The 5 Best DSL Modems Reviewed
DSL is one of the most widely used technologies when it comes to access to broadband. It helps you build an internet plan with your home’s phone service and ensures you have stable internet access by working as a router and a modem. A good DSL should secure all your home internet needs while making calls over the internet easy.
Anytime you purchase a modem, you bear the responsibility of its maintenance also. That is why it makes sense for you to only invest in high-quality. Plus, you will also save some extra cash instead of renting the modem your ISP provides. However, the problem is finding the right DSL to buy, as there are so many options out there from various manufacturers.
So, in this article, we have done the hard work for you and brought you a list of what we consider the best DSL currently available on the market.
Best DSL Modems
1. NETGEAR DM200
We will kick-start our review with the NETGEAR DM200. NETGEAR has a strong reputation to maintain in the DSL industry, and the NETGEAR DM200 lives up to every bit of the importance. This DSL modem is one of the best out there and is compatible with DSL internet service providers like Frontier and CenturyLink. The only downside here is that it isn’t compatible with CenturyLink’s upgraded vectoring DSLAM. It is also currently not compatible with AT&T U-Verse, Verizon FiOS, and bonded VDSL.
But enough of the downsides already. When it comes to features, the NETGEAR DM200 comes with a built-in VDSL, making it compatible with almost all ADSL connections. That means you can easily pair it with VDSL, VDSL2, ADSL, ADSL2, as well as ADSL2 plus. It is also a router and modem combined, which means that it comes with all the functionalities you need for your home network or internet connection. For example, it comes with Firewall, DHC, Port forwarding, etc., and will easily connect with just about any router you may already have at home. It comes in a solid build and combines a modern (and yet simple) appearance with the sturdiness and durability it needs to last through regular usage.
- Compatible with only DSL internet service providers such as CenturyLink (non-bonded VDSL) and Frontier (non-bonded VDSL)
- Not compatible with upgraded vectoring CenturyLink DSLAM
- Please contact your ISP for PPPoE username/password and VPI/VCI information before installation
- Not compatible with Verizon FiOS, AT&T U-Verse or bonded VDSL
- VERY IMPORTANT ** Please Note: Kindly refer the Instructional Video, the User Manual & the User Guide before use which is highly essential
2. CenturyLink C2100
Up next, we have the CenturyLink C2100. Just like NETGEAR, CenturyLink is also one of the giants in the world of internet service and modems. The CenturyLink C2100 is only one of their products that demonstrate the company’s dominance in this field. This DSL modem comes with LAN and WLAN connections and supports Bluetooth at three different radio frequency levels. You can easily connect it with WEP, WPA-PSK, WPS, WPA2-PSK for security protocols while benefiting from its auto-detect CenturyLink network setting configurations.
Other features of the CenturyLink C2100 are the access point CenturyLink Standard GUI of 300 Mbps 802, and a Prism TV Technicolor feature. It has a standard base WPS, which ensures that you experience a secure and straightforward WLAN setup. It works seamlessly with CenturyLink Fiber, with enhanced security features that provide protection of traffic from the WAN to the LAN.
This DSL modem also offers high-speed broadband access while maintaining very stable connections throughout. And no matter your internet usage or consumption, it delivers adequate bandwidth to ensure that you access the internet without any hassle.
It is also designed to handle heavy multimedia use. For example, you can easily play a video game online and stream your video simultaneously without worrying about too much load or your system slowing down. It also comes with a dedicated Gigabit Ethernet WAN port, which allows for a single CPE, either on a DSL or a GPON network. It features data rates of up to about 300 Mbps, which ensures that you have a reliable and stable wireless connection to back any multimedia and high-speed data usage. This modern DSL modem also comes with a pretty slick and solid finish. Its design and steadiness make it easy to maintain, as it can handle all the rigors that come with daily usage.
- Compatible with CenturyLink VDSL/ADSL2+ Services (Not compatible with fiber connections or ATT)
3. Actiontec GT784WNV
Moving on, we have the Actiontec GT784WNV – a leading contender in high-speed internet routers and modems. This modern DSL modem is ideal for all your complete home network experience all in one device. Verizon has a reputation to protect, and the specifications offered by the Actiontec GT784WNV is designed to do just that. What makes this DSL modem so unique is that it comes with a built-in 802.11n technology, which allows you to connect to speeds up to 3000 Mbps. And this is about six times faster than the previous generations’ rates.
This DSL modem also comes as a full-feature GT784WN Wireless N DSL modem router. And this allows the router to reduce technology clutter. That means you can go ahead and combine your online streaming with your video games at the same time, without worrying about loading to match on your system. It also integrates wireless N networking with full complete routing capabilities to solve all your internet needs. This modem also supports ADLS2 plus, which helps produce a streaming speed of up to 24 Mbps to support IPTV services.
You will also enjoy a variety of encryptions and protections, as the modem ensures the highest level of performance. The security features you can enjoy from this device include the ability to limit any access to your network, parental controls, and a double-grade commercial firewall. This high-speed internet wireless modem plus router is designed especially for Verizon high-speed internet service. Its design makes it a three-in-one device, which means that it serves as a wireless access point (300 Mbps), a four ports switch, and an ADSL plus modem. It also comes with the advantage of a quick and easy setup, which means if you follow the setup instructions, you should have your broadband connection working in a matter of minutes.
- This modem works only with Verizon DSL and is not Compatible with Verizon FIOS
- Three products in one: a full rate ADSL 2/2+ modem, 4-port switch and dual-antenna Wireless N router
- Specifically designed for use with Verizon High Speed Internet Service
- Rigorously tested to ensure the highest levels of compatibility and performance
- Includes high-grade firewall, parental controls and a variety of protections and encryptions
4. TP-Link TD-8616
The next product to make it onto our list of the best DSL modems is the TP-Link TD-8616 from TP-Link with ADSL. TP- TD-8616 is designed to ensure that you experience a high-speed DSL internet connection with no interruptions. It supports the ADSL/ADSL2/ADSL2+ standards, which provides impressively high performance of up to 24 Mbps streaming broadband speed, working effortlessly with your internet service provider (ISP). It has a simple yet effective design that features one ethernet port you can connect directly to your computer to provide internet access.
You also have the option of creating wired or wireless internet access if you want to share your high-speed internet connection. All you need is to connect another router to this modem, and you’re good to go. Aside from the ethernet port, there is also a phone line port, which gives you an additional connection option. Although the TP-Link TD-8616 is compatible with ADSL/ADSL2/ADSL2+ standards, it does not support VDSL service.
And if security is of concern to you, this high-speed DSL modem offers built-in firewall protection against any form of internet attack. The modem also comes with 6kv lightning protection, which will keep your device protected from any damage caused by thunderstorms.
No matter your internet usage or consumption, you will enjoy high speeds with a data transfer rate of 192 megabits per second. The modem is also compatible with CenturyLink; only you may have to contact tech support to get the PPPoE login and password, as they might be different from your CenturyLink login credentials and password. If you have a Frontier DSL line, then you should experience an easy connection with no hassle. Setup is pretty simple to follow, and you should have little problems getting it done within a few minutes. Plus, the device’s design gives it a good balance and ensures that it lasts as long as you need it to.
- Support ADSL/ADSL2/ADSL2+ standards. Not compatible with VDSL service.
- Up to 24Mbps downstream bandwidth
- One Phone line port and one 10/100M Ethernet port
- Built-in firewall protects against Internet attacks
- 6KV Lightning Protection avoids the damage from thunderstorms
5. D-Link DSL-2320B
And for our last but not least entry, we have the D-Link DSL-2320B ADSL 2/2 plus ethernet modem. D-Link has taken the time and effort to provide a DSL modem that supports the latest ADSL standards when it comes to superior performance. Setting up this device is pretty easy, as it only requires you to connect it to your computer using the ethernet port or the USB option. It offers a downstream speed of up to 24 Mbps and an upstream speed of up to 3.5 Mbps, which means you can undertake all your basic internet projects like checking your email, chatting online, or just surfing the internet. Its design ensures that it functions as both a router and a modem. Plus, you can connect it with your CenturyLink ADSL plan.
If you want to share your high-speed internet connection with other computers, all you need to do is add a router with multiple ports for connection. Additionally, the D-Link DSL-2320B is designed to scan and detect your DSL settings automatically. Doing this helps to significantly reduce the setup time and get rid of any setup hassle. It also features an Intelligent QoS technology, which prioritizes internet traffic. You can also rely on its wired or wireless network traffic extreme N tech, making it possible to get farther home coverage. It also comes with Duo technology, which means that you can enjoy dual wireless streaming simultaneously. Its protection features include advanced encryption and a firewall.
- Supports The Latest ADSL Standards for Superior Performance
- Connect Your Computer Using Ethernet or USB
- Surf The Internet, Check E-mail, and Chat Online
- Downstream: Up to 24Mbps, Upstream: Up to 3.5Mbps
DSL Modem Installation
Setting up a DSL modem is very straight forward if you have all the necessary equipment and cables. For a great demonstration of how to install a DSL modem, watch this video: