Best Linksys Modems

Updated July 2020
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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 we never accept free products from manufacturers. Read more  
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.Read more 
Bottom Line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Linksys High Speed Cable Modem
Linksys
High Speed Cable Modem
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Bottom Line

While all Linksys modems offer stability and compatibility, this model moves to the top of the list because the additional speed is well worth the few extra dollars.

Pros

Dropped connections are exceptionally rare with this model. Compatible with virtually every cable ISP out there. Where this model shines though is the 960 Mbps speed it offers. Great for online gaming or streaming movies.

Cons

Some users report that any connectivity issues are better handled by their ISP than Linksys' customer service technicians.

Best Bang for the Buck
Linksys 686 Mbps Cable Modem
Linksys
686 Mbps Cable Modem
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Bottom Line

A reliable modem that offers simple connectivity and speeds that meet the needs of most users.

Pros

The plug-and-play simplicity of Linksys modems is a primary benefit, and that is true of this model as well. Offers a dependable connection once it's up and running. The 686 Mbps download speed is enough to manage even the top-tier cable ISP packages. Works well for average-sized families with routine internet habits.

Cons

This modem needs room to breathe to handle its download speeds, and may tend to run hot if tucked away in small spaces.

Linksys 343 Mbps Cable Modem
Linksys
343 Mbps Cable Modem
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Bottom Line

This model can cover the needs of smaller households or those whose internet habits are more basic at a lower cost than high-end models.

Pros

Compatible with all major ISPs and easy to set up. Works just fine for users who primarily use their internet service for basics like sending and receiving email or posting photos to social media sites. The 343 Mbps is enough download speed to handle most tiers offered by cable ISPs.

Cons

Users who stream a lot of video or use their computer for online gaming may experience some lag with this model.

Linksys High Speed Cable Modem with AC1900 Router
Linksys
High Speed Cable Modem with AC1900 Router
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Bottom Line

This is a fast, reliable modem for those who want the convenience of a built-in Wi-Fi router.

Pros

The modem can handle ISP speeds up to 300 Mbps, which covers most available cable ISP packages. The built-in router eliminates the clutter of needing both a modem and router. Offers speeds up to 1.9 Gbps, enough download power to handle multiple devices. As with all Linksys products, this model's compatibility with most ISPs is a big benefit.

Cons

May experience lag or connectivity issues when used with graphics-intensive games or large families with a high number of devices.

Linksys Ethernet Modem
Linksys
Ethernet Modem
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Bottom Line

This basic unit is a good buy for those who use a broadband ISP, and do not require a modem that can handle the speeds of a cable ISP.

Pros

Easy to install. This unit is more compact than most Linksys modems, so it is a good option for those who need to save some space. Offers download speeds of 42 Mbps. Ideal for those who require just basic internet.

Cons

Not compatible with most cable ISPs.

Why trust 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 we never accept free products from manufacturers. Read more  
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 we never accept free products from manufacturers. Read more  
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.Read more 
How we decided

We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.

11 Models Considered
6 Hours Researched
1 Experts Interviewed
131 Consumers Consulted
Zero products received from manufacturers.

We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.

Linksys has been making high quality modems for years. If you are looking for a high speed cable modem that is perfect for streaming videos or playing multiplayer games, you will want to keep an eye on the upload and download specs of each Linksys option. These numbers will give you an idea of how quickly the modem can transfer data to and from your ISP. Keep in mind you will also need a router for a home WiFi network. To save some money, choose a bundled kit that includes both the modem and router so you can set everything up at once.

Other Products We Considered
The BestReviews editorial team researches hundreds of products based on consumer reviews, brand quality, and value. We then choose a shorter list for in-depth research and testing before finalizing our top picks. These are the products we considered that ultimately didn't make our top 5.
Linksys
High-Speed DOCSIS 3.0 24x8 Cable Modem
The team that worked on this review
  • Alvina
    Alvina
    Photographer
  • Amos
    Amos
    Director of Photography
  • Branson
    Branson
    Videographer
  • Ciera
    Ciera
    Digital Content Producer
  • Melinda
    Melinda
    Web Producer
  • Vukan
    Vukan
    Post Production Editor
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Linksys

High Speed Cable Modem

Linksys

High Speed Cable Modem

While all Linksys modems offer stability and compatibility, this model moves to the top of the list because the additional speed is well worth the few extra dollars.
$53
×

Linksys

686 Mbps Cable Modem

Linksys

686 Mbps Cable Modem

A reliable modem that offers simple connectivity and speeds that meet the needs of most users.
$89
×

Linksys

343 Mbps Cable Modem

Linksys

343 Mbps Cable Modem

This model can cover the needs of smaller households or those whose internet habits are more basic at a lower cost than high-end models.

$34
×

Linksys

High Speed Cable Modem with AC1900 Router

Linksys

High Speed Cable Modem with AC1900 Router

This is a fast, reliable modem for those who want the convenience of a built-in Wi-Fi router.
$155
×

Linksys

Ethernet Modem

Linksys

Ethernet Modem

This basic unit is a good buy for those who use a broadband ISP, and do not require a modem that can handle the speeds of a cable ISP.
$14

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