While you can easily pair any modem with the Eero Pro 6, but to take the fullest possible advantage of the WiFi 6 router, you’ll need to make sure that the modem is capable of handling the speeds the supported by the router. Besides, you’ll also need to make sure that the modem is compatible with your internet service provider.
Based on my experience with the Eero Pro 6’s internet speeds, you’ll need to get a DOCSIS 3.0 to be able to use it to its fullest possible capacity, you’d atleast need a DOCSIS 3.0 modem with 32×8 channel bonding or be subscribed to a gigabit plan. However, if you’re not subscribed to one and still have the Eero Pro 6 at your place then make sure that the modem you’re choosing supports your internet speeds.
Plus, they should also exhibit excellent real-time speeds, multiple ethernet ports for setting up wired connections in case the router starts acting out, and reliable hardware to ensure that only congestion-free hardware is fed into the mesh router.
But then, finding a modem that are actually compatible with Eero Pro 6, especially in a real-life scenario, is easier said than done. In most cases, you end up locating bulkier modems with restricted ports, shoddy hardware, and middling speeds that end up defeating the very purpose of a Wi-Fi 6 router.
To help you look beyond these pain points and restrictions, I have prepared a list of reliable modems for Eero Pro 6, which are good enough for most ISPs and their internet plans.
Best Modems for Eero Pro 6 in 2021
If you have already made up your mind to upgrade the older Pro-variant with the Eero Pro 6, you might be expecting great coverage, better speeds even on non-Wi-Fi 6 devices, zero connection drops, and other relevant perks. But supplanting mesh routers from Google and Arris will only be justified if you have high-end DOCSIS 3.1 powered modems to back it up.
In the next few sections, I shall talk about 7 of the best Eero Pro 6 compatible modems that can help you achieve the best possible speeds, minimal gaming latency, and almost zero streaming lags. Plus, the list starts with the premium options, mainly for the multi-Gig internet plans followed by mid-range devices and eventually, the budget modems that can still manage speeds close to 1GB.
1. Best Overall: Arris Surfboard S33
- Technology: DOCSIS 3.1
- Downstream/Upstream: 32 x 8
- Max Data Speeds: 1200Mbps
- Ports: 1 Gig Port + 1 2.5G Port
In case you want to invest in a modem best known for multi-ISP compatibility, Arris Surfboard S33 seems like the best way forward. This future-proof modem even works a lot better than Arris’s famed SB6190, in case you might want to ditch the Eero Pro 6 for a while and connect directly to the computing device, courtesy of the multi-Gig port.
Speed & Channel Bonding
Expecting you to be on the highest tier plan from Spectrum, Cox, or Xfinity, the Surfboard S33 is more than capable of pulling through 1.2Gbps of bandwidth and feeding it into the router. However, in theory, this DOCSIS 3.1 modem is capable of assuming maximum download speeds of up to 3.5Gbps, but you would then require a 2nd IP to make that possible.
Coming to the channel bonding technology, the DOCSIS 3.1 is certainly future-proof but for now, Arris uses the DOCSIS 3.0 with 32 x 8 channel bonding support to help you achieve congestion-free throughput. But then, in the future you might just be able to use the 2×2 OFDM/OFDMA support, pertaining to the DOCSIS 3.1 technology, when the concerned ISP starts rolling out compatible hardware.
Ports & Connectivity
The port setup out here is inventive enough, boasting a standard Gig Ethernet port and a state-of-art 2.5G port. You can use either of them for connecting with the Eero Pro 6. However, I would recommend the 2.5G port if you are on Xfinity’s multi-gig plan.
If you have another IP handy, the Gig port can feed into a bandwidth-intensive gaming console for getting access to faster internet.
Design & Build
The Surfboard S33 is a good-looking, plastic-clad modem, measuring 5.24 x 5.24 x 1.65 inches. Plus, this modem in white weighs close to 1.50 pounds, making it easy enough to carry around.
Hardware & Performance
This top-of-the-line modem sports an ARM-powered internal setup. The existing hardware unit ensures better throughput and minimal latency, even when you use it to connect directly with the devices. Adding to the performance is the SC-QAM functionality, which furthers efficient bandwidth usage.
Conclusion
Overall, the Arris Surfboard S33 is quite a resourceful modem to purchase, more so for the Eero Pro 6 as it can feed in multi-gig speeds to make the mesh router perform better. Plus, if you are more inclined towards easy device management and do not prefer carrying maintenance-specific worries, this is the perfect product to rely on.
- Perfect for multi-gig plans
- Ports boast link aggregation support
- Comes with a dedicated spectrum analyzer
- Aesthetic device
- Pricey
2. Best Runner Up: Netgear CM1200
- Technology: DOCSIS 3.1
- Downstream/Upstream: 32 x 8
- Max Data Speeds: Up to 2Gbps
- Ports: 4 Gig Ethernet Slots
I absolutely adore modems that offer a decent collection of Gig Ethernet ports. This is the only reason why the Netgear CM1200 features second on the list, as it not only covers the Eero Pro 6 mesh router but also ensures that your wired devices get adequate attention.
I even connected the dated CM1000 to the Eero Pro 6 router to compare it with the CM1200. While the real-time speeds were comparable, the additional Ethernet ports allowed me to connect to the gaming consoles without going wireless at all.
Speed & Channel Bonding
Honestly speaking, CM1200 gives the Eero Pro 6 enough bandwidth for it to display its Wi-Fi 6 traits, including better connectivity, the ability to pair multiple devices to the network, and even better battery life for the connected devices. If you plan on using a single gig ISP plan with one IP, you will be able to feed 1Gbps to the router, which then is distributed by the triple-band mesh router.
The CM1200 supports the futuristic DOCSIS 3.1 technology but makes do with the DOCSIS 3.0, 32 x 8 channel bonding support, for achieving Gig-level internet speeds. Plus, if you choose to go with another IP, you can very well reach speeds of up to 2Gbps, and feed the same throughput to the router, as well.
Ports & Connectivity
When it comes to the arrangement of ports, CM1200 packs in quite a bit of firepower, courtesy of 4 Gig ethernet ports. Plus, the modem supports link aggregation, which allows you to get hands-on multi-gig speeds, something this router is actually known for.
Design & Build
The CM1200 is an aesthetic piece of hardware that weighs 1.22 pounds. As far as dimensions are concerned, this modem measures 6.1 x 3.4 x 10.3 inches. This device is also a well-ventilated one and doesn’t make you sweat over uncontrolled heat generation.
Hardware & Performance
It is the dual-core chipset that calls the shots, allowing this top-rated modem to churn out decent speeds, even without the router. Plus, you get access to IPv6 support, which lets you prioritize bandwidth allocation, over wired connections.
Conclusion
Overall, the Netgear CM1200 is one of the better options to focus on, if you are more interested in setting up a comprehensive internet setup. The availability of 4 ethernet ports ensures that you can use this device in offices and large houses, where Eero Pro 6 works as the mesh router of choice.
- Built-in QoS support
- Link aggregation
- Good-looking modem
- Built-in security safeguards
- Multi-ISP compatibility
- Not the most effective product around
- Only Gig ports are available which bottlenecks router speeds
3. Best Multi ISP Compatible: Arris SB8200
- Technology: DOCSIS 3.1
- Downstream/Upstream: 32 x 8
- Max Data Speeds: Up to 2Gbps
- Ports: 2 Gig Ethernet Ports
At the first glance, the Arris SB8200 might not look like a lot but it certainly leads the charts when the quality of link aggregation is concerned, making it worth buying if you have already zeroed in on the Eero Pro 6 as your mesh router of choice.
What stands out though is the excellent processing setup, a feature instrumental in determining the quality of connections feeding into the router.
Speed & Channel Bonding
The speeds are nothing short of top-grade with Arris promising 1Gbps with a single ISP plan. Plus, the DOCSIS 3.0 technology and the synonymous 32 x 8 channel bonding support ensure that there are hardly any connection drops.
As far as the compatible plans go, this modem is best suited for Gig and multi-gig plans from Cox, Xfinity, Spectrum, and other credible cable service providers. Also, it boasts DOCSIS 3.1 technology, which would make sense when these ISPs start launching high-end internet plans, led by compatible hardware.
Ports & Connectivity
There are 2 Gig ethernet slots in play. However, do not let these two ports fool you into thinking that the SB8200 is a mid-range modem. Instead, it is still very high-end, courtesy of the excellent link aggregation support. However, you need to ask your cable ISP for another IP, if you want to make good use of link aggregation and feed multi-gig speeds to the Eero Pro 6.
Design & Build
The SB8200 continues to come in white, just like how Arris prefers it. Coming to the dimensions, this modem measures 5.24 x 4.24 x 1.65 inches, which feels at home in terms of portability and aesthetics. The product, however, is a tad heavy as compared to other modems on the list at 2.2 pounds.
Hardware & Performance
Arris throws in a Broadcom chipset, which ensures consistent throughput. Paired along is 3GB RAM, which makes it one of the better modems, in terms of network consistency. While it works very well with the Eero Pro 6, its standalone gaming performance is even better, courtesy of minimal latency.
Conclusion
To sum it up, the Arris SB8200 takes hardcore processing to the next level, especially with the 3GB RAM in play, which has its impact in keeping latency to the minimum. However, if you have two ISP IPs feeding your office or commercial establishment, this is the perfect modem to purchase, courtesy of the link aggregation support.
Also Read: Arris SB8200 Review
- Works perfectly with mesh routers
- High-speed Ethernet ports
- Ultra-fast link aggregated throughput
- Future-proof
- Prone to overheating
- Not pocket friendly
4. Best with Multi Gig Ports: Motorola MB8600
- Technology: DOCSIS 3.1
- Downstream/Upstream: 32 x 8
- Max Data Speeds: Up to 1Gbps
- Ports: 1 Gig Ethernet Port (3 masked ports)
The Motorola MB8600 offers the most value if you seek a modem that is simply sufficient for the Eero Pro 6 mesh router. With DOCSIS 3.1 technology leading the way, this modem also comes forth as a future proof device— a concept that might come in handy when leading cable service providers launch high-speed internet plans.
On being compared with the older MB7220, the MB8600 came out on top, courtesy of the 32 downstream channels, as opposed to 8 on the former.
Speed & Channel Bonding
As far as real-time speeds are concerned, this modem is good enough for sending across 1Gbps to the Eero Pro 6. The 32 x 8 channel bonding support ensures that the speeds and connection quality are nothing less than consistent.
As far as compatible internet plans are concerned, any regular service provider offering a Gig internet package, seems workable.
Ports & Connectivity
Officially, the MB8600 features a standalone Gig ethernet port. However, Motorola ensures that multi-IP plans are shared across as aggregated connections, courtesy of the three masked Ethernet ports. But then, you must know that only one wired connection can be established, either with the Eero Pro 6 or any other bandwidth-intensive device.
Design & Build
This black-colored modem weighs 2.1 pounds and measures 9.65 x 8.80 x 2.25 inches to be exact. Plus, there are 10 indicative LEDs to rely on, provided you want to stay abreast with the network conditions, at all times.
Hardware & Performance
At the core, there is an ARM chipset that ensures minimal latency and zero connection drops. The reliable processing setup even makes way for the AQM functionality, which priorities streaming and gaming performances.
Conclusion
Therefore, if you are in the market for a standard and simple DOCSIS 3.1 modem that shies away from unnecessary frills, the Motorola MB8600 is the one to consider. Plus, if you are simply interested in its utility, this modem is good enough for smaller homes and Eero Pro 6 mesh router with a single node or two nodes at max.
In case budget isn’t an issue and you want to upgrade to a newer version of the MB8600, then you can get the MB8611 (read the comparison here.)
- Reduced gaming latency
- Good for Gig internet plans
- QoS support
- Masked ports for achieving multi-gig speeds
- Only one open port
- Upload speeds on Wi-Fi 5 devices suffer a bit
5. Best for Gig Internet Plans: Netgear CM1100
- Technology: DOCSIS 3.1
- Downstream/Upstream: 32 x 8
- Max Data Speeds: Up to 1000 Mbps
- Ports: 2 Gig Ethernet Ports
Looking for a modem that can work well even when not connected to the Eero Pro 6 mesh router. With the Netgear CM1100 around, you can just stop looking. Plus, if you have been using the older CM700 till now and now planning to shift to a faster connection and even a Wi-Fi 6 mesh router, the CM1100 seems like a decent upgrade, courtesy of the DOCSIS 3.1 technology.
Speed & Channel Bonding
This modem supports real-time data speeds of up to 1Gbps, provided you pair it up with Gig internet plans from Comcast, Cox, and more. But then, if you are planning to use the modem without connecting it to a router, it can even support multi-gig connections, in certain cases.
What’s important though is the DOCSIS 3.1 technology and the DOCSIS 3.0 fallback with 32 x 8 channels for downstream and upstream transfers. These features ensure that the modem pushes through maximum throughput to the router and even covers you for the top-tier internet speeds in the future.
Ports & Connectivity
This modem comes equipped with 2 Gig ethernet ports, supported by link aggregation support. Therefore, if you have two IPs at your disposal, you can push multi-gig speeds right into the mesh router.
Design & Build
As far as aesthetics and design are concerned, the CM1100 is a lot similar to the CM1200. If you are into specifics, the product measures 8.8 x 3.4 x 5.9 inches to be precise and weighs a tad less than a pound.
Hardware & Performance
Contrary to popular belief, the CM1100 from Netgear boasts an upgraded processing setup, led by 256MB of RAM and a Broadcom chipset. While the gaming and streaming performances are top-notch, it is the IPv6 functionality followed by auto-sensing port traffic prioritization support that intrigued and impressed me the most.
Conclusion
To sum it up, the Netgear CM1100 seems like a more affordable alternative to the more powerful CM1200. However, if you have a small house and you might have to use a modem-only set up at times to get the most speeds, this is an ideal device to pick.
- Link aggregation support
- True QoS and auto-sensing functionalities
- DOCSIS 3.1 technology
- Light and portable
- Doesn’t come with voice support
- Lacks a multi-gig port
6. Best Under $100: Arris Surfboard SB6190
- Technology: DOCSIS 3.0
- Downstream/Upstream: 32 x 8
- Max Data Speeds: Up to 1Gbps
- Ports: 1 Gig Ethernet Port
If you seem to have overspent on the Eero Pro 6, you might be better off spending a tad less on the new modem. This is where the Arris Surfboard SB6190 comes in as a resourceful choice, boasting decent data speeds and most importantly, a sub-$80 price tag.
Also, if you are busy comparing options, the SB6190 is quite a decent upgrade over the SB6183, courtesy of the additional downstream and upstream channels.
Speed & Channel Bonding
As far as speeds are concerned, the modem allows you to reach speeds of up to 1Gbps, which can be directly fed to the mesh router. Coming to the modem technology, it is a standard DOCSIS 3.0 device with 32 x 8 channels to rely on.
Ports & Connectivity
The port arrangement is pedestrian, to say the least, with the SB6190 only offering 1 Gig ethernet port to work with. However, the lack of additional ports is perfectly justified by the affordable price tag.
Design & Build
This well-ventilated modem is quite durable and surprisingly light at 0.75 pounds. As far as the dimensions are concerned, the SB6190 is tagged at 6.4 x 8.7 x 2 inches. Plus, there are 5 LEDs to fortify the modem further.
Hardware & Performance
Leading the processing setup is the Intel Puma chipset, which significantly adds to the latency. But then, the Eero Pro 6 more than makes up for the lag with its Wi-Fi 6 standard. The modem also comes equipped with 256MB of RAM, which can minimize network congestion, quite significantly.
Conclusion
Overall, the Arris SB6190 is one of the more balanced modems on the list, best suited if you are always on the move and need to work with multiple ISPs for staying connected to the internet.
- Affordable
- Multi-ISP compatibility
- Perfect for mid-range internet plans
- 5 reliable LEDs
- Intel chipset is slightly laggy
- Doesn’t support multi-gig connections
7. Cheap Option: Motorola MB7621
- Technology: DOCSIS 3.0
- Downstream/Upstream: 24 x 8
- Max Data Speeds: Up to 800 Mbps
- Ports: One Gig Ethernet Port
If you are better off with mid-tier internet plans from credible ISPs like Cox, Spectrum, and more, you can consider purchasing the Motorola MB7621. While you might be tempted to persist with the dated MB7420, trust me when I say that the MB7621 offers much better speeds, courtesy of the additional channels.
Speed & Channel Bonding
This modem promises speeds of up to 1Gbps and delivers close to 800Mbps when it comes to feeding the mesh router. As far as the modem technology is concerned, consistent speeds and throughput is made possible by the DOCSIS 3.0 technology, led by the 24 x 8 channel bonding support.
This modem, therefore, is perfect for basic to mid-range internet plans from Cox, Xfinity, and other service providers.
Ports & Connectivity
Much like the SB6190, the MB7621 also features one Gig Ethernet port. While the router only gets close to 800Mbps, you can experience speeds closer to 1000 Mbps if the modem is directly connected to the computing device.
Design & Build
Coming to the layout, this rectangular modem measures 7.25 x 7.88 x 2.25 inches and weighs a manageable 1.2 pounds. For the price point, this product is remarkably sleek and even properly ventilated.
Hardware & Performance
At the core, Motorola features the ever-reliable chipset from Broadcom, followed by a sizable chunk of RAM. The existing hardware setup keeps latency to a minimum and ensures that the Eero Pro 6 gets the best possible ISP bandwidth to work with.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Motorola MB7621 is easily the most affordable modem on the list, best suited if you want to work with a mid-range internet plan and not the Gig ISP packages.
- Stable speeds
- Gig Ethernet port
- Supports overload protection for voltage surges
- DOCSIS 3.0 support
- Doesn’t come with DOCSIS 3.1 support
- Prone to overheating
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Eero Pro 6, despite being a mesh router, needs to connect to a modem for accessing the bandwidth offered by the ISP. Without the modem, the router will only be useful for creating LAN networks and not connecting to the internet.
Yes, Eero Pro 6 can also be used with a modem-router combo, provided you can establish a connection using an Ethernet cable.
Yes, you must plug the Eero Pro 6 mesh router into the modem via the WAN port, to make use of the internet access. However, if you want to set up an entire mesh, the nodes need to be connected to the Eero Pro 6 as well, via Ethernet cables.
If you want to find the best modem for the Eero Pro 6 mesh router, you must focus on DOCSIS 3.1 technology and most importantly, the link-aggregation support.
Verdict
Each of the mentioned modems works particularly well with the Eero Pro 6 mesh router. However, if you are still unsure about picking one, here are some of the top choices, based on specific use-cases.
- If you want a modem featuring a 2.5G Ethernet port to feed multi-gig bandwidth to the router without link aggregation, the Arris Surfboard S33 is the best possible choice.
- In case you want to use multiple IPs to achieve multi-gig speeds using link aggregation whilst having the flexibility to connect directly with bandwidth-intensive devices, the Netgear CM1200 is worth investing in.
- Finally, if you seek value and a balanced set of features without letting go of DOCSIS 3.1 tech, the no-frill Motorola MB8600 is the perfect option to consider.
In addition to these selections, you can choose from the other mentioned options, depending on your speed, throughput, design, and budget-specific requirements.
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