Choosing the best cable modem is integral for ensuring that your house, office, or any other place has a reliable and consistent internet connection.
Cable modems are a key hardware device that provides a high-speed internet connection to more than just one device.
To help you understand better and choose the best modem for yourself, this article will review the best cable modems you can get.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Cable Modems
- OUR TOP PICK: NETGEAR CM600
- ARRIS Surfboard SB6183-RB
- NETGEAR C7000
- Motorola MB8600
- Arris SBG10
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Linksys CM3024
Comparison Chart of the Best Cable Modems
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Best Budget Option  |
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What is a Cable Modem?
Different internet service providers use different means of networking. The two ways in which ISPs offer services are either through telephone or landline services or through television connections. A cable modem is essentially a hardware device that facilitates and bridges a connection between a computer device and the landline connection. As the name itself suggests, a cable modem uses Ethernet and coaxial cables to connect a computer to the internet.
Are All Cable Modems The Same?
When you head out on the market to search for the best cable modems, you will come across various kinds of products. All products offer similar purpose and functionality; however, they are different in terms of certain key features and capabilities. The most common types of cable modems you will find on the market are:
Modem-Router Combos
If you wish to connect multiple devices to your internet connection wirelessly, and also want to speed up the internet connection, then you are going to need a router. However, buying a separate router can be time-consuming and also cost more. Therefore, to solve the issue, a wide range of cable modems come as a modem router combo, having a built-in router functionality and capabilities while also functioning as a modem.
DOCSIS Variants
DOCSIS stands for Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification. It is an international standard that rates the transfer of data through a TV cable. DOCSIS comes in different standards, including DOCSIS 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0.
How to Choose a Cable Modem
Before finally purchasing a cable modem, make sure that your chosen product has essential features and value to offer that will ensure a positive experience. Here are some key elements of a good quality cable modem:
Reliable Customer Support
If you are going to use the cable modem at home, are using it for the first time, or have little technical knowledge about such devices, then customer support is important. You will often find yourself stuck in situations clueless about what to do with the device. Therefore, good, reliable, and responsive customer support will help you ensure a better user experience.
Versatile Compatibility
By compatibility, we are referring to the ISPs your device is compatible with. A versatility compatible modem will let you use the same device even if you change your ISP. This will reduce device replacement costs and even rental costs.
Backed by Warranties
Modems are hardware devices that you do not change or replace every day. They need to be invested in carefully, and therefore should come with a reliable and generous warranty that will back up your investment.
Quick Take - Best Cable Modems
In a hurry? Below are our recommendations for the best cable modems:
Review of the Best Cable Modems
Moving on to an integral part of the article, here we will review the best cable modems available. The modems are all unique and outperforming in different aspects and qualities, and therefore cater to different customer needs. Take a look to find out the best modem for yourself.
Best Overall:
NETGEAR CM600
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Many buyers of this modem who were first-timers or had no prior experience with such devices found this product to be highly convenient to set up. Within a matter of minutes, most of its buyers were able to install it and have it running smoothly. Moreover, users also observed an increase in their internet speed and reported consistent connection.
Why it Stands Out to Us
We find this product highly impressive due to its intelligent design that guarantees ease of use for its users. It features a sleek design, standing tall with clearly visible LED light indicators that show the device status. Not only do these lights prove to add sophistication to the design, but they also guarantee user-friendliness.
Who Will Use This Most
If you are also installing a modem for the first time, we highly recommend this product. Moreover, Comcast users will also find this modem to be highly compatible and reliable to be used with the internet service.
Bottom Line
To sum it up, this is an outstanding cable modem by Netgear that offers great value to your money. It’s a highly recommended product for first-time users due to its easy-use design and can work with all major ISPs.
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers testify that this product does as advertised. They had no trouble installing it and found it fully functional. Many buyers are satisfied with their purchases and mention how good, solid, and excellent it is. They recommend this reliable modem that improved their download speeds.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The Motorola MB8600 proves to be one of the highly sought-after modems that can take care of your high-speed internet needs. This fast speed is significantly attributable to its sleek design and 32x8 channel selection, making it compatible with Comcast, Cox, and other major cable providers.
Its Active Queue Management (AQM) significantly lowers Internet delays for DOCSIS 3.1 and 3.0 services, giving you more seamless page loads for any Web traffic, including video conferencing and online gaming.
There's no router included in this device, so you will have to pick one that perfectly complements its fast speeds. It has a built-in DOCSIS 3.1, which is capable of 1Gbps upload speeds and up to 10 Gbps download speeds.
Who Will Use This Most
People who are on the look for superb and stable internet speeds will need this product. If you're a gamer or someone browsing the web non-stop, this can be perfect in boosting your productivity and enhancing your performance making it a reliable cable modem.
Bottom Line
The Motorola MB8600 is undoubtedly a great modem that anyone could appreciate, whether you are a light or heavy web user. With its high internet speeds, both gamers and Netflix bingers will surely enjoy this one. The reviews have shown that this is a reliable modem for video conferencing and online gaming and a user-friendly device that can be installed without breaking a sweat!
Best for the Money:
NETGEAR C7000
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
The buyers of this modem were highly satisfied by the cost-efficiency it offered. It not only reduced rental costs for the users but also allowed them to have a better and clearer understanding of the device with the help of customer support. Moreover, buyers also reported that this product is great for use with Xfinity and Comcast.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The modem stands out to us for multiple reasons, including its sleek and attractive appearance and a top-notch range of features and functions. Firstly, it has a sleek all-black exterior that will look good and blend in well at any place you locate it. Secondly, it has versatile compatibility when it comes to different ISPs. We also find it to be a great device considering its high data transfer speed and compatibility with internet plans that have a speed of up to 900 Mbps.
Who Will Use This Most
Considering its budget-friendliness, we think it’s a great choice for people who have high-speed internet connections but want a more pocket-friendly device. We also highly recommend this to be used by people who have internet connections from Xfinity and Comcast.
Bottom Line
To sum it up, like all NETGEAR products, this is also an exceptional device by the brand that has to offer great value for your money. It is one of the most reliable and top-notch devices that will surely enhance your internet's speed and overall experience.
Best Cable Modem for Comcast:
Arris SB8200
No products found.
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
A number of buyers of this product reported it to have lasted for more than a year, performing as great as new. Buyers also report that the device starts up properly after a minute or so of power, but sets up really quickly and easily. Moreover, people using an internet plan from Comcast especially found the modem to be of great help and highly reliable.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The build quality of this device particularly stands out to us. It has a highly durable and sturdy, well-built design that is bound to last you a long time. Moreover, with such great build quality, it is equipped with high-end, advanced versions of technology such as the DOCSIS 3.1 and 2 Ethernet ports for the versatility of use.
Who Will Use This Most
This device would prove to be highly functional for people who use Comcast services. Moreover, if you want to create 2 home networks, this device will prove to be highly beneficial for you with its 2 Ethernet ports.
Bottom Line
The ARRIS cable modem is one of the best when it comes to finding the right device for use with Comcast internet service. It has all the essentials as well as extra features and functions that guarantee a positive user experience. Considering the buyer reports on this product, we would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a long-lasting and reliable modem.
Best Cable Modem for Spectrum:
Arris SBG10
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
All the buyers and users of this product absolutely love the easy setup. The mobile application feature made this even easier for most buyers. There were few users that reported durability issues with the product, while also mentioning the short-range coverage of the device’s signals. Apart from that, they had no regrets about their purchase.
Why it Stands Out to Us
We find this product highly impressive due to its outstanding feature of 2-in-1. The Wi-Fi and router combo surely stands out, making the device a versatile, cost-efficient and a much more convenient alternative to other devices. Therefore, this 2-in-1 device has made it to our list.
Who Will Use This Most
This is the best Wi-Fi and router combo that can be used by people who have Spectrum internet services. It’s also a great choice for anyone who wants to get rid of rental costs for both modems and routers.
Bottom Line
Summing it up, this 2-in-1 router and modem combination is surely a great choice for anyone who wants to cut down their costs. It is a reliable product with a good quality build, 2 Ethernet ports, and has an easy user interface as well.
Best Cable Modem for Cox:
Linksys CM3024
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
There were a few complaints regarding this device by people who use internet plans by Comcast and Xfinity. However, other buyers who used the device with Cox found it to be very reliable and experienced positive changes in their connection’s quality and consistency. Moreover, buyers also suggested that the device works just as great and performs really well even when connected to a huge number of devices.
Why it Stands Out to Us
We love the external appearance of this device, just as much as we find the functionality of it highly impressive. It has a sleek, slim build featuring LED light indicators that help the user in understanding the device better. Its advanced features and functionality also prove to be highly impressive, such as its DOCSIS 3.0 feature.
Who Will Use This Most
It’s a great choice of product for people who don’t have much experience with setting up hardware devices. The modem features a plug-and-play functionality, so setting it up won’t be a difficult task.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the device has an outstanding design and build quality that is meant to last you a long time. While the modem might not be the best option for use with Xfinity and Comcast, it still makes up to be one of the most outperforming and advanced modems on the market.
Best Cable Modem for Optimum and Best Docsis 3.0 Cable Modem:
Arris SB6190
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
The cable modem has been backed by several positive remarks and comments by buyers. The device has proved to be highly user-friendly, especially for beginners and first-time users. However, there were some serious issues faced by some buyers due to faulty chipsets, but that didn’t seem to be too much of an issue. Moreover, the device has been able to provide full speed and a highly consistent internet connection to its users without a doubt.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The reason why this modem is added to our list is that it not only offers great functionality but also guarantees reliability with its 2-year warranty. The warranty ensures that your investment is safe and that the product will last you for a good amount of time.
Who Will Use This Most
We strongly recommend this product to be used by people who want a long-term, durable modem that will not require a replacement soon. The device can be beneficial for people who are setting up a modem by themselves for the first time.
Bottom Line
If you want to make full use of the maximum speed offered by your service provider, then this cable modem will be your best option. It offers versatile functionality that can guarantee a consistent and reliable connection for your home.
Best Docsis 3.1 Cable Modem:
NETGEAR Cable Modem CM1000
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers of this NETGEAR modem report that the device is very quick and easy to set up. Most users report that they were able to set it up within 5 minutes. Buyers were able to make great use of the user manual for the installation and also positively commented on NETGEAR’s technical support.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This cable modem is an all-in-one package that features great qualities internally and externally, as well. It has a remarkable appearance that will blend well in any place you put it, whether you place it on your tabletop or wall mount it. In addition, it is also technologically highly advanced with its DOCSIS 3.1 rating.
Who Will Use This Most
Considering the user-friendliness of this modem, we highly recommend it to be used by first-timers and people with little to no experience with hardware devices. Plus, we highly recommend this to be used by gamers and people who need to do lots of online streaming.
Bottom Line
This cable modem is compatible with internet plans that have a speed of up to 1 gigabyte. It is one of the most advanced and versatile products on the market that are meant to enhance your internet connection and allow you to make full use of the maximum internet speed offered by your service provider.
Best Cable Modem for Gaming:
Motorola MB8600
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Even though the device is very easy to set up, users experienced some difficulties that were instantly resolved by outstanding technical support provided by Motorola. Buyers specifically enjoy the adaptability of the device, as you can use it with a 3.0 connection as well as upgrade it in the future too.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The size, as well as the weight of the device, is truly remarkable. It stands out from the rest of the products on the market. It has a sleek exterior with LED indicators that also guarantee user-friendliness. Moreover, it is so lightweight and small in size that it can be easily mounted and located.
Who Will Use This Most
If you have Xfinity or Comcast internet service, then this Motorola modem will surely change the game for you. Moreover, if you are a pro-gamer and need a modem for consistent and reliable signal strength, then we highly recommend this modem.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, like all Motorola’s outstanding products, this is another top-notch modem that features all the right functions and capabilities that can guarantee longevity. The modem features a great build quality and a convenient design that will not cause any trouble to its users. It’s the perfect choice for gaming, online streaming, and heavy data downloading.
What Do I Need to Know Before Buying a Cable Modem?
When you are buying a cable modem, make sure you know the following essential details about the device:
ISP Compatibility
Whichever ISP you are using, make sure that your chosen device is compatible with their services. You can find this out by either contacting your ISP customer support, or you can ask the retailer/seller of the device.
DOCSIS Protocols
DOCSIS is a key element and should not be overlooked when buying a cable modem. The standard, older versions of DOCSIS are 2.0 and 2.1. However, If you have a faster speed internet connection or plan on upgrading the speed in the future, go for DOCSIS 3.0 or 3.1, which is the latest variants of all.
Weight and Size
Before purchasing the device, make sure that its size and design match your needs. Make sure that it’s not too big to fit in the place you are planning on mounting it. Plus, you should also check whether it has flexible installation options such as wall mounting and stand-alone design.
Ports
Ports play a huge role in a modem’s performance. The more the ports, the better. The cable port is always single; however, Ethernet ports can vary in number device by device. Go for a device that has at least 2 Ethernet ports and one USB port to allow versatility and multi-functional usage.
How to Set up a Cable Modem
The installation and setting-up process for each cable modem might be different from one product to another. However, there are some key principles and installation tips that you should know before setting up a cable modem.
Live Coaxial Cable
If you are using a cable modem for the first time and not replacing an old one, you will need to find a live coaxial cable first. This is the cable that provides an internet connection through a telephonic or television cable. A live cable will have a needle-like pin on each of its ends, where one end will be attached to a power outlet and one to the device.
Locate Your Room’s Cable Output
The coaxial cable will go into the cable outlet in your room. Make sure to locate this cable output so you can plan the mounting and placement of your modem accordingly.
Ethernet Cable
Once the coaxial cable has connected the device, you will need an Ethernet connection between the modem and a computer. To do this, locate Ethernet ports on your devices, and make sure you have reliable Ethernet cables ready.
Locate Power Outlet for Modem’s Adapter
Locating a power output for your device’s power adapter is essential. Without a suitable power outlet, you will not be able to place your device efficiently. Make sure that the volts of your device and your power outlet match, and also make sure that the adapter switch is compatible with the output.
Conclusion
To sum up the article, we can say that considering the wide range of products available on the market, it can be rather overwhelming to pick just one for yourself. However, finding the right cable modem is made easier by reviewing the 9 best products. Make sure to consider the previously mentioned factors and aspects before you make the final choice.
People Also Ask
If you are buying a cable modem for the first time or want to learn more about the device, you will have a number of questions that need answers. The following section answers some frequently asked questions to help clear out any leftover confusion.
Is it Better to Buy Your Own Modem?
All ISPs offer you rental modems for use. These might seem like a good option since all the technical installation part is taken care of by the company; however, it is not a feasible option in terms of costs. It can cost you over $100 yearly for renting out cable modems. On the other hand, investing once in a good quality modem can last you longer, while giving you greater control over your device.
How Long Do Cable Modems Last?
A good quality cable modem should last you for at least over a year. To make sure that the modem you are buying is long-lasting, go through the warranty policy and customer feedback on the product you have chosen. Three to four years is an average life for a modem; however, the older the modem is, the more outdated it will be with advancing DOCSIS versions.
Does Buying a New Modem Increase Internet Speed?
Modems do have an impact on your internet’s speed and connection quality. Without a good quality modem, you will not be able to enjoy the maximum speed offered by your service provider. Your modem bridges the gap between your internet connection and your computer devices; therefore, it has to be of good quality and provide consistent signals for better speed.
Is There a Difference Between a DSL Modem and a Cable Modem?
The key difference between DSL modems and cable modems is that they are linked to different sources of connection. A DSL modem connects to a standard telephonic connection or landline to provide an internet connection. DSL has limited bandwidth. Meanwhile, cable connections run through cable lines that transmit data faster and have bigger bandwidth.
