8 Best Modems for Gaming in 2023 [Low Ping/Latency]

Gaming requires powerful hardware, but a high-end gaming router alone won’t be sufficient as it’s the modem that deals with data packet transmission.

Hence, getting a gaming-friendly modem is a necessity. But you can’t pick a random one, right? As a gaming + networking enthusiast, I’ve tested as many as 17 cable modems for gaming and observed their performance for a long time.

So, whether you’re a professional gamer who plays games for 6-7 Hrs a day or someone who needs a reliable modem or modem/router combo that can handle casual gaming, here are your best bets:

1. Best All-Around: ARRIS SURFboard S33
2. Best for Wired Gaming: Netgear CM1200
3. Best Modem/Router Combo: Motorola MT8733
4. Best for Gigabit Setups: ARRIS SURFboard SB8200
5. Best with Multi-Gig Port: Motorola MB8611
6. Best Value for Money: NETGEAR CM1000
7. Best Budget Modem: Motorola MB7621
8. Cheap Yet Reliable: Netgear CM500

My Research and Learnings: Gaming Modem Checklist

During my 3 weeks of testing over 17 cable modems, I realized that not every modem is equal. And when it comes to gaming, here are a few things that could help you get the best gaming experience.

• Get a DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem, as they come with OFDM channels that reduce the latency while playing network-intensive games.
• Make sure that modem you’re getting is compatible with your internet provider and the subscribed plan. You can find ISP-compatible modems here for popular internet providers in the US.
• Make sure that the cable modem you’ve picked has 32 x 8 channel bonding. It’s currently the highest downstream and upstream channel combination available. But if your budget is limited then you can consider 24 x 8 ones too.
• Pick a modem that has a decent number of LAN ports. Although, this might sound stupid, having a LAN cable attached to your gaming laptop can significantly reduce latency and offer better performance over WiFi.
• For a better experience, always consider separate devices over modem/router combos. I tried many combos (including high-end ones), but in my tests, I noticed latencies.
• Avoid modems with Intel Puma chipsets.

8 Best Modems for Gaming in 2023 [Reviewed]

Although, manufacturers DON’T make dedicated gaming modems, getting a quality device makes a huge difference. And when you’re a professional gamer, even 1ms latency can ruin things for you. That’s why I picked some of the best-rated modems.

The modems listed below will make sure that you get low-latency internet, and face no network lags or stutters while playing MMORPG, MOBA, Battle Royale, or other games. The list features some top models followed by a few mid-tier and budget options for the less celebrated gamer within.

1. Best Overall: ARRIS SURFboard S33 [DOCSIS 3.1]

Although not advertised as a gaming modem, IMO, the ARRIS S33 is the best cable modem for gaming. Besides handling intense gaming sessions well, it’s also compatible with Xfinity, Spectrum, and other popular internet providers in the US.

As a professional gamer, you cannot ignore the functionality exhibited by the state-of-art ARRIS Surfboard S33. It easily comes out on top with its multi-Gig capabilities, over a single port.

Why is it suited for Gaming?

This modem can easily handle all the Gig internet plans from different ISPs. As far as maximum speeds are concerned, you can very well experience 1000 Mbps regardless of the plan you choose. Plus, if you can resort to two IPs, you can push forth multi-Gig speeds of over 2 Gbps into the router or the gaming console in case you choose to connect it directly.

Arris S33 is one of the top-rated DOCSIS 3.1 modems making it future-proof. However, for now, DOCSIS 3.0 support, followed by 32 x 8 channels, is more than enough to drive the best internet speeds for online gaming. I paired it with a router for gaming on PS5 and it delivered a consistent lag-free experience.

Ports & Connectivity

Arris throws in one Gig ethernet unit followed by a standard 2.5G ethernet port. While you are free to use these slots individually, one to connect to the router and the other to manage gaming consoles directly. It also supports link aggregation which can help you maximize throughput, preferably for the tri-band routers to make use of.

Design & Build

This modem furthers Arris’s legacy of manufacturing good-looking products. However, the aesthetic presence isn’t restricted to the dimensions, which, by the way, are fixed at 5.24 x 5.24 x 1.65 inches. Instead, the modem also weighs close to 1.50 pounds validating its structural durability and even visual chops.

Hardware & Performance

I found the processing performance of this modem really fast. It is determined by the ARM chipset, which handles ping, latency and throughput like a pro. The 1GB RAM (two sticks of 512MB) also helps manage congestion and improve overall throughput. The existing hardware setup even supports QAM for fine-tuning the network consistency.

Conclusion

To sum it up, Arris S33 is one of the most promising modems for online gaming, more capable of handling direct-wired connections to the gaming devices like PS4 and more, better than any other device on the list.

For more details, read my in-depth review of the ARRIS Surfboard S33.

2. Best for Wired Gaming: Netgear CM1200

If you have multiple gaming consoles or bandwidth-intensive devices at home, including the likes of Xbox Series X, PS 5, and more, you should immediately pick up Netgear CM1200. Upon comparing the CM1200 with CM1100, I realized that the former is a much better cable modem for gaming, courtesy of the additional Ethernet ports.

Why is it suited for Gaming?

As for the speed limits, I was able to achieve 900Mbps of throughput. I tested it with the Asus AT-AX88U gaming router and could easily experience speeds of up to 880Mbps on the 5GHz bands and almost 130Mbps on the 2.4GHz band, albeit for a Gig internet plan.

Also, this is a DOCSIS 3.1 modem, with futuristic support for the 2 x 2 OFDM support and existing DOCSIS 3.0 compatibility with 32 x 8 downstream and upstream channels to rely on for consistent speeds.

Ports & Connectivity

There are 4 Gig ethernet ports in play, making it one of the best standalone modems in the retail space if you have a penchant for wired connections. Plus, you can aggregate any of the two ports for feeding close to 2 Gbps to a given gaming console or the router in general.

Design & Build

As far as the dimensions are concerned, this modem measures 6.1 x 10.3 x 3.4 inches to be exact. The corresponding weight for the same is 1.22 pounds, which is still manageable considering the hardened plastic form factor and mesh-like layout for achieving maximized heat dissipation.

Hardware & Performance

At the core, you have the dual-core chipset, which manages to improve wired and wireless speeds, significantly. Also, the SoC, clubbed with 512MB of integrated RAM, ensures IPv6 functionality and subsequent QoS support for prioritizing gaming bandwidth, in case wired connections are established.

Conclusion

Overall, Netgear CM1200 is easily one of the better gaming modems on the list when speed and network consistency are concerned. But it is appropriately the best one around if you are simply looking to make a purchase based on the number and quality of the Ethernet ports.

To learn more, read my full review of the Netgear CM1200.

3. Best Modem/Router Combo: Motorola MT8733

Motorola MT8733 is a premium modem/router combo designed to deliver seamless internet on multiple devices simultaneously. Both the modem and router use the latest technology support, i.e., DOCSIS 3.1 and Wi-Fi 6, respectively, which makes the device reliable and future-proof.

And it’s a significant upgrade over the previous model I used, Motorola MG8725, with respect to compatibility, coverage, and speed.

Why is it suited for Gaming?

As mentioned earlier, MT8733 features upgraded DOCSIS 3.1, which is an ideal choice for future-proofing performance. On paper, its 32 x 8 channels can deliver download and upload speeds up to 4 Gbps and 800 Mbps, respectively. And its dual-band router is capable of delivering respective speeds up to 4800 Mbps and 1200 Mbps for 5GHz and 2.4GHz bands, respectively.

In other terms, MT8733 is capable of delivering excellent throughput, thereby qualifying as the best modem router combo for gaming. Plus, it is backward compatible, which means it’s compatible with most plans ISPs offer, even the most basic ones.

I tested the Motorola MT8733 combo with my Xfinity’s gigabit plan and played some high-end games like Destiny 2, Dota 2, and Valorant, and to my surprise, it performed exceedingly well. In the wired connection, download and upload speeds clocked to 1Gbps and 150 Mbps, while on WiFi, respective band-wise speeds were 950 Mbps and 120 Mbps.

The speeds slightly varied when connected directly through a modem and wirelessly, but there were no visible drops or lags, even at 120 FPS.

Ports & Connectivity

The MT8733 comes with 4 high-speed Ethernet ports (1 x 2.5 Gig Ethernet port, 3 x 1-Gig Ethernet ports), so even you can connect your gaming consoles (three at most) directly with the modem. In this way, you have access to greater speeds and, in turn, flexibility to play at greater FPS.

Nevertheless, if your gaming consoles are kept in different parts of your house, there’s a WiFi router with which you can connect. Apart from that, there’re two phone ports on its rear side that support enhanced features like call forwarding, caller ID, conference calling, and more.

Design & Build

Motorola has left no stone unturned with the chassis of MT8733. Tagging dimensions of 8.8 x 5.7 x 3.5 inches and weighing 2 pounds, it’s a sleek and clean-looking device whose exterior matt-black finish oozes a premium look. In the front, there’s a panel with multiple buttons for toggling between controls and indicator lights.

Also, there are heat-dissipating vents on the side panel, which keeps the device cool even after using it for hours.

Hardware & Performance

Motorola hasn’t revealed any details regarding the hardware, but to run such a configuration, there’s a need for a high-end processor added up with RAM. And honestly, I haven’t experienced any network drops or slowdowns during my testing period. To further boost the network, there’s a 4×4 MIMO support and OFDMA that potentially boosts the signal strength and eliminates network congestion.

Also, it supports the latest IPv6, which allows for more technological innovation due to fewer restrictions on device support. Gaming consoles like Playstation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch support IPv6 well, which in turn delivers an ultimate gaming experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, you’ve got a high-end modem cum router combo that delivers latency-free gaming. You can perform other network-intensive activities like 4K streaming, video conferencing, and more with ease. However, Netgear CM1200 comes with similar features and speeds at a much lesser price, and the only thing you need is a router. That’s why it’s ranked in the third position.

4. Best for Gigabit Setups: ARRIS SURFboard SB8200

ARRIS SB8200 strikes the perfect balance between price and productivity, especially if you want to use it for large homes and professional gaming setups. Also, this modem is an excellent upgrade over the dated SB6190, courtesy of an extra Gig port and the new cable internet technology i.e., DOCSIS 3.1.

Why is it suited for Gaming?

Arris caps the same at close to 1000Mbps. Depending on the router, you can churn out anything between 900-950Mbps. Therefore, if you have a Gigablast or any other internet plan from Xfinity or Spectrum, the SB8200 is your device to purchase.

The workable DOCSIS 3.0 technology ensures better speeds whereas the 32 x 8 channel bonding support lets several data packets move at once, making online gaming as fast as possible.

Ports & Connectivity

There are 2 gig ethernet ports in play. You can use one to connect to the router whereas the second port fits in rather organically to your PS4, Nintendo Switch, or any other console of preference. But that’s not even the fun part. Both these ports support link aggregation in case you want to reach multi-Gig speeds.

Design & Build

The SB8200 is your standard Arris modem that measures a manageable 5.24 x 4.24 x 1.65 inches. However, with this device, Arris goes a bit overboard when heft is concerned, as the SB8200 weighs well over 2 pounds, led by the hard plastic form factor.

Hardware & Performance

Nothing beats the hardware setup of the SB8200, powered by an ARM-backed chipset and an enthralling, 3GB of RAM to cut through congestion, latency, and ping. Plus, the hardware setup ensures excellent and nifty link aggregation and zero buffering while streaming games on Twitch.

Conclusion

To sum it up, SB8200 is an excellent modem to purchase. However, it makes a lasting impression if you plan on prioritizing the hardware setup and eventually the gaming performance, as this modem arguably cuts out all the jitters and latency, common when online games are concerned.

To learn more about the device, read my dedicated review of the Arris SB8200.

You may also read a comparison between Arris S33 and SB8200.

5. Best with Multi-Gig Port: Motorola MB8611

While there are many Motorola modems to pick from, I chose to go with the one with a multi-gig port to increase your chances of getting better gaming speeds and performance. While the MB8600 is equally powerful, the MB8611 edges past it by a small margin, courtesy of the high-speed port.

Why is it suited for Gaming?

Motorola MB8611 allows you to reach maximum wireless speeds of up to 980Mbps when connected to a reliable gaming router. However, if you plan on connecting the device directly to the console, you can very well get the most out of any Xfinity Gig or Cox Gigablast plan.

The DOCSIS 3.1 technology makes it a future-proof modem but at present, the ISP internet plans are bound to the DOCSIS 3.0 backhaul, which is one of the few MB8611 traits. Plus, there are 32 x 8 channels to work with, in order to achieve maximum data rates and consistent connections.

Ports & Connectivity

This modem comes with a standalone, ethernet port, capable of assuming max speeds of up to 2.5Gbps. However, there is no standard Gig port and therefore, Motorola doesn’t support link aggregation on this one. 

Design & Build

Coming to the design, the MB8611 measures 7.88 x 7.25 x 2.25 inches to be exact. The towering design is also well-ventilated, features several LEDs, and weighs 1.15 pounds.

Hardware & Performance

This modem comes equipped with a standard Broadcom chipset and 512MB RAM. The existing hardware setup ensures that your games hardly experience ping and latency, despite being played at different frame rates. Plus, the top-notch processing setup also makes way for AQM support and IPv6 compatibility.

Conclusion

Overall, if you are looking for the best modem for connecting a single device to it at the highest possible efficiency, the Motorola MB8611 readily outpaces others on the list. Plus, it sweetens the pot further with surge protection and a 2-year product warranty.

Also Read:

• Motorola MB8611 review
• Motorola MB8611 vs MB8600

6. Best Value for Money: NETGEAR CM1000

If you want to pick up a more affordable modem that works well for gaming and doesn’t dig a hole in the pocket, there is nothing better than the CM1000. Also, if you have previously used the CM700 from the same company, you would certainly dig into the CM1000 for its additional speeds & improved performance.

Speed & Channel Bonding

Throughput-wise, the modem is more than capable of reaching 1Gbps. However, the final speed capping depends on the router you plan on connecting it to. In case you prefer wired connections to the PS4 and Xbox, you can experience Gig-level speeds with minimum attenuation.

Not just that, this Gigabit modem is also backward compatible with DOCSIS 3.0 and ensures balanced data transmission, courtesy of 32 x 8 channels.

Ports & Connectivity

There is a single gig ethernet port to work with, which is capable of reaching 1Gbps.

Design & Build

Design-wise, the CM1000 exhibits a vertical layout with measurements fixed at 8.8 x 3.5 x 5.9 inches. Plus, this device weighs south of the 0.95-pound mark, which is commendable, considering its durability and well-ventilated structure.

Hardware & Performance

At the core, there is a Broadcom BCM3390 chipset, tuned specifically for low-power devices. There is 256MB of RAM and 128MB of NAND memory to complement the processor and ensure minimal latency, IPv6 compatibility, and even support for auto port configuration.

Conclusion

To sum it up, Netgear CM1000 scales beyond the rest when the cost-to-ownership ratio is concerned. Plus, it boasts QoS support and 128MB of flash storage space to make life easier for gamers, who seek additional resources.

For more details and features, check out the Netgear CM1000 detailed review.

7. Best Budget Modem for Gaming: Motorola MB7621

Motorola MB7621 is a good gaming modem that supports fast speeds, is easy to set up, and is more affordable. Although it has an inferior DOCSIS version, the speeds it delivers are sufficient to play high-end online games without any lags. And it brings several upgrades to the table compared to its predecessor, Motorola MB7420, like its 24 x 8 channel bonding and greater compatibility.

Why is it suited for Gaming?

With DOCSIS 3.0 and 24 x 8 channel bonding, this modem by Motorola is compatible with plans delivering speeds up to 900 Mbps. It’s backward compatible with DOCSIS 2.0 and 1.1 technology, so running low-speed plans won’t be an issue. Besides, it is certified to work with most ISPs, making it a versatile device.

I was surprised that the speeds it delivered were close to what was claimed by the manufacturer. Connecting to my laptop, the respective download speed was 703 Mbps, while the upload speed was closer to 24 Mbps. Also, the ping being 14ms, I connected the unit with my Xbox and PS 4 to play network-intensive games like Fortnite, Fifa, and others without any visible lags.

Ports & Connectivity

Motorola hasn’t been lenient in terms of ports, and you can plug in a single device to it. Unlike MT8733, I had to purchase a separate Wi-Fi 6 router to work with all devices and gaming consoles simultaneously. Nevertheless, connecting the modem to the router was much easier, thanks to a coax cable connector on the back panel.

Design & Build

The modem boasts a practical and functional chassis with dimensions tagged at 7.25 x 2.25 x 7.88 inches. Its sides and top are well-ventilated to prevent overheating, and its circuits are certified to be safe from power outages and lightning strikes. Also, its vertical build and flat base don’t acquire much space and aren’t wobbly.

Hardware & Performance

Although Motorola doesn’t disclose the chipset it uses, as far as my testing goes, there were no lags or drops, which suggests the use of a decent one. Added to it, there’s a 128MB RAM and 16MB NAND storage to ensure faster data storage and circulation, which thereby enhances efficiency.

Unlike me, if you don’t have many devices to connect simultaneously, I’d recommend connecting it directly to the Ethernet port. With that, I could download UHD movies within seconds and play high-end online games at 80 FPS, which is pretty impressive.

Conclusion

Concerning DOCSIS 3.0 devices and their speeds, MB7621 is probably the best value offering I’ve tested so far. The network connection is decent even after connecting multiple devices simultaneously, and compatibility with major ISPs gives it some extra brownie points. However, Netgear Nighthawk, with DOCSIS 3.1 support, takes a step ahead of this device.

Suggested Read: Motorola MB7621 Review

8. Cheap Yet Reliable: Netgear CM500

Buying a modem over renting saves a few extra bucks and allows users to get a device from a well-known brand rather than settling for those inferior modems. Netgear CM500 is the most budget-friendly option in retail space with entry-level features but sufficient enough for you to play online games with minimal lags or latencies.

Why is it suited for Gaming?

As a gamer, you need a modem that delivers decent speeds, constant throughput, and minimal or no network drops, and Netgear CM500 does just the same. With DOCSIS 3.0 and 16 x 4 channel bonding, it supports speeds up to 680 Mbps. The device is also backward compatible; in other words, you can run lower-speed plans with ease.

Testing with the Xfinity Performance pro plan, respective download, and upload speeds were 300 Mbps and 50 Mbps. Devices like Xbox 360, PS 4, and Nintendo Switch ran smoothly connecting with this modem.

Ports & Connectivity

Similar to my previous recommendation, it also comes with a single Gig Ethernet port, so you can’t multitask with this modem and need to purchase a separate router. It supports and pair with any dual-band router. The thing that’s unique with respect to my previous recommendation is IPv6 support, which enhances the overall efficiency.

Design & Build

Concerning design, you’ve got an extremely sleek and slender device with dimensions standing at 4.88 x 7.28 x 2.36 inches and weighing merely 1.46 pounds. Its chassis blends well with your modern-looking room and other premium networking equipment.

However, there are some acute limitations of this modem. One is it lacks proper ventilation, so there’s a risk of overheating if used for a longer period. And, being made of shiny black plastic, it attracts dirt and dust easily.

Hardware & Performance

Besides a decent chipset, it features 128MB RAM, which stores the network data created to process it faster and potentially eliminate network congestion. The device further supports 8MB NOR flash, which accompanies a better data retention ability and greater capability than NAND flash.

Conclusion

Netgear CM500 is a budget-friendly and entry-level cable modem suitable for gaming on services packages from 600 to 700 Mbps. As a result, people with average setups and casual gamers can choose it instead of spending a lot of money on high-end devices with advanced features they don’t need.

With inferior hardware, lesser speed support, and other features, CM500 is ranked at the bottom of my list. Learn more in the CM500 review.

Frequently Asked Questions

Verdict

Finding the best modem for gaming should be hard after reading through this list. If you are still unsure as to which device aligns with your diverse needs, here are a few curated picks to make modem selection easier for you:

• For all-around functionality and access to a 2.5G port along with a standard Ethernet port for better-wired gaming, you can easily go with the ARRIS S33.
• If you have multiple smart devices at home that are better off with wired connections, the Netgear CM1200 is a better choice.
• Also, if you, as a professional gamer, want to experience the lowest possible latency, the ARRIS SB8200 with a top-shelf processing setup should make the cut.
• In case you are trying to go thrifty, the Motorola MB7621 is the best and most balanced modem to pick.

Apart from these options, you can even consider the rest of the reviewed modems, as per your preferences, choice of features, budget, and even aesthetic predilections.