The age-old question of whether to buy or rent your router from your internet service provider remains a hot topic. Most ISPs charge a monthly fee of between $10 and $15 for equipment, while you can purchase your own modem and router for less than $200. While buying your own equipment often pays for itself within the first year, it can also come with some added challenges.
After six years of covering the internet, I finally decided to come clean about my secret: I’ve been renting my router from Xfinity all this time. It may seem like a strange choice, but the convenience of an ISP-provided setup seemed worth it to me. However, after tallying up my equipment fees over the years, I realized I had spent a total of $873 on renting Xfinity’s equipment. With that money, I could have purchased top-of-the-line routers and even upgraded my internet speed significantly.
While I have been satisfied with my rented equipment, owning your own gear is typically the better long-term investment. Not only do you often get better performance, but it can pay for itself in just a year or two. If you are willing to take on the responsibility of purchasing and managing your own equipment, it is usually a more cost-effective option.
When it comes to choosing the right modem and router, consider your internet usage and space requirements. For example, if you have a larger home or engage in activities like gaming that require split-second reactions, you may need a more advanced router. Prices for routers vary widely, so be sure to do your research and choose one that suits your needs.
In some cases, you may also need to purchase a modem, depending on your internet provider. Make sure to check for compatibility with your ISP and consider factors like speed limits and Ethernet ports. Setting up your new equipment may seem daunting, but most ISPs provide instructions on how to activate your modem and connect your router.
After making the switch to my own modem and router, I saw a significant increase in speed and performance. Speed tests showed a noticeable improvement in both upload and download speeds, making the investment well worth it. Ultimately, owning your own equipment can save you money in the long run and provide a better internet experience overall.