As broadband speeds increase and old technology becomes outdated, it becomes essential to own a quality modem.
The best cable modem not only connects your home to the internet but also saves you money in the long-run by putting an end to the device rental fees charged by your internet service provider.
To help you find the perfect modem, the following is a list of some of the best modems with phone jack available today. So, make sure you read all the mentioned reviews!
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Modems With Phone Jack
- OUR TOP PICK: ARRIS Surfboard (32x8) Docsis 3.0
- MOTOROLA MT7711 24X8
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: ARRIS Surfboard Docsis 8X4
- MOTOROLA DOCSIS 3.1 MB8600
- MOTOROLA 24x8 Cable Modem MB7621
Comparison Chart of the Best Modems With a Phone Jack
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Our Top Pick  |
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Best Budget Option  |
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| View Latest Price →Read Customer Reviews |
What Purpose Does a Modem With a Phone Jack Serve?
Broadband DSL internet administration is provided by many telephone organizations. Here are some reasons you should connect your DSL modem to the telephone jack using a standard telephone cable:
Flexibility
A wireless telephone jack system allows you to connect the primary unit to an electrical outlet and a telephone jack. It then wirelessly transmits a telephone signal throughout the house. To put it simply, once you plug one of the units into an electrical outlet, you’ll have a quick telephone jack.
No Need for a Landline Telephone Service
Instead of copper phone wires, a modem with a phone jack delivers your voice calls using a broadband internet connection. Thus, it completely replaces the need for a landline telephone service.
Saves Money
A modem with a phone jack saves you money in the long-run by allowing you to set up a home network. If you use more than one PC, you won’t need to lease a modem for every PC to connect to the internet.
Characteristics of This Year’s Top Models
Choosing the right modem is no easy task. To help you with your decision, the following are some features found in quality models:
DOCSIS Protocols
The maximum speed that can be delivered by your modem is widely determined by its DOCSIS protocol. The latest standard is DOCSIS 3.1, which is capable of achieving speeds of up to ten Gbps. However, DOCSIS 3.0 also provides fast speeds and is able to deliver up to one Gbps, making it ideal for a vast majority of users.
Even if your ISP does not support DOCSIS 3.1, it’s still better to purchase one that has it, so you’ll have a model that supports faster speeds when better data plans become available.
Warranty
Most quality models are backed by a one or two-year limited warranty which covers any catastrophic failure. While malfunctions are not common in modems, it’s still useful to choose a model with one, so it can be easily returned if it stops working.
Extras
A quality model is designed with several extra features. Some models are equipped with built-in firewalls and pre-installed security software, while some give parents a measure of control. Although dual-band WiFi is common in most modems, a quality model will feature the 802.11 standards.
Quick Take - Best Modems With a Phone Jack
In a hurry? Below are our recommendations for the best modems with a phone jack:
Review of the Best Modems With a Phone Jack
With hundreds of modems available in the market, choosing the best one is often a difficult and time-consuming task. To ensure you find one that best suits your needs, the following are reviews of some of the best models available today. So, make sure you read them all before making your purchase!
Best Overall:
ARRIS Surfboard (32x8) Docsis 3.0
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Most buyers found this unit to be extremely fast, with some stating that it eliminated all buffering issues and allowed them to download very large files quickly. Users also found it easy to install and activate. However, some customers received a model with a flawed Puma chipset, which caused it to disconnect frequently.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The Surfboard’s channel bonding and DOCSIS 3.0 are what make it stand out from the crowd. Featuring eight upload and 32 download channels, the unit provides users with advanced multimedia services and up to 131 Mbps upload and 1.4Gbps download speeds. The 3.0 version has IPv6 support, as well.
Who Will Use This Most
If you’ll be downloading large files, doing several different activities simultaneously, or watching lots of UHD movies, then the ARRIS Surfboard is the perfect option. It’s also ideal for smart homes that contain a lot of devices as they upload a lot of data to cloud services. The higher download and upload speed further allows you to play online games with no problems.
Bottom Line
The ARRIS SB6190 is a model that provides you with a strong, quick connection, regardless of how many things you do simultaneously. Capable of 1.4 Gbps download speeds, the unit ensures seamless streaming and lag-free gaming. However, due to the Puma 6 chipset, some units might have latency issues.
Runner-up:
MOTOROLA MT7711 24X8
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Most buyers were extremely satisfied with the performance of the MOTOROLA and were impressed by the signal strength and speed it offered. Customers also found it easy to set up, with some stating they had it up and running in about 15 minutes. However, some users reported that devices connected through WiFi and LAN frequently disconnected and experienced severe sluggishness.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The MOTOROLA stands out to us because of its speed and performance. The unit is equipped with three internal antennas that extend the WiFi range as much as possible, giving a significant boost in speed as well. AnyBeam beamforming further ensures better direction, resulting in better performance and operation.
Who Will Use This Most
Providing wireless speeds, networking, and range needed for all WiFi devices, including notebooks, HDTVs, smartphones, tablets, Amazon Echo, streaming TV devices, and Google Home, the MOTOROLA is ideal for most families. It’s also the perfect choice for Comcast Internet users.
Bottom Line
The MOTOROLA MT7711 certainly deserves a place on our list of top picks. Featuring a dual-band Gigabit router, two phone ports, and four ethernet ports, the unit is able to reach speeds of 400 Mbps and provides enhanced performance and range. However, the lack of USB ports might be troubling for some.
Best for the Money:
ARRIS Surfboard Docsis 8X4
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Most people who invested in the ARRIS Surfboard were happy with its speed and stated that it provided a clear voice, good bandwidth, and solid performance. However, some users reported receiving a defective device and reported that they had to unplug and restart the unit frequently.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The ARRIS Surfboard primarily stands out to us because of its multiple features and value for money. With two lines of Voice over IP, the unit is able to reach download speeds of up to 343 Mbps. Along with having eight download and four upload channels, it also features two telephone ports and one Gigabit ethernet port. Lastly, the multiple battery backup options ensure that you have phone connectivity, even during power outages.
Who Will Use This Most
Designed for XFINITY customers who prefer having their own device, the ARRIS Surfboard is the perfect choice for low-bandwidth homes and small businesses. If you need 100 MB or less, then this is the model you need to purchase.
Bottom Line
Providing download speeds of up to 343 Mbps, the ARRIS Surfboard is surely one of the best modems available today. The unit supports the latest internet protocol, while its multi-processor technology ensures stable and high bandwidth performance. However, the backup batteries will need to be purchased separately.
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Most buyers were satisfied with the MOTOROLA MB8600 and stated that it worked as advertised. Users experienced downstream speeds of around 300 MB, with some stating that the unit could easily reach speeds of up to one Gbps. However, some customers reported connectivity issues and said the modem had to be reset every few days.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The MOTOROLA primarily stands out to us because of its speed and bandwidth. Featuring the gold standard of network communication, the unit has minimal packet loss, consistent bandwidth, and low ping times. However, it’s too fast for one gigabit ethernet port. If you want to max out the 3.8 Gbps downstream bandwidth, you’ll have to use all four ports.
Who Will Use This Most
The MOTOROLA MB8600 is perfect for individuals who spend a lot of time streaming UHD-quality videos. The unit also features low latency, making it perfect for online and interactive games.
Bottom Line
One of the most advanced DOCSIS 3.1 modems available today, the MOTOROLA MB8600 ensures stable and bug-free operation. Designed with the Broadcom BCM3390 chipset and Active Queue Management technology, the unit also reduces internet latency. However, the modem is a bit expensive compared to other models.
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Most users experienced the advertised speeds and found the setup process to be quick and easy. Buyers also stated that the data transfer speeds between the router and the modem were consistently high. However, some customers reported receiving defected units, while some said they had to reboot the router frequently.
Why it Stands Out to Us
MOTOROLA’s attention to detail and ease of use are what makes it stand out from other models. The unit comes with a hook-and-loop strap and wrench for tightening the coaxial cable connection, making it easier to set up. It also features a powerful online user interface and a helpful instruction manual that enable you to get the device’s information easily.
Who Will Use This Most
The MOTOROLA MB7621 is the perfect choice if you want internet speeds up to 400 Mbps. The unit provides high-speed internet for game stations, routers, streaming media devices, computers, and HDTV. It’s also easy to use, so you can use it for your home network.
Bottom Line
Compatible with almost all major cable internet providers, the MOTOROLA MB7621 is an excellent device that supports fast speeds, is easy to set up, and costs less than renting a device from your ISP. However, its design is not very attractive.
What Do I Need to Know Before Buying?
A modem is a big investment, so make sure you consider the following things before making your purchase:
Compatibility
ISP compatibility is the most important factor to consider before selecting a cable modem. Make sure you check your ISP’s approved-modem list before finalizing your pick.
Channels
Channel bonding can be defined as the number of upstream and downstream channels your unit can access. To put it simply, the more channels a DOCSIS 3.0 modem has, the faster the speed. However, it’s essential that your ISP supports the channels. For example, if your ISP only offers 16 downstream channels, then a 24x8 modem won’t improve performance and speed. The right modem is one that has the right number of channels for your service tier.
Signal Strength
Selecting a modem that is able to download an entire season of your favorite show in minutes is a great choice, but all that speed will be for nothing if the signal can’t get out. Closed doors, the overall size of your house, and the distance between the modem and the connected devices can significantly affect the signal. Unless you’re going to use the ethernet ports full-time, it’s important that you consider the signal strength along with speed.
Conclusion
While there are numerous modem options available today, we find the ARRIS Surfboard (32x8) Docsis 3.0 to be the best one. However, if you think the ARRIS is not the unit for you, there are still plenty of other models to choose from. So, no matter what features you want or what your budget is, you’ll surely find something that perfectly suits your needs.
