Best DSL Modems Reviews 2022 | ADS2/SDSL/VDSL/R-ADSL

I can’t read your mind. That’s is why I don’t know what is in your mind: a new own DSL modem or happy with rental one. Who knows? Indeed, If you have decided to buy your own modem, then you’re in my team. If not, then change your mind and don’t waste your money on rental one. Being a teammate, let me take you through the article “best DSL modems 2022 with my eight years of experience. 

However, when it comes to buying DSL cable modems, we have two options: 

1. Best DSL modems 
2. Best DSL modem router combo

Both the devices are different from each other, where DSL modems require separate routers in order to give you WiFi connectivity. On the other hand, you don’t need a separate modem if you have a modem router combo device as a combo device is a set of two units: router and modem. 

So there should not be any confusion when choosing DSL modem or DSL modem router combo. Choose according to your needs. If you already have a modem, then go for a stand-alone router or stick to the combo device.

If you are still confused, let me explain everything in simple words. For that, I’ve answered some of the common questions of DSL modems with a quick buying Guide For 2022 

1. What are DSL Modems?
2. How does a DSL Modem work?
3. How to choose a DSL modem that can support your ISP. 
4. What are the differences between all types of DSLs?
5. Advantages & Disadvantages of DSL modem router combo.
6. The Complete Buying Guide

Big Bro’s Tips: Why to buy DSL modem router combo instead of DSL modem?

I don’t know, but there are tons of reasons in favor of buying a DSL modem/router combo. However, if you already have a separate router, then it is good to go for a standalone modem. 

Being the only reason, I am going to share my favorite two best DSL Modems for 2022

1. D-Link ADSL2+ Ethernet Modem-(DSL-520B)
2. TP-Link ADSL2+ Modem

If you have changed your mind, then here is the DSL modem router combo for you. 

Note: I never recommend anyone buy a modem that costs more than 100 dollars, instead go for a combo. That’s why I included only two DSL modems on my list. 

1. NETGEAR Nighthawk AC1900 VDSL/ADSL Modem Router 

1. D-Link ADSL2+ Ethernet Modem (DSL-520B) – Best Budget-friendly DSL Modem

Highlights:

1. Supports ADSL2+
2. QoS & Firewall protected
3. 1x Ethernet Lan Port
4. 1xRJ-11 ADSL (DSL phone line)
5. RoHS Compliant
6. Under 50 dollars

My Views:

I begin this article with an affordable and cheap DSL modem. It comes only under $50. If you are under-budget, then this D-Link ADSL2+ is your DSL modem.

Overview:

With the modem, you can expect high-speed data transfer with an un-interrupted voice-over landline simultaneously. The D-Link ADSL2+ is a well-known modem for delivering the convenience of DSL Ethernet connections. On the backside, this DSL modem includes some ports, including 1x DSL line port (Rj-11), 1x LAN port, Reset button, Power On/Off button, and Power receptor. On the front panel, it has some LED lights that indicate the activity of the router, such as Power LED, LAN LED, DSL LED, and Internet LED. 

Pros & Cons:

What I like:

1. It has a built-in firewall feature with QoS. 
2. Setup is quite easy and straightforward.
3. It supports ADSL2+ and standard phone lines.
4. It is very cheap but brilliantly designed.  
5. Safety & protection is excellent. 

I don’t like:

1. Not compatible with VDSL or VDSL2 service. 

Verdict:

As I said, this is a cheap ADSL2+ modem. However, it can be a better and ideal option for home and small office. Despite being cheaper, this modem is capable of delivering high download data speeds with protection, including Firewall and QoS. Plus, The company D-Link also claims that DSL-520B is a certified modem by CAS International, Ce, and RoHS. 

2. TP-Link ADSL2+ Modem (TD-8616) – Runner Up!

Highlights:

1. ADSL/ADSL2/ADSL2+ supported
2. Built-in Firewall
3. 1x RJ-11 Ethernet port
4. 1xRJ-45 LAN port
5. 8 PVCs supported

My Views:

The TP-LINK TD-8616 is another good DSL modem with some advanced features but a bit expensive compared to the D-Link (DSL-520B). It is fast and ensures up to 24Mbps downstream bandwidth. Plus, it is 6KV lightning protected that prevents the modem from thunderstorms. 

Overview:

The Tp-Link TD-8616 DSL2+ modem is a second cost-effective DSL modem for ADSL internet connection. When it comes to making the ADSL connection, the modem uses the same standard connector with the ordinary telephone line. Its front panel includes some LEDs which show modem’s activity, such as Power LED, LAN, ADSL, and Internet LED. On the back panel, you’ll find the power ON/OFF button, Reset button, LAN port, and ADSL port (line port).

Pros & Cons:

I like:

1. It supports all DSL types with DSLAM compatibility. 
2. It is multiple Permanent Virtual Circuit supported. 
3. The web-based management with easy setup UI. 
4. High-speed asymmetrical Upstream data transmission up to 3.5Mbps & Downstream data transmission up to 24Mbps. 

I don’t like:

1. It doesn’t support VDSL. 

Verdict:

A good thing about TP-LINK TD-8616 is that you can connect multiple workstations to the Internet easily via a single WAN interface. Moreover, these connections can be networked through a single global IP address. DSL modem under $100, you can’t get better than this. However, if you intend to buy a combo with USB, you can purchase its big brother “TP-LINK ADSL2+ modem router TD-8817”. 

Note: I have created a separate page on the same topic “top DSL modem/router combo 2022”.

3. NETGEAR Nighthawk AC1900 VDSL/ADSL Modem Router

Highlights:

1. VDSL2/ADSL2+ built-in.
2. Dual WiFi 1900Mbps (600 + 1300).
3. 2x USB ports.
4. Ready Share Vault
5. Beamforming+
6. CenturyLink Compatible

My Views:

After two DSL modems, it is the time to introduce the best DSL modem/router combo. The NETGEAR Nighthawk AC1900 VDSL/ADSL Modem Router is one of the best DSL modems you can go for. It is also CenturyLink certified. 

Overview:

When we think of replacing the provided modem/router, we have only one option, which is Netgear Nighthawk AC1900. This DSL modem/router is a real beast. 

Modem side:

It supports all DSL types: ADSL/ADSL2/ADSL2+ and VDSL/VDSL2. Built-in VDSL/ADSL makes this combo compatible with most DSL ISPs, such as AT&T, Verizon, CenturyLink, and Frontier. 

Router side:

If we talk about the router, you get three external antennas (antennas are detachable) with two USB ports on the back panel. It is a dual-band router and ready to deliver a combined WiFi speed of up to 1900Mbps (5Ghz ~ 1300Mbps + 2.4Ghz ~ 600Mbps). Moreover, It is equipped with a powerful dual-core processor that takes your streaming and gaming experience to the next level as it lets you connect multiple devices at the same time. 

On the back panel, you’ll find all the necessary ports, buttons, connectors, and Switch. In addition to them, it has four 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports. 

Pros & Cons:

I Like:

1. It allows Personal Cloud with a VPN connection.
2. It is compatible with CenturyLink (Qwest), Verizon, AT&T, and Frontier. 
3. High-powered amplifiers with Beamforming+ technology. 
4. The dual-core processor handles multiple devices at once with ease. 
5. Sharing and accessing the media content wirelessly is possible with the ReadySHARE USB feature. 

I don’t like:

1. It doesn’t support bonded VDSL.

Verdict:

The Netgear Nighthawk D7000 can be a good replacement for your rental DSL modem. I am not saying D7000 is the only modem/router combo on the market. I tested many DSL modem/router combos and found D7000 excellent in terms of performance and features.  

Netgear introduced two modem/router combos in this category: AC1600 and AC1900. However, AC1600 is cheaper and has fewer features compared to the AC1900 model. You can with AC1600 if your needs are limited. 

      Complete Buying Guide: DSL Modems 2022

What are DSL Modems?

Okay, Most of you already know that DSL stands for “Digital Subscriber Line.” It is nothing but a term for Internet connections, which we get via phone lines. 

There are three main types of DSL connections you might have heard of: ADSL vs. SDSL vs. VDSL.

Let me explain it in some simple words, take a modem as a small box that we use to connect our devices to the internet via cables (ex. Ethernet cable). 

Likewise, a DSL modem is used to connect your Internet Service Provider to your devices through a phone line. 

Now, take a look at its types:

ADSL:

ADSL stands for Asymmetrical Digital Subscriber Line. Meaning, ADSL types of modems support higher downstream than upstream (don’t know about upstream and downstream?, check here). 

These types of modems are popular as they allow both telephone service and high-speed data over the single phone line connection. 

SDSL:

It stands for Symmetric Digital Subscriber Line that allows data transmissions up to 1.54 Mbps. However, it is not as fast as VDSL and VDSL2. 

VDSL:

VDSL stands for Very High Bit-rate Digital Subscriber Line. This type is considered the fastest one. It provides the quickest transmission (upstream and downstream) rates from the higher distance ( 1,000 to 4,500 feet). 

After these main types, there are some others, including RADSL, ADSL lite, R-ADSL, HDSL, and IDSL. 

How does a DSL modem work?

As you know, our landline phone line carries signals, right? Likewise, broadband lines also send data from ISP using DSL connections. Take it as an intermediate person or a data translator between your ISP and your computer. 

How to choose a DSL modem that can support your ISP. 

After reading so far, Now you know modems are designed for DSL connections. So it is essential for us to know whether your modem is ISP compatible or not. There is no doubt, DSL modems can be bought from stores or online. And, if you’ve been reading from the beginning, then you also know that our Internet Service Providers also let you purchase or lease DSL modem. 

Note: It actually doesn’t matter where from you purchase the modem, make sure the bought one supports your ISP. 

What are the advantages if you buy A DSL Modem/Router Combo?

Saves Money:

Have you ever noticed that why our ISPs always in favor of rental modems or routers? Because they charge you every month for the rental unit, right? So here is the thing, if you buy your own modem/router combo device, somewhat, you are saving money every month. (Note: renting modem or router will be a good idea only if you want to use them for a short period of time). 

Being a combo, these devices are not cheap; they are expensive. However, it is your one-time investment, not every month’s rental fee. So, buy your own DSL modem/router combo if you want to save some money. 

Space Saving:

It is self-explanatory as it is a two-in-one device. Meaning, buying a Combo unit means we can save space on our desk or any other places where we usually put them. 

What are the disadvantages of buying a DSL modem router combo?

After the above advantages, they have some disadvantages as well, such as upgradable issues, fewer features, expensive, and others.

Upgradable & Replaceability issues:

Being an expensive unit, you have to think twice when it comes to replacing it, right? Plus, it is a combined unit, which means you don’t have an option that allows you to replace only modem or router. After being said, it is clear that we can’t even upgrade them. 

Fewer Features & Futuristic issues:

Just like upgradable issues, the DSL combos are not futuristic as they don’t have high-end features, including Tri-band, MU-MIMO, and other features we get from a standalone router. 

Conclusion:

If you’ve been with me so far, then you might have noticed that I had never been in favor of buying standalone DSL modems if they cost more than $100. That’s why I decided to include only two best DSL modems for 2022. However, I also added one DSL modem/router combo. Which is also one of the best DSL router/modem combos. 

I’ve tried everything in this article to give you an unbiased review of DSL modems. If you still have any doubts about these badass DSL modems, just ask me in the comment section below. I would love to help you out. Thanks.