No matter what you do, a fast and smooth connection is a must in this digital age. It helps you stay connected with the rest of the world and also helps by making data readily available.
That is why it is necessary to stay updated with all the latest technology that provides you with a fast and smooth internet connection.
To make that easier for you, we've compiled a complete review of the best DOCSIS 3.1 modems you can get your hands on today, so stay tuned!
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Docsis 3.1 Modems
- OUR TOP PICK: NETGEAR CM1000
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: ARRIS SURFboard Docsis 3.1
- NETGEAR Nighthawk CM1200
- NETGEAR Nighthawk Combo
- MOTOROLA DOCSIS 3.1
Comparison Chart of the Best Docsis 3.1 Modems
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
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Our Top Pick  |
| View Latest Price →Read Customer Reviews |
Best Budget Option  |
| View Latest Price →Read Customer Reviews |
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| View Latest Price →Read Customer Reviews |
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| View Latest Price →Read Customer Reviews |
What is a DOCSIS 3.1 Modem?
DOCSIS, also known as Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification, is a modern and efficient technology that transfers data via coaxial cables. These cables were basically developed for the purpose of providing a cable TV connection. Due to its amazing results, DOCSIS has been set as the international standard amongst cable operators.
It provides internet at a very high speed and also offers voice and video services using the TV cable systems already available. The coax cable used for DOCSIS provides a much better connection than fiber cable and is also more secure. So, with DOCSIS, you can access what you want, when you want, without a hassle.
Are all DOCSIS 3.1 Modems the Same?
Well, not all DOCSIS 3.1 modems are the same. They might seem the same in regards to the shape, design, and some primary features, but in actuality, each modem differs from the others. Some will offer greater speed and have excellent connectivity, while others may not be very compatible with the cable providers.
There are also modems that can double as a router, but that is not true for all modems. Moreover, the security features of some modems are greater than others. For example, some offer parental controls, while others do not.
They also differ in terms of connectivity. While all DOCSIS 3.1 modems can cover a considerably wide area, some may be able to manage more connections than others. So, although they may look the same, it is important to get to the bottom of each modem to understand what it is really capable of.
How to Choose a DOCSIS 3.1 Modem
There are a few characteristics that every good DOCSIS 3.1 modem will have. These characteristics make sure their performance remains excellent. They also make it easier to choose a DOCSIS 3.1 modem. What are these characteristics? Let's find out.
Compatibility
Make sure the modem you pick out is compatible with your ISP (internet service provider). Although finding such a unit should not be difficult, you should still be cautious. Most mainstream cable companies will support just about any modem. However, not all of them do.
So, be careful while choosing such a unit for yourself so you can avoid any future problems.
Check Your Internet Plan
Before choosing your modem, be sure to check your internet plan so that you can make the most of it. If your modem offers a greater amount of speed, but your internet plan does not support it, then you will not be able to benefit from your unit fully.
Sturdy and Practical
You must ensure the modem you opt for is not flimsy; otherwise, you will run into a considerable amount of problems. Your chosen unit should be strong and sturdy so it can last you a long time. In addition to being sturdy, its design should be practical, too. It should be easy to access and should easily be integrated as a part of your setup. Moreover, the better the connectivity of the modem, the better your experience with it will be.
Quick Take - Best DOCSIS 3.1 Modems
In a hurry? Below are our recommendations for the best DOCSIS 3.1 modems:
Review of the Best DOCSIS 3.1 Modems
Now, without further ado, let's get into the reviews for the best DOCSIS 3.1 Modems. In the following, we will discuss the features of each modem in detail. In addition to that, we will also discuss other aspects, such as recent reviews and other important details to help you make the best pick. Let's get started!
Best Overall:
NETGEAR Cable Modem CM1000
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
The majority of the buyers were very satisfied with their modems. The reviews generally show that the performance is great and swapping out this unit with their previous one was very easy. The speed it provides has also been praised in many reviews.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The feature of this unit that stood out the most is its range of compatibility. It is supported by many cable providers, so it is easy to set up and install. Furthermore, the performance it provides is great, as well. In addition, the hardware is quite elegant and minimalistic, so it will look very nice with the rest of the setup.
Who Will Use This Most
The speed this unit provides is the best for home setups as there can be more people using the internet. It is also great for gamers and other professionals who need such speed and stability to get the heavy-duty work done.
Bottom Line
The NETGEAR CM1000 is a top-notch modem that offers great performance and even better compatibility. It does not fail in terms of hardware, either. The price may be of concern to some, but with the features it has to offer, that can be overlooked.
Runner-up:
ARRIS SURFboard SB8200
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
This modem is very popular amongst buyers, as it is considerably well-priced. They are also satisfied with the speed it provides. The reviews talk about how it reduces buffering issues to almost zero and no other problems were encountered. However, there were a few reviews that complained about the customer care services.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The ARRIS SB8200 is a splendid piece of technology. From the exterior to the interior, every bit of the device is very impressive. It gives a lightning-fast connection and not only that, it also provides high-quality streaming which is another great aspect of this unit.
Who Will Use This Most
Given the amazing streaming it provides, it would appeal a lot to gamers, as well as people who require good visuals in their professional lives. Those who often stream online would also find it to be quite useful.
Bottom Line
All in all, the ARRIS SB8200 is a great device. It offers speed and high-quality streaming. The device itself is sturdy and is equipped with top-notch technology, which means it cannot be outdated any time soon.
Best for the Money:
NETGEAR Nighthawk CM1200
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
The performance of this modem is greatly praised by buyers. Along with that, the setup process is also very easy, as many of the reviewers have reported. Apart from that, some users have faced issues with longevity. Buyers report that it works very well. However, it can become dysfunctional from time to time.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Firstly, the two Gigabits of speed is a very attractive feature and not something that's available in other similar devices. That is the first thing that caught our interest. Secondly, the wide range of compatibility is also quite interesting. Apart from that, the price of the device makes it even more amazing.
Who Will Use This Most
This modem can be used by anyone and everyone. It does not have any specific limit that would limit it to a certain group of people. That's also what makes it so popular amongst the general public.
Bottom Line
To summarize, this device is perfect for you, if you have a set budget. It will provide you with all the features that parallel a high-end modem and you won't even have to worry about the price. Although there have been some issues faced by buyers, they can always be sorted out with the warranty the company offers.
Best DOCSIS 3.1 Modem Router Combo:
NETGEAR Nighthawk C7800
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
This device has been positively reviewed by many. The most mentioned aspects of the modem are its amazing speed and secondly, the setup process. Most buyers also highly recommend this device for those who work on projects that require high-performance.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The parental controls and other security protocols make this device stand out. Apart from that, it is one of the best modems that can also double as a router. The speed of the modem is top-notch as well. It provides high-quality 4K HD streaming, too.
Who Will Use This Most
Keeping in mind the parental controls feature, it would be ideal for families. Other security protocols make it useful for small businesses. It can connect to 45 devices, which is another reason why it would work well as a home setup or for a small business.
Bottom Line
If you happen to be searching for a modem that provides all the services in one and offers a connection that rivals the speed of light, then you should definitely consider this one. It has everything you need in one place.
Best DOCSIS 3.1 Modem for Cox:
MOTOROLA MB8600
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Almost all the reviews for this modem are positive. The many features this device has to offer make it a very attractive choice. Moreover, the design of the device makes it easy to adjust to any setup with ease.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The modem is equipped with a Broadcom chip, which instantly makes it stand out. In fact, its features are such that you cannot just ignore them. Furthermore, the durability of this unit is another aspect that really catches our attention.
Who Will Use This Most
With this modem, there is no hard and fast rule to be followed. The features it has to offer make it good for a home setup as well as is ideal for professionals who require a strong internet connection.
Bottom Line
Although this modem may be a little pricey, it has some very amazing features. It not only offers a good, strong internet connection, but also provides you with much-needed security.
Benefits of Investing in a Quality DOCSIS 3.1 Modem
Investing in a quality DOCSIS 3.1 modem may be in your best interest. Let's find out why.
Stable Connection
First of all, it will provide you with a much more stable connection than fiber cables. It allows you to enjoy an uninterrupted connection. This means you do not have to worry about buffering or waiting forever for uploads and downloads. You can easily get your work done within a reasonable time frame.
Speed
With a DOCSIS 3.1 modem, you can count on having a lightning-fast connection. There will be no more worrying about lags or the speed not being enough to complete a certain task. This can be a big advantage, especially if you are a gamer or enjoy things like live streaming, etc.
Security
A DOCSIS 3.1 modem also provides a more secure connection. Having a secure connection is essential in this day and age. With this type of modem, you can be at ease, as all your valuable and sensitive information will be protected. Such devices also offer parental control settings so you can provide your children with a safe and secure connection. It makes your connection child-friendly, so you can rest assured while your children surf the internet.
Conclusion
In the era we live in, technology keeps progressing at a very fast pace. We have to keep up with it, and for that, you need a good connection. A DOCSIS 3.1 modem helps you achieve just that. You only need to choose the best one for yourself. We hope our review has been able to help with that.
