Spectrum is a multimedia TV, phone, and internet service provider. It offers a variety of broadband speeds and throws in a compatible modem free of charge, but without a router, you'll have no access to Wi-Fi. You can pay a $5 monthly fee to rent one from Spectrum, or you are welcome to install your own. Our roundup of the best routers for Spectrum spans a range of budgets, and the routers are yours to keep forever.
Best overall
The RT-AX58U offers the modern Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) standard over a dual-band signal. MU-MIMO and beamforming tech ensure multiple devices run smoothly, and four Gigabit LAN ports support wired connections. The USB 3.2 port enables NAS devices and printers, adding to this fantastic feature set.
Second best
TP-Link offers a similar package in their Archer AX73, again with dual-band Wi-Fi 6 modern wireless tech providing super-fast connections with MU-MIMO and beamforming. Four Gigabit LAN ports and one Gigabit WAN make connecting to modems a breeze, and its USB 3.0 port offers extra NAS options.
Third alternative
Netgear matches the feature set with the Nighthawk RAX50S backed up by its fantastic Nighthawk mobile app, making network management a cinch. The familiar dual-band Wi-Fi 6 supports MU-MIMO and beamforming for stable multi-device connections, with four Gigabit LAN ports and USB 3.0 for NAS devices.
Best for gaming
The Archer AX11000 is one of the best gaming routers available today. Using tri-band Wi-Fi 6 and dedicating one 5GHz band to gaming traffic means lag-free play. Eight Gigabit LAN ports support multiple wired devices and USB-C for the latest NAS tech. For those with an appetite for speed.
Best for Wi-Fi
Mesh Wi-Fi continues to be the best solution for homes with a lot of space to cover wirelessly. The RBK752 set relays its Wi-Fi 6 signal between each Orbi unit to eliminate wireless dead zones. Three Gigabit LAN ports and one Gigabit WAN still support multiple wired devices, but no USB this time.
Budget-friendly
Dropping to Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) doesn't mean a dramatic loss in performance, with the Archer A7 supporting dual-band speeds up to 1300Mbps over 5GHz. Four Gigabit LAN ports and one Gigabit WAN plus USB 2.0 prove the A7 capable considering its price. A perfect substitute for Spectrum's rental fee.
Choosing the best router for Spectrum
Spectrum offers internet connectivity up to 1Gbps, and its modems are included free of charge, so you can save money by passing on combination modem-router units. Our best overall choice of the ASUS RT-AX58U covers you for any ISP since its compatibility reaches further than just Spectrum, and its fantastic feature set justifies the asking price.
Even on the budget end of the scale, the Archer A7 from TP-Link performs admirably and will save you money after as little as a year. Perfect if you're unsure about which ISP to stick with since Spectrum has ditched annual contracts, and the $5 monthly fee would soon match the cost of the best budget routers available today.
