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Updated March 2023
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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. 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 all opinions about the products are our own. 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
Arris SURFboard Modem, Telephone, and Wi-Fi Router
Arris
SURFboard Modem, Telephone, and Wi-Fi Router
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Best for Comcast
Bottom Line

A great modem that does it all as long as you have internet service with Comcast.

Pros

Includes modem and Wi-Fi router as well as support for Xfinity voice service. Features 24 download and eight upload channels. Ideal for Internet plans up to 600 Mbps. Wi-Fi speeds of up to 1750 Mbps.

Cons

Only works with Xfinity service from Comcast. Comcast will not provision this modem for Gig Speed services.

Best Bang for the Buck
Arris SURFboard SB6141 Modem
Arris
SURFboard SB6141 Modem
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Bargain Pick
Bottom Line

An affordable modem option if you want to stop renting from your internet service provider.

Pros

Approved for use with many cable providers. Capable of download speeds of up to 343 Mbps and upload speeds of up to 131 Mbps. Comes with two-year warranty.

Cons

Not compatible with AT&T, Verizon, or CenturyLink or with voice plans. Some buyers had issues activating this modem with their internet service provider.

Arris SURFboard SB6183 Modem
Arris
SURFboard SB6183 Modem
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Simple Yet Solid
Bottom Line

A good middle-of-the-road modem that works with most Internet providers.

Pros

Compatible with most cable providers. Provides internet speeds of up to 686 Mbps for download and 131 Mbps upload. Ideal for gaming and streaming HD video. Comes with two-year warranty.

Cons

Does not include a Wi-Fi router and is not compatible with Verizon, AT&T, or CenturyLink. The indicator LEDs are also very bright and can be distracting.

Arris SURFboard SB6190 Modem
Arris
SURFboard SB6190 Modem
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Most Stylish
Bottom Line

Provides good internet speeds, but some have issues with a particular piece of hardware in the modem.

Pros

Works with many cable providers. Capable of speeds up to 1.4 Gbps for downloads and 262 Mbps for uploads. Comes with two-year warranty.

Cons

This modem uses the Intel Puma 6 chipset, which several buyers noted has a history of failing. Does not include Wi-Fi and isn't compatible with voice plans.

ARRIS SURFboard SB8200 Modem
ARRIS
SURFboard SB8200 Modem
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Comprehensive Choice
Bottom Line

This compact option supports great top speeds.

Pros

Excellent top speeds up to 2 Gbps. Has a small desktop footprint. Compatible with major cable providers. Features 2 gigabit ethernet ports. Boasts a simple setup. Provides reliably fast connection.

Cons

With only 2 ethernet port options, it’s not especially future-proof.

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.

38
Models
Considered
60
Consumers
Consulted
8
Hours
Researched
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Arris has a good line of cable modems, some which can also support other communication plans and features such as Xfinity's voice service. Like other cable modems, each model is rated for a different upload and download speed, which affects how fast pages, videos, audio, and other web applications will work. Higher numbers in the ratings, especially in the gigabytes range, are better for playing games or streaming videos where large files need to be transferred quickly, especially over a WiFi network with a connected router. Pay attention to ISP compatibility as well since many Arris modems only work with Comcast.

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