Best Dual-Band Modems of 2026
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Dual-band modems are a popular choice for those looking to upgrade their home network. These modems operate on both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies, allowing for faster and more reliable internet connections. With the ability to handle multiple devices and heavy data traffic, dual-band modems are ideal for households with multiple users and devices. They are compatible with most internet service providers and offer a range of features such as parental controls, guest networks, and easy setup. Overall, dual-band modems are a great investment for those looking to improve their internet experience at home.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 9 Dual-Band Modems
Motorola MT7711 Cable Modem/Router with Phone Ports
The Motorola MT7711 is a three-in-one cable modem with a built-in high-speed router and two XFINITY Voice compatible phone ports. It is approved by Comcast for use with Xfinity Internet and Voice services and can eliminate up to $156 per year in cable modem rental fees. The wireless power boost feature improves speed and range for better performance on WiFi devices. Four Gigabit Ethernet ports provide wired connections to computers and other Ethernet devices.
NETGEAR Nighthawk CM1200 Cable Modem
The NETGEAR Nighthawk CM1200 Cable Modem is compatible with all major cable internet providers with internet speed up to 2Gbps. It works with any WiFi router, allowing you to connect any WiFi router to this modem's Ethernet port to support all your wireless devices. It also saves monthly rental fees, replacing your cable modem, and has four Gigabit Ethernet ports to give you fast wired connections to your devices. Additionally, the modem technology is engineered with 32x8 channel bonding, OFDM 2x2, DOCSIS 3.1, and multi-gig Ethernet, link aggregation combines two 1G ports into one 2G port for faster wired ethernet speed.
ARRIS Surfboard G36 DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem & AX3000 Wi-Fi Router
The ARRIS Surfboard G36 DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem & AX3000 Wi-Fi Router is a two-in-one product that saves money by reducing cable modem rental fees up to $168 per year. It is compatible with most U.S. cable internet service providers, including Cox, Spectrum, Xfinity, and others. The modem technology is DOCSIS 3.1, 10 times faster than DOCSIS 3.0, provides better security, reduces lag while gaming, and enables multi-gig networking. The setup is simple and secure, and you'll get enhanced parental controls through the SURFboard Central App. The router technology includes four 1-Gigabit and one 2.5-Gigabit ethernet port with Wi-Fi 6 speeds up to 3 Gbps. The product also comes with a two-year limited warranty from ARRIS.
ZyXEL C3000Z Dual-Band Modem
The ZyXEL C3000Z Modem offers impressive features that enhance your internet experience. With its bonded VDSL2 support and vectoring technology, you can enjoy faster speeds and extended range, making it ideal for homes with multiple devices. Its dedicated Gigabit Ethernet WAN/LAN port allows for easy connectivity, providing flexibility for your network setup. The dual-band Wi-Fi delivers high speeds of up to 1.7 Gbps on 5GHz and 450 Mbps on 2.4GHz, ensuring smooth streaming and browsing. Plus, enhanced security features keep your network safe from malicious threats, giving you peace of mind while online.
ScreenBeam Centurylink C3000A Modem Router
The ScreenBeam C3000A Router offers smart Wi-Fi that automatically switches your devices between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, helping you get the best connection without any hassle. It supports the latest security standards like WPA3 and EasyConnect, so your network stays safe from threats. Thanks to its 802.11AC technology, you can enjoy smooth gaming and HD streaming without lag or buffering. Plus, the dual-band setup lets you stream, browse, and game on multiple devices at once without interruptions, making your internet experience fast and reliable.
Arris G36-RB Cable Modem Router
The Arris G36-RB Router offers a fast and reliable internet connection, perfect for streaming your favorite shows, gaming online, and browsing smoothly. It uses the latest DOCSIS 3.1 technology, which means you get quicker speeds and better security, making your online experience safer and more enjoyable. With Wi-Fi 6 support, this router provides strong dual-band coverage, so you can enjoy faster wireless performance throughout your entire home. Plus, it works seamlessly with major internet providers like Xfinity, Spectrum, and Cox, ensuring easy setup and compatibility without hassle.
ZyXEL C3000Z Modem
The ZyXEL C3000Z Modem is a CenturyLink router with both 802.11n and 802.11ac Wi-Fi capabilities. The included UMEC UP0251M-12PA AC Adapter provides power.
NETGEAR Nighthawk CAX30 Modem Router
The NETGEAR Nighthawk CAX30 offers impressive compatibility with major cable providers, allowing you to enjoy internet speeds up to 2Gbps. With coverage extending up to 2,500 square feet, you can connect up to 25 devices simultaneously, making it ideal for busy households. The four Gig Ethernet ports and one USB port provide versatile connectivity for your computers and gaming consoles. Plus, setting up your network is a breeze with the Nighthawk app, where you can manage settings and monitor your data usage effortlessly.
SZSEVSIOT MMDVM Duplex Hotspot for Raspberry Pi Zero W
The SZSEVSIOT Duplex Hotspot offers the latest MMDVM Duplex firmware, allowing you to connect easily with popular digital voice modes like DMR, D-STAR, P25, C4FM, and YSF. This makes it a versatile choice for your digital radio needs. Setup is straightforward because the Pi-Star software comes preloaded on the TF card, saving you time and effort. You can use it with UHF and VHF frequencies, making it compatible with a wide range of radios. The duplex mode means you can transmit and receive on different frequencies simultaneously, enhancing your communication experience. Plus, it comes with a micro USB cable so you can power it using a power bank, laptop, or even your vehicle, giving you mobility and convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is dual-band in modem?
Dual-band routers are routers which are capable of transmitting and receiving data using both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies, either simultaneously or one at a time.
2. Is a dual-band modem better?
Dual-band routers are more efficient, have longer range, are less prone to interference from household devices, such as microwaves and older cordless phones, and are faster. However, this efficiency is maximized when using 5 GHz compatible devices.
3. Do you need a modem with a dual-band router?
The Modem is not Dual band. The WiFi router has dual Band. You get two WiFi networks, one at 2.4 and another 5. If you already have a Dual Band router that you are using with a Cable Modem, then you do not need this.
4. Which is better single band or dual-band router?
A Single-band router uses the 2.4GHz band and is limited to one wireless signal. A Dual-band router uses two bands: 2.4GHz and 5GHz, which means that they transmit two simultaneous wireless signals, providing better performance, and compared to a single-band router, a dual-band router is easier to set up.
During our dual-band modem research, we found 24 dual-band modem products and shortlisted 9 quality products. We collected and analyzed 92,732 customer reviews through our big data system to write the dual-band modems list. We found that most customers choose dual-band modems with an average price of $136.27.
The dual-band modems are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of dual-band modems, including Motorola, NETGEAR, ARRIS, ZYXEL, ScreenBeam. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 52 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.
Mike Davis is a professionally trained electrician with six years of working experience in the electronics industry. He has written an array of web and mobile-based articles for e-magazines and blogs. He loves trying out some novel and popular gadgets and his expertise is in the areas of electronics and computers which is built over many years of working and personal experiences.