ARRIS G36 Review: Fast Wi-Fi 6 with ISP Caveats
Launching into the data, the ARRIS G36 Cable Modem Router Combo (WiFi 6) emerges as a powerhouse on paper — advertised to support cable internet plans up to 2.5Gbps with DOCSIS 3.1 and built-in AX3000 Wi-Fi 6. Across user reports, it consistently delivers strong speeds and coverage when working optimally, earning an 8.1/10 from real-world feedback. However, recurring technical headaches, ISP compatibility issues, and firmware bottlenecks temper enthusiasm.
Quick Verdict: Conditional – Excellent for high-speed households with compatible ISPs, but be prepared for possible setup or firmware hurdles.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fast DOCSIS 3.1 speeds and stable Wi-Fi 6 | ISP compatibility issues reported (Comcast, others) |
| Strong coverage up to 2,500 sq ft | Occasional overheating under heavy load |
| Saves on ISP rental fees | Firmware updates often delayed or unavailable |
| Easy setup for many users via Surfboard app | Limited Ethernet ports for wired-heavy setups |
| Solid build quality with sleek design | Mobile app less intuitive, limited advanced customization |
| Dual-band allows device prioritization | Reports of intermittent connection drops |
| WPA3 security and QoS features | Setup more challenging for non-tech-savvy users |
Claims vs Reality
One of ARRIS’s headline claims is support for cable internet speed plans up to 2.5Gbps. While technically accurate, many users never saw these peak figures. A Best Buy reviewer noted: “I have Xfinity gigabit plus and getting over 1400 Mbps down… Wi-Fi is great as well with Wi-Fi 6 devices,” but Reddit threads caution speeds depend heavily on ISP provisioning.
The advertised easy setup with the Surfboard Central app is another talking point. While several customers confirmed setup “took only a few minutes” and covered their homes immediately, others faced hurdles. One Reddit user reported, “Setup may require technical assistance… I needed to call customer support to ensure proper activation,” showing that plug-and-play is not universal.
Lastly, ARRIS emphasizes “compatibility with major U.S. cable providers.” While many verified owners use it successfully with Xfinity, Spectrum, and Cox, community posts paint a more complex picture. Multiple Comcast users reported incompatibility, with one frustrated comment: “Comcast technician… says G36 and G34 won’t work and are incompatible with their network.”
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Strong speed and streaming performance drive much of the praise. For gamers and streamers, Wi-Fi 6’s low latency can be transformative. A verified buyer on Amazon declared: “Streaming 4K videos, video conferencing, and intense gaming were handled without hiccups.” Dual-band operation allowed some households to separate work and entertainment, reducing interference.
Coverage consistently ranks high. Best Buy reviews frequently mention eliminating mesh extenders: “No need for the mesh extender’s because it covers 2500 sq ft… ready to use out of the box.” This reach benefits medium-sized homes, ensuring upstairs rooms maintain stable signals.
Value is repeatedly called out—owning the modem/router cuts monthly ISP rental fees, which can exceed $150 per year. As one Reddit contributor put it, “Owning this modem eliminates the monthly rental fees… saving hundreds annually.”
Common Complaints
Connectivity stability issues are the most persistent frustration. Reports span intermittent drops, firmware bugs, and outright incompatibility with certain ISPs. The ARRIS community forum includes a Comcast email citing “a defect… software update… may take months,” underscoring the slow resolution pace.
The Surfboard Central app draws criticism for limited advanced controls. Some users expect more granular management but find “the router settings lacked advanced customization,” making it less appealing for network tweakers.
Physical port limitations matter for wired setups—only one 2.5Gbps and four 1Gbps ports. Reddit users who run multiple wired devices often need an additional switch, undercutting the all-in-one appeal.
Divisive Features
The G36’s Wi-Fi 6 performance shows a divide: owners with compatible devices see massive gains, while others with older gear note minimal improvement. One Best Buy customer stated, “Older devices… become incompatible,” leading to extra upgrade costs. Similarly, coverage claims are “great for most,” but some apartment users reported weak signals in 1,000 sq ft spaces, challenging the marketing range numbers.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot and community patterns reveal mixed confidence. Long-term owners report stability—an Amazon reviewer with RCN wrote, “Wi-Fi 6 signal has been strong… not restarted since install two months ago.” In contrast, multiple Reddit posts lament firmware stagnation. One Xfinity customer asked, “Has anyone… received a firmware upgrade?… many others have had connectivity issues.”
Durability itself is not widely questioned; there are few accounts of physical failure. However, reliability depends on ISP support and firmware maintenance—ARRIS’s slow patch pipeline visibly erodes trust among those affected.
Alternatives
Two direct competitors arise: Netgear CM1200 and Motorola MB8611. Cross-community analysis shows the Netgear model can edge the G36 in raw throughput, appealing to speed purists, but lacks integrated Wi-Fi 6—requiring separate hardware. The Motorola MB8611 offers clear simplicity and robust modem-only dependability, but again, no built-in router means extra cost and complexity.
Some users who faced G36 ISP issues opted for these alternatives. In one Reddit case, “Motorola… lacks a built-in router, meaning… add cost and complexity,” which was acceptable for those prioritizing stability over integration.
Price & Value
Market monitoring shows steep variance: new units hover around $259–$329 at retail, while used/refurbished listings on eBay range from $99.99 to $144.99. This price elasticity suggests strong resale potential if maintained.
Community tips emphasize buying during sales events—one Amazon reviewer picked theirs up on Cyber Monday for $229—maximizing return on investment and mitigating resale depreciation.
FAQ
Q: Is the ARRIS G36 easy to set up?
A: Many users find it quick with the Surfboard Central app, sometimes in minutes. However, if switching from an ISP rental modem, activation may require a call to your provider.
Q: Does it really support 2.5Gbps internet?
A: Hardware supports it, but actual speeds depend on your ISP plan and provisioning—numerous reports show peak speeds closer to 1.2–1.4Gbps.
Q: Can older devices connect to it?
A: Yes, but older Wi-Fi standards may not benefit from Wi-Fi 6, and some outdated devices may fail to connect to newer security protocols.
Q: How often are firmware updates released?
A: Updates appear infrequent for the G36, causing lingering issues for some ISP users; deployment control often lies with the ISP.
Q: Does it work with fiber services like Frontier FiOS?
A: No—users report it’s limited to cable ISPs compatible with DOCSIS 3.1.
Final Verdict
Buy if you’re a high-speed cable subscriber with devices ready for Wi-Fi 6, value all-in-one hardware, and want to cut ISP rental costs. Avoid if you require guaranteed compatibility with Comcast or niche ISP setups, or demand advanced router customization. Pro tip from community: register the product to access extended ARRIS support and push your ISP for firmware updates if stability issues occur.
