Best Windstream Compatible Modems & Routers in 2023: Top 10 Approved Picks

Having been around the markets since 2006, Windstream happens to be a really popular name in the American markets, especially for people who are looking for a complete communication solution. Windstream provides voice, digital TV, as well as data connectivity to its customers. The company also provides other communications-based solutions, such as virtual servers, data storage, and firewall management as well. 

Windstream is a big name and is among the top-10 largest providers of telephone services in the US. The company offers their services to over 8.1 million people living across 21 states, and their iconic green-colored wavy ‘W’ logo is a very recognizable brand name in the American markets.

Windstream is one of those rare firms which continues to offer their customers two kinds of internet connectivity options – a fiber-optic network, as well as a DSL-based network. Many people get confused between the two different networks and aren’t sure what kind of a modem they need for their kind of a connection. In this article, we take a closer look at some of the best Windstream compatible modems, as well as windstream compatible routers for the fiber-optic network.

Before we delve into the kind of hardware that you will need while using Windstream’s network, we need to talk about each of the two networks. If you are on Windstream’s DSL network, you will need to make use of a DSL modem. However, if you are using the fiber optic internet connectivity, that DSL modem isn’t going to work for you. For the fiber internet, you require a router. 

Over the course of this article, we are going to take a detailed look at both these kind of connectivity options – covering the DSL-based modems first, followed by the best routers for Windstream internet users. Once we are done with those two categories, we shall then move on to a buyer’s guide – things to keep in mind when getting a modem/router for your windstream connection. Lastly, we answer some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) before we conclude. 

5 Best Windstream Modems for Windstream’s DSL Internet Users

Here’s a closer look at some of the best windstream modems that you can get if you are using a DSL-based internet connection from Windstream. 

Image	Product	Features	Price
	Actiontec 300 Mbps Wireless-N ADSL Modem Router (GT784WN)	Modem+Router combo Operates on dual-band frequency (2.4GHz + 5GHz) 4 LAN Ports + 1 Phone Line	Check Price on Amazon
	Windstream Actiontec T3200 xDSL Wi-Fi Premium Wireless Router/Modem 1GIG (Renewed)	Modem+Routoer combo Dual-band router, supports 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands Supports ADSL as well as Fiber Optic connections	Check Price On Amazon
	Zyxel ADSL 2+ Wireless N Gateway (P660HN-51)	DSL Modem+Router Combo Dual-Band Router (2.4GHz + 5GHz) Supports speeds up to 300Mbps	Check Price on Amazon
	Windstream Arris NVG343BQ xDSL Wi-Fi Premium Wireless Router/Modem 1GIG	Modem + Router combo Offers dual-band 802.11ac WiFi 4 LAN Ports, 1 ADSL port, 1 ONT port, and 1 USB port on the back	Check Price on Amazon
	D-Link ADSL2+ Ethernet Modem-(DSL-520B)	Basic modem, no built-in router 1 LAN port and 1 DSL port on the back Safety certification: CSA International	Check Price on Amazon
	NETGEAR Nighthawk X6 Smart Wi-Fi Router (R8000)	Tri-Band Router 4 LAN ports + 1 WAN port + 1 USB 3.0 + 1 USB 2.0 port Supports up to 50 connected devices	Check Price on Amazon
	Linksys EA7500 Dual-Band Wi-Fi Router for Home	Dual-band wireless router Coverage up to 1500 sq. ft. 4 LAN ports + 1 WAN port + 2 USB ports	Check Price on Amazon
	Meshforce Mesh WiFi System M3s Suite	Dual-Band WiFi 3 Units, each providing 2000 sq. ft. of coverage Supports up to 60 devices	Check Price on Amazon
	ASUS RT-AX86U AX5700 Dual Band + WiFi 6 Gaming Router	Dual-Band wireless router 4 LAN ports + 1 2.5G LAN/WAN Port + 2 USB 3.0 ports + 1 WAN Port Covers 2500 sq. ft.	Check Price on Amazon
	NETGEAR Nighthawk 12-Stream AX12 Wifi 6 Router (RAX200)	Tri-Band WiFi 6 router Supports wireless speeds up to 10,800 Mbps Offers a coverage of 2,500 sq. ft.	Check Price on Amazon

1. Actiontec 300 Mbps Wireless-N ADSL Modem Router (GT784WN)

• Modem+Router combo 
• Operates on dual-band frequency (2.4GHz + 5GHz)
• 4 LAN Ports + 1 Phone Line 

A wireless modem-router combo that is going to be the perfect solution to all your needs on a windstream network operating at or under 300Mbps, this router from Actiontec is indeed a very good option. The company pitches it as a 3-in-1 device, giving you a DSL modem, along with a wireless router, as well as a switch with four ports. 

This is a basic device which will help you connect to the internet without the need of getting a separate wireless router. This is a windstream compatible modem and it comes with four LAN ports on the back, as well as a port for a phone line. This is also a pre-configured router and you won’t have to set up too many things on it. It will be ready to use in just a matter of minutes and can be set up even with minimal technical know-how.

This modem can be placed in two ways – horizontally like a regular old-school modem and even vertically as it comes with a stand for that as well, this is a space-saver design where you can raise the antenna upwards. It comes with the latest 802.11n technology, which will make sure that you get optimum and fast speeds.

The antenna is also quite special as this is a ‘MIMO smart antenna’ which focuses on ensuring there are no dead spots in your network and you get a good and strong connectivity. The router is also very secure and you get WPA/WPA2 security. Besides all this, there’s also a 24/7 customer support service which will help you troubleshoot any problems you may face while using this device.

2. Windstream Actiontec T3200 xDSL Wi-Fi Premium Wireless Router/Modem 1GIG

• Modem+Routoer combo 
• Dual-band router, supports 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands 
• Supports ADSL as well as Fiber Optic connections 

Windstream’s actiontec T3200 is another WiFi Router + Modem combination on this list which suits the need of all windstream users really well. This is made by the company itself and is therefore among the best windstream compatible modems that you can find. This features a modem, along with a dual-band WiFi router operating at 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz frequencies. 

On the back of this modem, you will find four LAN ports, one WAN port, one ADSL/Phone port, as well as one USB port. The presence of a WAN + ADSL port makes it suitable for both, the regular DSL connections from Windstream, as well as their fiber-optic network connections. This makes it a very good modem/router combo for all sorts of users and perhaps the best Windstream bonded DSL modem out there.

Setting up this router is also quite simple as it comes with a very modern interface that allows you to configure it with minimal technical know-how. This is a very good modem/router combo for all sorts of users – for someone who wants to play a high definition video, or even for someone who is into heavy gaming. 

The router covers a large area and supports many connected devices too. Details on both the numbers are vague and the company hasn’t really numbered them out. However, the one number that we have on this modem is the one that matters the most – it can provide you speeds up to 1Gbps on the fiber optic network, which is really impressive for a Windstream compatible modem.

3. Zyxel ADSL 2+ Wireless N Gateway (P660HN-51)

• DSL Modem+Router Combo 
• Dual-Band Router (2.4GHz + 5GHz) 
• Supports speeds up to 300Mbps

A basic modem+router combo product from Zyxel, this one is good enough for the needs of household Windstream internet service users who wish to use their internet connection for basic purposes. If you are someone who wants to check your mail, update your social media, and browse through Wikipedia – or watch a few videos a day, this is just the right set of modem/router for you. 

The Zyxel ADSL 2+ P660HN-51 is a modem that supports a speed of up to 300Mbps. Since it comes with a built-in router inside it, one of the biggest advantages that you get is that you do not need to purchase an additional router. This saves you that extra expense. This is a Windstream compatible router and works very well with the Windstream ADSL2+ service. 

When you turn the router around, you see that there are four LAN ports, as well as one DSL port below it. Thankfully, since it has a built-in router, you will not need to use one LAN port to plug in an additional router and you will be able to use all four ports for whatever you want them to. All in all, a very good modem for all your basic needs. If you are a power user, you might want to consider other options or consider switching to Windstream’s fiber internet service. 

4. Windstream Arris NVG343BQ xDSL Wi-Fi Premium Wireless Router/Modem 1GIG

• Modem + Router combo 
• Offers dual-band 802.11ac WiFi
• 4 LAN Ports, 1 ADSL port, 1 ONT port, and 1 USB port on the back 

Here comes the big daddy, perhaps the very best windstream compatible modem and router combo. The Windstream Arris NVG343BQ is a very powerful modem/router combo that supports regular DSL connections, as well as Fiber Optic networks, thanks to a built-in ONT port. This is built in collaboration with Arris, which is a big name when it comes to making cable modems, which gives this modem instant credibility. 

First up, this is suitable only for those using the “Enhanced” & “Premium” connections from Windstream. It does not support the ‘standard’ connections. This is one of the best Windstream bonded DSL modems out there as it provides speeds up to 1000Mbps (1Gbps). When you turn the router around, there are four LAN ports, as well as one USB port. What is even more interesting are the two other ports on each side, one DSL Broadband port and another ONT Broadband port, meant for DSL and Fiber Optic connections respectively. 

The built-in router is also quite impressive as it offers you dual-band connectivity featuring a 2.4GHz band and a 5GHz band. On this router, you also get 802.11ac wifi with beamforming technology. This technology makes sure that your devices get a strong connectivity with the router and that there are no drops in the connection. 

The true power of this modem/router really comes into the picture when you compare it with some other popular windstream compatible routers such as Sagemcom F@st 4320. This is also a good alternative to routers such as the Actiontec T3200 which we have reviewed above, and comes in at a price that is cheaper than that of the T3200. All in all, a very good option for Windstream users who wish for fast, stable and secure connectivity.  

5. D-Link ADSL2+ Ethernet Modem-(DSL-520B)

• Basic modem, no built-in router 
• 1 LAN port and 1 DSL port on the back 
• Safety certification: CSA International

Last on our list of ADSL modems for Windstream internet, but not the least of them for sure. This is one of the best generic ADSL modems that you can get hold of, and it is compatible with many other DSL-based ISPs other than windstream. First up, this is a modem made by D-Link, a company that you can totally trust with networking solutions. This is a small and compact device and can be placed anywhere. Nothing exceptional in terms of looks but performs at a very good level. 

On the back, there’s a single LAN port and a single DSL port. You can plug your DSL cable to the device and then use the LAN port to hook it to a router or directly to a laptop using a LAN cable and get internet on it. This modem is very simple to use and easy to set up, but comes with some really good features such as built-in firewall protection and QoS settings. 

There’s no built-in router in this, but if you are looking only for an ADSL modem, there’s perhaps no other windstream compatible modem which is better than this out there. Just add a router to it and enjoy high-speed internet access. This is a basic, no-nonsense modem that gets the job done without any show-off.

5 Best Windstream Routers for Windstream’s Fiber Internet Users

Up next are some of the best windstream compatible routers for those who are using a fiber optic internet connection offered by the company. In this case, you do not need a modem as the cable goes straight into the router. 

1. NETGEAR Nighthawk X6 Smart Wi-Fi Router (R8000)

• Tri-Band Router 
• 4 LAN ports + 1 WAN port + 1 USB 3.0 + 1 USB 2.0 port 
• Supports up to 50 connected devices 

Netgear is totally the biggest and the best name when it comes to the world of wireless routers. Given that you don’t need a separate modem when it comes to Windstream’s fiber optic connections, all you need is a good router, and netgear not only makes some good routers, it makes some of the best Windstream compatible routers that you can buy! This is the Netgear Nighthawk X6, which is a ‘smart’ router.

No, we aren’t just throwing that word around. This is indeed a very smart router and can be controlled using just your voice. Besides that, what truly makes it a really amazing device is that it can connect with up to 50 devices. If you have a smart home with a lot of connected devices, this is the perfect and the smartest router for you to bring them all under one network. The antennas are designed really well, giving it a spider-like appearance.

The router offers fast wireless speeds up to 3200 Mbps, which makes it an ideal device for gamers. It is a tri-band router. Netgear’s Nighthawk X6 is powered by a 1GHz processor. Besides that, it comes with some of the latest and the most power-packed technologies which ensure that all your devices get a strong connection at all times. When you turn it around, you find 4 LAN ports and 1 WAN port, along with 1 USB 3.0 and 1 USB 2.0 port. 

There are a number of parental control features that can be set up on these routers as well. Besides that, you also get a free 30-day trial of Netgear Armor, which will keep your network very secure. Talking of security, the router features WPA2 security protocols and is very safe to use. It is also quite easy to set up, even for those who have never done it before!

2. Linksys EA7500 Dual-Band Wi-Fi Router for Home

• Dual-band wireless router 
• Coverage up to 1500 sq. ft.
• 4 LAN ports + 1 WAN port + 2 USB ports 

Linksys is another top name when it comes to the networking industry. The company has been making a large number of routers and has also been a partner to a large number of ISPs all over the world. Linksys EA7500 is one of the best windstream compatible routers that you can get hold of. It provides you with fast and reliable dual-band WiFi internet access. 

With 2 USB ports, 4 LAN ethernet ports, and 1 WAN port, this router has totally got you covered when it comes to all your connectivity needs. There are three antennas located on the backside of the router which beam internet all over your home – that is, if your home is up to 1500 sq. ft. This is a dual-band WiFi router, which provides you a 2.4GHz band and a 5GHz band and supports wireless speeds up to 1900 Mbps.

This is a really good and reliable router, especially if you are someone who likes to stream a lot of videos in high quality. The router uses MU-MIMO tech to ensure connectivity across multiple devices at the same time. The company hasn’t really specified how many devices can be connected to it at the same time, but up to 25 shouldn’t be a problem in our opinion.

Setting up the Linksys EA7500 is also quite easy and can be done in a matter of minutes. If you are still facing any problems doing that, you can always contact the Linksys customer support team, which is very helpful and can efficiently solve your problem over call. Besides that, the router comes with a three year warranty period too, which is among the longest that you can get in a router. All in all, a really good Windstream compatible router for all your needs!

3. Meshforce Mesh WiFi System M3s Suite

• Dual-Band WiFi 
• 3 Units, each providing 2000 sq. ft. of coverage 
• Supports up to 60 devices 

Mesh WiFi systems are really picking up these days and are catching the imagination of a large number of users. While normally you see names such as Asus, Netgear, and Google killing it in the mesh networks market, the Meshforce Mesh Wifi M3s suite is also a really good option for those looking for a really good windstream compatible router which also offers a mesh network. 

This is a 3-pack setup where you get a total combined coverage of 6,000 sq. ft. which makes it ideal to use in offices or in very large homes. The first thing that we will address is the design of the routers, which is really good and quite futuristic. Looks straight out of a Stanley Kurbick set. They provide you a coverage that can support 60 devices, which make it a very good choice for people who have a smart home.

The whole thing can be set up in under 10 minutes using the My Mesh mobile app and you can control the whole thing using just your phone, even when you are not within the network. This is particularly useful for those on Windstream’s Gigabit plans and allows the users to get the full speed provided by the ISP.

Behind each unit, you will find one LAN and one WAN port. There are a lot of advanced controls that can be set up on this wireless router, including guest networks, smart QoS settings and fast roaming among others. The biggest benefit that you get is that of a strong connectivity across the entire house under one single WiFi SSID. The router is also quite secure to use. 

4. ASUS RT-AX86U AX5700 Dual Band + WiFi 6 Gaming Router 

• Dual-Band wireless router 
• 4 LAN ports + 1 2.5G LAN/WAN Port + 2 USB 3.0 ports + 1 WAN Port
• Covers 2500 sq. ft.  

Perhaps the best Windstream router out there if you are a gamer. This is something that you MUST own in that case. The ASUS RT-AX86U is a gaming router that not only performs like a beast, but also looks the part. This is the ZAKU II edition of the router, which is the ultimate gaming router for all your needs. 

The router covers 2500 sq. ft. of area, supports over 35 devices, and comes with a dual-band network. You get 4 regular LAN ports, along with one 2.5G WAN/LAN ports, one dedicated WAN port, and two USB 3.0 ports on the back. This gives you a lot of connectivity options, and thanks to the USB ports, you can also use the router as a media streaming device. 

ASUS RT-AX86U has also been designed keeping all the needs of the PlayStation 5 in mind. There’s a special mobile game mode which allows you to customize the wireless settings to match all your gaming needs. The router gives you speeds up to 5700 Mbps, which ensures that there is absolutely no lag while playing even the heaviest of games. 

Mesh networks are also supported by this router and you can use other ASUS routers in the network to create a mesh network so that there are no drops in the connectivity. Besides that, you also get ASUS’s AiProtection Pro, which provides you with internet security as well as an advanced parental control setup. 

5. NETGEAR Nighthawk 12-Stream AX12 Wifi 6 Router (RAX200) 

• Tri-Band WiFi 6 router
• Supports wireless speeds up to 10,800 Mbps
• Offers a coverage of 2,500 sq. ft. 

We began the list with one and we’re closing the list with another Netgear router! This is the Nighthawk AX12, which is a very powerful tri-band, 12-stream router from Netgear. The router provides a mind-bending 10.8 Gbps of wireless speeds which makes it perhaps the fastest wireless router in the markets out there. (PS: one must not confuse it with internet speed, which depends on your ISP and your internet plan). 

The AX12 from Netgear provides you with a coverage of 2500 sq.ft, and with its three bands, ensures that each device gets a good coverage. The router provides WiFi 6 connectivity, which is way faster and much more stable compared to the older WiFi 5 standards. The router supports internet speeds up to 2Gbps, making it one of the best Windstream compatible routers so that the gigabit plan can be connected. 

There are 4 x 1G and 1 x 2.5G Ethernet ports on the back, along with one WAN port and two USB ports. The router itself is designed in a very unique way and resembles a space-ship of sorts. However, don’t be fooled by the flaps, there are actually antennas placed inside them, and they are angled in a way that will give you a very strong connectivity. Underneath this exterior is a strong 1.8Gbps processor powering it all. 

The Netgear AX12 is easy to set up and control. It also comes with many parental control features, giving the children a safer access to the internet. This is a great router for power users who really want the most out of their internet connections and are always connected to the internet – be it for gaming or video streaming, or using smart devices. All in all, perhaps the best windstream router out there if you are on a high-speed fiber-optic connection.

Ultimate Buyer’s Guide to Best Windstream Routers/Modems

You now know which are the 10 best options when it comes to the best windstream compatible modems and routers. However, how do you decide which is the best device for your needs? Here are some parameters you can use to figure this out!

• Compatibility

The first and the most important thing that you need to check is whether your router or your modem is compatible with Windstream’s internet. In most cases you’ll find it in the Amazon comments or written in the box provided by the manufacturer. Most windstream compatible modems will let you know up-front that this modem supports their internet connection. Always keep an eye for what all connections a modem/router supports before you buy them. 

• Speed Supported

Apart from the compatibility with the ISP, the next big thing that you must know is the kind of speed that you get from a particular modem or a router. If your modem does not support the kind of speeds that your internet plans has, then what is even the point of buying it? If you are on a 1gbps/gigabit plan from an ISP, make sure your modem can also support speeds up to 1Gbps. You need to buy a modem based on your internet plan and not the other way around. 

Similarly, while buying a Windstream compatible router, make sure you’re checking for the two different speeds that routers provide – the first is the connection speed and the second is the wireless speed. The connection speed is basically the maximum internet speed that your router can provide you with. The wireless speed is basically the speed of how fast data can move around within the network. 

• Number of Ports

This is very important. When buying a router or a modem, always make sure you are checking the number of ports that it comes with. In our opinion, the best windstream modems will always come with at least four ports. If you have fewer than four ports (and many modems come with just one or two), then you might fall short of LAN ports to plug other devices. However, in case of modems having just one port is also acceptable because you can always plug in a router and use the router’s ports.

When it comes to buying a router, ports matter even more. You can connect a modem to a router, and then use the router’s ports to connect your laptop, printer, gaming console, and multiple other devices. This is even more important if you are a gamer because you mighty need more ports for hosting LAN parties, etc. 

• Range and Connected Devices 

This holds true for routers. The best windstream routers need to come with a large range and need to support as many connected devices as possible. You need to check these two numbers before you buy your router. The larger your house, the more the range you would require. Similarly, also consider the height of your house. If you are in a multi-story building you might want to use a router that can cover multiple floors as well. 

When it comes to router range, there’s another added feature these days that one needs to check out – the support for Mesh Networks. Mesh networks help you extend your range and ensure that there are no no-wifi zones in your network. Besides that, you also need to check the number of connected devices that your router can support. With smart homes becoming common and more and more of our devices being controlled wirelessly, you need to see if the number of devices you have can be supported by the router you are planning on buying. 

• Ease of Setting Up

This is again something that is quite important for modems as well as routers. No matter what you are buying, technology isn’t really everyone’s cup of tea. However, good tech needs to be something that can be set up and used by anyone, regardless of how ‘techie’ they are. Thankfully, most of the latest modems are very easy to set up and you just have to plug your cable and provide your login details and you’re done.

Similarly, in the case of modern-day routers, you get a lot of these routers which come with an app. These apps help you set up and control the device with ease. Even more impressive than that is the fact that some of the best windstream compatible routers can also be controlled via just voice commands, thanks to Amazon’s Alexa. 

• Parental Controls and other Features

Parental control and other control-related features are important and something that you need to keep an eye out for. Your router needs to be able to allow you to block certain websites which are not suitable for kids. Besides that, you can also block access to certain devices after a time so that your kids aren’t up late. A number of other control-based features such as password-sharing and guest access, setting up VPN, etc. are also important so always check if your router supports them before you buy it.

• Design and Durability

Design and durability also matter a lot. Not that your router/modem is going to be taking a lot of bumps and falls, but one still needs to ensure that these are tough devices and can survive the occasional fall or bump. Design-wise too, you need to get routers and modems which blend well with any room that you decide to keep them at. While visual appeal and performance don’t really have any correlation, one would always prefer to get a better-looking modem. 

• Price and Warranty

Last but not least. Most of this is just common sense. Set a budget before you head out to shop and stick to it. Also look for the router that offers you the longest warranty and the best customer support. For the best discounts, check out Amazon as they keep running various deals on windstream compatible routers and modems from time to time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Best Windstream Compatible Modems and Routers 

We often get a large number of questions from our readers about Windstream compatible modems and routers which aren’t necessarily about which router to buy, but are questions around the same topic so we’ve decided to collect them all together and put them here for your reference:

1. Why is buying a windstream modem or a router better than renting it? 

Buying a modem or a router is always better than renting it because you end up paying much more when you are renting a device. Consider this, an average windstream modem rental costs $11.99 a month. You end up paying a little above $140 per year, and an internet connection is generally used for years – you are easily paying $400-500 over the next 3-4 years. For that much money, you can get a modem as well as a router and still have a few extra bucks. Economically speaking, this is straight-up a good decision. 

2. Should I buy a Windstream compatible router or a modem? 

The answer to this question depends upon the kind of internet connection that you are using. If you are making use of a windstream DSL internet connection, you will need a DSL-compatible modem, as well as a router to get that wired internet to become a WiFi connection. However, if you are making use of a fiber-optic connection from Windstream, you don’t need a modem and you will need only a router. 

3. Where can I buy Windstream modems from? 

Windstream modems can be bought from a number of stores, as well as from some official Windstream stores. However, the best place to buy Windstream modems is Amazon, because it gives you a large number of options as well as much better discounts compared to getting these devices from physical stores. 

4. What should the range of my Windstream compatible router ideally be? 

The range of the router depends on how big your home or your office is. If you want to stream internet across a larger area, you will need a router that supports the amount of distance you want. Alternatively, you can also get mesh-network compatible routers to increase your overall internet coverage across the floor or across multiple rooms without any dead spots in between. 

5. How many ports should be at the back of the modem/router for Windstream internet? 

There’s no fixed number of ports, you need a minimum of one port on a modem to get a router to connect to it. However, just that one port isn’t of any use. You need at least four ports on a modem/router so that you can connect other devices such as a network printer, a gaming console, or a laptop or other similar devices to the modem/router if need be. If you are a gamer, try and look for a router with 6-8 ports so that you can set up a LAN party at your home using that router. 

Conclusion

We hope that by the time you reach this section, you know a lot more about the best options for routers and modems for your Windstream internet connection. Based on whether you have a DSL connection or a fiber connection, you can go for windstream compatible modems or routers. Often, if you are on a DSL connection, you’d need a modem as well as a router. If there are any more doubts or queries, feel free to let us know over comments or on email. You can also suggest a modem or a router that you have been using and you would like to add us to our review, and we shall do that as well!