Are you an Xfinity Internet customer searching for a router upgrade that will better handle your home‘s demands for streaming, gaming, video calls and more devices?
Selecting the right router tailored to your priorities and budget is key to enjoying faster wireless speeds, wider coverage, strong security and robust connectivity from basement to bedroom.
In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll explain what capabilities to look for in an Xfinity router and recommend the top-rated models in different categories to give your home network a major boost.
What To Look For In An Xfinity Router
While renting a combination modem/router from your Internet Service Provider often works fine for basic web browsing and light streaming, they usually lag behind standalone consumer routers in terms of wireless performance, features and controls.
Upgrading to a quality third-party router opens up many more advanced networking options so you can better customize your WiFi to meet household needs.
Here are some key factors to evaluate when shopping routers to pair with your Xfinity plan:
WiFi Standards
The latest WiFi 6 and 6E standards enable faster maximum speeds, increased bandwidth capacity, lower latency and more simultaneous device connections compared to WiFi 5. This future-proofs your network.
But you need other WiFi 6/6E hardware to enjoy the full benefits. Still, supporting these standards helps eliminate congestion and ensures the router won‘t become a wireless bottleneck.
Speeds
While a router‘s advertised maximum speeds generally exceed most consumer internet plans, higher throughput numbers do provide headroom to support faster tiers in the future.
For current use, focus on routers able to sustain the speeds your Xfinity plan delivers wirelessly to multiple devices simultaneously.
Range
Home size and construction are key factors. More antennas and amplifiers extend how far WiFi can cover reliably from a single router location.
Mesh systems also facilitate wider reaching networks via multiple access point nodes balanced by intelligent backhaul links.
Device Connections
Support for at least 25-50 simultaneous connections easily handles normal households. Larger homes with 100+ devices may require higher capacity hardware.
Port Capabilities
Multiple gigabit LAN ports allow connecting more wired devices like smart TVs, streaming sticks and gaming consoles.
WAN ports beyond standard gigabit enable multi-gig plan support down the road.
Network Security
Robust encryption like WPA3 and extra firewall protections are expected in quality routers. Pay attention to additional security capabilities offered as well like IoT device scanning, breach detection and notification.
The Best Routers For Xfinity Internet
Now that you know what specs and features to evaluate in a new Xfinity router, here are my top recommendations across five categories:
1. Overall Winner: TP-Link Archer AX73
For most Xfinity subscribers seeking excellent all-around wireless performance at a reasonable price, I suggest the Archer AX73.
TP-Link packs WiFi 6, fast AX5400 speeds and ample connectivity into a robust but simple to operate router just under $200. It can readily handle 100+ devices thanks to quad-core processing power and intelligent traffic shaping to keep 4K streams smooth and latency low during gaming sessions.
Four large antennas generate wide reaching 5GHz and 2.4GHz signals strengthened by high power amplifiers to fill larger homes with coverage. USB 3.2 and 2.5G multi-gig ports supply expansive wired connectivity today and readiness for faster plan tiers.
The intuitive TP-Link Tether app grants easy remote oversight and control options for parents and makes light work of initial installation. For its compelling blend of next-gen wireless technology, strong security protections and easy network management, the Archer AX73 is a great choice for getting more from your Xfinity WiFi across the board.
- WiFi 6 AX5400
- 4804Mbps Speeds
- 2.5G WAN Port
- 4 External Antennas
- 5,500 sq ft Range
- Works With Tether App
2. Best Budget: Archer A8
Shoppers focused on affordability will be well served by TP-Link‘s wallet friendly Archer A8. Despite its sub-$100 price, this Archer model still delivers speedy 1.9Gbps WiFi 5 performance, beamforming for range and MU-MIMO for congestion reduction.
The four high-gain antennas don‘t match higher end models but provide enough amplification for covering homes around 2,000 square feet reasonably well.
1 GHz CPU processing won‘t break any speed records yet capably handles the needs of 5-15 devices. Four Gigabit LAN ports allow wiring consoles, TVs and computers.
For normal use like web tasks, video chatting, social media and basic streaming, the Archer A8 gives you big improvements over ISP gateways without blowing your router budget. It‘s not built for large homes or extensive gaming/streaming demands – but makes an excellent choice for Xfinity subscribers seeking good everyday wireless connectivity at low cost.
- WiFi 5 AC1900
- 1900Mbps Speeds
- 4 External Antennas
- 4 Gigabit LAN Ports
- 2,000 sq ft Range
- Works With TP-Link Tether App
3. Best For Gaming – ASUS ROG Rapture AXE11000
For homes with console, mobile and PC gamers hungry for every ounce of bandwidth, I suggest upgrading to the lightning fast tri-band ASUS ROG Rapture gaming router. This WiFi 6 powerhouse serves latency reducing horsepower tailored for smooth competitive multiplayer and massive downloads.
An imposing angular design conceals its quad-core 1.8 GHz processor that readily jumps to over 10Gbps across bands and eight Gigabit LAN ports prime for gaming PCs and new consoles like PS5 and Xbox Series X. Multi-Gig WAN support ensures you can take full advantage of the fastest Xfinity speed tiers as well.
ASUS built it for gaming with optimized traffic management, 35% lower ping time in Mobile Game Mode, one-click forwarding to expose devices for Open NAT connections and the robust Armoury Crate dashboard.
If low latency online play and lag-free game streaming are vital in your connected household, this premium pillar of WiFi sends gaming connectivity into overdrive.
- WiFi 6 AX11000
- 10,756 Mbps Speeds
- 8 Gigabit LAN Ports
- Quad-Core 1.8GHz CPU
- Traffic Optimization
- Works with ASUS Router App
4. Best Whole Home Mesh – Amazon Eero Pro 6 3-pack
My top pick for delivering wall-to-wall WiFi coverage across every room via mesh technology is the latest Eero Pro 6 three-pack system. This triband platform brings together WiFi 6 speeds beyond 2Gbps, robust security protections and compact node design ideal for flexible placement.
Easy setup via the intuitive Eero app allows these nodes to blanket homes over 5,000 square feet with ample throughput on the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands for hundreds of devices. Dynamic backhaul optimization provides steadier whole home signals as conditions fluctuate.
Built-in Zigbee and Thread smart home hubs centralize control of appliances, lighting and other network devices as well for easier monitoring and automation configuration. For fuss-free mesh networking able to fully saturate larger homes with bandwidth, the upgraded Eero 6 delivers.
- WiFi 6 AX4200
- 2.3Gbps Speeds
- Covers 5,000+ sq ft
- Zigbee/Thread Connectivity
- Dynamic Backhaul
- Managed via Eero app
5. Best Future-Proof Pick – NETGEAR Nighthawk RAXE500
If you want a cutting edge WiFi 6E router built to evolve with upcoming plan speed increases, smart home expansions and next-gen wireless advancements, check out NETGEAR’s premium tri-band RAXE500.
This imposing router unleashes wireless performance beyond 10Gbps across legacy and new 6GHz bands. A powerful quad-core processor readily handles 8K video streaming, VR gaming, video editing and more bandwidth intensive tasks you throw its way.
Twelve internal antennas nestled inside its angular facets beam expansive signals across even larger homes. Multi-Gig 2.5G WAN gives your network room to grow into faster plan tiers with major providers.
For zero compromise WiFi able to propel Xfinity subscribers firmly into the future, the forward-looking NETGEAR Nighthawk RAXE500 tri-band titan consistently delivers.
- WiFi 6E AXE11000
- 10.8Gbps Speeds
- 12 Stream Antennas
- Multi-Gig 2.5G Port
- Quad-Core CPU
- Managed by Nighthawk App
Boosting Xfinity Coverage With Range Extenders vs. Mesh
As capable as even the best stand-alone routers are, WiFi signals can still struggle reaching to all parts of any decently sized or multi-story home.
Obstacles like appliances, concrete, metal studs and interference quickly attenuate wireless transmissions. If your router fails providing reliable connectivity across bedrooms, basements or backyards, here are two good ways to fill gaps.
WiFi Range Extenders
These compact and affordable devices simply capture and amplify signals from your existing router then rebroadcast them farther into dead zones. Models with extra Ethernet ports also double as WiFi access points for adding wired devices to remote rooms.
Mesh Router Systems
Utilizing multiple access point nodes wired into a self-configuring network able to intelligently allocate traffic across the best performing paths via dedicated backhaul bands, Mesh platforms take an advanced approach to achieving comprehensive WiFi blanket coverage.
Mesh kits are pricier but provide a more unified wireless experience with consistent speed and reliability from room to room, especially in larger homes. But range extenders work sufficiently well for targeted fill-in areas at lower cost.
I generally suggest mesh to subscribers needing truly robust whole home WiFi coverage. But range extenders make decent budget-friendly supplements in certain circumstances.
Final Tips For Improving Router Performance
Beyond equipment upgrades, be sure to follow these tips squeezing the most out your home network:
Carefully position the router centrally avoiding crowding, obstructions, thick walls or appliances able to impede WiFi distribution across rooms.
Elevate routers for clearer top down wireless dispersal across floors.
Free up the area around the router keeping other objects at least 2-3 feet away on all sides for signal symmetry.
Angle wall-mount routers downward around 30 degrees.
Choose 5GHz WiFi in device connection settings when available for reduced interference and congestion.
Enable Quality of Service to prioritize bandwidth for important devices like computers and cameras dynamically as needed.
Use ethernet backhaul to wired mesh nodes where possible for fastest and most reliable data transit between modules.
Position mesh nodes 15-35 feet apart allowing efficient overlap for best dedicated wireless backhaul performance enabling each module to communicate.
Reboot periodically to clear software glitches and keep channels properly aligned for peak throughput.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here I‘ll tackle a few other common questions about routers and Xfinity home Internet service.
What Xfinity speed tier is best for me?
Base your decision on concurrent devices and uses. Light users can stream 4K video and game reasonably well on 200Mbps plans. But homes with more media streaming and smart devices will benefit moving up to the 600-1200Mbps range.
Will my own router impact Xfinity speeds?
No, your router simply connects to the modem handling communication over cable lines. WiFi performance depends on the router hardware capabilities and environment. But using your own router won‘t reduce the maximum wired throughput provisioned to the modem by your Xfinity plan.
What router WiFi standards work with my devices?
The latest WiFi 6E routers provide the fastest speeds and best performance but require compatible devices with 6GHz radios to utilize the upgrades fully.
WiFi 6 and WiFi 5 routers still work very well while allowing older 2.4GHz devices to connect also. Focus less on absolute speed numbers and more on seamless connectivity across your household gadgets.
Do I need 2.5G WAN support?
WAN ports faster than standard Gigabit aren‘t essential today but are good future-proof features ensuring routers can handle multi-gigabit plan tiers arriving soon without becoming bottlenecks.
Final Thoughts
I hope this guide gives you clarity in finding an Xfinity router fitting your household needs and budget. Let me know if you have any other questions!
