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Best Comcast Modems

Updated June 2023
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
NETGEAR Nighthawk Multi-Gig Cable Modem with Voice CM2050V
NETGEAR
Nighthawk Multi-Gig Cable Modem with Voice CM2050V
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Feature-packed
Bottom Line

For the DOCSIS 3.1 speeds and a powerful feature set that supports Comcast Xfinity Voice, choose this model from Netgear's Nighthawk line.

Pros

DOCSIS 3.1 modem capable of supporting Comcast's 2.5 Gbps plans for the fastest speeds. Offers 2 phone ports for Xfinity Voice. Certified for Xfinity Triple Play. Sports multi-gigabit ethernet wired networking.

Cons

Does not include a wireless router. Comcast/Xfinity only.

Best Bang for the Buck
Motorola MG7700 Modem Router Combo
Motorola
MG7700 Modem Router Combo
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Money-saving Option
Bottom Line

By combining your router and modem in 1, you can skip Comcast rental fees and save money on your bill each month.

Pros

This modem router combo has a maximum modem speed of 1000 Mbps and supports service up to 650 Mbps. AC1900 router is easy to set up and can support multiple bands, all while providing high-speed WiFi. Compatible with Comcast/Xfinity, Spectrum, and COX.

Cons

You may initially have some connectivity issues with certain devices, but customer support is very responsive.

Motorola MB8600 DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem
Motorola
MB8600 DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem
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Most Consistent
Bottom Line

A great model that provides high internet speeds.

Pros

Top speed up to 1 Gbps. Works with all major cable providers and is simple to set up. Works with all WiFi routers and contains an ethernet port. Great investment for Comcast and COX subscribers.

Cons

Problems are rare, but Motorola’s support processes are lackluster.

NETGEAR DOCSIS 3.0 High Speed Cable Modem
NETGEAR
DOCSIS 3.0 High Speed Cable Modem
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Trusted Brand
Bottom Line

This high-speed cable modem is powerful enough for gaming and HD streaming.

Pros

Suitable for download speeds of up to 680 Mbps. Certified to work with Xfinity, Spectrum, and Cox internet service providers. Provides 16x4 channel bonding for faster download and upload speeds on multiple devices. The installation process is quick and easy.

Cons

You will still need a router for this product to deliver WiFi services to your home.

ARRIS Surfboard S33 DOCSIS 3.1 Multi-Gigabit Cable Modem
ARRIS
Surfboard S33 DOCSIS 3.1 Multi-Gigabit Cable Modem
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Impressive Speed
Bottom Line

The Surfboard S33 from ARRIS delivers impressive speeds of up to 2.5 Gbps thanks to DOCSIS 3.1 technology.

Pros

Compatible with cable internet speed plans which deliver the fastest possible connectivity. Suitable for use with Xfinity, Cox, Spectrum, Mediacomm, and Suddenlink. Equipped with a 2.5-Gbps ethernet port and a 1-Gbps ethernet port for connecting a wireless router.

Cons

This modem tends to run hot and needs to be reset regularly for consistent connectivity.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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Researched
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Buying guide for best comcast modems

If you’re a Comcast internet customer, chances are you’ve noticed the monthly fee they tack onto your bill for modem rental. Your cable modem – the device that takes Comcast’s internet signal and makes it available to your home devices – is a vital and powerful little device, but there’s no reason to rent it. In fact, most cable modems pay for themselves in less than a year, making them an easy decision for both your home network and your wallet.

Whether you’re ready to ditch those modem subscription fees or just itching to upgrade your modem, read our shopping guide to get a handle on the essentials, then check out the products above to see our recommended options.

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If you’re not sure how much data you use each month in your home, you can use Comcast’s Data Usage Overview meter to see the current and past few months’ usage data.

The need for speed: DOCSIS demystified

In certain areas of the U.S., Comcast has deployed their next-generation internet delivery technology, providing homes with gigabit internet speeds that are several orders of magnitude faster than the megabit standard they’re replacing. This enables new technologies like streaming 4K video and high-resolution audio to thrive.

In order to enjoy gigabit downloads, however, you need to have a modem that supports the right Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification (DOCSIS) level.

  • DOCSIS 3.0 modems are ideal for everyday megabit internet. If you only have a few users in your home or you just plain don’t need cutting-edge speeds, a DOCSIS 3.0 modem is more than adequate.

  • DOCSIS 3.1 modems are necessary for gigabit internet speeds and can support more devices consuming large amounts of data simultaneously. DOCSIS 3.1 modems are typically compatible with DOCSIS 3.0 networks, so you can connect legacy devices without a problem.

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Did you know?
The cliché is true! If you experience any technical problems with a Comcast modem, power-cycling it (turning it off and then on again) is usually the best first step.
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Wireless routers in modems

In addition to supplying internet service to your home, many Comcast modems include built-in wireless router functionality to supply WiFi as well. These all-in-one devices eliminate the need for a separate wireless router, which can save money as well as counter or desk space.

That said, most people opt to buy a separate WiFi router from a third party based on the following two priorities.

  • Future WiFi upgrades: If you buy a modem with a built-in wireless router and later decide to upgrade your WiFi, you’ll end up needing to buy a new wireless router anyway. Buying your own wireless router keeps you flexible and lets you upgrade on your own schedule.

  • Security: If a security vulnerability alert occurs (like the flaw found in WPA2 WiFi password security in 2017), it’s up to the wireless router manufacturer to issue an update to fix the issue. With third-party wireless routers, you can expect serious critical flaws to be resolved quickly. In contrast, Comcast’s track record with providing updates is poor, meaning you could remain exposed to security threats for extended periods of time.

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Comcast certifies many third-party cable modems, but their xFi services, including parental controls and network management services, only work on rented modems. If you want access to xFi features, investigate third-party solutions.

FAQ

Q. If I buy a modem that includes a wireless router, can I disable the wireless functionality and use my own WiFi router?

A. Yes. While some Comcast modems include wireless routers, in general, it’s better to use a third-party solution. Third-party routers often offer advanced features like the ability to prioritize which devices get the fastest internet speeds.

Q. How long will my cable modem last?

A. Because cable modems don’t generate a lot of heat or have many moving parts, they typically have a long lifespan. At a minimum, you can expect most cable modems to work for at least three to five years.

Q. Will I need to buy network cables when I buy a Comcast modem?

A. Many modems come with the necessary network cables to connect them, but it’s never a bad idea to explore upgrading. You may see network cables labeled with ratings of “Cat 5,” “Cat 5e,” or “Cat 6.” These designations indicate both how fast they can transport data and how much data they can transport at once. The higher the number, the better the overall performance of the cable. If you don’t do a lot of streaming and downloading, a Cat 5 cable would be fine. However, if you have multiple users in your home who will be downloading (or streaming) simultaneously, stick with Cat 5e or Cat 6 cables.