When you sign up for a new internet plan, your ISP will also want you to add its gateway (usually a modem and router combo) to the deal. While this might be included, historically it's been posed as a rental, costing anywhere from $10 to $20 on top of your monthly bill. The company poses the rental as the "easy" option and touts all the benefits of its own hardware.

Some ISPs allow you to buy the company's model outright or choose your own equipment instead. The right path depends on what you want from your router and your preference for spending now versus later.

Renting is the simple method. If you want to view the cost of your modem/router as part of your internet bill and avoid the up-front charge of buying your own equipment, this avoids hassle, which can be particularly convenient if you share home expenses with roommates. In case your ISP has to send a technician to set up your network, they'll likely connect your gateway and make sure everything is working before they leave. Many ISPs will upgrade your gateway to the latest version every few years, too.

When you rent, you also avoid having to choose a modem that works with your service and connecting it yourself. Some ISPs publish a list of compatible modems, but if yours doesn't, you might have trouble finding a suitable one. You may also prefer the all-in-one setup of a single device, especially if you're short on space.

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