Surprised? Don’t be. Your internet modem is what transmits internet connectivity to your computer, after all. Of course, having a good internet connection service is also critical, but if your modem is not up to task, you will not be able to reap the full benefits of your high-speed internet.
Naturally, everyone’s internet usage needs differ, and most people don’t need a top-of-the-line cable modem. But no matter your internet package, having an ideal modem will give you better results every time.
Short on time? This NETGEAR CM600 24×8 Cable Modem is reliable, fast and compatible with a number of different ISPs. It’s a great modem and it fits into almost any budget.
Before you say anything, let me stop you right there. Yes, you could simply rent a cable modem from your ISP, but that can cost ten dollars a month or more. That’s at least $120 a year, and that doesn’t include renting a router either. Buying a modem is an investment, and one that can pay for itself very quickly.
Things to Consider
If having good internet access is important to you, then you need a quality cable modem. Naturally, what good internet access means to you depends on your personal usage. Not everyone needs a high-end modem, but everyone should have a good modem.
Unsure what you should be looking for? This guide should help.
1. Reliability
There are a lot of reasons why your internet might go down, and one of the big ones is because your modem is inadequate. While you definitely don’t have to spend $100+ to get a good cable modem, this isn’t something you want to skimp on either.
2. Compatibility
Not all modems are compatible with every internet company. Most modems will tell you what service providers they are compatible with. If the modem doesn’t specify, you may want to think twice before buying.
3. Customer Service
Reliable, friendly customer service can be make or break for a cable modem. While some internet connectivity issues will direct you to your internet service provider (ISP), you may at other times be directed to the company who produced the modem, especially if the connectivity issue is connected to the modem rather than anything else. Getting saddled with a company known for poor customer service is an invitation for a migraine.
4. Ease of Use
While all modems work more or less the same, they are not guaranteed to all have the same interface. Since you don’t really have a way of checking out the interface ahead of time, consider reading user reviews to get a feel for what other people are saying.
5. Price
Generally speaking, you should expect to shoot around the ballpark of $100 for a good cable modem. That said, there are always exceptions. Sometimes bad modems are overpriced, so don’t rely solely on price as an indicator of their quality.
QUICK OVERVIEW
The Best Cable Modem Routers
| Products | Features |
|---|---|
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EDITOR’S PICK
4.2 9,400+ 9400+
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Check price
at Amazon
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MOST REVIEWED
4 2,900+ 2900+
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Check price
at Amazon
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TOP PICK
4.3 860+ 860+
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Check price
at Amazon
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BUDGET PICK
4.3 4,485+ 4485+
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Check price
at Amazon
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BUDGET PICK
4.2 9,400+ 9400+
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Check price
at Amazon
|
Short on time? This NETGEAR CM600 24×8 Cable Modem is reliable, fast and compatible with a number of different ISPs. It’s a great modem and it fits into almost any budget.
Under $50
NETGEAR Cable Modem CM400
Features
- 8×4 channel download/upload
- Download speeds of up to 343 Mbps
- Top-selling modem on Amazon
NETGEAR is one of the leading providers of internet modems, and their CM400 is the best-selling modem on Amazon.com, thanks to its reliable service and affordable pricing. This modem is compatible with almost every major cable internet company. With a new and improved response time over the 2.0 model, NETGEAR’s DOCSIS modem is better than ever before.
One of the things that keeps this internet modem fast is its 8×4 channel system. 8 download channels couple with 4 upload channels to keep your internet running smoothly even during peak hours. It offers download speeds of up to 343 Mbps and is compatible with almost any operating system. This may be a basic budget-priced modem, but it definitely doesn’t perform like one.
Under $75
ARRIS SURFboard SB6183
Features
- 16×4 channel download/upload
- Download speeds up to 686 Mbps
- Backed by a 2-year warranty
The Arris SB6183 offers a great internet experience. Compatible with most major internet cable companies such as Xfinity and Time Warner. Thanks to the power of DOCSIS 3.0, this modem offers 16×4 channels of download/upload for up to 686 Mbps download speeds and upload speeds of up to 131 Mbps.
The modem features a Gigabit Ethernet port, allowing connectivity for only one device such as a desktop computer or a router. This modem also supports IPv4 and IPv6, the latest standards of internet service.
WiFi beamforming allows for maximum coverage and performance, improving your internet experience. Rounding out this modem is a two-year limited warranty, as well as technical support based in the United States, ensuring a less frustrating customer service experience.
Best Cable Modem Routers Under $100
TP-Link TC-7620
Features
- 16×4 channel download/upload
- Download speeds of up to 686 Mbps
- Backed by a 2-year warranty
The TP-Link TC-7620 modem offers a great performance over the some of the other cable modems in this price range. Offering 16 channels for download, this 16×4 modem provides download speeds up to 686 Mbps. Certified for Xfinity, Cablevision and Time Warner with more on the way, this modem is a great value at a reasonable price.
Rated for cable plans of up to 300Mbps and this cable modem means business. Enjoy lightning fast downloads, buffer-free video streaming and exciting lag-free video game action. No matter what you use your internet connection for, this modem is well-equipped to ensure a smooth and uninterrupted internet experience.
If you’re still not convinced, TP-Link offers 24/7 technical support and provides a 2-year warranty for your new modem. This industry-leading warranty is just one more thing that makes this an awesome modem.
Under $125
ARRIS SURFboard SBG10
Features
- 16×4 channel download/upload
- Download speeds up to 686 Mbps
- WiFi speed up to 1600 Mbps
ARRIS SURFboard SBG10 has plenty of features to like. It comes with an AC1600 Dual Band Wi-Fi Router and two Gigabit Ethernet ports. With 16×4 channels, it offers up to a maximum of 686 mbps for download speed and up to a maximum of 1600 mbps for Wi-Fi.
It’s compatible with most major cable providers and it also comes with a 2-year warranty, although it’s worth mentioning that it does not support Comcast, Cox and Spectrum plans that include a phone connection.
This device does it job well, performance is good and Wi-Fi router performs relatively well. Used “relatively” since 5G can fluctuate a bit. Still, it’s a good pick for people who want both a modem and a router in one.
NETGEAR CM600 24×8 Cable Modem
Features
- 24×8 channel download/upload
- Download speeds of up to 960 Mbps
- Optimized for IPv6 internet standard
NETGEAR knows how to make a high-performance cable modem, and their CM600 model is no exception. A staggering 24×8 channels of download/upload means that you can access download speeds of up to 960 Mbps and upload speeds of 262 Mbps with a fast enough internet connection. That is a mind-blowing amount of speed.
This NETGEAR modem is compatible with most cable internet providers, and works especially well with Comcast Xfinity. In fact, if you don’t have high-speed cable internet, you shouldn’t even consider this modem, because you won’t be able to take advantage of its advanced streaming technology.
Utilizing the latest DOCSIS 3.0 and IPv6 internet service, this is an advanced, ultra-fast internet modem perfect for large data downloads and uploads, managing multiple streams and playing video games online. If you have high-speed internet and are currently renting a modem, you should seriously consider the CM600. Your internet experience will never be the same.
ARRIS SURFboard SB6190
Features
- 32×8 channel download/upload
- Download speeds of up to 1400 Mbps
- Backed by a 2-year warranty
These cable modems just keep getting better and better. The Arris SB6190 offers not 8, not 16, not 24, but 32 download channels for download speeds of up to 1.4 Gbps! 8 channels of upload for speeds of 262 Mbps make this an even more amazing value. Offering full compatibility for all major cable internet providers and IPv6, the latest internet standard, there isn’t much this modem isn’t capable of.
In fact, if you don’t have a high-speed internet this modem is a little over-powered. You won’t be able to fully take advantage of the ultra-fast download speeds this modem offers. However, this isn’t a bad thing, if you plan on improving your internet speed in the future, this can be quite a valuable investment even if it isn’t the newest Arris modem at the market.
There are other reasons to love this modem. It has 4 Gigabit ethernet ports, allowing for a whole lot of devices to connect directly to the modem for crazy fast speeds. In conjunction with a wireless router, it can offer WiFi speeds of up to 1750 Mbps. Coupled with 24/7 tech-support and a 2-year limited lifetime warranty, there really isn’t anything bad to say about this modem. It’s a beast!
Under $150
Arris SURFboard SBG6950AC2
Features
- 16×4 channel download/upload
- WiFi speed up to 1900 Mbps
- WiFi speed up to 1900 Mbps
Another Wi-Fi cable modem from Arris, the SBG6950AC2 continues the work of its predecessors offering very good performance with some added extras. It’s equipped with an AC1900 Dual Band Wi-Fi Router which allows up to 1900 mbps of Wi-Fi speed, and the Wi-Fi beamforming allows for better coverage and performance.
The 16×4 channels allow for a download speed up to 686 mbps and it also comes with 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports.
As usual, the device is compatible with most major ISP providers and it supports IPv4 and IPv6. The SBG6950AC2 also comes with McAfee Secure Whole Home which is a bonus to your network security since it’s designed to keep your network safe and secure from online threats. The device’s only wrinkle is that it can get hot sometimes.
Best Cable Modem Routers Under $200
TP-Link Archer CR1900
Features
- 24×8 channel download/upload
- Download speeds up to 1000Mbps
- WiFi speed up to 1900 Mbps
The TP-Link Archer CR1900 offers 24×8 channels of download/upload, equating to download speeds of up to 1000 Mbps. More importantly, unlike the previous TP-Link TC-7620 this modem has a built-in router that offers up to 1900Mbps Wi-Fi speeds with simultaneous 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands.
Using a combination of three internal antennas and high-powered amplifiers, this modem router is able to boost the signal strength of your internet connection while simultaneously reducing signal interference.
The modem/router is outfitted with 1 GHz dual-core processor that works to ensure a continuous, uninterrupted internet connection. Two USB ports allow you to connect to the data network and share files across the local area network and four Gigabit ethernet connections allow you to connect to all your devices for improved downloading and streaming.
As usual, this cable modem router is covered with a two-year warranty, and technical support is available 24/7. All said and done, this is a very capable modem/router and an excellent choice for those who don’t like unnecessary electronics in their home.
Netgear C6300-100NAS
Features
- 16×4 channel download/upload
- Download speeds of up to 680 Mbps
- WiFi speed of 1750 Mbps
Another Netgear cable modem in our list, the C6300-100NAS, offers a 16×4 channel split, with download speeds of up to – you guessed it – 680 Mbps. Like all the other modems I’ve reviewed, this modem is compatible with most major cable ISPs. This two-in-one modem and WiFi router offers awesome internet capabilities at an exceptional value.
USB connectivity allows you to easily connect all your devices into the network for wireless USB drive access and media entertainment purposes. 1750 Mbps WiFi powers your laptop and mobile devices, and 4 Gigabit ethernet connectivity cables provide ultra-fast internet for your next-gen gaming consoles. Easy-to-install parental controls allow you to filter out inappropriate content with password protection.
Powered with a high-performance Intel processor and compatible with both current and next-generation internet performance devices, the Netgear C6300-100NAS provides all the basics you expect in a modem and router while still finding new ways to offer just a little bit more.
Motorola MG7700 24×8 Cable Modem
Features
- 24×8 channel download/upload
- Download speeds over 1000Mbps
- WiFi speed of 1900 Mbps
The MG7700 couples great download speed with awesome wireless capabilities and improved performance offers astonishing WiFi speeds. 28X8 download and upload channels allow for downloads over 1000 Mbps, and a WiFi power booster improves the WiFi signal to the maximum legal limit, which combines with signal beams at 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz for amazing WiFi connections.
This Motorola modem integrates the wireless router into its design, saving on space and clutter and offering superior performance through more direct internet broadcast signals.
The sleek, vertical design of this modem router keeps the modem cooler which improves its lifespan. The modem includes four Gigabit ethernet connections for more connections across your home, and a built-in firewall protects your computer from intrusive attacks.
Comcast Xfinity users should also check MOTOROLA MT7711 since it was specially made for Xfinity users and it is an improvement over MG7700.
Conclusion
Living in this modern world can be confusing. An abundance of options is great because it means that there is a perfect product out there for everyone. On the other hand, it can make for an overwhelming selection when you’re not sure exactly what you’re looking for.
You can’t go wrong with NETGEAR’s modems, and their CM600 boasts an incredible maximum download speed you won’t find with your modem rental. Really, though, you can’t go wrong with any of these modems. Whether you want the latest and greatest technology or are just looking for something to eliminate that modem rental, there is a little something here for everyone.
Do you have an awesome experience with one of these modems you would like to share, or a recommendation for another great cable modem? If so, let us know in the comments below; we’d love to hear from you!
