There are many reasons why buying your own modem router combo is the best decision you may ever make. First, having your own router may make your internet faster. Second, you will avoid the equipment rental fees that ISPs charge you. The list can go on forever.
If you are searching for a perfect router for your home, then look no further. Today, we will throw two very capable routers against each other – the Netgear C6300 and C7000. Let’s begin with their similarities.
Netgear C6300 vs C7000 – Similarities
Let’s review the specifics in a side by side chart.
| Netgear C6300 | Netgear C700 | |
| Image |  |
 |
| Max. Download Speed | Up to 680Mpbs | Up to 960Mbps |
| Wireless technology | 802.11ac, AC1750 (up to 1750Mbps) | 802.11ac, AC1900 (up to 1900Mbps) |
| Dual-band Technology | Yes | Yes |
| Channel Bonding | 16×4 Channel bonding, DOCSIS 3.0 | 24×8 Channel Bonding, DOCSIS 3.0 |
| Standards | 1 x USB 2.0 port
1 x Coaxial port IEEE 802.11 b/g/n 2.4GHz IEEE 802.11 a/n/ac 5Ghz 4 x Gigabit Ethernet ports |
1 x USB 2.0 port
1 x Coaxial port IEEE 802.11 b/g/n 2.4GHz + 256 QAM support IEEE 802.11 a/n/ac 5Ghz 4 x Gigabit Ethernet ports |
| Wireless Security Protocols | WPA/WPA2 | WPA/WPA2 – PSK |
| Best for – Property Size | Medium to Large | Medium to Large (up to 1800 sq. ft.) |
| Other Features | Guest Network, Netgear Genie App, WPS button, Parental Controls | Guest Network, Netgear Genie App, WPS button, Parental Controls |
| Compatibility | Compatible with all major Internet Service Providers | Compatible with all major Internet Service Providers |
| Item Dimensions | 6.85 x 10.94 x 2.96 inches | 9.60 x 8.30 x 1.70 inches |
| Item Weight | 1.51 lbs | 1.60 lbs |
| What’s inside | Netgear C6300, Ethernet cable, Quick install guide, Power adapter | Netgear C7000, Ethernet cable, Quick install guide, Power adapter |
| Price | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon |
Dual-band Wireless AC Technology
The birth of 802.11ac wireless technology introduced us to better wireless connection. Compared to the older wireless N technology, the wireless AC brings faster and more reliable internet connection. It also introduced us to the dual-band technology which brings twice the number of devices it can connect to. Additionally, the faster 5GHz connection is launched with the dawn of wireless AC routers. You can enjoy this faster and reliable internet with both the Netgear C6300 and C7000.
ISP Compatibility
All the major internet service providers (ISP) are compatible to both the C6300 and C7000, which includes Xfinity by Comcast, Spectrum, and COX. Please check with your internet service provider for compatibility.
Ports
Ports in both routers are plentiful for any internet usage. Both the C6300 and C7000 feature one (1) USB 2.0 port and four (4) Gigabit Ethernet ports. Four devices can enjoy the more reliable wired connection. You can share a printer or an external hard drive via the USB 2.0 with everyone in the network.
Other Added Essential Features
Netgear also added other essential features that users may enjoy such as Guest Network, Netgear Genie App, and parental controls. If your house guests need to connect to your Wi-Fi, you can create a separate SSID for them via the Guest Network feature. Managing your network is easier thanks to Netgear’s Genie App which is available in both the Play Store and the App Store. Lastly, you can monitor your children’s internet activity using the parental control feature.
Differences between Netgear C6300 and Netgear C7000
After things where they are very similar, we will now check how they differ.
Maximum Download Speeds
Bottlenecking in internet speed is a common place in households. Ever wondered why your internet speed is so slow even if you have a high internet plan? Perhaps, your modem router is limiting your internet speed. Thus, upgrading your older router may benefit you. This bottlenecking will never happen to the Netgear C6300 and C7000 because they support high download speeds.
Note that your internet speed still depends on your internet plan from your ISP.
Netgear C6300
The maximum download speed of the C6300 is lower than the C7000. However, it can still reach a respectable download speed up to 680Mbps.
Netgear C7000
The Netgear C7000 can reach a higher download speed up to 960Mbps. That is 40% faster than C6300’s 680Mbps maximum download speed.
The Winner Is- Netgear C7000
Channel Bonding
Most consumers only look at the maximum download speeds when searching for a router. However, you also need to look at its channel bonding specifications because it is one way of maximizing your internet speeds. The more channels that router has, the better it can maintain your internet speeds which is particularly helpful during peak internet usage hours.
Netgear C6300
The Netgear C6300 has a 16×4 channel bonding configuration. This means it has 16 downstream channels and 4 upstream channels. Even when one channel cuts connection, you have 15 more channels. This makes your internet connection reliable as ever.
Netgear C7000
The Netgear C7000 has a superior 24×8 channel bonding configuration compared to the C6300’s. It has 24 channels for downstream and 8 channels for upstream. With more channels, you can enjoy a more reliable internet experience from C7000.
The Winner Is- Netgear C7000
Wi-Fi AC
Both the C6300 and the C7000 can connect to many wireless devices at one instance. Wireless devices can use the faster 5GHz from both C6300 and C7000.
Netgear C6300
The Netgear C6300 has the AC1750 which is rated at up to 1750Mbps. This is lower than C7000’s AC1900 which can accommodate up to 1900Mbps.
Netgear C7000
On the other hand, the Netgear C7000 has the AC1900 which is rated up to 1900Mbps. The C7000 can comfortably accommodate up to 30 wireless devices at the same time.
The Winner Is- Netgear C7000
Pros and Cons
Netgear C6300
Pros:
-
- Max. Download Speed of 680Mbps
- Compatible with most ISPs
- No more equipment rental fee from ISPs
- Dual-band wireless AC technology
- AC1750 (up to 1750Mbps)
- Safe and secure with WPA/WPA2
- Has 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports
Cons:
- Lower max. Download Speed
- Inferior 16×4 channel bonding
Pros:
-
- Max. Download Speed of 960Mbps
- Compatible with most ISPs
- No more equipment rental fee from ISPs
- Dual-band wireless AC technology
- AC1750 (up to 1750Mbps)
- 24×8 channel bonding, DOCSIS 3.0
- Safe and secure with WPA/WPA2
- Has 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports
The Final Verdict
The Netgear C7000 obviously dominates this comparison. It has all the features the C6300 has, but better and faster. After all, the Netgear C7000 is more expensive than the C6300. If you have a larger budget for a router, definitely go for the Netgear C7000. Otherwise, when you are looking to save more money, the Netgear C6300 will be more than enough.
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