4 Best Gigabit Modems in 2022 [Expert Recommendations]

Are you a top corporate professional who wants the best possible internet speeds at home for making the WFH setup even more productive? Or, are you a business owner who prefers top-tier connectivity across office premises? Well, if these are your priorities, it is better to get your hands on the high-quality Gigabit modems.

A 1000 Mbps modem isn’t just about the availability of Gig Ethernet ports. To be honest, most standard modems stack in quite a few GigE ports for setting up wired connections. For qualifying as a good Gigabit modem, the device needs to be able to supply at least 1Gbps of throughput to the connected routers, provided you have plans of going wireless.

Other features to look for in Gig modems include multiple Ethernet ports, preferably with link aggregation support, DOCSIS 3.1 support, a well-ventilated design, an interactive interface, a top-notch hardware setup, a wide range of indicative lights, and IPv6 support that translates into QoS functionality.

But then, most prospective buyers end up purchasing modems that aren’t good enough for Gig-level speeds. Also, lack of sufficient LEDs, restricted warranties, and latency-prone hardware setups are commonly encountered while purchasing. However, I have taken care of these pain points and come up with a list of the best gig speed modems that you can consider investing in, in 2022.

Best Gigabit Modems of 2022

Watch out as I shall be reviewing three of the best gig modems that money can buy. While these modems might look comparable in terms of technology, they do differ at an elementary level and even when the brand presence is concerned. Also, each modem in the list caters to a specific category of users.

So let’s dive right in:

1. Best Overall: Arris Surfboard SB8200

The Arris Surfboard SB8200 is easily one of the best Docsis 3.1 modems that money can buy. And purchasing this makes a lot of sense if you are into gaming as modem doesn’t only support Gig internet plans but even allows you to reach multi-Gig speeds, in specific cases.

And what’s even cooler is that it performs even better than the Arris SB6190, which is also quite a powerful device to work with, owing to an additional Gigabit Ethernet port.

Why is it suited for Gig Internet?

While there are quite a few reasons to get it for attaining Gig internet speeds, it is the DOCSIS 3.1 tech and the DOCSIS 3.0 fallback that makes it more relevant. The 32 x 8 channel bonding support and the max speed limit of up to 2Gbps ensures compatibility with some of the top-rated ISPs offering the best Gig internet plans.

As mentioned in my dedicated review of SB8200, the modem works well with Gig internet plans from Cox, Xfinity, Spectrum, and even other ISPs.

Ports & Connectivity

This modem sports two high-speed Ethernet ports. And what’s important to note is that while one port can feed the corresponding router, the other Gigabit port can cater to any bandwidth-intensive device like a gaming console, smart TV, or more.

And Arris SB8200 also offers link aggregation support, which means that you can connect the throughput of both the ports to reach multi-gig speeds, provided the ISP provides you with two IPs.

Design & Build

When it comes to aesthetics, the SB8200 sports a plastic-clad form factor that weighs close to 2 pounds and measures 5.24 x 5.24 x 1.65 inches. While this easily makes it one of the sleeker modems around, the well-ventilated layout ensures that overheating is hardly an issue.

Hardware & Performance

Arris stacks in some serious firepower here, led by an efficient Broadcom processor and 3GB of high-speed RAM. Features like these make it possible for the SB8200 to scale through congestion with relative ease. On top of that, you get 128MB of storage support to house the firmware details and other insights. And there is 16MB of flash storage space to help you handle network configuration seamlessly.

Conclusion

Overall, the Arris SB8200 is quite a powerful modem to work with, especially if you are into gaming, 4K streaming, and other bandwidth-intensive activities. And when it comes to the additional skill sets, it is the hardware arrangement that sets it apart from other Gigabit cable modems on the list.

2. Best Runner Up: Motorola MB8600

The MB8600 is arguably the most inventive modem on the list, best suited if you want to set up an ultra-fast wireless or wired network, especially with multi-Gig requirements in mind. And if you are looking for an upgrade over the existing MB7220, the new-gen Motorola MB8600 seems like the perfect modem to invest in, courtesy of the future-proof DOCSIS 3.1 tech.

Why is it suited for Gig Internet?

Well, there are quite a few reasons to pick this modem up, but what makes the most sense is the 32 x 8 channel bonding support, courtesy of the DOCSIS 3.0 fallback. Assuming that you can use this modem to the fullest, it is possible to reach multi-Gig-level speeds of almost 3.8Gbps, provided the ISP can offer the requisite resources.

And, you can use the gig functionality across ISPs as this modem works equally well with Gig-level internet plans from CableOne, Comcast, Cox, and more.

Ports & Connectivity

This is where things get interesting for the MB8600. Motorola makes room for one open GigE ethernet port that actually connects with the router or the smart device that needs high bandwidth. However, there are three camouflaged ports in play that support link aggregation and are meant to boost the throughput of the primary port, provided the ISP shells out multiple IPs.

Therefore, with the MB8600 in play and with the ISP permitting better DOCSIS 3.1-level speeds in the future, you can make sure that the connected routers can easily reach speeds of up to 900Mbps over the 5GHz band.

Design & Build

This modem weighs 1.15 pounds and measures 7.88 x 7.25 x 2.25 inches, to be exact. However, the vertical design exhibited by the same is one of a kind and ensures proper ventilation and zero overheating. And this is one of the few modems to sport ten status-reporting lights, which indicate accurately.

Hardware & Performance

At the core, Motorola sports a standard Broadcom SoC that works in tandem with 512MB of high-speed RAM and 128MB of overall storage, meant for the firmware upgrades. Despite being less powerful than the Arris SB8200, the MB8600 manages to cut through congestion and interference like a pro.

And it even includes IPv6 support for better network prioritization and AQM compatibility for that gaming and productivity boost.

Conclusion

It wouldn’t be wrong to state that the Motorola MB8600 is a powerful, useful, and easy-to-setup cable modem on the list. And most importantly, it outpaces other products around, courtesy of its powerful link aggregation support.

3. Best for Offices: Netgear CM1100

The Netgear Nighthawk CM1100 is one of the more affordable products on the list, boasting a powerful internal setup and top-shelf networking technologies to go along. And when it comes to overall speeds, this modem is quite an increment over the Netgear CM1100.

Why is it suited for Gig Internet?

Netgear CM1100 promises max speeds of up to 2Gbps, which quite appropriately makes it a good modem for 1 gig internet. And the modem lives up to the speed-specific promises quite easily, courtesy of the DOCSIS 3.1 support, DOCSIS 3.0 fallback, and the availability of 32 x 8 channel bonding support for faster connections.

Next in line is the multi-ISP compatibility with Netgear extending support for Cox, Comcast, Charter, Spectrum, and a handful of other cable service providers.

Ports & Connectivity

There are two GigE ports in play, with link aggregation support. Also, you can connect one port to the router and experience Gig-level speeds on any other device via a wired connection.

Design & Build

The CM1100 is adequately sleek at 8.80 x 3.40 x 5.90 inches. And it is one of the lighter devices around at close to 1 pound. Plus, the well-ventilated, plastic-clad form factor is also a feather in its cap.

Hardware & Performance

The Broadcom BCM3390 chipset makes quite an impression, ensuring that you encounter zero connection drops. Next in line is the 256GB RAM, followed by 128GB of flash storage. Overall, the performances are more than acceptable but what makes an impression is the ultrafast link aggregation functionality, helping you reach multi-Gig speeds.

Conclusion

The Netgear CM1100 deserves no mention as it’s already one of the more mainstream choices around. However, it is the pricing that makes it one of the better modems for gigabit internet on the list. Also, if you want to set IP telephony or a VoIP module in the office premises, you can even pick the Netgear CM1150

This modem exceeds expectations by fitting in 4 GigE ports instead of two and even throws in 2 telephone ports for added flexibility. And what’s interesting is that it works swimmingly with Xfinity’s voice plan.

4. Best Modem-Router Combo: Arris Surfboard G34

While a reliable Gig modem works just fine, nothing beats the benefits of getting a relevant combo. The Arris Surfboard G34 is one such gigabit modem-router combo that works as a high-end modem and even brings top-shelf routing capabilities into the mix.

And if you have been using the SBG8300 from the same company, the G34 seems like an excellent upgrade, courtesy of the newest Wireless standard and better 5GHz speeds.

Why is it suited for Gig Internet?

The Surfboard G34 is the perfect device for Gig internet as once purchased, you do not have to account for the compromised speeds exhibited by the router. Instead, the modem side of the G34 accepts the coaxial cable and the router-end transmits the highest possible wireless speeds, regardless of the band.

And what’s interesting is that the DOCSIS 3.1 technology allows you to pair multi-Gig internet plans as well. However, for standard Gig plans, the DOCSIS 3.0 fallback and 32 x 8 channel bonding support are adequate enough, for reaching max speeds of up to 2Gbps, provided the ISP assigns two IPs.

And on top of that, this device is compatible with some of the leading cable ISPs like Cox, Spectrum, Comcast, and especially their Gig and multi-Gig internet plans.

Ports & Connectivity

This modem-router combo sports 4 Gig Ethernet ports that can be used to connect directly with some of the more bandwidth-intensive home devices. And the link aggregation support allows you to maximize the wired throughput, almost significantly.

As far as wireless connectivity is concerned, the G34 from Arris acts as an AX3000 wireless router, allowing you to reach max 5GHz speeds of up to 600Mbps and 2.4GHz speeds of up to 150Mbps, on a Gig internet plan.

Design & Build

This plastic-clad, well-ventilated modem weighs 3.1 pounds and measures 11.02 x 9.88 x 3.27 inches when dimensions are concerned.

Hardware & Performance

At the core, Arris houses a multi-core processor that can cut through network congestion with ease. And to top it all off, there is 512MB of RAM that keeps latency and ping to a minimum.

Conclusion

To sum it up, the Arris Surfboard G34 offers the most value for any Gig internet modem by doubling down as a Wi-Fi AX router. And with IPv6 support, QoS functionality, and a massive 2000+ sqft range to work with, there aren’t many high-speed and new-gen combo devices that can stand up to the G34.

Frequently Asked Questions

Verdict

Each of the three modems, and one alternative, on the list, makes quite a good case and caters to a pretty targeted clientele. However, if you are still unsure about picking the best gigabit cable modem, here are some use cases and the relevant modems that might help you decide better:

• Opt for the Motorola MB8600 if you want to experience speeds reaching up to 3.8Gbps in the future and that too without letting go of aesthetics.
• Also, if you want to take an affordable pick without compromising on performance, the Netgear CM1100 seems like a great choice.
• And if you want a modem with voice functionality, the Netgear CM1150 is also up for grabs.
• Lastly, Arris Surfboard G34 is the best value for money device as it is a modem-router combo with high-end specs at a very good price.

In addition to these picks, you are free to scan the market for any relevant Gigabit-level picks if you want. However, these modems are tried and tested across multiple parameters and are expected to stand the test of time, despite the tech advancements happening all around.

Searching for the best modem to buy for your gig internet connection? Here are my top recommendations that perform best in 2022.