5 Best Gigabit Modems in 2023 [Expert Recommendations]

Are you subscribed to a 1000 Mbps internet plan from cable internet providers like Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox, and Optimum? To get the best possible speeds, you must have a modem that supports Gigabit internet.

But wait, a gigabit modem isn’t just about the availability of Gig Ethernet ports. Most standard devices stack in four Gig-E ports for setting up wired connections. To qualify as the best Gigabit cable modem, it must supply at least 1 Gbps of throughput to the connected wireless router.

But then, most prospective buyers end up purchasing devices that don’t serve well. So, I took 13 popular modems that claim to handle Gigabit speeds, paired them with the Cox Gigablast plan, and put them to the test for two months.

After intensive tests, only 5 out of 13 could make the most of it. And here they’re:

1. Best Overall: ARRIS SB8200
2. Best For Gaming: Motorola MB8600
3. Best with Phone Ports: ARRIS T25
4. Best For Streaming: Netgear CM1100
5. Best Modem/Router Combo: ARRIS G34

5 Best Gigabit Modems of 2023

Before getting a gigabit-capable modem, here are a few things you should consider:

• It should be compatible with your internet speed provider.
• The download/upload speeds should be higher than your service pack.
• Standalone modems + Routers are better in terms of performance than a modem-router combo but can be expensive. (Learn more)
• Your modem should also have a phone jack if you have a phone line.

Also, a lack of sufficient LEDs, limited 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 modems available on the market.

While these modems might look comparable in technology, they 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

Arris Surfboard SB8200 is easily one of the best DOCSIS 3.1 modems money can buy. And purchasing this makes a lot of sense if you want a reliable modem that provides consistent throughput and reliable performance.

Why is it suited for Gig Internet?

While there are quite a few reasons to get it for attaining Gig internet speeds, the DOCSIS 3.1 tech and the DOCSIS 3.0 fallback make it more relevant. The 32 x 8 channel bonding support and the max speed limit of 1 Gbps ensure compatibility with some of the top-rated ISPs offering the best Gig internet plans.

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

Speed Test

I paired it with TP-Link Archer AX90, a powerful Wi-Fi 6 router on Xfinity’s Gigabit plan. Every time I ran a speed test, the results were similar. My iPhone 13 was clocking close to 810 Mbps in download and 70+ Mbps in upload. These are excellent speeds in my opinion!

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

Design & Build

Regarding 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 some serious firepower here, led by an efficient Broadcom processor and 3GB of high-speed RAM. Features like these make it relatively easy for the SB8200 to scale through congestion. 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, the hardware arrangement sets it apart from other Gigabit cable modems on the list.

Suggested Comparisons:

• Arris SB8200 vs. Arris S33
• Arris SB8200 vs Netgear CM1000

2. Best For Gaming: Motorola MB8600

The MB8600 is arguably the most inventive modem on the list, best suited if you want to set up a gigabit connection. And if you want 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 download speeds of up to 930Mbps, 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.

Speed Test

Upon testing it with Spectrum’s Internet Gig plan, the modem connected with ASUS RT-AX88U wireless router was clocking 907 Mbps of download speed and 35 Mbps of upload speed. So, rest assured, you’ll experience true Gigabit speed with MB8600.

Ports & Connectivity

This is where things get a bit low for the MB8600. Motorola makes room only for one GigE ethernet port. However, it supports Link Aggregation and is meant to boost the throughput, provided the ISP shells out multiple IPs.

Therefore, with the MB8600 in play and 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 930Mbps 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 cuts 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 simple yet 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.

For more details, check the in-depth review of the Motorola MB8600. Confused about which one to choose between, the first model or this? Check out the detailed comparison here.

3. Best with Telephone Ports: Arris T25

Arris switches to an intel-based processor to bring improvements to the current version from its predecessor. What impressed me the most is the two phone ports that give an immense advantage to small offices and home-office setups to provide efficient support and service. This warrants T25’s inclusion as one of the best telephony modems for gigabit internet.

Why is it suited for Gig Internet?

Equipped with the DOCSIS 3.1 technology, T25 can support speeds up to 800 Mbps. 2 additional OFDM channels are crucial to its throughput capacity, along with 32 download and 8 upload streams. It is also backward compatible to work with devices operating on DOCSIS 3.0.

Speed Test

I wired my Xfinity Extreme Pro connection to the Ethernet port and consistently recorded download speeds clocking above 945 Mbps. The uploads averaged above 120 Mbps depending on overall bandwidth usage.

When I set it up with my Netgear router, I could share the wireless connection between a 4K TV, a PS5, a couple of laptops, an Alexa device, a ring camera, and a dozen mobile gadgets with no issues. However, note that it can only support internet plans of up to 800 Mbps and not 1 Gbps.

Ports & Connectivity

One of the highlighting features of the Arris T25 gigabit internet modem is the 2 Gigabit Ethernet ports and their support for Link Aggregation. With this, you can double your speeds while pairing up with a router.

Plus, there are two telephony ports that allow you to support efficient VoIP calling for support/service-based offices.

Design & Build

At 2.1 pounds, the shiny black body incorporates heat ventilation on both sides. Based on a vertical design, Arris lines up the LED lights on the front. Arris puts the design together with aesthetic design to blend into households. It measures 10.1 x 10.3 x 3.5 inches and stands stable on a flatter base that doesn’t tip off easily. You’ll find the ports and power sockets on the rear side.

Hardware & Performance

Arris went with Puma 7 chipset (fixing the issues found in Puma 6-based bad modems). Don’t let the initial firmware issues take away the power of the dual-core processor clocking at frequencies above 1GHz. Thanks to the 512MB RAM and 128MB Storage, this device can survive through some hardcore multi-player gaming sessions of Fortnite, PUBG, Far Cry, Call of Duty, etc.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a powerful modem to power your sizeable automated home or your small office, you can rely on the Arris T25 to deliver consistently. The two VoIP ports are handy but require the voice connection to be activated. Plus, SurfBoard Central App makes the management very efficient, making it one of the top recommended modems for gigabit internet.

To learn more about a specific part, check out the Arris T25 review.

4. Best For Streaming: Netgear CM1100

Netgear Nighthawk CM1100 is one of the most efficient modems, boasting a powerful internal setup and top-shelf networking technologies with multi-gig speed support. 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.

Speed Test

When paired with WOW Internet’s 1.2 Gig service plan, my MacBook could reach 1078 Mbps of download speed and 23 Mbps of upload speed. This is the highest download speed I experienced from the Gig modems I tested so far.

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. 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. However, the pricing 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.

For more details, check out the Netgear CM1100 review.

5. Best Modem-Router Combo: Arris G34

While a reliable Gig modem works just fine, nothing beats the benefits of getting a 2-in-1 combo. Arris Surfboard G34 is a 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 Wi-Fi 6 support and better 5GHz speeds.

Why is it suited for Gig Internet?

The Surfboard G34 is the perfect combo 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 it comes with DOCSIS 3.1 technology, DOCSIS 3.0 fallback and 32 x 8 channel bonding support. And on top of that, this device is compatible with most cable ISPs like Cox, Spectrum, Comcast, and more.

Speed Test

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.

Upon testing this device with Cox Gigablast plan, my iPhone 13 was getting almost 704 Mbps in download and close to 24 Mbps in upload. These are excellent speeds considering it’s a combo device.

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 significantly.

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 easily cut through network congestion. And to top it all off, 512MB of RAM keeps latency and ping to a minimum.

Conclusion

To sum it up, Arris 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.

You might also be interested in:

• Arris G34 vs. G36: Should you upgrade?
• Dedicated review of the Arris G34

Frequently Asked Questions

Verdict

Each of the Gigabit-capable modems 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 ARRIS SB8200 if you want to experience multi-gig speeds reaching up to 2Gbps in the future and that too without letting go of aesthetics.
• 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 Surfboard T25 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.

Also Read: Best Mesh WiFi for Gigabit Internet