The best cable modems reduce your monthly bills since you won’t have to pay your ISP to rent a modem from them. By investing in a modem of your own upfront, those monthly costs won’t add up. You also get more control over the modem you have.
Some modems come with a built-in router, too, saving you even more money, and valuable space in your home. Depending on what you use the internet for, there are plenty of different modems to suit your requirements and budget.
TL;DR – These are the Best Cable Modems:
- Arris SURFboard G54
- Netgear Nighthawk CM2000
- Netgear CM500
- Motorola Model MB8600
- Orbi Tri-Band Cable Modem Router
- Arris SURFboard S33
From cheap modems that will get the job done, to powerful cable modems that support multi-Gig plans designed for larger households. If choosing the best cable modem is causing you a headache, let us help you find the right option.
1. Arris SURFboard G54
Best Cable Modem & Router
Pros:
- High speeds
- Built-in WiFi 7 support
Cons:
- Very expensive
This bad boy is for those who want to take their internet connectivity to the next level. The Arris SURFboard G54 is a cable modem and router, capable of speeds up to 10Gbps. With a compatible internet plan, you can easily stream your favorite shows, music, videos, work, and enjoy online gaming in the same household, all at once.
Of course, because of the hefty price tag, this cable modem is designed for larger households or users who demand fast speeds. If you work from home, you’re going to want the best cable modem there is to ensure a steady and stable connection. And since this cable modem is equipped with the latest WiFi standards and internet protocols, you can be sure you’re future-proofing your connection.
With simple setup and network management via the SURFboard Central app, it’s easy to get connected. It also works with most ISPs and has an additional four 1Gbps Ethernet ports.
2. Netgear Nighthawk CM2000
Best Cable Modem
Pros:
- Multi-gig speeds
- IPv6 support
Cons:
- Expensive
When it comes to reliable and lightning-fast internet connectivity, the Netgear Nighthawk CM2000 stands out as one of the best modems. Designed to meet the demands of modern households, this cable modem offers plenty of features that make it worth considering, aside from its wide compatibility.
Whether you’re working from home, gaming online, or simply need a fast connection, this cable modem is going to tick those boxes. It’s compatible with any WiFi router, too. Engineered with DOCSIS 3.1, 32X8 channel bonding, and OFDM(A) 2x2, the Nighthawk CM2000 supports the latest internet connectivity standards and protocols.
Not to mention, the Nighthawk is incredibly stylish. You can easily fit this carefully designed cable modem into your home without it looking like an eyesore.
3. Netgear CM500
Best Budget Cable Modem
Pros:
- Affordable
- Widely compatible
Cons:
- Slow speeds
With Netgear CM500, the modem could pay for itself in as little as seven months depending on what your ISP charges in rental fees.
There aren't a lot of thrills here, but $60 gets you a DOCSIS 3.0 modem with 16x4 channels and a device that can handle 400Mbps download rates with up to 123Mbps uploads. Just think: With the $10 you'll save each month, you could subscribe to a new streaming service like Netflix or Disney+.
4. Motorola Model MB8600
Best Mid-Range Cable Modem
Pros:
- Suitable for most households
- Great for gamers
Cons:
- Not the fastest available
Having the fastest internet on the block doesn't mean much if your modem can't take full advantage of it. That's where the MB8600 from Motorola comes in. It's a DOCSIS 3.1 model and offers 32x8 channels for blazing-fast downloads.
It'll also play nicely with any mesh networks you have set up (including Google Wi-Fi), while Motorola boasts its Active Queue Management software will "greatly enhance" your online gaming experience.
Best of all? Its reserved design and hidden antenna means the modem doesn't look like a grounded stealth fighter.
5. Orbi Tri-Band Cable Modem Router
Best Cable Modem Wi-Fi Mesh Router
Pros:
- Cable modem/router combo
- Suitable for large households
Cons:
- Expensive
If you have a large home and you're worried about potential Internet dead zones, you should check out the Orbi Tri-Band Cable Modem Router. It's operates just like Orbit's other mesh Wi-Fi routers, except that it has a built-in cable hook up with 32 x 8 channels for down and up streams, respectively.
The Orbi CBR40 works great as a standalone router, but adding a satellite or two will give you up to 2,000 square feet of consistent coverage. What's more, you'll see your home network speeds jump up to 2.2Gbps.
6. Arris SURFboard S33
Best For Most Households
Pros:
- Future-proof
- Easy setup
Cons:
- No integrated WiFi
If you want a great all-around cable modem but don’t want to splash out on the Arris SURFboard G54, then the S33 is a solid choice. It’s packed with the latest technologies and protocols and supports up to 2.5Gbps. It also comes with a 1Gbps Ethernet port should you need it.
With 32 downstreams and 8 upstreams, this cable modem can meet the demands of most households. And while it doesn’t come with a built-in router, the ARRIS SURFboard S33 is still a sensible investment that will save you money in the long run.
It’s compatible with most ISPs and is incredibly easy to use. There’s also a two-year warranty should you have any concerns.
Upcoming Cable Modems
New cable modems tend to get released when new standards or internet protocols come about. Currently, DOCSIS 3.1 is the latest standard for modems, with DOCSIS 4.0 expected to roll out by 2025.
When DOCSIS 4.0 is released, it’s inevitable that new cable modems will be too, able to cater to the new standard so that users can benefit from it.
How To Pick the Best Cable Modem
Choosing the best cable modem requires careful consideration of several factors to ensure compatibility, performance, and reliability. First and foremost, you’ll need to choose a cable modem that’s compatible with your ISP.
Once you’ve found a compatible modem, you’ll then want to look at your internet speed requirements. Cable modems support different speeds, so you will need to choose one that can handle the speed provided by your ISP. If you’re on a tight budget, there’s no point in choosing a cable modem that supports 10Gbps if your ISP is only capable of offering 2Gbps, for example.
But, if you can spend a little more, you could think about future-proofing your setup. While you may only need a certain speed now, it's a good idea to choose a modem that can support higher speeds in the future. This ensures that you won't need to upgrade your modem if you decide to upgrade your internet plan later on.
As well as choosing a cable modem that’s compatible with your ISP and suits your speed requirements, look at the other features it offers. Does it come with multiple Ethernet ports? Does it support IPv6? Some cable modems have a built-in router too, saving you even more money in the long run.
FAQs
What Does a Cable Modem Do?
Modems connect to your home to your ISP via a coax cable connection or similar. When your ISP sends signals to the modem, the modem then translates them into recognizable signals that your devices can use.
What’s the Difference Between a Cable Modem and a Router?
Modems send and receive signals from your ISP, whereas a router makes the signal available on your network. A modem is connected to a router and then connected to each device on a network, either via a wired (Ethernet) or wireless (WiFi) connection.
Does a Cable Modem Give You WiFi?
A modem usually only has an Ethernet connection rather than WiFi. However, some modems are combined with routers, which support WiFi, instead of purchasing a cable modem and router separately.