ASUS WiFi 6 Router (RT-AX3000)
|

Best Router for Cox Reviews and Buying Guide

Spread the love

Introduction

It’s likely that if you’re reading this post, you have plans to get the finest router for Cox Internet. It won’t be simple, though, as COX ISP has allowed a tonne of wireless routers on the market.

Yes, as long as your home is equipped with a Cox-approved modem, the majority of contemporary routers are compatible with Cox Internet service. This means that a Cox-compatible modem and a Cox-compatible router are required for your Cox Internet subscription.

However, it is my responsibility as a decent reviewer to inform you of alternatives for these two unique products. Yes, we can just purchase a combo device rather than two separate ones. In other words, we can purchase the greatest router/modem set that is compatible with Cox. If you intend to purchase both a modem and a router separately, the combo is a pretty good alternative for you.

Don’t waste your money, though, and just choose the finest routers for Cox Internet service provider if you’re not sure or just want to get a router or you already have a modem.

You’re probably not interested in renting Cox’s exclusive Panoramic WiFi Gateway if you’re seeking the best router for their internet plans. You should choose a router modem combo because of the way Cox maintains their internet services and because this ISP needs a modem to connect to the internet. Therefore, the first thing you need to do is make sure the gadget complies with Cox’s requirements.

Then, think about your internet plan. You want a solution that has a speed that is at least as fast as your present plan, if not faster. As a future-proofing measure, it should be quicker than your existing plan.
Additionally, if you enjoy the concept of wireless connections, you’ll need a model with a lot of ethernet and USB ports, enough range to cover your entire house, or the ability to set up a mesh network for all-encompassing accessibility.

No wonder Cox is a great ISP that provides excellent and dependable internet connections around the country. The major drawback of using a Cox connection is having to pay a rental fee for using their modem.

You can get around this by getting your own Cox-supported modem router because it will ultimately be more profitable for you. Having said that, we have chosen a few of the top Cox routers that not only deliver excellent performance but are also reasonably priced.

But before you choose one from our list, be sure to look for some crucial characteristics like:

DOCSIS version:

Simply put, DOCSIS is a broadband standard for modems. The modem can support internet plans up to 1Gbps thanks to DOCSIS 3.1, the most recent DOCSIS version available at the moment. On the other hand, modems that offer up to 200Mbps plans use its predecessor, the DOCSIS 3.0 technology.

Wireless Standard:

You should examine the router’s wireless standard and speed in addition to the modem. For DOCSIS 3.0 modems, the majority of routers typically support WiFi 802.11ac standards, which is perfect for the majority of Cox internet services.

Data Transfer Rate:

If you need a quick internet connection, you might look at the router’s maximum data transfer speeds.
Numerous routers with Wi-Fi speeds of 1200Mbps, 1600Mbps, 1900Mbps, and 3200Mbps have been featured on our list. High-speed routers are future-proof because you can always improve your internet package while using the same router.

Ports:

The router’s ports, which may typically be found on the rear panel, are the third factor you should take into account. Additionally, a contemporary router is frequently seen with four fast Ethernet LAN ports, a few USB ports, a WAN port (Internet Port), etc.
However, I would suggest that you choose a router with at least one USB port and four fast Ethernet LAN connections.

MU-MIMO and Beamforming:

The process of connecting many devices at once is highly tough and challenging, and the result is slow Internet and network outages. As a result, the Multi-user MIMO technique is well known (MU-MIMO).
In other terms, it enables simultaneous access to the Internet for several users.

For stronger, more dependable, and faster Internet across devices, however, Beamforming technology concentrates the signal to a certain direction or linked devices.

Having a router with MU-MIMO and Beamforming technologies is therefore advised.

If you’re interested in learning more about these items, we’ve included a comprehensive buying guide that goes over all things modem routers. Thus, before purchasing a new router from our list, you should definitely think about reading the “Buying Guide” at least once.

7 Best Router for Cox

ASUS RT-AX3000 (Editor’s Choice – Traditional Router)
  • 160MHz bandwidth
  • 1024-QAM for dramatically faster wireless connections
  • networking speed of about 3000Mbps
  • RT-AX3000 is 2.5X faster than 802.11ac 2×2 dual-band routers

TP-Link AX10 (Budget-Friendly – Traditional Router)
  • powered by a 1.5GHz tri-core processor
  • 256MB of RAM
  • 16GB of flash memory
Netgear CAX80 (Premium Option – Modem/Router Combo)
  • excellent for both gaming and streaming
  • courtesy of an extensive array of high-speed ports
  • congestion-immune processor
  • reliable dual-band throughput of 1.2Gbps and 4.8Gbps
ARRIS SURFboard SBG10 DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem
  • Deliver Wireless Speeds up to 1600Mbps
  • Ideal for cable internet plans up to 400Mbps
  • Supports SURFboard Manager mobile app
  • Comes with a 2-year2-year warranty
NETGEAR Cable Modem CM500
  • Supports Cable plans up to 400Mbps
  • Comes with a 3-month long warranty
  • Has superior 16×4 channel bonding
  • Comes with a Gigabit Ethernet Port
Arris SURFboard (16×4) Docsis 3.0 Cable Modem Plus
  • Deliver Wireless Speeds up to 1900Mbps
  • Has 4 Gigabit Ethernet Ports
  • Can be used with the SURFboard Manager app
  • Comes with a 2-year warranty
ASUS Modem Router Combo – All-in-One DOCSIS 3.0
  • Deliver Wireless Speeds up to 2600Mbps
  • Extensive wireless coverage up to 5000sq. ft.
  • Supports cable speeds up to 1.3Gbps
  • Comes with a 3-year warranty

ASUS RT-AX3000 (Editor’s Choice – Traditional Router)

When using any of Cox’s internet plans in a typical home, the ASUS RT-AX3000 is a great choice.

It tested at 889.41 Mbps from a distance of 5 feet and 534.55 Mbps from a distance of 25 feet, both using the 5Ghz band.

These are some excellent findings that will allow a family of five or more to view four 4K movies at once.

All tests are conducted using a Gigabit internet plan and a WiFi 6 capable device.

The RT-weaker AX3000’s point is that its range only extends to roughly 80–85 feet.
Although not terrible, it doesn’t correspond to its throughput performance.

However, it will be adequate for a typical-sized home without any problems.

Additionally, the RT-AX3000 features excellent QoS and parental controls.
This enables you to prioritize data on the network and limit your kids’ online activities.

For instance, QoS can be helpful if you have a crucial video call that you don’t want to lag.

Because you can then decide to give the video call data priority.
The internet won’t lag after that, regardless of what other users are doing.

The ASUS RT-AX3000 is one of the top-performing, reasonably priced routers I’ve examined overall.
ideal for common internet users.

Pros

  • Good performance
  • Free app and security features
  • Compact design

Cons

  • Mediocre range
  • No multi-gig ports

TP-Link AX10 (Budget-Friendly – Traditional Router)

The router you need if you want performance but are on a tight budget is the TP-Link AX10.

It achieved 351.81 Mbps at 25 feet and 651.97 Mbps at 5 feet during testing.
They both employ the 5GHz spectrum.

Considering that it’s a less expensive alternative, this performance is excellent.
All Cox plans up to the Ultimate 500 are ideal.

The AX10’s range is sufficient for a typical home at about 80 to 90 feet.
Particularly if you put it nearer to the center of the house.

The router’s disadvantage is its dearth of further functionality.
Both QoS and parental controls are present, but they are both quite meager.

Because only URLs and keywords, not themes, can be blocked by parental controls.
Furthermore, apps cannot be restricted by QoS; only devices can.

Because of this, the functionalities are quite limited and difficult to utilize.

The TP-Link AX10 is a good option for someone who wants a cheap performance but doesn’t require extra features.

Pros

  • Strong speed for the price
  • Reasonable range
  • Smart features

Cons

  • No USB ports

Netgear CAX80 (Premium Option – Modem/Router Combo)

I advise using the CAX80 as the gateway for Cox Gigablast 940 Mbps internet packets.

Sadly, I was unable to test it at its maximum speed because the internet plan I had access to only went as fast as 800 Mbps.

But even at 5 feet, it managed to hit 800 Mbps.
The other speeds recorded were 298.47 Mbps and 583.15 Mbps from 50 and 25 feet, respectively.
all making use of the 5GHz band.

This is a remarkable modem/router combination performance that will support more than a dozen simultaneous 4K streaming.

The CAX80 has a good range as well, with a maximum range of 90 to 100 feet.
For all but the biggest residences, this will be sufficient.

The CAX80’s lack of further functions is its main drawback.
Parental Controls and QoS are absent from it.

Additionally, it’s really a bit much for you with a plan that is lower than the Ultimate 500 Mbps plan.

All things considered, the Netgear CAX80 is a high-performing gateway ideal for you if you have a busy home network with the Cox Gigablast 940 Mbps plan.

Pros

  • Future-proof
  • Very fast
  • Good range

Cons

  • Lacks features
  • Costly

ARRIS SURFboard SBG10 DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem

Modem routers from ARRIS are among the greatest options to consider if you’re searching for a modem router combo that you can use at your company because this manufacturer is well-known for producing dependable and feature-rich products.

The second spot on this list is unquestionably deserved by this SURFboard modem router due to its excellent construction and reasonable price.

For those with a budget of about $100, the SBG10 is the ideal modem router.

The fact that it supports cable internet plans up to 400Mbps and has 16 downstream and 4 upstream channels is fantastic.

So, if you have a Cox subscription, you won’t be let down at all by this DOCSIS 3.0 modem router.

On the other hand, it also has an AC1600 dual-band WiFi router with up to 1600 Mbps of wireless speed.

At the rear of the gadget, there are also 2 Gigabit Ethernet connections in case you wish to set up a wired connection to your PC or laptop.

Aside from that, the SURFboard Manager mobile app support makes the device’s setup incredibly simple.

Pros

  • Durable and elegant design
  • Fast performance
  • Connection stability is good

Cons

  • Not compatible with DSL

NETGEAR Cable Modem CM500

One of the greatest brands to choose from if you currently have a router at home and want to upgrade to a new modem is Netgear.

The NETGEAR Cable Modem CM500 is one of the most reasonably priced alternatives for modems that you can use with your Cox internet connection, so you should give it a look.

It is the most flexible modem option available because it connects and operates with any Wi-Fi router without a hitch.

The maximum speed that can be provided by this DOCSIS 3.0 modem is 400Mbps, but only if you have a Spectrum connection.

If you want a modem for regular home use, the 150Mbps plans supported by the Cox connection are sufficient.

In addition, this modem comes with a single Gigabit Ethernet connector that you can use to either connect to your PC directly or a Wi-Fi router.

Pros

  • Sleek vertical design
  • Easy to set up
  • Works with all Wi-Fi routers

Cons

  • Does not have an inbuilt router

Arris SURFboard (16×4) Docsis 3.0 Cable Modem Plus

The next item on the list is yet another fantastic modem router combination from ARRIS’s SURFboard range, which you should take a look at if you use the internet a lot on a regular basis.

Although this modem router is a touch pricey, the high build quality and incredible wifi speed more than make up for it.

If the modem is an issue for you, it also contains a DOCSIS 3.0 modem that is comparable to the SURFboard modem router we previously mentioned.

The good news is that you may use any of the 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports on this cable modem to receive download rates of up to 686 Mbps.

In addition, it has one of the best AC1900 dual-band routers, which, combined with such a potent modem, creates an excellent combo.

While the 16 downstream & 4 upstream bonded channels give you the greatest internet connectivity, the dual-band router’s wide coverage lets you take advantage of excellent speeds throughout your entire home.

Additionally, you can effortlessly set up and maintain your device with the SURFboard Manager app.

Pros

  • Simple and sleek design
  • Has a USB port at the front
  • Works with all leading ISP connections

Cons

  • Slightly expensive

ASUS Modem Router Combo – All-in-One DOCSIS 3.0

Despite the fact that ASUS is not traditionally a router brand, it nevertheless has some incredible routers that are perfect for gamers both in terms of performance and aesthetics.

This modem router has a very attractive design, and the four external antennae give it a more modern appearance.

If you use the internet frequently, having a DOCSIS 3.0 328 cable modem and an AC2500 Wi-Fi 5 router is an excellent combination to have.

The 4 Gigabit Ethernet connections that are provided on the rear of this modem router should therefore be used without a doubt.

Being a dual-band router, you can benefit from fast wifi speeds on the 5GHz band and incredible coverage of up to 5000 square feet on the 2.4GHz band.

It is ideal if you want to stream 4K material or play online games because it can attain cable rates of up to 1.3 Gbps.

Additionally, it allows file sharing, printer sharing, and 3G/4G sharing thanks to the two USB ports on the back.

Factors to Consider before Purchasing the Best Router for Cox

You must be sick of having to pay the modem and router’s monthly leasing charge if you use Cox’s internet services. If you build your own modem router, though, you can actually save a tonne of money.

Having said that, we’ve already covered a few of the top modem-router sets that are compatible with Cox’s internet service. If you are unfamiliar with the features and elements of routers, we will go through them all in our buying guide. Therefore, you should study this buying advice through to the finish if you are having trouble deciding which router is ideal for you.

Speed

One of the most important features to look for when purchasing a modem-router combo is speed.
Here, you must determine whether the modem can support the speed of your internet plan in addition to the router’s wireless data transmission capacity. Since Cox offers a variety of internet packages, if you chose a 200 Mbps package, you should get a modem router that can handle at least 200 Mbps. You won’t be able to make full use of the modem otherwise.

Number of Bands

Wireless signals are transmitted through network bands in Wi-Fi routers. Single-band and dual-band routers are often available at more economical price levels. While 2.4GHz is the sole band used by single-band routers. In addition to the 2.4GHz band, dual-band routers also have a 5GHz band.

The 2.4GHz band typically supports moderate speeds but has a greater reach, whereas the 5GHz band is the exact reverse. Although it has less coverage, the 5GHz frequency often carries higher bandwidth.
Consequently, if you have a good internet package and a dual-band router, using Wi-Fi when near the router will result in faster rates.

Therefore, dual-band routers are preferable to single-band routers if you want a better and faster Wi-Fi experience.

Coverage Area

It might not be as crucial for you to verify the coverage area if you are purchasing a router for your home office. However, if you’re looking for a router to use at home, the router’s coverage area is quite important. You may quickly check the router’s coverage area and compare it to the area of your home to choose which router is ideal for you.

With respectable coverage areas ranging from 1200 square feet to 5000 square feet, we have included a number of alternatives in the list. It’s crucial to keep in mind that choosing a router with a larger coverage area than the actual region where you’ll be utilizing it will help you get better signal range without running into wifi dead zones.

Connectivity Ports

The connectivity ports on the router might be a consideration if you have a PC setup at home. No matter how strong the router’s wireless connectivity is, any PC user will still prefer a cable connection because it is more dependable, stable, and swift.

Therefore, you should always check the router’s Ethernet port availability. Additionally, ensure that the ports are Gigabit Ethernet ports since they can handle up to 1Gbps of traffic.

On the other hand, having USB ports on the router is essential if you want to exchange data on the network by connecting your hard drive or a printer device in your office.

Additional Features

You can search for cutting-edge technologies like Beamforming, Power Boost, Parental Controls, MU-MIMO, etc. when it comes to the extra features associated with modem routers. All of these modern features and technologies contribute to the connection’s increased stability and dependability.


Other than that, setting up a modem router is another process that most people find challenging.
The setup procedure becomes simpler and less difficult for everyone if you get a router that supports a specific mobile application.

DOCSIS

As you may already be aware, Cox offers a variety of internet services, some of which even come with speeds of up to 1Gbps. However, if you have a plan with a maximum download speed of 200 Mbps, any DOCSIS 3.0 compatible modem will function flawlessly for you. However, the most recent version of DOCSIS is currently 3.1, which is faster and more dependable.

Therefore, if you subscribe to any Cox Gigabit internet package, you must use a modem that supports the DOCSIS 3.1 standard. You can still get a DOCSIS 3.1 modem even if you don’t currently have a gigabit plan because they are typically backward compatible. Additionally, you won’t need to purchase a new modem if you decide to upgrade your internet package in the future.

FAQs

What is a Router for Cox?

Cox Communications sells proprietary equipment to consumers that sign up for their internet plans, similar to the majority of internet service providers (ISPs). Depending on your plan, you might get a modem or a modem router.

In addition to providing five custom gateways and modems suited to the various internet plans they provide, Cox also offers high-speed and fiber. The fact that Cox uses a modem to link a customer’s local area network (LAN) to internet service is also significant to notice.

As a result, consumers who subscribe to high-speed internet have a choice between using a third-party modem or the modem-router combination device provided by Cox. Additionally, customers should choose a modem-router combo device if they want to access wireless networks.

Although Cox does permit customers to utilize outside routers, those routers must adhere to certain technical requirements. The same is true for routers for Google Fiber, Frontier Fios, and Xfinity; they must meet particular requirements to be compatible.

To find out which modems and modem-router combos are compatible with which internet services, current, and potential Cox customers can check the Cox website. You won’t be charged a monthly rental cost if you want to use a third-party modem/modem-router combination, just like other ISPs. You will also be solely responsible for identifying and resolving any problems with your equipment.

Why You Should Buy a Router for Cox?

Even though the monthly fees for renting a modem and router seem like a tiny sum, they pile up over time. More importantly, the majority of routers offered by ISPs are not of the highest caliber. So upgrading to a better third-party modem-router set is a smart move if you want to get the most out of your Cox internet service.

Is a Router for Cox Worth Buying?

You Don’t Want to Pay the Rental Fees:

At the time of publication, a Cox modem-router gateway cost $12 per month. While $12 a month may not seem like much, over the course of a year or even several years, the costs mount.

You Want a More Robust Router:

Better quality of service (QoS), improved MU-MIMO, or beamforming are not features that are typically found in routers provided by ISPs. A third-party router will typically be more beneficial for customers who don’t want to suffer from slowness, buffering, or throttling.

You Want a Future-proof Router:

Nothing is worse than paying for a service that you can’t use as intended when your router is slower than your internet plan. Choosing a router that not only supports speeds far quicker than your current plan but also has more robust functionality assures that your router won’t frustrate you if and when Cox improves the speed of your plan.

How Long Will a Router for Cox Last?

You can typically expect to get three to five years of daily use out of a router before it has to be upgraded, whether you use a Cox-approved modem or gateway or a third-party wi-fi router.
Typically, this occurs as a result of newer equipment becoming obsolete due to technological advancements in internet connectivity.

Of course, if you’re having connectivity problems, such as being unable to connect wirelessly at all or suffering a lot of latency or buffering, it’s time to get a new wireless router.

How to Choose a Router for Cox?

When purchasing a third-party solution to access Cox’s internet services, keep in mind that, in most situations, you’ll require a modem-router combination. Additionally, only DOCSIS 3.0 or 3.1 modems are compatible with Cox’s internet service. Regardless of the ISP you use, other selection criteria would be comparable.

Is it better to buy your own router?

Usually, the response is yes.
Remember that you are paying a monthly rental gateway fee for the length of your Cox internet package.
Most of the time, users may discover a high-quality router that is also affordable between $50 and $200.
Despite the initial expense, keep in mind that it is only one time.

You can buy a router more than once if you sign up for an internet service for numerous years and rent the necessary equipment.

Conclusion:

Therefore, if you’ve read this post up to this point, you’ve probably seen every one of the top routers for Cox that we’ve listed for you. In the list, we have attempted to mix up and include all the finest routers in different price ranges so that you may discover a great router for yourself according to your budget.

You can quickly compare and select the top product from the list because we also included all of the key qualities of each item. You can also use the purchase guide as assistance if you’re having trouble choosing a router. We have a few solid suggestions for you all if asked to choose the top three choices from the list:

The NETGEAR Cable Modem WiFi Router Combo C6220 is the best option if you are not a heavy internet user and need something economical because it is compatible with practically all ISPs, including Cox.
It offers powerful wireless network access with 1200 Mbps speed in a 1200 sq. ft. coverage area and is compatible with cable plans up to 200 Mbps.

If you’re looking for a modem router with faster speeds, take a look at the ARRIS SURFboard SBG10 DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem & AC1600 Dual Band Wi-Fi Router, which supports cable plans up to 400 Mbps and offers rates of up to 1600 Mbps.

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *