Buying guide for best cable modem
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If you have high-speed internet service in your home, you need a modem that allows your devices to connect to the internet. Internet service can be costly, but your monthly bill is likely more than it should be if you pay a modem rental fee. Instead of shelling out money for a rental modem to your internet service provider, you can save up to $150 per year if you buy a cable modem.
Cable modems may seem like complicated devices, but it’s simply hardware that makes your internet service usable. They’re easy to set up, and once you do, there’s no need to tweak settings if you’re a casual internet user.
There are a few things to consider before buying a modem, primarily internet speeds. The speed capabilities of your modem should correspond with your internet plan. For example, if you have an internet service plan that provides you with download speeds of 500 megabits per second, there’s no point in getting a modem that allows for speeds of 1 gigabit per second.
In theory, faster internet is always better, but your internet speed depends on your household, and you should also consider your internet usage. For example, a 500-megabit-per-second modem is fine for casual HD streaming. However, if you’re a hardcore gamer or have several devices connected to your local network simultaneously, you’ll need faster speeds to avoid latency issues.
Our favorite cable modem, the ARRIS (S34) Cable Modem, supports the latest technology, DOCSIS 3.1, and can handle download speeds of up to 2.5 gigabits per second. We recommend this modem for heavy internet usage, but plenty of other terrific modems are better suited for casual everyday use.
Editors' picks for 2026
Editors' Favorite
Download Speed: 2,500 Mbps | Frequency: NA | Gigabit Ethernet Ports: 2 | WPS: No | Beamforming: No
The ARRIS S34 is a customer favorite because it supports advanced DOCSIS 3.1 technology, which is 10 times faster than DOCSIS 3.0. This modem facilitates download speeds as fast as 2.5 Gbps, making it the ideal choice for hardcore gamers and content creators. You can connect this modem to any router or mesh network, and it’s compatible with major cable internet providers such as Comcast Xfinity, Cox and Spectrum.
Great Value
Download Speed: 2,500 Mbps | Frequency: N/A | Gigabit Ethernet Ports: 1 | WPS: No | Beamforming: No
The Hitron CODA56 is a multi-gigabit modem that supports cable internet plans of 2.33 Gbps depending on the service provider. As with most high-quality modems, this one boasts advanced DOCSIS 3.1 for blazing-fast upload and download speeds. It’s easy to set up and connect to any router, and the fast data transfer speeds make it suitable for gamers and HD streaming. It’s certified to work with Comcast Xfinity, Comcast Xfinity Business, Charter Spectrum, Cox Gigablast, Cable One Sparklight and Zito Media.
Best for Gaming
Download Speed: 1,000 Mbps | Frequency: N/A | Gigabit Ethernet Ports: 2 | WPS: No | Beamforming: No
If you’re an avid gamer, you need a high-speed modem to have a lag-free experience and dominate the competition. The NETGEAR Nighthawk DOCSIS 3.1 Mid/high-Split Cable Modem delivers on all fronts and allows for blazing-fast data transfer speeds. It works with all major cable internet providers, including Comcast Xfinity. Although you can hook it up to almost any router, for best results, NETGEAR recommends pairing this modem with a Wi-Fi 6E or 7 router, or the NETGEAR Orbi mesh system.
Comprehensive Choice
Download Speed: 2 Gbps | Frequency: NA | Gigabit Ethernet Ports: 2 | WPS: No | Beamforming: No
ARRIS is a top cable modem brand, so you can rest assured you’re getting a quality modem. The ARRIS SURFboard SB8200 is engineered with DOCSIS 3.1 technology, which is 10 times faster than DOCSIS 3.0 and features multi-gig networking for faster internet speeds. The Surfboard Central app allows for quick setup, and unlike other modems, there are two ethernet ports for high-speed wired connections.
Compatible with Most Providers
Download Speed: 2,500 Mbps | Frequency: N/A | Gigabit Ethernet Ports: 2 | WPS: No | Beamforming: No
The ARRIS S33 is a versatile modem that’s compatible with all major cable internet providers, including Cox, Spectrum and Xfinity. It features DOCSIS 3.1 technology, which allows it to support download speeds as fast as 2.5 Gbps, and two Gigabit Ethernet ports for hooking up a router or a direct internet connection to gaming consoles, PC desktops or laptops. Plus, you can set it up and manage settings through the SURFboard Central app.
Top Internet Speeds
Download Speed: 2 Gbps | Frequency: N/A | Gigabit Ethernet Ports: 4 | WPS: No | Beamforming: No
The NETGEAR Nighthawk Cable Modem CM1200 is similar to our top pick, the ARRIS Surfboard S33 DOCSIS 3.1 Multi-Gigabit Cable Modem. The primary difference is that maximum download speeds can reach 2 gigabits per second instead of 2.5 gigabits per second. It’s a slight downgrade, but it’s acceptable for most users. Also, this cable modem eliminates the need for a router for some users since it has four ethernet ports.
Best for 1-Gbps or Slower Plans
Download Speed: 2,000 Mbps | Frequency: N/A | Gigabit Ethernet Ports: 2 | WPS: No | Beamforming: No
The NETGEAR Nighthawk Multi-Gig Cable Modem CM11 is a simple yet solid option for casual internet users. Whether you want to surf the web, stream HD content, upload videos to social media platforms or do some light gaming, this modem is more than enough to get the job done. It supports speeds as fast as 2 Gbps and features two Gigabit Ethernet ports for fast wired connections to consoles, computers and streaming devices.
Best 2-in-1 Modem-Router Combo
Download Speed: 800 Mbps | Frequency: Dual-Band 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz | Gigabit Ethernet Ports: 4 | WPS: Yes | Beamforming: Yes
Many of our favorite picks are standalone modems, but the NETGEAR Nighthawk Cable Modem Wi-Fi 6 Router Combo doubles as a router, meaning you can get a wireless signal throughout your home without needing to hook up an external router. It operates on a dual-band frequency and supports up to 25 devices connected simultaneously. It has four Gigabit Ethernet ports for connecting multiple wired devices and a coverage zone of 2,000 square feet. Plus, you can manage security settings with the Nighthawk app.
Versatile Uses
Download Speed: 18 Gbps | Frequency: Quad-Band | Gigabit Ethernet Ports: 4 + 1 10-Gigabit | WPS: Yes | Beamforming: Yes
The ARRIS G54 is an expensive modem, but it's one of the best units for hardcore gamers, streaming 4K content and uploading large HD video files. The WPA3 security protocol keeps your network protected from cyberattacks, and multiple Gigabit Ethernet ports allow you to connect up to four devices for stable connectivity.
Best Budget 2-in-1
Download Speed: 800 Mbps | Frequency: Dual-Band 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz | Gigabit Ethernet Ports: 4 | WPS: Yes | Beamforming: No
Those looking for a budget-friendly 2-in-1 modem and router combo will find plenty to love about the ARRIS SBG7400AC2 Cable Modem Router Combo. It supports download speeds of up to 800 Mbps, which is sufficient for everyday web browsing, HD streaming and casual gaming. The SURFboard Central app makes it easy to set up your new modem. It also allows you to manage various settings such as privacy, security, passwords and parental controls right from your smartphone or tablet.
Best for Video
Download Speed: 1 Gbps | Frequency: NA | Gigabit Ethernet Ports: 2 | WPS: No | Beamforming: No
The NETGEAR CM3000 Nighthawk DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem delivers up to 2.5 Gbps of download speeds and 1 Gbps of upload speeds, making it suitable for larger households and those who frequently upload large files such as videos. For best results, Netgear recommends pairing this modem with a Wi-Fi 6E or 7 router or an Orbi system.
Expert-recommended
Download Speed: 400 Mbps | Frequency: NA | Gigabit Ethernet Ports: 1 | WPS: No | Beamforming: No
The NETGEAR Nighthawk Multi-Gig Cable Modem CM2000 is engineered with DOCSIS 3.1 32 by 8-channel bonding and is compatible with all major internet providers, including Xfinity, Cox and Spectrum. It offers blazing-fast download speeds of up to 2.5 gigabits per second and works with any Wi-Fi router. Hooking it up to a Netgear Wi-Fi 6 router or Orbi mesh system is best for the fastest connections.
Compact Powerhouse
Download Speed: 300 Mbps | Frequency: 2.4GHz, 5GHz | Gigabit Ethernet Ports: 4 | WPS: Yes | Beamforming: Yes
The Motorola MG7550 Modem works great for the average user and can support download speeds of up to 300 Mbps. Power Boost technology amplifies the wireless signal to deliver higher Wi-Fi speeds and extend the Wi-Fi range, and Beamforming technology works on both wireless bands. Plus, it offers dual-band frequencies for different devices.
What to know before buying a cable modem
Most cable modems look the same: little black boxes that accept a coaxial connection and make the internet available as a standard network connection. However, under the hood, there are some pretty important details.
Compatibility
The single most important thing about any cable modem you buy is that it has to be compatible with your internet service provider’s network. Modems like the NETGEAR Nighthawk CM3000 and NETGEAR Nighthawk CM1200 are compatible with many top providers.
Most internet service providers support a wide variety of modems. However, you should still consult your ISP’s documentation for a list of officially supported modems and stick to that list as you compare different models.
Some other popular modems that work with the most recognizable internet service providers include:
- The ARRIS S34 Cable Modem, which is our top pick.
- The ARRIS SBG7400AC2 Cable Modem Router Combo, which offers built-in Wi-Fi.
- NETGEAR'S CM1200 Modem, which is also fast and easy to set up.
- The NETGEAR Nighthawk Cable Modem Wi-Fi 6 Router Combo, which is both a modem and a router.
- The NETGEAR Nighthawk Multi-Gig Cable Modem CM1100, which is also a budget-friendly option.
DOCSIS 3.0 vs. DOCSIS 3.1
Cable modem standards are pretty complicated, but at the end of the day, you only need to know three things:
- Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification standards reflect data transfer speeds — that is, how fast a given modem can bring you the internet.
- Most users can get high-speed internet from modems such as the ARRIS SBG7400AC2 Cable Modem Router Combo, which use the older DOCSIS 3.0 standard.
- Most ISPs offering premium gigabit speeds require a DOCSIS 3.1 modem. If you subscribe to an internet plan that supports gigabit speeds, get a DOCSIS 3.1 model, such as our Best of the Best, the ARRIS Surfboard S34 Cable Modem.
Integrated Wi-Fi
Many cable modems have begun to blur the line between modems and routers, offering “all-in-one” devices that do the work of both the cable modem and a wireless router, allowing for a wireless network. The ARRIS SBG7400AC2 and NETGEAR Nighthawk Cable Modem Wi-Fi 6 Router Combo are examples of modem/router combos. If you don’t already have a wireless router, this can be a convenient way to establish Wi-Fi for the first time.
Tips
Speed-testing tools
Most ISPs direct you to their own proprietary internet speed-testing tools, but they may be biased. Run internet speed tests when no one on your network is using the internet, and compare results from different speed-testing websites. It’ll give you a sense of how fast your internet connection is so you can buy the appropriate cable modem.
Internet plan
Your internet speeds are affected by various factors, but the two most important ones are what internet speeds you pay for and what internet speeds your cable modem can handle. If you’re paying for speeds your current modem doesn’t support, upgrading your cable modem to options like the speedy ARRIS S34, ARRIS S33 or Hitron CODA56 Multi-Gigabit DOCSIS 3.1 Modem is prudent. On the other hand, if your internet speeds are low, a new cable modem won’t solve that problem, and you’ll need to upgrade your plan if you want faster speeds.
Network switch
Buy a separate network switch if you want to use multiple wired connections with your cable modem. Most cable modems have one standard network port, meaning they can only provide wired internet access to a single device at a time. A network switch is essentially a splitter for your internet signal so you can wire multiple devices for connectivity. Wired connections are much faster than wireless, so it can pay off to hardwire as many of your devices as possible.
FAQ
Q. How much does a cable modem cost?
A. The most affordable able modems fall within the $50 to $175 price range and are suitable for most users. The Hitron CODA56, NETGEAR Nighthawk Multi-Gig Cable Modem CM1100, ARRIS SB8200 and ARRIS SBG7400AC2 Cable Modem Router Combo are our top picks in this category. If you need a faster DOCSIS 3.1 modem or an all-in-one modem, you can expect to spend $150 to $300. Our top five list consists of the ARRIS S34, ARRIS S33, NETGEAR Nighthawk Cable Modem CM1200, NETGEAR Nighthawk DOCSIS 3.1 Mid/high-Split Cable Modem and NETGEAR Nighthawk Cable Modem Wi-Fi 6 Router Combo.
Q. Can I install a cable modem myself?
A. Most cable modems, such as the ARRIS S34, are easy to install, so long as the building is wired correctly for cable internet. However, you’ll still need to register for internet service with your ISP. If you install your modem yourself, call your ISP’s technical support team beforehand and ask them to walk you through the process and complete the necessary hardware registration.
Q. Do I need to buy a particular cable modem if I also subscribe to phone service through my ISP?
A. Yes. Many ISPs offer internet, TV and digital phone service bundles, all of which are delivered to your home through your cable modem. If you get phone service through your ISP, you’ll need a modem that supports a telephone line.
Q. My existing cable modem seems OK. Why should I upgrade?
A. It might still be worth upgrading if you own a cable modem. For example, some users are still connecting to the web with DOCSIS 2.0 modems, which are slow by today’s standards. To put it in perspective, if your current device is a DOCSIS 2.0 modem, replacing it with a DOCSIS 3.0 modem could potentially give you internet speeds that are 32 times faster.
