Price, download speed, warranty, and compatibility are some of what you must watch out for when buying a new modem. Indeed, some devices outperform others, while others are cheaper than alternatives. After careful selection, Motorola MB8600 seems to have the best value of all the options we considered.
1. Motorola MB8600 DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem
It doesn’t double as a router but supports DOCSIS 3.1 channel bonding. The modem offers 32×8 DOCSIS 3.0 and flexible router pairing with any manufacturer. You also get to enjoy AQM, which helps with your download speeds as well as Broadcom advanced security.
Features
- 6Gbps max download speed
- Broadcom chipset
- One Gigabit Ethernet connection
- Comcast Xfinity, CableOne, Cox, and more
- Full-band tuner
Pros
- Superfast download speeds
- Supports LAG
- Easy setup
- Cheap
Cons
- No RCN compatibility
- Bulky
Price: View on Amazon
2. NETGEAR Nighthawk Cable Modem CM1200
For a premium price, you can forget about all the compatibility issues of Motorola and ARRIS with Nighthawk CM1200. It offers a solid DOCSIS 3.1connection while retaining backward compatibility with DOCSIS 3.0. CM1200 also beats most other modems with its well-ventilated and sleek design.
Features
- Four Gigabit Ethernet connections
- Spectrum, Cox, Xfinity, and more
- 2000Mbps max download speeds
Pros
- Massive port options
- Can handle LAG connection
- Extensive ventilation
- Five-minute setup
- Supports most Wi-Fi router options
Cons
- Expensive
- No phone line
Price: View on Amazon
3. ARRIS SURFboard SB8200 Gigabit Cable Modem
It has a wider compatibility range than Motorola MB8600 but is significantly more expensive than it. SB8200 is a 32×8 DOCSIS 3.1 modem with DOCSIS 3.0 channel bonding. The device also offers two Gigabit Ethernet connections instead of the more common one.
Features
- Spectrum, Xfinity, Cox, and more
- 2000Mbps max download speeds
- BCM3390 component
- 128MB flash memory and 3GB RAM
- Two-year limited warranty
Pros
- Affordable
- Quick and easy installation
- Offers wireless monitoring over phone
- No more Puma debacle
Cons
- Compatibility issues with some service providers
- Sensitive to errors
Price: View on Amazon
4. NETGEAR Cable Modem CM500
Its max download speed is a mere 300Mbps, and it doesn’t support DOCSIS 3.1 bonding, but it’s ridiculously cheap. The modem is your best bet if you aren’t obsessed about download speeds and lack the budget for a CM1200. CM500 offers one Ethernet port for your router and works on 16×4 DOCSIS channel.
Features
- Spectrum, Comcast, and Cox
- One Gigabit Ethernet
- 300Mbps downloads
Pros
- Flexible compatibility
- Low cost
- Easy installation
- Compatible with most routers
- Lightweight design
Cons
- No LAG
- Lacks DOCSIS 3.1 channel bonding
Price: View on Amazon
5. Motorola MT7711 24X8 Cable Modem
It’s more than a modem since it also doubles as a router with its integrated AC1900 wireless. MT7711 also allows for wireless power boost that can significantly improve the range and speed of your connection. The modem conforms to DOCSIS 3.0 channel bonding and includes Broadcom security for possible DOS attacks.
Features
- Four Gigabit Ethernet ports
- Comcast Xfinity voice and internet
- 5GHz, 2.4GHz Dual-Band router
- 24X8 cable modem
- 600Mbps max download speeds
- Telephone port
Pros
- Easy setup
- Plenty of Ethernet ports
- Can connect across client devices
- LAG compatible
- Includes DOS protection
Cons
- Expensive
- No DOCSIS 3.1 or Cox Gigablast
Price: View on Amazon