7 Best DSL Modems of 2023 [Compatible with Most DSL ISPs]
Are you finally on board with an internet connection but only have Earthlink, CenturyLink, Frontier, and other DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) based service providers to work with? Or are you temporarily moving to a rural area where cable ISPs might evade your sights for a bit? In either case, you need a DSL modem.
Most DSL modems or router modem combos offer mid-to-low tier speeds. And even if you can get one with excellent data rates, the far band routing component might not be up to snuff. Some might also lack enough ports, firewalls, and support for anything beyond ADSL, making it tough to find the best DSL modem.
Worry not; I tested 14 DSL internet gateways for two months, measured them against several important aspects, and finally, here with a list of the 7 best options for 2023:
- Best Overall: ZyXEL C3000Z
- Best VDSL Router: CenturyLink C3000A
- Best Security Features: Actiontec GT701D
- Best Voice Quality: CenturyLink C2100T
- Best with Wi-Fi 6: GreenWave C4000LG
- Best Value: Actiontec GT784WN
- Cheapest Option: ZyXEL P660HN-51
7 Best DSL Modems in 2023 [Doubles as Routers]
Note: DSL internet still requires a telephone line. So, consider DSL internet and the corresponding gateway devices only if you are okay with maximum data speeds of up to 100 Mbps.
In the next few sections, I shall review the top 7 modems that work with DSL providers and have been tried, tested, and put through a wide range of scenarios.
Most importantly, I have ensured that the list comprises the premium options with support for ADSL, SDSL, and VDSL, followed by some mid-rangers that only support one or even two relevant technologies. Finally, there are a few budget options for low-tier internet plans from AT&T, CenturyLink, Frontier, etc.
1. Best Overall: ZyXEL C3000Z
- Technology: ADSL2, VDSL2
- Max Data Speeds: Up to 940 Mbps
- Ports: 5 Gig Ethernet
- Modem-Router Combo: Yes
- Compatible DSL ISPs: CenturyLink, TDS, Frontier, and Windstream.
The ZyXEL C3000Z is easily the best DSL gigabit modem on the list, courtesy of its affinity towards high-speed VDSL technology and routing capabilities. I even compared ZyXEL C3000Z with the older C110Z I used extensively, even a few years back. Upon comparing, I realized that the former is a better bet, owing to the 5G capabilities.
Speed & Channel Bonding
Despite this modem promising maximum data rates of up to 940Mbps, you would be lucky to get 100Mbps, and that too for the bonded VDSL2 support. However, if you are on low-tier plans from CenturyLink, Frontier, and more, this gateway device can help you assume speeds close to 80Mbps, consistently enough.
What works even better is the availability of the GPON slot that lets you upgrade to a fiber internet plan if and when available.
Ports & Connectivity
The C3000Z comes equipped with 4 Gig ethernet ports and a basic WAN port, capable of functioning as the 5 th Ethernet port when needed. This functionality allows you to connect this combo directly to smart devices that are more bandwidth-intensive than others. On top of that, a USB port allows you to share data across the network.
Connectivity-wise, this modem-router combo boasts a dual-band interface, allowing you to reach max speeds of up to 400Mbps on the 5GHz band and almost 30Mbps on the 2.4GHz band. However, if you have the fastest possible DSL plan to rely on, you can consider getting higher speeds with wired connections.
Design & Build
The C3000Z weighs 2.23 pounds, which is a bit heavy to my liking. Dimension-wise, the product measures 12.2 x 10.39 x 2.56 inches, making it a reasonably desired gateway device.
Hardware & Performance
The integrated hardware module lets you achieve DSL bonding, CBRS compatibility, and support for LAN subnets and static IPs. Also, you can pair it with any smart device to manage the network remotely.
Overall, the ZyXEL C3000Z is the best all-around DSL modem router combo, capable of achieving exceptional speeds without letting the security-specific guard down. Also, the privacy quotient, including ethernet firewalling and WPA2 safeguard, makes it stand apart from other options.
Dsl modems with wifi
DSL-AC750
DSL-AC51
DSL-AC88U
AC3100 Dual Band ADSL/VDSL Gigabit WiFi Modem Router , supporting AiProtection network security powered by Trend Micro and Parental Controls
DSL-AC55U
AC1200 Dual Band WiFi ADSL/VDSL Modem Router, supporting AiProtection network security powered by Trend Micro and Parental Controls
DSL-N16
DSL-AC68U
AC1900 Dual Band ADSL/VDSL Gigabit WiFi Modem Router – space saving 2-in-1 device, supporting AiMesh for mesh wifi system, AiProtection network security powered by Trend Micro and Parental Controls
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- Phones
- Wearable & Healthcare
- Gaming Handhelds
- Accessories
- Software
- Laptops
- For Home
- For Work
- For Creators
- For Students
- For Gaming
- Accessories
- Software
- Technology / Innovations
- Windows 11
- Warranty
- Displays / Desktops
- Monitors
- Projectors
- All-in-One PCs
- Tower PCs
- Gaming Tower PCs
- Mini PCs
- Workstations
- Accessories
- Software
- Warranty
- Motherboards / Components
- Motherboards
- Graphics Cards
- Gaming Cases
- Cooling
- Power Supply Units
- Sound Cards
- Optical Drives
- Data Storage
- External Graphics Docks
- Single Board Computers
- Software
- Networking / IoT / Servers
- WiFi 7
- WiFi 6
- WiFi Routers
- Whole Home Mesh WiFi System
- Business Network Solutions