Best Cable Modems
Find the best cable modems for fast internet.
G-PLUG 10FT RG6 Coaxial Cable
- ✓75 Ohm impedance for cable TV and broadband
- ✓Supports HD video and high-speed internet signals
- ✓Compatible with modems, routers, and DVRs
G-PLUG 10FT RG6 Coaxial Cable
- ✓75 Ohm impedance for cable TV and broadband
- ✓Supports HD video and high-speed internet signals
- ✓Compatible with modems, routers, and DVRs
ARRIS SURFboard SB8200 DOCSIS 3.1
- ✓Supports cable speeds up to 2 Gbps
- ✓Eliminates monthly modem rental fees
- ✓Compact design fits any setup
ARRIS SURFboard SB8200 DOCSIS 3.1
- ✓Supports cable speeds up to 2 Gbps
- ✓Eliminates monthly modem rental fees
- ✓Compact design fits any setup
NETGEAR Nighthawk CM2000 Multi-Gig Modem
- ✓2.5 Gbps port for gigabit+ internet speeds
- ✓Works with Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox providers
- ✓Pairs with any WiFi router via ethernet
NETGEAR Nighthawk CM2000 Multi-Gig Modem
- ✓2.5 Gbps port for gigabit+ internet speeds
- ✓Works with Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox providers
- ✓Pairs with any WiFi router via ethernet
NETGEAR Nighthawk CAX30 WiFi 6 Modem Router
- ✓Compatible with Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox cable
- ✓WiFi 6 coverage up to 2,000 sq ft
- ✓Not compatible with Verizon or AT&T
NETGEAR Nighthawk CAX30 WiFi 6 Modem Router
- ✓Compatible with Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox cable
- ✓WiFi 6 coverage up to 2,000 sq ft
- ✓Not compatible with Verizon or AT&T
Hitron CODA56 Cable Modem DOCSIS 3.1
- ✓32x8 channel DOCSIS 3.1 for cable internet only
- ✓Supports up to 1.4 Gbps downstream speeds
- ✓Verify cable compatibility before purchasing
Hitron CODA56 Cable Modem DOCSIS 3.1
- ✓32x8 channel DOCSIS 3.1 for cable internet only
- ✓Supports up to 1.4 Gbps downstream speeds
- ✓Verify cable compatibility before purchasing
NETGEAR Nighthawk Cable Modem WiFi 5 Router
- ✓Works with Xfinity, Cox, and most cable providers
- ✓Supports speeds up to 800Mbps from cable internet
- ✓Not compatible with Verizon, Spectrum, AT&T
NETGEAR Nighthawk Cable Modem WiFi 5 Router
- ✓Works with Xfinity, Cox, and most cable providers
- ✓Supports speeds up to 800Mbps from cable internet
- ✓Not compatible with Verizon, Spectrum, AT&T
Motorola MG8702 DOCSIS 3.1 Modem
- ✓Save $168/year vs. renting from ISP
- ✓AC3200 Wi-Fi covers up to 2,500 sq ft
- ✓DOCSIS 3.1 supports gigabit internet speeds
Motorola MG8702 DOCSIS 3.1 Modem
- ✓Save $168/year vs. renting from ISP
- ✓AC3200 Wi-Fi covers up to 2,500 sq ft
- ✓DOCSIS 3.1 supports gigabit internet speeds
ARRIS SB8200 DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem
- ✓Approved for Cox, Spectrum and Xfinity
- ✓Is NOT compatible with ATT, CenturyLink
- ✓Does NOT include Wi-Fi and Does NOT support
ARRIS SB8200 DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem
- ✓Approved for Cox, Spectrum and Xfinity
- ✓Is NOT compatible with ATT, CenturyLink
- ✓Does NOT include Wi-Fi and Does NOT support
Motorola B12 DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem
- ✓DOCSIS 3.1 delivers multi-gig internet speeds
- ✓2.5 Gbps ethernet port for faster connections
- ✓Compatible with Comcast, Cox, Spectrum
Motorola B12 DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem
- ✓DOCSIS 3.1 delivers multi-gig internet speeds
- ✓2.5 Gbps ethernet port for faster connections
- ✓Compatible with Comcast, Cox, Spectrum
ARRIS G34 DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem
- ✓2.5 Gbps MultiGig speeds for streaming and gaming
- ✓Eliminates monthly modem rental fees permanently
- ✓Compact design fits any home entertainment space
ARRIS G34 DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem
- ✓2.5 Gbps MultiGig speeds for streaming and gaming
- ✓Eliminates monthly modem rental fees permanently
- ✓Compact design fits any home entertainment space
Buyer's Guide
DOCSIS Version and Speed Compatibility
The DOCSIS standard determines your modem's maximum speed. DOCSIS 3.1 modems like the ARRIS SB8200 and NETGEAR CM2000 support gigabit+ plans (up to 2-10 Gbps), while older DOCSIS 3.0 maxes out around 600-800 Mbps. Check your ISP's approved modem list and your current plan—buying a DOCSIS 3.1 modem for a 200 Mbps plan wastes money, but choosing 3.0 for a gigabit plan creates a bottleneck.
Channel Bonding Capacity
More bonded channels mean faster speeds and better performance during peak hours. Entry-level modems use 16x4 channels (16 downstream, 4 upstream), suitable for plans up to 400 Mbps. For 500+ Mbps plans, look for 32x8 configurations like the SB8200. Multi-gig modems use 32x8 or OFDM/OFDMA technology to handle 1-2 Gbps plans.
Ethernet Ports and Multi-Gig Support
Standard gigabit Ethernet ports (1 Gbps) bottleneck plans faster than 940 Mbps. The CM2000 offers 2.5 Gbps Ethernet for multi-gig plans. If you have gigabit+ internet, verify your router also has matching multi-gig ports. Modem-router combos like the CAX30 include WiFi 6 but limit upgrade flexibility—separate devices usually perform better long-term.
ISP Compatibility and Rental Savings
Not all modems work with all ISPs—Comcast, Spectrum, and Cox maintain approved device lists. Verify compatibility before purchasing. Most modems pay for themselves in 6-12 months versus $15/month rental fees. Avoid voice-capable modems unless you need telephone service, as they cost more and limit options.