A cable modem is a must-do for every individual who wants to use the internet with their cable connection. It’s a small box that you plug into to your cable line and your computer or router and it gives you high-speed internet.
And whether you’re streaming movies, playing games or working from home, a cable modem can drastically improve your online experience.
There are a few things you should be aware of when purchasing a cable modem. Also, you must ensure that your modem supports your Internet service provider (ISP).
Not all modems work with all ISPs, so before you buy one, be sure to contact your provider and confirm that modem will work with its service.
Second, you should take into account the speed of your internet and how many devices you want to connect. Taking advantage of a newer modem that can support higher speeds and more devices will help provide a premium experience.
There are loads of cable modems out there, and thus picking the right one is a bit of a challenge. That’s why we’ve spent hours researching and testing different models to help you find the best cable modem.
We’ll go over the top cable modems in this article, plus what sets them apart. We have you covered, whether you are a casual internet user or a power user.
Best Cable Modems
Known as a reliable resource for making sure that you have the internet to do whatever it is that you need to do, this is why we’ve rounded up a few of the best cable modems available.
Whether you’re a gamer, a streamer, or just need stable connectivity for work, we’ve got you covered with our top picks. To ensure that 2023 is effective and budget-friendly, our team has pored through dozens of models to find the most efficient 2023 options.
Check out our roundup below for the best cable modem for you.
ARRIS SURFboard SB8200 DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem
One of those is the ARRIS SURFboard SB8200, which should be a good option if you’re in the market for a dependable cable modem that can support high-speed internet plans.
Pros
- The DOCSIS 3.1 technology provides much faster internet speeds, with up to 1 Gbps download speeds — ideal for streaming, gaming, and other high-bandwidth activities.
- Handles DOCSIS 3.1: DOCSIS 3.1 is the most recent standard for cable internet, enabling internet service to be delivered at a much higher speed than DOCSIS 3.0.Compatibility: The SB8200 is compatible with most major cable internet service providers, including Cox, Spectrum, and Xfinity. Contact your provider to make sure of compatibility.
- EASY SETUP: Just plug in the modem, download the SURFboard Central App, and get step-by-step instructions to activate the modem. The device allows networking via a Wi-Fi router as well.
Cons
- Price: At an average cost of $138, the SB8200 is pricier than many other options available, but is worth the money paid in the case that faster internet and better connectivity is desired.
- No telephone port: If you still have a landline phone, you will have to find another option to connect it to your home network.
- Limited customer support: The SB8200 has a 2-year warranty, but there’s only customer support from 8am-1am EST.
The ARRIS SURFboard SB8200 is available on Amazon if you’re interested in picking it up.
NETGEAR Cable Modem DOCSIS 3.1 (CM1000) Gigabit Modem
If speed and saving on monthly rental fees are on your wishlist for a cable modem, you can’t go wrong with the NETGEAR CM1000.
Pros
- Work with all major cable internet providers up to 1Gbps of download speed
- Replaces your cable modem, allowing you to save up to $168/year in equipment rental fees
- Plug any WiFi router into this modem’s Ethernet port and it will work for all your wireless devices
Cons
- incompatible with Verizon, AT&T, CenturyLink, DSL providers, DirecTV, DISH & any bundled voice service
- May Need A Technician To Install
- Occasional connectivity issues can occur
We’ve had the NETGEAR CM1000 for several months already and it’s speedy and reliable. It only took a few minutes to get everything set up and working, and connecting this to our WiFi router was a breeze.
A switch to this modem has made a world of difference in our internet speed, and we even got rid of those pesky rental fees.
An important note is that this is not compatible with every internet service provider. It’s compatible with major providers like Xfinity, Spectrum, and Cox, but not with Verizon, AT&T, CenturyLink, DSL providers, DirecTV, DISH, or any bundled voice service.
We did have to call our provider to send a technician to install the modem, which was a pain.
Motorola MB8600 Cable Modem
Motorola MB8600 — awesome performance at a reasonable price If you need a new cable modem that will only take up a single socket on your cable line, and you want decent performance to boot (including Download speeds up to about 1.4 Gbps), then the Motorola MB8600 is a good option. With high ratings and hundreds of great reviews, people are loving it.
Pros
- Fastest Internet: The best cable modem for people with Gigabit Internet is the Motorola MB8600, according to Wirecutter. It includes DOCSIS 3.1 and DOCSIS 3.0 32×8 which ensures the highest Internet speeds that’s available for all cable Internet providers.
- Save Up to $168 Per Year: You can stop paying up to $168 a year to your cable service provider (savings based on Comcast Xfinity and vary by cable service provider) for cable modem rental by using Motorola MB8600. It is certified for use with all speeds (including Comcast Gigabit services and Cox Gigablast) from Comcast Xfinity and Xfinity X1, Cox and CableOne.
- Flexible, Compatible: Pair the Motorola MB8600 with any Wi-Fi router you want (including Whole Home Wi-FI or Mesh routers like eero, Google Wi-Fi and Orbi.) It includes a 10/100/1000 Gigabit LAN port, which supports any SINGLE device with an Ethernet port to be connected, such as a router, Windows or Mac computer, HDTVs, or game stations. The cable modem does not include a built-in wireless router or telephone call transmission capabilities.
Cons
- INCOMPATIBLE WITH RCN: Best of all, this modem is unfortunately not a compatible modem with RCN, so if you have RCN cable service, you will have to find another modem.
- Expensive: The Motorola MB8600 is slightly more expensive than other cable modems available, but well worth the investment for ultimate Internet speed and savings on rental fees.
- No Wireless Router Built Inside: This is not the product for you if you’re in search of a cable modem that has a built-in wireless router.
ARRIS Surfboard S33 DOCSIS 3.1 Multi-Gigabit Cable Modem
If you want a cable modem that not only provides the fastest speeds and latest technology, but also eliminates the premium rental price, the ARRIS Surfboard S33 DOCSIS 3.1 Multi-Gigabit Cable Modem is a great option.
Pros
- Not only will you have more features, you’ll also save money by owning your modem, reducing your cable bill up to $168 a year in rental fees (savings vary by cable service provider).
- DOCSIS 3.1 is 10x faster than DOCSIS 3.0, and also offers better security, less lag while gaming, and allows for multi-gig networking.
- Easy, secure set up with the SURFboard Central App and works with major U.S. cable internet providers such as Cox, Spectrum, Xfinity, and others.
Cons
- Compatibility issues with certain cable internet service providers.
- The modem itself may not be as visually appealing as some of its competitors.
- Also keep in mind that price may be more expensive than some other cable modem options.
Recent buy: ARRIS Surfboard S33 DOCSIS 3.1 Multi-Gigabit Cable Modem: During the year, we’ve upgraded to this router and we love it!
Setting up the device was simple, and connecting it to our Wi-Fi router for networking was painless.
Since switching, we’ve seen a marked increase in our internet speeds and zero lag while gaming.
The cost savings is another huge benefit of this modem. By using our own modem we were able to save on our cable bill, so we are not saving money at the moment.
Furthermore, DOCSIS 3.1 technology increases security and allows you to create multi-gig networking—something required to meet our household’s demands.
There may be some incompatibility with certain cable internet service providers, but we currently have no problems with ours.
Its design is mod-ish compared with other modems, but this is a petty issue, for us.
NETGEAR Cable Modem CM700
The NETGEAR CM700 is an excellent pick if you want to get a reliable cable modem that will help you save money in the long run.
Pros
- Supports all major cable Internet providers such as Xfinity, COX, Spectrum, etc.
- $168 annual savings on rental equipment
- Access to download speeds of up to 1.4 Gbps
Cons
- Please note: NOT Compatible with Verizon, AT&T, CenturyLink, DSL providers, DirecTV, DISH, or any bundled voice service
- Speed capped at 800Mbps with Xfinity, 500Mbps with COX, 400Mbps with Spectrum
- In short: You only have one Gigabit Ethernet port on your computer or router
We recently upgraded to the NETGEAR CM700 and are very happy with its performance. After it was easy to set up, it has been giving us a fast and reliable internet ever since. We also saw a drastic drop in our monthly bill since we no longer have to pay rental fees for our old modem.
Keep in mind, this modem is not for every internet provider, so double check you have the right one before buying. Additionally, while it can deliver high speeds, it might not be able to achieve the top speeds advertised by your Internet provider.
Buying Guide
Here are some key features to consider when looking for the best cable modem, to ensure that you are getting the best bang for your buck. Factors to look for when shopping for a cable modem:
Compatibility
Cable modems are quite simple devices, but you do need to be aware of a few specific details before you purchase one. You may want to make sure that the modem you select is compatible with your cable internet service provider (ISP). Most ISPs maintain a list of compatible modems on their website, so make sure to check before you buy one.
Speed
Speed is another major factor to keep in mind. The speed of your modem will dictate how fast you can get online. Choose a modem that will support the speed of your internet plan. A cable modem can support speed according to the plan you have in your case. If you have a plan that services up to 1 Gbps speed then you should also take a modem that will be able to support this speed.
Channels
Another consideration is how many channels a modem has. More channels translates to faster speeds and better performance—particularly peak usage times. At a minimum, you want a modem with 16 downstream channels and four upstream channels.
DOCSIS
DOCSIS is short for Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification. It’s a specification that governs the transmission of the data over a cable network. You want the best performance you can get, so look for a modem that uses the newest DOCSIS standard, which is DOCSIS 3.1 at the moment.
Price
Lastly, the price is an always-affecting factor. It can be tempting to find the lowest price, but a higher-priced modem may have better performance and last longer. Evaluate your budget and select a modem that can provide you the functionalities you seek at an affordable rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What to look for in the best cable modems for high-speed internet
For top rated cable modems in high speed internet, you’ve got to look for ones compatible with your ISP, and high download and upload speeds. A few of the more popular options are the NETGEAR CM1000, Motorola MB8600, and ARRIS SURFboard SB8200.
What modem router combo do experts consider to be the best?
Most experts advise against a modem router combo, instead recommending that you buy a standalone cable modem and a separate router. Instead, if you’d rather have a single device for both functions, the NETGEAR Nighthawk C7800 and Motorola MG7700 are popular choices.
What should I look for in a cable modem for home use?
While all the cable modems are suitable for home and office use, you have to ensure they are compatible with your ISP, fast download and upload speed, and stable connectivity. Also consider the number of ethernet ports and the ability to handle multiple devices and coaMpatibility with the latest DOCSIS standards.
What is the difference between a cable modem WiFi and a normal modem?
A WiFi cable modem (also referred to as a gateway) combines both a cable modem and a wireless router into one device. This enables you to use a single device to access the internet, and to build a wireless network for your devices. Modem cannot create a wireless network and requires a separate router.
“Worth upgrading to DOCSIS 3.1?”
With a DOCSIS 3.1 modem upgrade, you’ll enjoy faster download and upload speeds, better network reliability and better multi-device handling. However, not all ISPs currently support DOCSIS 3.1, so check with your provider before upgrading.
Do you have devices that will use a higher-quality cable modem?
Spending a little more on a better-quality cable modem helps you enjoy your internet experience. It can offer increased download and upload speeds, enhanced connectivity, and greater reliability. But you will have to buy a compatible modem that is right for you and your ISP.