The 5 Best Cable Modems Reviewed

The best cable modem can help you save a lot of money on your monthly internet charges. And an internet service provider is always more than happy to make one of their modems available to you. That might sound like a good deal at first. Unfortunately, this extra device comes at a rental fee, which will be added to your service bill and add up over time.

A simple decision to purchase an internet cable modem may come at an extra cost initially, but it will help you save the amount of money you would’ve parted with, paying for the rented modem. Plus, the modem you purchase will belong to you, unlike the one rented to you by your internet service provider. So, in this article, we will take a look at the best cable modem currently available on the market worth spending your money on.

Best Cable Modems

1. NETGEAR CM1000

Let’s begin with NETGEAR CM1000. This device is an ultra-speed cable modem, which provides a stable and high-speed connection of up to 6 Gbps. As the first of the industry’s kind, NETGEAR CM1000 offers about ten times more speed than the previous versions. Although it works very well with both DOCSIS 3.0 and DOCSIS 3.1 cable internet service providers, its ultra-high-speed feature ensures that you can still rely on it even if there are any future upgrades from your cable internet service provider.

You can enjoy a faster internet browsing experience with ultra-high definition streaming support. That means you can upload all your video contents online without the burden of slowing down your internet service or system. NETGEAR CM1000 also features 32 x 8 channel bonding. And this allows you to enjoy fast browsing even during peak hours or hours with very high internet traffic. This cable modem is perfect for any internet service plan that is 300 Mbps and above. Plus, you can expect to save a considerable amount of money going off your internet service provider’s rented cable modem.

If you’re using your personal computer, this device can operate on almost any operating system – Microsoft Windows 7, 8, 10, Vista, XP, Mac Operating System, or other operating systems that run on a TCP or an IP network. This cable modem is considered one of the best for cable provider plans of up to one-gigabit speed, as it is built for ultimate speed. It also provides an ethernet port you can connect to your computer.

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NETGEAR Cable Modem CM1000 - Compatible with All Cable Providers Including Xfinity by Comcast, Spectrum, Cox | for Cable Plans Up to 1 Gigabit | DOCSIS 3.1, Black (CM1000-1AZNAS)

Compatible with all major cable internet providers with internet speed up to 1Gbps. Currently certified with Spectrum and Cox (up to 1Gbps), Xfinity (up to 800Mbps). Not compatible with Verizon, AT&T, CenturyLink, DSL providers, DirecTV, DISH and any bundled voice service.
Save monthly rental fees: Model CM1000 replaces your cable modem saving you up to dollar 168/year in equipment rental fees.
Works with any Wi-Fi router: Connect any Wi-Fi router to this modem's Ethernet port to support all your wireless devices.
Ethernet connections: 1 Gigabit Ethernet port connects to your computer or separate Wi-Fi router.

2. Motorola MB8600

Motorola is a popular brand in the cable modem industry. The company’s Motorola MB8600 offers top internet speed for different gigabit-speed tiers. Indeed, some critics have praised this cable modem as one of the best (if not the best) for people using any gigabit internet service plan. Just like our previous entry, the Motorola MB8600 also has built-in DOCSIS 3.1 and DOCSIS 3.0 32 x 8 capacities. That allows the device to provide top internet speeds for almost any cable internet service.

So, drop your internet service provider’s rented modem, and take advantage of this cable modem’s flexible compatibility. You can easily pair it with almost any Wi-Fi router you like. It also comes with a gigabit ethernet port, which makes it possible to connect to any single device. For example, you can connect your gaming station, high-definition television, or your Windows and Mac computers. However, this cable modem does not come with telephone call capability or an in-built wireless router.

And if you’re concerned about security, Motorola MB8600 comes with proactive security features. For example, it has a Broadcom chipset, which provides advanced protection from all forms of service attacks. No matter how heavy your internet traffic is or how many files you’re trying to upload, you can also be sure of impressive internet speeds. That is thanks to the device’s Active Queue Management (QAM) feature, which helps to reduce any form of internet latency significantly. Also, with its full-band capture digital tuner, you can enjoy both an enhanced speed as well as save a lot of energy. Unfortunately, despite an additional LAN port, the MB8600 will allow for one device. You can connect your PC or one router to it at a time.

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Motorola MB8600 DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem - Approved for Comcast Xfinity, Cox, and Charter Spectrum, Supports Cable Plans up to 1000 Mbps | 1 Gbps Ethernet Port

Top Internet Speeds for all Multi-gigabit Speed Tiers - Wirecutter recommends this model as the best cable modem for people using Gigabit Internet plans. Built-in DOCSIS 3.1 and DOCSIS 3.0 32x8 capabilities give top Internet speeds for all cable Internet services.
Save Money - Eliminate up to 168 dollars per year in cable modem rental fees (Savings are shown for Comcast Xfinity and vary by cable service provider.) Approved by Comcast Xfinity and Xfinity X1, Cox, and CableOne for all speeds including Comcast Gigabit services and Cox Gigablast. Not compatible with RCN. No cable modem is compatible with fiber optic, DSL, or satellite services, available from Verizon, AT&T, CenturyLink, Frontier, and others.)
Flexible Compatibility - Pair with any Wi-Fi router you’d like, including Whole Home Wi-Fi or Mesh routers like eero, Google Wi-Fi, and Orbi. A 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet port allows connection of any SINGLE device with an Ethernet port including a router, Windows or Mac computer, HDTV, or game station. This cable modem does not have a built-in wireless router or telephone call capability.
Proactive Network Security - A broadcom chipset provides advanced security from denial-of service attacks.
Active Queue Management (AQM) - AQM significantly reduces Internet latency on both DOCSIS 3.1 and 3.0 services, resulting in faster page loads for all Web traffic and enhanced interactive applications like online gaming and video conferencing. The MB8600 also includes a full-band capture digital tuner to enhance speed and save energy.

3. ARRIS SURFboard SB6190

Moving on, we have the ARRIS SURFboard SB6190. Just like Motorola, ARRIS is a force to reckon with in the cable modem industry. And the ARRIS SURFboard SB6190 is supposed to build on the success of previous models like the SB6121, SB6141, and SB6183. This latest model is designed to take your internet service experience to the next level, with lightning-fast broadband speed. Again, just like the previous entries we already reviewed, this cable modem relies on DOCSIS 3.0 technology’s potency to combine with up to 32 downstream channels and eight upstream channels (32 X 8). That means you will experience advanced multimedia services with up to 131 Mbps upload speed. However, the speed level may also depend on your cable internet service provider.

So, whether you want to stream large videos, play online video games for hours, shop online, work, surf the internet, listen to music, or video conferencing, you can still enjoy faster internet service. However, ARRIS SURFboard SB6190 does not support cable digital voice service; neither does it come with Wi-Fi. That means you will always require some cable internet service. However, this cable modem comes with a one-gigabit ethernet port, which you can use to connect with a Wi-Fi router, your computer, a gaming console, or any other device and you can only connect one device at a time.

You can also rest assured that this cable modem is compatible with major U.S. Cable Internet Providers, including Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox, and others. However, it is not compatible with CenturyLink, Verizon, ATT, and other Fiber or DSL internet service providers. Plus, you can also enjoy its sleek and modern design as an added feature, with an easy setup, all wrapped in a durable and steady device.

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ARRIS SURFboard SB6190 DOCSIS 3.0 32 x 8 Gigabit Cable Modem , Comcast Xfinity, Cox, Spectrum , 1 Gbps Port , 800 Mbps Max Internet Speeds , Easy Set-up with SURFboard Central App , Black

Modem Technology: DOCSIS 3.0 is a reliable, broadly available, and affordable technology that delivers high speed internet to your home devices.
Simple and Secure Set-up: Plug-in the device, download the SURFboard Central App, and follow the instructions to activate the modem. Connect to a Wi-Fi router for networking.
Compatibility: The SURFboard SB6190 is compatible with major U.S. cable internet providers including Cox, Spectrum, Xfinity and others. It's approved for cable internet speed plans up to 800 Mbps. Check your Internet Service Provider (ISP) website to confirm compatibility.
cable modem 3.0 compatible internet computer networking modems approved docsis docis3.0 1 gig best for high speed with fiber optic gaming gigabit wifi 6 voice 800 mbps speeds sb 6190 32 x 8 1gbps port
DOCSIS 3.0 Modem Only

4. NETGEAR CM600

NETGEAR makes another entry with the CM600. But if you’re used to this company’s devices, then it shouldn’t come as a surprise. This cable modem provides up to 960 Mbps download for streaming your high-quality videos, faster download time, as well as high speed online gaming experience. NETGEAR CM600 is compatible with leading internet service providers like Cablevision, Cox, Charter, Time Warner Cable, Comcast, Xfinity, and many other companies, as it requires cable internet service. The bad news is that the device is not compatible with Centurylink, AT&T, or Verizon.

The modem comes with no Wi-Fi. However, it offers up to 128 MB RAM and supports capable internet service plans of up to 300 Mbps. This device is recommended for any speed tier up to 500 Mbps. However, you will need a separate router for Wi-Fi if you want to jump on the 28 upstream and eight downstream channel bonding. NETGEAR CM600 also works on the DOCSIS 3.0 platform and provides a one-gigabit ethernet port. That means you can only connect one device at a time whether it is your computer or router. DOCSIS 3.0 offers up to eight times faster download speeds than its previous DOCSIS 2.0. That makes this device perfect for 4k ultra-high-definition content, high-speed online gaming, speedier streaming experience, high-speed online gaming, and so much more.

To cap off the fine features of this device is its sleek and modern design and a stand that offers it stability. Its body is solid enough to handle all the rigours of daily use. Plus, you can opt to remove the stand by releasing one screw from the bottom of the unit.

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NETGEAR Cable Modem CM600 - Compatible with Cable Providers Including Xfinity by Comcast, Spectrum, Cox | for Cable Plans Up to 400 Mbps | DOCSIS 3.0 | 24x8

Compatible with Comcast Xfinity, Time Warner Cable, Charter, Cox, Cablevision, and more. Requires Cable Internet Service
Not compatible with: Verizon, AT&T, or CenturyLink
Cable Modem only (no WiFi router).Memory: 8 MB NOR flash and 128 MB RAM
Support Cable Internet Service plans up to 300Mbps. Recommended for all speed tiers up to 500 Mbps. Separate router required for WiFi. 24x8 channel bonding
DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem with 1 Gigabit Ethernet port. DOCSIS 3.0 unleashes 8x faster download speeds than DOCSIS 2.0

5. Motorola MB7621

We will round up our list of best cable modems with another Motorola entry – the Motorola MB7621. If you’re looking for internet cable service speeds of up to an impressive 650 Mbps, then this cable modem comes highly recommended. Some experts rate the Motorola MB7621 the best cable modem for most people and with good reason. Just like the other modem already reviewed, this device also features a one-gigabit ethernet port that you can connect to a single device at a time. For example, a Wi-Fi router, high-definition television, streaming video content or playing online video games. Plus, this cable modem comes with an in-built wireless router.

Motorola MB7621 is compatible with Charter Spectrum, Cox, Xfinity, RCN, SuddenLink, CableOne, BrightHouse, Time Warner Cable, and other cable internet service providers. So, there is very little reason to remain stuck with your cable modem rental fees when you can save a lot by purchasing this cable modem. Plus, setting this modem up is pretty fast and easy, as it comes with a quick start guide, which is very easy to follow. However, if you’re still experiencing some difficulties getting your device up and running, you can always rely on the U.S-based Motorola customer support services to assist you in English or Spanish.

If looks appeal to you, then the Motorola MB7621 comes in an attractive and compact design, ensuring that it doesn’t take up too much shelf space. Plus, its design also improves its self-cooling features while making it an ideal companion for your home or office environment.

Motorola MB7621 Cable Modem | Pairs with Any WiFi Router | Approved by Comcast Xfinity, Cox, and Spectrum | for Cable Plans Up to 900 Mbps | DOCSIS 3.0

Model MB7621 is recommended for actual cable Internet service speeds up to 650 Mbps. Wirecutter rates this “the best modem for most people.” A Full-Band Capture Digital Tuner ensures faster, more reliable Internet.
This cable modem's 1 Gigabit Ethernet port connects to a WiFi router, computer, HDTV, game station, or streaming video device. Great for use with Whole Home WiFi or Mesh networks like eero, Google WiFi, and Orbi. (This cable modem does not have a built-in wireless router or telephone call capability. The Motorola MG7315, MG7540, MG7550, and MG7700 have a built-in wireless router.)
Requires cable Internet service.Approved by and for use with Comcast Xfinity and Xfinity X1, Cox, Charter Spectrum, Time Warner Cable, BrightHouse, CableOne, SuddenLink, RCN, and other cable service providers. Eliminate cable modem rental fees up to 156 dollars per year. (Savings are shown for Xfinity and vary by cable service provider. No cable modem is compatible with fiber optic, DSL, or satellite services from Verizon, AT&T, CenturyLink, Frontier, and others. Model MB7621 has no phone jack.)
Setup is fast and easy using the quick start guide.
Attractive, compact design minimizes shelf space, improves cooling, and extends product life while looking great in any home or office. A 2-year warranty plus rugged lightning and power surge circuits protect your investment.