6 Best Gigabit Modems in 2023 [High Throughput]

For a Gig Internet connection, you don’t need any special modem. However, the one you get should be capable of handling a peak 1000 Mbps throughput. This means it should not only incorporate a 1 Gbps Ethernet port but also be able to handle Gigabit plans.

Apart from speed, you must also ensure it’s compatible with your service provider, has a phone jack if you need telephone connectivity, and supports the latest networking traits such as DOCSIS 3.1, 32 downstream, and 8 upstream channels.

Apart from specifications, practical performance is what matters the most. So, to suggest you the best equipment, I’ve thoroughly tested 13 cable modems with 1 Gig package from major ISPs, and come up with in-depth reviews of the top 6 picks.

6 Best Gigabit Modems of 2023

Whether you’re subscribed to Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox, or any other internet provider, you’ll find a compatible device here. Also, each Gig-level modem in this list caters to specific needs, users, and budgets.

So let’s dive right in:

1. Best Overall: Netgear Nighthawk CM2050V

Looking to future-proof your home network with something that supports internet plans higher than 1000 Mbps? The CM2050V is one such 2.5 Gig voice & data modem.

If you’re here scouring for a modem with high-end specifications to deliver the best of performances with your Gigabit Intenet + Voice bundle, Netgear CM2050V is your best bet. Some of its top features include DOCSIS 3.1, 32 x 8 channel bonding, two telephone ports, and a 2.5 Gbps ethernet port for internet plans up to 2500 Mbps.

There are some major upgrades over its predecessor, CM1150V, for improved performance.

Speeds & Performance

To determine if the device lives up to its promises or not, I conducted several speed tests by pairing it with the Nighthawk RAXE500 router and paired it with Xfinity’s 1.2 Gbps internet package.

In the close proximity test at about 20 feet, my iPad Pro could yield 1187 Mbps in download and 189 Mbps in upload speeds. And moving to a 50 feet distance, respective values raked up to 946 Mbps and 121 Mbps.

Note: The values were impressive, but note that they might alter from one router to another.

Nevertheless, the available speeds are more than suitable for any setting, commercial or traditional, and are viable for any low-ping gaming, high-speed streaming, multi-device browsing, and more. The best part, there weren’t any signal lags or drops.

Ports & Connectivity

Netgear CM2050V didn’t go for anything critical. For starters, a power port and coaxial port connect the modem to the router and power.

A 2.5 Gig WAN port is there for gamers to achieve multi-gigs of speeds and less than 15ms ping for an unmatched gaming experience.

Other than that, there are two telephone ports where you can connect your landline and enjoy features like caller ID, conference calling, call forwarding, and more.

Hardware Setup

I couldn’t uncover many details regarding its hardware, but the jitter-free performance over several online-based tasks confirms the presence of something powerful. The multi-core processor works in tandem with available RAM, flash memory, and DOCSIS 3.1 tech to manage the traffic even during peak hours.

Conclusion

Overall, Netgear CM2050V is a top-shelf DOCSIS 3.1 2.5G modem to fare well with your gigabit and multi-gigabit plans. Its voice connectivity and robust performance should glide you through the high-bandwidth tasks without much fuss.

Besides, it’s one of the most aesthetically pleasing cable modems with standard physical traits, several indicative lights, and a sturdy stand. Full review here.

2. Best Runner-Up: ARRIS SURFboard SB8200

ARRIS SB8200 is one of the top-rated DOCSIS 3.1 gig modems in the retail space. It makes a lot of sense if you want a reliable device that provides consistent throughput. It replaces the Intel Puma 6-powered SB6190 and brings significant improvements and reliable performance.

Speeds & Performance

While there are quite a few reasons to get it for attaining Gig internet, DOCSIS 3.0 fallback makes it more relevant. The 32 x 8 channel bonding support and the max speed limit of 1 Gbps ensure compatibility with major ISPs offering relevant internet packages.

I paired it with TP-Link Archer AX90, a powerful WiFi 6 router on the Cox Gigablast plan. Every time I ran a speed test, the results were similar. My iPad was clocking 928 Mbps in download and 39 Mbps in upload. These are impressive.

And unlike my previous pick, this modem works well with multiple internet service providers, including Xfinity, Cox, Spectrum, Mediacom, WOW, Midco, and Sparklight. So, if you switch the ISP in the future, SB8200 has got your back.

Ports & Connectivity

This modem sports two high-speed Ethernet ports. 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.

The SB8200 also supports Link Aggregation, meaning you can connect the throughput of both ports to reach multi-gig speeds, provided the ISP provides you with two IPs.

Hardware Setup

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. There are four OFDM channels and 16 MB of flash storage space to help you handle network configuration seamlessly.

Conclusion

ARRIS SB8200 is quite a powerful modem to have for your Gigabit connection. If you are into gaming, streaming, or other intensive activities, just go for it. The right balance between specs, performance, and price makes SB8200 my runner-up pick.

For more specific information about this device, refer to its dedicated review.

3. Best For Gaming: Motorola MB8600

Motorola MB8600 is one of the better gaming modems, courtesy of AQM (Active Queue Management) and DOCSIS 3.1 support. And if you want an upgrade over the existing MB7621, this one seems like the perfect Gigabit cable modem to invest in.

Speeds & Performance

There are quite a few reasons to pick this one for Gig plans, but what makes the most sense is the 32 x 8 channel bonding support, courtesy of the DOCSIS 3.0 fallback.

Upon testing it with Spectrum’s Internet Gig plan, the modem connected with the ASUS RT-AX88U router was clocking 907.69 Mbps of download speed and 35.05 Mbps of upload speed. So, rest assured, you’ll experience true Gigabit speed with MB8600.

Speeds apart, the performance is top-notch too. With AQM set up, my PS5 was running very smoothly, and I didn’t face any lags or frame drops. This is why it’s tagged as one of the top modems for gaming.

Ports & Connectivity

This is where things get a bit low for the MB8600. Motorola makes room only for one Gig ethernet port. However, like SB8200, 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 upgrading speeds, you can make sure that the wireless setup easily reaches close to gigabit speeds.

Hardware Setup

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 firmware upgrades. The existing configuration cuts through network congestion like a pro.

Plus, it even has IPv6 support for better network prioritization.

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 MB8600.

4. Best Modem-Router Combo: ARRIS SURFboard G34

While standalone modems work better, certain users can benefit from a 2-in-1 device that makes things easy. ARRIS G34 is one such gigabit-capable modem/router combo that includes both a high-end modem and a Wi-Fi 6 router.

And if you have been using the SBG8300 from the same company, the G34 is a huge upgrade with a better processing unit, throughput capacity, and WiFi signal quality.

Speeds & Performance

SURFboard G34 is the perfect combo device for use with Gigabit 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.

What’s interesting is that it comes with DOCSIS 3.1 tech, 3.0 fallback, and 32 x 8 channel bonding support. On top of that, this device is compatible with the most popular cable ISPs like Xfinity, Spectrum, and Cox.

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

Upon testing this device with the Cox Gigablast plan, my iPad was getting almost 838.74 Mbps in download and close to 33.76 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.

Hardware Setup

At the core, ARRIS houses a multi-core processor that can easily cut through network congestion. And to top it all off, 512 MB RAM keeps latency and ping to a minimum.

With IPv6 support, QoS functionality, and a decent 2,000 Sq Ft WiFi range, there aren’t many powerful gateways that can stand up to the G34, at least in its price segment. Which is why it’s ranked #3 in my modem/router combo list.

Conclusion

ARRIS G34 is a great value buy for those who need easy-to-set-up and manage internet equipment for their Gigabit Internet. If you want to learn more, you may check out the full review or comparison with G36.

5. Best For 4K/8K Streaming: Netgear CM1100

Netgear CM1100 is one of the most efficient modems, boasting powerful hardware and top-shelf networking technologies with multi-gig speed claim. And when it comes to the overall package, it is quite an upgrade over the CM1000.

Speeds & Performance

The CM1100 promises max speeds of up to 2 Gbps, but due to ethernet ports’ limitations, it can only offer 1000 Mbps of throughput.

Nonetheless, the device offers great speeds, courtesy of the DOCSIS 3.1, 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.

When paired with WOW Internet’s Gig service plan, my MacBook could reach 897 Mbps of download speed and 39.5 Mbps of upload speed.

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.

Hardware & Performance

The Broadcom BCM3390 chipset makes quite an impression, ensuring that you encounter zero connection drops. Next in line is the 256 GB 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

Netgear CM1100 deserves no mention, as it’s already one of the more mainstream choices. However, the stable operation makes it one of the better choices in 2023. For a closer look, check out the dedicated Netgear CM1100 review.

6. Best Budget Option: Hitron CODA

Dropping to the end of my list is a budget-friendly yet dependable modem that you can use with a Gigabit connection. Hitron CODA, although not the most popular manufacturer, managed to secure the rank in my list courtesy of affordability and compatibility with several internet providers.

Speeds & Performance

Despite being a budget option, Hitron CODA is DOCSIS 3.1 compatible. In my speed tests with Cox Gigablast with TP-Link AXE75 router, it delivered impressive results.

Connected to WiFi, my Samsung Tab S9, kept at 20 feet, could attain speeds of up to 782 Mbps for downloads and 33 Mbps for uploads. Meanwhile, moving away at 50 feet dropped to 529 Mbps and 22 Mbps, respectively.

So, the available speed should get you through most online-based tasks, be it gaming, streaming, video conferencing, and others, with ease.

Ports & Connectivity

The Port setup of Hitron CODA is rather decent, with a coaxial and power port to connect with the router and power. Besides, there are two Ethernet ports with a maximum of 1 Gbps capacity which translates to power-packed performance over the connected devices. But there are no telephone ports for added calling features.

Hardware Setup

Hitron hasn’t revealed much about what’s packed inside, but as far as the performance goes, it never shows a lag, showing signs of something powerful.

The multi-core processor works in tandem with 512 MB RAM and 256 MB flash storage to ensure data packets are transferred fast, and you can update the firmware whenever needed.

Conclusion

Hitron Coda, coming for just $100, turns out a great gig internet modem that establishes a perfect balance of features, performance, and cost. The speeds were good enough to tackle most corporate or household tasks with prowess.

Surprisingly, the hardware is powerful enough to ensure no lags, latencies, or heating. But the lesser popularity of the brand and unfamiliar after-sales support is the reason I’ve put it in the last position.

Key Notes from the Author

• A standalone modem + separate router is a better setup for performance and flexibility. But it can be more expensive. Learn more.
• If you opt for a standalone cable modem for your Gig Internet connection, you must also have a 1000 Mbps router.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict

Each of the 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 for your home or office, here are some use cases and the relevant picks that help you decide better:

• Opt for the Netgear CM2050V if you want to experience multi-gig speeds and establish telephone connectivity.
• If you often indulge in gaming, get the Motorola MB8600, as it offers the lowest possible latency. Thanks to AQM functionality and powerful hardware.
• ARRIS G34 is the best value pick courtesy of 2-in-1 modem router functionality with high-end specs.
• Lastly, go with Hitron CODA if you’re on a tight budget yet need a reliable modem to pair with your Gigabit Internet connection.