know I am stuck with a modem from them and am hoping a better router will fix this problem. The tech they sent out the third time was the head tech with 25 years experience. He told me the Sagecom was the best they offer but he himself upgraded it and bought a Night Hawk Netgear router. I am wondering if NETGEAR – AC1750 Dual-Band Wi-Fi 5 Router will work with the Arris and solve our issues.
StickyStatic
The Netgear will be a solid choice for a new replacement router. If the issue is indeed the Wi-Fi router disconnecting, buying this Nighthawk will solve your issues. Because the cable technician had 25 years experience, we can be sure he ran all the proper cable line test to the modem. If he says this all checks out, you should try the new router with your Arris modem.
J Hendren
Is there an advantage (performance wise) to buying vs renting modem from spectrum? I have always used my own wifi router. I always believed the ones I purchase to be far superior. I have ignored the modem for years now thinking I need more performance from the modem.
StickyStatic
It would depend on what modem Spectrum provided you with. For instance, and old Motorola SB6141, then yes you would benefit from buying a newer higher bonded channel modem.
Martin
When one gets the gigabit service from spectrum, what router do they use for voice service? I want to go to the gigabit service but have voice service in my home.
StickyStatic
That is when you are stuck renting their equipment. There is no retail approved voice Gigabit modem.
Jim
How about a Asus RT-N66U router…will that work well with the Charter modem?
StickyStatic
Absolutely. However that is much older and slower at N900. The cost is no longer cheap either.
The newer ASUS RT-AC68U is more powerful and cost less. If you already have the N900 though, yes, it will work fine.
Doug
Any reason that the cm700 wouldn’t be a better choice than the 600? They are basically the same price now.
StickyStatic
Yes, the CM700 is on the bad modem list because it was manufactured with the puma 6 chipset. The CM600 uses the Broadcom chip and does not have any problems.
Richard
I have my own router, can I just use a spectrum modem?
StickyStatic
Yes, you sure can.
roy j bobo
I have a Netgear cm500. I also have a ASUS ac3100 router. Are they compatible with Spectrum? I have the 200 mbps connection.
StickyStatic
Yes indeed. That is a good combination for Spectrum cable internet.
Randy Pereda
Hi I, will New modems with 3.1 docsis work with spectrum like netgear cm 1000 32×8?
StickyStatic
That is a tricky situation.
They are not approved for Spectrum as far as authorized devices listed on their offcial website.
And I myself have called them several times over the last year to check for updates and every time they say you must rent a modem from Spectrum to use their gig speeds.
But if you do a simple search on reviews, many people swear they ordered the DOCSIS 3.1 modem, called Spectrum and had a technician activate it no problem. So, you can always try and please let us know.
One thing for sure, they will not work with Spectrum Voice. Only cable internet.
Chris
Great information for someone that is new to Spectrum. I had AT&T for years but used my own Router and had a much more reliable connection at quarter of the speed that I have now. The wiring in my home is new and I have a single line running from outside to my gateway (about 15 ft) with no splitters or amplifiers or anything and can’t achieve consistent speeds. It drops way down on a regular basis. I had an Arris modem router combo and was switched to a Technicolor on a recent service call but still have regular extreme drops in speed on both bands. My plan right now, as I’m on a budget, was to take the gateway to Spectrum and exchange for one of their standalone modems and then add a NETGEAR R6700 which I’m going to purchase. I have a small 1000 sq ft house but have multiple cameras and other automation devices connected at all times. Do you think this will be ok until I can afford to purchase a surfboard modem?
StickyStatic
It sounds like you may have a deeper technical problem with the service. But it could be the Spectrum provided equipment.
There are a few test to check out to isolate the issue. One being, our Bad Modem Test Page. There are certain devices you want to steer clear from.
It could be the wifi router that Spectrum provided you with as well. The best way to figure that out would to be hard wiring into the router and running test that way. If they are fine on the LAN but not the wireless, the router is the culprit and you will benefit from getting your own. That Netgear Nighthawk is a good router and should carry your home with no problems if there is a good line coming into your modem.
Deborah Culler
Is D-Link DSL-2740B ADSL2 Plus Modem with Wireless N300 Router compatible with spectrum?
StickyStatic
No, that is an ADSL modem. Spectrum is a cable internet provider. You need a DOCSIS 3.0 or higher modem.
Kurt Hube
Is there a combo modem router compatible with Spectrum that also works with Spectrum Voice?
StickyStatic
At this time, no.
Voice modems are so few and far in between when it comes to retail solutions and the ones that do exist, are old outdated routers I could not recommend to anyone.
You can call them, but I suggest just canceling voice to get a real modem and router.
Bobby O
Thank you! Great info. Will the ASUS router and NETGEAR modem work together without issues? Or should I get all 1 brand?
StickyStatic
Yes, they will indeed be compatible with each other. The ASUS routers work well with any brand modem.
Terry McCoy
Will the Asus AC2900 dual-band Wi-Fi router (RT-AC86U) work with my Bright House/Spectrum Internet service and is it compatible with my Motorola SURFboard SB6141 DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem?
StickyStatic
Yes indeed. Any of these routers will work with any internet service provider or modem.
Tammye Green
Not sure which internet device I am supposed to disconnect and bring in with me to Spectrum to exchange.
StickyStatic
Exchange? As in turn in and get another one from them?
If you exchange with Spectrum you will not be saving money on your monthly Spectrum bill. You will still be renting a modem or router from them.
However, the way to tell the difference between the Spectrum router and modem would be looking on the back.
The cable modem has a coaxial cable that screws the actual cable line in that comes from a cable jack on your wall. Usually near the TV.
The wifi router generally has 5 ports on the back. 4 yellow, one blue. This may easily vary from model to model but the idea is multiple colored ethernet ports in back means it is the wireless router.
Bring in whichever one they asked for.