When looking for a Frontier-compatible modem or gateway device, one must zero in on the type of internet service. Depending on your region, you’ll either have Fiber or DSL internet, which influences your decision in picking a modem for Frontier.
With Frontier, you get a wide range of plans, and no data cap limit, making your internet usage experience flawless. And to make the most of it, get a Frontier internet modem or modem router combo that can actually handle your subscribed speeds.
Keeping different needs and preferences in mind, I’ve picked the top 5 modems that work best with Frontier Internet services in 2024. Check them out:
- Best Overall: FiOS G3100
- Best Runner-Up: FiOS G1100
- Best Value for Money: ARRIS NVG468MQ
- Best ADSL2 Modem: Netgear 7550
- Best Budget Option: Netgear D2200D
Note for FiOS subscribers: You don’t need a modem for your Fiber Optic connection. Get the best-suited WiFi router for Frontier and connect it with the ONT. However, most devices featured here also come with routing capabilities. So you may check them as well.
Top 5 Frontier Compatible Modems of 2024
How did I select the models in this list?
In the following sections, I shall review 5 Frontier modems (and/or wireless gateways), starting with the most premium one, the FiOS device, and going all the way down to the budget pick. So let us get straight to the business!
1. Best For Frontier FiOS: FiOS Gateway G3100
- Technology: Wi-Fi 6
- Downstream/Upstream: 4 x 4
- Max Data Speeds: 2.5Gbps
- Ports: 5 GigE Slots
- Modem-Router Combo: Yes
If a router listed in place of a modem surprises you, don’t be, as Verizon FiOS G3100 is all you would need to get Frontier’s Fiber internet plan up and running. Also, if you have had the opportunity to use the Quantum G1100 from Verizon, the G3100 comes as one of the more reliable picks, courtesy of the tri-band support and a better wireless range.
Why is it suited for Frontier?
While there are quite a few FiOS plans to choose from, the G3100 is best suited for the Gig-level fiber internet plan from Frontier. With max speeds of up to 2.5Gbps, this router is good enough for almost every other FiOS plan, provided the ONT setup is taken care of.
Ports & Connectivity
This Frontier-relevant device comes equipped with a barrage of Gig-level ports, led by one WAN and 4 LAN ports. However, it also comes equipped with a MoCA-compatible 2.5G coaxial port followed by a standalone USB port for sharing data over the network.
Coming to connectivity, the MoCA setup offers a 300% improvement in speeds and throughput compared to standard wireless setups, courtesy of lower latency. However, as a router, this is a tri-band device with support for Wi-Fi AX technology, one 2.4G 4 x 4 wireless band, and two 5G bands for better near-band performance.
Design & Build
The device boasts a relatively new layout that measures 9 x 5 x 5 inches. Also, this dome-like FiOS routing device weighs close to 3.60 pounds. Plus, from an aesthetic perspective, this device features a wide range of LEDs, including one for Ethernet, one for MoCA WAN, and more.
Hardware & Performance
At the core, G3100 sports a powerful 11ax SoC followed by 1GB NAND storage and 512MB of RAM to scale beyond interference and congestion. And this hardware configuration paves the way for spatial streaming brilliance, auto band switching, and an improved wireless range.
Conclusion
G3100 is undoubtedly the best modem for Frontier fiber-optic internet if you’ve subscribed to the high-speed FiOS connection. And most importantly, this is one of the few products on the list that allows you to use remote network management support via the My FiOS application.
To learn more about this gateway device, read a complete Verizon G3100 review.
Pros
- Tri-Band wireless support
- Excellent hardware setup
- Good-looking device
- Auto band switching support
Cons
- Portable device
- Overkill for low-speed plans
2. Best Runner-Up: FiOS Gateway G1100
- Technology: Wi-Fi AC
- Downstream/Upstream: N/A
- Max Data Speeds: 1Gbps
- Ports: 4 GigE
- Modem-Router Combo: Yes
If you want yet another reliable yet affordable Frontier FiOS compatible modem, G1100 is the best-runner-up option to persist with. And while the G3100 offers better wireless throughput, the G1100 wins it hands-down when consistency is concerned.
Why is it suited for Frontier?
This device makes quite a good case for Frontier-backed Fiber optic internet plans, courtesy of the excellent speeds of up to 1Gbps. And as compared to standard wireless setups, the G1100 is at least 300% more responsive.
And even though it isn’t a cable modem with DOCSIS support, it manages to scale beyond the rest, courtesy of a reliable hardware setup and the ability to work with high-speed internet plans.
Ports & Connectivity
Coming to the ports, this device comes equipped with 4 GigE LAN slots followed by a MoCA port, one WAN port, and two resourceful USB ports. And as it sports a MoCA 2.0 interface, you can get speeds of up to 2Gbps, provided the service provider offers the same over a wired setup.
When it comes to connectivity, the 802.11ac standard is worth considering. Plus, it promises a range of up to 2000+ sqft, making it one of the more reliable routing devices in the market.
Design & Build
The G1100 sports a horizontal layout, bolstered further by LED indicators, a WPS button, and an overall dimension of 10.5 x 10.2 x 3.8 inches. As far as the weight is concerned, this modem weighs 3.06 pounds, which is a tad chunkier than expected.
Hardware & Performance
Powering this device is a 2-core chipset and 512MB of RAM. And the concerned hardware setup makes it good enough for attaining higher speeds, minimal gaming latency, and almost zero pings.
Conclusion
The FiOS G1100 is one of the more promising modems for Frontier FiOS internet. And more than the specs sheet, the advanced security, WPA encryption, app-based access, easy installation, and guest-friendly interface make it worth investing in.
Pros
- Supports concurrent connections
- Higher range than standard routers
- Excellent download speeds
- Quick installation
Cons
- Pricey
- Lacks Wi-Fi 6 standard
3. Best Value for Money: ARRIS NVG468MQ
- Technology: Wi-Fi AC
- Downstream/Upstream: N/A
- Max Data Speeds: 1Gbps
- Ports: 4 GigE
- Modem-Router Combo: Yes
There aren’t many modem-router combos that can work equally well with FiOS and DSL internet plans. And this is where Arris NVG468MQ comes into the mix as a versatile yet affordable Frontier-compatible gateway device.
Why is it suited for Frontier?
This is arguably the best modem you can buy for DSL and fiber internet plans, courtesy of max data speeds of up to 1Gbps. Also, if you are into specifics, this device is good enough for 100 Mbps DSL internet plans and even a 940 Mbps FiOS plan from Frontier.
Also, the MoCA 2.0 support makes it capable of reaching max speeds of up to 2Gbps, provided you can use a coaxial connection with the same.
Ports & Connectivity
The NVG468MQ seems replete with ports, with 4 GigE slots taking center stage. Next in line is the standalone ONT port for connecting fiber optic and the phone port for pairing a DSL connector if needed. Also, a MoCA 2.0 port and a USB slot are in play for added functionality.
Connectivity-wise, this device supports 802.11 ac, allowing you to set dual-band connections at will. However, I was more impressed with the 5GHz or the near-band speeds.
Design & Build
This gateway device weighs 2.49 pounds and measures 15.4 x 8 x 2.4 inches, making it one of the slimmer products on the list. And if you look closely, you will find a well-ventilated layout for maximizing heat dissipation.
Hardware & Performance
At the core, NVG468MQ features a multi-core chipset, ably assisted by 256MB of RAM to scale beyond interference. The setup ensures high bandwidth throughout, even for standard DSL connections.
Conclusion
Overall, if you are unsure about the type of Frontier internet plan on offer, the Arris NVG468MQ is the perfect gateway device to invest in, courtesy of its multi-faceted abilities.
Pros
- It comes with an ONT port
- Four high-speed LAN ports
- Features a dedicated USB port
- MoCA 2.0 supported
Cons
- Heavy
- Not the best-looking device
4. Best ADSL2 Modem: Netgear 7550
- Technology: 802.11n, ADSL2, ADSL2+
- Downstream/Upstream: N/A
- Max Data Speeds: 100Mbps
- Ports: 4 Ethernet Ports
- Modem-Router Combo: Yes
If you only want a reliable Frontier compatible DSL modem to manage low-level internet plans from Frontier, Netgear 7550 is the perfect product to consider. And despite the presumably higher price tag, it tends to find a place on the list courtesy of network consistency.
Why is it suited for Frontier?
For areas where only DSL internet plans are available, the Netgear 7550 is the best frontier DSL modem to consider. And if you have this device by your side, you can use it with any of the 10 DSL plans offered by the ISP, including one as high as 90Mbps.
Ports & Connectivity
Coming to the port setup, this device brings in 4 Ethernet ports, each capable of reaching max speeds of up to 100Mbps. Therefore, you can easily consider using it with high-speed DSL plans, even in wired mode.
And if you have a penchant for wireless connections, this device supports the 802.11n standard for ensuring better far band throughput.
Design & Build
The 7550 DSL modem is made of hardened plastic, which measures 6 x 4 x 1.5 inches. Also, this product weighs 0.95 pounds, making it one of the lightest options.
Hardware & Performance
The multi-core chipset, paired with 128MB of RAM, is good enough for most standard activities, including surfing, video calling, and more.
Conclusion
In theory, the Netgear 7550 is one of the best DSL modems around, especially if you are looking for an ADSL/ADSL2+ modem for sub-100Mbps speeds.
Pros
- Affordable modem
- Four high-speed ports
- Exceptional processing hardware
- Good wired throughput
Cons
- Doesn’t support VDSL plans
- Basic design
5. Best Budget Option: Netgear D2200D
- Technology: 802.11n and ADSL
- Downstream/Upstream: N/A
- Max Data Speeds: 300Mbps
- Ports: 4 GigE
- Modem-Router Combo: Yes
Netgear D2200D is arguably the most affordable DSL modem for Frontier, provided you want something to cover the low-end internet plans.
Why is it suited for Frontier?
Low-end internet plans from Frontier are best managed by the D2200D, which is good enough for almost every ADSL plan, starting as low as 5Mbps and going up to 100Mbps. Also, if you want the best possible video and audio streaming experience, this device is good enough for most high-speed DSL internet plans, which might not be handled well by other budget modems.
Ports & Connectivity
The device sports 4 Gig Ethernet ports, allowing you to achieve max speeds of up to 1Gbps, over wired connections. And if you want to establish wireless connections, the 802.11n technology will enable you to reach far band speeds of up to 300Mbps.
In addition to the Ethernet ports, this product has a power button and a standard DSL phone slot.
Design & Build
This gateway device weighs close to 1.04 pounds and measures 7.4 x 5.28 x 3.31 inches. Also, Netgear assumes a rectangular structure with heat-dissipating capabilities.
Hardware & Performance
The D2200D is equipped with a dual-core processor, which can easily scale beyond interference. And on top of that, the chipset adds to the ease of management, courtesy of the WPS button and compatibility with the Genie application.
Conclusion
If you prefer a standard ADSL internet speed, the Netgear D2200D is one of the perfect modems compatible with Frontier. Also, this combo is easily the most affordable option in play compared to other products on the list.
Pros
- Affordable
- Light
- Best for ADSL speeds
- Gig-ethernet ports in play
Cons
- Doesn’t support VDSL plans
Now that I have discussed modems suitable for Frontier internet, it is only appropriate to discuss how to pair them and set up a connection. I’ve written a detailed guide on Frontier internet self-installation. Follow it, and your internet will be up in less than 30 minutes.
Frontier Approved Modems [Official List]
| Model Name | Suitable Plan | Router Modem Combo | Voice Compatibility | Bad Chipset |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Netgear 7550 | DSL Internet | ✅ | ❌ | No |
| Frontier Fios G3100 | Fiber 1 Gig | ✅ | ❌ | No |
| Frontier Fios G1100 | Fiber 500 | ✅ | ❌ | No |
| Netgear DGND3700 | DSL Internet | ✅ | ❌ | No |
| Actiontec GT784WN | DSL Internet | ✅ | ❌ | No |
| Actiontec M1000 | DSL Internet | ❌ | ✅ | No |
| Westell 327W | DSL Internet | ✅ | ❌ | No |
| Actiontec GT701D | DSL Internet | ❌ | ❌ | No |
| Netgear DGND4000 | DSL Internet | ✅ | ❌ | No |
| Arris NVG443B | DSL Internet | ✅ | ✅ | No |
| Netgear D2200D | DSL Internet | ✅ | ❌ | No |
| Arris NVG468MQ | DSL Internet & Fiber 500 | ✅ | ✅ | No |
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can use your own modem for Frontier internet, provided your modem or router modem combo supports DSL and/or Fiber connections. Therefore, the device must have a phone line or an ONT port to accommodate the internet plans.
Frontier doesn’t support cable internet modems as their connection is either FiOS or DSL and incompatible with standard coaxial inputs. So, you’ll need DSL or Fiber-supported modem to use Frontier internet.
Depending on the location, the Frontier internet is available either as DSL or Fiber Optic connection. However, primarily, Frontier serves the DSL clientele rather extensively, and the FiOS spread is not even 10% of the DSL clientele.
Yes, if you have a DSL internet plan, you are better off investing in a modem-router combo, aka gateway device. However, FiOS internet plans only need a fiber-capable router, provided the ONT setup is taken care of, which acts as the modem for the Fiber Optic plans.
Verdict
To summarize, each of the five Frontier-supported modems serves a specific purpose and is compatible with most plans. However, if you cannot pick a suitable device, here is a small, handpicked list that can help you make a final decision.
- If you want the best Frontier modem that can be used for both DSL and fiber optic internet plans, Arris NVG468MQ is my go-to recommendation.
- If you want a good Frontier modem router combo for fiber optic connection, Verizon FiOS G3100 is the best option on the list, especially with the Wi-Fi 6 support in play.
- Finally, if you prefer a budget wireless gateway for standard DSL internet plans, the Netgear D2200D is the best option.
While these are some obvious choices, you can always read through the reviews and get hold of any other router, gateway, or modem-router combo to suit your highly specific requirements.
