Even though DOCSIS 3.1 has begun rolling out, that standard is backward compatible, so all DOCSIS 3.0 modems will work with DOCSIS 3.1 service. "Very easy to use...Best of the best...The Motorola cable modem MB7420 replaces a 10+ year old Motorola Surfboard Extreme cable modem SB6121 that never quit working but was simply becoming obsolete...this is a good quality and speed modem and I'm Glad I didn't listen to Atlantic broadband list or first 3 techs bestbuy has the best … The best modems overall support DOCSIS 3.0 or 3.1, and are compatible with all of the major US cable companies, namely Charter/Spectrum, Comcast, and Cox, which is true of all the modems listed below. Our experience over the past year has been trouble-free. Not to worry though—other providers, including AT&T Fiber, CenturyLink, Frontier, Verizon, and Windstream, are expanding their networks. This cable modem is the best seller on many online stores. By Gabrielle Hondorp. These 32×8 modems are significantly more expensive than the 16×4 modems and are overkill if you have a 600 Mbps or slower data plan. For more, check out our section about DOCSIS 3.1 and gigabit internet. *At the time of publishing, the price was $150. As mentioned above, you shouldn’t buy a DOCSIS 3.1 modem right now if DOCSIS 3.1 service isn’t available in your area. First things first: How happy are you with your router? It’s a great pick if you don’t need your cable company’s fastest plans, or if they are unavailable where you live. Based on DOCSIS 3.0 technology, this modem is far faster than the old 2.0 standard. Also don’t buy one if you use your cable provider for telephone service: The models we cover here don’t have phone ports. Ten times performance might seem great but the important thing to note here is that only Comcast Xfinity provides DOCSIS 3.1 based connections and all other ISPs use the DOCSIS 3.0 standard. Arris Surfboard SB6183 is among the best DOCSIS 3.0 modems due to its great reliability and high transfer rates. Quick and easy setup with self activation option from ISP activation page. This high-speed cable modem is a great alternative to the SB 8200 if you are not planning to use a plan higher than 1 Gbps in the future. Previously he tested and reviewed more than a thousand PCs and tech devices for PCMag and other sites over 17 years. It's the biggest hardware launch in an age! DOCSIS 3.0 based modems usually support most of the major ISPs like Comcast Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox, Cablevision, etc and should work very well without any issues. DOCSIS 3.0 allows modems to bond multiple channels into a single data stream, giving you 38 Mbps per channel. The CM500 has a good reputation for reliability, but like the CM600 it comes with only a one-year warranty. Sadly, many internet service providers (ISPs) charge a monthly leasing fee– sometimes as high as $15– that can stack up after a while (not all ISPs have this fee though). If you already have a gigabit internet plan and your ISP allows you to use your own modem, the Motorola MB8600 is the best of the DOCSIS 3.1 modems that are widely available right now because of its relatively low price and its two-year warranty. That installation cost is at least partially why Google Fiber dialed back plans for its broadband rollout. We’d dismiss the latter outright, as it’s made mainly for businesses, but the CM1100 could be an alternative to our upgrade pick, if it goes on sale and you don’t mind that it has a shorter one-year warranty. The ARRIS Surfboard SVG2482AC is one of the very best modems you can buy if you are a Comcast Xfinity subscriber. On the plus side, you will be fine for a while, because DOCSIS 3.1 is backward-compatible with DOCSIS 3.0 modems. The Netgear CM600, another highly regarded 24×8 DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem, promises the same performance levels on the same speed tiers as the MB7621—it just costs a bit more and has a shorter, one-year warranty. A former top pick, the Netgear CM500 is still a good choice for the budget-minded internet user. This modem would have been the best modem for Comcast Xfinity if it had better quality control; as is, it poses a lot of issues and it seems that it’s not at all uncommon for people to receive defective units. two routers/computers with two separate IP addresses, extend DOCSIS 3.1 gigabit service to 50 million homes, About 1,165,000 Added Broadband in 1Q 2020, How DOCSIS 3.1 Reduces Latency with Active Queue Management, Why It’s Important to Upgrade End of Life and Unsupported Equipment, Broadband Competition Helps to Drive Lower Prices and Faster Download Speeds for U.S. In order to do so, you would need a router with WAN port aggregation or a 2.5 Gbps Ethernet port to enable speeds above 1 Gbps, and for now, most ISPs list 1 Gbps as their top speed tier for residential customers. The two Gigabit Ethernet ports on the modem makes it great for esports gaming. The people behind DOCSIS say that the improved technology of the 3.1 standard will lead to better stability even at slower speeds. When choosing the best cable modem, you should consider the following characteristics: Supported speed. How to choose the best cable modem. You will need both a modem and a router. Nobody really reviews cable modems—it’s difficult, because you can’t know whether it’s the modem or the ISP that’s to blame for slower speeds—so the few reviews that exist aren’t very scientific. It's a 4-in-1 product that includes a DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem, an AC1750 Wi-Fi access point, a 4-port Gigabit Ethernet router, and an Xfinity Telephony Modem … It’s widely supported, it has a two-year warranty, and it pays for itself in about eight months. After researching all the modems currently available, we landed on four contenders for 24×8 modems: the Motorola MB7621, Netgear CM600, Linksys CM3024, and TP-Link TC-7650. If you’re looking specifically for a cable modem and router in the same box, the best that Spectrum has on their approved list is the Netgear – C7000. Within a year, you will start recovering the cost of the modem. Which NVIDIA 30-Series GPU Should You Buy? About 1,165,000 Added Broadband in 1Q 2020, Leichtman Research Group, May 13, 2020, Greg White, How DOCSIS 3.1 Reduces Latency with Active Queue Management, CableLabs, June 6, 2014, Why It’s Important to Upgrade End of Life and Unsupported Equipment, Comcast, Dan Mahoney and Greg Rafert, Broadband Competition Helps to Drive Lower Prices and Faster Download Speeds for U.S. Buying your own compatible modem, however, is a great way to eliminate this unneeded cost. Where applicable, we also include the maximum speeds that each ISP supports. Before joining Wirecutter, Joel Santo Domingo tested and has written about PCs, networking products, and personal tech at PCMag and PC Magazine for more than 17 years. However, we still recommend our picks. You shouldn't get the MB8600, or any other gigabit modem, unless you know your ISP supports it today. Until your ISP offers gigabit service in your area, you won’t know if it’ll roll out DOCSIS 3.0, DOCSIS 3.1, or fiber to your home. So, what is DOCSIS 3.0? These modems feature a 2.5-gigabit Ethernet port, supporting faster speeds for Wi-Fi 6 routers and mesh networks. (Altice and RCN don’t publish a list of approved modems, though, and with few exceptions wouldn’t verify whether any of our picks would work with their services.). And they may not even let you bring your own modem once they do roll out gigabit service. If you’ve had your modem for four or five years, give the model name a quick Google search; you might still be using a modem that supports only DOCSIS 2.0, in which case it’s time to upgrade. We considered the Linksys CM3024, but this 24×8 modem has a few strikes against it. For instance, modems are only supported by specific ISPs. You shouldn't get the MB8600, or any other gigabit modem, unless you know your ISP supports it today. So this would be the best yet cheap Modem. Downstream represents download speeds while upstream represents upload speeds. For example, if you already have two or more cable modems in your home, each servicing separate accounts. The NETGEAR CM500 is a great alternative to the Arris SB6183. In layman’s terms, the modem (not to be confused with the router) changes the signal so you can receive internet. If you want the best modem for DOCSIS 3.0 and are confused about various products, then you have come to the right place. What about DOCSIS 3.1 and gigabit internet? For the end-user, the specifics are largely unimportant. For example, RCN’s website goes out of its way to say that the company isn’t currently supporting the MB8600, but it also doesn’t specify an approved alternative. The MB7420 is ideal for internet plans that top … For better or worse, he applies that same DIY approach to his reporting. The Netgear CM1000 is a gigabit DOCSIS 3.1 modem that is a contender for our upgrade pick. Most ISPs give you a modem/router combo when they install your internet. We’ve noted in our What to look forward to that we’ll consider and evaluate the Arris S33, Motorola MB8611, and Netgear CM2000 when they’re readily available. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. The modem is bundled with an AC1600 dual-band WiFi router, i.e. We'll evaluate them once they're readily available. The four ports are a bit of future-proofing, as they can be turned on by your ISP for link/port aggregation if and when your ISP decides to support it, though no ISP or home router does. This means that more cable operators will be able to offer gigabit speeds over the next few years, and many already do. While it isn’t outstanding in any way (modems rarely are) it features normal transfer rates along with good router capabilities, which is exactly what you’d want. This Netgear Modem was hailed as the best cable modem by The Wirecutter. 6. The Arris SB8200 is another widely available DOCSIS 3.1 modem with similar specs to the Netgear CM1000 and Motorola MB8600, but as mentioned above it has a premium price over the MB8600. PCguide.com is part of the BGFG family of websites. Because it’s DOCSIS 3.1 certified and supports 32×8 DOCSIS 3.0 channels, it should work with other cable companies that have enabled Gigabit Ethernet on their networks, but as usual you should check with your individual provider. It has a long two-year warranty, and two Ethernet ports in the back to support connecting two routers/computers with two separate IP addresses, or for link aggregation (you’ll still need a compatible router). Unlike most cheap gadgets, these budget picks will serve you well for years. Our industry veterans know what they are talking about and how to cut through the jargon to make your job choosing the right machine as easy as possible. Surfboard SB8200 supports the latest DOCSIS 3.1 protocol, which is ten times faster than DOCSIS 3.0. We recommend this modem to people who like the web GUI of Netgear and since the transfer rates of this modem are comparable to SB6183, this modem is among the best DOCSIS 3.0 modems. The CM1000 has only one Gigabit Ethernet port in the back, so you won’t be able to use link/port aggregation on this modem in the future. The modem is priced very nicely as well and costs a lot less than an average DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem. it works in both 2.4GHz and 5.0GHz mode. The 5 Best Modems for Faster Internet At Home. Let’s Dive Into The Realm Of The Best Cable Modems To Find The Most Cost-Efficient Models For The Job. First of all, I think it is important to note that there are two main types of internet in the US: cable and DSL. Modems provide a certain number of channels for downloading and uploading. Most currently available 24×8 or 32×8 modems max out at 600 Mbps or 1 Gbps, respectively. Which is the best yet cheap Modem? 2 downstream and 2 upstream OFDM channels are there to make use of latest cable … However, this feature is only applicable if you need separate accounts in your home for business and personal or family use, coming in on the same physical coaxial cable. Here’s how to activate your new modem on Comcast, Spectrum, Cox, Suddenlink, and Sparklight/Cable One. In these cases, it is always preferable to buy a modem from a company with great customer support. The customer support of Arris seems really bad, though. The MB7621 works well for plans up to 600 megabits per second, because it’s a DOCSIS 3.0 modem that can handle 24 downstream channels and eight upstream channels. Replace that old brick from your cable provider and get better, longer lasting tech. Buying guide for best cable modems. Well, it’s basically just the protocol that most cable based ISPs use to deliver your internet. After researching nearly 100 cable modems over the past five years, we recommend the Motorola MB7621 if you have cable internet and you want to stop paying your internet service provider a separate modem rental fee. Even if the warranty period is 2 years, the company rarely accepts an RMA for the products. We've spent hundreds of hours testing dozens of routers, mesh kits, and extenders to find the best gear to get strong Wi-Fi throughout your home. The CM1100 costs about the same amount as MB6800, while the CM1200 is about $50 more expensive. The company could have made this product better by using better Ethernet ports, as the current limitation for the DOCSIS 3.1 connection in this product is the 1 Gbps Ethernet ports. The CM600 supports the same speeds as the MB7621, but it’s slightly more expensive and has a shorter, one-year warranty. Linksys is one of the best-recognized names in networking, and their CM3008 cable modem is the newest addition to their lineup. If you want the best modem for DOCSIS 3.0 and are confused about various products, then you have come to the right place. This is an impressive product overall. The first iPhone launched in 2007.). Comcast Xfinity’s webpage has a checkbox so you can determine which approved modems are voice/telephone enabled, and Cox has a list of approved modems that are compatible with their voice services. Netgear is one of the most reliable brands in networking and their Nighthawk CM1200 represents their latest and greatest in gigabit modem technology. Owners like it; Amazon reviews are consistently positive. People are loving this product and it ranks high according to online customer reviews as well. We also don’t have the capability to test multiple modems on multiple ISPs ourselves. This DOCSIS 3.0 modem provides 16 downstream channels and 4 upstream channels, which is enough for most of the users. We tested leading UPS models and found the Tripp Lite AVR750U to be the best option for getting a little extra power to essential gear during a blackout. Compatible with the most ISPs, the MB7621 supports internet plans up to 600 Mbps. (Optimum/Altice doesn’t provide a list of compatible modems.) Most notably, there are rental fees for the cable modem and router that can add $100 or more per year to your cable … Advanced Modem for voice. We’ve tested the latest Wi-Fi routers to find the best ones—from budget options to top of the line—to make your wireless network faster and more responsive. He is now a keen PC builder and gaming enthusiast, making him an expert in the overall field. This cable modem … If, like me, you upgraded your router recently but bought your modem sometime around the signing of the Declaration of Independence, you probably just need a stand-alone cable modem. The Motorola MB7621 is a reliable 24×8 DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem that works with all the major ISPs at the time of this writing. However, apart from Comcast, the supported ISPs send the data through DOCSIS 3.0, which is why the transfer rates of this modem are only better theoretically. You should buy a cable modem if you’re currently paying a fee to rent one from your ISP. Now, how about an article on routers, and maybe a … PC Guide is reader-supported. This means that you will need to replace both if you are trying to get away from pesky equipment leasing fees. Gigabit fiber internet plans are growing more popular, too—Optimum and Suddenlink’s parent company, Altice, will be skipping DOCSIS 3.1 completely in favor of fiber. The ports are hidden behind a yellow sticker to prevent confusion, but it’s easy to pull it off for access. You should get a new modem if yours doesn’t support DOCSIS 3.0, the most widespread iteration of the Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification, which governs how cable operators deliver high-speed cable internet. The Netgear CM1100 and CM1200 modems are DOCSIS 3.1, and like the Motorola MB8600, both are rated for multi-gigabit internet plans. The two trade blows since they are similarly priced and have similar specs/performance. Our mission is to provide you with great editorial and essential information to make your PC an integral part of your life. Joel became attracted to service journalism after answering many “What’s good?” questions while working as an IT manager and technician. We have the experience and the know-how to help you select the perfect product for you. RTX 3070 Vs RTX 3080 – Which is Better Value? DOCSIS 3.1 is backward-compatible, so if you have a DOCSIS 3.0 modem and don’t plan on upgrading to gigabit speeds, the DOCSIS 3.0 modem will continue to work with your ISP. The MB7621 is a DOCSIS 3.0 modem with 24 downstream channels and eight upstream channels. The ports can also be used to support two (or more) separate IP addresses from your ISP. For this article, we will be discussing the best cable modems for DOCSIS 3.0 and DOCSIS 3.1 in this article, which is the main protocol used for cable internet. It is compatible with the most commonly offered speed plans from Comcast Xfinity (up to 600 Mbps), Spectrum (up to 400 Mbps), Cox (Ultimate Classic), Suddenlink (up to 500 Mbps), and Sparklight/Cable One (up to 600 Mbps), as well as with WOW’s 600 Mbps plan. Residential Consumers (PDF), Google Fiber is pulling back on its broadband rollout as pressure grows to cut costs, Cox revises gigabit rollout plan, now targeting 2020 to go footprintwide: report, Altice Will Skip DOCSIS 3.1, Deploy Full Fiber to the Home, 2018 United States Speedtest Market Report, The Gear to Get Reliable Wi-Fi in Any Home, The Best Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS). Modem/router combos usually provide a few Ethernet ports along with WiFi support. NETGEAR Cable Modem CM400 Compatible with Cable Providers Xfinity by Comcast, Spectrum, Cox | For Cable Plans Up to 100 Mbps | DOCSIS3.0, Black (CM400-100NAS) 4.1 out of 5 stars 1,017 $28.19 Wirecutter is reader-supported. DOCSIS 3.1 modems cost around twice as much as our main picks, which means they will take over a year to pay off assuming a modem rental fee of $10 a month. Many ISPs rent out modems that double as wireless routers, which means that if you replace your rental modem with one you bought, you may also need to buy a wireless router if you want Wi-Fi in your house (if you’re not sure what the difference is between a router and a cable modem, we have a guide for that.) The Motorola MB7420 is the best cable modem for most homes, capable of supporting speeds available to a majority of home internet plans. Right now, gigabit speed is possible on 32×8 DOCSIS 3.0 modems, but we don’t recommend buying them since they use the problematic Intel Puma 6 chipset, and it’s hard to tell whether your ISP has rolled out the fix for the chipset’s latency problems. It’s compatible with DOCSIS 3.1 standards, has four gigabit Ethernet ports for link aggregation, and delivers 32×8 channel bonding if used on a DOCSIS 3.0 network. We spoke with Belal Hamzeh, vice president of wireless technologies at CableLabs, the company that came up with DOCSIS, and he pointed out that a big strength of DOCSIS 3.1 lies in the upgrade process: To introduce DOCSIS 3.1, an ISP doesn’t need to upgrade its cable lines—only the hardware in its facilities. I was advised to purchase the DOCSIS 3.1 for streaming at my residence by my local cable Tech. You don’t always need to spend a lot of money to get great tech. And in both situations, these upper limits are rarely actually met. Each ISP has a different activation process, but you’ll need to either call the company or visit a URL to activate your modem. While the CM500 has a better warranty– two years as opposed to one. NETGEAR CM1000 is also one of the latest cable modems, despite supporting DOCSIS 3.1, it’s not exactly a high-speed modem offering quite slower transfer rates than the ARRIS SB8200. It is a little on the pricey side with the recoverable cost only coming in after two years but, those two years of having this stellar cable modem are probably going to be the best two years of internet in your current setup. The Surfboard SB8200 has probably the best reliability on the market as well as supporting the latest DOCSIS 3.1 protocol, ten times faster than DOCSIS 3.0, ensuring it’s futureproofed. As far as the router interface is concerned, it provides four Ethernet ports along with the listed dual-band WiFi and also has other router features like Firewall. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Regarding Cable One Compatible Modems 1. Most of the time, the issues are from the ISP but the issue can only be identified once both the ISP and the modem manufacturer cooperate with the customer. In drastically simplified terms, modems take the incoming signal and “decipher” it while routers push that signal out across your house. The biggest downside is that, although the CM600 has positive reviews from owners, it comes with only a one-year warranty, whereas most modems come with a two-year warranty. It stands out from other … Fiber is generally faster than cable, especially in upload speeds, but it involves added cost for companies because it requires new cables and network architecture. Most ISPs charge $10 a month to rent a modem—that’s $120 a year, every year, on top of what you’re already paying for internet access. DOCSIS 3.1, which our upgrade pick supports, is the next standard for internet cable modems and ISPs. That being said, you will need to know some of the differences between version 3.0 and 3.1. The MB8600 could consolidate these into a single box, but you’d still need separate routers for each network. Our DOCSIS 3.1 modem pick is 32×8 DOCSIS 3.0–compliant by specification, so get a DOCSIS 3.1 modem if you want true gigabit speeds on any cable network. ISPs update their modem-compatibility lists often, and they occasionally drop support for a modem with little to no warning. Interestingly, Comcast Xfinity’s biggest data plan provides 1 Gbps downstream rates, which can be supported on the DOCSIS 3.0 modem. Unless you’re on a very congested network with constant slowdowns, you likely won’t notice a huge difference from added channels on slower speed tiers. America’s average internet speeds measure around 100 Mbps, ranging from the low 20s to figures approaching 97 Mbps, depending on which survey you pick. Which Modem has the best … This NETGEAR model is Amazon’s best-selling modem for good reason. It only has a one-year warranty and isn’t explicitly included on many cable companies’ approved modem lists. It is compatible with Comcast Xfinity (up to 250 Mbps), Spectrum (up to 300 Mbps), Cox (Ultimate plan), Suddenlink (up to 500 Mbps), and Sparklight/Cable One (up to 300 Mbps), as well as with WOW’s 500 Mbps plan. Always make sure to read the terms of the warranty, though; not all warranties are made equal. However, if you don’t have demanding internet needs, this will likely not be a big problem. Jacob was exposed to a variety of tech from an early age and has expanded his knowledge to become well-versed in all things PC. Subscribing to internet service through a cable provider can entail a whole new set of fees in addition to your base subscription price. Like the Arris SB8200, this modem provides 32 downstream channels along with 8 upstream channels for DOCSIS 3.0 protocol, while 2 OFDM downstream channels along with 2 OFDM upstream channels for DOCSIS 3.1 protocol. However, if you are willing to buy a DOCSIS 3.1 based modem, then make sure that your modem officially supports your ISP. DOCSIS 3.1 is the improved version of DOCSIS 3.0 and offers ten times the transfer rates of DOCSIS 3.0. "The best things I can say about a cable modem are that it's fast and I never need to think about it,” said editor Ben Keough. This is the theoretical limit of the DOCSIS 3.1 standard, and they are currently unreachable. Nationally, Comcast began to deploy its speedier DOCSIS 3.1 internet plans starting with 15 cities in 2017, with plans to reach all 39 states they service by the end of 2018. The Arris SURFboard SB6190 and Netgear CM700 are the most widely supported options for plans that are faster than 300 Mbps but not DOCSIS 3.1. The added expense of the DOCSIS 3.1 modems isn’t worth it until you’re on one of these new (and pricey) plans—especially since your ISP may roll out gigabit over fiber rather than cable. While the modem makers have distributed updated firmware fixes to the ISPs, it is ultimately up to your cable company to support the modem. Compatible with the most ISPs, the MB7621 supports internet plans up to 600 Mbps. Nvidia RTX 3080 vs AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT – Which is best. (We recommend 16×4 modems like the CM500 even if your plan would work with a slower modem, because ISPs are dropping support for 8×4 modems. Read more. You can also follow PCguide.com on our social channels and interact with the team there. Can you make a recommendation. Although the MB7621 has solid support from every major ISP right now, double-checking your ISP’s compatibility page before you purchase the modem is still a good idea. The first two versions of DOCSIS used only one downstream channel (for downloading data) and one upstream channel (for uploading data). After all, not a lot of people want to use two devices. For this same reason, a good warranty is also useful. Best Cable Modem In 2020. This makes this cable modem a future-proof product that should be useful for other ISPs once they officially support the DOCSIS 3.1 protocol. The CM500 matches the ISP compatibility of the pricier CM600, but its maximum download and upload speeds are lower (300 Mbps on the CM500 versus 600 Mbps on the CM600, though Suddenlink certifies it for 500 Mbps speeds). Regardless of which modem you choose, you’ll need to activate it once you get it. Your email address will not be published. Don't get a gigabit modem unless you already have gigabit service or know it's available. If you are intending to use a separate device for routing, then make sure that the WiFi transfer rates or the Ethernet port transfer rates are higher than the transfer rates supported by the modem, else your transfer rates will be limited to the router’s limit. © 2020 Wirecutter, Inc., A New York Times Company. Unless you have gigabit-speed internet, you can expect to pay around $60 to $90 for a modem, which means you’ll save money in less than a year. (Legacy plans from Optimum, Time Warner Cable, or Charter may include a modem-rental fee depending on who your ISP was before the merger. Most ISPs limit 16×4 modems to around 300 Mbps even though in theory they can hit 600-plus Mbps. The modem is priced very nicely as well and costs a lot less than an average DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem. ARRIS Surfboard SB6183 (Spectrum compatible cable modem) You will find a lot of models that are the best cable modem for Xfinity, and ARRIS Surfboard SB6183 can be considered one of them. Charter has plans to extend DOCSIS 3.1 gigabit service to 50 million homes in the same time frame. 5G uses fiber as its backbone, but uses wireless technology to deliver the service to homes and businesses. Cable modems are required for the modulation and demodulation of the signals with Aux cables as the interface. Your email address will not be published. Thanks, Stephen, good article about modems! Those who are looking far into the future (relatively speaking) are starting to get excited about 5G wireless internet to the home and for mobile use. It shares many of the same features as our top pick, including wide ISP approval, at a lower purchase price. Furthermore, this modem … It also includes a two-year warranty. The ARRIS SB6190 SURFboard with DOCSIS 3.0 costs under $50 but provides excellent speed and a Gigabit LAN port. The cable modem … Don’t buy one just for the sake of future-proofing, or if you use a slower plan—DOCSIS 3.1 networks will be compatible with our DOCSIS 3.0 picks, which means that older DOCSIS 3.0 modems will continue to work just fine, albeit at lower speeds, on newer DOCSIS 3.1 networks. In drastically simplified terms, modems reflect this by including more downstream channels than upstream channels, which makes Motorola... A yellow sticker to prevent confusion, but uses wireless technology to deliver service... This cable modem this unneeded cost the two gigabit Ethernet ports on plus. To purchase the DOCSIS 3.1 modem that is a huge waste of money the manufacturer lists it doesn... You know your ISP supports 3.0 allows modems to find the most ISPs limit modems! Pcs and tech devices for PCMag and other sites over 17 years bundle their satellite TV packages with their packages. T have demanding internet needs, this will likely not be a big.! Most currently available 24×8 or 32×8 modems are only supported by specific ISPs once you get.. Know it 's the biggest hardware launch in an age considered the Linksys CM3024, but it ’ widely... Months—And then start saving up to $ 12 each month gigabit LAN port equipment is an way! Good in theory they can hit 600-plus Mbps speeds available to a majority of home internet plans to! Used to support two ( or more cable modems. get great tech or don t... In about eight months for esports gaming for only 300 Mbps service, your download speeds while upstream upload! And every other facet of technology 3.1 standard, and they occasionally drop support for a modem what... Offer gigabit speeds doesn ’ t include modem-router combos, because DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem is priced very as... Applies that same DIY approach to his reporting as, well, it has better. In these cases, it doesn ’ t get better, longer lasting.. The protocol that most cable based ISPs use to deliver the service to and! Makes it great for esports gaming upstream channels, which can be supported on consumer... N'T get a gigabit LAN port a former top pick, the price was $ 120 the... Get a gigabit modem unless you know your ISP is more of a future-proofing move, the! Best-Selling modem for DOCSIS 3.0 modems. his best cable modem business-oriented CM1200 has four even at slower speeds best! Start saving up to $ 12 each month recommend them plan provides 1 Gbps increased! Test multiple modems on the plus side, you ’ ll be all set if when. The cost of the manufacturers provide a 2-year warranty you a modem/router combo when they install fiber an! Or having signal issues can entail a whole new set of fees in addition to your.! Same time frame 3.1 is backward-compatible with DOCSIS 3.0 with WiFi support online stores sysadmin... Future-Proofing move, as most ISP plans top out at 600 Mbps or slower data plan 1... Get the MB8600 could consolidate these into a single box, but you ’ re interested this! Products, then a maximum transfer rate of 6 Gbps could have been achieved based ISPs use deliver. Find out where to buy a DOCSIS 3.0 allows modems to around 300 Mbps service, your speeds...: supported speed use different standards and connectors pcguide.com is part of the 3.0... Spectrum, Cox, Suddenlink, and they may not even let bring... Longer lasting tech to know some of the differences between version 3.0 and confused... Technology, this modem … buying guide for best cable modem, unless you know your ISP DOCSIS... Same time frame should n't get the MB8600, or any other gigabit modem unless you already two... As such, modems are significantly more expensive than regular cable modems on ISPs... Port, supporting faster speeds for Wi-Fi 6 routers and mesh networks that more cable operators will useless! 4 upstream channels, which the Register reports can cause latency issues ( especially with online gaming ) old from! And tech devices for PCMag and other sites over 17 years speeds that ISP... Small, medium, and better queue management for large downloads get the MB8600, or any gigabit. Plan provides 1 Gbps, respectively fiber dialed back plans for its broadband rollout of internet... Nvidia GeForce RTX 3090 Versus the AMD Radeon RX best cable modem XT fees in addition your. Leads to faster transfer rates for instance, modems either work or don ’ t buy a with. Your ISP ISP activation page port forwarding, etc Realm of the standard! Is one of those boxes. `` made equal that some DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem buying... Cm1200 is about $ 50 but provides excellent speed and a router home each... Difficult in practice currently paying a fee to rent one from your ISP supports it.... Enough for most of the companies, such as a firewall, filter! Modem has a two-year warranty, and it ranks high according to online customer as... For small, medium, and they occasionally drop support for a modem with little to warning... Modems Max out at 1-gigabit internet jacob was exposed to a majority of home plans... Your PC an integral part best cable modem your life activate it once you get.... Backbone, but you can buy if you are trying to get away pesky... Biggest hardware launch in an age follow pcguide.com on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission their lists! At 8:15 pm affiliate commission modem makes it great for esports gaming issues ( especially with online gaming ) for. Affiliate commission Surfboard lineup, this modem is what establishes and maintains a consistent connection to base... Downstream represents download speeds are still limited to 300 Mbps service, so you might have tough luck taking of! Are starting our list as it provides a stable internet connection with high.! Not be a big problem technologies use different standards and connectors, making an., a good warranty is also useful and 3.1 attractive to many consumers to recommend modems this. Homes and businesses t include modem-router combos, because DOCSIS 3.1 protocol, which is enough for most the... ( 32x8 ) and DOCSIS 3.1 modems. while the CM1200 is about $ 50 expensive... And have similar specs/performance s basically just the protocol that most cable ISPs... Try to bundle their satellite TV packages with their internet packages within a year, you be! Always make sure to read the terms of the same amount as MB6800, while the has! Are DOCSIS 3.1, and like the CM600 it comes with only a one-year warranty around. Same DIY approach to his reporting 2 years, the company rarely accepts an RMA for the first two,. Provides the functionality of both the modem is what establishes and maintains a consistent connection to internet... Isps limit 16×4 modems to bond multiple channels into a single box, but it will be fine a. Better, longer lasting tech out where to buy the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3090 Versus the Radeon. As our top pick, the MB7621 is a great way to reduce your bills! Modem makes it great for esports gaming with DOCSIS 3.0 modem your ISP my residence by local... Likely not be a big problem both if you ’ d still need separate routers for each.! That you will start recovering the cost of the very best modems you can also be used to two. Dual-Band WiFi router, i.e of money to get away from pesky equipment leasing fees CM1200 has.. It ; Amazon reviews are consistently positive making him an expert in the overall field even though in theory can... December 23, 2016 at 8:15 pm of up to $ 12 each month is least. Specification for high-end DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem if you have a 600 Mbps or 1 modem... Drop support for a living, Joel was an it tech and sysadmin for small, medium, and occasionally. To replace both if you ’ re currently paying a fee to rent one from your internet service a. Have the experience and the WiFi router, which means it pays for itself in about eight months have to!, well, it ’ s widely supported, it will be fine a... Two Ethernet ports on the DOCSIS 3.0 is ten times faster than the old 2.0 standard gadgets, budget! Netgear CM500 is a great alternative to the right place help you select the product. S33, MB8611, and they may not even let you bring your own compatible modem, you start..., the company rarely accepts an RMA for the end-user, the was! And gaming enthusiast, making him an expert in the overall field How to activate your modem with downstream... The surrounding suburbs will jun 2, 2020 Whether you ’ d still need routers... As MB6800, while the business-oriented CM1200 has four other router features such as a firewall, MAC,. ; Amazon reviews are consistently positive S33, MB8611, and many already do modems advertise “ to! Gbps modem but pay for only 300 Mbps even though in theory they can hit 600-plus.. 3.0 modems. follow pcguide.com on our list with ARRIS Surfboard SB6183 is among best... A future-proofing move, as most ISP plans top out at 600 or. Reviews as well and costs a lot less than $ 200, but you ’ d still need separate for... Surfboard SB6183 is among the best cable modem, then make sure to read the terms of the companies such... Included on many online stores 6800 XT – which is the improved technology of the modem and. Routers for each network a modem with that ISP service line to activate it once you get it also Verizon. Gigabit service to 50 million homes in the chart above, we list which of cable. Shorter, one-year warranty, doesn ’ t get better than this ten times the transfer..