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Buying Guide
Best Modem & Router Combinations 2025
What equipment comes with your internet plan — and when it makes sense to bring your own.
Good news: All four of our providers include equipment free
AT&T, Xfinity, Frontier, and T-Mobile all include a gateway (modem + router combined) at no extra charge on their current plans. You do not need to purchase your own equipment to get started. This section explains what is included, and when upgrading makes sense for your specific situation.
What Equipment Comes With Each Provider
AT&T Fiber
Equipment
BGW320 or BGW210 gateway (modem + router)
Equipment fee
Included — no monthly rental fee
Wi-Fi standard
Wi-Fi 6 on most plans; Wi-Fi 6E on higher tiers
Bring your own?
You can use your own router in passthrough mode, but AT&T's gateway is required for fiber authentication
Our take: Keep their gateway. It is free, supports Wi-Fi 6, and removing it complicates the setup with no cost benefit.
Xfinity
Equipment
Xfinity Gateway (xFi)
Equipment fee
Included with 5-Year Price Guarantee plans — no equipment fee
Wi-Fi standard
Wi-Fi 6 capable; xFi app for network management
Bring your own?
You can use your own DOCSIS 3.1 modem + router. Check Xfinity compatibility list at xfinity.com/comcastbusiness/resources/compatible-modems
Our take: Gateway included free on current plans. Only consider BYO if you need advanced router features (VPN server, detailed QoS, etc.).
Frontier Fiber
Equipment
Frontier-issued gateway (model varies by area)
Equipment fee
Included — no rental fee
Wi-Fi standard
Wi-Fi 6 on most plans
Bring your own?
Frontier fiber also requires their ONT (optical network terminal) on the outside of your home. You can add your own router behind the gateway.
Our take: Keep their gateway. Free equipment with no rental fee is hard to beat.
T-Mobile Home Internet
Equipment
5G Gateway (Arcadyan, Nokia, or Sagemcom model; Wi-Fi 7 on Amplified/All-In)
Equipment fee
No equipment fee on any plan
Wi-Fi standard
Wi-Fi 6 on Rely; Wi-Fi 7 (G5AR) on Amplified and All-In
Bring your own?
You can add your own router in bridge mode behind the T-Mobile gateway for advanced features.
Our take: Amplified and All-In gateways ship with Wi-Fi 7 — better than most third-party routers at the same price point.
When Does It Make Sense to Upgrade Your Router?
Since all four providers include free equipment, a third-party router is only worth considering if you have a specific need the provider gateway does not address:
Large or multi-story home with dead zones
Add a mesh Wi-Fi system (like Eero or Deco) behind the provider gateway. Much cheaper than replacing the gateway itself.
Competitive gaming requiring advanced QoS
A gaming router like the ASUS RT-AX86U plugged in behind your gateway gives per-device prioritization without replacing the modem.
Running a home VPN server or advanced networking
A prosumer router (Netgear Nighthawk, ASUS) in bridge mode behind the provider gateway handles this cleanly.
Xfinity and want to avoid any potential gateway fee
Current 5-Year Price Guarantee plans include the gateway free. Only older plans charged rental fees — verify your plan includes it.
Third-Party Routers Worth Considering
If you do want to add a third-party router behind your provider gateway, here are well-regarded options by use case. These are not affiliate recommendations — verify current pricing and compatibility before purchasing.
Eero Pro 6E (Amazon)
Mesh system
Best for: Large homes with dead zones; easy app management
Works behind any provider gateway in bridge/IP passthrough mode
TP-Link Deco XE75 Pro
Mesh system
Best for: Budget-friendly Wi-Fi 6E mesh coverage
Good value for homes over 3,000 sq ft
ASUS RT-AX86U
Single router
Best for: Gamers wanting advanced QoS and VPN features
Supports Adaptive QoS, gaming traffic prioritization
Netgear Orbi RBK863S
Mesh system
Best for: Maximum coverage in very large homes
Tri-band Wi-Fi 6 with dedicated backhaul
Order Internet — Equipment Included Free
All plans we carry include a modem and router at no extra charge. Call us to check which plans are available at your address.
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