ARRIS Surfboard S33 Review: Finally A Modem That Shines!

ARRIS Surfboard S33 is one of the top-rated cable modems that combines powerful hardware and aesthetic design. With DOCSIS 3.1, 32 x 8 channel bonding, 4 OFDM channels, and a 2.5 Gbps port, it’s a highly efficient networking device for multi-gig internet setup.

Furthermore, if you compare Arris S33 with Arris SB8200 (preceding model) it brings upgrades to the design and port setup. So, specs-wise, it’s a solid device but how reliable is it in terms of throughput and consistency? Is it worth investing $199 in this DOCSIS 3.1 2.5G modem?

Let’s find out!

ARRIS S33 Specs

Not interested in tech stack? Jump right into the S33 review!

Technology	DOCSIS 3.1
Backward Compatibility	Yes
Channel Bonding	32 x 8
Ethernet Ports	1 x 2.5G Ethernet + 1 x Gig Ethernet (Total Power: 3.5 Gbps)
Phone Jack	No
Modem-Router Combo	No
Suitable Internet Plan	Up to 2500 Mbps
Compatible ISPs	Xfinity, Cox, Spectrum, Optimum, Mediacom, Astound, Breezeline, and WOW Internet.
Processor	N/A
RAM	1GB
NAND Storage	128MB
Dimensions	5.14 x 1.8 x 4.74 inches
Weight	0.9 pounds

ARRIS S33 Review: 6 Months Later

1. ARRIS S33 Speed & Suitability

Being the fastest modem in the Surfboard lineup, Arris S33 has got a maximum download speed of 3.5 Gbps. So, I decided to pair it with Xfinity’s Gigabit Pro (2 Gbps) internet plan connected to the TP-Link Archer AX90 router, and the results were pretty impressive.

On my Dell laptop, the download speed reached over 2100 Mbps, while the upload speed scored 894 Mbps. Plus, the existing 2.5G ethernet port supports Link Aggregation, so you need to get a separate IP assigned to you as a different connection.

Not just Xfinity, but I also used the S33 modem for other ISPs while testing and reviewing Cox, Spectrum, and Optimum internet. I found its throughput and performance to be consistent with all of the service providers I just mentioned.

To be more specific, using it for the Optimum 2 Gig coaxial plan got me a download speed of around 1.9 Gbps and an upload speed of 835 Mbps. Therefore, if your ISP has a multi-gig plan or is to be launched in the future, Arris S33 is a worthy future-ready high-speed modem.

Besides, Arris Surfboard S33 has got 4 OFDMA channels that allow an AP to assign an entire channel to a single user. So, when multiple users are connected to the network, the devices on a wired connection won’t experience a speed fluctuation.

2. ISP Compatibility & Service Plan Suggestions

Compatibility-wise, this cable modem is very hard to beat. With top-notch ARRIS S33 specs, it supports the high-speed plans of most ISPs in the US.

Here’s a full list of compatible internet providers and their ideal plan to use with the ARRIS Surfboard S33 DOCSIS 3.1 modem:

• Xfinity by Comcast – Gigabit Pro
• Optimum – 1 Gig or 2 Gig Coaxial
• Cox – Gigablast
• Mediacom Xtream – 1 Gig Internet
• Astound Broadband – 1.2 Gigabit
• Breezeline – 1000 Mbps
• WOW Internet – 1.2 Gigabit Internet

3. Ports & Wired Connectivity

As you can see in the image above, the S33 modem comes with one service coaxial connector and two Ethernet ports. Amongst the Ethernet ports, one is a 2.5 Gbps multi-gig port, while the other is the standard Gigabit port.

This is what separates it from the Gigabit cable modems. S33 lets you use the ports in multiple ways. Connect the devices to the 1 Gbps port or 2.5 Gbps port for faster downloads and uploads. You can also combine both ports to access even faster speeds, thanks to LAN link aggregation support.

Unfortunately, there isn’t any USB port, so connecting your peripheral devices and faster data transfer is never an option.

4. Design & Build

ARRIS S33 cable modem boasts an aesthetic build, courtesy of its rounded edges. The modem stands on the lighter side with dimensions of 5.14 x 1.8 x 4.74 inches and weighs around 0.9 pounds. With a sleek build, it doesn’t take up much space on your table. But unlike other Surfboard models, you don’t get ARRIS modem status lights on its front.

The heat dissipation vent on the top ensures the device stays cool even after hours of stress.

5. Setup & App Support

Setting up Arris S33 is a simple process. Refer to the picture above and start by connecting the cable modem to the wall outlet using a coaxial cable, and wait for the indicator light to turn on. Then, plug one end of the Ethernet cable into the respective Ethernet port and another end into the router or device you are connecting to.

After you finish the cable connections part, you need to register or activate the S33 modem using Surfboard Central app. Log in using your provided credentials and follow the on-screen prompts to complete the activation.

6. Hardware Configuration

The manufacturer hasn’t mentioned about ARRIS Surfboard S33 chipset, but consistent and lag-free throughput indicates it has encased something powerful inside. Its multi-core processor works harmoniously with 1GB RAM and delivers stable performance.

And working with 32 downstream and 8 upstream channels minimizes latencies and lags while gaming.

Pros and Cons of Arris S33

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Priced just below $200, the DOCSIS 3.1 2.5G modem is an excellent choice for those having an internet plan of 1 Gbps or more. Pair it with a Wi-Fi 6 router and experience faster speeds on all your devices.