8 Best DOCSIS 3.1 Modems in 2023 [Future-proof]

DOCSIS 3.1 is the latest modem technology and is expected to remain relevant for at least the next 3 years. The chances of DOCSIS 4.0 coming into effect in 2023 are unlikely.

Given that, DOCSIS 3.1-powered modems and modem-router combos make perfect sense for your high-speed broadband internet. But there are numerous options to choose from, which might confuse you.

Worry not. Over the years, I’ve tested all cable modems with DOCSIS 3.1 and decided to review the best picks for specific needs.

8 Best DOCSIS 3.1 Modems in 2023 [Reviewed]

Picking the top 8 options wasn’t an easy task. I spent hours researching, understanding different needs, and testing modems across multiple aspects like speeds, consistency, compatibility with service providers, etc.

Note: DOCSIS 3.1 is backward compatible with DOCSIS 3.0, so even if your internet provider uses the 3.0 standard, the modems will still work.

1. Best Overall: ARRIS SURFboard S33

Identifying a future-proof modem that covers every possible base can be overwhelming until you find the ARRIS SURFboard S33. While its multi-ISP compatibility makes a compelling case, powerful hardware and reliable performance are the most important reasons for investing in the S33.

Also, compared to another product on the list i.e., the ARRIS SB8200, the S33 comes forth as a significant upgrade.

Speeds & Performance

The S33 is backward compatible and has 32 x 8 channel bonding. This means you get access to 32 downstream and eight upstream channels to work with, resulting in equivalent speeds of up to 1.5 Gbps. However, the final throughput depends on the router.

When paired with the TP-Link Archer AX90 and Xfinity Gigabit Extra plan, my MacBook Pro could reach 1187 Mbps in download and over 181 Mbps in upload. Note that this speed test was held at about 20 feet distance from the internet equipment.

Moving to 40 feet distance, the speeds dropped to 830 Mbps and 128 Mbps for downloads and uploads, respectively. The 2×2 OFDM/OFDMA channels help move several data packets at once, thereby increasing overall speeds and cutting through congestion.

Design & Ports

Regarding aesthetics, the Surfboard S33 features an innovative design with measurements reading 5.24 x 5.24 x 1.65 inches. The white-colored modem is primarily made of plastic and features strategic heat-dissipating vents on its top.

As for the ports, there are two Ethernet ports, with one featuring Gig support and the other slot supporting speeds of up to 2.5 Gbps. In addition to that, you get a coaxial input slot followed by the standard power port.

Hardware

The 1.2 GHz ARM-specific chipset helps the modem manage interference and congestion with perfection. Also, the SoC results in better channel allocation and even introduces the QAM enhancement for improved throughput and network speeds.

Conclusion

ARRIS S33 is one of the best-rated modems, purely based on purported network coverage and bandwidth channelizing capabilities. This means you can deploy this modem for high-speed internet plans.

For more in-depth details, read the dedicated S33 review.

2. Best Modem/Router Combo: Netgear CAX30S

If you’re a fan of combo devices and want the best for your networking setup, take a look at the Netgear CAX30S.

With the support of DOCSIS 3.1 modem tech, Wi-Fi 6 routing standard, powerful antennas, and hardware combine well to deliver the best internet speeds. Besides, its three-month free Netgear Armor subscription adds a nice touch to it.

Its performance certainly improves over its predecessor, CAX30, over upgrades in maximum speed support, added coverage, and in-built networking technologies.

Speeds & Performance

The cable modem router comes at an aggregated speed rating of AX2700, split between its two frequency bands as follows:

5 GHz: 1800 Mbps

2.4 GHz: 900 Mbps

I installed it in my test lab and noticed an immediate speed upgrade. Paired with the Xfinity Gigabit plan, the downloads and uploads at 20 feet were screaming at 924 Mbps and 33 Mbps, respectively.

Meanwhile, moving to 40 feet resulted in a speed dip, with each value faring at around 467 Mbps and 22 Mbps.

The speeds might alter with your internet plans and environment, but I can surely bet on its consistency. Despite the rate drops over a distance, none of the videos or online games lagged or froze.

WiFi Coverage & Connections Capacity

Netgear CAX30S with high-performance antennas claims to cover up an area as large as 2,500 Sq Ft, the size of a three-bedroom apartment.

To test it out, I took one of my laptops to the far corners of my 2,500 Sq Ft lab and had no speed or connection issues over WiFi. Besides, a stable flow of signals throughout the space takes its practical coverage range to be 2,200 Sq Ft.

CAX30S also didn’t disappoint when handling many smart devices at once. The antennas paired with the Smart Connect feature connect your devices to the fastest band available, so my 25 devices always seem to stay online without any jiffy.

Design & Ports

Netgear CAX30S boasts a slim, vertical build with its matt black finish that oozes a premium feel. I like this kind of design as it takes a minimal table space.

On the rear panel, its four ethernet port setup paves the way for additional and better connections, with download speeds maxing out at 989 Mbps. Even the high-end games over the wired connection went like a breeze.

Hardware

When testing the real-time performance, I knew there was something powerful on the inside. Indeed, a powerful 1.5GHz dual-core processor with decent RAM and flash memory ensures none of my connected devices experience any lags. Besides, the firmware updates can be done several times before the storage fills up.

Conclusion

Netgear CAX30S, just by the look of it, comes as one of the top combo devices. And performance-wise, it exceeded my expectations, as I could complete some important tasks and stream 4K videos without any issues. This makes it a perfect fit for most users, be they gamers or people working from home.

3. Best for Gaming: Motorola MB8611

Not many modems come with the AQM (Active Queue Management) support, which helps manage traffic better. If you indulge in gaming, streaming, or P2P downloads, the MB8611 is your best bet.

As I was previously using the MB8600, the MB8611 came forth as a slight yet worthy upgrade, courtesy of a multi-gig ethernet port.

Speeds & Performance

Like S33, this modem also handles internet plans up to 2500 Mbps. The speed depends on the router and internet plan for wireless connections.

Upon pairing it with the TP-Link Archer AX90 and Xfinity Gigabit Extra, i.e., 1200 Mbps plan, I could churn out 1171 Mbps and 169 Mbps download and uploads, respectively. This was when I performed a speed test at 20 feet distance.

As usual, the 40-feet speed test drops the speeds. If I talk in numbers, the download speed raked 796 Mbps, and the upload speed reached 116 Mbps.

The gaming performance is the best of the rest. I played Velorant at the highest possible graphic settings and didn’t notice any lag or latency.

Design & Ports

The MB8611 is one of the better-looking modems that ships with DOCSIS 3.1 standard. It comes in black, and the dimensions are 9.65 x 8.80 x 2.25 inches, making it a huge device. The heat dissipation vents are on the side, and you get access to 5 status indicative LEDs on the front and built-in surge protection.

However, unlike other options, there’s a single Ethernet slot with multi-gig speed capability.

Hardware

Motorola makes room for a standard ARM-specific chipset, which minimizes ISP throttling. Plus, this modem thrives on full-band digital tuning for keeping the speeds intact.

Conclusion

The low-ping gaming courtesy of AQM and powerful hardware qualifies it as one of the better options for gaming. Plus, it certainly makes a case for itself when aesthetics, heat dissipation, and the availability of 5 status-reporting lights.

Still confused about the Motorola MB8611? Read the full review.

4. Best with Phone Jack: Netgear CM2050V

If you plan to invest in a high-end modem with voice support, the Nighthawk CM2050V is worth investing in. I even compared it with the CM11150V and found that this is a better upgrade.

I would recommend this modem in 2023 and even beyond, owing to the multi-gigabit speeds and the ability to manage VoIP connections with perfection. If you are on the Xfinity Internet + Voice plan, this is one of the best telephony modems to invest in.

Speeds & Performance

Regarding the speeds, with the Xfinity Gigabit + Voice bundle, I could churn out close to 934 Mbps and 31 Mbps for download and upload, respectively. This test was measured with my staple TP-Link Archer AX90 router.

Moving at a 40-feet distance dropped the speed by around 30%, but that’s expected. Nevertheless, the 32 x 8 channel bonding support ensures excellent throughput. Still, the 2×2 DOCSIS 3.1 channel support is always available in case the ISP upgrades its catalog and adds multi-gig plans into the mix.

Hardware

The Broadcom chipset is a competent inclusion and allows the modem to scale beyond network congestion. Plus, if you are into gaming, this is one of the better devices to consider, owing to the lower latency.

Other performance-specific features include QoS support, allowing the modem to prioritize high-bandwidth tasks when connected directly to the computer.

Design & Ports

The CM2050V features a well-ventilated structure and measures 6.1 x 10.3 x 3.4 inches. Plus, there is a flat surface to account for, which lends added stability to the device. The device comes in matte black.

Not just that, the port arrangement of CM2050V deserves a special mention, with one 2.5G ethernet slot and two phone jacks.

Conclusion

The Netgear CM1150V is a top DOCSIS 3.1 voice-capable modem. Also, including QoS and a 2.5 Gbps port makes it a future-proof choice. However, it comes with a single ethernet port and is only compatible with Xfinity by Comcast, which takes it to the fourth place on the list.

5. Best Mesh Modem: Netgear Orbi CBK752

If my previous recommendation stays short of covering your large house with signals, consider this whole-home cable modem-router combo, Netgear Orbi CBK752.

A tri-band Wi-Fi 6 setup, powerful antennas with mesh support, and MU-MIMO for multi-device help keep it well ahead of the previous recommendation. But does it turn the tide with performance as well? Let’s find out.

Speeds & Performance

Orbi CBK752 boasts a tri-band setup with an aggregated speed of 4200 Mbps, where the respective rate on each band is as follows:

5 GHz (1): 2400 Mbps

5 GHz (2): 1400 Mbps

2.4 GHz: 600 Mbps

Paired with the Xfinity 1 Gbps plan, the performance saw a boost, especially at a distance. With the test system kept 20 feet away, my download speeds soared to 936 Mbps, and 35 Mbps was the upload speed. Meanwhile, at 40 feet, the respective download and upload speeds were recorded at 794 Mbps and 29 Mbps.

The signals were easily accessible even at 70 feet, keeping respective speeds at 563 Mbps and 22 Mbps. Overall, the Orbi turned out great in my throughput test, so my Rokus are screaming fast at streaming, 4K Zoom calls turned out great, and even online games are playable at 9ms ping and 98 FPS.

WiFi Coverage & Connections Capacity

Regarding coverage, Orbi CBK752 stays above most devices in the space with a maximum theoretical cap of 5,000 Sq Ft.

I installed the main router on the first floor and a satellite on the second in my 3,700 Sq Ft house, and the signals even breeze through each corner. Credits go to the six powerful beamforming antennas housed inside the device.

Paired with it, the MU-MIMO works wonders when it comes to handling multiple smart devices at once. In my test, the numbers maxed out at 32, but you can add a few more depending on the tasks you’re undertaking.

Design & Ports

If Orbi CBK752 components look familiar, they should. It uses the same basic oval tower design, but with dimensions of 11.4 x 10.3 x 8.9 inches and weighing 7.24 pounds, it’s bulkier than many Orbi devices. Its clean look and array of LED lights at the bottom make it aesthetically more pleasing.

In the rear panel of the main router, there are four Ethernet ports with a maximum speed cap of 1 Gbps. You can plug in your bandwidth-hogging devices to have an uninterrupted networking experience.

Hardware

Compared to CAX30S, the Orbi device houses a comparatively powerful 1.4GHz quad-core processor with decent RAM and flash memory. And as expected, performance was better, with improved streaming and gaming experience.

Conclusion

Overall, Orbi CBK752 is the fastest and longest-range DOCSIS 3.1 modem router combo, outperforming others in most aspects. Its USP is coverage, and my two-story house was filled with powerful signals.

Besides that, its powerful processor and clean design add a few brownie points to the total. But all good things come at a cost, and so is the CBK752 price.

6. Best Budget Combo: ARRIS SURFboard G34

Next on my list is ARRIS SURFboard G34, costing just around $200, It is one of the best budget-friendly DOCSIS 3.1-supported modem-router combos out there.

Despite affordability, the latest WiFi standard, decent range, multi-ISP compatibility, and improved wireless performance make it worth it.

Speeds & Performance

ARRIS G34 has an aggregated speed rating of AX3000, which means it can transfer data at a rate of 3000 Mbps, and respective band-wise speeds are as follows:

5 GHz: 2401 Mbps

2.4 GHz: 574 Mbps

Received this combo last year, and using it as often until now, I am quite impressed. I carried out a speed test across several locations in the house with my staple Xfinity Gigabit plan. Here are the results:

In the 20 feet test, the device managed respective download and upload speeds of 904 Mbps and 32 Mbps, respectively. Moving the test system to 40 feet resulted in 635 Mbps download speeds and 26 Mbps upload speeds.

On doubling the distance, speeds almost dropped to half, but consistency remained. And so even casual games and HD videos breeze through the speeds.

WiFi Coverage & Connections Capacity

In terms of coverage, G34 stays neck-to-neck with my top recommendation with a stipulated range of 2,000 Sq Ft. Installed in my client’s 1,500 Sq Ft home office, the device breezed through every corner and seeing through the stability, I am convinced you won’t run out of signals anywhere.

The modem-router combo also adds the ability to handle up to 25 devices, including laptops, computers, gaming consoles, smartphones, smart lights, and others.

Design & Ports

Aesthetically, G34, with its hardened plastic and black matt finish, looks great and blends well into your home decor. It measures 11.02 x 9.88 x 3.27 inches.

Further, there are four Ethernet ports to establish a direct connection with your bandwidth-intensive products.

Hardware

The 2-in-1 device features a multi-core chipset that works in tandem with 512MB RAM and decent flash storage to promise seamless performance throughout the devices. My test results aligned with the promises, and multiple tasks like gaming, streaming, video conferencing, and others at a time turned out great.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a value-for-money device for your home or office, Arris G34 can be a perfect resource for you. Its excellent speeds, above-par range, and device handling ability make it a suitable choice.

But it doesn’t cut it much in the routing department with lackluster security features and prioritized throughput.

7. Best Value for Money: ARRIS SURFboard SB8200

If you are looking for a budget yet futuristic modem featuring DOCSIS 3.1 standard, Arris SB8200 is my go-to recommendation.

In addition to the new-gen technology, the SB8200 also scales above the SB6190, with a much better processor and additional Gig Ethernet port to work with.

Speeds & Performance

Here’s a top-rated Gigabit modem that works with various ISPs. This is by far the most widely recommended model from my side.

As for the speeds, connecting it with the Netgear RAX54S and Xfinity Gig Internet, I could reach wireless speeds of up to 920 Mbps in download and over 32 Mbps in upload. This was at a 20-feet distance.

Moving my Mac to a 40 feet distance, I clocked 645 Mbps and 22 Mbps. These respective download and upload speeds are adequate for most internet-bound activities. However, the advanced DOCSIS technology and 32×8 channel bonding support drive these excellent throughputs.

Design & Ports

The SB8200 is easily one of the better-looking modems on the list, courtesy of its white exterior and manageable dimensions that read 5.24 x 4.24 x 1.65 inches.

Plus, you also get access to two Gig Ethernet slots followed by a wide range of status reporting lights, which are also fairly accurate. Most importantly, the ports support link aggregation, provided you have another IP assigned to use this feature.

Hardware

The ARM-powered chipset and 3GB RAM work in tandem to maintain excellent internet speeds and bandwidth consistency. However, the superb hardware configuration translates into the lowest possible gaming latency and zero buffering.

There’s also an elusive IPv6/IPv4 stack for automatic network addressing and the truest form of QoS for prioritizing bandwidth.

Conclusion

All in all, SB8200 from ARRIS is a value device that can handle gigabit internet. It runs smoothly, even after heavy usage. The features and performance it provides make it a great buy for around $120. Check out the full review.

8. Cheapest Option: Hitron CODA

Last but not least, presenting Hitron CODA, one of the cheapest modems that has DOCSIS 3.1 standard. Its decent set of features like 32 x 8 channel bonding, two Ethernet ports, and multi-ISP compatibility makes it suitable for most households.

Speeds & Performance

With 32 upstream and 8 downstream channels, Hitron Coda claims to support plans up to 1 Gbps. I was quite satisfied after a week of usage with a staple TP-Link Archer AX90 router and Xfinity 1 Gbps plan.

In close proximity (20 feet), the test device could yield speeds of up to 897 Mbps and 31 Mbps, respectively, for downloads and uploads. Separating the source and test device further (40 feet) resulted in respective speeds of 602 Mbps and 21 Mbps.

The outputs are inferior to my previous recommendations, but even then, streaming 4K videos, video conferencing, sending emails, browsing the web, and others seem like a child’s play.

Design & Ports

Hitron CODA doesn’t ooze a premium feel at all, but its white hardened plastic cover seems decent, and with dimensions of 11.89 x 7.48 x 2.91 inches, it doesn’t take much of your tablespace.

Now, talking about the ports, there are two Gigabit ports where one is occupied with the router. You only get one to connect your high-bandwidth devices, so get a router with enough ports, provided you need to.

Hardware

Hitron is rather reserved about what it packs inside, but considering the performance I got over the week, I can confirm there’s a powerful multi-core processor. It works in tandem with the 512MB RAM and 256MB flash storage to ensure fast transmission of data packets and adequate space for storing firmware.

Conclusion

Overall, Hitron Coda is the cheapest DOCSIS 3.1 modem, striking an ideal equilibrium between functionality, performance, and affordability.

It delivers impressive speeds and is capable of handling a wide range of corporate or household tasks effectively. Additionally, its robust hardware ensures a seamless experience with no delays, latency, or disruptions.

What is DOCSIS 3.1?

DOCSIS stands for Data over cable service interface specification. This technology allows your cable system to work with a cable modem.

DOCSIS 3.1 is an upgrade to the previous DOCSIS 3.0 technology that allows the coaxial cables to provide gigabit-level speeds, which were previously possible only via optic fiber cables.

Although DOCSIS 3.1 modems come with backward compatibility, i.e., they’re compatible with DOCSIS 3.0 connections, I highly recommend you ensure that your internet provider has implemented the technology on their network.

If you’re on the DOCSIS 3.1-based connection, then you’ll need a DOCSIS 3.1 device to be able to take benefit of the technology. And if you’re wondering if you should wait for version 4.0, read the differences between DOCSIS 3.1 and 4.0.

There are plenty of DOCSIS 3.1 cable modems available in the market. Make sure that it supports the speeds according to your internet plan. Also, make sure that the modem is approved by your service provider. (It won’t work if it isn’t compatible with your ISP.)

Also, if you’re someone who would upgrade to a faster internet speed in the future, then consider getting the modem that has high channel bonding, The ones in this list come with a channel bonding around 32 x 8 (The higher the numbers, the better the capabilities.)

There are a lot of other factors that could change the best modem for you, it doesn’t matter what requirements/factors change, our list will have at least 1 modem that’ll satisfy your needs.

Should I get a DOCSIS 3.1 modem or wait for DOCSIS 4.0?

DOCSIS 3.1 based-modems are more expensive than DOCSIS 3.0. However, despite the launch of DOCSIS 4.0 (which is not yet public), most service providers in the US still don’t have internet plans that could make full use of DOCSIS 3.1 technology.

So even if you purchase a DOCSIS 3.1 modem now, it won’t possibly get obsolete speed-wise in the next 4-6 years. IMO, you should surely get one!

DOCSIS 3.0 vs DOCSIS 3.1: Differences

DOCSIS 3.1 is superior to 3.0, but how? It comes with an increased downstream and upstream capacity, channel bonding, ODFM support, and wideband channel and is highly efficient.

DOCSIS 3.0 comes with a downstream and upstream capacity of 1 Gbps and 200 Mbps, respectively. On the other hand, DOCSIS 3.1 comes with 10 Gbps downstream & 1-2 Gbps upstream. Capacity-wise, 3.1 is ten times faster than 3.0.

Note: I’ve written an in-depth comparison between major DOSIS standards in a separate post.

Frequently Asked Questions

Verdict

If you want to future-proof your home or office network with such a 3.1 modem, here are some of the use cases to take note of:

• If you are preparing for high-speed internet plans, I would recommend the ARRIS SURFboard S33 over anything else.
• For users looking to get on an Internet + Voice plan from the likes of Xfinity, the Netgear CM2050V is a great choice.
• If you are a budget buyer still willing to experience the futuristic perks of the latest modem technology, the Hitron CODA is your best bet.
• If you’re searching for a DOCSIS 3.1-based modem router combo, you can cut the clutter and get the Netgear CAX30S or ARRIS G34, depending on your budget.