How We Ranked the 5 Best Routers for Xfinity

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By

Evan Shephard Avatar

Reviewed By

Evan Shephard
Updated Jun 19, 2024 4:21 PM
best router for xfinity guide that shows the top best router model

A whopping 75% of electronic and appliance reviews are untrustworthy. That’s why every reviewer gets a Trust Rating so our True Score System filters out the fake reviews. See how we do it.

When selecting the best routers for Xfinity, key factors include Wi-Fi speed, range, and ease of use. Look for routers that support a minimum of 50 Mbps on 2.4 GHz and 200 Mbps on 5 GHz, ensuring reliable connections for high-bandwidth activities like streaming and gaming. We evaluated 43 routers, analyzing 193,729 reviews to filter out unreliable feedback, and certified the testing of each product.

Our approach ensures accuracy by using our data-driven True Score, focusing on verified performance and excluding fake and low-quality reviews. Five routers stood out, demonstrating superior performance and reliability, making them excellent routers for Xfinity users​​​​.

How Did We Rank the Best Routers for Xfinity?

To create our buying guide for the best routers for Xfinity, we examined testing methods and customer reviews from over 200 sites. Our analysis distilled which criteria matter most for Xfinity routers. We identified 2 required test results, 2 nice-to-have features, and 1 must-have specification. By scrutinizing expert reviews and evaluating critical pain points, we ensure our recommendations meet the highest standards. Our true score system integrates all this data, providing you with the most accurate router rankings for Xfinity.

Our commitment to unbiased reviews is powered by our ‘True Score’ system, targeting low-quality and fake reviews. When you shop through our links, you’re backing our mission. Dive deeper to see how.

?️ Minimum Specifications

  • Must work with Xfinity

? Test Criteria

  • 2.4 GHz Download Speed: A download speed on the 2.4 GHz band of at least 50 Mbits.
  • 5 GHz Download Speed: A download speed on the 5 GHz band of at least 200 Mbits.

? “Nice To Haves”

  • Router Range: A range of at least 50 feet before the signal from the router begins to become noticeably weaker.
  • Latency: A latency of 30 ms or less.

Latest Updates

  • 06/19/2024: Republished the list to include the best routers for Xfinity based on our True Score system.

Top Routers for Xfinity For 2024

Prices accurate at the time of publishing

See how we test the testers

  • Runner Up

    Best Value

    Best Budget

    gr recommended award

    Best Mid-Range

    Netgear Nighthawk RAXE300

    • Best For Vpn

    Netgear Nighthawk RAXE300 is outstanding for Xfinity users who enjoy gaming and streaming. It offers fast speeds and low latency for a smooth online experience.

    Netgear Nighthawk RAXE300 Review →

    True Score

    84
    82
    9

    Experts

    90
    4k

    Customers

    SAVE $130
    $399.99
    $269.97
  • Runner Up

    Best Value

    Best Budget

    gr recommended award

    Best Mid-Range

    Asus RT-AX86S

    • Best For Long Range

    Asus RT-AX86S is fantastic for users in large homes, offering solid 5 GHz connectivity for heavy online activities.

    Asus RT-AX86S Review →

    True Score

    83
    83
    3

    Experts

    89
    1k

    Customers

    SAVE $116
    $240.72
    $124.99
  • Runner Up

    Best Value

    Best Budget

    gr recommended award

    Best Mid-Range

    Asus ROG GT6 Mesh

    • Best For Streaming

    Asus ROG GT6 Mesh is ideal for users with large spaces or content creators, offering fast uploads and extensive coverage for a smooth online experience.

    Asus ROG GT6 Mesh Review →

    True Score

    82
    82
    6

    Experts

    86
    4k

    Customers

    $303.95
  • Runner Up

    Best Value

    Best Budget

    gr recommended award

    Best Mid-Range

    TP-Link Archer AXE75

    • Best For Secure

    TP-Link Archer AXE75 is ideal for Xfinity customers in medium homes, offering cost-effective, efficient tri-band Wi-Fi for streaming and gaming.

    TP-Link Archer AXE75 Review →

    True Score

    81
    80
    4

    Experts

    86
    2k

    Customers

    SAVE $4
    $159.00
    $155.00
  • Runner Up

    Best Value

    Best Budget

    gr recommended award

    Best Mid-Range

    Eero Max 7

    • Best For Fiber Optic

    Eero Max 7 is great for Xfinity users needing fast Wi-Fi, especially for streaming, gaming, and smart homes, with top-tier 6 GHz performance.

    Eero Max 7 Review →

    True Score

    80
    79
    7

    Experts

    86
    264

    Customers

    $599.99

Which Criteria Matters for Testing Best Routers for Xfinity?

By focusing on these criteria (2 required, 2 nice to have), anyone can quickly and easily compare these routers and how they’ll perform. This helps you make an informed decision and purchase a router that will meet your needs.

CRITERIARANGEREQUIREDDEFINITION
2.4 GHz Download Speed> 50 Mbits/sYesThe maximum speed that the router can reach when downloading on the 2.4 GHz band.
5 GHz Download Speed> 200 Mbits/sYesThe maximum speed that the router can reach when downloading on the 5 GHz band.
Router Range > 50 ftNo (Nice to have)How far a device can be from a router before the signal starts degrading. It is worth noting that 2.4 GHz reaches further than 5 GHz.
Latency< 40 msNo (Nice to have)The delay that is created by a signal being sent by the router and then received.

Our Trusted Data Sources

We looked at 120+ router reviewers and found that 46 are trustworthy (60%+ Trust Rating). The three we have listed below are our most trusted for routers.

  1. James Morris – Kit Guru, LinkedIn
  2. Matt Spencer – TechGearLab, LinkedIn
  3. Brian Nadel – Tom’s Guide, MuckRack

Interested in a comprehensive analysis of our data sources? We’ve got you covered. Below, you’ll find a detailed list of every router review website we’ve identified, organized by their respective Trust Ratings from highest to lowest. But we didn’t stop there. We’ve meticulously reviewed each publication and verified the data by checking whether the authors have bio links to MuckRack or LinkedIn. We’re committed to not only checking the facts but ensuring their veracity.

Router Test Data & Results

Disclaimer:

Evaluating router performance is more than hardware analysis. While hardware tests are straightforward, the challenge lies in contextualizing the results within the limits of real-world usage. Routers operate under conditions that testers cannot fully standardize, including variations in Internet Service Providers (ISPs), network traffic congestion, discrepancies between advertised and actual internet speeds, and the physical layout of homes. These factors introduce a degree of unpredictability, making it hard to draw universal conclusions. As such, our router recommendations aim to provide useful general guidance, accommodating a wide range of home environments and internet setups.

1. 2.4 GHz Upload Speed (Mbits/s)

Upload speed is just the reverse of download speed. Instead of pulling down info, you’re uploading it. This is common when uploading documents or photos to a website, or when you’re streaming content to a platform, like Twitch.

Generally speaking, your upload speed is going to be limited more by your ISP than by your router, because bandwidth is a two-way street when it comes to routers. Pulling 100 MBits down means you should be able to push 100 MBits up, but if your ISP throttles your upload, then it doesn’t matter if your router allows for a full gigabit up, you can only go as fast as the “speed” limit allows. It’s for that reason we set 2.4 GHz upload limits at 50 Mbits, but in reality, anything you can get is acceptable, since this band isn’t – and shouldn’t – be used for anything that requires real speed.

2.4 GHz Upload Speed (Mbits/s; higher is better; 0 = No Data)

2. 5 GHz Download Speed (Mbits/s)

The much faster 5 GHz band offers up much greater bandwidth and is much, much better at meeting high-speed demands. Streaming high-quality video, using streaming services, gaming, downloading large files and games – the 5 GHz band is what makes all of these activities quick and bearable. It reaches a lower range than the 2.4 GHz band, but it’s also much faster, so you’ll use it more, especially on newer devices that actually support the band.

Given how much you’ll be using this band, we recommend a speed of at least 200 Mbits/s to ensure you’re able to enjoy streaming and gaming on at least a few devices simultaneously. Any lower and you start to run into real bottleneck concerns, such as endless buffering, lagging, or drops in connection.

5 GHz Download Speed (Mbits/s; higher is better; 0 = No Data)

3. Router Range (ft)

Router range is exactly what the name suggests: how far can you get from the router before you start experiencing issues with your connection? The complicating factor is the simple fact that range depends on the band you’re using. 2.4 GHz is a band that offers greater range, so it gives tests results that show a greater range than tests that use the 5 GHz band. In general, our research found most publications used the 5 GHz band, so our recommendations are based on that.

As such, we recommend your router have a range of at least 50 ft. This gives you a good “bubble” around the router that you can connect to, but it’s important to know that things like the walls in your home can cause issues. Thicker walls block more signal, thinner walls block less. Some materials will also do a better job than others will at stopping signal, so if you see a router with a range of 65 ft, know that it might not reach that far in your home. It could reach further – or not nearly as far. This is also why you get dead zones in your home – it’s a matter of geometry and materials.

Router Range (ft; higher is better; 0 = No Data)

4. Latency (ms)

On a router, latency refers to how long it takes for the router to send out and receive a signal. The longer it takes, the more delay there is between you sending and receiving data, which can introduce lag in video games and also makes video conferencing harder since the person you’re speaking with now has to contend with your delay and vice versa. If you’ve ever spent a call talking over someone because you don’t know they started talking a second ago, that’s latency.

For that reason, we recommend a latency below 30 ms. As low as you can get it is obviously preferable, but latency is another aspect of your internet connection that is hard to manage. Latency differs to every single place you connect to, and every ISP has its own latency they “add” because you have to connect to their service too. Latency creeps in from your ISP, from the site you’re requesting data from, from your router, and from your own onboard Wi-Fi antenna – and that’s just to name a few sources. If you’re gaming, you also have a delay introduced by your connection to game servers and the delay that exists on a hardware level when you input commands.

Latency (ms; lower is better; 0 = No Data)

Best Routers for Xfinity: Mistakes To Avoid

  1. Ignoring Compatibility: Not all routers are compatible with Xfinity services. Make sure the router you choose supports Xfinity’s specifications, including DOCSIS standards for cable internet or compatibility with Xfinity’s fiber-optic services.

  2. Overlooking Speed Requirements: Consider the speed tier of your Xfinity plan and ensure the router you select can handle it. Opting for a router with lower capabilities than your plan may result in slower internet speeds and diminished performance.

  3. Neglecting Dual-Band or Tri-Band Support: Xfinity networks operate on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies. Dual-band or tri-band routers allow for better distribution of devices and traffic, reducing congestion and improving overall performance.

  4. Ignoring Coverage Needs: Assess the size of your home or office space and choose a router with adequate coverage. Factors such as building materials and layout can affect Wi-Fi range. Mesh systems or routers with strong antennas may be necessary for larger areas.

The Best Routers for Xfinity Tests Compared

Product
True Score
2.4 GHz D/L Speed
5 Ghz D/L Speed
6 GHz D/L Speed
Range
Latency
84
  • 221.65 Mbits/s

  • 851.59 Mbits/s

  • 756.81 Mbits/s

  • 170 ft

  • 5 ms

$269.97
$400
$130

Asus RT-AX86S

  • Best for Long Range

83
  • 89 Mbits/s

  • 563 Mbits/s

  • 0

  • 140 ft

  • 15 ms

$124.99
$241
$116

Asus ROG GT6 Mesh

  • Best for Streaming

82
  • 139.35 Mbits/s

  • 701.28 Mbits/s

  • 0

  • 95 ft

  • 21.89 ms

$303.95

TP-Link Archer AXE75

  • Best for Secure

81
  • 65.05 Mbits/s

  • 309.1 Mbits/s

  • 317.9 Mbits/s

  • 60 ft

  • 9 ms

$155.00
$159
$4

Eero Max 7

  • Best for Fiber Optic

80
  • 95.9 Mbits/s

  • 1,078.48 Mbits/s

  • 1,222.5 Mbits/s

  • 90 ft

  • 7 ms

$599.99

Xfinity Router Questions (FAQ)

What features should I look for in the best router for Xfinity?

When selecting the best router for Xfinity, look for features such as high-speed performance, dual-band or tri-band support, compatibility with Xfinity's services, robust security protocols, and easy setup. Ensure the router supports the latest Wi-Fi standards (like Wi-Fi 6E or 7) for optimal performance and future-proofing.

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