Mbps modems have served us for a long time, but they are now becoming outdated. The world is moving at a much faster pace, and they are just unable to keep up with this enhanced pace. So, we face many issues like non-competitive internet speeds and slow performance.
This can be easily overcome with a Gigabit modem. Such modems provide uninterrupted internet with amazing speed.
This article will provide you with all you need to know about the most advanced modems.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Gigabit Modems
- OUR TOP PICK: NETGEAR Cable Modem CM1000
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: ARRIS SURFboard Docsis 3.1
- NETGEAR C7800 Modem
- Arris Touchstone CM8200A DOCSIS 3.1
- MOTOROLA DOCSIS 3.1
Comparison Chart of the Best Gigabit Modems
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
Our Top Pick  |
| View Latest Price →Read Customer Reviews |
Best Budget Option  |
| View Latest Price →Read Customer Reviews |
 |
| View Latest Price →Read Customer Reviews |
 |
| View Latest Price →Read Customer Reviews |
 |
| View Latest Price →Read Customer Reviews |
What is a Gigabit Modem?
Gigabit modems are dominating the market quickly, but what are they?
Gigabit modems are like other routers when it comes to spreading signals. But they have DOCSIS 3.1 in them, which enables them to deliver up to ten Gigabits per second. This speed has been just a dream in the recent past, but now you can enjoy it with a reliable Gigabit modem.
The best thing about these is that they control the traffic more actively. Thus, you get the amount of data that you actually pay for. This, as a result, makes sure that your money does not go to waste.
What to Look For When Buying a Gigabit Modem
Gigabit modems are truly the most advanced form of routers as they deliver what they promise. If you are thinking of buying one of these, then you must look for these things.
Compatibility With DOCSIS 3.1
While buying a Gigabit modem, your first priority should be to look for DOCSIS 3.1 compatibility. Your chosen unit should have a built-in DOCSIS 3.1 compatibility mechanism to provide the required amount of internet traffic.
DOCSIS 3.1 enables modems to transmit the speed of Gigabits to your devices. It also helps in spreading signals with other speed variations in your surroundings. So, if you need less speed at any point, it will configure its settings accordingly.
Wired Connectivity
Well, the purpose of a Gigabit modem is to provide the highest possible internet speeds. Hence, most people want it for their offices or home-based work settings. This raises the need for wired connectivity with devices, too.
So, you must look for ethernet ports to make sure that the modem supports your wired devices, too.
Easy Configuration
While connecting multiple devices with a modem, you have to modify it according to the needs of each. This becomes easier when the modem offers a simple configuration. So, choose a unit that has a user-friendly interface and is easy to set up.
Quick Take - Best Gigabit Modems
In a hurry? Below are our recommendations for the best gigabit modems:
Review of the Best Gigabit Modems:
Gigabit modems are sure to revolutionize the way we experience the internet, aren’t they? By now, you likely want the fastest internet and might be looking for cool options. Then, here is a review of the best Gigabit modems to help you out.
Best Overall:
NETGEAR Cable Modem CM1000
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers have been very happy with their purchase. They are now fans of NETGEAR, as this modem helped them improve their internet speed a lot. They also love it for being easy to set up, as even non-techies were able to set it up easily.
Why it Stands Out to Us
It grabs our attention because of its basic modem technology. The 32x4 channel bonding is not something very common. It works so well that you cannot find any flaw with it. This has enabled the modem to work with all kinds of cable services.
Who Will Use This Most
This modem has very high internet speeds, which makes it ideal for gamers. Gamers need internet with minimum lag and this one does just that. It is also great for people who work from home, as it helps them download large files, too.
Bottom Line
The bottom line on this NETGEAR unit is that it is the best one out there in the market. Its aesthetics and functioning are equally great, and it meets all the needs of modern users upfront. So, investing in it is a really wise thing to do, as it will not disappoint you.
Runner-up:
ARRIS SURFboard DOCSIS 3.1
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers have given positive reviews about this ARRIS modem. They like its smooth functioning as a DOCSIS 3.1 modem, which helps them in their work. They also like the way it is compatible with cable operator services they have subscribed for.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The ARRIS modem caught our eye because of its simple operation and modern layout. It works fine with all kinds of routers, despite their speed compatibility. This makes it easy to connect with the router you already have at your home.
Who Will Use This Most
This modem is for internet users of all types. Whether you are a gamer or a freelancer working from your bedroom, it will be perfect for you. It is also amazing for homes which house a large number of people, as it supports many devices simultaneously.
Bottom Line
To sum up, it is highly useful for everyone who needs high-speed internet. The layout and user interface are beyond amazing and simple. You can easily configure it at home, even if you do not know much about modems. Just follow the instructions in the manual and you will be good to go.
Best for the Money:
NETGEAR C7800 Modem
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers like its pricing and the features offered for it. The speed of two Gigabits has impressed them a lot and they are happy with the easy setup, too. Customers recommend it because of its wired connection strength, as well as the wireless one.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This NETGEAR modem distinguishes itself from others in many ways. The area coverage of 3000 square feet is quite impressive, as high-speed modems do not offer the same range. In addition, this unit is surprisingly lightweight, making it easy to install anywhere you like.
Who Will Use This Most
Since the basic design of DOCSIS 3.1 has a guarantee of amazing internet speed, it is best for home-based workers. No matter how close a deadline is, it will help them meet it, as the internet works amazingly. This improves their performance and motivates them to work even faster.
Bottom Line
In our expert opinion, this is the go-to Gigabit modem if you do not want to spend too much on a modem upgrade. The efficiency is impressively high for the speed and this makes it best for every household.
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
The people who bought it lately have recommended it wholeheartedly to their friends and family. They like its simple user interface, which helped them in changing configurations, even when they knew nothing about modems. They also like it for its adequate price.
Why it Stands Out to Us
It stands out to us because of its simple and clean design. The front has small buttons, while the back also has a very organized layout. This makes the modem look less messy and users can keep it anywhere. The speed and connectivity are also remarkable.
Who Will Use This Most
The people who need high-speed internet for their wireless devices will find it the most useful. The wireless connection is both smooth and fast, which makes it ideal for remote workers.
Bottom Line
The conclusion is that the Arris Touchstone has come up with a highly competitive Gigabit modem. It has a really nice appearance, as well as practical operation, so it’s a great option to go for.
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
This modem has gotten very positive reviews from recent buyers. They appreciate the excessively high speed of six Gigabits, which seemed impossible a while back. The buyers also like its sleek build and the easy-to-configure setup.
Why it Stands Out to Us
It makes it to our list because of its energy-efficient operation. It provides such a high speed at such low power consumption that it is unbelievable. We also find it attractive due to its AQM technology which minimizes internet latency.
Who Will Use This Most
The gamers of this era will use it the most. After all, who else would need a six Gigabit per second speed, other than a gamer? It is going to make sure that you have the edge over other gamers, as it will not have any lag in it.
Bottom Line
To sum up, MOTOROLA Gigabit modem is a true wonder, as it beats all other modems in performance. There is almost no data loss with this one and you are sure to get mind-blowing speed with it.
Advantages of Investing in a Quality Gigabit Modem
Gigabit modems are future-oriented modems that fulfill the internet needs of modern users. They are so much better that you will feel like you are using a much more advanced form of internet. Here are some prominent advantages to help you make your decision.
Best Speed
The best thing about Gigabit modems is obviously the speed. They deliver internet in Gigabits and one Gigabit is equivalent to 1000 Mbps. Just imagine how fast your internet will be when you start using a Gigabit modem. There will be no or negligible lag in games, buffering for 4K videos, or interruptions in your work.
Greater Connectivity
Another great thing about Gigabit modems is that they help you connect multiple devices at a time. Regardless of whether they're wireless or wired devices, these provide equal speed to each device. You can configure the settings to allow more traffic for certain sites or devices, too.
Minimal Data Loss
Now, this is something most other modems do not offer. Copper wires have a resistance of their own and there’s a lot of data loss due to it. Gigabit connections use fiber optics and the signal transfer is in the form of light rays. Hence, there is almost no loss of data while using Gigabit modems and you get what it promises.
What Do I Need to Know Before Buying a Gigabit Modem?
A Gigabit modem is an amazing upgrade in the world of modems. They are sure to help you in more ways than expected. But still, you might make a few mistakes while buying them. So, here are some of the things you need to know before buying one.
Wired Connections Are Better
While going for a Gigabit modem, buyers want it to provide them the maximum speed. They can enjoy better speeds if they are using wired connections. There is a better interface development with wired connections which leaves less room for data loss. So, at least have your most-used wired devices connected with it if you are going for a Gigabit modem.
Your Devices Should Support Gigabit Speeds
What is the point of having a Gigabit modem if your devices are not going to support it? Obviously none. Hence, you need to go through the specifications of your devices to check for Gigabit compatibility. Most devices support it, but some are not so advanced.
Finding Weak Spots
Looking for weak spots in your devices and connections is very important. You can run speed tests on your devices to see if they have any lags in them. This applies to modems too, so that there is no hassle once you get a Gigabit modem.
Conclusion
Considering all this, Gigabit modems are the most reliable way of getting high-speed internet. They maximize internet traffic to your devices and are not that expensive. Moreover, they are best-suited for people who work from home, as they provide uninterrupted internet.
So, buy the Gigabit modem which suits your needs in the best way and enjoy its unmatched features.
People Also Ask
As Gigabit modems are fairly new, people ask a lot of questions about them. We have already mentioned all the important things above to clear all the confusion. Here are some of the questions that people ask frequently.
Do I Need DOCSIS 3.1 For Gigabit?
Yes, you need a DOCSIS 3.1 for Gigabit as it can keep up with the speed. Modems without DOCSIS 3.1 do not have any mechanism to help them provide 1000 Mbps. This much traffic needs something strong, and DOCSIS 3.1 is best-suited for this purpose.
Does DOCSIS 3.0 Support Gigabit?
DOCSIS 3.0 is quite advanced and offers amazing speed, but it does not support Gigabit speeds. DOCSIS uses six MHz channels which carry about 38 Mbps. The most efficient speed provided by DOCSIS without any lag is 150 Mbps. That is still no match to 1000 Mbps provided by Gigabit.
Is it Worth Getting Gigabit Internet?
Yes, Gigabit internet is worth all the money you spend on it. But you have to consider some things to determine if it is wise for you to get Gigabit internet. Your device should be compatible with Gigabit internet and you should be using this much internet. If you need less internet, then spending so much is not wise.
