I NEED HELP CHOOSING A ROUTER/MODEM COMBO

If possible, go with a separate modem and router. While there are some small savings from a combo unit. In my opinion, it is not worth it especially considering that router technology changes far quicker than cable tech. Beyond that, due to arbitrary restrictions, there are far more firmware restrictions, with many cable companies being insanely slot in approving new firmware updates.

If I were stuck with cable internet, Personally, I would buy a Netgear CM2000 as it is currently the fastest cable modem, and has a 2.5GbE port thus no need for LACP, and at $200, it is still cheaper than what the ISP rents out when you consider the rental fees over many months.

Then check what WiFi routers you have laying around at the moment, and see if they can allow you to experience the full internet speed, if not then but a new router that wll allow for that.

PS, even on slower plans, a top of the line cable modem offers many benefits. Mainly when it comes to dealing with congestion, More downstream and upstream channels often helps you to get closer to the speed you are actually paying for when on an oversold node.

Beyond that, higher quality transcievers are able to handle overly weak as well as overly strong signals.