If your internet expenses are constantly rising and on top of that you are using an internet provider’s cable modem, for which you are paying a monthly fee, maybe it is the time for a change. It’s time to buy your own cable modem that will give you better overall performance and save money in the long run.
Of course, finding the best cable modem demands for certain knowledge, especially if you are not too sure about what you actually need. Do you need a regular cable modem or the modem router combo? What sort of features should your cable modem have, etc.
For that reason, it is advisable to consult someone that knows a bit more about the subject or to look for advice in guides like this one that will bring you all the required information in one place.
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Last update on 2023-09-22 // The links above are affiliate // Images from Amazon
How to choose the best cable modem
When choosing the best cable modem, you should consider the following characteristics:
Supported speed
Higher download/upload speed is always a better option. However, the fastest devices usually demand the most money and many people simply aren’t capable of paying that much.
Therefore, try to find the best ratio of speed and price and don’t forget to look a bit more into the future, and try to predict what will be your speed requirements, in a few years and in accordance with that, choose a device that will also be future-proof.
DOCSIS
DOCSIS (Data Over Cable Services Interface Specification) is a telecommunication standard that tells you what your cable modem capabilities are and suggests what its maximum download and upload data transfer speeds are.
In theory, DOCSIS 3.0 should provide a maximum download speed of 1200Mbps and maximum upload speed of 200Mbps, while DOCSIS 3.1 should provide up to 10Gbps download and 1Gps upload speeds.
In other words, choose the device with the standard that supports your demanded speeds and try to fully benefit from every advantage that certain standard brings along.
Certification
Although it may not sound as important as speed, or DOCSIS functionality, the fact is that a lack of proper certification will make the cable modem not worth a dime. If your chosen device isn’t supported by the major cable providers, it is worthless. Even the best cable modems out there will have no purpose, if it can’t be used with Cox, Spectrum, Xfinity, and other operators.
Best Cable Modems
Motorola MB8611
An Excellent Cable Modem for High-Speed Internet Plans
Motorola MB8611 is a simple-to-use cable modem that offers great compatibility and more importantly, a speedy performance that will satisfy any enthusiast. This modem works with every major US internet provider, such as Comcast Business, Comcast XFINITY, Cox Communications, and many others.
This device provides low latency and a very responsive performance. It does come without a built-in Wi-Fi router, which, on the other hand, can be easily overcome by pairing it with almost any Wi-Fi router. Motorola MB8611 comes with active queue management, as well as DOCSIS 3.1 and DOCSIS 3.0 channel bonding support.
When talking about connectivity options, there is only a single Ethernet port; nonetheless, it’s a 2.5Gbps one, while the modem itself is recommended for 1000Mbps internet traffic speeds.
Therefore, if you need a future-proof cable modem that will save you money and provide excellent performance at the same time, Motorola MB8611 is the device to look for.
- Easy setup
- DOCSIS 3.1 support
- 2.5Gbps Ethernet Port
- Responsive
- Low latency performance
- No built-in wireless router
- Expensive
- No voice command support
NETGEAR Cable Modem CM700
The top-notch internet performance usually demands a lot of investment. However, there are devices such as NETGEAR Cable Modem CM700 that combine both great performance and affordable price, making large bandwidth more accessible to the masses.
With this cable modem, you will get a maximum download speed of 1400Mbps and maximum upload speed of 500Mbps, as well as certification and ability to use it with numerous cable operators like Comcast, Cox, Spectrum, Xfinity and many others.
Moreover, if you want to connect this modem to some of the best wireless routers out there, like for instance Nighthawk X10 AD7200, guess what? You can.
NETGEAR Cable Modem CM700 supports DOCSIS 3.0., with its 32×8 bonded channels, it comes fitted with Gigabit Ethernet port for easier connection, and more importantly, guarantees for a top-tier performance.
Its a bit aggressive design goes head to head with its nature and depicts its unwillingness for compromise in the best possible way.
All in all, if you are seeking the best cable modem for Cox, Xfinity, or some other similar operator, NETGEAR Cable Modem CM700 is an ideal option for you.
- Easy to set up
- Premium performance
- Reliable
- None we can think of
ARRIS Surfboard S33
More than a Solid Cable Modem
ARRIS Surfboard S33 is a nice-looking, high-performing cable modem that comes in a compact package and brings quite a lot for the price. Although its price tag is a bit higher, fact is that this device is worth it. There is support for DOCSIS 3.0, with its 32 downstream x 8 upstream bonded channels, as well as for DOCSIS 3.1, with 2 downstream x 2 upstream channels.
Also, there are two Ethernet ports, a 2.5Gbps one and a 1Gbps one that gives a supported combined speed of up to 3.5Gbps, which is more than respectable.
To make things even better, ARRIS Surfboard S33 offers an easy setup, it is compatible with every major US provider, such as Spectrum, Xfinity, Cox, and it can cope with the two-status IP addresses at the same time.
Of course, there are also some downsides to this device, most important one being the lack of built-in Wi-Fi, as well as the lack of voice commands. However, that doesn’t change the fact that for the price, ARRIS Surfboard S33 is still a great deal, if you seek a great-performing device in a sleek edition.
- 2.5Gbps Ethernet Port
- Attractive looking
- DOCSIS 3.1 support
- Good compatibility
- Compact
- Easy setup
- Good value for the money
- No voice command support
- No built-in wireless router
- Runs a bit hot
- Expensive
TP-Link DOCSIS 3.0 TC-7620
A Flexible and Easy to Use Cable Modem
People are attracted to different things and the same thing goes for customers. Some are looking for top-notch performance, while others are looking for good flexibility and more affordable options, and TP-Link DOCSIS 3.0 TC-7620 cable modem fits perfectly into the second roll.
It offers great compatibility (it works with Windows, Linux, and Mac), DOCSIS 3.0 function, with 16 downstream and 4 upstream channels bonding channels and provides decent, but not impressive maximum download speed of 680Mbps and maximum upload speed of 143Mbps.
Equally important, TP-Link DOCSIS 3.0 TC-7620 is fully certified and works with Spectrum, Cox, Xfinity, Suddenlink, Mediacom, and many other operators, and it offers ease of use that just adds to its overall great value for the money.
As such, TP-Link DOCSIS 3.0 TC-7620 is among the best cable modems out there, although it isn’t without issues, like not-that-great quality control and the more problematic tendency to overheat. However, if you are after a solid overall quality and performance, this is probably the best deal you will find anywhere.
- Good compatibility
- Two-year warranty
- Simple to use
- Runs hot
- Not the best quality control
Linksys CM3008
A Modest Performing, but Highly Reliable Cable Modem
When it appeared on the market, Linksys CM3008 was one of the more expensive and better-performing cable modems. Nowadays, however, this modem is more oriented towards the entry-level segment of the market and it offers only the basic stuff that is enough only for modest users looking for reliability and a familiar “face” rather than high-performance.
Linksys CM3008 is compatible with Comcast Xfinity, Time Warner Cable, Charter, Cox, and many other providers. Nevertheless, with its maximum download speed of 343Mbps and maximum upload speed of 120Mbps, its performance is more mediocre, but there are still numerous users that would appreciate it and use its DOCSIS functionality and its 8×4 bonded channels in the best possible way.
Linksys CM3008 comes with a one-year warranty and has a bit outdated Intel Puma 5 chipset inside. However, its reliability is pretty amazing. Therefore, if a trusted connection is your major concern, Linksys CM3008 is certainly the best cable modem option you will find.
- Affordable
- Easy setup
- Reliable
- Basic
- Modest performance
NETGEAR Cable Modem CM500
A Perfect Mainstream Cable Modem
NETGEAR Cable Modem CM500 is a decent, but not high-performing device that won’t impress you, but won’t disappoint you either.
It supports a maximum download speed of 686Mbps and maximum upload speed of 132Mbps, it offers very good compatibility and can work with both Windows and Mac machines and operate with all the major cable providers like Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox, and other.
NETGEAR Cable Modem CM500 has a one-year warranty and allows for easy setup and use, but more importantly, it is a real bargain, considering its good overall quality and pretty low price. Moreover, this cable modem is fitted with one Gigabit port for connecting with a PC, or maybe a long-range Wi-Fi router, if you are into that sort of thing and it offers Advanced Quality of Service (QoS) and DOCSIS 3.0 functionality, with its 16×4 channel bonding.
Altogether, NETGEAR Cable Modem CM500 has a lot to offer and although it may not be considered the best cable modem out there, it certainly presents one of the better ones that can give you good performance, flexibility and save money at the same time.
- Easy setup
- Decent performance
- Good price
- Not the greatest reliability
NETGEAR Nighthawk CM2000
A Speedy Performance in a Compact Package
If you are seeking one of the best cable modems for the price, that will give you top performance and save money for renting fees, NETGEAR Nighthawk CM2000 is the perfect choice for you.
This cable modem offers DOCSIS 3.1 and DOCSIS 3.0 support; it has a 2.5Gbps Ethernet Port, and equally importantly, it brings decent compatibility that allows its use with Xfinity, COX, Spectrum, and many other internet providers. On top of that, NETGEAR Nighthawk CM2000 is sleek, it has a detailed web interface, and it comes in a compact edition, which may be important for many users.
More importantly, NETGEAR Nighthawk CM2000 is an extremely reliable device that will give you a lot of savings in the long run. All in all, if you want a cable modem that will have everything you need, bring you top-class performance and great reliability in one, NETGEAR Nighthawk CM2000 is more than a reasonable option.
- DOCSIS 3.1 support
- Sleek looking
- 2.5Gbps Ethernet Port
- Detailed web interface
- Reliable
- Compact
- Expensive
- No voice command support
- No built-in wireless router
Conclusion
After reading this guide, you should be more than ready to buy the best cable modem for your computer. We hope you’ll be happy with your choice and improve your overall performance thanks to it!
