That’s still a combo device which I generally would avoid. But basically anything that isn’t provided by the cable company will be better.

I use a Unifi system which is going to be overkill for 99% of people, but as far as Modems only go Arris Surfboards are solid and I’ve never had an issue.

For router you can get whatever is your fancy, mesh system or a big multi antenna whatever.

I think you mean router, since you would most likely not set DNS on a modem (unless it’s a combo) — but yes I would look into getting something better that you have more control over.

Edit: gotta love new Lemmy clients that spam comment replies 🤦‍♂️

I have spectrum and they don’t forcibly route anything for me.

You must have either their modem maybe? Or you have the DNS helper setting where if you mistype a url it redirects you.

Either way there is a way to disable it because it doesn’t happen for me and hasn’t in the many years I’ve had them across the country.