Thanks for the advice! Would you mind giving me your opinions on the modems and routers I'm considering?

Router: the D-Link DIR-860L IEEE 802.11ac Wireless Router ($30) vs. the TP-Link AC1200 Wireless Wi-Fi Dual Band Fast Ethernet Router (Archer C50) ($50)? The TP-Link is a brand I've read a lot about, but it seems silly to pay $20 more if the D-Link will be just as good.

Modem: the ARRIS SURFboard SB6141 ($70) or the ARRIS SURFboard SB6183 ($90) (again, debating whether $20 is worth it for a piece of equipment that I've heard more about but to me seems pretty identical).

I read smallnetbuilder's How to Buy a Wireless Router 2015 Edition, but I'm still a bit uncertain. He says that if you want a cheap router you should just get an AC1200 and not even consider any of the N-level routers.

So, among the AC1200 options, two stand out. Do you have any opinions between the D-Link DIR-860L IEEE 802.11ac Wireless Router and the TP-Link AC1200 Wireless Wi-Fi Dual Band Fast Ethernet Router (Archer C50)? The TP-Link is a brand I've read a lot about, but it seems silly to pay $20 more if the D-Link will be just as good. I will be pairing it with the ARRIS SURFboard SB6141 or the ARRIS SURFboard SB6183 (again, debating whether $20 is worth it for a piece of equipment that I've heard more about but to me seems pretty identical).