I buy my modems after too many failed ones that Time Warner gave me.
As far as SOHO goes for routers, the Orbi system has been great. Almost zero touch including periodic firmware updates and password changes I do every so often.
Exactly. Buy a reputable brand, Insuggest the cable modem being separate from the WiFi Router. Each consume only a few watts of power. Generally your Modem (dumb, just translates between DOCSIS cable specs to Ethernet Not much intelligence here, dumb translator. A middle of the road by Motorola or Arris will last your decades and less than $100. They are made for speeds well in excess of what’s likely to be available to your internet provider for years.
The router (WiFi) is the second piece of the puzzle. Again reputable is going to run $200, but should be adequate to last many years.
Or you can rent low performing equipment from your provider for $20+/month and pay that forever. It won’t be upgrades until your product fails. $120+/yr on top of your regular bill. Some folks have paid $1,000+ for antiquated equipment that was worth under $100 when it was installed 10 yrs ago