For Cox internet subscribers, finding the best router for Cox is never an easy decision. After all, Cox will offer you a chance to use their own modem router combo for only $9.99 a month.
While that may seem like a good deal, be assured, it is NOT! This is because there are other hidden fees that get tacked on to your bill – like the Cox Service Protection Plan, taxes that are slapped on and of course, surcharges.
Users who are looking for the best modem router combo for Cox possible, should keep scrolling down. If you have been wondering why you would pay nearly $120 a year to use someone else’s router, the time has come to buy your own.
To find the perfect Cox compatible router, you need to look at what your network needs are, including speed, range, and usage.
Benefits Of Getting Your Own Cox Compatible Router
Save On Rental Fees
You can avoid Cox’s monthly rental fees by buying your own wireless router or modem router combo. Cox charges $9.99 a month to use one of their devices, so buying your own will quickly pay for itself.
Faster Speeds
Using a Cox router will limit the amount of speeds that you can get throughout your house. You do not get to choose the right speed for the amount of streaming that you use. Buying your own gives you more choices.
Better Coverage
No two houses or apartments have the same range needs. Buying your own router means that you can find one that can reach every area in your house, eliminating dead spots and being able to handle WiFi noise from neighbouring networks.
More Control Over Your Network
You want to be able to manage your network on your own terms. You need to be able to pick the right router to give you the security and access to advanced settings you need.
10 Best Routers For Cox (2022)
Device | Speeds | Ports | Rating | Check Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1. Netgear R7000 Editor's Choice | 1900 Mbps | 4 Ports | 100% | |
2. Motorola MG7550 Editor's Choice - Modem Router Combo | 1900 Mbps | 4 Ports | 99% | |
3. Linksys EA9300 High Performance | 4000 Mbps | 4 Ports | 97% | |
4. Motorola MR2600 Budget Friendly | 2600 Mbps | 4 Ports | 95% | |
5. Netgear C7000 | 1900 Mbps | 4 Ports | 94% | |
6. Gryphon AC3000 Extended Coverage | 3000 Mbps | 4 Ports | 98% | |
7. Netgear XR700 For Gaming | 2600 Mbps | 4 Ports | 94% | |
8. Netgear RAX120 WiFi 6 Standard | 11000 Mbps | 4 Ports | 97% | |
9. Motorola MG8702 DOCSIS 3.1 | 3200 Mbps | 4 Ports | 98% | |
10. Asus RT-AX3000 | 3000 Mbps | 4 Ports | 95% |
Advantages Of Separate Units (Modem + Router) For Cox
Easier To Stay Up To Date: While the technology in your modem does not change so quickly, routers evolve in leaps and bounds. By choosing to have separate units, you can make your upgrades with only one purchase – your router.
Better Control Over Settings: You have the choice to use third party firmware like DD-WRT which will give you access to advanced settings and firmware.
Better Wireless Performance: By using your own units, you can choose the exact modem or router for Cox you need for your internet needs – ensuring that your model is better than a standard one given by your ISP. This leads to enhanced wireless performance for you and your space.
Advantages Of A Modem Router Combo For Cox
Cost Effective: A modem router combo for Cox is usually the more budget friendly option as compared to purchasing separate models.
Easier Set Up Process: You only have to worry about setting up one device – instead of scratching your head to configuring two separate devices and checking if both are actually compatible with each other. As there are fewer parts to handle, you can get your whole modem router combo set up and ready for use much faster.
Clutter Free: With one less device to worry about, you also save space. For people who live in a tight space, every inch matters – and this is why a modem router combo for Cox is a great space friendly option.
1. Netgear Nighthawk R7000 WiFi Router
Best Router For Cox (Editor's Choice)
Our Editor’s Choice for the best router for Cox is the Nighthawk R7000-100PAS. With its multiple features and great price range, you will easily be able to have all mobile devices access internet without trouble and without emptying your bank account.
Design:
The Netgear R7000-100PAS boasts of a sleek design, with three adjustable antennae to help improve the quality of the signal throughout your home. With its USB 3.0 port, you will have access to ReadyCLOUD.
This service allows you to access your USB drive and your network remotely when you need to. It also has a standard USB 2.0 port, allowing you to connect an additional device that might not need the same amount of speed.
Performance:
This is our Editor's Choice because of how well it performs. With its dual-core 1 GHZ processor, dynamic QoS, and 11AC speed, you will not experience any lag when it comes to streaming or gaming online. Microseconds matter when it comes to gaming, so you should let the Nighthawk R7000-100PAS help you get the win that you hope for.
The Dynamic QoS will ensure that the devices that you want to get the best speeds keep the best speeds. Combined with Beamforming technology and even a built-in iTunes server, you will be streaming with this router better than you may have ever before.
For households who have children accessing the internet, Netgear offers Circle with Disney. This is a way for families to be able to manage what type of content and even how much time a device can be connected.
You can even set up a scheduled bedtime or days available to ensure that the youngest users in the household are safe online. The Access Control feature helps you manage the security features for your network, ensuring that unidentified or unauthorized devices cannot tag onto your network, even if they somehow get your network’s password.
The BlueGadgetTooth team saw a huge boost in speeds in all connected devices, in both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands.
2. Motorola MG7550 Cable Modem Router
Best Modem Router Combo For Cox
The best router modem combo for Cox is the Motorola MG7550. This dual-band modem and inbuilt WiFi Gigabit router deliver 1900Mbps with Power Boost, giving you excellent performance capabilities.
Design:
The Motorola MG7550 modem router combo is a sturdy vertical design, taking up much less space on your desk or counter where it sits. Its antennae are all built-in as well, so you will not have any unsightly pieces catching the eye.
This modem router combo does not come with USB ports, but it does have four Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports that can be used for high speed connections. This will allow you to wire in whatever devices that you need to make sure have constant and interrupted signal.
Performance:
This modem router combo impressed us when it came to performance. It comes with four Gigabit Ethernet ports, giving you 10/100/1000 speeds to your wired connections. It works well with either Mac or Windows computers, so you will not need to worry about compatibility.
The wireless power boost that comes with this modem router combo gives you a high-performance power amplifier that will boost your wireless signal as high as possible. The significant boost in speed and range will give you overall impressive performance with no buffering.
You will also get AnyBeam Beamforming with 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz that focuses the signal specifically on the wireless connections, making it easier than ever to stream movies and games to tablets and other wireless devices. The devices that are hardwired in will get a strong and uninterrupted connection as well.
The interface was simple to navigate through and boosted the Wifi signal all throughout our testing space, delivering speeds which far exceeded what we were paying our ISP for.
3. Linksys Max-Stream EA9300 WiFi Router
High Performance
If you are looking for a high performing router, take a look at the Linksys Max-Stream AC4000. This easy-to-use router is built for speed and will not disappoint.
Design:
UFO Alert! While the Linksys Max-Stream is a little bit clunky to look at, it still has the most impressive performance you can get. With the 6 antennae, this router is a bit harder to conceal than other routers, but the performance value is worth it. Its design is slim and chic, so it will not be an eye sore even when visible.
It comes with 5 Gigabit Ethernet ports, one USB 3.0 and one USB 2.0, giving you plenty of options for connectivity.
Performance:
If you need performance, this is the perfect router for Cox. The Linksys Max-Stream AC4000 is packed full of everything you need for a household that streams multiple devices. With Next-gen MU-MIMO, your gaming will not be interrupted or buffered, keeping you going as long as you need to.
What sets the MaxStream AC4000 apart from other routers is the Tri-Band feature. The number of devices connected to the 5GHz band has increased dramatically, and it stands to reason that an additional 5GHz band should be added to accommodate the load. Makes sense to us, in fact, we were wondering how this is not the norm!
The 5 Gigabit Ethernet ports will give you wired speeds that are 10 times faster than standard Ethernet ports. They are idea for gaming, HD TVs, and any other new technology that needs to have as much power and performance as possible.
The setup is simple and quick, taking less than 20 minutes from start to finish. Make sure that you are using the appropriate cables in the appropriate ports or you might find yourself annoyed at the results.
The range that we got from this router is excellent. You should have no problems getting a signal from anywhere in your house and even outside of your house. The Linksys Smart WiFi allows the connection to the router from anywhere as well. This is also helped by the 6 antennae that are sending the signal every direction you want, preventing any dead spots throughout the house.
4. Motorola MR2600 Smart WiFi Router
Budget Friendly
The Motorola MR2600 is a smart router, combining high speeds with the latest technology. It is also a great option for those who are working on a tight budget.
Design
This router has four antennae, and has a fairly sleek design. Sitting flat, this router should be able to blend into its surroundings fairly easily. It is not made out of cheap plastic nor does it use the shiny plastic that is nearly impossible to keep clean. The bottom of the router has plenty of clearance as well, so the router will stay cool.
It comes with 4 Gigabit LAN ports that can connect to all of your HDTVs, smartphones, game systems and more. You will also find both USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 ports with this router. The USB 3.0 port has a DLNA media sharing support as well.
Performance:
For a budget friendly router, the Motorola MR2600 really delivers. The four antennae provide you with concurrent 4X4 performance for both 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz bands. The speed is excellent and has a broad range to reach anywhere you need it to.
The Wave 2 MU-MIMO technology allows you to stream from multiple devices at the same time without lag, making this a great choice for households with gaming and video streaming. You will improve your streaming capabilities with this router.
We had no complaints when it came to using multiple connected devices or getting connected from all rooms in our testing space.
Another big pro with this router is that it allows up to four guest networks, which is especially helpful when you have more than one household member who wants to use the network at the same time.
Of course, its budget friendly price means that many advanced features available at higher priced routers are not present. The router does not offer much in the way of settings and customizations, so if that is what you are after, this router will disappoint you.
5. Netgear Nighthawk C7000
Our final choice for our list of the best modem router combos for Cox is the Netgear C7000-1AZNAS Nighthawk. This is another great choice from the Nighthawk line.
Design:
This has one of the most attractive designs that you can get from a modem router combo. This Nighthawk C7000-1AZNAS is vertical with no external antennae to catch your eye or even to just get in the way.
It has four 10/100/1000 LAN Gigabit Ethernet ports to ensure that the devices that need the highest speed internet will receive it. It also comes with two USB ports to connect your accessories or other devices.
This modem router combo will also be compatible with other cable ISPs so if you change cable internet companies, you should be able to still use it.
Performance:
You will not be disappointed by the performance that you get from the C7000-1AZNAS. To begin with, it has Beamforming capability which will extend your coverage all through your house in order to reach all of your devices.
The channel bonding for this modem router combo supports 24x8 downstream channels, giving you uninterrupted streaming abilities. This is important if you stream videos or games often.
There is also a Gigabit wired connection that allows for USB media sharing. You can connect your gaming console to the Gigabit Ethernet port for 10 times faster download speeds than you would get from a standard LAN port.
As a bonus, there is a Genie App that allows you to manage your network through your smartphone, no matter where you are. This can be helpful if you are at work or traveling and concerned about your network’s security.
All in all, we saw a significant increase in speeds with this modem router combo and the simple and quick installation process makes this a win-win for those looking to buy a modem router combo for Cox.
6. Gryphon AC3000 Mesh WiFi Router
Extended Coverage
Another great mesh router for Cox that provides extended coverage is the Gryphon AC3000. This is unlike any other router you have seen. It is powerful, long reaching, and has a lot of great features to work with.
Design:
To begin with, the design of the Gryphon router is unique. It stands in a tower shape, though it has a more interesting, artistic design to it. It also comes with a white casing, rather than the standard black.
Tower routers are typically cooler and longer lasting than horizontal routers, because they have a better chance of keeping the components cool.
There are no external antennas with the Gryphon either, since all of the antennas are completely internal, but that does not negatively affect its range.
This added feature only increases the overall appeal of the appearance of the router. It does have some parental controls, such as time limitation and content filtering, though the settings are not very customizable.
Performance:
This is an extended range router. It has a range of up to 3,000 square feet. This is a Smart Mesh system, however, so the range can be further increased by the addition of other Gryphon routers.
While the first unit provides the 3,000 square feet, you can make the network as large as you want by adding on additional units.
This is a tri-band router as well, so I should allow for some quality streaming, without interruption or interference.
The bands are one 2.4 GHz band and two 5 GHz bands. You can select which device should go to which band as well. When you combine it with the 4x4 MU-MIMO, this router is virtually unstoppable.
7. Netgear Nighthawk Pro XR500 Router
For Gaming
If you are looking for a router that is really made for gaming, then you need the Netgear Nighthawk Pro XR500. This is a router that was design for gamers, by gamers and works well if you have Cox internet.
Design:
The design of the XR500 is a little bit futuristic, because it does have a more geometric design than other routers and interesting antennas. It does have the standard black case and horizontal design as well.
In total, there are four antennas, which can be pointed in whichever direction that you need the strongest signal.
The XR500 has advanced security features, which can incredibly important when it comes to gaming. The features include a secure gaming VPN server, which can be good to help keep you anonymous.
Through the XR500, you can also monitor your network and game ping in real-time, showing you which devices are draining your bandwidth.
Performance:
Looking at the router’s performance, the XR500 has fast speeds up to 2.6 Gbps. You will also find a QoS feature to let you bypass network congestion and reduce any potential for interruptions by other devices on your network.
This is a dual-band router, with both the 2.4GHz and the 5GHz bands, allowing you to redirect traffic onto the appropriate bands.
Remember, this is a gaming router, so it has been optimized to give you the lowest ping possible for any online game that you might be playing.
It doesn’t matter if you play COD, Overwatch, or even Fortnite, the XR500 has got you covered. The XR500 will get you down to the last millisecond by using geo-filtering to connect to the closest servers for an added edge.
8. Netgear Nighthawk RAX120 WiFi Router
WiFi 6 Standard
If you are looking for the best Cox router that works with the WiFi 6 Standard, we suggest the Netgear Nighthawk RAX120. This is an incredibly powerful router that should get the job done well.
Design
Starting with the design, the RAX120 has two fins instead of the more traditional external moveable antennas that you would find with most routers. The antennas themselves are concealed within the fins. They are still high-gain antennas, but you cannot move them to point in specific directions.
The Nighthawk RAX120 also comes with not just one 3.0 USB port, but two 3.0 USB ports. It even has a 2.5/5G Ethernet port. All of this connectivity capability will allow you to connect any device that you want to have a direct connection. That can supply you with uninterrupted coverage for the devices that really need it.
Performance
The performance of the RAX120 is what makes it awesome. This device easily supports 12 simultaneous streams, which has more capacity to support many WiFi devices at the same time.
This will keep your network running smoothly without any trouble, regardless of how many devices are on at the same time. It also comes with Beamforming+ to get that extended range that you need and MU-MIMO technology to allow more than one user at a time.
The RAX120 can reach up to 6 Gbps in speeds, which is amazing to say the least. Most ISPs cannot offer speeds at that level, but if you have some high speed capability in your apartment, the router will be making the best use of what it has.
9. Motorola MG8702 Modem Router
DOCSIS 3.1 Modem Router Combo
DOCSIS 3.1 is the best type of modem that you can get right now for your Cox internet.
We have found that the best DOCSIS 3.1 modem router combo for Cox is the Motorola MG8702.
Design
Starting with its design, the MG8702 is a tower design, which is what you should expect from a Motorola device.
This means that the modem will have a longer life than other devices, because it is not going to overheat. Towers get much better ventilation, so the internal components are not going to wear down as quickly.
You also will get four Gigabit Ethernet ports with this modem, which means that you can plug in whatever device needs a reliable connection.
For some people this might mean a personal computer, but for others, it could be a gaming console or HDTV. The modem also comes with a USB 3.0 port to share content across the network.
Performance
Since this is a DOCSIS 3.1 modem, it has great performance. This device can reach speeds up to 3200 Mbps, but how much speed you get is ultimately determined by the speed package that you have with Cox.
The router portion of the device uses beamforming technology as well to boost the strength and the range of your signal, as well as the MU-MIMO technology that helps online gamers, if there are any within your network. It is a dual-band router, so you do get both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands to work with.
The device is also backward compatible, so even though it is a DOCSIS 3.1 modem, your older devices will still be able to connect to this modem without having any trouble.
10. ASUS RT-AX3000 WiFi Router
The last device that we are going to look at is the ASUS RT-AX3000 WiFi router.
You will get next-generation speeds with this router, which means that you will make use of every bit of speed you are getting from Cox. This is a WiFi 6 router, which is the latest technology you can get.
Design
To begin with, the design of this router is a little bit on the large side. It is a horizontal router with a black casing that has four high-gain antennas coming out of the back. The antennas can be moved to point in whatever direction needs the best signal.
The router also has four Gigabit Ethernet ports to plug in the devices that need a direct connection.
This can be a work computer that cannot afford a dropped signal or it could be a gaming console, where you don’t want to accidentally lose a battle. You will also get a USB 3.1 port to share files across your entire network.
Performance
Moving onto its performance, this router is powerful. You can reach speeds up to 3,000 Mbps, but that is likely to be more than what you are getting from your speed package with Cox.
It will, regardless, use any speeds that are available to you and you also can rest assured that you will not need to replace your router in the near future since it is already set for faster speeds.
The router does need to be rebooted periodically to refresh, but it is easy to set up and easier to manage. It is also part of the AiMesh system if you want to expand your coverage.
Factors To Consider When Choosing The Best Router For Cox Gigablast
Your Internet Package
Your internet package is what establishes how much speed and broadband that you get.
If your package is only offering 100 Mbps internet speeds, buying a router that offers up to 1000 Mbps is not going to get you any faster speeds. You are limited by the speeds you have signed up for through Cox.
Real-Life Speed
You will find with many brands that list out a lot of theoretical speeds. The real-life speed is not going to be the same as the advertised speed.
Real-life speed will have to do with how many neighbours rely on the same internet provider, how many users are on your network, the package you have with the company, and then the router itself. These factors should all go into choosing the best router for Cox.
DOCSIS Standard
Cox offers Gigabit internet speeds, which requires you to use a modem that is DOCSIS 3.1 standard. This is the technology standard that is best suited for high speed internet, but not every modem router combo you find is going to have DOCSIS 3.1.
Cox Router Compatiblity
Modem router combos are not universal. You need to make sure that you're getting one of many Cox compatible routers.
The way that you receive internet is different between all modems, so you need a cable modem router combo that explicitly says it will work with Cox internet.
How To Install Cox Router / Modem Router Combo
Once you have your new router / modem router combo, you will need to install it correctly in order to get going. Make sure that you have your Ethernet cable and a coax cable available as well as the power cord for your modem router combo. If you already had a modem connected, disconnect that before you get started.
Step 1: Connect the coax cable to the cable outlet in your wall and the other end into the receptor on the modem.
Step 2: Plug in the modem power cord into an electrical outlet and the other end into the modem itself.
Step 3: Connect the Ethernet cable to a LAN port on the modem and the other end to a computer.
Step 4: The lights should be on to confirm you have power.
Step 5: You will need to follow the setup guide that is specific to the modem router combo that you purchased.
Note: In the event that you have a separate modem and router, remember there will need to be another Ethernet cable between the two and the router would need its own power cord.
Make Sure You Have A Cox Approved Router
While it would be wonderful if all routers and modem router combos worked with every type of ISP out there, it is simply not the case. You will need to be sure that your router is compatible with Cox before you buy one.
Cox cable internet requires a DOCSIS 3.0 or 3.1 compatible device in order for it to actually work for you, so be careful when you are shopping. Ideally, you should check out our list above to make sure that you are not just getting any router or modem router combo, but that you are getting the best one possible.
Final Words
When it comes to your internet, you do not want to settle for just any router that you can find.
Cox subscribers might be lured into paying a monthly fee to rent the modem router combo directly from Cox, but you should not have to pay out so much extra money for a device that you will not own and one that might not even meet your network’s needs.
Instead, you should go with the Motorola MG7550. As the best modem router combo for Cox that you can get, the Motorola MG7550 will give you the power and performance that you really need.
If cost is a concern for you, the budget-friendly option of the Motorola MR2600 is another way to get good performance without breaking the bank.
Of course, the best router for Cox in terms of delivering high performance is the Linksys Max-Stream AC4000. With this, you can power through any online tasks.