The Best Routers for Xfinity Internet: Maximum Speed, Performance and Coverage
If you‘re an Xfinity Internet customer, you know that having a high-quality router is essential for getting the most out of your connection. Xfinity delivers some of the fastest speeds available, but if your router isn‘t up to par, you could be missing out on the full potential of your service.
Xfinity employs the latest DOCSIS 3.1 technology, which supports gigabit speeds over cable lines. To take advantage of these blazing fast speeds, you need a router with advanced technologies like Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), MU-MIMO, beamforming, and more. The router is the gateway that takes the incoming signal from your modem and broadcasts it throughout your home. The better the router, the better your coverage, speed, reliability and overall experience will be.
When shopping for an Xfinity-compatible router, the main factors to consider are:
- Wi-Fi standard (Wi-Fi 6 and 6E offer the latest and greatest)
- Speed and bandwidth (look for gigabit speeds and dual- or tri-band designs)
- Range and coverage (multiple antennae and high-powered amplifiers help)
- Ethernet ports (you‘ll want at least 4 for connecting wired devices)
- Security (look for WPA3 support and automatic updates)
- Features (goodies like multi-gig ports, VPN servers and anti-malware are nice bonuses)
- Price (expect to pay $150-$500 for a top-tier router)
- Ease of setup and management
With those criteria in mind, let‘s take a closer look at the 5 best routers for Xfinity customers:
- ASUS RT-AX88U
The ASUS RT-AX88U is an absolute powerhouse and our top overall pick. This Wi-Fi 6 router delivers blistering speeds up to 6Gbps and provides exceptional range thanks to its 8 external antennae. With a 2.5Gbps Ethernet port, you can finally maximize your speed on wired devices too.
Under the hood, the RT-AX88U boasts a 1.8GHz quad-core processor to optimize performance. The router intelligently directs bandwidth to devices that need it the most for smooth streaming and gaming. You also get advanced features like OFDMA and MU-MIMO to improve efficiency on busy networks.
One standout element is the ASUS AiProtection Pro security suite that protects your entire network from external threats. Considering all you get, the $350 price tag is reasonable for those seeking uncompromising performance.
- TP-Link Archer AX6000
Xfinity speed demons will love the TP-Link Archer AX6000. This 8-stream Wi-Fi 6 device blazes along with speeds up to 5952Mbps. Its combination of MU-MIMO, OFDMA, and 1024-QAM promises to deliver faster throughput to every device. And with a 2.5Gbps WAN port, 8 LAN ports, and USB-C, wired connectivity is top-notch too.
Alexa voice controls and TP-Link‘s powerful yet intuitive Tether app make managing the AX6000 a breeze. You can set up a guest network, create profiles for each user, see what devices are hogging bandwidth, run speed tests, and much more.
You‘ll pay $300 for the AX6000, but it‘s an excellent value considering the raw power and robust feature set you get. For large homes with many connected devices, it‘s one of the best options available.
- Netgear Nighthawk RAX120
The Nighthawk RAX120 embodies blazing speed and futuristic style. This dual-band Wi-Fi 6 device pairs a quad-core processor with Netgear‘s Dyanamic QoS, Smart Connect, and Beamforming+ to deliver optimized performance on even the busiest networks.
One unique feature is support for 160MHz channels, which allows capable devices to achieve faster speeds. There‘s also a multi-gig 5Gbps Ethernet port and a 2-port USB hub for expandability. The RAX120 also works with Netgear‘s Orbi satellite units if you need additional coverage.
All this tech doesn‘t come cheap – expect to pay around $400. But consider that an investment in uncompromising speed and performance. For Xfinity gigabit customers, the RAX120 is a top choice.
- Google Nest Wifi
Not everyone needs bleeding-edge specs. For average users who prize simplicity, security and coverage, the Google Nest Wifi is a winning choice. This mesh system provides seamless coverage up to 3800 square feet. You can easily expand coverage by adding more units.
The Nest Wifi‘s strength lies in its easy setup and robust security. You can manage your entire network from the excellent Google Home app, which lets you prioritize certain devices, create guest networks, and monitor usage. Three years of automatic security updates come included for free.
At $269 for a 2-pack, Nest Wifi is pricier than some top-performing standard routers. But for those who want hassle-free whole-home coverage and a secure connection, Nest Wifi is hard to beat.
- TP-Link Archer AX21
Rounding out our list is a budget-friendly performer, the TP-Link Archer AX21. At just $100, it‘s one of the most affordable Wi-Fi 6 routers you can buy. But don‘t let the low price fool you – the AX21 can reach speeds up to 1.8Gbps and covers homes up to 2500 square feet.
You get all the core Wi-Fi 6 features here like OFDMA, TWT, and 1024-QAM. The AX21 can even integrate with TP-Link‘s OneMesh extenders for expanded coverage. What‘s missing are advanced options like QoS, multiple Ethernet ports, and security software. But the AX21 nails the basics.
So while it may not satisfy speed freaks or those with palatial homes, the AX21 is a smart pick for smaller spaces. If you want to upgrade to Wi-Fi 6 without breaking the bank, the AX21 gets the job done.
Choosing the Best Xfinity Router for You
With so many great options, which router should you choose? Here are some suggestions for common scenarios:
- Best for gigabit speed plans: ASUS RT-AX88U or TP-Link AX6000
- Best for large homes: Netgear Nighthawk RAX120 or Google Nest Wifi
- Best for gamers: ASUS RT-AX88U
- Best mesh system: Google Nest Wifi
- Best value: TP-Link Archer AX21
In general, if you have an Xfinity plan with speeds of 600Mbps or higher, it‘s worth investing in a premium Wi-Fi 6 router to make the most of your connection. For average internet users on 200-400Mbps plans, a high-quality budget router like the Archer AX21 should suffice.
Once you‘ve chosen your ideal router, be sure to follow best practices for placement and configuration. Avoid placing the router near metal objects or appliances. Elevate the router off the ground if possible. If your router has one, enable the Smart Connect feature to automatically direct devices to the ideal frequency band.
If you have a very large home (over 3000 square feet) or one with an unusual layout, you may need to pair your router with range extenders or opt for a mesh system. Fortunately, most of the routers on this list are extendable.
By choosing the right router and optimizing your home network setup, you‘ll be able to enjoy the full power and potential of your Xfinity connection. Whether you‘re streaming 4K video, gaming online, or just browsing the web, a top-notch router will provide the speed, coverage and reliability you need. So don‘t settle for a budget router – invest in one of these five fantastic options and unleash the true capabilities of Xfinity.