NETGEAR
NETGEAR Nighthawk Cable Modem and WiFi 6 Router Combo (CAX80)
Bottom line: The NETGEAR Nighthawk Cable Modem and WiFi 6 Router Combo ($425.99 on Amazon as of 2026-10-07): DOCSIS 3.1 modem plus AX6000 WiFi 6 router in one box, no ISP rental fee; main trade-off: cable only: no fiber, DSL, satellite, or bundled voice support.
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-07. Price and availability subject to change.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ DOCSIS 3.1 modem plus AX6000 WiFi 6 router in one box, no ISP rental fee
- ✓ Handles cable plans up to 10 Gbps on Xfinity, Spectrum, and Cox
- ✓ 2.5 Gig Multi-Gig port assignable to either LAN or internet duty
- ✓ Link aggregation bonds two Gigabit LAN ports for up to 2 Gbps
- ✓ USB 3.0 port plus four Gigabit LAN ports for consoles and NAS
Cons
- ✗ Cable only: no fiber, DSL, satellite, or bundled voice support
- ✗ Blocked on Verizon, AT&T, CenturyLink, DirecTV, and DISH plans
- ✗ NETGEAR Armor is free for 30 days, then a separate subscription
Manufacturer description
The NETGEAR Nighthawk CAX80 collapses your cable modem and WiFi 6 router into a single box, so you stop renting hardware from Xfinity, Spectrum, or Cox and stop stacking two devices behind the TV. Its DOCSIS 3.1 modem supports cable plans up to 10 Gbps, while the AX6000 WiFi 6 radios push up to 6 Gbps across roughly 30 connected devices and about 2,500 sq. ft. in open layouts. Wiring matters here as much as wireless. You get four Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports for desktops, consoles, and streaming players, plus a 2.5 Gig Multi-Gig port you can assign to LAN or internet, link aggregation across…
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored NETGEAR Nighthawk Cable Modem and WiFi 6 Router Combo using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the networking category. NETGEAR's networking lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.
Common buyer scenarios for networking of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the CAX80 work with my internet provider?
It works with US cable providers including Xfinity, Spectrum, and Cox on plans up to 10 Gbps. It is not compatible with Verizon, AT&T, CenturyLink, DirecTV, DISH, fiber, DSL, satellite, or bundled voice service. Confirm device approval with your provider before buying.
How much area and how many devices does it cover?
NETGEAR rates the AX6000 WiFi 6 radios for up to 30 devices and about 2,500 sq. ft. in open layouts. Walls and floors cut that range, and real-world speeds vary by device and by your internet plan.
Do I still need to rent a modem from my cable company?
No. The CAX80 is a two-in-one DOCSIS 3.1 modem and router, so you connect it to your coaxial outlet and it replaces both rented boxes. ISP activation is still required after setup.
What wired ports does the CAX80 have?
Four Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports, one 2.5 Gig Multi-Gig port usable for LAN or internet, and one USB 3.0 port. You can aggregate two Gigabit ports for a combined 2 Gbps link.
Why is the CAX80 rated only 3.9 out of 5 stars?
Read recent reviews for your specific provider, since activation and firmware experience vary by cable network. Check the product listing for current warranty terms.
Key Features
- TWO-IN-ONE DOCSIS 3.1 MODEM ROUTER: Modem and router in one device. Simply connect to your coaxial cable outlet to set up. Not compatible with fiber, DSL, satellite, or bundled voice services from cable providers. For US cable internet only.
- AX6000 WIFI 6 FOR STREAMING, GAMING, AND YOUR WHOLE HOME: Up to 6 Gbps for up to 30 devices. Covers 2,500 sq. ft. in open layouts; walls and floors can reduce range. Compatible with WiFi 5 and older devices. Real-world speeds vary by device and plan.
- SUPPORTS CABLE PLANS UP TO 10 GBPS WITH XFINITY, SPECTRUM, COX, AND MORE: Not compatible with Verizon, AT&T, CenturyLink, DirecTV, DISH, or bundled voice services. ISP activation required after setup. Check with your provider to confirm device approval.
- EASY SET UP WITH THE NIGHTHAWK APP: Download the free Nighthawk app on iOS or Android and follow the guided steps to get online. Xfinity customers: activate with the Xfinity app first. Browser-based setup also available.
- MULTI-GIG WIRED CONNECTIONS FOR GAMING, STREAMING, AND MORE: Four Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports for computers, consoles, and streaming players. One 2.5 Gig Multi-Gig port for LAN or internet. Aggregate two Gigabit ports for up to 2 Gbps. One USB 3.0 port.
- YOUR SECURITY AND PRIVACY ARE OUR TOP PRIORITY: NETGEAR routers have security features enabled out of the box with exclusive Advanced Router Protection, automatic firmware updates, and industry-leading safety features to help protect you and your family.
Full Specifications
| Brand | NETGEAR |
|---|---|
| Color | Black |
| Coverage | 2,500 square feet |
| Frequency | 6 |
| Model Name | CAX80-100NAS |
| Unit Count | 1 Count |
| Antenna Type | Fixed |
| Connectivity | USB, WiFi |
| Model Number | CAX80-100NAS |
| Compatibility | Android, iOS |
| Built-In Media | Nighthawk AX8/8 Stream WiFi 6 Cable Modem Router; Ethernet cable; Quick start guide; Power adapter |
| Control Method | App |
| Connection Type | Wired |
| Controller Type | ios |
| Mfr Part Number | CAX80-100NAS |
| Number of Ports | 4 |
| Special Feature | Internet Security, Remote Access |
| Antenna Location | Indoor |
| Wi-Fi Generation | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Security Protocol | WPA-PSK, WPA2-PSK |
| Full listing title | NETGEAR Nighthawk Cable Modem and WiFi 6 Router Combo (CAX80) - Compatible with All Major Cable Providers incl. Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox - Cable Plans up to 2 Gbps - AX6000 WiFi 6 Speed - DOCSIS 3.1 |
Ready to buy?
NETGEAR Nighthawk Cable Modem and WiFi 6 Router Combo (CAX80) - Compatible with All Major Cable Providers incl. Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox - Cable Plans up to 2 Gbps - AX6000 WiFi 6 Speed - DOCSIS 3.1 is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.
*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-07. Price and availability subject to change.
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