In this post:
- 1. Best For Gig Internet: TP-Link Archer AX6000
- 2. Best for Gaming: Netgear Nighthawk Pro XR1000
- 3. Best for Streaming: ASUS RT-AX3000
- 4. Best Mesh WiFi System: Google Nest WiFi
- 5. Best Modem/Router Combo: ARRIS Surfboard G34
- 6. Best for Home Use: Motorola MR2600
- 7. Best Budget Pick: D-Link DIR-1950-US
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Verdict
RCN has changed to Astound Broadband (they rebranded the company and its services). If you're facing speed, connectivity, and coverage issues with the ISP-supplied router, or if you want to avoid the monthly equipment rental fee, you must get your own router for Astound Broadband. But which one?
Well, it depends. Your requirements may range from streaming, gaming, browsing on multiple devices, and stable home internet. While most routers can easily fulfill these uses, not all of them are worth purchasing.
That's why I tried 14 wireless routers with Astound Broadband and tested them under several scenarios for as long as 3 weeks. After detailed analysis, I've finally curated a list of devices that take the utmost care to avoid bottlenecks in 2024:
- Best For Gig Internet: TP-Link AX6000
- Best For Gaming: Netgear XR1000
- Best For 600 Mbps Internet: ASUS RT-AX3000
- Best Mesh Router: Google Nest WiFi
- Best Modem/Router Combo: ARRIS G34
- Best For Home WiFi: Motorola MR2600
- Best For 300 Mbps: D-Link DIR-1950-US
The featured Astound broadband routers find an ideal balance between pricing and productivity. The list starts with feature-packed options followed by mid-range variants and ends with budget picks for low-tier plans.
1. Best For Gig Internet: TP-Link Archer AX6000
- Wireless Standard: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
- Suitable Service Plan: Gig Internet
- 2.4GHz Speeds: 1148 Mbps
- 5GHz Speeds: 4804 Mbps
- WiFi Range: Up to 3,000 Sq Ft
- Number of Devices Supported: 50+
- Ports: 1 x WAN + 8 x LAN + 1 x USB-C 3.0 + 1 x USB-A 3.0
- Processor: 1.8GHz 64 Bit Quad-Core
- RAM & NAND Memory: 1GB + 128MB
- App Support: Yes
Archer AX6000 is one of the top-rated TP-Link routers on the market. It replaces the flagship Archer C5400 with upgrades in terms of hardware for better performance. Besides, Wi-Fi 6 support, 6000 Mbps combined speed, 8 LAN ports, and two high-speed USB ports are the stars of this wireless router.
Why is it suited for Astound Broadband, aka RCN?
Archer AX6000 works well enough with high-tier internet plans, so, it would be a sensible choice to pair this device with Astound’s 1Gig plan. And with this plan, I was able to achieve download speeds of around 940 Mbps while upload speeds remained close to 250 Mbps on the 5GHz band.
On the other hand, respective speeds with the 2.4GHz band clocked at around 540 Mbps and 70 Mbps. Multiple interferences like thick walls and other networking devices have resulted in slower speeds for the inferior band. Nevertheless, this speed was enough for my UHD movies to download in seconds.
Wired Connectivity
Barring wireless speeds, AX6000 has a lot to offer in terms of wired connections. There are 8 GigE LAN ports beside 1 x 2.5G WAN port that lets you download at speeds as high as 970 Mbps. Besides, the LAN ports support Link Aggregation, which gives you the option to experience multi-gigs of speeds by combining two high-speed IPs.
WiFi Coverage & Connections Capacity
With 8 high-performance antennas, AX6000 delivered a massive coverage of around 2,800 Sq Ft. It is on par with the many efficient mesh systems on the market today. I even received signals in my garden and garage, where some devices failed.
Besides, technologies like MU-MIMO, OFDMA, and range boost help spread overall signal strength, and all your connected devices receive the fastest connections every time.
Security Features
AX6000 comes with a lifetime-free Homecare Antivirus powered by TrendMicro. It protects your device from virus infestation and shows a warning sign whenever you are trying to visit an infected website. Besides, the feature conducts a weekly scan and delivers a detailed scan report.
It further includes Homecare parental controls that can block websites based on your preset category of websites. Other than that, you can schedule the online time and days you will restrict internet usage. It is a very handy feature for parents, which they can configure using the web interface or Tether app.
Conclusion
To conclude, Archer AX6000 is the best router to use with Astound Broadband. It doesn’t compromise a tad in terms of performance. The wireless signals are very fast, and you get faster connections on your devices throughout the day. Besides, its lifetime-free antivirus keeps your home network and devices safe and secure.
Pros
- 2.5G WAN Port
- 8 Gigabit LAN Ports
- Great wireless performance
- Lifetime free security features
- Strong WiFi coverage
Cons
- Expensive
- Not a tri-band device
2. Best for Gaming: Netgear Nighthawk Pro XR1000
- Wireless Standard: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
- Suitable Service Plan: Gig Internet
- 2.4GHz Speeds: 600 Mbps
- 5GHz Speeds: 4800 Mbps
- WiFi Range: Up to 2,000 Sq Ft
- Number of Devices Supported: 25+
- Ports: 4 x LAN + 1 x WAN + 1 x USB 3.0
- Processor: 1.5GHz Triple-Core
- RAM & NAND Memory: 512MB + 256MB
- App Support: Yes
Netgear Nighthawk XR1000 is a Wi-Fi 6 router integrated with features that made it to the list. Apart from speed, other top-notch features like top security, powerful antennas, and others make it stand out from other routers compatible with Astound. Besides, it ingrains several upgrades from Nighthawk XR700.
Why is it suited for Astound Broadband, aka RCN?
While the maximum speed is 5.4 Gbps, for a Gig plan, I got speeds of around 920 Mbps for downloads on the 5GHz band. On the other hand, the uploads were happening at a speed of 220 Mbps, which let me upload big documents on Gdrive within seconds.
Wired Connectivity
Now, this Netgear router offers you the possibility to get faster and more consistent speeds. You can plug in your gaming consoles to the 4 Gig Ethernet ports on the router's rear side. It got me to download and upload at speeds around 950 Mbps and 250 Mbps, respectively.
So I played and completed the entire Red Dead Redemption 2 with my friends without any potential hiccups or lags.
WiFi Coverage & Connections Capacity
I tested this Astound internet router at my friend’s 1,800 Sq Ft house, and unsurprisingly, the device performed exceptionally well. Strong wireless connections covered the entirety of his house, and over 15 connected devices could run smoothly without making a fuss. I even played CS: GO in the garage without any lags or latencies.
Security Features
Similar to its predecessor, XR1000 boasts powerful and advanced premium security features. By spending a few dollars every month, you can keep your home and workspace safe from unwanted external threats and malicious websites. This way, you can game and browse the internet with this device without fearing compromising your network.
Apart from that, the device has got smart parental controls that let you prevent your kids from accessing age-inappropriate or explicit websites and ensure they aren’t investing most of their time gaming or streaming.
Conclusion
Netgear XR1000 is a powerful device with Wi-Fi 6 and higher throughput capacity to complement your gaming modem and take your gameplay to a new level. 4 GigE ports allow you to access much faster speeds if connected directly. However, the lack of premium security features and a multi-gig port took it down to the second position.
Pros
- Solid throughput
- Easy to install
- Gamer-friendly OS
- Faster file transfer
- Great coverage
Cons
- Some features require a subscription
- Doesn’t support link aggregation
3. Best for Streaming: ASUS RT-AX3000
- Wireless Standard: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
- Suitable Service Plan: 600 Mbps
- 2.4GHz Speeds: 574 Mbps
- 5GHz Speeds: 2402 Mbps
- WiFi Range: Up to 3,000 Sq Ft
- Number of Devices Supported: 30+
- Ports: 4 x LAN + 1 x WAN + 1 x USB 3.0
- Processor: 1.5Ghz Triple-Core Broadcom BCM6750
- RAM & NAND Memory: 512MB + N/A
- App Support: Yes
ASUS RT-AX3000 boasts a simple and basic design with 4 removable antennas. With the integration of Wi-Fi 6, the speeds are boosted massively compared to its previous offering, RT-AX1800. There are many user experience improvements that promise to improve the stability and battery usage of connected devices.
Why is it suited for Astound Broadband, aka RCN?
This Astound Broadband compatible router promises data speeds up to 3000 Mbps, so it would be viable to pair it with ISP’s mid-tier plans, that is, 600 Mbps. Depending on your needs, you can think of upgrading your plan to Gig internet.
The device averaged speeds at around 565 Mbps and 105 Mbps for downloads and uploads, respectively. While pairing with Gigabit Ethernet ports got me to download and upload, respectively, at 580 Mbps and 110 Mbps. The offerings are pretty sleek, considering its lower speed output capacity.
Aside from that, the speeds I got allowed me to stream UHD Netflix movies on 10 devices at once and play online games on two consoles while sending emails or browsing social media on others.
WiFi Coverage & Connections Capacity
I took the devices to a room separated by two concrete walls and at least 40 feet away from the router. Thankfully its 4 high-performance beamforming antennas dissipated strong and stable connections to 25+ devices, and I got an internet speed of 40 Mbps in my garage.
So, if you have a decent-sized apartment or a small workspace, don’t worry about missing out on anything due to weaker throughput.
Security Features
Security is the forte of this router, including a lifetime-free AiProtection Pro security powered by TrendMicro. The software is designed to block your entry to any malware or virus-infected website. Besides, it didn’t interfere a bit during my speed tests.
There’s also a parental control feature to block specific websites based on a preset category. However, it might see some improvement as there’s no option to customize which website needs to be blocked currently.
Conclusion
ASUS RT-AX3000 is a great wireless router that offers good and really stable WiFi performance with fast speed and excellent coverage. The app lets you take total control over the network, and its advanced security feature protects your network and device from any unwanted threats.
However, lower speed outputs and compatibility have pushed the device down the list.
Pros
- Fast WiFi 6 performance
- Excellent coverage
- Lots of customization options
- Lifetime free security
Cons
- Lesser speeds
4. Best Mesh WiFi System: Google Nest WiFi
- Wireless Standard: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
- Suitable Service Plan: 600 Mbps
- 2.4GHz Speeds: 400 Mbps
- 5GHz Speeds: 1733 Mbps
- WiFi Range: Up to 4,400 Sq Ft
- Number of Devices Supported: 200
- Ports: 3 x LAN
- Processor: 1.4GHz Quad-Core 64-bit ARM
- RAM & NAND Memory: 1GB + 4GB
- App Support: Yes
Even though the market is filled with inventive options, there aren’t many mesh WiFi systems for large homes. Because of the excellent hardware and software setup, Google Nest is one of the most reliable and effective mesh choices that fill your large house with a stable and strong network.
Besides, if you’re a Google WiFi user, you’ll immediately notice the upgrades this system brings.
Why is it suited for Astound Broadband, aka RCN?
Google Nest supports Wi-Fi 5 technology, and with this networking tech, the device can handle the 600 Mbps Astound plan very well, but you can upgrade your plan if required. My tests confirm its ability to handle high-bandwidth tasks easily, so why spend more?
The download speeds on my Dell laptop capped at 550 Mbps, which in theory, could handle as many as 300 Zoom calls and 20 4K streams. As such, it’s more than capable of fulfilling the networking needs of most families and small workplaces. Besides, the upload speeds of 95 Mbps were enough to get my Gigabits of files uploaded within minutes.
Wired Connectivity
Furthermore, there’s an option to give your internet speeds a boost. The respective download and upload speeds averaged 570 Mbps and 110 Mbps with 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports. So, there’s so much you can do with the available internet speed.
WiFi Coverage & Connections Capacity
Being a mesh system, coverage is its strength. Google Nest WiFi comes in a 2-unit, where one acts as a satellite to dissipate the signals. Placing them strategically, I could get maximum coverage of around 2,500 Sq Ft, the size of a mid-sized apartment.
Besides, the best thing about this mesh system is that it doesn’t separate the faster 5GHz from the slower 2.4GHz band. Instead, it automatically steers you between two and keeps you connected to the strongest connection anywhere you move. While carrying out my speed tests, I never saw any hiccups or network drops.
Security Features
Similar to its predecessor, this mesh is also installable and controlled via an app, making your life much easier. It includes an advanced firmware chip that protects your devices from viruses and other external threats. Furthermore, its advanced parental controls give you complete control over your children's online activities.
Conclusion
The mesh router is a sensible and smart upgrade over your conventional home network, particularly if you’re struggling with dead spots in your large space. Costing less than $200, it’s a reliable and efficient mesh router to use with Astound. However, speeds are slightly lower than my previous recommended models, thus the position.
For more information, check my detailed review of the Google Nest WiFi.
Pros
- Decent speeds
- Great coverage
- Decent security features
- Easy to set up
Cons
- Wi-Fi 5 support
5. Best Modem/Router Combo: ARRIS Surfboard G34
- Wireless Standard: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
- Suitable Service Plan: Gig Internet
- 2.4GHz Speeds: 574 Mbps
- 5GHz Speeds: 2402 Mbps
- WiFi Range: Up to 2,500 Sq Ft
- Number of Devices Supported: 30+
- Ports: 4 x LAN
- Processor: N/A
- RAM & NAND Memory: 512MB + N/A
- App Support: Yes
Are you subscribed to a top-tier plan and looking for an Astound-compatible modem router combo? Arris G34 is a 2-in-1 versatile device that combines a DOCSIS 3.1 modem and a Wi-Fi 6 router. This means you can get the best of both worlds by investing in a single device and saving a few bucks simultaneously. But does it pans out well?
Why is it suited for Astound Broadband, aka RCN?
Coming to its maximum speeds, I could easily churn up speeds up to 1 Gbps, so you can pair this modem-router combo with Astound Gig plan without a doubt. However, speeds reached closer to 500 Mbps on the mid-tier plans, making it a viable choice even for the 600 Mbps package.
Now paired with the Gigabit plan, I received accumulated speeds for 5GHz and 2.4GHz bands at 847 Mbps for downloads and 178 Mbps for uploads. While for the single 5GHz band, the respective download and upload speeds on my Dell laptop averaged around 870 Mbps and 185 Mbps.
With such speeds at my repository, I could play any online game with peace of mind and not worry about potential lags. Besides, I plugged in directly to the DOCSIS 3.1 ingrained modem to extract speeds at around 900 Mbps, which is on par with many top-tier devices.
WiFi Coverage & Connections Capacity
Being a modem-router combo, you can’t expect to sheath your large apartment with a strong connection, but its internal antennas are powerful enough to cover your 1,500 Sq Ft space. So my grandpa’s house with a similar area didn’t have any dead spots or network gaps.
Besides, the device comes with OFDMA support that lets you multitask on 15 devices at once without any clunkiness or network drops.
Security Features
Security is also not a top-notch aspect of this gateway. There aren’t any advanced security features (paid or free) with this device, so you need to subscribe to a third-party antivirus if you need an added layer of security to your home network. Nevertheless, there are some basic features like WPA3 and VPN passthrough to keep your passwords safe.
Other than that, it includes some basic parental control features like monitoring users' online time and pausing the Wi-Fi anytime.
Conclusion
To sum it up, Arris G34 is the best modem-router combo for Astound Broadband. However, its utilitarian nature and compatibility with top-tier plans of the ISP make it a standout amongst the standalone routers on my list.
Want to learn more about this device? Check out my dedicated ARRIS G34 review.
Pros
- Excellent built-in router
- OFDMA support
- Decent speeds and coverage
- Supports many devices
- Versatile device
Cons
- Security features aren’t advanced
6. Best for Home Use: Motorola MR2600
- Wireless Standard: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
- Suitable Service Plan: 300 Mbps
- 2.4GHz Speeds: 800 Mbps
- 5GHz Speeds: 1733 Mbps
- WiFi Range: Up to 2,000 Sq Ft
- Number of Devices Supported: 100+
- Ports: 4 x LAN + 1 x WAN + 1 x USB 3.0
- Processor: 880MHz Dual-Core
- RAM & NAND Memory: N/A
- App Support: Yes
If you’re in the market for a reliable home internet router without spending a fortune, then Motorola MR2600 is one of the best budget picks. If you have a stable internet connection, with technologies like Wi-Fi 5 and MU-MIMO technology, you are definitely to get the high speeds you pay your ISP for.
Why is it suited for Astound Broadband, aka RCN?
In theory, this router by Motorola lets you have access speeds of up to 1 Gbps, but practically, testing with a 300 Mbps plan got me to download and upload around 280 Mbps and 55 Mbps. The output might sound a tad low, but you can do many things at this speed, including playing games and streaming 4K movies.
Wired Connectivity
Besides, if you need higher speeds, switch to a wired connection. The Gigabit Ethernet ports of the router averaged download and upload speeds of 295 Mbps and 70 Mbps. So you’ve got a bit more in this manner.
WiFi Coverage & Connections Capacity
Motorola AC2600 has got a decent range at this price. With 4 external beamforming antennas, you have got your 1,200-1,400 Sq Ft area covered with a strong internet connection. You might lose a few signal bars when I moved to extremities, but speeds stayed at around 60-70 Mbps there as well.
Besides, with technologies like MU-MIMO, all my 15 devices received stable internet connections, and I could multitask easily.
Security Features
Security is not the strong suit of this device, as is the case with most cheap models. But it does boast some, like a user-friendly firewall and IPv6 support, which you don’t find in many. So your databases are somewhat safe from external agents but are not foolproof. Other than that, you get some basic parental controls like pausing the Wi-Fi and monitoring the overall online time of your kids.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Motorola AC2600 has most of what you look for in a budget-friendly router. The speed outputs, coverage, and security features are decent, which makes it a valuable purchase. Aside from that, this is a good router for people who don't want to spend much money on the internet.
Pros
- 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports
- Dual-Band router
- Decent speeds
- MU-MIMO technology
Cons
- Average router range
7. Best Budget Pick: D-Link DIR-1950-US
- Wireless Standard: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
- Suitable Service Plan: 100 Mbps
- 2.4GHz Speeds: 600 Mbps
- 5GHz Speeds: 1300 Mbps
- WiFi Range: Up to 1,800 Sq Ft
- Number of Devices Supported: 25+
- Ports: 4 x LAN + 1 x WAN + 1 x USB 3.0
- Processor: 1.25GHz dual-Core
- RAM & NAND Memory: 128MB + 128MB
- App Support: Yes
Priced at around $50, D-Link DIR-1950-US is the cheapest router to buy for Astound internet. Irrespective of the price, the feature it boasts makes it capable of delivering faster speed outputs and decent coverage. Besides, it’s easier to install and manage and is equipped with 5 GigE ports, making it a versatile device.
Why is it suited for Astound Broadband, aka RCN?
D-Link DIR-1950-US comes with Wi-Fi 5 for faster and more consistent speed and throughput. So, if you are on a 100 Mbps internet speed, you can easily experience top download speeds of 90 Mbps. In case you’re wondering about upload speeds, it was around 25 Mbps.
All the speeds were measured for 5GHz, and I didn’t bother measuring speeds for 2.4GHz due to multiple interferences.
Wired Connectivity
The budget router boasts 5 Gigabit Ethernet ports, plugging into which the download speeds clocked at 95-97 Mbps. And the upload speeds were around 27-30 Mbps. These speeds are easy to game, stream, and Zoom while browsing social media and sending emails.
WiFi Coverage & Connections Capacity
As the promised coverage of this router is 1,800 Sq Ft, so I tested it in my grandpa’s house, but I was disappointed a tad. Despite boasting 4 powerful antennas, the devices received no signals in the extremities, like in the garden, garage, or verandah. But, as far as my tests go, I can assure you that the device spans up to 900 Sq Ft at a stretch.
Besides, DIR-1950-US is compatible with D-Link extenders, which allows you to create your own mesh network and expand the coverage from the bedroom to the kitchen, and even in the backyard. It demands some additional investments, but it’s definitely worth it if you’re tired of those dead spots.
Security Features
Security isn’t the area where this router shines. You only get some basic features like WPA2/WPA3 encryption and VPN-passthrough to keep your user credentials and transferred data secure in an encrypted form. Such features are supposedly viable in residential settings but not commercially valid.
Conclusion
In conclusion, you get more than expected from a router that works with Astound. With decent speed, coverage, and stability, it’s a better upgrade over your traditional and outdated ISP-rented routers. However, it's placed at the bottom with features and output much inferior to other routers on the list.
Pros
- Decent speeds
- Compatible with D-Link extenders
- Reliable coverage
- Stable throughput
Cons
- Security features aren’t advanced
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Astound charges for its own router, which costs around $5 a month. Besides that, the cable network company provides you with an option to get enhanced Wi-Fi to your home. For one, you get an Eero Pro 6 mesh router kit at $10 monthly. Besides, you can also opt for Netgear Nighthawk XR1000 for $13 a month on top of your monthly modem charge.
Unlike modems, routers don’t have a compatibility aspect, so any third-party routers available on the market should work with Astound Broadband. Make sure your purchased router delivers the maximum with your subscribed plan.
Selecting an ideal router to pair with Astound internet is easier than you think. However, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind:
– Consider how much you want to spend
– Validate if your purchased or selected router is compatible with your ISP
– Ensure the router supports the internet speeds you pay for
– Look for a relatively new wireless protocol, if not Wi-Fi 6E, at least Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 5
– Use mesh Wi-Fi if you have a large house
– Don’t forget optional features like MU-MIMO, QoS, OFDMA, and others
Yes, you can pair any compatible modem-router combo with Astound Broadband. Just for you know that you won’t be able to upgrade certain segments of your purchased device if Astound brings multiple plans in the future.
Verdict
Astound Broadband is one of the best ISPs in Oregon, Washington, and other regions. However, to make the internet perform to its potential, you need to pair it with one of the best routers that work with Astound. While I already mentioned the best choices, here’s a more use-case-oriented list for you to make better purchase decisions.
- If you prefer a top-tier device with lightning-fast speeds, great coverage, and powerful yet free security features, look no further than TP-Link Archer AX6000.
- For greater coverage and speeds, you can stop searching and immediately opt for Google Nest. It costs less than many top-tier routers but beats most in terms of coverage.
- Lastly, if you want to lower your financial obligations further yet need a reliable router for your Astound IP, ASUS RT-AX3000 should be a viable choice.
Finally, if you want a device for a low-speed plan, D-Link DIR-1950-US is a suitable device to consider.
