The 5 Best Modems for Cox Reviewed
Not every modem you will find on the market is compatible with Cox. Also, not all Cox-compatible modems you see will be worth your money.
So why Cox? Cox is currently the third-largest cable internet service provider in the United States and has over 6 million active subscribers. The company is the most preferred by many, mainly because of the comprehensive service plan. Their service plan includes the following – Gigablast (1 Gbps), Ultimate (300 Mbps), Preferred 150 (150 Mbps), Internet Essential (50 Mbps), and Internet Starter (10 Mbps).
Cox also charges a rental fee of $10 per month, costing a client up to about $100 a year. Therefore, to wipe out this extra cost, it is recommended you get yourself a compatible modem. It would help if you found a third-party modem that you can use to produce better network performance with less demand on your electricity. Some of the third-party modems are easier to repair as compared to the Cox modems. That is why we have put together this review list of the best modems for Cox.
Best Modems for Cox
1. ARRIS SURFboard SBG6900
The first entry on our list is the ARRIS SURFboard SBG6900. This modem incorporates a Wi-Fi AC1900 capacity router to make this device quite handy. It can deliver very consistent internet speeds as high as 686 Mbps for downloads and 50 Mbps for uploads. It is designed to use the dual-band concurrent tech with its 2-port ethernet router. It further features a Wi-Fi beamforming tech, which provides the user with excellent internet coverage at very impressive speeds when tested against some of the best on the market.
This modem also works with the DOCSIS 3.0 with 16 x 4 channels without buffering or lag. The router is very easy to install, as it comes with light indicators that also provide guidance when it comes to troubleshooting. However, the package does not come with coaxial cable; therefore, you need to keep that in mind before making your purchase.
However, the device has a setup protected by Wi-Fi (or WPS), which comes from a wireless network setup option. This option quickly sets up a secure and protected wireless network connection for any wireless device enabled by WPS. Such devices include a network printer, a gaming box, a tablet, or a computer. One of the features that make this modem very versatile is supporting IPV4 and IPV6 internet protocols while providing a steady and consistent wireless signal. However, one of the downsides of this device is that sometimes it can freeze while being used. Also, the user may experience a drop in signal strength sometimes.
- 3 products in 1: 16x4 Cable Modem, AC1900 WiFi Router and Gigabit 4 port Wired Router
- Ceritified on Comcast Xfinity, Cox, Spectrum (Charter, Time Warner, Brighthouse Networks), Mediacom and many other US Cable Internet Providers. Requires Internet Service.
- Cable Modem is 16 Download and 4 Upload Bonded Channels with Internet Download speeds up 686 Mbps based on your Internet Service Plan. Approved for plans up to 300 Mbps.
- Compatible with major U.S. Cable Providers and supports IPv4 and IPv6-the latest Internet standard. Wi-Fi beamforming – max coverage and performance
- 2 year warranty with US based customer service. Refer to the Quick Start Guide and Installation video.Router is AC1900 dual band WiFi with 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports. Great for streaming HD Videos and gaming.
2. Motorola MB8600
The Motorola MB8600 works with the DOCSIS 3.1 platform to provide high-speed internet service. And this makes it possible for the user to take advantage of some of the best internet service speeds available from their service providers. This device can upload at 950 Mbps and download at a rate of up to 1 Gbps without giving you the trouble of buffering or lags.
The Motorola MB8600 offers close to flawless streaming for videos, web browsing, and gaming over wireless. However, you cannot use the array of ports to send gigabit signals to other devices. The modem also comes with an Active Queue Management system, which improves internet usability and reduces latency. It makes use of a Broadcom chipset with protection from Distributed Denial of Service that is built in to provide an additional source of online security. The device is also straightforward to set up, as it comes with the setup wizard to guide new users through the entire installation and setup process.
This modem also incorporates an Active Queue Management (AQM) to significantly reduce any form of internet latency while incorporating a full-band capture digital tuner to ensure that speed is enhanced and energy is saved. The device also features four ports that can use several IP addresses across its 38 x 8 channels. Plus, when using this modem, you are assured of constant speed without any pauses or lags.
An added benefit is that using the MB8600 means that you will eliminate up to $156 per year in cable modem rental expenses from your internet service provider.
- 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 SBG7600
Up next is the ARRIS SURFboard SBG7600, which comes with as many as four Ethernet ports. However, its four-port gigabit feature does not make it possible to receive cable digital voice service.
You can connect this modem with almost all the major cable internet providers in the US, including Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox, and others. It does not come with cable internet service, so you will have to provide that yourself. One disadvantage of this modem is that it is not compatible with Fiber internet provider, DSL, CenturyLink, Verizon, or ATT. But, as you can expect to receive 8 upstream channels and 32 downstream channels, that should not be much of a problem. The modem is ideal for cable internet speed plans of up to 600 MBPS.and this means that it should be more than enough to support all your everyday gaming, surfing, and streaming tasks.
It is essential to mention that the ARRIS SURFboard SBG7600 is also a Wave 2 AC2350 double or dual-band concurrent Wi-Fi router, which comes with four gigabits of Ethernet ports. Plus, with this device, you can expect to erase all your monthly device rental fees from your service provider and enjoy some of the best speeds the internet has to offer. This modem also features the SURFboard Manager app, and this makes it very easy to set up. In addition to that, the device interface comes with LED light indicators that allow for easy installation, monitoring, and troubleshooting.
- A Trusted Name in Home Connectivity: Get high speeds, better coverage, and a two-in-one product! With the ARRIS SURFboard SBG7600AC2 Wi-Fi Cable Modem, you will increase your network capability and get faster streaming and downloading throughout your home. From a trusted brand with over 260 million modems sold and growing.
- Save Money: Own your modem and save. Reduce your cable bill up to $168 dollars per year in cable modem rental fees (Savings vary by cable service provider). Certified for use with most U.S. cable internet service providers. For a complete list see additional details below.
- Modem Technology: DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem with AC2350 Wi-Fi Router that delivers high speed internet to your home devices.
- Simple and Secure Set-up: Just plug-in, download the SURFboard Central App, and follow the step-by-step intrstuctions to activate the modem, set-up and customize your Wi-Fi network, and add devices to your home network! Once setup is complete, the app provides real-time monitoring of the devices on your network, enhanced parental controls like setting time limits and pausing internet and much more.
- Compatibility: The SURFboard SBG7600AC2 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.
4. NETGEAR Nighthawk C7000
For the next device on our list, we have the NETGEAR Nighthawk C7000. NETGEAR makes its first entry with this modem – a router combo that can be compatible with Cox but almost all the cable internet service providers. These include Xfinity by Comcast and Spectrum. However, it is not compatible with AT&T, Verizon, DirectTV, DSL providers, DISH, as well as any of the bundled voice service providers.
Using the NETGEAR Nighthawk C7000 makes it possible for you to save quite a significant amount of cash on your monthly rental expenses. Such expenses are mostly from utilizing the device that your service provider offers. You can use the model C7000 in place of your Wi-Fi router and cable modem, as it will save you as much as $168 per year in equipment rental fees.
This device is built for incredibly fast speed, as it operates at 400 Mbps speed. That makes it a perfect option for cable provider plans that fall within similar rates. This modem comes with 24 x 8 channel bonding and DOCSIS 3.0. But if you need an upgrade, the device technology is engineered with 32 x 8 channel bonding and DOCSIS 3.1.
The modem also came with speedy Wi-Fi performance added to about 1800 square feet of wireless coverage and connected up to 30 devices with AC 1900 speed. The device has 4 gigabits Ethernet ports and 2 USB ports that ensure versatility in options. And this means you can connect it to your storage drive, game box, printer, computer, as well as other devices at the same time.
Plus, you do not need any professional assistance, as setting up the device is very easy, with a clearly-written user manual. The modem also has LED light indicators that help with all forms of troubleshooting.
- Save monthly rental fees: Model C7000 replaces your cable modem and Wi-Fi router, saving you up to 168 dollars/year in equipment rental fees.
- Speeds by carrier: Xfinity (up to 800Mbps), Cox (up to 500Mbps), Spectrum (up to 400Mbps).
- Fast Wi-Fi performance: Get up to 1800 square feet wireless coverage and 30 devices connected with AC1900 speed (up to 1900 Mbps).
- Versatile connections: 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports and 2 USB ports give you fast wired connections to your computer, printer, game box, storage drive, and other devices.
- Modem technology: Engineered with 32x8 channel bonding and DOCSIS 3.1.
5. ARRIS SURFboard SB8200
For our final entry, we have the ARRIS SURFboard SB8200. This brand is one of the most sought-after because of its compatibility with Cox and because it has one of the easiest setups. The device offers maximum upload and download speeds of up to 2 Gbps each, making it more than capable of handling any of the top internet plans currently available and in the future.
The ARRIS SURFboard SB8200 also comes with two ethernet ports, which can provide gigabit speeds to two separate networks. Therefore, the modem supports link aggregation and allows you to connect the two ethernet ports to one source. That makes it possible to achieve the 2 Gbps transfer speeds we mentioned earlier.
But the bad news is that link aggregation is not supported by any of the ISPs available at the moment – but we cannot blame it on the modem. Hopefully, future hardware upgrades will make it possible, but you will have to settle with the 1 Gbps until that time.
When it comes to compatibility, this modem can connect with any other internet service providers aside from Cox – these include Time Warner, Brighthouse, Charter, Spectrum, and Xfinity. It does not, however, connect with Verizon, AT&T, CenturyLink, or other Fiber internet service providers. Its setup is straightforward, as the device features a LED that indicates the ‘Send’ and ‘Receives’ options, power, and internet connection.
When compared with a gigabit router, this device offers one of the fastest internet speeds currently available. Users must be careful to set this modem up on a surface that allows enough airflow, as the device can heat up when in constant use.
Cox Modem Installation
This video from Cox shows how to set up internet with a modem: