Here's a closer look at the best cable modems based on testing. No matter which one you end buying, just make sure you're getting a modem that's compatible with your ISP and pick a device that delivers speeds in line with your service plan.
Fastest cable modem
- Arris Surfboard SB6183
- Motorola MB7420
- Motorola MB7621
- Motorola MB8600
- Netgear CM500
Arris Surfboard SB6183
The ARRIS SURFboard SB6183 is a DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem with 16 downstream and 4 upstream bonded channels to deliver a powerful high-speed internet experience. The SB6183 is best for internet speed plans up to 400 Mbps. Stop spending money renting your modem.
Features
Provides DOCSIS 3.0 Channel Bonding of up to sixteen downstream and four upstream channels capable of data rates of over 600 Mbps in the received (downstream) data stream and over 100 Mbps in the send (upstream) data stream
1 GHz-capable tuner; use of full downstream bandwidth to capture up to 16 DOCSIS channels for bonding; provides Spectrum Analyzer capability in every home
Offers RF Immunity, built into SURFboard products since 2006, protects against potential service impacting interference
Includes MoCA reject filter ensuring carefree interoperation of MoCA and DOCSIS networks
Class 16 Downstream/4 Upstream
SPECIFICATIONS
Top Cable Providers Supported: Comcast, Spectrum, Cox
Listed Download/Upload Speeds: 686/131 Mbps
Channels: 16 down, 4 up
Size: 5.2 x 5 x 2.1 inches
Warranty: 2 years
REASONS TO BUY
+Dependable
+Two-year warranty
+Compatible with most internet providers
+Visible status lights
REASONS TO AVOID
-Awkward placeme
Motorola MB7420
This cable modem is suitable for use with the new 250 Mbps and 300 Mbps services available from Comcast, Time Warner and other service providers. The MB7420 provides high-speed Internet for a computer, router, HDTV, game station, or streaming media device.
FEATURES
Easy installation
Fast data speed – Up to 686 Mbps downstream and 123 Mbps upstream with bonding of up to sixteen channels downstream and four channels upstream. Full-Band Capture Digital Tuning lets service providers deliver faster, more reliable Internet.
Fast 10/100/1000 Base-T Ethernet connectivity – Supports very fast DOCSIS 3.0 data transfers and provides compatibility and easy installation with almost any computer, wired and wireless routers, HDTVs, game stations, and other Ethernet-capable devices.
Supports IPv4 and IPv6 – Support for the latest Internet addressing keeps your equipment current.
Five status-reporting LEDs – LAN, Online, Upstream, Downstream, and Power lights allow easy status monitoring.
DOCSIS 3.0 compatible, and compatible with earlier standards – Provides support for the latest data-over-cable standard DOCSIS 3.0, as well as DOCSIS 1.1 and 2.0, to ensure operation and compatibility with all U.S. operators. DOCSIS (Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification) is the industry standard for transmission of Internet data over cable-based systems in the U.S. and many other countries.
SNMP v1/v2/v3
Compact, space-saving design
Experienced, U.S.-based technical support
Certified by CableLabs®, Comcast XFINITY®,
Time Warner Cable®, and other service providers
Two year warranty
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
The cable modem must be connected to a cable modem service that uses any of the DOCSIS standards – 3.0, 2.0, 1.1
The supplied power cube plugs into the most common USA power outlet.
SPECIFICATIONS
Top Cable Providers Supported: Comcast, Spectrum, Cox
Listed Download/Upload Speeds: 686/123 Mbps
Channels: 16 down, 4 up
Size: 6.9 x 4.1 x 2 inches
Warranty: 2 years
REASONS TO BUY
+Two-year warranty
+Reliable performance
+Compatible with most internet providers
REASONS TO AVOID
-Not as compact as some modem
Motorola MB7621
This cable modem is a great choice for Internet speeds up to the new 400 Mbps and 300 Mbps services available from Comcast XFINITY® and by other service providers. The MB7621 provides high-speed Internet for a computer, router, HDTV, game station, or streaming media device.
Model MB8600 supports ultra fast DOCSIS 3.1 and also falls back to the fastest DOCSIS 3.0 32x8 speeds. It features low latency, for the fast response needed for many interactive games. Model MB8600 supports Ethernet Port bonding, essential for delivering 1 Gbps and higher speeds.
Features
Cable Modem
24x8 DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem
24 downstream channels for speeds up to 1,000 Mbps* 8 upstream channels for speeds up to 246 Mbps*
* Actual downstream and upstream speeds depend on a number of factors including the speed of your cable service.
Downloads 24 times faster than DOCSIS 2.0
Advanced design with Broadcom integrated circuit technology.
Full-Band Capture digital tuner for even higher speeds and a faster, more reliable Internet.
Supports IPv4 and IPv6 for powerful, flexible network addressing.
Works with DOCSIS 3.0, 2.0, and 1.1 services
Modem’s 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet (GigE) LAN port allows connection of a router, HDTV, game station, or other Ethernet-capable device.
Additional Features
Typically saves over $120 per year in cable modem rental fees. Actual savings depends on your cable service provider
Fast, easy setup using Quick Start
5 status-reporting LEDs
Ruggedized lightning and power surge circuits protect your investment
Space-saving unit minimizes shelf space and improves cooling for reliable performance
Product dimensions: 7 7/8” tall x 2 1/4” wide x 7 1/4” deep (200 mm x 57 mm x 184 mm)
Warranty, Support, and Certifications
2 year warranty
Includes phone and web support by friendly, professional USA-based technical support specialists
Certified by CableLabs®
Certified by Comcast XFINITY® for speed tiers up to and including Comcast XFINITY
Extreme Pro Internet 400, and by other leading cable service providers
FCC 15B
Bureau Veritas 60950-1 ITE U.S. Safety
Motorola MB8600
Netgear CM500
This high speed DOCSIS® 3.0 Cable Modem gives up to 680Mbps‡ download speed for streaming HD videos, faster downloads and high speed gaming. Save money by avoiding rental fees. Works with all major service providers.
Features
400Mbps Max
NETGEAR CM500 cable modem
Compatible with Xfinity from Comcast, Spectrum, Cox, Cablevision & more
Cable Modem only (no WiFi router).
Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0, Firefox 2.0, Safari 1.4, or Google Chrome 11.0 browsers or higher
DOCSIS 3.0 unleashes 8x faster download speeds than DOCSIS 2.0
Ideal for streaming HD videos, faster downloads, and high-speed online gaming
Required for the fastest cable Internet speed tiers
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