DSL modems used to be a pricey device that was only provided by two or three popular brands in the market. However, with increasing technological development and the widespread use of such devices in the market, the price has fallen and the quality has surely increased.
With such a diverse variety of DSL modems, it's getting harder to select any one for your use.
Therefore, this article will discuss in-depth details and relevant information that can help you choose the best DSL modem for your use.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for DSL Modems
- OUR TOP PICK: NETGEAR C3000-100NAS N300
- TP-LINK ADSL2+
- NETGEAR AC1200
- NETGEAR Nighthawk AC1900
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: CenturyLink ZyXEL PK5001z
Comparison Chart of the Best DSL Modems
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Best Budget Option  |
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What is a DSL Modem?
DSL stands for digital subscriber line. A DSL modem is such a device that connects a computer or a router through a telephone to provide internet connectivity. The device provides a broadband connection. In the market today, you will find various kinds of DSL modems, but the most common ones usually are a 2-in-1 device that acts as a router, as well. They use USB ports and ethernet connections to connect devices.
How Does a DSL Modem Work?
A DSL modem uses ethernet ports, USB ports, and computer PCI slots to connect devices. They also use wireless access point technology to establish connections. They feature an RJ11 jack that connects to a standard telephone line. RJ45 jacks are ethernet ports that then connect and provide internet connectivity to computer devices, printers, and so on. These devices also usually have LED indicator lights that indicate the device's status.
How to Choose a DSL Modem
If you are new to buying technical products or are simply confused about how to choose a DSL modem out of a variety of thousands, this section will help you out. We have listed down some important features and aspects you should consider before choosing one.
Ports
An ideal DSL unit should have a reliable and high-speed ethernet port that will allow you to connect computer devices and ensure reliable speed, as well. While USB ports are extra features and not entirely essential, they still play an important role in ensuring multi-purpose functionality and ease of use. Make sure that all ethernet ports are RJ45 jacks along with one RJ11 port that will connect to the standard telephone line.
Compatibility
Before choosing your unit, make sure it is compatible with the DSL service you are using. To do this, you can contact and inquire directly from your ISP or DSL service provider.
Ease of Use
Make sure you take a demo of how to use the product when you are buying it. Whether you are a pro at technical devices or know nothing at all, the device should be easy to use, nonetheless. It should have LED indicators, for example, that ensure user-friendliness. It should have easy-to-access buttons and ports, and should also come with a user manual or any kind of user guide.
Quick Take - Best DSL Modems
In a hurry? Below are our recommendations for the best DSL modems:
Review of the Best DSL Modems
Now, it's time to move on to the most important part of the article. Here, we will look at some of the best DSL modems that can solve lots of problems for you. All products are unique in their own way and stand out from one another. They are divided into sub-categories that include best for the money and the best overall products.
Best Overall:
TP-LINK ADSL2+
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
People who have recently bought and used this model were satisfied with its performance and ease of use. All user reports suggested that the set up was really quick and easy, which made it helpful for beginners. However, some complaints suggested that it drops connection or has inconsistent signal strength after only a few hours of use. Other users used this modem with AT&T and Verizon and found it highly compatible and reliable.
Why it Stands Out to Us
One essential feature that a DSL modem must have is that it should be backed by good customer support. This is why we think this product outperforms others, as it is not only backed by a two-year warranty but also comes with highly helpful and user-friendly tech support.
Who Will Use This Most
With its quick and easy functionality, we think this will be a great choice for beginners. We will also recommend this to be used in homes where lots of devices need to be connected. Moreover, it has also worked great for people who used it in areas with weak signals.
Bottom Line
In brief, this is a great choice for anyone who wants to add value to their money in the long term. The product comes with a bunch of extra features and also has a sleek black design. Therefore, we highly recommend this for online streaming, heavy data downloading, and connecting multiple devices.
Best for the Money:
NETGEAR AC1200
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Many recent buyers of this NETGEAR device reported that the unit boosted their internet speed drastically. Moreover, users with little to no technical knowledge and experience found the device easy to set up, and the setup guide is helpful, as well. It also runs much smoother and faster than rental WiFi and DSL routers. Therefore, a majority of the buyers of this product felt like they made the right decision buying it.
Why it Stands Out to Us
NETGEAR has always been a leading brand in the market and has launched some of the best WiFi devices. This is also one of their top-performing products, considering its advanced and versatile features such as the QoS, setup guide, sleek design, and light indicators. Moreover, the device also stands out from other products because it has diverse compatibility and also lets you connect to cable modems!
Who Will Use This Most
We think this product will be a great choice for anyone who wants to cover a medium to large-sized area of a house. The device is also good for people who need to stream and download large amounts of data, as the device provides a strong connection. If your internet is slow, you can also use this unit to boost up the speed.
Bottom Line
Considering its range of features, we think this is a great product for absolutely anyone. It's good for office use, where lots of devices need to be connected. It's also great for beginners who want an easy to use and convenient DSL modem.
Best DSL Modem Router Combo:
NETGEAR Nighthawk AC1900
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Even though a few buyers reported a defective product was delivered to them, they still had the 90-day return warranty that helped them save their money. Moreover, users also reported that the device brought amazing speed increases to their WiFi. It worked great for people who needed to cover long ranges, as well.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Not only does the modem have a sleek design and an impressive build, but it also has incredible features. Its most distinctive and outstanding feature is its 3-in-1 design that makes the device function as a router, modem, and Gigabit switch, as well! This is a rare feature to find in such modems in the market, therefore, earning a place on our list.
Who Will Use This Most
This device is the perfect choice for anyone who wants to get rid of extra rental costs from their service providers. It's a great option for people who live in large homes, too. The device is compatible with several providers and therefore, is great for absolutely anyone.
Bottom Line
With outstanding compatibility and a highly advanced design, this device will prove to be a great purchase for anyone. It is again, one of the best from NETGEAR, which also further ensures reliability. There might be some issues with tech support, but the device itself is so easy to use that even first-time buyers won't need any tech support.
Best DSL Modem for Century Link:
CenturyLink ZyXEL PK5001z
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
The buyers of this model reported that it was fairly easy to install. Many buyers who were first-timers also thought the same. Users also reported that it helped boost their internet speed and worked just as well as it claims to. Some buyers received defective products that didn’t work at all, but they had great customer support which allowed them to solve the issue quickly.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The reason this modem stands out from other products is that it specifically works great for Century Link. It is an outstanding product that not only features reliable functionality but also has a versatile design that also includes light indicators.
Who Will Use This Most
It’s definitely a great choice for buyers who have Century Link as their service provider. It is also a great option for people who want to do lots of HD streaming, as its speed is reasonable enough. It might not be a good option for people who want to connect lots of devices at once, though.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this is a highly reliable modem. It has outstandingly improved WiFi speed for most of its users, which is why it is a good choice for anyone who wants good internet speed. It’s also equipped with efficient features that include light indicators and easy-to-use functionality.
Best DSL Modem for AT&T:
Netgear DGND3700 N600
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers of this device report that it is a budget-friendly alternative to renting modems provided by service providers. Users also suggested that it works great not only for AT&T but other brands as well. Some users reported it does not give the same quality of performance after six months or so, which makes its longevity unreliable.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This is a non-cable modem by Netgear that has excellent functionality. It is a great choice for absolutely anyone, but the most distinctive feature of this modem is its appearance. It has an exceptionally impressive and sturdy build and design that will look amazing on your office desk or even at your home. Plus, we think it is a great option if you want something that has versatile compatibility.
Who Will Use This Most
It’s a great choice for people who use brands like Verizon and AT&T. However, we do not recommend it for CenturyLink brand users. It’s also a great choice for users who require a smooth and fast internet connection to perform professional tasks and online gaming as well. If you have a medium to large-sized house or office to cover, then the 300 Mbps data transfer rate will surely be good for you.
Bottom Line
To sum it up, this is a cheaper and smarter alternative to renting modems from your service provider. It also has great functionality that will make it a great choice for beginners, as well. Therefore, we think it will turn out to be a great pick for anyone who wants to boost their internet speed with a good-looking, sleek device.
Best DSL Modem for Frontier:
Motorola MD1600
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Even though the product is supposed to work with various brands including CenturyLink, buyers have reported it to be not compatible with it. Buyers who connected wireless devices to this unit found it to be highly satisfactory as it smoothly established a connection and remained consistent, as well. Moreover, people have also highly appreciated the high-quality customer support provided by the brand.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The wireless design and sleek look of this device surely stand out. It is one of the most advanced and efficient, yet user-friendly DSL modems in the market. Therefore, we have added this to our list for its incredible functionality and versatile compatibility.
Who Will Use This Most
We would recommend this for use by those who have to cover small to medium-sized areas. However, it’s not a good option for HD streaming and gaming as its data transfer rate is only 100 Mbps.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the device comes from a very renowned and reliable brand in the market of electronics. Therefore, it qualifies as a good choice for everyone. It’s easy to use and has all the essentials, plus the extra features you can find in most pricier models.
Best DSL Modem for Windstream:
MOTOROLA VDSL2/ADSL2+
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
The majority of the recent buyers use this product in small to medium ranges. It has proved to be highly satisfactory in terms of ease of use and ease of installation. It has also worked really well for various famous and other local brands. Buyers have also found the device to be of high convenience, as it connects smoothly and establishes a consistent connection. The tech support is also highly appreciated as they proved to be of great help.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The reason why this Motorola DSL modem stands out to us is its versatile design. It has a built-in router that adds great value to your money. Other than that, it’s also a lot easier to maintain and use than wired devices that become unorganized after some time of use.
Who Will Use This Most
We think this will be a good choice for people with small houses. It is also good for light data sharing. We do not recommend this for people who want high-speed downloading, gaming, and HD streaming.
Bottom Line
The product is a great choice. The only possible drawback we see to it is its speed. Other features, such as its wireless and sleek, shiny look can surely add great value to your money and user experience, as well.
What Do I Need to Know Before Buying a DSL Modem?
Everyone enjoys fast speeds, and to ensure you get just that with your chosen modem, you must know the following:
How Do DSL Modems Impact Speed?
The majority of the people who do buy DSL devices buy it for two main reasons; to increase their internet speed and to avoid extra costs from their DSL service provider. Such devices increase your internet speed, as they allow a larger quantity of data to transfer. DSLs narrow down the connection lines to only be used by you and devices that get authorization. This helps reduce traffic and increases your bandwidth.
What is the Difference Between Routers and DSL?
The key difference between a router and DSL modem is the purpose they are used for. A DSL modem provides you with an internet connection that is connected to a telephone line. Meanwhile, a router connects multiple devices to a particular internet connection. A router cannot work without a DSL modem, but a modem can work independently of a router.
Are All DSL Devices the Same?
Before buying a DSL modem, you need to understand that there are different kinds of devices available. DSL devices are available in different types, which include IDSL, ADSL, RADSL, and SDSL. Therefore, before making the purchase, make sure you know which type of device will be compatible with the ISP service you are using.
Conclusion
All DSL devices are not compatible with all ISP connections. Therefore, the compatibility of a DSL unit is important to consider before making a purchase. Plus, there are other factors like ports and build quality that matter, as well. A DSL device can surely help you boost your internet speed and proves to be highly useful for gamers and professional uses.
People Also Ask
If you are convinced to buy a DSL modem, then you must have some confusion and queries left in your mind. Therefore, in this section, we will attempt to explain and answer all the possible questions you may have regarding the product of your choice.
How Long Do DSL Modems Last?
In ideal cases, a good quality DSL modem lasts for up to four to six years. However, due to changes in data transfer and other technical factors, some units might last for not more than three to four years. Advanced modems that use fiber-based technology last longer, for up to six years. Such a unit might last a long time, but it does not mean that it will be compatible with all modern and newer technologies and systems that are constantly developing.
Can I Use a Cable Modem for DSL?
Like DSL modems use telephone lines to provide an internet connection, cable modems use TV cables. Both of these devices work differently and cannot be interchanged or used together. Therefore, you cannot use a cable modem for DSL.
How Can I Boost My DSL Signal Strength?
If you think your DSL modem signals are getting weaker or inconsistent, the best thing you can do to avoid this is to place them in a good spot. Make sure that your device is not situated in a place where there are too many electronic devices that create a “buzz” sound as this sound can interfere with the signals. Moreover, try to put the DSL in a spot that is the nearest to the area from where the telephone line enters your home. Try removing the bandwidth limit to speed up the signal.
Is DSL Still Used?
DSL uses copper wires to transfer data. Since copper wires are traditional and have become an older means of communication, many people think that DSL has also become outdated. However, that is not true. DSL is still used, as it is one of the most advanced technologies still being updated with more advanced features.
Is DSL Good for Streaming?
Yes, DSL can be good for gaming purposes. However, not all DSL can be good enough. To make sure that the one you are buying is good for streaming, you need to check the data transfer rate. For small to medium-sized houses and areas, you will need at least a 200 Mbps data transfer rate to ensure smooth streaming.
