7 Best DOCSIS 3.1 Modems in 2021 [For Gigabit Connections]

Are you in search of a fast DOCSIS 3.1 modem for your high-speed gigabit internet plan? To make this list, I spent 231 hours researching, reviewing, testing, and comparing over 43 different modems & modem/router combos with service providers like Comcast Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox, Optimum, etc.

While DOCSIS 3.1 supports downstream speeds upto 10 Gbps, gigabit service providers in the United States hardly provide speeds upto 2 Gbps, thereby, you must know that purchasing a modem alone won’t get you that amount of speeds. However, modems with DOCSIS 3.1 technology are better than DOCSIS 3.0 owing to the OFDM and wideband channel support.

You also can’t just buy any random modem and plug it in with your service provider, you’ll need to make sure that it’s approved by your cable provider. Besides, you’ll also need to ensure that the device is suited for the speeds you are subscribed to.

The 7 Best DOCSIS 3.1 Modems in 2021

Now that you understand the technology, aren’t you looking forward to buying a DOCSIS 3.1 modem? But confused with which one? Well, don’t worry, we’ve ranked and reviewed the 7 best models that are fast and reliable!

1. Best Gigabit Modem: Arris Surfboard S33

Identifying a future-proof modem that covers every possible base can be an overwhelming experience unless you purchase the Arris Surfboard S33. While I would recommend the same for almost every multi-gig plan there is, immunizing your home network against the technological renaissance is the most important reason for investing in the S33.

Also, when compared to another product on the list i.e. the Arris SB8200, the S33 comes forth as a more beefed-up option, courtesy of the state-of-art, multi-gig port.

Why is this device relevant in 2021?

With cable ISPs like Cox and Comcast planning to introduce multi-gig plans, it is necessary to future-proof the home and internet setup with an efficient modem. Therefore, purchasing the Surfboard S33 makes sense in 2021 as you might soon have to shift to higher speeds and bandwidths to survive efficiently in an IoT space with multiple smart devices working in tandem.

Speed and Channel Bonding

The Surfboard S33 is a DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem but it starts with DOCSIS 3.0 and 32×8 channel bonding support, out of the box. This means you get access to 32 downstream and 8 upstream channels to work with, resulting in equivalent speeds of up to 1.5Gbps.

However, the final throughput depends on the router you wish to pair the S33 with. Also, if and when the concerned ISP comes with multi-gig plans, the modem would be able to make use of the DOCSIS 3.1 standard and the additional 2×2 OFDM/OFDMA channels for moving several data packets at once, thereby increasing overall speeds and cutting through congestion.

I connected the modem to an AC3200 router with the Mediacom Gig internet plan as the base. This way I could easily get maximum download speeds of up to 966Mbps, on the near band.

Hardware and Performance

The 1.2GHz 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.

Design and Build

When it comes to 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 weighs 1.52 pounds to be exact.

Other structural enhancements include the availability of two Ethernet ports, with one featuring Gig support and the other slot supporting connection bandwidth of up to 2.5Gbps. In addition to that, you get a coaxial input slot followed by the standard power port.

Why is it on the list?

The Arris Surfboard S33 makes it to the list purely on the basis of purported network coverage and bandwidth channelizing capabilities. This means you can deploy this modem for reaching maximum speeds of up to 3.5Gbps, provided you establish a direct connection with the PC.

Not just that, the topmost position on the list is completely justified as this is one of the few modems in the entire retail space to offer 2×2 OFDM channels and the solitary 2.5G port, as opposed to standard Gig ports housed by other devices on the list.

Suggested Reads:

• Arris S33 vs Motorola MB8611
• Arris S33 vs SB8200

2. Best Runner Up: Motorola MB8600

Not many modems have the hardware and technological standards for supporting P2P downloads, torrenting, streaming, and even online gaming. If you want to actively take part in these activities, the Motorola MB8600 seems like the perfect investment to make.

As I was previously using the MB7220, the MB8600 came forth as a massive upgrade, allowing me to experience the best possible speeds and a whole new world of DOCSIS 3.1 technology.

Why is this device relevant in 2021?

With the work from home culture expected to become an integral part of the new normal, it is necessary to invest in a high-speed modem that is more than capable of handling Gig plans from a wide range of service providers.

The Motorola MB8600, therefore, comes forth as the best possible choice, courtesy of its multi-ISP compatibility and ability to reach the highest possible speeds even in a congested realm.

While this modem is totally relevant, in case you’re still looking for a better version of this modem for a slightly higher price, you shall consider getting the MB8611 (you can read my in-depth comparison between both of them here.)

Speed and Channel Bonding

When it comes to the overall speeds, I would recommend purchasing this modem for reaching 1000 Mbps in the wired mode. For wireless connections, the speed depends on the router and I was able to churn out close to 920Mbps with a TP-Link AC2200 routing device in place.

At present, the speeds are influenced by the DOCSIS 3.0 technology and the availability of 32 downstream and 8 upstream channels. However, the MB8600 keeps the DOCSIS 3.1 standard handy for using the spectrum better, if and when necessary.

Hardware and Performance

Motorola makes room for a standard ARM-specific chipset, which is instrumental in minimizing ISP throttling. Plus, this modem thrives on the full-band digital tuning support for keeping the speeds intact. Also, the MB8600 makes way for AQM support, which efficiently prioritizes the high-bandwidth tasks.

Design and Build

The MB8600 is one of the better-looking modems on the list that comes in black and weighs 2.1 pounds. The dimensions are set at 9.65 x 8.80 x 2.25 inches, making it a gargantuan device. Plus, you also get access to 5 indicative LEDs and a solitary Gig Ethernet slot.

Why is it on the list?

It is the multi-router and multi-ISP compatibility that made me put this on the list with some of the other bigger names. However, it certainly makes a case for itself when aesthetics, heat dissipation, and the availability of 5 status-reporting lights are concerned. Still confused about the Motorola MB8600, read my in-depth review.

This modem has been compared with:

• Arris SB8200 vs Motorola MB8600

3. Best with Link Aggregation: Arris SB8200

If you are looking for an aesthetic yet futuristic modem for your home and office network, I would suggest the Arris SB8200 over other products on the list. Also, if you already own the older SB6190 with DOCSIS 3.0 support, you should be able to relate better to this upgrade.

In addition to the new-gen technology, the SB8200 also scales above the SB6190, with an additional Gig Ethernet port to work with. In case you’re looking for a modem/router combo, then you shall consider getting the Arris SBG8300.

Why is this device relevant in 2021?

I feel that the competitive price point and the availability of two Ethernet slots make it one of the better choices in 2021. Plus, this modem is compatible with a wide range of ISPs like Sparklight, Xfinity, etc., and seems more than capable of accommodating multi-gig plans, depending on your choice of the service provider.

Speed and Channel Bonding

I had the opportunity to test the modem with a standard Linksys router and also upon connecting it directly with the PC. While I could reach wireless speeds of up to 920Mbps, obviously with a Gig internet plan, the wired speeds were in line with 1Gbps, owing to the minimal attenuation.

The average upload speeds were close to 60Mbps, which seems more than adequate for P2P activities.  However, it is the DOCSIS 3.0 technology and 32×8 channel bonding support that drive these excellent throughputs.

 But then, Arris ensures the availability of DOCSIS 3.1 technology, as a means to manage high-speed plans by sending across 10 times more data packets as compared to DOCSIS 3.0.

Hardware and Performance

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

Design and Build

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. But then, at 2.2 pounds this is quite a heavy product and requires some effort to be moved around.

Plus, you also get access to two GigE 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 make use of this feature.

Why is it on the list?

The Arris SB8200 makes it to third place on the list by subverting other products on the list in terms of aesthetics and the elusive IPv6/IPv4 stack for automatic network addressing and the truest form of QoS.

This modem has been compared with:

• Arris SB6190 vs. Arris SB8200
• Netgear CM1000 vs Arris SB8200

4. Best with Phone Jack (Voice Support): Netgear CM1150V

If you are planning to invest in a high-end modem with voice support, the Netgear CM1150V is worth investing in, courtesy of the DOCSIS 3.1 support and two functional telephone ports. I even compared it with the CM1000, which is a non-voice variant, and was amazed to witness the availability of 4 Gig Ethernet ports on the former as opposed to one on the CM1000.

Why is this device relevant in 2021?

I would recommend this modem in 2021 and even beyond, owing to the multi-ISP compatibility including Cox, Comcast, Spectrum, Midco, etc., and the ability to manage VoIP connections with perfection. Therefore, if you are on the Xfinity internet + voice plan, this is the best device to invest in.

Speed and Channel Bonding

As far as the speeds go, I could churn out close to 980Mbps for select internet plans. However, the modem doesn’t need to summon the DOCSIS 3.1 technology for achieving similar speeds. Instead, the DOCSIS 3.0 support that comes out of the box is more than enough for the gig internet plans.

The 32×8 channel bonding support ensures excellent throughput but 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 and Performance

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 support for QoS, which allows the modem to prioritize high-bandwidth tasks when connected directly to the computer.

Design and Build

The CM1150V 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 CM1150V comes in matte black and weighs 1.33 pounds, which is pretty standard for a networking device.

Not just that, the port arrangement associated with this product deserves a special mention with 4 GigE ports to show for. Plus, there are two dedicated slots for accommodating telephone lines, to make the best use of IP telephony.

Why is it on the list?

The Netgear CM1150V makes it to the list, courtesy of the 4 Ethernet slots, which is a rarity for standalone modems. Also, the inclusion of voice support makes it a better bet as compared to other products on the list.

5. Best for Wired Connections: Netgear CM1200

If setting up high-speed wired connections is one of your priorities, you should not second-guess purchasing the Netgear CM1200. Also, I found it to be a better bet as compared to the CM1000 from the same company as the CM1200 comes with 3 additional Ethernet ports as compared to the former.

Why is this device relevant in 2021?

Going into 2021 and beyond, you should prepare for the new era of internet access with a focus on multi-gig plans from different ISPs. The CM1200, therefore, offers the flexibility of experiencing the best possible speeds, regardless of which cable internet service provider launches the same in the first place.

Speed and Channel Bonding

When it comes to speeds, you can very well experience 900Mbps or even more, depending on the router you wish to add to the scheme of things. However, if you choose to make direct connections, the CM1200 is more than capable of reaching download speeds of up to 1000Mbps and upload speeds of almost 130Mbps.

While the final speeds and throughput might vary depending on the ISP you choose to connect with, it is the DOCSIS 3.1 technology that keeps the door open for experiencing multi-gig bandwidths. However, the CM1200 supports fallback to DOCSIS 3.0 for standard conditions with the 32×8 channel bonding support leading the way for now.

Hardware and Performance

There is a dual-core chipset in play, which ensures improved speeds even when the network is congested. Also, Netgear makes way for IPv6 support for improving QoS functionality and ease of configuration.

Design and Build

The CM1200 resembles the CM1150V from the same company when design and structural footprint are concerned. The dimensions are exactly the same at 6.1 x 10.3 x 3.4 inches and even the former makes way for a modem stabilizing stand at the bottom.

As far as the ports are concerned, the similarities continue with the availability of 4 Gig Ethernet slots in play. However, there are no telephone ports on the CM1200, making it impractical for voice-bundled internet plans.

Why is it on the list?

The availability of 4 Ethernet slots and a mesh-like layout make the Netgear CM1200 topple other products on the list to feature fourth among the stalwarts. Also, the pricing is at par with my expectations and wouldn’t burn a hole in anyone’s pocket.

6. Best Modem/Router Combo: Motorola MG8702

Regardless of an entire pool of modem-router combos being available in the retail space, I chose to go with the Motorola MG8702, owing to the DOCSIS 3.1 standard and the exceptional routing capabilities.

I even compared it with yet another impactful combo i.e. the MG7540 and found that the MG8702 comes equipped with additional amplifiers for extending the range whilst supporting concurrent Beamforming for both 5GHz and 2GHz wireless bands.

Why is this device relevant in 2021?

I feel that the MG8702 is the best DOCSIS 3.1 modem router combo that can fit in with any high-speed Gig internet plan and even has the firepower to support the futuristic multi-gig offering. However, it is the multi-ISP compatibility i.e. support for Cox, Charter, Xfinity, and Sparklight that qualifies it as the best combo to get in 2021.

Speed and Channel Bonding

Coming to the speeds, the modem supports internet plans reaching up to 2000Mbps. However, you can only achieve the same if you establish a wired connection with the computer, Smart TV, or even a gaming console.

As far as the wireless throughput is concerned, the 5GHz band allows you to reach maximum download speeds of up to 970Mbps, for select Gig internet plans. However, for the 2.4GHz, you can barely get 180Mbps.

However, as it is an AC3200 router as well, the device can reach cumulative data speeds of over 2Gbps, provided you use it to transfer data across the LAN network without accessing the WAN internet.

Hardware and Performance

The MG8702 comes equipped with a Broadcom chipset, which is capable of minimizing transmission loss and latency. However, it is the MU-MIMO support that stands out and allows the combo to establish connections with over 30 devices at once.

As far as the routing performances are concerned, the 4×4 spatial streams offer excellent coverage. Plus, the full band tuner is one of the best inclusions for keeping speeds and efficiency up to market levels.

Design and Build

Motorola ensures that the MG8702 is on the heavier side at 1.9 pounds. When it comes to dimensions, the product measures a significant 9.5 x 8.8 x 2.8 inches. Also, the combo is currently retailing in black and made out of hardened plastic.

Other relevant specs include 4 GigE ports, one USB 3.0 port for data sharing across networks, and 10 indicative LEDs.

Other structural enhancements include the availability of two Ethernet ports, with one featuring Gig support and the other slot supporting connection bandwidth of up to 2.5Gbps. In addition to that, you get a coaxial input slot followed by the standard power port.

Why is it on the list?

The Motorola MG8702 makes the cut purely on the basis of its multi-dimensional traits. Also, it scales beyond other powerful combos in the retail space courtesy of the high-speed USB port, intuitive traffic control with MU-MIMO, and better app-based control over the network.

7. Best Value for Money: Netgear CM1100

Finding DOCSIS 3.1 compatible modems at an affordable price point wasn’t possible unless I identified the Netgear CM1100, selling like hot cakes in the retail space.

As I was intrigued by the technological coverage, I chose to compare it with the mid-range CM700. However, the CM1100 readily came out on top, courtesy of the new-gen DOCSIS support and the availability of an additional Gig port.

Why is this device relevant in 2021?

I would suggest purchasing the CM1100 purely for its multi-ISP compatibility, with support for Cox, Spectrum, Comcast, and more. Also, if you are a corporate employee and looking to set up a pretty fast internet setup at home, the competitive price tag qualifies this modem as the best possible option.

Speed and Channel Bonding

As far as the speeds are concerned, this modem is capable of supporting internet plans that close in on 1000Mbps. However, if you can get the ISP to offer multi-Gig plans, I can expect this modem to offer download speeds of up to 1.2Gbps over wired connections.

Coming to the channel bonding support, there are 32 downstream and 8 upstream channels to work with, which act as multiple lanes within the coaxial cable and send forth data packets at enviable speeds.

But then, Netgear also incorporates the DOCSIS 3.1 technology and the 2×2 OFDM support for opening the channels further, in case you experience congestion.

Hardware and Performance

This modem comes equipped with a standard Broadcom processor and 256MB of RAM. This configuration paves the way for link-aggregation support and even supports the IPv6 standard and therefore auto configuration.

Design and Build

As far as the structure is concerned, the CM1100 looks a lot like the CM1200. However, it weighs a lot less at 1-pound and measures 8.8 x 3.4 x 5.9 inches. Also, this modem in black exhibits a meshed layout and is one of the more stable devices in the market, in terms of physicality.

You also get access to 2 Gig Ethernet ports followed by a standalone port for accommodating the coaxial cable.

Why is it on the list?

This modem is compatible with Xfinity and Cox, right out of the box, making it one of the more sought-after and credible networking resources around. However, it readily disrupts the existing space with the 128MB storage space that is good enough for keeping the firmware details intact.

Frequently Asked Questions

Verdict

I won’t be judging if you find every DOCSIS 3.1 modem to be similar, in terms of offerings and services. However, if you want to future-proof your home or office network with such an impactful modem, here are some of the use cases to take note of:

• If you are preparing for high-speed internet plans and willing to bring in a Wi-Fi AX router into the mix, I would recommend the Arris Surfboard S33 over other products on the list.
• For users looking to get on an Internet + Voice plan from the likes of Xfinity, the Netgear CM1150V seems like a better bet
• If you are a budget buyer and still willing to experience the futuristic perks of the DOCSIS 3.1 standard, the Netgear CM1100 seems like the best possible option
• In case you want to avoid searching for a router to pair with a DOCSIS 3.1 modem, you can cut the clutter and end up getting the Motorola MG8702, with the modem-router integrated as one

In addition to these curated selections, you can also pick any other product of choice, depending on your professional requirements, personal preferences, and obviously the budget.

What is DOCSIS 3.1?

DOCSIS stands for Data over cable service interface specification. It basically is a technology that 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 was 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, but I highly recommend you to make sure 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 DOCSIS 3.1 modem to be able to take the benefit of the technology.

The Verdict

The list finally comes to an end. There are plenty of DOCSIS 3.1 modems available in the market, before you buy make sure that it supports the speeds according to your internet plan. Also, make sure that 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 future, then consider getting the modem that has high channel bonding, the ones in our list come a channel bonding around 32 x 8 (Higher the numbers, better is the capabilities.)

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