Wide Open West (WoW) offers their subscribers a couple of options when it comes to modem rentals. The basic package is $10 a month (or $120 a year), which just allows you to use their modem.
The more advanced option is a whopping $24.99 a month ($299.88 a year) and even then you might not get all of the features that you need from your modem.
Instead of using their mediocre modems, you should consider buying your own WoW compatible modem. Not only will it save you money, but you will get all of the features that your network really needs.
Top Reasons To Get Your Own WOW Approved Modem
While it seems easy to just rent a modem directly from WoW, you will be far better off buying your own WoW approved modem.
No Rental Fees
WoW offers more than one modem rental package, so you could look at paying $10 a month up to $24.99. No one should have to burn that kind of money. You can save yourself a lot of money in the end if you just buy your own WoW compatible modem.
Better Performance
WoW’s different packages might seem like a sweet deal, but they still might not give you the level of performance that you really want. WoW’s offer might not cover everyone or every device within your network, giving you weak performance. Instead, buy a compatible modem that can handle all of your network’s needs.
Better Security
Your network has its own security needs. Whether you need parental controls to keep your children safe or you need a VPN for your own safety, your modem should reflect those needs. WoW’s security features will never meet every need that you have, but a modem that you pick out yourself might.
Cable Modem vs WiFi Modem Router
You have the option of buying your own modem that is a stand along unit or a router/modem combo unit. It is generally better to buy a combo unit, because they are:
- Less expensive than buying separate units
- Easier to set up than two units
- Easier to make space for
Some people prefer to have solo modems and have a separate router. In other cases, a router might not be needed in some networks. But most of us need our WiFi.
How To Install Your Own WOW Modem
Step 1: Plug the coaxial cable to the wall jack on one end and plug the other end to the port on the modem.
Step 2: Plug the Ethernet cable into the modem’s Ethernet port and attach it to your computer.
Step 3: Plug the modem into a power outlet.
Step 4: Open any web browser on your computer and type in your modem’s address.
Step 5: Follow the set-up wizard if there is one. If your modem doesn’t have one, just read the included instructions.
3 Best WoW Compatible Modems For 2020
Device | Speeds | Ports | Rating | Check Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1. Motorola MG7550 Editor's Choice | 1900 Mbps | 4 Ports | 100% | |
2. Netgear C7000 High Performance | 1900 Mbps | 4 Ports | 98% | |
3. Motorola MB7420 Budget Friendly | 686 Mbps | 4 Ports | 95% |
1. Motorola MG7550 Modem Router Combo
Best WOW Approved Modem (Editor's Choice)
Our recommendation for the best WoW compatible modem is the Motorola MG7550. Not only is Motorola a reliable modem brand, but this modem in particular has everything that you need from your internet.
The MG7550 is a DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem that also comes equipped with a built-in AC1900 router. This is a dual-band router, so it will work well on both the 2.4GHz and the 5GHz bands, keeping your speeds up and running and also consistent. The router also comes with Power Boost, which is a Motorola feature that helps your signal travel all along the network without any trouble.
Beyond the great modem and router, the MG7550 also gives you a firewall, four Gigabit Ethernet ports, and built-in additional securities to make sure that your network is not interfered with by malware or cybercriminals. All in all, the MG7550 is perfect for the average home network.
2. Netgear Nighthawk C7000
High Performance WOW Certified Modem
If you are looking for the best high performance WoW supported modem, take a look at the Netgear NighthawkC7000.
The C7000 is a DOCSIS3.0 modem with a built-in AC1900 router, so you will have all of the power and performance that you really are looking for. The WiFi will extend across your whole network, keeping dead spots far away from you. With its dual-band capabilities, the Nighthawk so it can handle whatever activity that your network has.
The C7000gives you the fastest download speeds that you can get and is made to handle speeds up to 960Mbps without breaking a sweat. Whether you do 4K video streaming or online gaming, this Nighthawk should be able to handle whatever you throw at it. It comes with a 1.6GHz processor that is designed to give the average network the best performance that you could ask for.
3. Motorola MB7420 Cable Modem
Budget Friendly
Some people do not need a router or prefer to have separate devices. Even if you are trying to save yourself a little money, you can easily get a modem that does not have a router, but when you do this, you need to be sure you are still getting the best you can. For that reason, we recommend the MB7420.
The modem is a 16x4 DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem that provides speeds up to 686Mbps, which is faster than most internet connections. The 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet LAN port lets you to connect a router directly to it, if you would like, otherwise, you can wire it directly to your gaming console or an HD television.
While the setup of this modem is straightforward and there is no router, the MB7420 still has incredibly capabilities, ensuring that your internet is as fast as you need it to be.