NETGEAR Nighthawk Modem Router Combo (CAX30S) DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem and WiFi 6 Router
Bottom line: The NETGEAR Nighthawk Modem Router Combo ($329.99 on Amazon as of 2026-10-06): Replaces both a rented cable modem and a separate WiFi router in one box; main trade-off: incompatible with Verizon, AT&T, CenturyLink, DSL, DirecTV, and DISH service.
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Replaces both a rented cable modem and a separate WiFi router in one box
- ✓ DOCSIS 3.1 with 32x8 channel bonding supports cable plans up to 1Gbps
- ✓ Four Gigabit Ethernet ports with port aggregation for wired PCs and consoles
- ✓ USB 3.0 port for attaching a shared storage drive to the network
- ✓ WPA3 support plus a 90-day NETGEAR Armor trial for malware protection
Cons
- ✗ Incompatible with Verizon, AT&T, CenturyLink, DSL, DirecTV, and DISH service
- ✗ Will not work on any cable plan bundled with voice service
- ✗ AX2700 is a mid-tier WiFi 6 rating, not a flagship AX6000-class spec
- ✗ 2,000 sq. ft. coverage may leave dead zones in larger multi-story homes
Manufacturer description
The NETGEAR Nighthawk CAX30S combines a DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem and a WiFi 6 router in one unit, so you can retire your ISP's rental box and the separate router sitting next to it. Rated AX2700 across dual bands, it covers up to 2,000 square feet and handles as many as 25 concurrent devices, which is enough headroom for a household mixing 4K streaming, online gaming, and video calls at the same time. The 32x8 channel bonding and DOCSIS 3.1 support let it work with plans up to 1Gbps on Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox, and other cable providers. On the back you get four Gigabit Ethernet ports with port…
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored NETGEAR Nighthawk Modem Router Combo (CAX30S) DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem… 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 CAX30S work with my internet provider?
It is compatible with major cable providers including Xfinity, Spectrum, and Cox. It is not compatible with Verizon, AT&T, CenturyLink, DSL providers, DirecTV, DISH, or any plan bundled with voice service.
Do I still need to rent a modem from my cable company?
No. The CAX30S has a DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem built in and replaces both your rented modem and your WiFi router, so one device handles both jobs.
How much area and how many devices does it cover?
NETGEAR rates it for up to 2,000 square feet and 25 concurrent devices using dual-band WiFi 6 at AX2700 speeds.
What internet speeds can this modem router handle?
The built-in modem uses DOCSIS 3.1 with 32x8 channel bonding and supports cable plans up to 1Gbps. Your real-world speed depends on the tier you subscribe to.
Is NETGEAR Armor included or is it a paid subscription?
A 90-day NETGEAR Armor trial subscription is included. After the trial ends, continued Armor coverage requires a paid subscription; check the product listing for current pricing.
Key Features
- Compatible with major cable internet providers including Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox and more. NOT compatible with Verizon, AT&T, CenturyLink, DSL providers, DirecTV, DISH and any bundled voice service.
- Coverage up to 2,000 sq. ft. and 25 concurrent devices with dual-band WiFi 6 (AX2700) speed
- NETGEAR devices come with security measures built in as well as enhanced safety features and updates designed to help protect you and your family
- 4 X 1 Gig Ethernet ports (supports port aggregation) and 1 USB 3.0 port for computers, game consoles, streaming players, storage drive, and other wired devices
- Replaces your cable modem and WiFi router
- DOCSIS 3.1 and 32x8 channel bonding
Full Specifications
| Brand | NETGEAR |
|---|---|
| Color | Black |
| Coverage | 2000 square feet |
| Frequency | 120 |
| Model Name | CAX30S-100NAS |
| Unit Count | 1.0 Count |
| Antenna Type | Internal |
| Connectivity | Wireless, USB, WiFi |
| Model Number | CAX30S-100NAS |
| Built-In Media | Nighthawk AX6/6 Stream WiFi 6 Cable Modem Router, Ethernet cable, Quick start guide, Power adapt |
| Control Method | App |
| Connection Type | Wired |
| Controller Type | App Control |
| Mfr Part Number | CAX30S-100NAS |
| Number of Ports | 3 |
| Special Feature | Internet Security |
| Antenna Location | Home |
| Wi-Fi Generation | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Security Protocol | WPA2-PSK |
| Compatible Devices | Personal Computer |
| Full listing title | NETGEAR Nighthawk Modem Router Combo (CAX30S) DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem and WiFi 6 Router - AX2700 6.0 Gbps - Compatible with Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox, and More - Gigabit Wireless Internet - NETGEAR Armor |
Ready to buy?
NETGEAR Nighthawk Modem Router Combo (CAX30S) DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem and WiFi 6 Router - AX2700 6.0 Gbps - Compatible with Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox, and More - Gigabit Wireless Internet - NETGEAR Armor 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 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.
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