- 24X8 Cable Modem plus AC1900 Dual Band WiFi Gigabit Router with Power Boost This Three-in-One 24x8 DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem includes a built-in AC1900 3x3 wireless gigabit router that provides the range, wireless speeds and networking support need for multimedia, Internet video and high-performance networking in a home or office and also includes two Comcast Xfinity Voice compatible phone ports.
- Motorola offers a two-year manufacturer warranty. If you have questions regarding your modem and router combo, you can contact the company’s U.S.-based technical support team either by email or phone. If you are currently renting a modem from one of the larger cable providers, it is probably a modem and router combo.
Arris SB8200 and Motorola MB8600 are two of the latest and most promising cable modems to have adopted the new DOCSIS 3.1 technology (Zoom’s Motorola being the more recent one) each of them offering up to 32 download QAM channels and 8 upload channels for the DOCSIS 3.0 standard (backwards-compatible) or two OFDM bonded channels.
Motorola
MB8600
China
The NETGEAR CM1000 Ultra-High Speed Cable Modem provides a connection to high-speed cable Internet with speeds up to 1 Gbps†. It is the industry’s first DOCSIS® 3.1 CableLabs Certified® cable modem, 10X faster than DOCSIS 3.0††. Working with DOCSIS® 3.0 and DOCSIS® 3.1 cable Internet service providers, it is the ultra-high speed cable modem ready for today’s service plans and future upgrades. Enjoy ultra HD video streaming over IP with 2x2 OFDM or 32x8 channel bonding giving you the fastest download speeds—even during peak hours.
This Cable Modem supports DOCSIS 3.1, the only cable modem standard that can deliver speeds over 1 Gigabit per second (Gbps). The MB8600 also has 32x8 support for the fastest possible speeds using the older DOCSIS 3.0 standard. The MB8600 provides high-speed Internet for a computer, router, HDTV, game station, or streaming media device. To give simultaneous Internet access to many devices, plug in any router you like.
Universal
3.1
3800 Mbps
1000 Mbps
- The modem works so far. Our internet speeds are where they are supposed to be.Stop renting your modem and buy it!
- I subscribe to the 150mps download speed and the results at speedtest.net were clocking me at over 165mps. I've run the test several times since then and the results remain the same. I haven't had any connectivity issues since its registration.
- Comcast Blast speed with the 6183 was around 165 mbps and after I switched to the CM1000 it jumped to over 220 mbps wireless!
- We are getting nearly identical speeds at the main router and at the satellite (over 230mbps down over wifi to an iPhone X). I am VERY VERY impressed with how easy it was to setup and how well it works.
- I’m very disspointed with the speed. I pay for 200Mbps down and 10mbps up. My old docsis 3.0 surfband modem was able to pull 220Mbps down and 12 up. This modem wants to pull 170Mbps down and 4Mbps up.
- For a DOCSIS 3.1 modem claiming to hit up to 6Mbps - this modem was not able to get close to even gigabit speeds.I had a veteran Comcast technical at my house for hours, trying to get this thing to work correctly.
- My old modem wasn't slow, but I was shocked to see such a difference when loading websites, youtube, etc. Well worth the buy! I would almost compare this to the difference that the SSD made in computers over old standard hard drives.
- Comcast recently upgraded their network to DOCSIS 3.1 in the Southwest Washington state area so I replaced my old Arris DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem with this one and immediately noticed a download speed increase to around 200 Mbps from around 120 Mbps!
- Model is on the approved Comcast/Xfinity equipment list and works great. Compatible with their higher tier speeds at DOCSIS 3.1. No complaints with the product, as it's performed flawlessly during the first week.
- Easily and quickly setup between my Xfinity cable and TP-Link WiFi router. Went to the Xfinity activate link as described in the documentation and was up and running in a minute or so. My download and upload speeds are about 10% faster now without any change in my plan. Nice!!
- I'm guessing the 3.1 firmware still is in beta. This modem will lose it's downstream connection for no apparent reason. Hopefully the manufacturer will find out what's causing this and work with Comcast to fix the issue.
Gray
7.875 in.
2.25 in.
7.25 in.
1.1 lbs.
1
No
Coaxial
- Ethernet port is bright yellow. Sounds silly, but when you're reaching into your darkened equipment rack, a bright yellow port really helps.
- It’s ok. What they don’t tell you is it will NOT work with your current cable tv account. Because it doesn’t have a telephone port in back.
- Bought this about a month ago, and it seems like the Ethernet port has failed. I've swapped out with another router and I can receive internet just fine, but when I plug it back in, the router and my laptop wont receive internet.
- Buy this as the cable rental replacement, but the ethernet port lost connection all the time.
- I wish the unit had two gigabit LAN ports so I can run one to my router and the other to my OOMA phone box or switch for OOMA and Google Phone.
- Supports bonded (two ethernet cables) connection to ISP if you are lucky enough to actually have Gigabit internet service. One LAN connection only supports up to 960 Mbps or so speeds, so bonded is a plus.
- 4 LAN ports if you want a direct connection (e.g. if your router doesn't support bonded ethernet– most don't– then you can directly connect to your modem with 4 available ports).
- Comes with power cable, ethernet cable, velcro tie for cables, and a wrench to tighten the coax cable.
- It comes with 4 ethernet ports that can be linked together to get up to 4gps of data throughput when cable operator will provide them.
- Only one port can be used. The rest are for bridging signals once that functionality is available from ISP. You can only use one of the four Ethernet ports on the rear
1000 Mbps
32
8
Power On/Off, Reset
2 OFDM downstream & 2 OFDM upstream channels for DOCSIS 3.1 connections, Works with XFINITY® from Comcast, Fast web based self-activation for XFINITY customers
Fast, easy setup using Quick Start, 5 status-reporting LEDs on the front panel and 2 LEDs for each Ethernet port on the back panel., Ruggedized lightning and power surge circuits protect your investment., Space-saving unit minimizes shelf space and improves cooling for reliable performance.
- We have Comcast, this modem is supported by Comcast and it’s super easy to set up. It took less than ten minutes. If you have Comcast there are specific instructions to set it up. Very easy.
- I'm also using the NETGEAR Nighthawk X6 AC3200 Tri-Band Gigabit WiFi Router (R8000) with the CM1000. They pair great together and I've yet had to reboot this modem.
- Fool proof airflow design. No matter which way it is oriented, surrounding air will provide cooling
- I expect the 32x8 channel bonding to be future proof for my needs.
- Only comes with a cat 5 cable (yes, no a cat5e or cat6 cables, a cat5 cable!!!)
- As a D3.1 modem, it only supports 1.0 Ghz downstream, and 85 Mhz upstream.
- Should be mounted vertically for proper heat dissipation. Not an issue for me, but could make fitting in your equipment rack difficult (height= 6.75in or 17cm).
- With this modem, I have DOCSIS 3.1, 8x downstream channels and most importantly, AQM. AQM (Active Queue Management) is needed for high bandwidth connections such as Cable Modem connections.
- The modem itself is very durable feeling. Setup was a very easy. I'm actual obtaining equal if not better speeds than my previous Netgear model. So definitely a modem I would purchase again.
- Runs great, uses Broadcom chipset. Small. Reasonably priced. 32x8. Modem admin name is changeable. Can do up to 4 bound ethernet ports for 4gpbs if you can afford it.
- LEDs are not bright, and only the ethernet one blinks occasionally. Comes with a wrench for tightening coaxial heads.
- Just that they advertise this to work really easily with XFINITY. At least that was my impression. I still had to contact XFINITY to get this modem set up. Was about an hour total online chat with them.
- Instructions say to go to xfinity.com/internetsetup but it doesn't load, you actually want /activate. Before realizing this, I tried to activate remotely from my xfinity account and it said activated, but it wasn't.
2 year(s)
CableLabs®, CE, Comcast XFINITY®, Cox®
Popular Comparisons
Other reviews
Arris Surfboard SB6183
This inexpensive modem is easy to set-up and comes with a 2-year warranty.
Apple iPod U2 Edition (4th Gen) 20 GB Specs. Identifiers: iPod (ClickWheel) - M9787LL/A - A1059 - 1995 All iPod Models All 2004 iPod Models Dynamically Compare This iPod to Others. Distribute This Page: Bookmark & Share Download: PDF Manual The Apple iPod U2 Special Edition (4th Generation) is internally the same as the 20 GB configuration of the iPod (4th Generation), but uses a case. Ipod special edition u2 manual. Apple iPod U2 Edition 5th Gen Enhanced 30 GB Specs. Identifiers: iPod with Video - MA664LL/A - A1136 - 2065 All iPod Models All 2006 iPod Models Dynamically Compare This iPod to Others. Distribute This Page: Bookmark & Share Download: PDF Manual The Apple iPod U2 Special Edition (Fifth Generation - Enhanced) is internally identical to the 30 GB version of the iPod Fifth Generation.
Netgear CM500
Netgear's modem is a good alternative to the SB6183, especially if you can find it for less.
Netgear CM600
Get this modem if your cable package has higher speed caps.
The best cable modem does more than just connect your home to the internet. It can also save you money over the long haul by putting a stop to the $10 or so your internet service provider is adding to your monthly bill for tenting you one its modems. And if you're looking for a device that keeps more coin in you pocket while also delivering stellar performance, your best bet is the Arris Surfboard SB6183.
We've tested more than a dozen different devices, and the older SB6183 remains the best modem we've come across, thanks to its dependability, compatibility with a wide array of internet providers and two-year warranty just in case anything goes wrong.
To save a little more money, consider the Netgear CM500, which can typically be found for $5 to $10 less than the SB6183, though sales often push that price even lower. You will have to make do with a year-long warranty on Netgear modems versus two years of coverage for Arris devices. And while those two modems can handle the speeds available to most internet customers, anyone who's paying for home internet speeds topping 300 Mbps should look to Netgear's CM600, which is more dependable than its high-speed rivals.
Here's a closer look at our top picks for the best cable modems out there.
The best cable modem overall
Arris Surfboard SB6183
SPECIFICATIONS
Wildgame innovations wgi software. Find Wildgame Innovations software downloads at CNET Download.com, the most comprehensive source for safe, trusted, and spyware-free downloads on the Web.
Top Cable Providers Supported: Comcast, Spectrum, Cox | Listed Download/Upload Speeds: 686/131 Mbps | Channels: 16 down, 4 up | Size: 5.2 x 5 x 2.1 inches | Warranty: 2 years
Reasons to Buy
Two-year warranty
Visible status lights
Reasons to Avoid
The Arris Surfboard SB6183 is the best choice for your cable modem because it delivers solid performance that will satisfy most home internet customers who don't pay for high-speed service. A two-year warranty gives the SB6183 an edge over Netgear's modems, like the CM500, which are backed by one year of protection.
At 5.2 x 5 x 2.1 inches, the all-white SB6183 can be tucked unobtrusively next to a router, cable box and whatever other hardware you have on hand. The coaxial-cable connector is a little too close to the power connector for my taste, but you're likely to have to deal with that only when setting up the modem.
The SB6183 favors a simple row of vertical indicator lights that are easy enough to spot, though the yellow lighting can be a little hard to see if your modem's in direct sunlight. Still, it's pretty easy to glance at the SB6183 to see if there's any issue with your internet connectivity.
The SB6183 gets a largely positive response on Amazon, with more than 70 percent of 3,700-plus user reviews awarding a 5-star rating, thanks to its performance. The negative reviews largely cite reliability issues that develop over time.
Best cable modem value
Netgear CM500
SPECIFICATIONS
Top Cable Providers Supported: Comcast, Spectrum, Cox | Listed Download/Upload Speeds: 686/132 Mbps | Channels: 16 down, 4 up | Size: 7.3 x 4.9 x 2.4 inches | Warranty: 1 year
Reasons to Buy
Good compatibility
Reasons to Avoid
Indicator lights are hard to see
There's actually very little performance difference among the best cable modems in our testing, so it's seemingly slight distinctions that separate these devices. Opt for Netgear's CM500, and you'll get a modem that's just as capable as the SB6183. However, Netgear only offers a one-year warranty, compared with two years from some of its rivals.
That said, the CM500 enjoys one edge over the SB6183 — it generally costs less, especially if you can find the modem on sale online. (Some sites do show a lower price for the SB6183, but that's often for a refurbished model.) Netgear's 16 x 4 modem enjoys wide compatibility with internet-service providers, and its design makes setup a breeze. At 7.3 inches, the CM500 is a little taller than the SB6183, and I found its indicator lights difficult to see. Although at night, you may appreciate the lack of a light show.
Like our other top modem picks, the CM500 gets generally good reviews on Amazon, though the retailer seems to combine reviews of all of Netgear's modems, so it's hard to get a good read on what customers say about this specific model. Positive reviews cite the easy installation and wide compatibility with many top ISPs. The negative reviews complain of reliability, something to keep in mind given the CM500's one-year warranty.
Best cable modem for high-speed service
Netgear CM600
SPECIFICATIONS
Top Cable Providers Supported: Comcast, Spectrum, Cox | Listed Download/Upload Speeds: 960/240 Mbps | Channels: 24 down, 8 up | Size: 8.7 x 5.3 x 2.4 inches | Warranty: 1 year
Reasons to Buy
Lower price than other high-speed modems
Reasons to Avoid
Tall footprint
While most homes opt for internet plans that promise speeds of around 100 to 300 Mbps, some people prefer higher-speed service. If your plan promises download speeds that top 300 Mbps, you'll want a cable modem that can take advantage of that greater performance. Netgear's CM600 is the best cable modem for those higher speeds.
Netgear's modem doesn't use the same Intel Puma 6 chipset that's been blamed for latency issues with some other high-speed modems. (There's a firmware update that resolves this issue, though ISPs roll out such updates on their own schedule.) Because of that, you can expect reliable performance without the lags reported by users with Puma-6-powered modems.
The CM600 is a little on the tall side, but it's got a funky futuristic look. Like other Netgear modems, it has a one-year warranty.
Good modem for lower speed caps
TP-Link TC-7610
SPECIFICATIONS
Top Cable Providers Supported: Comcast, Spectrum, Cox | Listed Download/Upload Speeds: 343/143 Mbps | Channels: 8 down, 4 up | Size: 8.5 x 7.7 x 2.6 inches | Warranty: 2 years
Reasons to Buy
Two-year warranty
Reasons to Avoid
Indicator lights are hard to spot
Not every home internet user needs to pay for a more expensive modem. If your service plan caps its speeds at 100 Mbps, TP-Link's TC-7610 modem can serve you ably without denting your budget. (A newer version — the TP-Link TC-7650 — can handle higher-speed homes, but we haven't tested that model.)
The 8 x 4 modem has a pleasing oval shape and a two-year warranty. We did find its indicator lights hard to spot, though.
Still a decent modem
Arris Surfboard SB6141
SPECIFICATIONS
Top Cable Providers Supported: Comcast, Spectrum, Cox | Listed Download/Upload Speeds: 343/141 Mbps | Channels: 8 down, 4 up | Size: 5.2 x 5.2 x 1.7 inches | Warranty: 2 years
Reasons to Buy
Low cost
Reasons to Avoid
A few years ago, the Arris Surfboard SB6141 was our pick for best cable modem as it features the great compact design of other Arris modems as well as dependable performance. It's since been supplanted by other, faster modems — such as the SB6183, also from Arris — as home internet demands have increased.
Still, if you don't pay for a higher speed plan, the SB6141 is a way to still enjoy the fine performance of an Arris modem without paying for a faster model. And the two-year warranty doesn't hurt, either.
Functional, but plain
Linksys CM3008
SPECIFICATIONS
Top Cable Providers Supported: Comcast, Spectrum, Cox | Listed Download/Upload Speeds: 343/120 Mbps | Channels: 8 down, 4 up | Size: 3.9 x 2.8 x 1 inches | Warranty: 1 year
Reasons to Buy
Reliable performance
Reasons to Avoid
Not compatible with higher-speed internet service
Another modem that works best in homes where internet service never tops download speeds of 100 Mbps, the Linksys CM3008 gets the job done without winning any beauty contests. The best we can say about its plain look is that the CM3008 doesn't take that much space. The compact design doesn't make it any easier to detect its status lights.
The CM3008 was one of the more expensive options out there when we first reviewed it, though these days, its price is more in line with what you'd pay for an 8 x 4 cable modem.
Buy with caution
Arris Surfboard SB6910
SPECIFICATIONS
Top Cable Providers Supported: Comcast, Spectrum, Cox | Listed Download/Upload Speeds: 1,400/262 Mbps | Channels: 32 down, 8 up | Size: 5 x 5 x 2.1 | Warranty: 2 years
Reasons to Buy
Two-year warranty
Reasons to Avoid
Costs more than comparable modems
When we tested the Arris Surfboard SB6190 on our network, we didn't run into any performance issues. But our experience didn't match some other users with high-speed service who complained of latency issues. The problem apparently stems from Intel's Puma 6 chipset inside the SB6190 (as well as some other high-speed models like the Linksys CM3024, which we've also tested).
Reportedly, there's a firmware fix, but we'd advise checking with your ISP to see if it's been deployed before you commit to the SB6190. It might be easier just to opt for Netgear's CM600, which doesn't use that chipset.
How we test cable modems
We test each cable modem on Comcast's Performance Pro home internet service. After running speed tests to make sure the modems are delivering their promised download speeds, we use the modems as part of regular networking setup to gauge dependability.
We hook up each modem we review in our reviewer's home, using it as part of our networking setup. That allows us to verify a modem's compatibility as well as to get a sense of its dependability. Since price is also an important consideration when modem shopping, we also monitor retail sites for the best deals on the modems we've tested.
In addition to using the modems in a home with multiple connected laptops, smartphones and tablets, we also evaluate the indicator lights on each modem to see that they're visible. We look at how easy the modems are to set up. And because the primary reason to get your own cable modem is to save on monthly rental fees for ISP-supplied modems, we heavily weight the length of a modem's warranty.
Here's a summary of what to look at when you choose a modem:
Motorola Cable Modems Comparison Chart
• Compatibility: Confirm with your ISP that the modem you're looking at will work with the service your paying for. Most DOCSIS 3.0-certified modems should work with DOCSIS-based internet service, but it always helps to confirm. Comcast lets you check online to see if a modem is compatible with its service, as do Cox and Spectrum.
• Price and Warranty: You don't necessarily need to get the cheapest modem, but you should consider devices that pay for themselves within a year with what you save in rental fees. A year-long warranty is the bare minimum you should accept; two years of coverage is even better. As for price, make sure to do some comparison shopping before you buy. Retailers often offer deals on modems, so you could find the model you want — or a reasonable alternative — at a lower price than you'd normally expect.
• Design: Since most cable modems have the same set of indicator lights, you'll want one with easy-to-spot lights. Also, consider the size of a modem, since a compact design blends in more easily with your other networking equipment.
• Speed: A 16 x 4 modem (that's 16 download channels and four upload ones) should do the trick for homes receiving service capped at 300 Mbps. Any faster, and you should go with a 24 x 8 or 32 x 8 modem, or a DOCSIS 3.1-compatible model if your ISP has upgraded to the new standard.
• Modem vs. Router: A modem brings internet connectivity into your home while the best wireless routers distribute that internet connection wirelessly, so that all your devices — laptops, phones, and smart-home gadgets — can hop on the internet. You may be tempted to buy a device that combines a modem and a router, but we think it's better to keep those two networking devices separate. If any part of a hybrid device fails, you're out both a modem and a router. It's also easier to upgrade individual networking devices, as routers add support for new networking features at a more rapid pace.
DOCSIS 3.0 vs. DOCSIS 3.1
All the modems listed up above are DOCSIS 3.0 modems. DOCSIS, or Data Over Cable Services Interface Specification, is a telecommunications standard that cable TV operators use to provide internet service over the same wiring that's serving up your favorite TV shows. Released nearly a decade ago, the DOCSIS 3.0 specification added support for multiple channels to boost speeds, and major internet providers have upgraded to that standard.
We're starting to see DOCSIS 3.1 modems rolling out that are capable of delivering speeds that top 1Gbps. We haven't reviewed these modems yet, as ISPs are still rolling out high-speed service to all their markets, and even then, some providers don't yet allow you to bring your own DOCSIS 3.1 modems.
Check with your cable provider to see if DOCSIS 3.1 has been deployed in your area or if it's about to be. If so, consider some of the DOCSIS 3.1 options that modem makers have already announced. If DOCSIS 3.1 isn't in your immediate future, though, a DOCSIS 3.0 modem will serve your needs just fine.
Netgear's CM1000 is backward-compatible with DOCSIS 3.0 for internet users who want to upgrade early. The modem has been certified by Comcast for use with its internet service.
Arris bills the Surfboard SB8200 as a future-facing modem, capable of handling streaming ultra HD and high-performance gaming with its 32 download and eight upload channels. It promises twice the speed of a DOCSIS 3.0 modem — at least if your internet service is capable of supporting that. The modem also features a pair of gigabit Ethernet ports for wired dedicated devices.
Motorola's MB8600 modem also has 32 download and eight upload channels with Active Queue Management for speeding up page loads and gaming. Motorola says the modem's compatible with Comcast's Xfinity service as well as high-speed internet from Cox.
What do cable modems cost?
A 16 x 4 cable modem delivers enough speed to effectively serve the majority of cable customers. That kind of modem typically costs $70 or less, and if you keep an eye out for deals, you might be able to find a top-rated modem for $50 to $60.
Our top pick, the SB6183, usually lists for around $70 to $80, but you can typically find it for less, especially if you opt for a refurbished model. (Just make sure that you still enjoy warranty protection if you go for a refurbished modem.) You'll pay more for faster modems — 24 x 8 models cost around $80, while a 32 x 8 modem might set you back $90.
MORE: How to Change Your Router's Quality of Service (QoS) Settings
Modems that support the emerging DOCSIS 3.1 standard start at $150, with some priced as high as $190. Netgear's Nighthawk CM1150V tops $200, but it also includes telephony ports. Unless your internet provider is giving you the 1,000 Mbps speeds that DOCSIS 3.1 devices support, there's no need to pay up for a premium modem. A lower-cost modem will serve the typical internet customer just fine.
Why buy your own modem when your ISP will usually provide you one? Because nothing is free in this world, and you're likely being charged around $10 extra on your bill for that modem. Comcast, for example, upped its fee to $11 a month for most customers who use their equipment, which means $132 on rental fees over the course of a year. You'll no longer get technical support if your self-bought modem misbehaves, but you'll have paid off the cost off your own modem after half-a-year with the eliminated rental fee headed right back to your pocket.